Review by Terry Mancour
(NYT Best Selling Author of Spartacus)
This first effort from new author, Jennifer Elizabeth Daigle, is an admirably gutsy foray into the tangled world of self-published Fantasy – more particularly that subgenre known as Fantasy Romance, which combines essential elements of both. Do not fear, however – this isn't some mere fan-fictiony bodice ripper with unicorns and rapacious barbarians. The Knowing is a sophisticated and insightful venture, replete with well-crafted scenes, engaging characters, and a plot intricate enough to keep you guessing through most of the book.
…Daigle manages to use the conventions of both Fantasy and Romance without abusing them – while Tavedaim is clearly intrigued by her keeper the Wizard, she's also self-reliant enough to bridle under her overly patronizing restrictions and passionately pursue the menacing figure who haunts her dreams without a typical Romance heroine's mindless fear. The background she weaves, from wooded Wolvesbeath to the festive streets of Cirnon or its equally engaging nightlife, does the job of introducing the reader to her world.
While the author never indulges in the kind of mechanistic rule-giving about magic in her world, there is a subtextual sense that there is reason and history behind its development. I have to admit that a trifle more exposition would have been welcome, if only to cement the setting in the readers mind more firmly. Sure, there are also swordfights, thieves, assassins, pirates, water sprites, magic potions, a majestic ball, a magical gown, chases, ancient wizards, tales of elves, an untameable horse, a sinister underground criminal organization, and many other genre "standards", but the psychological evolution of the character, her discovery of her own adult self, and the intricacies of an adult relationship are the glue that holds this book together. It's extremely readable, very intelligent fantasy, ending with the promise of greater adventures in the future.
And did I mention that Tavedaim even has a faithful lizard companion? Every girl needs one.