THE CAPTAIN'S WITCH
Her kiss can maim you - Her eyes can blind you
Her bed is shadows...
She is the dark of the moon
She is all that is dear and she is death
Can you trust her?
Where will her lantern lead you?
To the bliss of death or the death of bliss
Know the most dangerous of all
REVIEWS - THE CAPTAIN'S WITCH
"Put quite simply: this is one of the best fantasy novels I have read this year."
"I hardly know where to begin heaping compliments on this novel: the writing is lyrical and inspired, there is a conspicuous absence of technical flaws or turgid filler, the characters and conflicts are both interesting and believable, the use of magic and archetypal symbolism is intelligent and original, the plotting complex but rapidly unfolding -- every element, down to the precise figurative language employed throughout the narrative, is superlative in concept and execution.
This is the way to write a fantasy novel -- and how!
Evident among Rosemary Hawley Jarman's many gifts is a flair for authentic eroticism, which is unmarred by any sense of exploitation or gratuity. The sex in THE CAPTAIN'S WITCH is integral to the story and it is also integral to the narrative voice, which seems to emanate through a succession of ecstasies, some revealed through poetically imagined landscapes, some through the holistic Lion-symbolism and still more through variations of erotic power. Like Tanith Lee, who described the novel as "One of the greatest dark fantasies ever written -- in any genre" Jarman possesses an unquestionably virtuosic ability for both bold world-building and lyrical narrative writing. Also, like Lee, Jarman's world and characters emanate with an indelible "realism" which strains the bounds of technical "explanation."
Reading this novel, you are truly in the presence of greatness and, that said: all magical possibilities that can be opened by a Master novelist are evident here.
The basic story is so archetypal in nature, so "dream logical" that Jarman is able to exploit the ease with which a reader can follow her truly epic story with stylistic and thematic sophistication. This means even the most casual reader will be moved, emotionally, and also, moved along, as no time, no words are wasted here.
Present among a wide cast of characters are a tomboy urchin, a sorceric femme fatale, and of course, the titular Captain whose talents range from the martial to the truly empathetic, although Jarman is too skillful a novelist to excessively describe any of this; rather the characters and their realities unfold gracefully from the brilliantly devised setting and well-rooted plot.
If I have any small criticism of this book, and it is perilously difficult to find anything to nag about, it might be certain passages of dialogue which may seem to some readers a bit forced. However, this is the tiniest of critiques and pales before the majesty of the novel as a whole.
In short, I can't tell with greater assurance to buy any fantasy novel and read it -- if you are searching for something truly brilliant, and truly original, that is. And if you are looking for something to entertain you and take your breath away -- get yourself a copy of The Captain's Witch by Rosemary Harley Jarman.
Daniel E. Blackston, Senior Editor, Pitch-Black LLC
"Masquerading as human, Queen Malkar of Karenia preserves her youth by drawing out the souls of her subjects. When a captain of the rival kingdom enters Malkar's lands on a diplomatic mission, a series of events topples thrones and causes death as well as love in both lands. An accomplished and award-winning author of historical fiction (We Speak No Treason), Jarman infuses her first fantasy with period detail, drawing from the Austro-Hungarian Empire of the 1800s for atmosphere while building strong, passionate characters. VERDICT Reminiscent of works by Tanith Lee and Storm Constantine in its emphasis on sensual details and exotic eroticism, this tale of love, revolution, and magic also sparkles with often unexpected touches of humor. A good choice for mature fantasy readers."
The Library Journal
"A heady brew of fantasy, romance and adventure
Like many fantasy novels, Rosemary Jarman's latest epic begins with a map. It details the geography of a group of countries with a long tradition of mutual hostility. The documentary cataloguing of national borders, mountains, rivers, bridges and other elements of landscape gives this fantastic world a strong sense of reality, with its boundaries established by an embittered history.
However, the map is flanked by the Sea of Infinity and the Far Lands, evidence of stranger, more mythical domains. This may be a fantasy novel, but it is frilled with dark terrain. As with her historical novels, Rosemary Jarman shows that major events - the very movements of history itself - are shaped by personal desire as much as international intrigue. Individual motives, sexuality and jealousy are forces equal to those of political ambition and the warring of nations, and absolute power can corrupt absolutely. For this reason, there are several jaw-dropping episodes in this book that you certainly won't find in a more traditional fantasy book!
Queen Malkar, who uses her control of magical forces to assert power over the tangible world of the map, is a breathtaking, memorable creation. Equally vivid are the tormented Captain and the Princess Lilene, whose affair is captured magnificently - their passion practically burns off the page! It's an intimate counterpart to the wider struggles of nations as they strive to hang on to an established but fragile peace. This is fantasy with a difference - dark, emotional, magical, tangible, and highly recommended."
Mike Slade, Reviewer (Canterbury, England)
"One of the greatest dark fantasies ever written - in any genre."
Tanith Lee, world-famous Science Fiction and Fantasy Author
"This book has it all!
"Written in compelling, imaginative prose, this book is a treasure. The writer introduces a new universe into which the reader is immediately plunged and experiences the terror of battle, the passion of love, and a dark occult wickedness.
"This book would appeal to readers in a number of genres - fantasy, suspense, AND romance. I haven't enjoyed a book like this in years. I even passed my train stop more than once. The signs of a great book, of course, are becoming one with the characters and not being able to put the book down--all the while not wanting it to end. And as I said above, this book has it all!"
L. M. Reynertson, Publicist
A dark and intriguing story I thoroughly enjoyed!!!
"Rosemary takes you on a marvelous fantasy ride through a primal yet mystic land of paradoxes - love and hate, sorcery and spirituality, war and peace, good and evil. She adeptly creates entire domains, personalities, and life events so masterfully characterized you believe it's non-fiction." Harazin Cardena, Reader-USA
"Times are troubled in the lands of Taratamia and Karenia (the Opal Kingdom and the Pearl Realm). Old enmities surface and mighty battles are in the offing. Brave Captain Tallis escorts a royal bride to her wedding,but will the groom be present? Will he,too,find undying love along the way? And what of the feisty
tomboy Barbel,who will stop at nothing to join the army and follow her Captain? All the while lustful young men meet their fates at the hands of the evil,power-hungry Queen Malkar,their life and youth stoking the very soul of evil....something dark,shape-shifting and drawn from the depths...
"Welcome to the world of "The Captain's Witch",brilliant novelist Rosemary Hawley Jarman's stunning contribution to fantasy literature. One truly remarkable aspect of this densely plotted tale is how soon we forget,after perusing the map in the preface and diving into the prose,that it is set in a land of the imagination drawn from her vividly active psyche,and not some tract on a past time (in)glorious,so real do the events feel,it's as if we are reading an alternate history that never was,but should have been. Via descriptive writing of victory or violence,desires and dreams,devilry and dark deeds,even flower and fauna,landscape and light,we never question the truth. Her characters live,breathe,act true to their natures,follow their hearts,sometimes perilously,meet savage ends or work for a better future (well,most of them...) The first half sets the scene and canters gloriously,the latter hits a galloping stride and never looks back for two hundred pages,drawing us into a pure maelstrom of activity,battles and oft-shocking revelations; there are a couple of carefully guarded secrets that,when detonated,feel like a bomb resonating through the text,and brace yourselves for the climax,as exciting and skilful as any novel in recent memory! Lyrical moments of love and grace, punctuated by scenes of unbearable cruelty (take a bow,Senor Zairopo),including one sequence of mass midnight-deflowering that appears to have tumbled from the pages of De Sade's "Salo", or Pasolini's film of same!
"Truly,this exquisite tome cannot be recommended highly enough. Malkar sitting in her court of illusions,terrifying, ethereal...the beautiful Lilene,on trial and her life in danger (she speaks no treason).Sample Ms Jarman's great,earlier, "earthbound" historical novels,and then see her move into this realm, imagination as detailed and rampant as the Lion of War.
"As novelist Tanith Lee describes this,"one of the greatest dark fantasies ever written in any genre",and who am I to argue?
"A sequel beckons,and not before time,please...."
Michael Wesley, Reader-U.K.
An Unsettling but Highly Rewarding Journey
"I first encountered the spell-binding writing of Rosemary Hawley Jarman at the age of sixteen when I stumbled upon her masterpiece, "We Speak No Treason", a lavish historical saga about the much-maligned Richard III. I have sought out each successive work for the past 27 years -- Jarman skillfully transports her readers into a world that, though often beautiful, is rarely safe or comfortable.
"Never has this been more true than in "The Captain's Witch", Jarman's first foray into fantasy. From the very first scene the reader is swept along in a maelstrom of magic, danger and treachery. The Pearl Realm of Karenia, steeped in corruption reminiscent of Caligula's court, is dominated by one of fiction's most repellant anti-heroines, the ancient and malevolent witch, Malkar.
"Across the border in the Opal Kingdom of Taratamia, the very air is sweeter. Order and honor prevail and are embodied in the book's protagonist, the dutiful, solitary Captain Tallis, marked by old wounds and secrets. As these two opposing kingdoms drift inexorably toward war, it is painfully evident that there is far more at stake than the usual heartbreaking casualties of battle.
"Warning: this is not a comfortable read. Looking for a little escapist light reading? Keep looking. "The Captain's Witch" is extremely challenging, at times shocking, with unexpected twists and an urgency which leaves the reader breathless at times. Jarman weaves a dark and twisted web -- yet the fundamental strength of love and goodness is here, too, and keeps one hanging on (by mere fingernails at times!). The passion and danger can be tasted and clutched, smelled and heard; it is visceral. We are there.
Jarman has created a richly vivid world and peopled it with powerful, memorable characters. With "The Captain's Witch", Jarman is certain to expand her ardent following, and her readers are already looking forward to a sequel. Me? I need to catch my breath!"
Celeste Bonfanti, Reader-USA
ADDITIONAL REVIEWS
“Jarman’s long acclaimed and award-winning skill in the field of historical fiction has here created a terrifyingly believable historical novel of another world, shot through with harsh action and lush tenderness, and a remorseless evil beyond the wildest nightmares.”
TANITH LEE
“Lyrical moments of love and grace, punctuated by scenes of unbearable cruelty…Truly, this exquisite tome cannot be recommended highly enough.”
“A magical world, yet reminiscent of Early Ages. Wanton evil, proud and amoral, is – as ever – fought by honor and loyalty. Wild battles and unspeakable devotion. A poignant love story…in more ways than you expect.” Linda Marie Adams, Reader-Chicago, IL