Dear holy sweet God. It’s 3am, and I have just been ravished. Not by my husband, who snores peacefully beside me, but by a book. 
When was the last time I read an epic fantasy that felt truly epic? When was the last time a book like that reached into my chest, grabbed hold of my heart, and squeezed until I laughed, smiled, wept, and utterly forgot the world? I cannot recall, to be honest.
Rarely, after I read something, I’m left just aching. This is one of those books. I have to write about it; I have to try to articulate what it was that has left me feeling shaken and wholly inadequate. It’s not a bad thing; all authors should have something to aspire to, but right now, in the dark of night, I feel sure I will never, ever produce anything so fine.
This book is… miraculous. It’s perfect. At one point, I was sobbing so hard, I had to stop and blow my nose, and yet I had a fine, bright kernel of hope in me that the author wouldn’t let it end like that. I believed in her — and oh, she did not let me down. Like the rest of the book, it was flawless, wrung to the last note of pathos and precision and heartbreaking rightness.
The writing is… beyond lovely. And the romance? You will never, ever read anything that touches you more. I am struggling for words that will not give away too much of the beauty because I want all you to experience it, just as I did: hopeful that you will like it, but not expecting the breadth or scope or depth of its wonder. You simply cannot imagine its beauty until you experience it for yourself.
You know what’s coming, of course. I can’t love a book this much without giving away copies of it. So if you like romantic fantasy of epic scope, with heartbreak and sacrifice and true love, layered with rich mythos, complex world-building, and tender symbolism, then this is the book for you. I’m offering TEN (10) copies of THE EYE OF NIGHT by Pauline Alama, but that’s not where it stops. I’m going to do a book club on this particular novel because I’m dying to talk about it with other readers. I can’t do that until you read it! Once everyone has their copies and they read, we’ll do a post here and discuss the book. If you don’t win a copy (and you can’t lay hands on your own copy for the club, then email me. I honestly think I would buy a hundred copies of this). That’s how much I love it.
Now I’m off to lay in bed and just ache with remembered wonder (and pine that her next book hasn’t come out yet.)
You definitely have me sold! And on top of that I love book clubs! I definitely hate and love that feeling of anticipation when a book ends and you know you can’t race out and get the next one!
It is great reading your passion.
Wow, Ann!! Now I’ve got to read this one.
Wow Ann! This sounds fabulous. I’d love to take part in your contest, if you post to Australia.
The book club idea sound so cool, too.
Hope you’re having a great year so far!
:)
Great post, I love books that leave you feeling like that. I want to read this book just on your perception alone. Have a great day and please enter me to win, I love discussing books almost as much as I like reading them :)
I would like to be ravished and aching also
Wow, Ann. It seems I must be a glutton for punishment, because even though I’m sleep deprived at present (whodathunk that nursing a ferret back to health would be so exhausting?) I’m now itching to spend a whole night so lost in a book I forget I’m tired.
Thank you for reminding me again of how much wonder lurks between the covers of books I’ve yet to read!
I’m not that big into epic fantasies, but I am always willing to give a good book a try.
I tend to shy from book clubs since I am such a slow reader. It takes me forever to get through a book. But I am willing to try that too!
Happy New Year!
Katie
What an amazing, rave review!
You have me sold Ann. I will add “The Eye of the Night”, to my list right now. Thank you, I would never have known about it.
Best Regards
That was one hell of a sales pitch. Toss my name in the hat while I go investigate.
I haven’t read a book that you’ve described like this one in awhile. Would love to be able to check it out!
Amazon is showing it as a 2002 release, so now I’m curious, Ann, how YOU came to read this book. Library, rec from someone, found it at the bottom of your TBR mountain, serendipity?
Serendipity, Bev. I have store credit at Ereader.com, and I often just peruse the lists at random. I was looking at fantasy bestsellers, and this book came up on page eight or something of the random books they offered me. I read the description, and I was intrigued, so I bought it and downloaded it…
And I did nothing else while I read. The characters are just SO amazing — you will have read nothing like this in your life. Such unlikely heroes… and yet the power of the romance set my heart on fire. Even know I can shiver at the power and the loveliness of it. Oh, I have to share.
Here is an excerpt:
“Don’t you know?” I said. “Haven’t you guessed?”
At her silence, I spoke more slowly, choosing my words carefully so she could not mistake my meaning. “Hwyn, is it possible you’ve traveled with me all these months without noticing that I’m far over my head in love with you?”
She did not speak, and in the gloom of the dungeon I could not see her face. The silence struck me like the slap of a wave driving me under. Still, I had already broken open my heart and might as well pour out the rest. I went on: “I don’t expect you to feel the same way about me. I can’t ever be to you what you are to me: that flash of unearthly brightness across the dull prospect of a life without revelation, without purpose. You are my Firebird, to follow without reason, without reservation, for once I knew you, I could never be the same, never return to a safer life untouched by mystery without feeling an unbearable loss. I love you as you must love the Eye of Night, which called you out of your old way of life into a journey of peril and wonder, and for which you are content to die. I don’t ask you to requite my love, and if it pains you to hear of it, I will be silent. I only beg you, don’t ever ask me to leave you.”
And now I’m crying again. This book has so much POWER. Do you see why you MUST read it?
*sigh* That’s so… so… EMOTIONAL!
Wow, what a glowing review. Sign me up. :)
It is so rare to find a book that can affect me in that way – where I find myself reliving it for *at least* the next week…at random times, gazing off into space and contemplating some portion of it, or puzzling over another piece…I’m certainly hooked on reading this one!
And the book club idea sounds terrific – great way to celebrate what seems to be a wonderful story!
Though you said you had a hard time finding the right words to get across how much you loved this book I totally got it. I want to read it now.
Great idea about a book club too. It would be pretty neat to talk to others about something I’ve read.
I’m sold – I would love to read this book and then discuss it with you and any one else who wants to talk books :D
I would love to have a chance to read this book and join in a discussion.
It is always interesting to see what new reads you have found for us.
Thanks so much for the chance on a new author.
For being so enthusiastic about the novel, you did an admirable job talking about it. I tend to get a bit tongue-tied when in the same position. I would love to have a shot at this one! (Especially since my library consortium does not own a copy.)
Did you guys read the excerpt in comments? *swoon*
Great review. Did you investigate the author? Have they written anything else.
I am heading over to Amazon next.
SOunds like a wonderful book, I’d love to read it and chat about it.
I’d like to read and talk about it.
Is this a standalone novel or the first in a series? I went online to see if there was more to come but didn’t see anything. This book sounds amazing, and I reallly want to read it, but I think I won enough here, so I’m going to go find this on my own. Thanks for the heads up on this though, I love recs for books that people loved this much!
It’s a standalone. The author is supposed to be having another book come out, The Ghost-bearers, but no news on a release date.
Yes, I read the excerpt in the comments. Curse you, Ann, now I wanna read it even more!
Compelling review. And the excerpt is simply beautiful. I would love to read this and a book club would be an added bonus.
That’s an outstanding reccomendation! You’ve got me hooked. Even if I don’t win a copy I might just have to go find one. The book club is something I’m interested in as well.
Count me in please. It sounds fascinating. You said “romantic”, you said “fantasy”. I was interested!
If I win, I’m perfectly happy to be gifted with an ecopy (if that is possible), which would save postage to New Zealand (assuming you’re willing to post overseas that is).
Both your blog and the excerpt has me very intrigued by this book. There is such beauty in the language of the writing from the excerpt you posted. I’ll definitely add this to the reading list.
Wow, sounds like everyone is excited about the book club idea. Maybe I’ll do that on a regular basis. I can’t wait until everyone has read it.
What do you think is a reasonable time period? A month after you get the book? (I devour a novel that I really want to read in a matter of hours, so I don’t know what would be a good date for the book club post.) Help me out?
Count me in, please! I’ve gone a bit dreamy-eyed thinking about the books that have previously made me feel the way this one’s made you feel, and it’s been a while.
Ooooh, I love that excerpt!! Mooooooore, Ann!
Oh my gosh Ann, this book! You make me want to read it NOW, like right now!!!
I love reading a book that has been recommended the way you have done with this book yet honestly I don’t think anyone has done a book justice like you just did with this post! You ROCK! Please count me in for both the free copy and the book club! I love the book club idea! I read your post asking for ideas on how to do the club….send the copies out and have everyone contact you to let you know they arrived and then plan the discussion to start 20-30 days after you know everyone has received their copies. Probably 20 days would be fine and that would allow everyone to wrap up their current read and read this book, for I’m sure many of us will be up until 3 several nights and it won’t take us long to finish. You could do the discussion here or over on book blogs-set up a page for your book club discussions. If you need the link for book blogs let me know…..it supplies an easy format for discussion.
Thanks so much and I can’t wait!!!!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
Another idea might be to break the discussion down into chapters, such as 1-5, 6-10, etc. That way, if someone isn’t able to read quite as quickly, they won’t get any spoilers. Start the first section’s discussion about 1-2 weeks after the official “start” date, then start the next section a week later, etc.?
Ok, after the glowing review and the excerpt, I’m in. Sign me up. EVen if I don’t win a copy, I’m getting a copy and joining in thr bookclub….I love a great epic fantasy. Check out Melaine Rawn, she is aces!
In the wake of my Hugh-gasm (endorphins generated watching Hugh Jackman make out in Australia) I’m riding an awesome idea. I’m thinking I’ll do regular book club. Maybe one book a month.
Since I picked this one, that will be our first. The next time, you guys get to name some titles, and I’ll put up a poll. Winning book — I give away a copy of it, and everyone else buys theirs (including me!) Then at the end of the month we talk about it. (or something) Sound fun?
sounds like a fantastic idea Ann
Sweet! We have a plan. I’m gonna let this contest run another day or so and then wrap it up. I’m eager to get going on this.
I’m all for the monthly book club….great plan!!!
I’m ready for you to wrap up this giveaway too, so in case I don’t win a copy I can start looking for one!
Thanks
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
I just recently read The Eye of Night as well and fell totally in love with it. I’m still desperate to discuss the book with someone, so I can’t wait for your book club. I’ll post the link to this post on my LJ so my LJ friends who expressed an interest in reading it too can enter your giveaway.
Yay, Jennifer! You see, everyone? It’s not just me. This is an AMAZING book. I can’t wait to talk about it more in depth.
oooh! book club??! sign. me. up!! ;D
Well you can sign me up too!
You’re so enthousiastic about it and the excerpt is really great… I can’t wait to read it!
yaaaa!!! I love book club idea! I’ve decided to go ahead and order a copy from amazon. Can’t wait.
Ann, I sat and read the Annie Solomon books this weekend–and I *luvd* them. Couldn’t put them down. Between them and the Odd Thomas books from Dean Koontz, I couldn’t get anything done!!! I highly recommend Odd Thomas. It sucks you in w/ lots of humor/sarcasm, suspense and supernatural stuff.
Book club of awesomeness, you say? Well, ok! Sign me up!
I’m putting this on my wish list and am looking forward to reading it. But I have to read Wanderlust first.
Hope you like it, Cynthya.
Oooh, we’re so close. Two more comments, and I aim to close this contest up. C’mon, we can do it!
Wow the books sounds so good, for the first fantasy will always be my one true love, and I love those that leave you aching.
This book sounds so up my alley, and it sure does sound like a book that when you read it you have to discuss it too :)
Ok – after the glowing review, I downloaded it on Kindle and started it last night. Very Very good so far. Read until I just couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. Thanks for the recommendation!
[...] dropped by author Ann Aguirre’s blog last week, and she had a post that began: “Dear holy sweet God. It’s 3am, and I have just been ravished. Not by my [...]
[...] have been happily keeping up to date with Ann’s happenings. About a week ago, she posted a rave review about the book The Eye of the Night by Pauline Alama. She was so complimentary of the book I had [...]