Lakwi's Lament: a short story (Tamrin Tales Book 2) Kindle Edition

A fun story with an important theme. Lakwi is a believable hero, a child on the verge of adolescence struggling to find her place in an adult world. Her greatest hunger in life is for the knowledge that is denied her because she is a girl. This book makes me appreciate books all the more - a gift so easy to take for granted.

In a very short space of time, this book presents a world that feels "lived in", and larger than the glimpse we see. The book drops a few hints toward the backstory of the larger Nardva world, without feeling shoe-horned in any way.

I'm definitely not in the target age group for this book but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. Lakwi is an endearing character, and although the story was fairly predictable, that didn't make it bad by any stretch of the imagination. I was scared for Lakwi when I knew she was heading into danger and held my breath while I waited to see what would happen. I look forward to reading more from this world.

‘Lakwi would love to read the books in the Royal library, but girls aren’t allowed inside. Her passion for books attracts the attention of her dashing older brother, Prince Rokkan, and her suave (but cunning) cousin, Lord Haka. Will her drive for knowledge lead her into more trouble than she can handle?’

Although this story is aimed at Middle-Grade to Young Adult readers, I believe any age group would love it. Previously I haven’t been a huge fan of fantasy, but after reading some of the other writings of Jeanette O’Hagan this is fast changing.

Lakwi’s Lament is charming, suspenseful, and informative with a powerful message. This lovely story first appeared in ‘Like a Girl Plan Anthology’ (Far Horizons, 2015). Like a Girl celebrates and supports education and opportunities for girls and women.

Princess Lakwi is thirsty for knowledge in a world where only the males are considered worthy to gain an education. ‘Girls and puppies weren’t welcome in the library.’ Girls and women are present in this life to cook, sew, and arrange flowers among other things, and ultimately bear children for their husbands.
It was fitting that this sweet story was included in ‘Like A Girl’ because this message of equality and fair rights of the female gender to educate themselves and receive support in doing so, is portrayed well here.

Jeanette’s descriptions of the surrounds, the Palace … and many details right down to the colourful, elegant clothing worn by the individual characters, enable the reader to clearly visualise this different, but interesting world. ‘Once Papa had taken her into the tiered room with its large skylights and rows and rows of entrancing scrolls and books.’ Her analogies throughout are brilliant … ‘his eyes like chips of ice.’

Lakwi’s Lament is a follow on from Jeanette’s story ‘The Herbalist’s Daughter’ (originally published in Tied in Pink, Anthology), both set in the world of the ‘Akrad Legacy Series. I am looking forward to reading the complete series when it is published. I believe Book One is to be released later this year.

Ms O’Hagan is a masterful storyteller, who entices you to read, and keep reading until the final page. I loved this eBook, and I’m certain you will too!

I received a free copy of ‘Lakwi’s Lament’ in return for an honest review.

Firstly Thanks to Jeanette for a copy of this book.

I enjoyed the story of Lakwi as I do like fantasy or this style of book. I loved them as a child and still enjoy reading them. What I found interesting is that while this book is set in an imaginary land I can see similarities to some of the places of years ago. I could see the different kingdom's as ruled by clans. We see Lakwi wants to go into the royal library and read the books and study like her brothers and cousin but that is not what girls do. They learn to needle work and weave etc.

Her half brother can see how much she wants to read the books and maybe able to help her. She is also being paid attention by her cousin Lord Haka. Being such a short story I can't say much more except Lakwi isn't the typical princess. I liked her spunk and how she thinks on her feet so to speak. My one complaint is the story wasn't long enough. I wanted to know what happens next and would gladly read more in the series.