OVERALL RATING: THREE STARS
The Kingdom of Alson is a quaint and peaceful place, it's king is greedy and selfish, but he rules his people well, leaving them to pursue their lives in relative peace. Jarom, who serves as the Farson of Diln, is quite content to be left alone and enjoys the quiet life of his small village. He has no plans of great adventure, just his imagination and his best friend, Allion; he is content and happy. But all of that changes when a dark wizard invades with conquest in his heart. Soric is cruel and vicious. His assassination of King Sorl throws the country into turmoil and Jarom is forced from his home, set on a quest by his father to find aid from the bordering nation of Kuuria. Jarom is reluctant to go, but sets off on an adventure with Allion that is full of peril and danger. What's more, Jarom discovers things about himself that he doesn't like: there are mysteries and secrets surrounding his past, birthrights and heritages that need to be addressed . . .
Yet the invasion of Soric soon proves to the least of Jarom's concerns, for the wizard isn't the only terror that's stirring. For with his arrival wakens an ancient evil, a demon queen who has slumbered for millennia. She perceives the weakness in the world of man, she deems it ripe to fall. An ancient dragon is woken, the last scion of the race who warred with the Finlorrians, the people who once forged the world with the help of the Ceilhigh and Jarom knows that only one thing can save Alson: he has to seek the Crimson Sword, an ancient talisman of infinite power. But at what cost is power obtained? What price must be paid for things that are best left alone? The demon queen was not the only menace to sleep and what Jarom unleashes is worse than anybody could have ever imaged. The illysp do not sleep, they do not feel or show mercy to others. They enslave and they burn. They raze the world around them and deal only in death. Jarom must find a way to stop them. Enemies surround him on every side, he learns of betrayal and pain. He struggles to full fill a destiny he had never asked for . . .
Book 1: The Crimson Sword
Book 2: The Obsidian Key
Book 3: The Divine Talisman
The Good
The Legend of Asahiel is a fast-paced, exciting series and Eldon Thompson has clearly let his imagination run wild writing it. It's full of magic, epic battles, betrayal and death, leaving little to be wanted by the reader. In fact, all three books in the series are among those rare 'page-turners' that will keep you up well into early of the hours of the morning and are very difficult to put down. This is largely due to Thompson's ability to develop the sense of peril in each book and he really gives you a sense of what will be lost, should his heroes fail. Furthermore, the fact that Thompson has created a relatively contained island-continent means that his map is smaller than in many other works of fantasy, which allowed him to cut down on the chapters of arduous travelling from place to place so he could maintain the pace of his story. His prose reads like cheesy, old-school fantasy as well, which I quite enjoyed more than anything, and his characters are lively and almost jump out of the pages. Many readers will also appreciate the fact that Thompson has several very strong, female characters that dominate parts of the story and are hugely influential protagonists, which is something that even a lot of modern fantasy novels lack.
The Bad
As good as it was, The Legend of Asahiel did have a few bugs that really bothered me. The main one, was actually with Jarom's character and he is a thoughtful, docile man who is quick to forgive and very hard to anger. While there is nothing wrong with these personality traits in real-life or in fiction, they become slightly absurd as the series progresses: firstly, despite the fact that Jarom's whole continent is being burnt to ashes around him, with everyone he ever knew facing imminent death, he never becomes angry and instead only understands and sympathises with his enemies. Secondly, it's very odd when such a passive, peaceful man sudden becomes this vicious, hardened warrior whenever he leaps into battle and starts hacking scores of his enemies down, left right and centre. Sadly, I think Jarom's character is quite implausible and it's hard to believe him as a real person. It wouldn't be such a problem if Jarom wasn't the series main character and Thompson should either have made him much harder or changed his story-arch, perhaps making Jarom a general or something instead of a warrior.
The second issue that I had with the series as a whole, was the stereotypical nature of Thompson's villains. Pre-ASoIaF, this wouldn't really have bothered me and I might not have noticed, but GRRM's writing has shown me the importance of developing antagonists that are true to life as well as protagonists. People are rarely evil in real life for the sake of 'being evil' and, although their actions may harm people, they're usually done for selfish reasons like gaining power, killing for revenge, hatreds or feuds or stealing to feed oneself and family. Thus, it becomes slight absurd and quite irritating when Thompson's villains 'snicker' and 'smirk' every time they kill someone or destroy a village. Although, to be fair on Thompson, this was remedied to a degree in The Divine Talisman, it detracted from the story as a whole and weakened his vision somewhat.
Final Thoughts
Overall, though, The Legend of Asahiel is a great series and I had a lot of fun reading it. It's fast-paced, full of excitement, danger and has more magic bursting out of its pages than the Lord of the Rings! Although I wouldn't call this series a definite must read, I certainly recommend that you add it to your reading list and get round to it at some point - it may not be the best series you've ever read, but I guarantee you'll enjoy it!
N.B. It's also worth noting that Thompson has also written a short story featuring Kylac, one of the series main characters, which is published in Unfettered by Shawn Speakman et al.
Showing posts with label Series Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Series Reviews. Show all posts
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Sunday, 3 January 2016
Series Review: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
OVERALL RATING: FIVE STARS
AWARD: SHELF OF FAME
Harry Potter is just an ordinary boy, albeit a rather downtrodden one. After his parents were killed in a car accident while he was just a baby, he was sent to live with the Dursleys.' His uncle likes to think Harry doesn't exist, his aunty ignores him and the only attention his cousin, Dudley, gives him is to criticise or bully. Harry can't foresee his life getting better any time soon and was as surprised as any of his family when a letter arrives, addressed to Harry's cupboard under the stairs. It was a letter that changes everything and Harry learns that he is not an ordinary boy afterall. He is a wizard--just like his parents before him--and has been offered a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry!
Harry's life takes a dramatic change and he finds himself in a world where the magical and fantastic are mundane. He takes classes for transfiguration and potions, defence against the Dark Arts and charms. He learns how to fly on a broomstick and has the freedom of living in a boarding school. But, best of all, he has friends. It is not long before Harry meets Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, two fellow students that would fight at his side. For not all is at it seems at Hogwarts and Harry Potter is the Boy Who Lived. Lord Voldemort is neither gone nor defeated and many of his old supporters escaped the wizard prison of Azkaban after the first war against He Who Must Not Be Named. Voldemort is determined to return to his full power and knows that Harry is the key to his success.
Plots circle Hogwarts like the tightening of a noose and every year sees Harry face perils that even a fully trained wizard or witch should not face. He learns courage and defiance in the face of evil as the gruesome truth of his parents murders come to light. But most of all, he learns that there is power in love and strength in the true, unwavering friendship of loyalty . . .
Book 1: Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone
Book 2: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
Book 3: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
Book 4: Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire
Book 5: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
Book 6: Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
Book 7: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows
The Good
The Harry Potter series needs little introduction and the fact that the franchise is one of the most successful children's series in history speaks for the quality of J. K. Rowling's work. Rowling writes each book with a vivid, fast-paced style that makes their reading effortless. She has managed to perfect the balance of events, dialogue and description, allowing her to produce a detailed, vibrant world to back-set her stories. I fell in love with the Harry Potter books ever since I began reading The Philosopher's Stone as a child, but I don't think this has biased my opinion of them in any way. They are unbelievably enjoyable to read and I did not become bored a single time! In fact, I read The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets and The Prisoner of Azkaban within three days when I re-read the series last year!
One of the reasons the books are so good has to be due to Rowling's flair for characterisation. She has an uncanny ability to make her character's come alive and each one is completely unique. Furthermore, each character reads like a real person, where they have their own thoughts, personality, personal issues and motivation for their beliefs and actions. This helps the whole story seem more real somehow and really makes it easy to engage with the characters. I found I was invested in them and genuinely worried about them at that time when the books were still being released and nobody had any idea what would happen!
Rowling's whole concept of a secret magical world living alongside us 'Muggles' is also extremely well thought-out and she has invested a lot of time in developing their own culture, ways of doing things (including keeping the existence of magic and fantastic beasts secret) and how their society works. The locations of her story, such as Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, have all been beautifully described which forms a solid foundation for the story. As well as this, Rowling has also constructed a very plausible ethos of magic that involves spells and potions. Many authors get carried away with magic and the power a person can have in their books, which isn't always a bad thing in all fairness, but Rowling's limitations on magic and the way it's performed makes it much more believable than it usually is. This basically forms the keystone of the story, one which helped me become truly immersed in the story. It's also clever how most of the spells that are used have their roots in Latin, which provides a very old and very real link back to our rather mundane world.
The last thing that makes the Harry Potter books truly great is the story itself. Each of the books has been beautiful written and is exciting and fast-paced. They are very difficult to put down and are an easy way to kill hours of time. The overall story arc is also fantastic and I really liked how it's simply a battle between good and evil. Obviously, Voldemort and his followers are agents of control and order, believing in the purity of the magic in very old families. Harry and those like him, believe in freedom and the right for anyone to live freely and without fear of persecution. This means that the books carry very powerful messages, such as the power of love and the value of loyalty and friendship. This concept is nothing new, but I think it adds weight to the story and Rowling has written the story extremely well to make sure the books contain powerful messages for children.
The Bad
To be honest, this heading is only here because of my format for reviews. There was nothing I didn't like about the Harry Potter books and they truly are masterpieces of the fantasy genre, being enjoyable for children and adults alike. They're exciting, well executed and show us a world that we've all secretly wished we were part of at one time or another.
My Thoughts
Overall then, the Harry Potter series is a stunning example of what fantasy can be when it's done well. J. K. Rowling has created a rich, detailed world that is in dire trouble. Her protagonists are relatable and plausible, helping to produce an exciting story that's difficult to put down. If you haven't read the Harry Potter books and are only familiar with the films, you really need to. These are books that have captured the imaginations of an entire generation and will probably be moulding minds for generations to come. Each one of these seven books is truly worthy of their place on my Shelf of Fame and I expect I'll re-read them again and again throughout my life.
AWARD: SHELF OF FAME
Harry Potter is just an ordinary boy, albeit a rather downtrodden one. After his parents were killed in a car accident while he was just a baby, he was sent to live with the Dursleys.' His uncle likes to think Harry doesn't exist, his aunty ignores him and the only attention his cousin, Dudley, gives him is to criticise or bully. Harry can't foresee his life getting better any time soon and was as surprised as any of his family when a letter arrives, addressed to Harry's cupboard under the stairs. It was a letter that changes everything and Harry learns that he is not an ordinary boy afterall. He is a wizard--just like his parents before him--and has been offered a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry!
Harry's life takes a dramatic change and he finds himself in a world where the magical and fantastic are mundane. He takes classes for transfiguration and potions, defence against the Dark Arts and charms. He learns how to fly on a broomstick and has the freedom of living in a boarding school. But, best of all, he has friends. It is not long before Harry meets Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, two fellow students that would fight at his side. For not all is at it seems at Hogwarts and Harry Potter is the Boy Who Lived. Lord Voldemort is neither gone nor defeated and many of his old supporters escaped the wizard prison of Azkaban after the first war against He Who Must Not Be Named. Voldemort is determined to return to his full power and knows that Harry is the key to his success.
Plots circle Hogwarts like the tightening of a noose and every year sees Harry face perils that even a fully trained wizard or witch should not face. He learns courage and defiance in the face of evil as the gruesome truth of his parents murders come to light. But most of all, he learns that there is power in love and strength in the true, unwavering friendship of loyalty . . .
Book 1: Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone
Book 2: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
Book 3: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
Book 4: Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire
Book 5: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
Book 6: Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
Book 7: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows
The Good
The Harry Potter series needs little introduction and the fact that the franchise is one of the most successful children's series in history speaks for the quality of J. K. Rowling's work. Rowling writes each book with a vivid, fast-paced style that makes their reading effortless. She has managed to perfect the balance of events, dialogue and description, allowing her to produce a detailed, vibrant world to back-set her stories. I fell in love with the Harry Potter books ever since I began reading The Philosopher's Stone as a child, but I don't think this has biased my opinion of them in any way. They are unbelievably enjoyable to read and I did not become bored a single time! In fact, I read The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets and The Prisoner of Azkaban within three days when I re-read the series last year!
One of the reasons the books are so good has to be due to Rowling's flair for characterisation. She has an uncanny ability to make her character's come alive and each one is completely unique. Furthermore, each character reads like a real person, where they have their own thoughts, personality, personal issues and motivation for their beliefs and actions. This helps the whole story seem more real somehow and really makes it easy to engage with the characters. I found I was invested in them and genuinely worried about them at that time when the books were still being released and nobody had any idea what would happen!
Rowling's whole concept of a secret magical world living alongside us 'Muggles' is also extremely well thought-out and she has invested a lot of time in developing their own culture, ways of doing things (including keeping the existence of magic and fantastic beasts secret) and how their society works. The locations of her story, such as Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, have all been beautifully described which forms a solid foundation for the story. As well as this, Rowling has also constructed a very plausible ethos of magic that involves spells and potions. Many authors get carried away with magic and the power a person can have in their books, which isn't always a bad thing in all fairness, but Rowling's limitations on magic and the way it's performed makes it much more believable than it usually is. This basically forms the keystone of the story, one which helped me become truly immersed in the story. It's also clever how most of the spells that are used have their roots in Latin, which provides a very old and very real link back to our rather mundane world.
The last thing that makes the Harry Potter books truly great is the story itself. Each of the books has been beautiful written and is exciting and fast-paced. They are very difficult to put down and are an easy way to kill hours of time. The overall story arc is also fantastic and I really liked how it's simply a battle between good and evil. Obviously, Voldemort and his followers are agents of control and order, believing in the purity of the magic in very old families. Harry and those like him, believe in freedom and the right for anyone to live freely and without fear of persecution. This means that the books carry very powerful messages, such as the power of love and the value of loyalty and friendship. This concept is nothing new, but I think it adds weight to the story and Rowling has written the story extremely well to make sure the books contain powerful messages for children.
The Bad
To be honest, this heading is only here because of my format for reviews. There was nothing I didn't like about the Harry Potter books and they truly are masterpieces of the fantasy genre, being enjoyable for children and adults alike. They're exciting, well executed and show us a world that we've all secretly wished we were part of at one time or another.
My Thoughts
Overall then, the Harry Potter series is a stunning example of what fantasy can be when it's done well. J. K. Rowling has created a rich, detailed world that is in dire trouble. Her protagonists are relatable and plausible, helping to produce an exciting story that's difficult to put down. If you haven't read the Harry Potter books and are only familiar with the films, you really need to. These are books that have captured the imaginations of an entire generation and will probably be moulding minds for generations to come. Each one of these seven books is truly worthy of their place on my Shelf of Fame and I expect I'll re-read them again and again throughout my life.
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
Series Review: The Rain Wild Chronicles - Robin Hobb
RATING: THREE STARS
Once, dragons ruled the world. Their majesty was everywhere and humans lived in awe. Many chose to serve the dragons and were rewarded for their loyalty with long life and good health. Elderlings, as they were called, enjoyed the changes dragons wrought upon them and became more like lizards then men. They were powerful in magic and used their gifts to create Kelsingra - a city that was wondrous to behold and existed only to serve dragons and tend for their health.
But those days past. Dragons died away and the grand cities Elderlings built passed in legend, crumbling into ruin and disrepair. It is in the Rain Wilds - dangerous swamps that once boasted forests and vast swathes of fertile land - that these cities were found. The Traders that lived there excavated the ruined cities and, there, found a single dragon that still contained life: Tingalia, a dragon queen. When Tingalia hatched as a serpent, she swam to the ocean where she dwelt for many years until it was time to change into her adult, dragon form. It was then she found others of her race - eggs that she nurtured until they hatched and made their own journey to the ocean.
But the dragons that returned were not what she hoped when they emerged from their cocoons. They were weak, stunted and deformed. Such dragons were not meant to survive, but they were all that was left of the once noble race. Tingalia brokered a deal with the Traders of Trehaug and those who lived there agreed to care for the dragons so Tingalia could leave and seek others of her kind. The arrangement worked at first, but feeding growing dragons is expensive and the creatures are dangerous in the best of moods.
It was decided that the dragons had to leave and the Trader's Council assigned keepers to each one, sending them on a quest upriver to find Kelsingra so all could live in peace. The expedition would be far from easy and the Rain Wilds are an unforgiving place. Its very waters are acidic. Food and supplies are scare. Storms frequently barrage the swamp and the dragon's keepers are little more than children - those unlucky enough to be born so mutated that they are shunned by the Traders and condemned to a life of derogatory exile. Few think the expedition could be successful, but the riches it could bring to Trehaug merited the risk. The expedition set forth and, soon, the keepers and Captain Leftrin (who is employed as a guide and logistics) realise just what dire straights they are in . . .
Book 1: The Dragon Keeper
Book 2: Dragon Haven
Book 3: City of Dragons
Book 4: Blood of Dragons
The Good
The Rain Wild Chronicles is well written and exciting. Robin Hobb does a superb job of bringing her characters to life and many of them feel like real people, having developed lives, emotions and motivations behind their actions as we do. She has managed to create a rich world for the series that is full of problems and it's extremely interesting to read about.
Robb also tweaked dragon lore slightly and the dragons in the book are slightly unconventional. They have very complex life cycles and actually begin their existence as aquatic serpents that live in the oceans. It's only when they reach adulthood that they spin cocoons from mud and their saliva and become fully-fledged dragons that spit acid and are able to influence humans through their 'glamour'. These changes do make her dragons less formidable than those of other authors, but they are enjoyable to read about and Hobb really links their life-cycle to the story, which is largely responsible for many of the problems the dragons have in the book.
Robb also tweaked dragon lore slightly and the dragons in the book are slightly unconventional. They have very complex life cycles and actually begin their existence as aquatic serpents that live in the oceans. It's only when they reach adulthood that they spin cocoons from mud and their saliva and become fully-fledged dragons that spit acid and are able to influence humans through their 'glamour'. These changes do make her dragons less formidable than those of other authors, but they are enjoyable to read about and Hobb really links their life-cycle to the story, which is largely responsible for many of the problems the dragons have in the book.
The Bad
Although developed characters are a good thing in any book, Hobb did overdo it a bit and The Rain Wild Chronicles is essentially four books of one of the keepers - Thymara - whining about relationships and losing her virginity. This added a realism to her character at first, since these are issues we all worry about, but became extremely annoying by the end and ruined the book a bit, making it hard for me to like Thymara (who is actually one of the main PoV characters)!
My Thoughts
Overall though, The Rain Wild Chronicles is a pretty decent series and should make your 'to read' list. It's imaginative, well written and full of characters that can really touch your heart. It's a superb example of fantasy at its best and shows that the genre is far from stale!
Monday, 20 October 2014
Series Review: The Left Hand of God - Paul Hoffman
OVERALL RATING: THREE STARS
The Church of the Hanged Redeemer bought Thomas Cale when he was just a boy. They treated him cruelly, punished him and moulded his young mind for the brutality of war. He was little more than a slave and they turned him into a weapon, into one of the greatest soldiers alive. Thomas is as lethal with his hands as he is with blades and crossbows. His mind plans tactics and strategies that even the most experienced generals cannot see. He has been trained to perfection and will lead the Hanged Redeemers in their jihad to purify the world.
Yet for all their planning and training, the Hanged Redeemers failed to understand that Thomas also has plans for the course of his life. Setting out with Vague Henry and Kleist, his most trusted friends, Thomas flees the Sanctuary and sets his eyes on a life of freedom, away from the Redeemers brutal religion. His adventures take him to Memphis, where he quickly finds himself in political crossfire. The Redeemers are eager to reclaim the 'incarnation of God's Wrath' and hunt him zealously. Thomas is literally caught between a cross and a hard place and turns to the only thing he truly knows to save him: his great prowess in violence.
Book 1: The Left Hand of God
Book 2: The Last Four Things
Book 3: The Beating Of His Wings
The Good
The Left Hand of God is a remarkable series and Paul Hoffman has really let his imagination run lose, developing a sinister religion (which is essentially a very dark form of Christianity), a complex host of characters and a world with its own society and problems.
The series is written in a strange, slightly quirky style and I haven't read another Dystopia quite like it. It's certainly unique, and is full of danger and battles that will keep you captivated throughout its three instalments. Hoffman address the problems with religion well and how it can be used to justify terrible acts of evil, epically wrapping up Thomas Cale's terrible story at the series end.
The Bad
I really enjoyed The Left Hand of God (series), but it did have a few problems that were never resolved and ruined my enjoyment of the books slightly. The main one of these was the fact that Hoffman doesn't include a map of this world and never bothers to establish its geography. The fact that he uses real place names, such as Memphis and Cyprus, only makes this worse and it's difficult to get a feel for the story's setting. For example, Hoffman may be talking about an army that's approaching one city from another, but it didn't mean much to me because the cities could be 50 miles apart or 500. This made it hard for Hoffman to build tension in places and I think it's a real shame because he could have rectified it so easily!
My Thoughts
Despite a few little things that make it hard to follow, The Left Hand of God series is an excellent read. It's a strange mix of fantasy and Dystopia, being dark and brutal in a way that few books are. Hoffman's world is developed and complex, and his characters are fun to read about. It's one of the most unique fantasies I've read in a long time and I highly recommend it for your reading list!
The Church of the Hanged Redeemer bought Thomas Cale when he was just a boy. They treated him cruelly, punished him and moulded his young mind for the brutality of war. He was little more than a slave and they turned him into a weapon, into one of the greatest soldiers alive. Thomas is as lethal with his hands as he is with blades and crossbows. His mind plans tactics and strategies that even the most experienced generals cannot see. He has been trained to perfection and will lead the Hanged Redeemers in their jihad to purify the world.
Yet for all their planning and training, the Hanged Redeemers failed to understand that Thomas also has plans for the course of his life. Setting out with Vague Henry and Kleist, his most trusted friends, Thomas flees the Sanctuary and sets his eyes on a life of freedom, away from the Redeemers brutal religion. His adventures take him to Memphis, where he quickly finds himself in political crossfire. The Redeemers are eager to reclaim the 'incarnation of God's Wrath' and hunt him zealously. Thomas is literally caught between a cross and a hard place and turns to the only thing he truly knows to save him: his great prowess in violence.
Book 1: The Left Hand of God
Book 2: The Last Four Things
Book 3: The Beating Of His Wings
The Good
The Left Hand of God is a remarkable series and Paul Hoffman has really let his imagination run lose, developing a sinister religion (which is essentially a very dark form of Christianity), a complex host of characters and a world with its own society and problems.
The series is written in a strange, slightly quirky style and I haven't read another Dystopia quite like it. It's certainly unique, and is full of danger and battles that will keep you captivated throughout its three instalments. Hoffman address the problems with religion well and how it can be used to justify terrible acts of evil, epically wrapping up Thomas Cale's terrible story at the series end.
The Bad
I really enjoyed The Left Hand of God (series), but it did have a few problems that were never resolved and ruined my enjoyment of the books slightly. The main one of these was the fact that Hoffman doesn't include a map of this world and never bothers to establish its geography. The fact that he uses real place names, such as Memphis and Cyprus, only makes this worse and it's difficult to get a feel for the story's setting. For example, Hoffman may be talking about an army that's approaching one city from another, but it didn't mean much to me because the cities could be 50 miles apart or 500. This made it hard for Hoffman to build tension in places and I think it's a real shame because he could have rectified it so easily!
My Thoughts
Despite a few little things that make it hard to follow, The Left Hand of God series is an excellent read. It's a strange mix of fantasy and Dystopia, being dark and brutal in a way that few books are. Hoffman's world is developed and complex, and his characters are fun to read about. It's one of the most unique fantasies I've read in a long time and I highly recommend it for your reading list!
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Series Review: Dreamblood - N. K. Jemisin
SERIES RATING: FOUR STARS
The city of Gujaareh knows true peace. No thieves or murderers walk its streets at night; diseases and injuries are the sufferings of outsiders, the fools and heretics who choose to dwell beyond its walls. Only inner peace matters and the denizens of Gujaareh have devoted their whole lives to the goddess Hananja's teachings.
Hananja's narcomancers are the source of the city's peace. Priests and priestesses, they heal injuries, cure diseases and use dream magic to keep the city's inhabitants bodies whole and souls pure. They stand against corruption in all of its forms and the Gatherers, elite warrior-priests, serve to find and route out any would would threaten the peace of the common people. Their powers are unmatched and all fear to go to sleep if its rumoured Gatherers are near. It's said Gatherers can enter a person's dreams and carry their soul into the afterlife . . .
Yet corruption is beginning to take route in Gujaareh and the Gatherers are wary, cautious of the city's shifting politics and the influences of unseen people. People are beginning to die at night, their bodies found in grotesque spasms of agony, and people are beginning to suspect a Reaper - a Gatherer that has lost his mind to insanity and kills without reason. Ehiru knows he must find the source of the corruption if he is to purify it, but his path will not be easy and he will learn that living in ignorance is sometimes better than facing the horrifying truth . . .
Book 1: The Killing Moon
Hananja's narcomancers are the source of the city's peace. Priests and priestesses, they heal injuries, cure diseases and use dream magic to keep the city's inhabitants bodies whole and souls pure. They stand against corruption in all of its forms and the Gatherers, elite warrior-priests, serve to find and route out any would would threaten the peace of the common people. Their powers are unmatched and all fear to go to sleep if its rumoured Gatherers are near. It's said Gatherers can enter a person's dreams and carry their soul into the afterlife . . .
Yet corruption is beginning to take route in Gujaareh and the Gatherers are wary, cautious of the city's shifting politics and the influences of unseen people. People are beginning to die at night, their bodies found in grotesque spasms of agony, and people are beginning to suspect a Reaper - a Gatherer that has lost his mind to insanity and kills without reason. Ehiru knows he must find the source of the corruption if he is to purify it, but his path will not be easy and he will learn that living in ignorance is sometimes better than facing the horrifying truth . . .
Book 1: The Killing Moon
Book 2: The Shadowed Sun
I really enjoyed Dreamblood, which N. K. Jemisin wrote with a very energetic style of prose. This meant both books were exciting, moved quite fast and I found each of them to be real page-turners. I also loved her ideas of narcomancers (the priests who use dream magic), since few authors have touched on this in the books I've read previously. Jemisin put her own spin on her magic further, making it dangerous and sensual, so I really had no idea what her characters were capable of until the end of the series!
Dreamblood is also set in a civilisation that is very similar to that of the Ancient Egyptians, which was extremely interesting to read about. Too many fantasy books are set in feudal Europe and it was refreshing to read something based on another culture for once! There were no knights, armoured men with swords and even the daily life of the people in Gujaareh was completely different to what I was accustomed to.
Jemisin's characterisation was pretty good as well and I could almost imagine some of the characters as people, doing the best they can without all the information they need while having to make choices that go against their very beliefs! Some of her storylines were actually quite tragic and Jemisin definitely had no problem in twisting events so not everything went the protagonists way.
Yet for all its positives, I did have a few issues with Dreamblood. Firstly, Jemisin had an annoying tendancy to cut down the 'plot events' in favour of long conversations that added nothing other than novelty to the story. This meant that she didn't explore and develop her story as much as she could and, in places, she even went as far as having the protagonists miss the plot events altogether. Hearing about what happened second-hand from another character in the book was extremely bizarre to say the least!
Lastly, the two books didn't really follow on from each other. The Shadowed Sun is set a decade after the events of The Killing Moon and has a completely different story. Some of the first book's characters reappear in the second, but there is little continuity and the duology seems more like two books based in the same world than a series to me.
Unfortunately these negatives did slightly spoil Dreamblood for me, but, that being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the series and recommend that you give it a go. It's well rounded, imaginative and is quite different from most other works of fantasy that are out there!
Dreamblood is also set in a civilisation that is very similar to that of the Ancient Egyptians, which was extremely interesting to read about. Too many fantasy books are set in feudal Europe and it was refreshing to read something based on another culture for once! There were no knights, armoured men with swords and even the daily life of the people in Gujaareh was completely different to what I was accustomed to.
Jemisin's characterisation was pretty good as well and I could almost imagine some of the characters as people, doing the best they can without all the information they need while having to make choices that go against their very beliefs! Some of her storylines were actually quite tragic and Jemisin definitely had no problem in twisting events so not everything went the protagonists way.
Yet for all its positives, I did have a few issues with Dreamblood. Firstly, Jemisin had an annoying tendancy to cut down the 'plot events' in favour of long conversations that added nothing other than novelty to the story. This meant that she didn't explore and develop her story as much as she could and, in places, she even went as far as having the protagonists miss the plot events altogether. Hearing about what happened second-hand from another character in the book was extremely bizarre to say the least!
Lastly, the two books didn't really follow on from each other. The Shadowed Sun is set a decade after the events of The Killing Moon and has a completely different story. Some of the first book's characters reappear in the second, but there is little continuity and the duology seems more like two books based in the same world than a series to me.
Unfortunately these negatives did slightly spoil Dreamblood for me, but, that being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the series and recommend that you give it a go. It's well rounded, imaginative and is quite different from most other works of fantasy that are out there!
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Series Review: The Chathrand Voyage - Robert V. S. Redick
SERIES RATING: FIVE STARS
AWARD: SHELF OF FAME
The Chathrand Voyage is an epic fantasy set in the world of Alifros, which is going through a period of imperial colonisation very similar to the real-life conquests by Europe in the 16th Century. Two great superpowers have risen in the north and the book begins with the initiation of an elaborate plot that will allow Arqual to overthrow the Mzithrin Empire once and for all. It is here that Pazel Pathkendle - one of the series major characters - is introduced, who is working as a tarboy aboard the Chathrand - a giant ship built by magic and engineering techniques that were forgotten when a cataclysm separated the north from the hundreds of years ago.
The Chathrand is the only ship known that may have a chance at crossing the Ruling Sea and into the south and Sandor Ott - the Emperor's spymaster and head of the Secret Fist - means to use Captain Rose's ship to unleash the Shaggat Ness into Mzithrin. Believed to be dead, the Shaggart Ness is considered a god in that strange empire and his return will cause a war that will shake the foundations of its cities. When that happens, Ott will be waiting and means to begin one of the bloodiest campaigns Alifros has ever seen. He will eradicate the Mzithrin, even as they struggle to quell revolution in their own people.
But as the series progresses, the story evolves and it soon becomes clear that much more is at stake that the fall of an empire. Arunis - a sorcerer infamous for his evil and cruelty - is somehow entangled with the plot. But Arunis has no interested in Arqual's dominion over the north and has but one aim - the end of all life on Alifros. Arunis knows his goal is within his grasp, but he needs to find and unlock the secrets of an ancient and powerful artifact called the Nilstone first. Pazel, along with a powerful mage called Ramanchi and the friends he makes aboard the Chathrand, are resolute in their vows to stop Arunis and stubbornly fight him throughout the four books of the series:
Book 1: The Red Wolf Conspiracy
Book 2: The Rats and the Ruling Sea
Book 3: The River of Shadows
Book 4: The Night of the Swarm
I'll admit that I was a little skeptical about reading The Red Wolf Conspiracy when I first picked it up. The title's not that amazing, the cover makes it look a little like a children's book and the newspaper clipping that effectively forms the book's prologue isn't that great either. But I was hastily scanning the shelves in the library for something to read before a long train journey and, not finding anything better, I borrowed it and gave it a go. Words cannot express how glad I am that I did and I began to fall in love with the world Robert V. S. Redick painted after just a few chapters!
In fact, the quadrilogy has become one of my favourite series ever and I have a feeling that the story and it's larger-than-life characters will continue to resonate in my mind for many years to come. Redick has managed to develop his characters like a true master of writing and they almost seem like real people. Each person is distinct from the others and each has their own personality and motivations behind what they do. This makes for excellent reading and really engaged me in the story. I really feared for the characters during battles and on the many, many occasions they were in danger. I think good characterisation is the difference between a great author and a good one, and, with his writing having depths to it that many authors lack, Redick is certainly among the greats!
I honestly think the characters alone would be enough to carry this story, but Redick's world is even better and the series is told against a backdrop of stunning locations that are a true testament to his imagination. From the decks of a giant ship to lush jungles and a forest of giant, carnivorous fungi, the series never gets stale and his characters are never in the same place for long! And Redick does more than just describe these locations, having really thought about the challenges such adverse environments would have for his characters. This means that Pazel Pathkendle, the Lady Thasha Isiq and their little group of ragtag heroes are often out of their depth and they really suffer as they desperately try to defeat Arunis and keep the Nilstone from his clutches . . .
Redick's prose is fantastic as well and he writes with a strange blend of modern and archaic styles that really adds to the story and helps reinforce the idea that Pazel and his companions are living in a world of great, naval-time empires. He also writes with an uncommon enthusiasm that ties all of the other aspects of the series together nicely to create an epic story that's a true gem amidst a genre that (rather sadly), has been swamped by very mediocre works.
I strongly suggest that you give The Chathrand Voyage a go if you enjoy fantasy. It's an example of the genre at its best and keeps getting better with each book! This series marked Redick's debut into the writing world (which I guess is why he's so little known), but I am already a dedicated fan and am really looking forward to reading what he produces over the years to come!
AWARD: SHELF OF FAME
The Chathrand Voyage is an epic fantasy set in the world of Alifros, which is going through a period of imperial colonisation very similar to the real-life conquests by Europe in the 16th Century. Two great superpowers have risen in the north and the book begins with the initiation of an elaborate plot that will allow Arqual to overthrow the Mzithrin Empire once and for all. It is here that Pazel Pathkendle - one of the series major characters - is introduced, who is working as a tarboy aboard the Chathrand - a giant ship built by magic and engineering techniques that were forgotten when a cataclysm separated the north from the hundreds of years ago.
The Chathrand is the only ship known that may have a chance at crossing the Ruling Sea and into the south and Sandor Ott - the Emperor's spymaster and head of the Secret Fist - means to use Captain Rose's ship to unleash the Shaggat Ness into Mzithrin. Believed to be dead, the Shaggart Ness is considered a god in that strange empire and his return will cause a war that will shake the foundations of its cities. When that happens, Ott will be waiting and means to begin one of the bloodiest campaigns Alifros has ever seen. He will eradicate the Mzithrin, even as they struggle to quell revolution in their own people.
But as the series progresses, the story evolves and it soon becomes clear that much more is at stake that the fall of an empire. Arunis - a sorcerer infamous for his evil and cruelty - is somehow entangled with the plot. But Arunis has no interested in Arqual's dominion over the north and has but one aim - the end of all life on Alifros. Arunis knows his goal is within his grasp, but he needs to find and unlock the secrets of an ancient and powerful artifact called the Nilstone first. Pazel, along with a powerful mage called Ramanchi and the friends he makes aboard the Chathrand, are resolute in their vows to stop Arunis and stubbornly fight him throughout the four books of the series:
Book 1: The Red Wolf Conspiracy
Book 2: The Rats and the Ruling Sea
Book 3: The River of Shadows
Book 4: The Night of the Swarm
I'll admit that I was a little skeptical about reading The Red Wolf Conspiracy when I first picked it up. The title's not that amazing, the cover makes it look a little like a children's book and the newspaper clipping that effectively forms the book's prologue isn't that great either. But I was hastily scanning the shelves in the library for something to read before a long train journey and, not finding anything better, I borrowed it and gave it a go. Words cannot express how glad I am that I did and I began to fall in love with the world Robert V. S. Redick painted after just a few chapters!
In fact, the quadrilogy has become one of my favourite series ever and I have a feeling that the story and it's larger-than-life characters will continue to resonate in my mind for many years to come. Redick has managed to develop his characters like a true master of writing and they almost seem like real people. Each person is distinct from the others and each has their own personality and motivations behind what they do. This makes for excellent reading and really engaged me in the story. I really feared for the characters during battles and on the many, many occasions they were in danger. I think good characterisation is the difference between a great author and a good one, and, with his writing having depths to it that many authors lack, Redick is certainly among the greats!
I honestly think the characters alone would be enough to carry this story, but Redick's world is even better and the series is told against a backdrop of stunning locations that are a true testament to his imagination. From the decks of a giant ship to lush jungles and a forest of giant, carnivorous fungi, the series never gets stale and his characters are never in the same place for long! And Redick does more than just describe these locations, having really thought about the challenges such adverse environments would have for his characters. This means that Pazel Pathkendle, the Lady Thasha Isiq and their little group of ragtag heroes are often out of their depth and they really suffer as they desperately try to defeat Arunis and keep the Nilstone from his clutches . . .
Redick's prose is fantastic as well and he writes with a strange blend of modern and archaic styles that really adds to the story and helps reinforce the idea that Pazel and his companions are living in a world of great, naval-time empires. He also writes with an uncommon enthusiasm that ties all of the other aspects of the series together nicely to create an epic story that's a true gem amidst a genre that (rather sadly), has been swamped by very mediocre works.
I strongly suggest that you give The Chathrand Voyage a go if you enjoy fantasy. It's an example of the genre at its best and keeps getting better with each book! This series marked Redick's debut into the writing world (which I guess is why he's so little known), but I am already a dedicated fan and am really looking forward to reading what he produces over the years to come!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)