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lib_britannia's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
demosthenes34nz's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brianthehuman's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nicovreeland's review
4.0
Now we’re cooking. Only in the second half of this third volume in the series did I feel a sense of momentum. I think this entire quartet could’ve been one really good novel, but this installment was good enough to make me finish it
js_2301's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did #2, although it is probably on a par with #1.
I found the first half a bit of a slog: the plot slow and I wasn't invested in the characters. I would possibly have DNF'd had I not trusted Abraham as a writer, and the second half was much more engaging plot-wise.
I did struggle to connect to the characters throughout this one. Possibly because they are now older than me, so there's some distance between my experiences/concerns and theirs. I have also noticed that the time-gaps between stories in this series means you are (to some extent) (re)introduced to new characters in each book. The strength of the Quartet's timescale you see the impact of previous events across unfolding lives, as characters pay their 'price'. The weakness is finding it harder to feel like you know them, as you drop in and out of their lives with decade long intervals.
Although I became more aware of the Quartet's weaknesses reading 'An Autumn War', it is still very solid story-telling. The characters act like real people, the plot resolves in a coherent way, the themes are poignant and not shoved in your face.
I aim to read #4 in the next month and would recommend.
I found the first half a bit of a slog: the plot slow and I wasn't invested in the characters. I would possibly have DNF'd had I not trusted Abraham as a writer, and the second half was much more engaging plot-wise.
I did struggle to connect to the characters throughout this one. Possibly because they are now older than me, so there's some distance between my experiences/concerns and theirs. I have also noticed that the time-gaps between stories in this series means you are (to some extent) (re)introduced to new characters in each book. The strength of the Quartet's timescale you see the impact of previous events across unfolding lives, as characters pay their 'price'. The weakness is finding it harder to feel like you know them, as you drop in and out of their lives with decade long intervals.
Although I became more aware of the Quartet's weaknesses reading 'An Autumn War', it is still very solid story-telling. The characters act like real people, the plot resolves in a coherent way, the themes are poignant and not shoved in your face.
I aim to read #4 in the next month and would recommend.
mary_soon_lee's review
4.0
This is the third book in Abraham's "Long Price Quartet." The central fantasy element, the andat, is explored further, and, as the title suggests, there's a war. As with the first two books in the quartet, this is well-written, atmospheric, and immersive. It is also bleak. I think I liked it better, yet enjoyed it less than the previous book. Otah continues to be my favorite character, but I was caught up by several other characters, including Balasar Gice (a very driven man) and Sinja.
sonice's review against another edition
5.0
5.0 stars. I can't understand why this series is not more popular and talked about than it is. I can only assume it's because the pace is on the slower side, or that there are relatively few battles/action sequences as compared to the standard fantasy fare. These aren't even weak points, they're just differences. Otherwise? Anyone reading this who hasn't already checked it out NEEDS to add it to the TBR.
Realistic, nuanced, flawed and believable characters. Characters that you will be frustrated by, compelled by, inspired by (one of whom, at this point, I would say could give old Fitzchivalry a run for his money in the 'tragic and screwed over' category). Leaders from both sides of a conflict who's positions you can understand and maybe even be sympathetic to. A slow-burn plot with a focus on politicking and conspiracy, with major consequences for everyone involved. A unique magic system that is believable, interesting, and never feels like a cheap way out. A satisfying ending that has me itching to grab the last book. The way this book ended was NOT what I expected, but it's brilliant.
Just, everybody start reading Daniel Abraham. OK?
Realistic, nuanced, flawed and believable characters. Characters that you will be frustrated by, compelled by, inspired by (one of whom, at this point, I would say could give old Fitzchivalry a run for his money in the 'tragic and screwed over' category). Leaders from both sides of a conflict who's positions you can understand and maybe even be sympathetic to. A slow-burn plot with a focus on politicking and conspiracy, with major consequences for everyone involved. A unique magic system that is believable, interesting, and never feels like a cheap way out. A satisfying ending that has me itching to grab the last book. The way this book ended was NOT what I expected, but it's brilliant.
Just, everybody start reading Daniel Abraham. OK?
truthlessofcanada's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Another very good entry in The Long Price Quartet. This book benefits so much from the previous entries in terms of how the past has set up long term relationships. The foundation for this book is so solid that it allows Abraham to go with a much more eventful, plot focused book while still having character depth, and really complex relationships.
Like the last book this one had a very compelling antagonist PoV, although personally I think I prefer the antagonist in A Betrayal In Winter.
Also, the resolution for this book was just very good, hard to even describe it more specifically without risking spoilers, but it was not what I expected, but made a ton of sense in hindsight, it was impactful, and set up a lot more interesting conflict for The Price of Spring.
Lots of people find this to be a significant step up from A Betrayal In Winter, but to me they are on about the same level. This is more epic, and the stakes are higher, and it probably has a better ending, but I prefer the scheming, and the antagonist in A Betrayal in Winter. Both are excellent.
8.8/10
Like the last book this one had a very compelling antagonist PoV, although personally I think I prefer the antagonist in A Betrayal In Winter.
Also, the resolution for this book was just very good, hard to even describe it more specifically without risking spoilers, but it was not what I expected, but made a ton of sense in hindsight, it was impactful, and set up a lot more interesting conflict for The Price of Spring.
Lots of people find this to be a significant step up from A Betrayal In Winter, but to me they are on about the same level. This is more epic, and the stakes are higher, and it probably has a better ending, but I prefer the scheming, and the antagonist in A Betrayal in Winter. Both are excellent.
8.8/10
scottsofbohemia's review
5.0
Brilliant. Brings the world to a perfect, harrowing climax and leaves the reader wondering how there can be a fourth. The emotional complexity of human relationships is perfectly splayed over a high fantasy epic plot.
archergal's review against another edition
5.0
This series just keeps getting better.
The Galts have found a way to get rid of the andat, the god-like creatures that are basically incarnated ideas. And they've decided to destroy the poets, their school, their books, and even the cities of the Khaiate so they can never embody andat again. And there's a good chance they'll succeed.
Pitched against this army are Otah, the leader of the city of Machi, the poets Maati and Cehmai, and Otah's family and friends. They have no real army. The poets are months or years away from embodying another andat. The situation looks hopeless.
I was really anxious through the last quarter of this book! I was worried about what would happen with these characters we've known through three books. And then when I thought I had a feel for where the story was going, Daniel Abraham surprised me. I won't spoil anything here. It's too good.
This one's going to be hard to top. But it'll be interesting to see where the story goes.
I was already a big fan of Daniel Abraham. This just solidifies my regard for him as a writer. Well done, sir.
The Galts have found a way to get rid of the andat, the god-like creatures that are basically incarnated ideas. And they've decided to destroy the poets, their school, their books, and even the cities of the Khaiate so they can never embody andat again. And there's a good chance they'll succeed.
Pitched against this army are Otah, the leader of the city of Machi, the poets Maati and Cehmai, and Otah's family and friends. They have no real army. The poets are months or years away from embodying another andat. The situation looks hopeless.
I was really anxious through the last quarter of this book! I was worried about what would happen with these characters we've known through three books. And then when I thought I had a feel for where the story was going, Daniel Abraham surprised me. I won't spoil anything here. It's too good.
This one's going to be hard to top. But it'll be interesting to see where the story goes.
I was already a big fan of Daniel Abraham. This just solidifies my regard for him as a writer. Well done, sir.