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seanml's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve felt this “cold” after finishing a book. I can’t say any piece of literature has so thoroughly captured my imagination since my favorite book The Once and Future King. Finishing this series is surreal, and I became almost apprehensive to finish it. What is there to not rave about?
The gradual inclusion of making a noticeable bulk of the cast giants was an amazing choice that helps differentiate the series from so many other anthropocentric fantasy narratives. The Kadoshim-possessed Jehar are the most frighteningly cool enemies since the OG Nazgul.
And then there’s the characters: so many to even count. With such a vast wealth of characters, I’m so impressed by the fact that I cared about the wellbeing of relatively minor characters like Kulla or Wulf as much as I did about the major characters. Cywen was quickly one of my favorites since Malice and I loved to see her bludgeon her way through any trial thrown at her. Edana was so wonderfully done and one of the greatest arcs of the series. The slow and rising chess game of tactics between Camlin and Rafe was an unexpected narrative choice and so well done. I am so very glad Alcyon got his due. Fidele and Nathair have two vastly different, but equally tragic stories, and the eventual drift in their initially similar moralities become wonderful parallels. Veradis was one of my favorites from the start, and I am so enthused that he survived, because I was convinced halfway through Malice that he wasn’t making it out. Coralen, Dath, and Farrell are all so uniquely badass and I enjoyed every single moment that a paragraph was dedicated to their heroics. And I cannot go through a review of this book (Nobody should) without referencing Maquin. Without a doubt, Maquin has to be one of my favorite fictional characters of all time: Indiana Jones, Jane Eyre, Lancelot, Rick Grimes, Ellen Ripley, Lady de Winter, Achilles, Link, Anakin Skywalker, Beowulf, Aragorn, and with all of them: Maquin. This entire series of gold and in my opinion Maquin is that tiny little sparkle at the top of the pile. Also, in case I forget, I absolutely adore Craf. And then the three heroes: all the protagonists exude truth and courage but I have to give it up for these three: Corban, Gar, and Haelan. Corban and Gar of course have been with us the entire narrative, and I loved their relationship, their convictions, and their blind honor every step of the way. Haelan came out of nowhere as one of the most exciting characters. It appears for a while that he exists to be saved, and then in the final book he just barrels through all expectations.
I’m sure there is much more to say, but all in all, I am forever grateful for the series and will recommend it to all who cross my path. Bravo, Mr.Gwynne. Truth and courage.
The gradual inclusion of making a noticeable bulk of the cast giants was an amazing choice that helps differentiate the series from so many other anthropocentric fantasy narratives. The Kadoshim-possessed Jehar are the most frighteningly cool enemies since the OG Nazgul.
And then there’s the characters: so many to even count. With such a vast wealth of characters, I’m so impressed by the fact that I cared about the wellbeing of relatively minor characters like Kulla or Wulf as much as I did about the major characters. Cywen was quickly one of my favorites since Malice and I loved to see her bludgeon her way through any trial thrown at her. Edana was so wonderfully done and one of the greatest arcs of the series. The slow and rising chess game of tactics between Camlin and Rafe was an unexpected narrative choice and so well done. I am so very glad Alcyon got his due. Fidele and Nathair have two vastly different, but equally tragic stories, and the eventual drift in their initially similar moralities become wonderful parallels. Veradis was one of my favorites from the start, and I am so enthused that he survived, because I was convinced halfway through Malice that he wasn’t making it out. Coralen, Dath, and Farrell are all so uniquely badass and I enjoyed every single moment that a paragraph was dedicated to their heroics. And I cannot go through a review of this book (Nobody should) without referencing Maquin. Without a doubt, Maquin has to be one of my favorite fictional characters of all time: Indiana Jones, Jane Eyre, Lancelot, Rick Grimes, Ellen Ripley, Lady de Winter, Achilles, Link, Anakin Skywalker, Beowulf, Aragorn, and with all of them: Maquin. This entire series of gold and in my opinion Maquin is that tiny little sparkle at the top of the pile. Also, in case I forget, I absolutely adore Craf. And then the three heroes: all the protagonists exude truth and courage but I have to give it up for these three: Corban, Gar, and Haelan. Corban and Gar of course have been with us the entire narrative, and I loved their relationship, their convictions, and their blind honor every step of the way. Haelan came out of nowhere as one of the most exciting characters. It appears for a while that he exists to be saved, and then in the final book he just barrels through all expectations.
I’m sure there is much more to say, but all in all, I am forever grateful for the series and will recommend it to all who cross my path. Bravo, Mr.Gwynne. Truth and courage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Grief, Murder, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Self harm, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Vomit
Minor: Rape, Death of parent, and Sexual content
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