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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
The book is okay overall and I enjoyed reading it. I appreciated that it was a more imaginative fantasy based off of the Roman Empire but also everyone has a pokemon. What I didn't like is that the story has several parts in the middle where the plot seems to be moving slowly or at least for me, it felt they were sort of boring. Something I thought could be done better is to give the furies (which are kind of like pokemon) more personality. While I can remember Pikachu and a couple other of Ash's pokemon I can tell that I will most likely forget the main character's furies shortly after I just finished reading this book. I think I will continue with the second book and hope that I will like it more now that the author has established the characters and the world in this first book. Also shoutout to my friend and former co-worker who provided me the book to read in the first place. Thank you @annapi
adventurous
dark
tense
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:
No
Typical fantasy epic with Roman Empire elements to it...and Pokemon?
I've immensely enjoyed Butcher's Dresden Files so thought I'd give his fantasy series a try.
Tavi lives in the land of Alera, which is a continent surrounding by non-human enemies. To the north, they must hold the Shieldwall to protect the southern lands from the Icemen. To the west across the sea live the Canim, sort of a Van Helsing-like werewolf people. To the south, just over a range of mountains barricading a small bridge of land lie the fierce and nomadic Marat. These human-like warriors bond with a particular type of animal (which animal decides which clan they will be a part of once they grow up) and live in a simple (not be confused with stupid!) society that has no vocabulary for "lies". You can be mistaken, but it is unheard of to be mistaken on purpose.
Tavi lives in the frontier of Alera called Calderon, which houses several steadholts and a garrison of soldiers who protect the realm from invading Marat hordes (like the one which Tavi's parents battled in just before he was born). Tavi lives on his Uncle Bernard's steadholt with his Aunt Isana, being raised by them as an orphan (his parents died before he was born).
Tavi is unique in this land because he is the only person who has not come into his "furycraft", (i.e. has not learned any magic). Out on the edges of the tamed lands of Alera, all the people have furycrafting abilities, often quite strong to help them deal with the wild land's natural furies and to help them with the task of colonizing the wilderness. Furies are creatures who inhabit everthing in Alera--the rocks and soil, the vegetation, the streams and oceans, the storms and wind, the metals and of course in the fires of each and every hearth. Humanity is unique in that humans can learn to harness the power of the furies and wield them to their own desires, such as bending the air to create a far-seeing glass, using water to heal wounds, earth to travel great speeds, woodcraft to hide & detect trails, metalcraft to ignore pain and fight feriociously, and firecraft to damage foes and manipulate their emotions.
Tavi is a victim of circumstance as the High Lords of Alera scheme and politick to gain the seat of the First Lord for themselves, the seat of ultimate power in Alera. The other high lords feel the First Lord is old, weak, and without an heir--and will try to take it from him by force and trickery, whichever suceeds. Tavi stumbles upon a plot that threatens the realm as well as the lives of his family and steadholders he has grown up with, and his decisions lead to a chain of events that will not leave Alera untouched.
This first installment was enjoyable and easy to read. The magic system was fairly unique in my experience and Butcher manages to tread the tricky line between explaning things enough so we know what's going on & how magic works without giving us boring education lessons.
Tavi I found to be and enjoyable and likeably realistic character, even if the "boy growing on the frontier" plot device has been done ad nauseum. What saves the book is the fact that although Tavi is a main protagonist, he's not THE protagonist. There are plenty of other characters around that are not just there to be supportive--although they often are, don't get me wrong! I especially like Bernard, as he is just the kind of common-sense woodsy type that calls to me. The characters are complex and have to deal with real moral dilemmas (or tricky scenarios if they lack any particular morals) that they confront with life-like realism and feeling.
I can't say that this series wowed me like the Dresden files did, but that's a bit of comparing apples to oranges. It didn't effect me poignantly or threaten to be one of the series that stuck with me and made a big impression on me going forward, but it was entertaining and at times a nice read that doesn't require a lot of thinking is just what you need. A fine romp and worth a look-see, even if there aren't super dark or deep philosophical arguments happening within (there are some, it's just not the central focus necessarily). It sets it up nicely for the rest of the series and I looked forward to continuing to read.
Tavi lives in the land of Alera, which is a continent surrounding by non-human enemies. To the north, they must hold the Shieldwall to protect the southern lands from the Icemen. To the west across the sea live the Canim, sort of a Van Helsing-like werewolf people. To the south, just over a range of mountains barricading a small bridge of land lie the fierce and nomadic Marat. These human-like warriors bond with a particular type of animal (which animal decides which clan they will be a part of once they grow up) and live in a simple (not be confused with stupid!) society that has no vocabulary for "lies". You can be mistaken, but it is unheard of to be mistaken on purpose.
Tavi lives in the frontier of Alera called Calderon, which houses several steadholts and a garrison of soldiers who protect the realm from invading Marat hordes (like the one which Tavi's parents battled in just before he was born). Tavi lives on his Uncle Bernard's steadholt with his Aunt Isana, being raised by them as an orphan (his parents died before he was born).
Tavi is unique in this land because he is the only person who has not come into his "furycraft", (i.e. has not learned any magic). Out on the edges of the tamed lands of Alera, all the people have furycrafting abilities, often quite strong to help them deal with the wild land's natural furies and to help them with the task of colonizing the wilderness. Furies are creatures who inhabit everthing in Alera--the rocks and soil, the vegetation, the streams and oceans, the storms and wind, the metals and of course in the fires of each and every hearth. Humanity is unique in that humans can learn to harness the power of the furies and wield them to their own desires, such as bending the air to create a far-seeing glass, using water to heal wounds, earth to travel great speeds, woodcraft to hide & detect trails, metalcraft to ignore pain and fight feriociously, and firecraft to damage foes and manipulate their emotions.
Tavi is a victim of circumstance as the High Lords of Alera scheme and politick to gain the seat of the First Lord for themselves, the seat of ultimate power in Alera. The other high lords feel the First Lord is old, weak, and without an heir--and will try to take it from him by force and trickery, whichever suceeds. Tavi stumbles upon a plot that threatens the realm as well as the lives of his family and steadholders he has grown up with, and his decisions lead to a chain of events that will not leave Alera untouched.
This first installment was enjoyable and easy to read. The magic system was fairly unique in my experience and Butcher manages to tread the tricky line between explaning things enough so we know what's going on & how magic works without giving us boring education lessons.
Tavi I found to be and enjoyable and likeably realistic character, even if the "boy growing on the frontier" plot device has been done ad nauseum. What saves the book is the fact that although Tavi is a main protagonist, he's not THE protagonist. There are plenty of other characters around that are not just there to be supportive--although they often are, don't get me wrong! I especially like Bernard, as he is just the kind of common-sense woodsy type that calls to me. The characters are complex and have to deal with real moral dilemmas (or tricky scenarios if they lack any particular morals) that they confront with life-like realism and feeling.
I can't say that this series wowed me like the Dresden files did, but that's a bit of comparing apples to oranges. It didn't effect me poignantly or threaten to be one of the series that stuck with me and made a big impression on me going forward, but it was entertaining and at times a nice read that doesn't require a lot of thinking is just what you need. A fine romp and worth a look-see, even if there aren't super dark or deep philosophical arguments happening within (there are some, it's just not the central focus necessarily). It sets it up nicely for the rest of the series and I looked forward to continuing to read.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence, War
RATING: 4 stars.
Sou uma grande fã dos The Dresden Files de Jim Butcher, uma série de fantasia urbana sobre um feiticeiro chamado Harry Dresden que se mete nas maiores complicações possíveis. A série já vai em 15 livros e continua forte, algo que é bastante raro, na minha humilde opinião.
Por isso, porque não experimentar a série de fantasia épica deste autor? E ainda bem que experimentei! Jim Butcher não me desiludiu! Não leio muita fantasia épica, mas desde a trilogia Mistborn que não gostava tanto de um livro do género!
Alera é uma terra fantástica onde os habitantes se unem às fúrias, criaturas elementais que controlam a água, o fogo, o ar, a terra, a madeira e o metal. Qualquer pessoa pode unir-se a uma fúria, mas nem todos treinam para serem Cavaleiros e servirem no exército do First Lord (o imperador de Alera) ou dos High Lords (efetivamente, a nobreza).
Tavi, um jovem de 15 anos, parece ser a única pessoa no mundo sem talento para se unir a uma fúria e controlar um dos elementos. Quando os selvagens chamados Marat, que comem humanos e se unem a totens (animais) para ganharem força invadem o Vale de Calderon, onde as fúrias mais fortes e destruidoras de Alera residem e onde as pessoas têm as vidas mais duras, Tavi terá de se fazer valer da sua inteligência para tentar defender a sua casa e mesmo, possivelmente, o reino.
Ao mesmo tempo Amara, uma jovem Cursor unida a uma fúria do ar, tem de tentar deslindar uma possível conspiração contra o First Lord em que o seu mentor está envolvido.
Existem várias coisas (interligadas) a acontecer em Furies of Calderon. Temos uma conspiração para destronar o First Lord, uma invasão eminente (e secreta) dos Marat às terras de Alera e ainda as tensões cada vez mais altas entre os fazendeiros do Vale de Calderon.
No entanto, Jim Butcher consegue tecer uma história envolvente e coerente com estes "materiais" e dá-nos ainda uma visão geral do mundo de Alera e do seu sistema político, que tem algumas (escassas) parecenças com a antiga Roma imperial (nem que seja só nos nomes e nalguns títulos). Tudo isto sem criar confusão, sem ter tempos mortos e sem abrandar o ritmo.
Furies of Calderon foi uma leitura compulsiva. O mundo criado pelo autor intrigou-me, especialmente as fúrias e todas as outras raças (entre elas os Marat) que existem para além dos humanos. Os protagonistas Tavi, Amara, Bernard e Kitai são interessantes e diversificados.
No geral, uma leitura interessante. Seguirei esta série com gosto.
Sou uma grande fã dos The Dresden Files de Jim Butcher, uma série de fantasia urbana sobre um feiticeiro chamado Harry Dresden que se mete nas maiores complicações possíveis. A série já vai em 15 livros e continua forte, algo que é bastante raro, na minha humilde opinião.
Por isso, porque não experimentar a série de fantasia épica deste autor? E ainda bem que experimentei! Jim Butcher não me desiludiu! Não leio muita fantasia épica, mas desde a trilogia Mistborn que não gostava tanto de um livro do género!
Alera é uma terra fantástica onde os habitantes se unem às fúrias, criaturas elementais que controlam a água, o fogo, o ar, a terra, a madeira e o metal. Qualquer pessoa pode unir-se a uma fúria, mas nem todos treinam para serem Cavaleiros e servirem no exército do First Lord (o imperador de Alera) ou dos High Lords (efetivamente, a nobreza).
Tavi, um jovem de 15 anos, parece ser a única pessoa no mundo sem talento para se unir a uma fúria e controlar um dos elementos. Quando os selvagens chamados Marat, que comem humanos e se unem a totens (animais) para ganharem força invadem o Vale de Calderon, onde as fúrias mais fortes e destruidoras de Alera residem e onde as pessoas têm as vidas mais duras, Tavi terá de se fazer valer da sua inteligência para tentar defender a sua casa e mesmo, possivelmente, o reino.
Ao mesmo tempo Amara, uma jovem Cursor unida a uma fúria do ar, tem de tentar deslindar uma possível conspiração contra o First Lord em que o seu mentor está envolvido.
Existem várias coisas (interligadas) a acontecer em Furies of Calderon. Temos uma conspiração para destronar o First Lord, uma invasão eminente (e secreta) dos Marat às terras de Alera e ainda as tensões cada vez mais altas entre os fazendeiros do Vale de Calderon.
No entanto, Jim Butcher consegue tecer uma história envolvente e coerente com estes "materiais" e dá-nos ainda uma visão geral do mundo de Alera e do seu sistema político, que tem algumas (escassas) parecenças com a antiga Roma imperial (nem que seja só nos nomes e nalguns títulos). Tudo isto sem criar confusão, sem ter tempos mortos e sem abrandar o ritmo.
Furies of Calderon foi uma leitura compulsiva. O mundo criado pelo autor intrigou-me, especialmente as fúrias e todas as outras raças (entre elas os Marat) que existem para além dos humanos. Os protagonistas Tavi, Amara, Bernard e Kitai são interessantes e diversificados.
No geral, uma leitura interessante. Seguirei esta série com gosto.
This was quite good. Kind of a pleasant surprise actually, because I didn't particularly like the Dresden files by the same author. This one was full of many of the usual tropes, but dressed up nicely and well worth reading. I'm looking forward to tracking down the second one.
A high 3-3.5
I enjoyed Tavi, Isana and Bernard a lot, but Amara's story just fell a little flat. There were some holes in the magic and backstory that might be cleaned up in future books, but I'm probably not invested enough to read the next one. If you like a lot of action, then you'll like this.
I enjoyed Tavi, Isana and Bernard a lot, but Amara's story just fell a little flat. There were some holes in the magic and backstory that might be cleaned up in future books, but I'm probably not invested enough to read the next one. If you like a lot of action, then you'll like this.
I was skeptical, and indeed the first few chapters felt painfully like Butcher attempting to write like Jordan or Sanderson, but it won me over in the end. Engaging and fun.
Sadly, this book just did not do it for me. Had I not been listening (I like how Kate Reading reads, so she's the only reason I stayed in), I never would have finished. I was just bored by...well, everything. All the good components of the book never came together to make it interesting for me. I obviously came into the story half-way through, as it seems this series picks up from another, so maybe I was just feeling a little new in an already-established world.
I would have liked this better had it been written for 8-12-year-olds, since that's how it read to me (minus the bit of sexual content, of course) and I think I'd have even been OK had it been written for a young adult audience but this is aimed at adults and I almost felt offended at the quick, trite situations for characters who seemed to have more depth and personality than warranted by their bland environments. I expected more out of the story and never got it and then ending was almost cartoonish.
So many of my fantasy-reading friends gush over this author and all his books so I should probably start at the beginning and go through some of his other stuff, but I think I'll wait a good, long time before giving that a try.
I would have liked this better had it been written for 8-12-year-olds, since that's how it read to me (minus the bit of sexual content, of course) and I think I'd have even been OK had it been written for a young adult audience but this is aimed at adults and I almost felt offended at the quick, trite situations for characters who seemed to have more depth and personality than warranted by their bland environments. I expected more out of the story and never got it and then ending was almost cartoonish.
So many of my fantasy-reading friends gush over this author and all his books so I should probably start at the beginning and go through some of his other stuff, but I think I'll wait a good, long time before giving that a try.