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old_tim's review against another edition
4.0
Unfortunately it's a step back from the first book in the series.
http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2014/04/another-problematic-second-book.html
http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2014/04/another-problematic-second-book.html
majkia's review against another edition
5.0
Rating: Epic fantasy with a grimdark twist.
I really enjoyed the first book of the series, and am glad to report I enjoyed the second book as well. My only complaint is that I'd like to have seen a bit more of the Red Knight, as this one widens the field considerably and we jump amongst friends and foes throughout.
The Red Knight and his company of mercs, hire on to assist the Emperor. However, things go sideways before they can even arrive, with the Emperor kidnapped and possibly killed, so our guys start out in a hole and have to fight their way clear.
We learn more of who the Red Knight is, see more of his powers on display and are confronted with more of the Wild critters as well as powerful beings both on the side of the Wild and more neutral creatures who stick an oar into the action, quite often making this far more difficult and complex.
I love the humor amidst the carnage, and the understated way the Red Knight controls his company and events. He's always got a plan - and said plans generally make his company groan aloud. Because, although he always has a plan, he seldom explains those plans and his friends have to take him - and them - on faith.
I really enjoyed the first book of the series, and am glad to report I enjoyed the second book as well. My only complaint is that I'd like to have seen a bit more of the Red Knight, as this one widens the field considerably and we jump amongst friends and foes throughout.
The Red Knight and his company of mercs, hire on to assist the Emperor. However, things go sideways before they can even arrive, with the Emperor kidnapped and possibly killed, so our guys start out in a hole and have to fight their way clear.
We learn more of who the Red Knight is, see more of his powers on display and are confronted with more of the Wild critters as well as powerful beings both on the side of the Wild and more neutral creatures who stick an oar into the action, quite often making this far more difficult and complex.
I love the humor amidst the carnage, and the understated way the Red Knight controls his company and events. He's always got a plan - and said plans generally make his company groan aloud. Because, although he always has a plan, he seldom explains those plans and his friends have to take him - and them - on faith.
down_legends_and_lore's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not really sure what happened with this book. Maybe there was a long time between books because the author just decided to change names of characters and creatures without any explanation as to why. I really enjoyed the first book, so it is kind of disappointing that this one fell flat on it's face. The book started out strong but then dragged on until about the last twenty pages and then it was just done in an unsatisfying way. The book is called "The Fell Sword" but the fell sword is literally in only two scenes of the book. I was excited for this series, but I think I am going to put it on hold for now.
behnaz's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
diesmali's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome storytelling. Subtle and convincing plot, the reader is challenged to figure things out for herself. Martial and magical warfare intertwined with political intrigue. And yet we're only starting to get to know what the real story is about... and it's looking great.
chukg's review against another edition
4.0
I am in general pretty picky about my fantasy but this series is great. Magical memory palaces, ancient dragons, lots of clever military strategy and politics and personal relationships, not too many viewpoint characters and it's set largely in some kind of fantasy analogue of historic Canada.
k_lindberg's review
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
katmarhan's review against another edition
4.0
9/10
Multi-layered plot, complex characters, fascinating world, and well-researched details that make the story ring true. Looking forward to more!
Multi-layered plot, complex characters, fascinating world, and well-researched details that make the story ring true. Looking forward to more!
angrywombat's review
4.0
Once again - a fantastic book by Mr Cameron.
This one picks up pretty much straight after the events in The Red Knight, But now the company is off to Livianopolis (which is pretty much Byzantium) to rescue the Emperor and save the Empire.
This possibly suffers for being the middle book - you dont get the easy setup of the first, and there are too many open threads to have a fully satisfying ending, but wow, what a trip!
There are two main threads going on in this book, The Red Knight and his company in the east, and the various inhabitants of the Wild in the north west. Both have hints that there is something deeper going on (and the Dragon-guy from the first book plays a role as well) but the two storylines dont really intersect in any satisfying manner.
But despite those little annoyances, this is a fantastic book. The writing just flows and made it very easy for me to read. I received a deep abiding hatred of the Gallish Knights and their treatment of the Albans (especially towards the Queen and her ladies). I fell further in love with the company and its ruffian members. I grew more interested in the Irks and their culture (Tapio is an awesome new character).
Most importantly, I cant wait to learn what happens next!
This one picks up pretty much straight after the events in The Red Knight, But now the company is off to Livianopolis (which is pretty much Byzantium) to rescue the Emperor and save the Empire.
This possibly suffers for being the middle book - you dont get the easy setup of the first, and there are too many open threads to have a fully satisfying ending, but wow, what a trip!
There are two main threads going on in this book, The Red Knight and his company in the east, and the various inhabitants of the Wild in the north west. Both have hints that there is something deeper going on (and the Dragon-guy from the first book plays a role as well) but the two storylines dont really intersect in any satisfying manner.
But despite those little annoyances, this is a fantastic book. The writing just flows and made it very easy for me to read. I received a deep abiding hatred of the Gallish Knights and their treatment of the Albans (especially towards the Queen and her ladies). I fell further in love with the company and its ruffian members. I grew more interested in the Irks and their culture (Tapio is an awesome new character).
Most importantly, I cant wait to learn what happens next!
vaderbird's review against another edition
4.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish