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slr242's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing
Much better than the last book, gave me everything I wanted. I can't wait until the next one! My favorite series by far.
Much better than the last book, gave me everything I wanted. I can't wait until the next one! My favorite series by far.
mxsallybend's review against another edition
3.0
After the curious diversion that was Mirror Sight, Kristen Britain returns to more familiar realms with Firebrand, the sixth book of the Green Rider series. The consequences of Karigan’s future experiences weigh heavily on this story, something I didn’t expect, given the way her memories were allowed to fade. She is a changed woman here, and what Britain does with all that self-doubt, anxiety, and regret is powerful stuff – especially when contrasted against Estral and her fading voice. It’s often tiresome, to be honest, but it is realistic.
In terms of plot, if you’re waiting for the return of Mornhavon the Black or even a major confrontation between forces to advance the main conflict . . . well, you’re going to have to keep waiting. This is a Grandmother story, which means this is female-fronted fantasy with a female villain, and while she is once against relegated to magical catalyst as opposed to legitimate threat, she is responsible for two of the more interesting aspects of the book. The first is the Aureas Slee, an ice elemental who is summoned to kill King Zachary, but who becomes enamored of Queen Estora. It is an interesting creature, a monster with a personality, and the exploration of its lair and captives was exciting. The second is Nyssa, the Second Empire’s chief torturess, a sadist who enjoys taking her victims to the edge of madness and death. She gets far too little page time, but does have an interesting role to play in the last portion of the book, which makes me wonder if we’ve truly seen the last of her.
For such a female-fronted story – Karigan, Estral, Estora, Laren, and Grandmother – I was surprised to find that the best part of the book is actually Zachary. The King gets to do something here, to step away from his Weapons and engage as a human being rather than a political authority. He really has a trio of narrative arcs here, and I liked seeing him out of his element. Even his will-they-won’t-they scenes with Karigan are welcome, because they force a much-needed discussion of who they are, what they mean to one another, and what that means for Sacoridia. In fact, I would argue that this is more his story than Karigan’s, for he is the one who suffers, overcomes, and brings people together. Even stripped of his authority as King, he still proves himself to be a natural leader.
The only thing that bothered me is the series' continued reliance on divine intervention to resolve key plot points. These characters suffer through so much, and persevere through so many challenges, they deserve to have a hand in saving the day – not to have supernatural powers step in and take over. What makes the ending of this book such a challenge is that it’s telegraphed so far in advance. We know how it’s going to end, we know what powers will be responsible, and we know it’s pretty much going to negate anything the heroes can do or have done. To have not just one, but two supernatural powers conveniently save the day here was a disappointment.
So, with all that said, why do I keep reading? Because the journey matters more than the destination, the story more than the ending, and the characters more than the conflict. Two decades later, this still feels like a 90s epic fantasy saga, one that refuses to grow and evolve to fit current trends, and I hope that never changes. Despite what its critics might say, that feel is why I crave it, and why I’ll be ready and waiting when the next book lands, more than happy to see where Britain takes things next.
https://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/2019/06/fantasy-review-firebrand-by-kristen.html
In terms of plot, if you’re waiting for the return of Mornhavon the Black or even a major confrontation between forces to advance the main conflict . . . well, you’re going to have to keep waiting. This is a Grandmother story, which means this is female-fronted fantasy with a female villain, and while she is once against relegated to magical catalyst as opposed to legitimate threat, she is responsible for two of the more interesting aspects of the book. The first is the Aureas Slee, an ice elemental who is summoned to kill King Zachary, but who becomes enamored of Queen Estora. It is an interesting creature, a monster with a personality, and the exploration of its lair and captives was exciting. The second is Nyssa, the Second Empire’s chief torturess, a sadist who enjoys taking her victims to the edge of madness and death. She gets far too little page time, but does have an interesting role to play in the last portion of the book, which makes me wonder if we’ve truly seen the last of her.
For such a female-fronted story – Karigan, Estral, Estora, Laren, and Grandmother – I was surprised to find that the best part of the book is actually Zachary. The King gets to do something here, to step away from his Weapons and engage as a human being rather than a political authority. He really has a trio of narrative arcs here, and I liked seeing him out of his element. Even his will-they-won’t-they scenes with Karigan are welcome, because they force a much-needed discussion of who they are, what they mean to one another, and what that means for Sacoridia. In fact, I would argue that this is more his story than Karigan’s, for he is the one who suffers, overcomes, and brings people together. Even stripped of his authority as King, he still proves himself to be a natural leader.
The only thing that bothered me is the series' continued reliance on divine intervention to resolve key plot points. These characters suffer through so much, and persevere through so many challenges, they deserve to have a hand in saving the day – not to have supernatural powers step in and take over. What makes the ending of this book such a challenge is that it’s telegraphed so far in advance. We know how it’s going to end, we know what powers will be responsible, and we know it’s pretty much going to negate anything the heroes can do or have done. To have not just one, but two supernatural powers conveniently save the day here was a disappointment.
So, with all that said, why do I keep reading? Because the journey matters more than the destination, the story more than the ending, and the characters more than the conflict. Two decades later, this still feels like a 90s epic fantasy saga, one that refuses to grow and evolve to fit current trends, and I hope that never changes. Despite what its critics might say, that feel is why I crave it, and why I’ll be ready and waiting when the next book lands, more than happy to see where Britain takes things next.
https://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/2019/06/fantasy-review-firebrand-by-kristen.html
galigaes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ars410's review against another edition
4.0
Back to the standard fantasy action, which I much prefer to the time-traveling-to-the-future of Mirror Sight. And this book felt like it moved the overall story forward, which was good!
magnetarmadda's review against another edition
3.0
I’m getting really tired of Britain inflicting horrors on Karigan for the sake of the plot
stavigjc's review against another edition
2.0
I loved these books from the beginning, but I had to skim most of this book just to finish it and I don't know that I will get the next one. Bringing back the Karigan/ King love interest just really put me off because it seemed like that door had been firmly shut a while back. Also, I got tired of more male characters falling in love with Karigan. It got really old really quick. I loved Mr. Whiskers, and that the Queen actually took a stand and started acting like a queen. The story dragged on for much of the middle portion.
book_nerd4ever's review against another edition
5.0
Good Read.....but I had mixed feelings
I still give this a five star rating. This book just like the last five books in the series was a page-turner. I stayed up until 1AM trying to finish this story at one point, it was that good.
***Spoilers*****
The mixed feelings I had was ugh.... this is the sixth book in the series and I felt there was no connection from the 4th book to the 6th one. I really enjoyed Mirror Sight...it allowed us to have a what if story line. This book kept me engaged don't get me wrong but the overall story didn't progress the story line of the overall series. And I hate the Zachary/Karigan love story! He's married with children on the way! Enough is enough...I was really hoping we would see Karigan heal from her heartbreak over Cade. I was intrigued with the idea of her Enver but if course Britian had to ruin that too.
I look forward to the next book, but I want to see progress with the overall story.
I still give this a five star rating. This book just like the last five books in the series was a page-turner. I stayed up until 1AM trying to finish this story at one point, it was that good.
***Spoilers*****
The mixed feelings I had was ugh.... this is the sixth book in the series and I felt there was no connection from the 4th book to the 6th one. I really enjoyed Mirror Sight...it allowed us to have a what if story line. This book kept me engaged don't get me wrong but the overall story didn't progress the story line of the overall series. And I hate the Zachary/Karigan love story! He's married with children on the way! Enough is enough...I was really hoping we would see Karigan heal from her heartbreak over Cade. I was intrigued with the idea of her Enver but if course Britian had to ruin that too.
I look forward to the next book, but I want to see progress with the overall story.
mirrorballmusings's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lissaj's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the first 2-3 books in the series, but the installments have continually become more haphazard and all over the place. Disappointed.
dutchgreenrider's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0