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teachinsci's review
4.0
This is a book that, even as a stand-alone, deserves the term epic. Friedman spent obvious an loving time building the cultures with which the book is peopled. Several storylines are started and find conclusion in this story which spans the majority of the lifetime of the two main characters. The Epilogue seemed out of place with its setting in time... I can understand why it is at the end, but the story is in some ways poorer for the understanding that didn't come until the end.
Overall, a very well done book, but a commitment to both an open mind for understanding and an expenditure of time (for length) are required for true enjoyment.
Overall, a very well done book, but a commitment to both an open mind for understanding and an expenditure of time (for length) are required for true enjoyment.
bmorerach's review
4.0
Really good, though took a little patience to get into it at the beginning.
Good world building, solid plot.
Good world building, solid plot.
zelq's review
3.0
Took a while to get going with this one. Found the early chapters a bit disjointed. Got rolling about halfway through.
smiorganbaldhead's review against another edition
5.0
This book is dark, brutal, sometimes confusing, and awesome. At first, it can feel disjointed, as it starts out feeling like a fix-up novel of connected short stories. Some stories/chapters are told in third person and some in first, some in past tense and some in present. Some are epistolary, and some have sub-chapters. However, these stories are very good, with many memorable moments. Gradually, plot threads from different stories begin to weave together into a complex but cohesive narrative with great characters and a lot of psychological and emotional depth. The world-building in this book is great, with multiple well-realized cultures. In many ways, depth, style, and some plot elements reminded me of Dune. Neither side of the conflict is necessarily the "good guys:" both the Braxins and Azeans can be incredibly brutal in different ways, though the Braxins' brutality is more open and sadistic. Many plot elements might be disturbing for some readers, and the darkness of the story is nearly constant (apart from one humorous episode involving an important side character). It's certainly not for everyone. However, I really enjoyed this book, and I plan to read more from C.S. Friedman.
journeywithrosie's review
4.0
If you are patient and stick it through, it's worth it! Read this book 3 times already.
justfoxie's review
5.0
a re-reading in preparation for The Wilding, and just to refresh my memory. A little hard core space opera is good every now and then.
kwajguy's review
Was unable to finish. Unfortunately the story just didn't interest me enough to keep going past page 114.
thestarman's review
4.0
A space opera that was better than expected, due to intriguing characters and manueverings (political and personal). I wished there had been more true ACTION, which makes we waffle between a 3.5 and 4 star rating.
VERDICT: 3.67 stars, rounded to 4. Especially considering this is Friedman's first novel, it is darn impressive in many ways.
PROS: Two powerful and determined opposing characters/civilizations, interesting developments, much trickery.
DOWNERS (minor): A bit difficult for me to keep track of all the characters. Not quite enough action.
VERDICT: 3.67 stars, rounded to 4. Especially considering this is Friedman's first novel, it is darn impressive in many ways.
PROS: Two powerful and determined opposing characters/civilizations, interesting developments, much trickery.
DOWNERS (minor): A bit difficult for me to keep track of all the characters. Not quite enough action.