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spiringempress's review
4.0
In the morning, she would wake, and she would plan. Because she had declared war, and now she must fight it. Nothing else was left her. Nothing at all.
West's The Broken Crown is completely unique and unlike any fantasy book that I have ever come across before. The closest comparison is ASOIAF and only because the book contains a cast of characters with their individual agendas and goals, as well as, establishing a foundation for an epic and drawn out story. However, it is not a true comparison and no one should expect this series to be anything like ASOIAF because it is wholly original with some standout characters.
The story starts in one place and then continues with a set of characters in the Dominion of Annagar, where the clan Tor Leonne reigns dominant. It focuses on the clan Marano that consists of two brothers, Sendari and Adano, who vie for control of the indomitable Serra Theresa, who possesses the gift of the voice. The voice is hinted to be the ability to control the actions of other people, as well as, read the intention behind people's words. Serra Theresa has spent her entire life behind the closed doors of the clan Marano. She also promised to take care of her brother and his late wife's daughter, Diora, who also possesses the voice.
Overall, the story is split between Diora's childhood and her venture into womanhood. In the first part, West establishes the history of the clan Marano and the various relationships between Serra Theresa and her brothers. Adano is a talented military man while Sendari has always favored scholarly pursuits and desires to become Widan, a type of wise man who learns to perform magic. He was also married to Alora, who died giving birth to Diora. Both Serra Theresa and Sendari hold Alora in esteem and made individual promises to keep Diora safe.
Diora's hand is eventually promised to the rising heir within the clan of Tor Leonne. Unbeknownst to her, Sendari along with his friend General Alesso are planning to root out the clan and take over the seat of power. This, of course, leads to a lot of political machinations and an exploration of the system present in the Dominion, which must be carefully maneuvered for Sendair and Alesso to be successful. However, what they fail to take into account is the wrath of a scorned woman, who has made a promise to her sisters by marriage.
This is not an easy book to read. If you think George R.R. Martin or Robert Jordan are detailed-oriented and love to expand on the smallest detail of their book, character, or plot then you'll be impressed that West takes it to another level. Therefore, this is not the book/series for everyone. West explores her characters in-depth and the plots that they become involved in by looking at their daily activities and exchanges. It, therefore, will not appeal to someone, who likes fast-paced fantasy or traditional storylines in this genre.
My only criticism has to do with the cast of characters and how they are featured. The book opens with a healer from the isle of Averalaan Aramarelas, who is abducted by a man named Isladar. It is hinted that he serves a Lord, who is evil. Part of this involves the healer, Askeyia, who is sexually assaulted and becomes pregnant with a child named Kiriel, who can turn the tides of the war against the Lord of Hell. The book also introduces another woman, who goes to take care of Kiriel. However, the next part switches to the characters in Tor Leonne and Kiriel resurfaces later as the political landscape unfolds. It is a weird transition and while the beginning communicated Kiriel's importance, the rest of the book fails to extol on this. However, I am sure that the sequel will explore this more in-depth
West's The Broken Crown is completely unique and unlike any fantasy book that I have ever come across before. The closest comparison is ASOIAF and only because the book contains a cast of characters with their individual agendas and goals, as well as, establishing a foundation for an epic and drawn out story. However, it is not a true comparison and no one should expect this series to be anything like ASOIAF because it is wholly original with some standout characters.
The story starts in one place and then continues with a set of characters in the Dominion of Annagar, where the clan Tor Leonne reigns dominant. It focuses on the clan Marano that consists of two brothers, Sendari and Adano, who vie for control of the indomitable Serra Theresa, who possesses the gift of the voice. The voice is hinted to be the ability to control the actions of other people, as well as, read the intention behind people's words. Serra Theresa has spent her entire life behind the closed doors of the clan Marano. She also promised to take care of her brother and his late wife's daughter, Diora, who also possesses the voice.
Overall, the story is split between Diora's childhood and her venture into womanhood. In the first part, West establishes the history of the clan Marano and the various relationships between Serra Theresa and her brothers. Adano is a talented military man while Sendari has always favored scholarly pursuits and desires to become Widan, a type of wise man who learns to perform magic. He was also married to Alora, who died giving birth to Diora. Both Serra Theresa and Sendari hold Alora in esteem and made individual promises to keep Diora safe.
Diora's hand is eventually promised to the rising heir within the clan of Tor Leonne. Unbeknownst to her, Sendari along with his friend General Alesso are planning to root out the clan and take over the seat of power. This, of course, leads to a lot of political machinations and an exploration of the system present in the Dominion, which must be carefully maneuvered for Sendair and Alesso to be successful. However, what they fail to take into account is the wrath of a scorned woman, who has made a promise to her sisters by marriage.
This is not an easy book to read. If you think George R.R. Martin or Robert Jordan are detailed-oriented and love to expand on the smallest detail of their book, character, or plot then you'll be impressed that West takes it to another level. Therefore, this is not the book/series for everyone. West explores her characters in-depth and the plots that they become involved in by looking at their daily activities and exchanges. It, therefore, will not appeal to someone, who likes fast-paced fantasy or traditional storylines in this genre.
My only criticism has to do with the cast of characters and how they are featured. The book opens with a healer from the isle of Averalaan Aramarelas, who is abducted by a man named Isladar. It is hinted that he serves a Lord, who is evil. Part of this involves the healer, Askeyia, who is sexually assaulted and becomes pregnant with a child named Kiriel, who can turn the tides of the war against the Lord of Hell. The book also introduces another woman, who goes to take care of Kiriel. However, the next part switches to the characters in Tor Leonne and Kiriel resurfaces later as the political landscape unfolds. It is a weird transition and while the beginning communicated Kiriel's importance, the rest of the book fails to extol on this. However, I am sure that the sequel will explore this more in-depth
pemdas97's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rachel_from_cambridge's review against another edition
3.0
If I had started with this book I don't think I would have continued with the series given the size of each of the books. And that would of been a mistake, because they get much more exciting.
I found this enjoyable, but a bit slow, however the series overall (and the tie-in City series) is excellent.
I found this enjoyable, but a bit slow, however the series overall (and the tie-in City series) is excellent.
tearexmama's review against another edition
5.0
I reread it once a year. One of those books who's cover called to me over and over before I finally broke down and bought it.
hausofrhetorika's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
No había leído algo así antes, aunque tampoco es que haya leído mucha fantasía épica. No es lectura sencilla. Su trama es intricada, compleja, y exige bastante atención. Puede que a mucha gente le recuerde a Song of Ice and Fire. A pesar de que a veces me costó un poco entender la trama, fue gracias a les personajes que terminé por enamorarme de esta saga. Ahí es donde brilla aún más esta novela; les personajes tienen voces propias y motivaciones muy profundas.
No es para audiencias impacientes, eso sí.
No es para audiencias impacientes, eso sí.
agathag's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-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
5.0
ruineleint's review against another edition
4.0
This book ends really strongly. For readers like me who are reading the entire Essalieyan series, this book might feel a bit jarring after Hidden City due to the total change in setting, but things definitely get better after the midway point.
This book is about the people living to the south of the Empire depicted in Hidden City. Its a very different culture, with clans and families, a strongly patriarchal system, harems etc. This can be a bit of an adjustment for readers as instead of the very overt agency exercised by women in the Empire, we see how they use more subtle measures to exert some influence, though I think its still clear that they have nowhere near the power and influence they might have had in the empire.
This book is about the one young woman as she is growing up and the terrifying political conspiracy she finds herself at the centre of. There are multiple elements here - internal political intrigue, darker storylines that relate directly to the Hidden City storyline, larger scale politics involving both the south and the empire, as well as smaller, more personal stories that are the hallmark of Michelle West's writing
Overall, this book shows how West is able to maintain and continue a gigantic plotline over multiple huge books while continuing to craft political intrigue and character dynamics with the utmost skill
This book is about the people living to the south of the Empire depicted in Hidden City. Its a very different culture, with clans and families, a strongly patriarchal system, harems etc. This can be a bit of an adjustment for readers as instead of the very overt agency exercised by women in the Empire, we see how they use more subtle measures to exert some influence, though I think its still clear that they have nowhere near the power and influence they might have had in the empire.
This book is about the one young woman as she is growing up and the terrifying political conspiracy she finds herself at the centre of. There are multiple elements here - internal political intrigue, darker storylines that relate directly to the Hidden City storyline, larger scale politics involving both the south and the empire, as well as smaller, more personal stories that are the hallmark of Michelle West's writing
Overall, this book shows how West is able to maintain and continue a gigantic plotline over multiple huge books while continuing to craft political intrigue and character dynamics with the utmost skill
sagali's review against another edition
3.0
Highly highly recommend it. This is high fantasy at its best. And if you like strong female characters (and I don't mean only the sword wielding kind), this book had them galore.
However, I found the pacing very slow and the Dominion and it's habitants hard to relate to. My problem is that I started with reading the House Wars series first 3 books which focus on Jewel Aterafin and the city of Averalaan.
While reading a Broken Crown, I am only waiting for my favourite character Jewel to appear.
However, I found the pacing very slow and the Dominion and it's habitants hard to relate to. My problem is that I started with reading the House Wars series first 3 books which focus on Jewel Aterafin and the city of Averalaan.
While reading a Broken Crown, I am only waiting for my favourite character Jewel to appear.
laurla's review against another edition
"this is not a game."
"oh, but it is. because it is war. and men of power play at war as if it were a game that requires everything they can give it."
"oh, but it is. because it is war. and men of power play at war as if it were a game that requires everything they can give it."
saerryc's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. West does a great job of making the cultures she develops feel alive, and this results, among other things, in a interesting exploration of the nature of power, which is shown to exist not just in your fantasy-typical warriors and warrior women, but also in women living in more conservative-gender-role societies, if they can wield it in the kind of way everyone hopes Sansa Stark eventually will. There are some perhaps nitpick-ey criticisms I had of this: most notably, that after two decent prologues it takes too long to get going again, that the way it obliquely dances around things at times rather than outright stating them makes it occasionally hard to follow (it especially needs more dialogue tags), and that