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books_n_critters's review against another edition
5.0
Another great read. This book was a bit more like the early books in the series with a little more going on and not so much of what seems, to me, to be overly descriptive "filler."
annekepaige's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
faymus1985's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
3.75
catamongstthepages's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
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
4.5
diesmali's review against another edition
4.0
I can't believe I had forgotten to add these books to my "read" list on Goodreads!
I really enjoyed the first 2 chapters (8 books) of this looong series. The unique tapestry of souls reborn and indebted to one another is quite unlike any other fantasy I have read, there are also many beautiful stories within the larger/main one.
I really enjoyed the first 2 chapters (8 books) of this looong series. The unique tapestry of souls reborn and indebted to one another is quite unlike any other fantasy I have read, there are also many beautiful stories within the larger/main one.
katmarhan's review against another edition
4.0
9/10
While many loose threads are tied up by the end of this book, which also concludes the "Westlands" arc of Kerr's Deverry Cycle, there are more than enough to lead the read into the next arc. Perhaps because I read this book in chunks, it seemed to lack some of the continuity that the other books had. Still, the characters were diverse and nuanced and the relationships were often complex. And my new favorite character is Arzosah!
While many loose threads are tied up by the end of this book, which also concludes the "Westlands" arc of Kerr's Deverry Cycle, there are more than enough to lead the read into the next arc. Perhaps because I read this book in chunks, it seemed to lack some of the continuity that the other books had. Still, the characters were diverse and nuanced and the relationships were often complex. And my new favorite character is Arzosah!
angrywombat's review against another edition
4.0
This was an excellent book - quite sad and moving, but a fitting end to the Westlands cycle.
Finally we're getting back to the wonderful "Deverry cultural intrigue" that drew me to the series as a whole :) The first main part of the book is another of the flashbacks periods that Ms Kerr writes so well. We go back to Rhodry and Jill while they are walking the road as Silver Daggers. Here we get involved in dark dealings of revenge and murder, with a bit of added dweomer for spice. This was my favorite part of the book, and it was great to have the old characters (especially the cunning young Jill) back for a time.
The latter half of the book is mainly concerned with the war between the Horsekin and the the northern folk (a human city, and their elvish and dwarvish allies) This was a bitter tale, with much violence and sad death. It was a real loss when Meer (the Horsekin Bard) was killed, just as he was getting interesting and becoming a real character. But he wasn't the only one - Both Yraen and Jill meet their deaths in this war - so while the war is won it is a very bittersweet victory.
The tone of the writing seems a reflection on Rhodry - in the earlier Daggerspell cycle, war was described more like a violent dance, full of blood and death, but also exciting. Now it seems Rhodry is older and the war is more of a slow grind that leaves nothing by sorrow in its wake.
I especially enjoyed the interactions of Rhodry and Arsozah. This dragon has real character!
Finally we're getting back to the wonderful "Deverry cultural intrigue" that drew me to the series as a whole :) The first main part of the book is another of the flashbacks periods that Ms Kerr writes so well. We go back to Rhodry and Jill while they are walking the road as Silver Daggers. Here we get involved in dark dealings of revenge and murder, with a bit of added dweomer for spice. This was my favorite part of the book, and it was great to have the old characters (especially the cunning young Jill) back for a time.
The latter half of the book is mainly concerned with the war between the Horsekin and the the northern folk (a human city, and their elvish and dwarvish allies) This was a bitter tale, with much violence and sad death. It was a real loss when Meer (the Horsekin Bard) was killed, just as he was getting interesting and becoming a real character. But he wasn't the only one - Both Yraen and Jill meet their deaths in this war - so while the war is won it is a very bittersweet victory.
The tone of the writing seems a reflection on Rhodry - in the earlier Daggerspell cycle, war was described more like a violent dance, full of blood and death, but also exciting. Now it seems Rhodry is older and the war is more of a slow grind that leaves nothing by sorrow in its wake.
I especially enjoyed the interactions of Rhodry and Arsozah. This dragon has real character!
wordnerdy's review against another edition
3.0
https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2022/02/2022-book-24_23.html
I wasn’t very far into this book when I started writing a review, because I was so annoyed about several things! And dang if I didn’t have to delete all of my complaints, because Kerr turned it all around by the end! (I was especially pleased about two dudes kissing after an early scene that had real “no homo” vibes.) I mean I am still losing a little bit of steam with this series; this was all battles and gross enemies and I really wasn't interested in some of the POV characters. Awesome dragon, though. B+.
I wasn’t very far into this book when I started writing a review, because I was so annoyed about several things! And dang if I didn’t have to delete all of my complaints, because Kerr turned it all around by the end! (I was especially pleased about two dudes kissing after an early scene that had real “no homo” vibes.) I mean I am still losing a little bit of steam with this series; this was all battles and gross enemies and I really wasn't interested in some of the POV characters. Awesome dragon, though. B+.