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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
A good start to a new series. It didn't blow me away but I enjoyed it enough to read the next book. The story takes a while to get moving, there are chapters where it bogs down a bit. The characters are well drawn and Staveley is a fine storyteller but this plot could be lifted out and placed in any number of other fantasy novels. Nothing new here. Book one wraps up nicely in preparation for the next installment.
3.5 stars, rounded down because of cliffhanger.
This book is full of "Game of Thrones"-type dark fantasy and intrigue. And some of it is fairly predictable: there's a princess who falls for the rogue, there's her brother, a young man who is being mentored by an old man. There's two funny droids... oops, wrong story.
Anyhow, there's lots of swipes from other stories, but they're not bad. The story is told through the eyes of the three children of the Emperor. One is hidden away in a monastery with a secret critical mission, one is the Princess, embroiled in capital intrigue, and one is a wise-cracking dwarf... oops, wrong story.
There's a lot of male-centered fantasy which describes women mostly by their luxuriously colored-hair. OTOH, there's an interesting mystery behind it too. The plot twisted pretty well, and by the end, I was ALMOST ready to give it four stars.
But then the climax immediately began setting up the next novel, and frankly, I'm not that interested in the story to immediately buy and read the next book.
Recommended to: Look at the cover. If the cover grabs you, read the book.
This book is full of "Game of Thrones"-type dark fantasy and intrigue. And some of it is fairly predictable: there's a princess who falls for the rogue, there's her brother, a young man who is being mentored by an old man. There's two funny droids... oops, wrong story.
Anyhow, there's lots of swipes from other stories, but they're not bad. The story is told through the eyes of the three children of the Emperor. One is hidden away in a monastery with a secret critical mission, one is the Princess, embroiled in capital intrigue, and one is a wise-cracking dwarf... oops, wrong story.
There's a lot of male-centered fantasy which describes women mostly by their luxuriously colored-hair. OTOH, there's an interesting mystery behind it too. The plot twisted pretty well, and by the end, I was ALMOST ready to give it four stars.
But then the climax immediately began setting up the next novel, and frankly, I'm not that interested in the story to immediately buy and read the next book.
Recommended to: Look at the cover. If the cover grabs you, read the book.
3.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews
Summary
The Emperor is dead, and his two sons are at risk. One, the heir, is isolated, studying arcane principles with monks who set him seemingly pointless tasks. The other is nearing the end of his training with a group of elite, brutal fighters, with violence and death at every turn, while it seems a carefully planned coup is underway - perhaps involving an ancient, inhuman foe.
Review
I’ve not encountered Brian Staveley before, and frankly don’t recall how I ran across this book, other than that it was free. Going in blind, I had a vague expectation of stock fantasy tropes and little else. Partly, that was correct; partly not.
There are a lot of standard items here, and a fairly unpolished attempt to stick them all together. One brother is trained by monks who set him pointless tasks in order to learn hazy lessons. The other brother is trained by warriors with pointless violence. Neither approach seems like it would have any hope of working in real life, and they very definitely feel like clumsy mimicry or assimilation of countless much more subtle and effective forebears. It’s not realistic, but you know where it’s trying to go, so you cut it some slack – it’s like a copy of Brueghel you wish had taken more care with the brushstrokes. The outlines of the plot and the broad elements of the story, other words, are familiar; there are zero surprises.
On the plus side – and there is a plus side – the characters are genuinely engaging, if familiar. The details of the plot and worldbuilding are interesting and intriguing, and there’s promise of more arcane mystery to come. Despite recognizing the bulk of what I saw, I had fun watching it all play out, and curious enough about the mysteries to consider reading more.
Summary
The Emperor is dead, and his two sons are at risk. One, the heir, is isolated, studying arcane principles with monks who set him seemingly pointless tasks. The other is nearing the end of his training with a group of elite, brutal fighters, with violence and death at every turn, while it seems a carefully planned coup is underway - perhaps involving an ancient, inhuman foe.
Review
I’ve not encountered Brian Staveley before, and frankly don’t recall how I ran across this book, other than that it was free. Going in blind, I had a vague expectation of stock fantasy tropes and little else. Partly, that was correct; partly not.
There are a lot of standard items here, and a fairly unpolished attempt to stick them all together. One brother is trained by monks who set him pointless tasks in order to learn hazy lessons. The other brother is trained by warriors with pointless violence. Neither approach seems like it would have any hope of working in real life, and they very definitely feel like clumsy mimicry or assimilation of countless much more subtle and effective forebears. It’s not realistic, but you know where it’s trying to go, so you cut it some slack – it’s like a copy of Brueghel you wish had taken more care with the brushstrokes. The outlines of the plot and the broad elements of the story, other words, are familiar; there are zero surprises.
On the plus side – and there is a plus side – the characters are genuinely engaging, if familiar. The details of the plot and worldbuilding are interesting and intriguing, and there’s promise of more arcane mystery to come. Despite recognizing the bulk of what I saw, I had fun watching it all play out, and curious enough about the mysteries to consider reading more.
There’s nothing wrong with writing that draws heavily on its predecessors, and Staveley does make a genuine effort to bring something new to it all. I wish that the book had had several more editorial passes to plane down the somewhat misaligned joints and make for a smoother, more presentable structure, but overall it was harmless fun and possibly worth going on with.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Not so much a review as some thoughts I had while reading this:
- Monks like ... Trappists? or like ninjas?
- Can't own property and can't marry? Like the Night's Watch but better trained?
- WTF is a "leach"?
- Oh *that* is a leach ... I can dig that for this world's magic
- Speaking of: sure would like to play a D&D in this setting
- Author sure likes writing about curves, eh?
- We spend a LOT more time with the brothers than the sister...
- ...and her story seems like it could have been more interesting if we spent more time with her?
Overall? Enjoyed. Entertaining. There wasn't any point where I thought that I *wouldn't* finish it, which is a pretty good endorsement from me these days (esp. for fantasy).
- Monks like ... Trappists? or like ninjas?
- Can't own property and can't marry? Like the Night's Watch but better trained?
- WTF is a "leach"?
- Oh *that* is a leach ... I can dig that for this world's magic
- Speaking of: sure would like to play a D&D in this setting
- Author sure likes writing about curves, eh?
- We spend a LOT more time with the brothers than the sister...
- ...and her story seems like it could have been more interesting if we spent more time with her?
Overall? Enjoyed. Entertaining. There wasn't any point where I thought that I *wouldn't* finish it, which is a pretty good endorsement from me these days (esp. for fantasy).
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While we may only be a month into 2014, I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that Brian Staveley may just have the debut of the year with The Emperor's Blades. This was a book that reminded me, in different ways, of my first encounters with the likes of Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss. It managed to feel fresh and original, yet familiar at the same time. I knew, before the first chapter was over, that I'd be reading this one cover to cover.
Why? Well, for me, a really great fantasy novel must possess 4 things in order to succeed, and I'm pleased to say this covered them all.
First, it has to have a strong narrative voice, one that's both intriguing and entertaining. I don't want to be educated, talked-down to, or dazzled with unnecessarily embellished language. When I read a fantasy novel I want to feel as if the author is sitting in the chair across from me, spinning a story that he or she is enjoying just as much as me - and that's exactly how I felt with Staveley. That's not to say this is a casual or conversational sort of novel, just that it flows well and naturally, driven by a man who loves the telling as much as the tale.
Second, it must have compelling characters with either a slowly unveiled back story, or who grow and evolve through the story. With The Emperor's Blade we get a bit of both. Kaden, Valyn, and Adare, provide our entry into the story, with each chapter focusing on one of the Emperor's three children. Even though they are on the cusp of adulthood, there's still something of a coming-of-age story here, with the siblings growing significantly by the time the final page is turned. They're all strong characters, as admirable as they are likable. Each has been placed into a difficult situation, trapped there by duty and obligation, but even if there's some longing and resentment, there's no whining or endless complaining about their plight. Adare gets the least amount of page time here, and I'm sure some readers may frown at her role, I quite liked the way she was able to command a situation in which she's powerless to do more than watch and wait.
As for the slowly unveiled back story, that belongs to their leaders and their teachers, to their friends and their foes. Staveley doesn't weight the story down with too many characters, but he invests his time in making each of them complex and well-rounded. You may hate some of them with a passion - particularly some of Valyn's fellow cadets- but you'll still find yourself anxious to learn their secrets.
Third, a really great fantasy novel has to imbue me with that sense of awe or wonder. In some cases that's done with dragons or other mythical beasts, and in others it's done with acts magic or faith. There's a fine line between imbuing and overwhelming, however, and that's where so many authors miss their mark. Rather than putting the wondrous at the forefront, Staveley weaves it carefully into his story, keeping it secondary to the characters. There's the soaring birds that the Kettral ride into battle, and the ferocious slarn that live deep underground; there are leaches who can drawn on elemental and emotional elements for their power, and the monks who seem to have a very different power of their own; and then there's the old gods and the new gods, embracing different aspects of the realm in a really interesting dual mythology.
Finally, above all else, I need a story that's as deeply layered as it is compelling. If there's anywhere Staveley stumbles a bit, it's here, but only because I suspect so much of the story is yet to be revealed. We see the world through the eyes of Kaden, Valyn, and Adare, so we don't have the opportunity to ferret out plots and conspiracies of which they're not aware. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed what Staveley did here, particularly with the plots and counter-plots revolving around all three characters. The plotting and backstabbing amongst the Kettral was exceptionally well-played, and it's been a while since I've cheered quite as strongly as I did for Adare against Uinian IV, Chief Priest of Intarra. As if it weren't enough that the Emperor has been assassinated, there are some very personal vendettas to be survived here, in addition to the royal ones, and the way in which they all cross in the end is as rewarding as it is surprising.
Like I said, if this isn't the debut of 2014, then I'd really be surprised. This is epic fantasy for a new generation, gritty and grim at times, but never losing sight of the awe and the wonder. I'm honestly not sure where Staveley intends to take the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne next, but The Emperor's Blades has guaranteed a space on my shelf for subsequent volumes. Take a chance, pick it up, and read a few chapters - enough to meet all three offspring - and I guarantee you'll find yourself putting off other things to read 'just one more chapter' well into the night.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Why? Well, for me, a really great fantasy novel must possess 4 things in order to succeed, and I'm pleased to say this covered them all.
First, it has to have a strong narrative voice, one that's both intriguing and entertaining. I don't want to be educated, talked-down to, or dazzled with unnecessarily embellished language. When I read a fantasy novel I want to feel as if the author is sitting in the chair across from me, spinning a story that he or she is enjoying just as much as me - and that's exactly how I felt with Staveley. That's not to say this is a casual or conversational sort of novel, just that it flows well and naturally, driven by a man who loves the telling as much as the tale.
Second, it must have compelling characters with either a slowly unveiled back story, or who grow and evolve through the story. With The Emperor's Blade we get a bit of both. Kaden, Valyn, and Adare, provide our entry into the story, with each chapter focusing on one of the Emperor's three children. Even though they are on the cusp of adulthood, there's still something of a coming-of-age story here, with the siblings growing significantly by the time the final page is turned. They're all strong characters, as admirable as they are likable. Each has been placed into a difficult situation, trapped there by duty and obligation, but even if there's some longing and resentment, there's no whining or endless complaining about their plight. Adare gets the least amount of page time here, and I'm sure some readers may frown at her role, I quite liked the way she was able to command a situation in which she's powerless to do more than watch and wait.
As for the slowly unveiled back story, that belongs to their leaders and their teachers, to their friends and their foes. Staveley doesn't weight the story down with too many characters, but he invests his time in making each of them complex and well-rounded. You may hate some of them with a passion - particularly some of Valyn's fellow cadets- but you'll still find yourself anxious to learn their secrets.
Third, a really great fantasy novel has to imbue me with that sense of awe or wonder. In some cases that's done with dragons or other mythical beasts, and in others it's done with acts magic or faith. There's a fine line between imbuing and overwhelming, however, and that's where so many authors miss their mark. Rather than putting the wondrous at the forefront, Staveley weaves it carefully into his story, keeping it secondary to the characters. There's the soaring birds that the Kettral ride into battle, and the ferocious slarn that live deep underground; there are leaches who can drawn on elemental and emotional elements for their power, and the monks who seem to have a very different power of their own; and then there's the old gods and the new gods, embracing different aspects of the realm in a really interesting dual mythology.
Finally, above all else, I need a story that's as deeply layered as it is compelling. If there's anywhere Staveley stumbles a bit, it's here, but only because I suspect so much of the story is yet to be revealed. We see the world through the eyes of Kaden, Valyn, and Adare, so we don't have the opportunity to ferret out plots and conspiracies of which they're not aware. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed what Staveley did here, particularly with the plots and counter-plots revolving around all three characters. The plotting and backstabbing amongst the Kettral was exceptionally well-played, and it's been a while since I've cheered quite as strongly as I did for Adare against Uinian IV, Chief Priest of Intarra. As if it weren't enough that the Emperor has been assassinated, there are some very personal vendettas to be survived here, in addition to the royal ones, and the way in which they all cross in the end is as rewarding as it is surprising.
Like I said, if this isn't the debut of 2014, then I'd really be surprised. This is epic fantasy for a new generation, gritty and grim at times, but never losing sight of the awe and the wonder. I'm honestly not sure where Staveley intends to take the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne next, but The Emperor's Blades has guaranteed a space on my shelf for subsequent volumes. Take a chance, pick it up, and read a few chapters - enough to meet all three offspring - and I guarantee you'll find yourself putting off other things to read 'just one more chapter' well into the night.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This re-read left me with a lot of mixed feelings. There were definitely parts I still liked, but I had more problems with it this time around.
The overarching plot was actually very interesting in theory, with the siblings being separated across the world but connected through the danger and plotting of antagonistic forces. However, we see Adare so little, despite her being located where the political machinations that set everything in motion are centralized and where we would be best suited to learn more about the world. I also felt like she should’ve been a lot smarter considering where and how she grew up, and it felt like the mistakes she made were just because of plot convenience to move things along. Kaden’s POV is quite boring for the majority of the book, but things do pick up later for him. Valyn’s POV is by far the most interesting, but I wish he had been at least a bit more competent, considering he’d been training for 8 years already and he kept missing a lot of obvious clues.
One of the bigger issues I had was with the descriptions and characterization/archetypes of female characters that felt very male gaze-y. Also, the casual sexual harassment and assault with zero consequences was gross and it just felt gratuitous - I’m tired of the sexual violence constantly directed towards women in a lot of grimdark. There’s also a lot weird instances of fatphobia and ableism? Every fat character was described in the worst way possible and were at worst evil and at best incompetent and lazy.
I did really like the prologue, and I’m hoping we get to see more of that in the coming books. Stavely’s writing also managed to be pretty funny in parts (purposely so), and I did generally enjoy the writing style, although there was quite a bit of repetition of phrases and information that could get annoying. I did also appreciate that none of the siblings were the best at what they were doing. They made a lot of mistakes and could be slow to understand things (which was admittedly frustrating), but I think this leaves a lot of room for growth. The problem is that they were a bit too stupid and none of that growth really happens in this one, but hopefully that will change going forward.
Despite my problems with the story, it was still pretty entertaining and I think it has good bones that I hope will be taken advantage of in the next instalment.
As a reader, I'm picky when it comes to epic fantasy, but I was instantly hooked by The Emperor's Blades by Brian Staveley. The compelling story, gripping action, and three-dimensional, complex characters made this one of the best epic fantasies I've read - I can't wait for the sequel!
I love when epic fantasy can still feel fresh and new simply with good writing.