Scan barcode
z24's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
First off, I really like this series, but this one has been the weakest so far. The characters are great and the plot is interesting, but the worldbuilding, especially the political parts, are often dry. Considering it was the first book in this trilogy, I am assuming it gets better in the next ones. All in all it was definitely worth a read, as even the dry parts add a lot of interesting details to the world of Maradine. It definitely also is the most history-heavy book so far.
rockhammerfist's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kestrellady's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is book 1 of the Maradaine Elite, but book 4 of the larger Maradaine world. This is a fascinating exploration of how a knightly order functions in a world that doesn’t really need or want them anymore. Also, loved getting the trolley problem in a fantasy world, and it's the first time a character has the same answer I do!
rachelini's review against another edition
3.0
I liked Dayne, but I'm not as fond of this sort of military side of Maradaine.
yerald's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lyndiane's review against another edition
5.0
The blazes, Mr Maresca? This story almost didn't make it to 4 stars in my estimation!!!!
For almost 70% of the narrative, we have a main character who is a seemingly insipid mix of Dudley-do-Right and Done-it-Duncan, parked in the middle of a somewhat confusing and almost boring explanation of the Maradaine political system (which is actually rather complex, as it turns out). I had to put the story aside for a bit and read something else, just to give myself a break.
However, my faith in this AMAZING writer's capabilities won through, and when I picked the book up again (with a heavy sigh, I might add), the story COMPLETELY turned on its head and produced political shenanigans worthy of Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy.
Wow, I did NOT expect that oh-so-nasty twist in this tale!!!!!!
For almost 70% of the narrative, we have a main character who is a seemingly insipid mix of Dudley-do-Right and Done-it-Duncan, parked in the middle of a somewhat confusing and almost boring explanation of the Maradaine political system (which is actually rather complex, as it turns out). I had to put the story aside for a bit and read something else, just to give myself a break.
However, my faith in this AMAZING writer's capabilities won through, and when I picked the book up again (with a heavy sigh, I might add), the story COMPLETELY turned on its head and produced political shenanigans worthy of Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy.
Wow, I did NOT expect that oh-so-nasty twist in this tale!!!!!!
depizan's review against another edition
3.0
This series digs a bit more into the world, as there's a fair amount of politics here. Bits of how Maradaine and Druth function have been there in the background of other books, but the Parliament and various dissatisfied groups are much more front and center here. So we get a better look at the worldbuilding.
(And one thing that I'm finding increasingly baffling in it is the inconsistent sexism. Women are - and as far as I can tell, have historically been - members of the elite orders, yet somehow the military and the constabulary either bar or limit women, and women don't have the right to vote. But they can be in the highly trained (if less regarded now) elite, in the Marshalls (at least as mages), are accepted in the universities, and seem to have equal odds of having magic ability. How did this on again off again sexism develop? It feels a bit too much like our world's sexism projected into a world that wouldn't necessarily have had the same views, but only where it's useful plot-wise. Like being another hurdle for Satrine in the constabulary books.)
That minor quibble - and the fact that the country seems to mostly be running on inertia (perhaps because no big decisions are necessary at present?) - aside, the series continues to be flawed, but fun. And very readable.
(And one thing that I'm finding increasingly baffling in it is the inconsistent sexism. Women are - and as far as I can tell, have historically been - members of the elite orders, yet somehow the military and the constabulary either bar or limit women, and women don't have the right to vote. But they can be in the highly trained (if less regarded now) elite, in the Marshalls (at least as mages), are accepted in the universities, and seem to have equal odds of having magic ability. How did this on again off again sexism develop? It feels a bit too much like our world's sexism projected into a world that wouldn't necessarily have had the same views, but only where it's useful plot-wise. Like being another hurdle for Satrine in the constabulary books.)
That minor quibble - and the fact that the country seems to mostly be running on inertia (perhaps because no big decisions are necessary at present?) - aside, the series continues to be flawed, but fun. And very readable.
More...