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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
3. 5 stars
I enjoyed this one, although it was definitely a lot more political than the other ones, and while politics are not always my favorite topic in books, I do like how this one played out. There was an unexpected moment about 2/3rds of the way through that had me rather upset, but ultimately, the ending was satisfying and I look forward to Daine's next adventure, even as she continues to grow and mature, both as a person and in her powers.
I enjoyed this one, although it was definitely a lot more political than the other ones, and while politics are not always my favorite topic in books, I do like how this one played out. There was an unexpected moment about 2/3rds of the way through that had me rather upset, but ultimately, the ending was satisfying and I look forward to Daine's next adventure, even as she continues to grow and mature, both as a person and in her powers.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love Diane and Tortall as I always have and always will. I think this book was a step up in the expansion of the world. Diane had so much character growth in this and started to recognize what her potential is and how she shouldn't fear herself but maybe others should respect her power. Love it. Reading book 4 Tonight
Oh sweet sweet nostalgia. I remember having quite the soft spot for the 3rd book in The Immortals quartet because I particularly loved Prince Kaddar at the time, haha! Never understood why Piece then decided to romantically entangle her character with Numair instead, her mentor far older than her (though still attractive...of course). Maybe she didn't want to do the Prince Jonathan vs. a gifted commoner love triangle thing again, maybe?
I have a lot to critique rereading these books so many years later, it's a dangerous thing treading on childhood favorites (especially when I get to Eragon, oi vey...). But I also find that I don't want to critique them all harshly at the same time! Reading a Song of Ice and Fire definitely makes me read other types of fantasy that don't go into nearly as much moral complexity with a far more negative lens. All the good characters are too good and all the bad characters are classic Disney villain bad like Ozorne (such an evil sounding name, they all should've been tipped off simply by that!). Kaddar's the only morally sorta grey character but he's still vanilla as hell despite his reluctance to give up slavery. Daine's rising of the dinosaur skeletons should've killed a lot more innocent lives, but naturally Daine is so powerful that all the animals obey her and will do their best not to trample anyone evil. It's just not realistic, even in a fantasy world! She's a bit too OP with all these animal powers, but screw it, doesn't matter. I'm reading all the Tortall books despite all my mean old criticisms.
I have a lot to critique rereading these books so many years later, it's a dangerous thing treading on childhood favorites (especially when I get to Eragon, oi vey...). But I also find that I don't want to critique them all harshly at the same time! Reading a Song of Ice and Fire definitely makes me read other types of fantasy that don't go into nearly as much moral complexity with a far more negative lens. All the good characters are too good and all the bad characters are classic Disney villain bad like Ozorne (such an evil sounding name, they all should've been tipped off simply by that!). Kaddar's the only morally sorta grey character but he's still vanilla as hell despite his reluctance to give up slavery. Daine's rising of the dinosaur skeletons should've killed a lot more innocent lives, but naturally Daine is so powerful that all the animals obey her and will do their best not to trample anyone evil. It's just not realistic, even in a fantasy world! She's a bit too OP with all these animal powers, but screw it, doesn't matter. I'm reading all the Tortall books despite all my mean old criticisms.
Re-read review.
My opinion of this novel seems to have changed since the first time I read it. I liked it much better this time around. The biggest opinion change concerns the Emperor, for the first time that I read it, I thought he was a dime a dozen villain- but this time, I thought he was actually pretty well rounded. He may have been mad with power and greed, but it was touching to see his love and tenderness towards animals. And I think that before he went completly mad, he was a good emperor, since the armies are very loyal to him.
There are a few things I love more in novels than a magical character going berserk with their powers. I just love it. I love seeing the destroy things, draw to the extent of their power to avenge their loved one(s). Can you imagine being there. You're walking along, doing your job, when all of a sudden a bunch of dino-bones start trashing the palace. It's almost too good. I can't wait to see what happens next.
My opinion of this novel seems to have changed since the first time I read it. I liked it much better this time around. The biggest opinion change concerns the Emperor, for the first time that I read it, I thought he was a dime a dozen villain- but this time, I thought he was actually pretty well rounded. He may have been mad with power and greed, but it was touching to see his love and tenderness towards animals. And I think that before he went completly mad, he was a good emperor, since the armies are very loyal to him.
There are a few things I love more in novels than a magical character going berserk with their powers. I just love it. I love seeing the destroy things, draw to the extent of their power to avenge their loved one(s). Can you imagine being there. You're walking along, doing your job, when all of a sudden a bunch of dino-bones start trashing the palace. It's almost too good. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Yet another fantastic addition to the 'Immortals' series. Daine ventures off to Carthak this time, there only to help heal the Emperor's birds. This was my favourite book of this particular series because I really felt that the plot, characters and setting were fantastically written! Also: Tamora Pierce, you made me cry! I won't give away what happened but I was a wreck and couldn't stop sobbing for a good hour. Then when I picked the book up again, all was well. Tamora Pierce, don't ever do that to me again!
Daine gets sent to Carthak as part of a peace delegation for Tortall, but the corrupt Emperor has other plans.
Still enjoying Daine's story and her friends. Looking forward to finishing the final book of the Quartet, [b:The Realms of the Gods|13834|The Realms of the Gods (Immortals, #4)|Tamora Pierce|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166573613s/13834.jpg|1112038]. (Emperor Mage turned out the be my favorite of this series.)
Still enjoying Daine's story and her friends. Looking forward to finishing the final book of the Quartet, [b:The Realms of the Gods|13834|The Realms of the Gods (Immortals, #4)|Tamora Pierce|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166573613s/13834.jpg|1112038]. (Emperor Mage turned out the be my favorite of this series.)
For the first time in this series, I have to point out a serious plot hole.
They have major evidence that Carthak is behind multiple plots against Tortall and its citizens. Just last book, they survived a coupe attempt, with at least one living person brought into custody.. probably more, not all of those mages died. So they KNOW this place is bad news and the emperor wants them all dead.
How do they not take more precautions?
How did Daine go around the palace without some spy from Tortall watching her every move? She was on her own a lot. Granted, with a dragon, but fairly clueless. I get that there is a lot of Politics and that means that its both out of her control and totally out of her league - Daine isn't a fan of intrigue - and maybe that was the point.
I think the end battle with giant dinosaurs was really fun. I did wonder if she should have set aside some of that wealth and food provisions for the Carthakis who are starving and struggling amid droughts and being taxed to death by the evil emperor.
I know it sounds icky, but I was kind of shipping Daine and Numair by the end. "Magelet, that is the greatest understatement I have heard in my life."
There's a waiting list for the fourth book, so it looks like I'll be forced to take a break.
They have major evidence that Carthak is behind multiple plots against Tortall and its citizens. Just last book, they survived a coupe attempt, with at least one living person brought into custody.. probably more, not all of those mages died. So they KNOW this place is bad news and the emperor wants them all dead.
How do they not take more precautions?
How did Daine go around the palace without some spy from Tortall watching her every move? She was on her own a lot. Granted, with a dragon, but fairly clueless. I get that there is a lot of Politics and that means that its both out of her control and totally out of her league - Daine isn't a fan of intrigue - and maybe that was the point.
I think the end battle with giant dinosaurs was really fun. I did wonder if she should have set aside some of that wealth and food provisions for the Carthakis who are starving and struggling amid droughts and being taxed to death by the evil emperor.
I know it sounds icky, but I was kind of shipping Daine and Numair by the end. "Magelet, that is the greatest understatement I have heard in my life."
There's a waiting list for the fourth book, so it looks like I'll be forced to take a break.
Re-reading this series has been an absolute blast! I'm very happy to discover that I had excellent taste in books as a child. Tamora Pierce is just a fabulous storyteller. Her characters are some of the best, right up there with JK Rowling's.
Daine and Numair were always some of my favorites of hers. I've said it before (and I'm sure I'll say it plenty more), but Daine is seriously one of my favorite female characters. She is smart, determined, sassy, and she can speak with animals and even shape-shift. I don't think it gets any better than that! And Numair... What to say about Numair? I think he was one of my first fictional crushes. Dangerous, powerful, and yet his sense of humor and occasional sarcasm remind you that he's still human. I just adore these two.
And that's not even counting all of the other fabulous characters in this book: Alanna (always fabulous), Kitten, Zek, Kaddar... Where sometimes the plot wanders or the writing is a little simplistic, Pierce will always be wonderful because of her characters and world-building. 4.5 stars and I can't wait to re-read the last book in this series!
Daine and Numair were always some of my favorites of hers. I've said it before (and I'm sure I'll say it plenty more), but Daine is seriously one of my favorite female characters. She is smart, determined, sassy, and she can speak with animals and even shape-shift. I don't think it gets any better than that! And Numair... What to say about Numair? I think he was one of my first fictional crushes. Dangerous, powerful, and yet his sense of humor and occasional sarcasm remind you that he's still human. I just adore these two.
And that's not even counting all of the other fabulous characters in this book: Alanna (always fabulous), Kitten, Zek, Kaddar... Where sometimes the plot wanders or the writing is a little simplistic, Pierce will always be wonderful because of her characters and world-building. 4.5 stars and I can't wait to re-read the last book in this series!