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4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Note: This is the 3rd book in the Legends of the 1st Empire series so this will not be an in-depth review.
Since Michael J. Sullivan is one of my all-time favorite authors, I asked my local public library to get a copy of his new book, Age of War, to read. Although, it was not as good as book 2, Age of Swords, as it was a lot slower paced, it was still a great installment, mostly because of the great themes that he conveyed over the course of this read and the plot twists and cliff-hangers that he imparted at the end.
One of the themes that Sullivan employs is the practice of putting women in positions that most writers would never put them in. For instance, within this book he has a woman as the leader of all the clans and the rebellion, multiple women soldiers, and a woman as the 1st and strongest sorcerer amongst the humans. As a female who loves fantasy and sometimes gets tired of only seeing males being the heroes, I really appreciate the fact that he puts whoever actually deserves the power into the position. I wish more authors were like him.
If his gender equality tendencies weren’t enough, he also has a disabled character that becomes one of the most important heroes of the book. Gifford was born with what we, as modern individuals, would recognize as cerebral palsy, but since the characters in our book live in what a time period that is a Stone Age society that is slowly evolving into a more advanced society, they didn’t have this knowledge. Again, I thought this was great of him to include characters that don’t usually get included.
Finally, I appreciate the view we get of a civilization that is starting to evolve after getting exposed to new technology and peoples. As a history major, I find this information very interesting, and it actually helps me understand some concepts that I wasn’t able to visualize concerning the evolution of civilization.
All in all, this is a great addition to the series, although, not the best one. 4.5 stars!!!!!!
Note: This is the 3rd book in the Legends of the 1st Empire series so this will not be an in-depth review.
Since Michael J. Sullivan is one of my all-time favorite authors, I asked my local public library to get a copy of his new book, Age of War, to read. Although, it was not as good as book 2, Age of Swords, as it was a lot slower paced, it was still a great installment, mostly because of the great themes that he conveyed over the course of this read and the plot twists and cliff-hangers that he imparted at the end.
One of the themes that Sullivan employs is the practice of putting women in positions that most writers would never put them in. For instance, within this book he has a woman as the leader of all the clans and the rebellion, multiple women soldiers, and a woman as the 1st and strongest sorcerer amongst the humans. As a female who loves fantasy and sometimes gets tired of only seeing males being the heroes, I really appreciate the fact that he puts whoever actually deserves the power into the position. I wish more authors were like him.
If his gender equality tendencies weren’t enough, he also has a disabled character that becomes one of the most important heroes of the book. Gifford was born with what we, as modern individuals, would recognize as cerebral palsy, but since the characters in our book live in what a time period that is a Stone Age society that is slowly evolving into a more advanced society, they didn’t have this knowledge. Again, I thought this was great of him to include characters that don’t usually get included.
Finally, I appreciate the view we get of a civilization that is starting to evolve after getting exposed to new technology and peoples. As a history major, I find this information very interesting, and it actually helps me understand some concepts that I wasn’t able to visualize concerning the evolution of civilization.
All in all, this is a great addition to the series, although, not the best one. 4.5 stars!!!!!!
Another really good book. Lots of storylines wrapped up and it really feels like halftime of this series. The ensemble cast that has been set up in the first two books really shined in this one as there were so many interesting character interactions. The Malcolm mystery and the new Imaly relationship seem to really set up the future books as I think we still have a lot to learn about Malcolm's role in the universe.
The development of Tesh was really enjoyable. The detective work in the early going with him and Brin was one of my favorite storylines and the revelation about him being in Dureya when it was sacked was great.
The love drama between Raithe and Persephone were the only aspects I didn't care for and I would've liked to see more of Mawyndule being educated.
The development of Tesh was really enjoyable. The detective work in the early going with him and Brin was one of my favorite storylines and the revelation about him being in Dureya when it was sacked was great.
The love drama between Raithe and Persephone were the only aspects I didn't care for and I would've liked to see more of Mawyndule being educated.
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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:
No
I'm super excited to see where the latter half of this series goes. This book ends on a decently conclusive note with a lot left to ponder, leaving me hopeful there'll be a decent time-skip at the start of Age of Legends. (Unsure if Michael has shed light on this, so sorry if I am unaware.)
The first book of this series had me putting complete faith in Michael to lead me down a road of wonder and amazement. I loved it. Then the second installment happened - was not as enamored. But I am pleased to say this book suffers very little from what nagged me in the second book (e.g; hard to believe invention timelines, and character's becoming very capable bow users not long after the bow is invented for the first time.) There's one example of the aforementioned nitpicks in this book, and it's when the first human ever rides a horse. I won't go into detail because of spoilers, but it wasn't the easiest to digest. I ignored it because the character development was beautiful and I'd been yearning for it.
I had no issue with the slow beginning some have claimed was a problem for them. Michael is great at characters and i enjoyed spending time with them. It was nice to see some more obscure characters grow into their own as well as see some romance develop ;).
The grand battle in this book was thrilling, and it brought out a myriad of emotions with its twists and turns. I was quite satisfied with everyone's character arc, and even teared up over the death of a character I didn't care much for. In fact, the death was probably the best part of the book for me. Up until that point, I wasn't a fan of the character, but in the last 20% or so, Michael sparked a feeling for the individual in me I didn't know I had, and then immediately pried them away from me.
"Even now."
Loved it. Sad I have to wait for book four.
Also, I want to shout out to my boy Tim Gerald Reynolds for the fire narration as always.
The first book of this series had me putting complete faith in Michael to lead me down a road of wonder and amazement. I loved it. Then the second installment happened - was not as enamored. But I am pleased to say this book suffers very little from what nagged me in the second book (e.g; hard to believe invention timelines, and character's becoming very capable bow users not long after the bow is invented for the first time.) There's one example of the aforementioned nitpicks in this book, and it's when the first human ever rides a horse. I won't go into detail because of spoilers, but it wasn't the easiest to digest. I ignored it because the character development was beautiful and I'd been yearning for it.
I had no issue with the slow beginning some have claimed was a problem for them. Michael is great at characters and i enjoyed spending time with them. It was nice to see some more obscure characters grow into their own as well as see some romance develop ;).
The grand battle in this book was thrilling, and it brought out a myriad of emotions with its twists and turns. I was quite satisfied with everyone's character arc, and even teared up over the death of a character I didn't care much for. In fact, the death was probably the best part of the book for me. Up until that point, I wasn't a fan of the character, but in the last 20% or so, Michael sparked a feeling for the individual in me I didn't know I had, and then immediately pried them away from me.
"Even now."
Loved it. Sad I have to wait for book four.
Also, I want to shout out to my boy Tim Gerald Reynolds for the fire narration as always.
Sullivan you M O N S T E R
Havent you put Suri through enough?? I am literally forever going to be haunted by "Even Now". Youre mean, youre so mean mister man. Raithe didnt deserve that. Raithe, my beautiful boy... *sobbbing***
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes