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super_humman's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
raiju01's review against another edition
3.0
A beautiful story with bardic vibes and atmosphere about love, remembrance, secrets, and ancient fueds. Love me some characters with a flare for the dramatic
gmancam's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
nclcaitlin's review against another edition
3.25
I am…. underwhelmed.
There’s a mercenary who happens to be a potential heir to the threatening neighbour kingdom, there’s a scheming father, there are two lords at odds over a long-ago love affair but who need to work together to save the kingdom. There’s a missing heir, there are islands full of prophetic priestesses, there are too many people who have secrets.
The main protagonist of the book is Blaise, a mercenary coran (a soldier dedicated to the god Corannos). Blaise is a stranger to Arbonne which means he firstly views it as off, a very different to his homeland. However, Kay takes him – and the reader – on a journey to know and love the place and its people.
I admit the world and the writing are good, but the story itself felt too conventional and too distanced to keep its end up. I didn’t find myself falling in love with any of the characters, and the epic world building I had heard so much about didn’t read its heights for me.
Perhaps it’s because the prose, structure, conflicts, and political maneuverings reminded me of Kushiel’s Chosen and The Mists of Avalon.
I think I will still try more of Kay’s work, perhaps trying a physical format next time.
I used the audiobook for this one as the narrator sings the songs.
There’s a mercenary who happens to be a potential heir to the threatening neighbour kingdom, there’s a scheming father, there are two lords at odds over a long-ago love affair but who need to work together to save the kingdom. There’s a missing heir, there are islands full of prophetic priestesses, there are too many people who have secrets.
The main protagonist of the book is Blaise, a mercenary coran (a soldier dedicated to the god Corannos). Blaise is a stranger to Arbonne which means he firstly views it as off, a very different to his homeland. However, Kay takes him – and the reader – on a journey to know and love the place and its people.
I admit the world and the writing are good, but the story itself felt too conventional and too distanced to keep its end up. I didn’t find myself falling in love with any of the characters, and the epic world building I had heard so much about didn’t read its heights for me.
Perhaps it’s because the prose, structure, conflicts, and political maneuverings reminded me of Kushiel’s Chosen and The Mists of Avalon.
I think I will still try more of Kay’s work, perhaps trying a physical format next time.
I used the audiobook for this one as the narrator sings the songs.
jgoodie11's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this, but it took me awhile to feel connected to or care about any of the characters. It did get better though, when I could finally remember who was who. The plot wasn't anything earth-shattering, but it was interesting.
mrbear's review against another edition
5.0
Like The Lions of Al Rassan, this was fantastic, and a book I will be recommending to many people going forward. The story was compelling, and though the plot and scope felt a bit less sweeping than Lions, I would certainly not say that that detracted from the plot. Perhaps the biggest shortcoming of this book in the comparison is that Arbonne is more stark in it's depictions of good and evil, whereas Lions excelled in presenting the inevitable conflicts of religion and culture that bring two men who worked together and respected one another into conflict. This story, of differing ambitions and backgrounds, was more compelling than the clearly biased perspective of Arbonne.
So Lions is better, but that's largely irrelevant. Everyone should read both!
So Lions is better, but that's largely irrelevant. Everyone should read both!
dromwald's review against another edition
5.0
I really wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the premise of this one but once again Kay's storytelling blew me away. In fact, if anything, I think this tale by this author is the best so far. I can't wait to devour the next one I have downloaded to my nook.
shoutman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
5.0