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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
Story told through three point-of-view characters; Isgrimnur - Duke of Elvritshalka; Porto - a mercenary soldier in Isgrimnur's army; and Viyeki - a norn builder.
The book follows Isgrimnur’s pursuit of the Norn's retreat to their mountain stronghold, Nakkiga.
Through Viyeki's point of view we see into the lives of the Norns - their culture, history, government, military, magic, motivations, relationships, even emotions.
This novella does not require the reader to have read the previous three books of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn and because it has a solid ending without any cliff hangers, it can be read as a stand-alone. However, as a reader of the previous three books I get the sense that it setting the stage for 'The Witchwood Crown'.
It is fast paced with lots of action and political intrigue and - for me - an emotional moment near the end similar to what I experienced near the end of To Green Angel Tower.
The book follows Isgrimnur’s pursuit of the Norn's retreat to their mountain stronghold, Nakkiga.
Through Viyeki's point of view we see into the lives of the Norns - their culture, history, government, military, magic, motivations, relationships, even emotions.
This novella does not require the reader to have read the previous three books of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn and because it has a solid ending without any cliff hangers, it can be read as a stand-alone. However, as a reader of the previous three books I get the sense that it setting the stage for 'The Witchwood Crown'.
It is fast paced with lots of action and political intrigue and - for me - an emotional moment near the end similar to what I experienced near the end of To Green Angel Tower.
So the second time around I think I feel much better about this book. It feels like it is attempting to add a little more nuance to the end of "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn." I like it.
Very short for a fantasy book, really an in-between. I did enjoy getting more insight into the Norn's, they become humane and real, but so much needless slaughter and death gets tiring after 3 books. Quite dark, this one.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Osten Ard is a truly magical world, but its mysteries and secrets are deep and dark. So buckle up and prepare yourself. As the Mountain Folk say: Welcome stranger. The paths are treacherous today.
Blurb: The Heart of What Was Lost takes place in the half-year after the end of To Green Angel Tower, and tells of the attempt by Isgrimnur and a force largely made up of Rimmersgard soldiers to destroy the remaining Norns as they flee back to their homeland and their mountain. It also answers some questions about what actually happened in the immediate aftermath of the fall of Green Angel Tower.
Let me first say that you do not need to read the original trilogy to read this book, but hopefully it will make you interested in doing so to. The book carries a self-contained story, and in true style the author manages to build full characters, a vibrant and living setting, and an intriguing plot that keeps the reader on its toes, and creates as many mysteries as it reveals answers. We are also introduced to the very complex relationship between the humans and the elf-like races of the Sithi and Norns, as well as a glimpse into the relationship between those two races themselves.
There is action and suspense within these 200 pages to please any reader, but it is the warring of ideas, and the battles within characters that carry the heaviest consequences. The characters, like real people, carry flaws, come into contact with realities that conflict with their understanding, and are forced to change, or perhaps face unbeing…
It is a very satisfying read, and at the same time it leaves me wanting more. Just as it should.
*** *** ***
Edit/Reread notes
Having read the book a second time, I stand by my earlier review and rating. I'll just add that while I don't think it's necessary to read this book before The Witchwood Crown, I do believe it will give you more pleasure to do so, and it gives some deeper insights into the world of Osten Ard.
Plus, it really is a terrific little story.
Blurb: The Heart of What Was Lost takes place in the half-year after the end of To Green Angel Tower, and tells of the attempt by Isgrimnur and a force largely made up of Rimmersgard soldiers to destroy the remaining Norns as they flee back to their homeland and their mountain. It also answers some questions about what actually happened in the immediate aftermath of the fall of Green Angel Tower.
Let me first say that you do not need to read the original trilogy to read this book, but hopefully it will make you interested in doing so to. The book carries a self-contained story, and in true style the author manages to build full characters, a vibrant and living setting, and an intriguing plot that keeps the reader on its toes, and creates as many mysteries as it reveals answers. We are also introduced to the very complex relationship between the humans and the elf-like races of the Sithi and Norns, as well as a glimpse into the relationship between those two races themselves.
There is action and suspense within these 200 pages to please any reader, but it is the warring of ideas, and the battles within characters that carry the heaviest consequences. The characters, like real people, carry flaws, come into contact with realities that conflict with their understanding, and are forced to change, or perhaps face unbeing…
It is a very satisfying read, and at the same time it leaves me wanting more. Just as it should.
*** *** ***
Edit/Reread notes
Having read the book a second time, I stand by my earlier review and rating. I'll just add that while I don't think it's necessary to read this book before The Witchwood Crown, I do believe it will give you more pleasure to do so, and it gives some deeper insights into the world of Osten Ard.
Plus, it really is a terrific little story.
Ah, this book brought up so many memories of reading Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. Even though at least twenty years have past since the first time I read that series, I am beyond thrilled that Tad Williams is revisiting the Osten Ard universe. I look forward to future stories.
emotional
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No