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notesurfer's review against another edition
1.0
DNF after chapter 1. Abysmal prose and awkward sexualizing of the protagonist's love interest when she's being badass - no thanks.
whiteraven191's review against another edition
3.0
Despite being marked as the first book in a series, this was not the case. There was another novel, [b:The First Sword|22008818|The First Sword|Anna Kashina|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1398356297l/22008818._SX50_.jpg|20390748] that preceded this one, and Blades of the Old Empire clearly expected you to have read that one. This meant that characters would suddenly bring up important characters or pieces of information with no build-up or foreshadowing. This would be fine if I had read The First Sword, but since I didn't realize it existed until halfway through the novel, I didn't really have that opportunity.
silelda's review
4.0
This ended up being a lot more entertaining than I thought it would. For a book that begins with the prince being in love with his bodyguard, and her with him, there ended up being so much more to the book that kept me interested. The fight scenes alone are worth reading, but the Kashina has also included interesting villains and side-characters. The world that this takes place in has so much going on. There's a delightful blend of humor and action throughout the book.
bhalpin's review
3.0
Here's what I loved: this is a fantasy novel that forgoes the usual Ponderous First Third of the book. We start with a battle, and it's pretty much "there's stuff happening; keep up" for the rest of the book. Which I actually like!
So, wonderfully paced and plotted (fantastic twist about halfway through that had me like, "how will they ever get out of this???"), but then the thing I liked about it became a problem. I never got much of a sense of the characters, except that they all have crushes and some smell like fresh water and pine even though they fight all the time and never seem to bathe. I was hooked enough by the plot to finish, but in the end, I didn't feel like I knew enough about the characters to really want to spend more time with them. And the political stuff at the end sailed right over my head because it was never set up earlier in the book.
All of which is possibly explained by the fact that though this is billed as book 1, it turns out to be the second book with these characters. Not sure why this was done or who's responsible, but it's a disservice to this book. It felt like I was supposed to know all of this stuff (like what the Keepers are, exactly) already BECAUSE I WAS. I probably won't continue with the series because I didn't care enough about the characters or the world, which might not have been the case if I'd read the actual first book. (It's called The First Sword, btw.)
So, wonderfully paced and plotted (fantastic twist about halfway through that had me like, "how will they ever get out of this???"), but then the thing I liked about it became a problem. I never got much of a sense of the characters, except that they all have crushes and some smell like fresh water and pine even though they fight all the time and never seem to bathe. I was hooked enough by the plot to finish, but in the end, I didn't feel like I knew enough about the characters to really want to spend more time with them. And the political stuff at the end sailed right over my head because it was never set up earlier in the book.
All of which is possibly explained by the fact that though this is billed as book 1, it turns out to be the second book with these characters. Not sure why this was done or who's responsible, but it's a disservice to this book. It felt like I was supposed to know all of this stuff (like what the Keepers are, exactly) already BECAUSE I WAS. I probably won't continue with the series because I didn't care enough about the characters or the world, which might not have been the case if I'd read the actual first book. (It's called The First Sword, btw.)
tsana's review
5.0
Blades of the Old Empire is the first book I've read by Anna Kashina. I decided to read it on a whim, and I'm glad I did. I must say, I'm not overly fond of the blurb — it's a bit melodramatic and slightly spoilery for an event admittedly close to the start.
There was a lot to like about Blades of the Old Empire. For me, the real strength of the book was the way everything came together into a smooth package. It opens with Prince Kyth being attacked by some mysteriously powerful bad guys (the Kaddim) and some troubles with the priesthood regarding Kyth's ability to succeed his father. The main characters set off in a couple of groups to deal with the religious issue and the story mostly follows them on their journeys (even if the "journey" doesn't necessarily consist of much travel thanks to complications).
You know how in some books, poor timing and coincidence is used to send characters off on misinformed missions of revenge and so forth and you're left shouting at the page in frustration? Well, Kashina doesn't take it quite that far, which was a nice change. I mean, I like books which toy with my emotions and make me yell at them (well, not if I'm yelling because they're crap, but that's not what I'm talking about here). But it was nice to have some of the suspense of that but not necessarily played out to the worst possible conclusion. I didn't realise how much less stressful that would be! ;-)
I should probably admit that I have a soft spot for assassins guilds. It certainly wasn't the only think I liked about Blades of the Old Empire, but it helped. So did the implausibly awesome warriors (one of whom, Kara, adorns the front cover). The Majat Guild has a ranking system based on gem stones; Diamond rank is the best, Jade rank indicates particular proficiency with ranged weapons, a group of Rubies plus one Diamond form the king's guard, that sort of thing. There are three Diamonds in the group of main and secondary characters, so we have ample opportunity to read about their implausibly good fighting abilities. The only think I would have liked is a glossary or appendix listing the ranks in order since that didn't come up in the book in very much detail (beyond what we needed to know about the characters). Actually, a list of characters — especially the rulers of the other kingdoms, which I briefly lost track of — would also have been good. And of the roles of Keepers, another powerful sect in the world. I do feel like some of this stuff will slot into place better upon reading the next book, however.
All the main characters were enjoyable to follow. The two main(-est) assassins have very few point of view sections (I think only when no one else is around for a plot-relevant scene) which serves to make them even more mysterious since we only have the other character's observations and thoughts to go on. The prince and friends were also very likeable characters. I particularly liked Ellah, who probably has the most complete emotional journey throughout the book. And, needless to say, I liked that there were several female characters (really, most of them) who actually got to control their own destinies, despite living in a fantasy world. Always good to see.
I enjoyed Blades of the Old Empire a lot and I highly recommend it to all fantasy fans, especially fans of BFF (big fat fantasy) books. Once I got a few chapters in, I found it very difficult to put down (you would think that having relatively short chapters would make this easier, but it was not the case). I will definitely be picking up the sequel which, apparently, is due out in (Northern) "summer". Looking forward to it.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
There was a lot to like about Blades of the Old Empire. For me, the real strength of the book was the way everything came together into a smooth package. It opens with Prince Kyth being attacked by some mysteriously powerful bad guys (the Kaddim) and some troubles with the priesthood regarding Kyth's ability to succeed his father. The main characters set off in a couple of groups to deal with the religious issue and the story mostly follows them on their journeys (even if the "journey" doesn't necessarily consist of much travel thanks to complications).
You know how in some books, poor timing and coincidence is used to send characters off on misinformed missions of revenge and so forth and you're left shouting at the page in frustration? Well, Kashina doesn't take it quite that far, which was a nice change. I mean, I like books which toy with my emotions and make me yell at them (well, not if I'm yelling because they're crap, but that's not what I'm talking about here). But it was nice to have some of the suspense of that but not necessarily played out to the worst possible conclusion. I didn't realise how much less stressful that would be! ;-)
I should probably admit that I have a soft spot for assassins guilds. It certainly wasn't the only think I liked about Blades of the Old Empire, but it helped. So did the implausibly awesome warriors (one of whom, Kara, adorns the front cover). The Majat Guild has a ranking system based on gem stones; Diamond rank is the best, Jade rank indicates particular proficiency with ranged weapons, a group of Rubies plus one Diamond form the king's guard, that sort of thing. There are three Diamonds in the group of main and secondary characters, so we have ample opportunity to read about their implausibly good fighting abilities. The only think I would have liked is a glossary or appendix listing the ranks in order since that didn't come up in the book in very much detail (beyond what we needed to know about the characters). Actually, a list of characters — especially the rulers of the other kingdoms, which I briefly lost track of — would also have been good. And of the roles of Keepers, another powerful sect in the world. I do feel like some of this stuff will slot into place better upon reading the next book, however.
All the main characters were enjoyable to follow. The two main(-est) assassins have very few point of view sections (I think only when no one else is around for a plot-relevant scene) which serves to make them even more mysterious since we only have the other character's observations and thoughts to go on. The prince and friends were also very likeable characters. I particularly liked Ellah, who probably has the most complete emotional journey throughout the book. And, needless to say, I liked that there were several female characters (really, most of them) who actually got to control their own destinies, despite living in a fantasy world. Always good to see.
I enjoyed Blades of the Old Empire a lot and I highly recommend it to all fantasy fans, especially fans of BFF (big fat fantasy) books. Once I got a few chapters in, I found it very difficult to put down (you would think that having relatively short chapters would make this easier, but it was not the case). I will definitely be picking up the sequel which, apparently, is due out in (Northern) "summer". Looking forward to it.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
tachyondecay's review
3.0
I’m slowly working my way through my Angry Robot/Strange Chemistry backlog from back when I had a subscription to every book they published. Anna Kashina’s name was familiar: turns out I read a similarly named Shadowblade that also features cool sexy sword-wielding ladies. I’m not saying these books are clones, but yeah … Kashina has a theme here.
In Blades of the Old Empire, an ancient enemy has returned and has an outsized interest on the Crown Prince, Kyth. Fortunately, Kyth is protected by a mercenary named Kara (when I got this book, of course, I had no idea I would one day come to share the name of one of its main characters, yay). Kara seems to be the only one immune to the magic that Kyth’s attackers use to disable everyone in their path. Oh, and Kyth and Kara have a thing for each other—because of course they do. Determined to find out more about these new (old) enemies, Kyth and Kara and their retinue set off on a little quest, only to be waylaid (of course). Meanwhile, Kyth’s daddy (that would be King Daddy to you and me) sets off on his own little quest, with some politics and shenanigans for him to enjoy. Also there is some death and a fair amount of scenery-chewing.
Don’t let my insouciance fool you: I liked most of this book well enough. Kashina has some interesting ideas in here, from the whole Majat’s gem ranking setup to the evil cult brotherhood to the various powers within this world—the Church, the Keepers, the crown, etc. It’s clever, very detailed, with lots of hints that the lore goes deeper. Exactly what I like in my fantasy.
As much as the romance between Kyth and Kara annoys me, I’ll also praise their characterization. Kyth isn’t a Marty Stu with a whole bunch of random powers that lets him get out of scrapes: Kashina develops his powers gradually and in a logical way from the beginning of the book to the end. Similarly, even though Kara is literally the most elite warrior in existence, she has her flaws too.
I’m less satisfied with the plotting. The parallel storytelling structure works well enough for me, but the actual plot leaves much to be desired. So much that happens is just very convenient, from the way that Mai conveniently knows how to disable instead of kill someone important to the way that Kyth and Mai meet up again with the others at just the right time. Similarly, while some of the characters are great (as noted above), others, like the Duke, seem like cardboard left in the rain too long.
Blades of the Old Empire has a lot going for it, and while I wouldn’t jump at recommending it, I’ll say this: I wanted a nice fantasy novel to read on my deck in the sun, and Kashina delivered on that.
In Blades of the Old Empire, an ancient enemy has returned and has an outsized interest on the Crown Prince, Kyth. Fortunately, Kyth is protected by a mercenary named Kara (when I got this book, of course, I had no idea I would one day come to share the name of one of its main characters, yay). Kara seems to be the only one immune to the magic that Kyth’s attackers use to disable everyone in their path. Oh, and Kyth and Kara have a thing for each other—because of course they do. Determined to find out more about these new (old) enemies, Kyth and Kara and their retinue set off on a little quest, only to be waylaid (of course). Meanwhile, Kyth’s daddy (that would be King Daddy to you and me) sets off on his own little quest, with some politics and shenanigans for him to enjoy. Also there is some death and a fair amount of scenery-chewing.
Don’t let my insouciance fool you: I liked most of this book well enough. Kashina has some interesting ideas in here, from the whole Majat’s gem ranking setup to the evil cult brotherhood to the various powers within this world—the Church, the Keepers, the crown, etc. It’s clever, very detailed, with lots of hints that the lore goes deeper. Exactly what I like in my fantasy.
As much as the romance between Kyth and Kara annoys me, I’ll also praise their characterization. Kyth isn’t a Marty Stu with a whole bunch of random powers that lets him get out of scrapes: Kashina develops his powers gradually and in a logical way from the beginning of the book to the end. Similarly, even though Kara is literally the most elite warrior in existence, she has her flaws too.
I’m less satisfied with the plotting. The parallel storytelling structure works well enough for me, but the actual plot leaves much to be desired. So much that happens is just very convenient, from the way that Mai conveniently knows how to disable instead of kill someone important to the way that Kyth and Mai meet up again with the others at just the right time. Similarly, while some of the characters are great (as noted above), others, like the Duke, seem like cardboard left in the rain too long.
Blades of the Old Empire has a lot going for it, and while I wouldn’t jump at recommending it, I’ll say this: I wanted a nice fantasy novel to read on my deck in the sun, and Kashina delivered on that.
bibliotropic's review
3.0
Anna Kashina’s tale of a kingdom in peril, a dark infiltration of the church, and a quest to change laws and protect the innocent and uncover the newly risen dark cult’s plans should have been a book to leave a deep impression on me. It sounds, on the surface, like a tale filled with potential to be action-packed, intriguing, riddled with controversy and grey morality.
Instead it was a book with a story that didn’t seem to delve much deeper than the surface. The enemies of the dark cult were all power-mad and very much aware that they were doing evil things in the name of evil. Characters fell flat and didn’t have too much to them, and the most interesting things about them seemed glossed over in such a way that I felt very much as though this was the second book of a series, not the first. The dual romance subplots felt half-hearted at best, and there was more than a bit of info-dumping in the form of, “As you know, [character]” exposition.
(Some research tells me that the story for this technically began in another series, published by a different publisher, and not mentioned in any way when the pitch for this book was given to me. This may explain why many of the characters felt so flat and underdeveloped. They were developed in a previous novel, and so in a way I really was coming into the middle of a story, with no warning and no preamble.)
The book wasn’t entirely bad. It’s just that its good moments weren’t as common as its merely okay moments, and even then those good moments seemed to have caveats to them. Hints are made about the history of the world, the politics around the monarchy, it’s said blatantly that the church hates magic but it’s unclear as to why, and the Majat themselves are a fairly interesting warrior society, their ranks coded by gems and semi-precious stones. Like I said, this book, and many of the plot elements used, held what I thought was a lot of potential. But I don’t feel it lived up to that potential, and that was disappointing.
There was also a lot of deus ex machina going around. Each Diamond-ranked Majat has a secret “shadow” who knows all their fighting weaknesses and are used against them if they ever betray the guild, and conveniently there are 2 Diamond Majat in the story, one of whom is the other’s shadow (neither of them knew it before that moment). The world’s most deadly poison is conveniently also something that can save a person from deadly infection if used in small doses, and of course a character was carrying a vial. There’s a miraculous healing potion that can heal even the most deadly wounds, and a character was given some by a person who is later revealed to think that this character shouldn’t have anything to do with the Keepers or their knowledge, including that potion. A character has a fear of heights so profound she says she even hates standing on stools to get dishes from high shelves, and so is terrified to cross a chasm until the man she’s crushing on helps her across, but this character has shown no fear at riding a horse for over a day, an animal that keeps her much higher off the ground than a kitchen stool. Convenient phobia that never appears again, exploited for a bit of romantic tension.
I don’t think this is a series I will continue with, which is a rare exception to the rule for an Angry Robot book. The background of the kingdom was interesting (what little was revealed, anyway), the Majat Guild were interesting, and the few hints about the Cha’ori culture were interesting (I have a weakness for reading about nomadic cultures), but there were too many issues with this book to override what interest it did bring out in me. This may be a case of “Your Mileage May Vary,” though, since people who have read Kashina’s other books with these characters may have a better time with it. They likely won’t feel so lost, will understand the background a lot better, and it’s entirely possible that many of my issues with lack of explanation and expansion would be nullified because they were explained elsewhere.
However, when presenting this book as the first of a series with no info that it’s technically a continuation of another series, readers may very well find themselves floundering from the get-go, having no foundation, or even an idea that one exists. I’ll be generous and says that this was just a very poor introduction to the world that Kashina has created. The world itself seems intriguing and full of potential for epic adventures, plots and politics and great battles, and all of that may be better appreciated by having read the author’s previous novels, but all of that gets lost in over-the-top battles you know the good guys will win, convenient plot devices, and only average writing that felt like it could have used a bit more polish before being revealed. Even the potential of the world isn’t enough to draw me back after such an awkward and unsteady introduction.
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
Instead it was a book with a story that didn’t seem to delve much deeper than the surface. The enemies of the dark cult were all power-mad and very much aware that they were doing evil things in the name of evil. Characters fell flat and didn’t have too much to them, and the most interesting things about them seemed glossed over in such a way that I felt very much as though this was the second book of a series, not the first. The dual romance subplots felt half-hearted at best, and there was more than a bit of info-dumping in the form of, “As you know, [character]” exposition.
(Some research tells me that the story for this technically began in another series, published by a different publisher, and not mentioned in any way when the pitch for this book was given to me. This may explain why many of the characters felt so flat and underdeveloped. They were developed in a previous novel, and so in a way I really was coming into the middle of a story, with no warning and no preamble.)
The book wasn’t entirely bad. It’s just that its good moments weren’t as common as its merely okay moments, and even then those good moments seemed to have caveats to them. Hints are made about the history of the world, the politics around the monarchy, it’s said blatantly that the church hates magic but it’s unclear as to why, and the Majat themselves are a fairly interesting warrior society, their ranks coded by gems and semi-precious stones. Like I said, this book, and many of the plot elements used, held what I thought was a lot of potential. But I don’t feel it lived up to that potential, and that was disappointing.
There was also a lot of deus ex machina going around. Each Diamond-ranked Majat has a secret “shadow” who knows all their fighting weaknesses and are used against them if they ever betray the guild, and conveniently there are 2 Diamond Majat in the story, one of whom is the other’s shadow (neither of them knew it before that moment). The world’s most deadly poison is conveniently also something that can save a person from deadly infection if used in small doses, and of course a character was carrying a vial. There’s a miraculous healing potion that can heal even the most deadly wounds, and a character was given some by a person who is later revealed to think that this character shouldn’t have anything to do with the Keepers or their knowledge, including that potion. A character has a fear of heights so profound she says she even hates standing on stools to get dishes from high shelves, and so is terrified to cross a chasm until the man she’s crushing on helps her across, but this character has shown no fear at riding a horse for over a day, an animal that keeps her much higher off the ground than a kitchen stool. Convenient phobia that never appears again, exploited for a bit of romantic tension.
I don’t think this is a series I will continue with, which is a rare exception to the rule for an Angry Robot book. The background of the kingdom was interesting (what little was revealed, anyway), the Majat Guild were interesting, and the few hints about the Cha’ori culture were interesting (I have a weakness for reading about nomadic cultures), but there were too many issues with this book to override what interest it did bring out in me. This may be a case of “Your Mileage May Vary,” though, since people who have read Kashina’s other books with these characters may have a better time with it. They likely won’t feel so lost, will understand the background a lot better, and it’s entirely possible that many of my issues with lack of explanation and expansion would be nullified because they were explained elsewhere.
However, when presenting this book as the first of a series with no info that it’s technically a continuation of another series, readers may very well find themselves floundering from the get-go, having no foundation, or even an idea that one exists. I’ll be generous and says that this was just a very poor introduction to the world that Kashina has created. The world itself seems intriguing and full of potential for epic adventures, plots and politics and great battles, and all of that may be better appreciated by having read the author’s previous novels, but all of that gets lost in over-the-top battles you know the good guys will win, convenient plot devices, and only average writing that felt like it could have used a bit more polish before being revealed. Even the potential of the world isn’t enough to draw me back after such an awkward and unsteady introduction.
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
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