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rosie_walters's review against another edition
Found myself not picking up and frustrated with it. With so little reading time I decided to DNF and unhaul.
tandemjon's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favourite Greatcoats books, Falcio has spent most of the 3 books blundering from disaster to disaster generally making things worse as he went and you can almost feel how worn out he is. Great ending and lots of great banter too.
mxsallybend's review against another edition
5.0
The Greatcoats is one of those rare fantasy sagas that just continues to get better with each instalment - an even more impressive feat when you consider Saint's Blood was a book I didn't think could be topped.
In fact, even though I wasn't consciously aware of it, I suspect I went into Tyrant's Throne looking to be disappointed. I felt it got off to a slow start, and I convinced myself it was lacking any sort of direction. It was simply not the book I expected to follow the killing of a God. I mean, honestly, how do you follow that up? In fact, chagrined as I am to admit it now, I may even have allowed myself to wonder why Sebastien de Castell dared to sully such an exemplary trilogy by stretching it into an unnecessary quartet.
And then we got to the other side of the mountain, saw what - and, more importantly, who - awaited us, and I suddenly realized how many loose ends remained, how much of the story had yet to be told, and how desperately I didn't want it all to end.
If you'll allow me the Star Wars indulgence for a moment, Knight's Shadow was really the 'Empire' of the The Greatcoats saga, just as Saint's Blood was its 'Jedi' (minus the Ewoks). So, where does that leave Tyrant's Throne? Well, I can think of no better way to describe it than as a second helping (or, rather, a second interpretation) of 'Empire'. It is dark, violent, and tragic, a painful story that seems entirely devoid of hope. For every heroic deed, every valiant act, there is an even larger betrayal looming. Time and time again it goes to the darkest of places, leaving us sure that Falcio and Aline have suffered the worst that the world has to offer, only to discover that there are even deeper, darker holes hiding in the shadows.
That's not to say this is a depressing book or even a frustrating one. Instead, it is an impossibly engaging piece of storytelling that demands you give everything of yourself, with no promise of a happy ending in return. It is a book that questions everything we know about the Greatcoats, including the Greatcoats themselves. For a series that has already seen Falcio val Mond tormented and tortured beyond the limits of all compassion, we have never seen him as fundamentally broken as we do here. Everything - literally everything - he has ever believed in is called into question. As heroic/tragic character arcs go, I am not sure there's a better one anywhere in epic fantasy today.
If this is the last we see of Falcio, Kest, Brasti, and the rest, then you couldn't ask for more than Tyrant's Throne. I hesitate to use the word 'perfect' but this is about as close as epic fantasy gets to that plateau. Character arcs, storytelling, world building, mythology, conflicts, and relationships - it all comes together in a brilliantly satisfying finale of fiction that keeps going right to the very last page.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
In fact, even though I wasn't consciously aware of it, I suspect I went into Tyrant's Throne looking to be disappointed. I felt it got off to a slow start, and I convinced myself it was lacking any sort of direction. It was simply not the book I expected to follow the killing of a God. I mean, honestly, how do you follow that up? In fact, chagrined as I am to admit it now, I may even have allowed myself to wonder why Sebastien de Castell dared to sully such an exemplary trilogy by stretching it into an unnecessary quartet.
And then we got to the other side of the mountain, saw what - and, more importantly, who - awaited us, and I suddenly realized how many loose ends remained, how much of the story had yet to be told, and how desperately I didn't want it all to end.
If you'll allow me the Star Wars indulgence for a moment, Knight's Shadow was really the 'Empire' of the The Greatcoats saga, just as Saint's Blood was its 'Jedi' (minus the Ewoks). So, where does that leave Tyrant's Throne? Well, I can think of no better way to describe it than as a second helping (or, rather, a second interpretation) of 'Empire'. It is dark, violent, and tragic, a painful story that seems entirely devoid of hope. For every heroic deed, every valiant act, there is an even larger betrayal looming. Time and time again it goes to the darkest of places, leaving us sure that Falcio and Aline have suffered the worst that the world has to offer, only to discover that there are even deeper, darker holes hiding in the shadows.
That's not to say this is a depressing book or even a frustrating one. Instead, it is an impossibly engaging piece of storytelling that demands you give everything of yourself, with no promise of a happy ending in return. It is a book that questions everything we know about the Greatcoats, including the Greatcoats themselves. For a series that has already seen Falcio val Mond tormented and tortured beyond the limits of all compassion, we have never seen him as fundamentally broken as we do here. Everything - literally everything - he has ever believed in is called into question. As heroic/tragic character arcs go, I am not sure there's a better one anywhere in epic fantasy today.
If this is the last we see of Falcio, Kest, Brasti, and the rest, then you couldn't ask for more than Tyrant's Throne. I hesitate to use the word 'perfect' but this is about as close as epic fantasy gets to that plateau. Character arcs, storytelling, world building, mythology, conflicts, and relationships - it all comes together in a brilliantly satisfying finale of fiction that keeps going right to the very last page.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
4.0
Ok so I totally started this one the moment I got it. Not a second to loose. I dove right back into this world. And damn, it did throw quite the surprise at me.
The country is still a mess. I mean seriously, how can they ever make it better?! The Dukes are arguing. The Queen is a teen. And the common folk just want food on their table. But they have all made it this far.
Falcio is just so rightful. It's gonna be the death of him. I am glad he has Kest and Brasti at his side. They make quite the force. No one can stop them. They are my fav 3 musketeers for sure ;) No one holds a candle to them.
And all the side characters I have come to like. They really make the world and they are their own. They are fleshed out and easy to like...and hate. Damn that Trin, I just want for someone to end her.
Like I said before, there is a new baddie, it made for an interesting twist. And then there was that thing that happened too. I did not see it coming, but then again I always saw it coming one way or another.
I guess this was the final installment then? Sad. But it ended well, all those threads pulled together and I was happy with what I got.
A great series with awesome characters and an interesting world of saints and gods. Of intrigues and war. Assassinations and danger. The righteous and fallen. And there is always that feeling that makes you unable to stop reading. You have to race to the end to see if they all make it through this time around. Because you never know.
I do recommend this series. It is impossible to put down when you have started it.
The country is still a mess. I mean seriously, how can they ever make it better?! The Dukes are arguing. The Queen is a teen. And the common folk just want food on their table. But they have all made it this far.
Falcio is just so rightful. It's gonna be the death of him. I am glad he has Kest and Brasti at his side. They make quite the force. No one can stop them. They are my fav 3 musketeers for sure ;) No one holds a candle to them.
And all the side characters I have come to like. They really make the world and they are their own. They are fleshed out and easy to like...and hate. Damn that Trin, I just want for someone to end her.
Like I said before, there is a new baddie, it made for an interesting twist. And then there was that thing that happened too. I did not see it coming, but then again I always saw it coming one way or another.
I guess this was the final installment then? Sad. But it ended well, all those threads pulled together and I was happy with what I got.
A great series with awesome characters and an interesting world of saints and gods. Of intrigues and war. Assassinations and danger. The righteous and fallen. And there is always that feeling that makes you unable to stop reading. You have to race to the end to see if they all make it through this time around. Because you never know.
I do recommend this series. It is impossible to put down when you have started it.
bookdragon_jess's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
markimus's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliantttttt! As I've come to expect from this series the story doesn't disappoint. I really hope that the author comes out with another book with these characters soon!!
Spoiler
The greatcoats going rogue and trying to form their own nation was a bit shocking, but not really. Morn aka the Magdan seemed likable at first but obviously he turned out to be a foe. The banter between Falcio, Kest, and Brasti never disappoints and always has me laughing. The fact that Falcio is soon to be a father is very appropriate, and I like how he got some closure with Aline and Paelis, and that Monster has returned!bros3nthal's review against another edition
5.0
I love the Greatcoats series. A series about a man that believes his country can be better. That his country has lost its way but that it is worthy of being redeemed. I think a lot of my fellow American citizens could relate to a story like that.
Falcio’s belief in doing the right thing, in holding himself and others to impossibly high standards, is a beautiful thing to read and it really meant a lot to me.
If you like books about performing daring acts of heroism, because that is the right thing to do, not the easy thing to do, read the Greatcoats. If you like books about a man believing in ideals and holding himself and others accountable for those ideals, read the Greatcoats. But most of all, if you like books about friendship, and the loving bonds friends share, read the Greatcoats.
While I’m sad this series is over, I know I’ll be returning to my friends Falcio, Kest, and ummmm the other one, what was his name… oh yes Brasti! I’ll be returning to my three friends any time I need a reminder about how to believe in what is right, any time I need to be reminded that one person can make a difference, and any time I need to be reminded of the power of friendship.
Falcio’s belief in doing the right thing, in holding himself and others to impossibly high standards, is a beautiful thing to read and it really meant a lot to me.
If you like books about performing daring acts of heroism, because that is the right thing to do, not the easy thing to do, read the Greatcoats. If you like books about a man believing in ideals and holding himself and others accountable for those ideals, read the Greatcoats. But most of all, if you like books about friendship, and the loving bonds friends share, read the Greatcoats.
While I’m sad this series is over, I know I’ll be returning to my friends Falcio, Kest, and ummmm the other one, what was his name… oh yes Brasti! I’ll be returning to my three friends any time I need a reminder about how to believe in what is right, any time I need to be reminded that one person can make a difference, and any time I need to be reminded of the power of friendship.
jannaruth's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderful conclusion to this series. Somewhere in the middle I was a little tired by all the twists and turns, in fact breaking right along with Falcio. I was 70% through the book when the tears began to flow, because I realised he was truly going to be broken for good. It wasn't the first time I thought, just abandon this country. It's truly so rotten, it can't be saved. But this isn't a book about bleak realism. It's about preposterous heroics and that's why I enjoy it so much. The impossible odds, the valour and above all the friendly banter.
When I read the first book, I said it gave me everything the Three Musketeers gave me: Action, drama, daring escapes and humour and the ending didn't disappoint. I even cried again, but this time for joy and relief. I won't stop recommending this saga to everyone I know.
As an aside: Normally, I do have a favourite character, but you couldn't possibly make me choose between Falcio, Kest, and Brasti. They're all annoying at some point, but then so endearing again. They just belong to each other, so they're all my favourites. <3
When I read the first book, I said it gave me everything the Three Musketeers gave me: Action, drama, daring escapes and humour and the ending didn't disappoint. I even cried again, but this time for joy and relief. I won't stop recommending this saga to everyone I know.
As an aside: Normally, I do have a favourite character, but you couldn't possibly make me choose between Falcio, Kest, and Brasti. They're all annoying at some point, but then so endearing again. They just belong to each other, so they're all my favourites. <3