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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
Reread before [b:The Last Mortal Bond|20753341|The Last Mortal Bond (Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, #3)|Brian Staveley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431018288s/20753341.jpg|40085389] with the usual crew at BB&B
Original Review:
3.75 What a great ending!!!
I remember reading [b:A Game of Thrones|13496|A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)|George R.R. Martin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436732693s/13496.jpg|1466917] years ago and hating Jamie Lannister with the fiery heat of a thousand suns, but by [b:A Storm of Swords|62291|A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, #3)|George R.R. Martin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420979112s/62291.jpg|1164465] I starting thinking maybe he wasn’t such a horrible person and in a huge turn around by [b:A Dance with Dragons|10664113|A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5)|George R.R. Martin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327885335s/10664113.jpg|2936175] he is one of my favorite characters. So if George R R Martin can turn the attempted child murdering, incest perpetrating Kingslayer (that was in the first 3 episodes on the most watched HBO series ever so not a true spoiler) into a beloved staple of his series I decided nothing is impossible in character transformation.
Hmmm….so why is that relevant here? Well, when we left the Emperor’s Blades I was sure who I liked and who I hated, I was certain who was on team good and team evil, I was positive that nothing could change my mind…..and then I read this book and now I have no idea about any of that. Worse yet I’m not sure who I want to root for or if I should root for anyone. Everyone is flawed, everyone has made mistakes, and everyone has sacrificed something or someone that perhaps they shouldn’t have. Staveley could do the almost impossible and make me love a character that I previously detested…only the final book will tell.
All three children of the Emperor have very different paths to follow in this tale
Kaden and Adare both have the Golden Eyes that indicate they are descended from the Gods. But neither knows what is happening with the other if they are alive or dead. Adare must make her way out of the palace and find supporters from an unlikely place. She is so naïve after living in the palace for so long and makes some very bad decisions along the way. But she does meet some very interesting people including my favorite New Character Nira.
Nira is a great mentor or sorts to Adare, one she needed to grow from a pampered Princess into someone who could rule. It is still a bumpy road and while most of the time I liked Adare she made some huge choices that I hated and might cost her in the end.
Kaden has decided to use the gates to travel with Rampuri Tan to his old order of monks.
But that doesn’t go according to plan either and there are plenty of surprises in store for him regarding using the gates and who can also go through them.
Kaden’s story stalled just a little for me in the middle. Actually all of the story lines did at one point in time but his was maybe the most noticeable because it overlapped with Valyn’s stall (I blame this on imprisonments and traveling). However after the 50% mark when threads of the story start to intertwine a little more with one another I was back in the saddle and ready to ride this story out until the end. Especially once Kaden makes it back to the city of Annur and gets to show how adept he is at moving the chess pieces around.
Valyn is in a whole heap of trouble. Branded a traitor he is not only running from the all the forces of Annur but also from Flea the greatest wing commander in the history of the Kettral. Nothing seems to ever go right for him and I swear they get found or captured more than the Dwarves’ in The Hobit. But he is ever tough and his crew + Pyrre is amazing. Vayln made some really tough calls as Wing commander and although they seem right at the time there is no denying that every choice has a consequence, some he can live with and others just might change him forever.
With new enemies, new histories, new theologies there is more to this world than ever before. A little bit of something for everyone.
GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS!!! You know what I really like about this book are the women in it. Every single one of them is strong and has there own merit. Annick the quick sniper who sees what needs to be done and does it fighting fiercely. Pyrre is a cross between a killer and a lover depending on what the situation needs but she is fearless and in the face of death pulls no punches. Gwenna, well who doesn’t like an untamable wild girl who knows how to blow things up. But the award for the most changed and most interesting goes to…..Triste bet you didn’t see that one coming. O.o she is more than just a pretty face, just you wait and see. And Finally Nira who I hope to see a lot more of in the next book. All woman have something special about them and are there own characters. I really love the girl power in this.
In conclusion: While I got a little distracted in the first half of the book as we learn a lot of new information and travel a bit it is more than made up for in the second half of the book. There were some unexpected twists and still at this moment in time I have no idea who to believe in. I look forward to the conclusion of this series and all the answers I hope come with it.
Oh...not that it was important but there is absolutely positively no inkling of a romance in this book which sucked a little for me since I totally ship Valyn and Gwenna.
Original Review:
3.75 What a great ending!!!
“They will not be ready to rule it,” he said, his eyes silent as the stars, “until they are willing to see it burn.”
I remember reading [b:A Game of Thrones|13496|A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)|George R.R. Martin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436732693s/13496.jpg|1466917] years ago and hating Jamie Lannister with the fiery heat of a thousand suns, but by [b:A Storm of Swords|62291|A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, #3)|George R.R. Martin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1420979112s/62291.jpg|1164465] I starting thinking maybe he wasn’t such a horrible person and in a huge turn around by [b:A Dance with Dragons|10664113|A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5)|George R.R. Martin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327885335s/10664113.jpg|2936175] he is one of my favorite characters. So if George R R Martin can turn the attempted child murdering, incest perpetrating Kingslayer (that was in the first 3 episodes on the most watched HBO series ever so not a true spoiler) into a beloved staple of his series I decided nothing is impossible in character transformation.
Hmmm….so why is that relevant here? Well, when we left the Emperor’s Blades I was sure who I liked and who I hated, I was certain who was on team good and team evil, I was positive that nothing could change my mind…..and then I read this book and now I have no idea about any of that. Worse yet I’m not sure who I want to root for or if I should root for anyone. Everyone is flawed, everyone has made mistakes, and everyone has sacrificed something or someone that perhaps they shouldn’t have. Staveley could do the almost impossible and make me love a character that I previously detested…only the final book will tell.
All three children of the Emperor have very different paths to follow in this tale
Kaden and Adare both have the Golden Eyes that indicate they are descended from the Gods. But neither knows what is happening with the other if they are alive or dead. Adare must make her way out of the palace and find supporters from an unlikely place. She is so naïve after living in the palace for so long and makes some very bad decisions along the way. But she does meet some very interesting people including my favorite New Character Nira.
“Ya know how ya get to run an empire, girl?”
Adare shook her head in frustration. “That’s what I’ve been asking.”
The old woman poked her in the chest with the stick. “You run it.”
“Meaning what?”
“You see what needs doing, and ya do it. Everything else follows: the throne, the taxes, the title. I’ve watched a lot of folk try ta rule a lot of land. I’ve watched men cling ta their fancy titles while their people and their realms just … slipped away, and I’ve watched men who couldn’t give a watery shit for the names and the titles rule half a continent. Ya just do what needs doing, and the people will figure out all on their own that you’re the ’Kent-kissing Emperor.”
Nira is a great mentor or sorts to Adare, one she needed to grow from a pampered Princess into someone who could rule. It is still a bumpy road and while most of the time I liked Adare she made some huge choices that I hated and might cost her in the end.
Kaden has decided to use the gates to travel with Rampuri Tan to his old order of monks.
But that doesn’t go according to plan either and there are plenty of surprises in store for him regarding using the gates and who can also go through them.
Kaden’s story stalled just a little for me in the middle. Actually all of the story lines did at one point in time but his was maybe the most noticeable because it overlapped with Valyn’s stall (I blame this on imprisonments and traveling). However after the 50% mark when threads of the story start to intertwine a little more with one another I was back in the saddle and ready to ride this story out until the end. Especially once Kaden makes it back to the city of Annur and gets to show how adept he is at moving the chess pieces around.
Kaden took a deep breath. “I’m losing the game, which means I have three choices: cede, fight back…” He hesitated, wondering if he was seeing the options clearly.
“Or?” Triste pressed. Then, for the first time since arriving in Annur, Kaden smiled.
“Or break the board.”
Valyn is in a whole heap of trouble. Branded a traitor he is not only running from the all the forces of Annur but also from Flea the greatest wing commander in the history of the Kettral. Nothing seems to ever go right for him and I swear they get found or captured more than the Dwarves’ in The Hobit. But he is ever tough and his crew + Pyrre is amazing. Vayln made some really tough calls as Wing commander and although they seem right at the time there is no denying that every choice has a consequence, some he can live with and others just might change him forever.
With new enemies, new histories, new theologies there is more to this world than ever before. A little bit of something for everyone.
GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS!!! You know what I really like about this book are the women in it. Every single one of them is strong and has there own merit. Annick the quick sniper who sees what needs to be done and does it fighting fiercely. Pyrre is a cross between a killer and a lover depending on what the situation needs but she is fearless and in the face of death pulls no punches. Gwenna, well who doesn’t like an untamable wild girl who knows how to blow things up. But the award for the most changed and most interesting goes to…..Triste bet you didn’t see that one coming. O.o she is more than just a pretty face, just you wait and see. And Finally Nira who I hope to see a lot more of in the next book. All woman have something special about them and are there own characters. I really love the girl power in this.
In conclusion: While I got a little distracted in the first half of the book as we learn a lot of new information and travel a bit it is more than made up for in the second half of the book. There were some unexpected twists and still at this moment in time I have no idea who to believe in. I look forward to the conclusion of this series and all the answers I hope come with it.
Oh...not that it was important but there is absolutely positively no inkling of a romance in this book which sucked a little for me since I totally ship Valyn and Gwenna.
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A great second book with some awesome scenes, shocking revelations and a "to be continued..." kinda ending which is typical of trilogies.
This hefty middle volume in the trilogy steadily advances our saga towards the grand conclusion to come, and does so with twists, turns, and shocking reveals that keep readers interested and engaged. Staveley's expert writing, as always, elevates the experience, but a caution to readers about depictions of violence that may be unsettling.
"Bakers have flour, fishermen have nets and leaders have lies." Sage observation by Brian Staveley.
Book 2 of Unhewn Throne is filled with action, deception and plot twists. Slowly, some truth escapes in between the lies. And as the tale progresses we learn that things are not always what they seem to be. Lo and behold, the gods return and are battling each other. Their tools human. This middle book moved along quickly. I have already started book three.
Epic fantasy. Beware of leaches.
Book 2 of Unhewn Throne is filled with action, deception and plot twists. Slowly, some truth escapes in between the lies. And as the tale progresses we learn that things are not always what they seem to be. Lo and behold, the gods return and are battling each other. Their tools human. This middle book moved along quickly. I have already started book three.
Epic fantasy. Beware of leaches.
Definitely an improvement from the last book. The training montage is over and we dive into action. And oh boy, are they fascinating.
I listened to one of Staveley's interviews and he said he read reviews on his first novel and tried to apply the suggestions in his second. He surely addressed all my concerns. No more superfluous, repetitive character description. No more stupid Valyn. More Adere POV chapters.
The twists in this book are a lot. Almost in every chapter. And what I love is the fact that the lack of communication and/or miscommunication is the plot device. Because it is realistic. In real life, people do not always interpret things the same way. And personal conflicts and wars among nations often occurred because of that. That was what happened with Adere, Kaden and Valyn. Even the fact that two of them actually met did not change the utter confusion and the fear of betrayal.
Staveley also made me rethink on whether I like the main characters or not. I used to like Adere but she went 180 in here. I used to dislike Valyn but he is actually my fave main character now. I used to like Kaden, but he betrayed one character in this book so he kinda lost my respect on that. He showed his political cunning but still...
The supporting characters were awesome. I enjoyed Gwenna's POV alot and loved Pyrre, Annick and Talal.
All in all, I can't wait for book 3. Next year, please come sooner!
I listened to one of Staveley's interviews and he said he read reviews on his first novel and tried to apply the suggestions in his second. He surely addressed all my concerns. No more superfluous, repetitive character description. No more stupid Valyn. More Adere POV chapters.
The twists in this book are a lot. Almost in every chapter. And what I love is the fact that the lack of communication and/or miscommunication is the plot device. Because it is realistic. In real life, people do not always interpret things the same way. And personal conflicts and wars among nations often occurred because of that. That was what happened with Adere, Kaden and Valyn. Even the fact that two of them actually met did not change the utter confusion and the fear of betrayal.
Staveley also made me rethink on whether I like the main characters or not. I used to like Adere but she went 180 in here. I used to dislike Valyn but he is actually my fave main character now. I used to like Kaden, but he betrayed one character in this book so he kinda lost my respect on that. He showed his political cunning but still...
The supporting characters were awesome. I enjoyed Gwenna's POV alot and loved Pyrre, Annick and Talal.
All in all, I can't wait for book 3. Next year, please come sooner!
Full Review: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2015/01/05/the-providence-of-fire-by-brian-staveley/
This. Book. Does. Not. Stop. It is continuous action, tension, suspense and WTF now?? moments. Needless to say, it very hard to put down, and to me that is a huge indicator of a great read. It may not have been what I expected, but it was exactly the type of book I wanted to read and my only gripe is that I have to wait for the final book.
I am quite happy to say, The Providence of Fire built on the strengths of Emperor's Blades, and really smoothed out the parts of the books I felt held it back from a higher rating. I will not hesitate to recommend this series at this point, this is the book that justifies the hype for the series.
I enjoyed Adare's character so much more this time. She is still not a perfect person (who is?), but she has come a long way from the naive girl she was in the first book. After the murder of her father and realizing she was manipulated by his murderer, she grows a bit of a backbone and starts taking matters into her own hands. She learns to assert herself, or at least work out a way to do what she could given circumstances. This is the type of female character I love reading, I'm really looking forward to see where she goes in the next book. I don't want to say much about her storyline, but I can say, I didn't see it coming. I'm quite intrigued by a few side characters that were introduced with her sections as well.
The end of this book will leave you wanting to grab for the next one immediately, but it's so good, I don't recommend putting off reading it either. Just go read it. Deal with with the wait. You can't forget how it ends, so don't worry about that.
This. Book. Does. Not. Stop. It is continuous action, tension, suspense and WTF now?? moments. Needless to say, it very hard to put down, and to me that is a huge indicator of a great read. It may not have been what I expected, but it was exactly the type of book I wanted to read and my only gripe is that I have to wait for the final book.
I am quite happy to say, The Providence of Fire built on the strengths of Emperor's Blades, and really smoothed out the parts of the books I felt held it back from a higher rating. I will not hesitate to recommend this series at this point, this is the book that justifies the hype for the series.
I enjoyed Adare's character so much more this time. She is still not a perfect person (who is?), but she has come a long way from the naive girl she was in the first book. After the murder of her father and realizing she was manipulated by his murderer, she grows a bit of a backbone and starts taking matters into her own hands. She learns to assert herself, or at least work out a way to do what she could given circumstances. This is the type of female character I love reading, I'm really looking forward to see where she goes in the next book. I don't want to say much about her storyline, but I can say, I didn't see it coming. I'm quite intrigued by a few side characters that were introduced with her sections as well.
The end of this book will leave you wanting to grab for the next one immediately, but it's so good, I don't recommend putting off reading it either. Just go read it. Deal with with the wait. You can't forget how it ends, so don't worry about that.
Too many scoobidoo moments to my liking, I was really waiting for this one, I'm a *bit* disapointed. The style is still ok, but the endless succession of completely illogical choices by the main characters , and the vast number of "he's not really who you think he is" moments, well,all that kinda takes away from what could have been a great read. Instead, it's just ok.
A fantastic continuation of the story of the three siblings on their quest to regain their throne. The book has a lot more exploration of the world and the different civilizations. It follows the three siblings more equally and lets each shine in their own, individual way. Not only are the protagonists great, the supporting characters are even better. The only character that is a bit weak in development is Adare. While she was one of my favorites in the beginning, eventually nothing she did made much sense. The writing is great, with descriptions of scenery, emotions, and action being very engaging. The storyline is incredible with no clear villain or hero. The ending isn't as clean as the first book, leaving quite an opening for the next book to take over. I'm really enjoying this series.
Too many missed opportunities for interesting plot exploration, and overused troupes. I still am interested in the series and it is probably a 3.5 star.