Scan barcode
skycrane's review against another edition
4.0
This book starts out right where the last one left off. Tobin has learned (part of) the truth: that he is really a she, and that her father and some wizards have been planning since before she was born for her to cast down the usurper and claim the throne. The main drama from this book comes from Tobin struggling to deal with this revelation. It impacts him in three majors ways: 1) if anyone finds out, the king will have him killed. 2) He feels like a traitor against all of his friends, especially his cousin Prince Korin, who probably won't be willing to give up his claim to the throne without a fight. 3) Finding out that you're actually a girl when you've thought of yourself as a boy your whole life can apparently be very difficult to deal with. On top of that, Tobin has to deal with the fact that he's in love with his best friend and squire, who doesn't think of him romantically at all and casually sleeps with several girls of their acquaintance. Oh, and Tobin still has to deal with the wrathful spirit of his dead twin brother, now even more powerful because of the renewed binding of the disguise spell.
So once again, rather than a fantasy epic, for the most part the story feels like a very personal tale of Tobin's struggles as he grows to adulthood. And that's a good thing. The story is told well, and it's easy to empathize with Tobin despite his unique circumstances. He had come to feel some degree of comfort and acceptance in his role among the Prince's Royal Companions, but now the truth weighs on him and he feels isolated once again by his secret. There are still large-scale political machinations going on behind the scenes, which are mainly explored via chapters featuring the side characters. King Erius's reign of terror grows ever more brutal as he is consumed by paranoia, and Skala is threatened by war from within and without.
But like the first book, this one contains a lot of variety. Tobin is not consumed by fear and uncertainty all the time; like most people, he compartmentalizes his problems so he can worry about the present rather than the distant and unknown future. For the most part, Tobin puts aside his destiny and focuses on the here and now. Prince Korin and his Companions face their first battle; Tobin helps train some young noblewomen in combat; he is able to visit his ancestral lands for the first time. There's lots to occupy him, so very little of the book is spend brooding about the inevitable. There are happy times and sad times in his life, just like there are in everyone's.
One thing I found very interesting in this series was the treatment of the villains. Korin in particular fulfills a complex role. If he were truly evil, then it would make Tobin's task of overthrowing him easier to bear. But instead, he's a basically decent person who nevertheless would make a terrible king. Most of his flaws are what you'd expect from a teenage boy who was never denied anything in his life. He's spoiled, and he clearly inherited a bit of his father's ruthlessness, but he treats Tobin with genuine affection, and he's very generous to his friends. Even Erius has a few humanizing moments. He's a vicious tyrant, but most of the time you can see through to the hopes and fears that drive him, or catch glimpses of who he was before his paranoia took over. However, the wizard Niryn is a bit of a stereotype. He's the evil vizier who uses foul magicks and his silver tongue to "guide" the king. It's easy to blame everything bad on his influence, but I think you can still see through to how Erius's own personal flaws are just as much, if not more, to blame for his tyranny than any magical influence.
Overall, this is a very strong sequel. It has all of the strengths of its predecessor, but also a much faster pace and more exciting developments.
So once again, rather than a fantasy epic, for the most part the story feels like a very personal tale of Tobin's struggles as he grows to adulthood. And that's a good thing. The story is told well, and it's easy to empathize with Tobin despite his unique circumstances. He had come to feel some degree of comfort and acceptance in his role among the Prince's Royal Companions, but now the truth weighs on him and he feels isolated once again by his secret. There are still large-scale political machinations going on behind the scenes, which are mainly explored via chapters featuring the side characters. King Erius's reign of terror grows ever more brutal as he is consumed by paranoia, and Skala is threatened by war from within and without.
But like the first book, this one contains a lot of variety. Tobin is not consumed by fear and uncertainty all the time; like most people, he compartmentalizes his problems so he can worry about the present rather than the distant and unknown future. For the most part, Tobin puts aside his destiny and focuses on the here and now. Prince Korin and his Companions face their first battle; Tobin helps train some young noblewomen in combat; he is able to visit his ancestral lands for the first time. There's lots to occupy him, so very little of the book is spend brooding about the inevitable. There are happy times and sad times in his life, just like there are in everyone's.
One thing I found very interesting in this series was the treatment of the villains. Korin in particular fulfills a complex role. If he were truly evil, then it would make Tobin's task of overthrowing him easier to bear. But instead, he's a basically decent person who nevertheless would make a terrible king. Most of his flaws are what you'd expect from a teenage boy who was never denied anything in his life. He's spoiled, and he clearly inherited a bit of his father's ruthlessness, but he treats Tobin with genuine affection, and he's very generous to his friends. Even Erius has a few humanizing moments. He's a vicious tyrant, but most of the time you can see through to the hopes and fears that drive him, or catch glimpses of who he was before his paranoia took over. However, the wizard Niryn is a bit of a stereotype. He's the evil vizier who uses foul magicks and his silver tongue to "guide" the king. It's easy to blame everything bad on his influence, but I think you can still see through to how Erius's own personal flaws are just as much, if not more, to blame for his tyranny than any magical influence.
Overall, this is a very strong sequel. It has all of the strengths of its predecessor, but also a much faster pace and more exciting developments.
aliceboule's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book (and because of it I read the entire series before revieweing *bad Alice* ) so while this is under the Hidden Warrior book it goes for all of them.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the whole girl becomes boy. But it worked. Lynn Flewelling made it work, and because she did, it was awesome.
Tobin/Tamir is quiet, serious, slightly odd with a tragic past. And though Ki helps Tobin laugh more, that past follows in the shape of Brother.
That Flewelling had the past become important, something to be worked through rather than forgotten, gave the characters life and colour.
Starting so young and giving the entire history of Tobin/Tamir let me see how the child grew into the destined Queen. I loved every moment of it.
*I can never find enough to say about books that I like* Take my word for it - this series is brilliant.
While the whole physical changing thing may take some time to get over, once you do, the characters, plot, world, will sweep you off your feet.
I want to read it again :3
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the whole girl becomes boy. But it worked. Lynn Flewelling made it work, and because she did, it was awesome.
Tobin/Tamir is quiet, serious, slightly odd with a tragic past. And though Ki helps Tobin laugh more, that past follows in the shape of Brother.
That Flewelling had the past become important, something to be worked through rather than forgotten, gave the characters life and colour.
Starting so young and giving the entire history of Tobin/Tamir let me see how the child grew into the destined Queen. I loved every moment of it.
*I can never find enough to say about books that I like* Take my word for it - this series is brilliant.
While the whole physical changing thing may take some time to get over, once you do, the characters, plot, world, will sweep you off your feet.
I want to read it again :3
embereye's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting continuation of the story starting with The Bone Doll's Twin. A continued focus on the concept of self-identity, this is still a surprise hit for me.
premium_huhn's review against another edition
4.0
Nachdem der junge Prinz Tobin von dem Geheimnis erfahren hat, dass er die vom Orakel prophezeite Königin ist, muss sie ihre wahre Identität vor den anderen Jungen am Königshof, vor dem Kronprinzen und selbst vor ihren engsten Freunden geheim halten. Doch während draußen vor den Toren Seuchen wüten und der Krieg gegen Plenimar erneut aufflammt und Intrigen die Machtverhältnisse im Palast und im Reich verschieben, rückt die Stunde näher, in sich Tobin offenbaren und ihren Platz erstreiten muss.
Im zweiten Band nimmt die Handlung so richtig an Fahrt auf. Alte Intrigen werden abgehandelt, neue gesponnen. Die Stärken der Autorin liegen in der Zeichnung ihrer Charaktere und deren Verbindungen zueinander. Es gibt eine ziemliche Menge an handelnden Personen und ich habe, darin liegt wohl die Magie Flewellings, nie den Überblick darüber verloren, wer wer ist und wer welche Ziele verfolgt.
Tobin als Hauptcharakter muss zwischen ihrer Erziehung als Junge und den entsprechenden Erwartungshaltungen und ihrer aufkeimenden Identität als Mädchen balancieren - hat mich ein wenig an Alanna aus "Das Lied der Löwin" erinnert. Die Szenen, nachdem sich Tobin als Tamír offenbart, haben mir wahnsinnig gut gefallen - irgendwie haben alle um sie herum mehr Probleme damit, sie plötzlich in einem anderen Körper zu sehen als sie selbst. Obwohl sie ihren Köper vorher auch nie als falsch oder störend empfand. Ich mag ihre praktische Herangehensweise an ihre Probleme (nicht nur dieses). Tobin/Tamír nimmt die Situationen wie sie kommen und schaut dann, wie sie am besten damit umgehen kann.
Ein weitere interessanter Charakter ist der Kronprinz Korin. Nachdem man im ersten Band noch hätte meinen können, dass er sich lediglich endlich vor seinem Vater beweisen will und frustriert darüber ist, als einziger (offizieller) Erbe im Schloss festzusitzen, kommt im zweiten Band zunehmend heraus, dass sich hinter all seiner Großkotzigkeit leider wenige gute Eigenschaften verbergen. Der Prinz erweist sich als überfordert damit, andere anzuführen, leicht beeinflussbar, gleichzeitig aber unwillens, seinen Platz als künftiger König aufzugeben. Das wird sicher noch spannend im nächsten Band.
Im zweiten Band nimmt die Handlung so richtig an Fahrt auf. Alte Intrigen werden abgehandelt, neue gesponnen. Die Stärken der Autorin liegen in der Zeichnung ihrer Charaktere und deren Verbindungen zueinander. Es gibt eine ziemliche Menge an handelnden Personen und ich habe, darin liegt wohl die Magie Flewellings, nie den Überblick darüber verloren, wer wer ist und wer welche Ziele verfolgt.
Tobin als Hauptcharakter muss zwischen ihrer Erziehung als Junge und den entsprechenden Erwartungshaltungen und ihrer aufkeimenden Identität als Mädchen balancieren - hat mich ein wenig an Alanna aus "Das Lied der Löwin" erinnert. Die Szenen, nachdem sich Tobin als Tamír offenbart, haben mir wahnsinnig gut gefallen - irgendwie haben alle um sie herum mehr Probleme damit, sie plötzlich in einem anderen Körper zu sehen als sie selbst. Obwohl sie ihren Köper vorher auch nie als falsch oder störend empfand. Ich mag ihre praktische Herangehensweise an ihre Probleme (nicht nur dieses). Tobin/Tamír nimmt die Situationen wie sie kommen und schaut dann, wie sie am besten damit umgehen kann.
Ein weitere interessanter Charakter ist der Kronprinz Korin. Nachdem man im ersten Band noch hätte meinen können, dass er sich lediglich endlich vor seinem Vater beweisen will und frustriert darüber ist, als einziger (offizieller) Erbe im Schloss festzusitzen, kommt im zweiten Band zunehmend heraus, dass sich hinter all seiner Großkotzigkeit leider wenige gute Eigenschaften verbergen. Der Prinz erweist sich als überfordert damit, andere anzuführen, leicht beeinflussbar, gleichzeitig aber unwillens, seinen Platz als künftiger König aufzugeben. Das wird sicher noch spannend im nächsten Band.
andieevalee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
Summer-reading book review #20: "Hidden Warrior" by Lynn Flewelling.... The middle book in a dark fantasy trilogy. I liked this primarily because I cared about the characters, but the pacing felt slow at times, perhaps because this is the middle of the story. I am interested in the exploration of gender that this trilogy opens up, and also in the larger question of the portrayal of women in heroic fantasy, especially as soldiers. (Lynn Flewelling's books repeatedly show women soldiers, as do Elizabeth Moon's fantasy books.)
-----------------
7/6/2016: I have just finished re-reading "Hidden Warrior." Although I enjoyed it, I didn't find it as compelling as most of Lynn Flewelling's books. I liked Tobin, the main character, well enough, and loved both Ki and Tharin.
By nature of the trilogy's central premise (which I won't reveal even though it is disclosed early in the first book), the trilogy can be seen an exploration of gender. With some reservations, I like this aspect of the books.
Usually I am not fond of the fantasy trope of the rightful ruler, destined by their blood line for the throne. Lynn Flewelling twists this. The desired destiny is only possible because of an initial act of evil--perpetrated by the heroes not the villains--in the second chapter of the trilogy. I find this the most striking aspect of the books so far.
Despite this somewhat lukewarm review, I look forward to reading the final book. (Which I have been hoarding, as it is the only one of Lynn Flewelling's ten novels that I haven't yet read.)
-----------------
7/6/2016: I have just finished re-reading "Hidden Warrior." Although I enjoyed it, I didn't find it as compelling as most of Lynn Flewelling's books. I liked Tobin, the main character, well enough, and loved both Ki and Tharin.
By nature of the trilogy's central premise (which I won't reveal even though it is disclosed early in the first book), the trilogy can be seen an exploration of gender. With some reservations, I like this aspect of the books.
Usually I am not fond of the fantasy trope of the rightful ruler, destined by their blood line for the throne. Lynn Flewelling twists this. The desired destiny is only possible because of an initial act of evil--perpetrated by the heroes not the villains--in the second chapter of the trilogy. I find this the most striking aspect of the books so far.
Despite this somewhat lukewarm review, I look forward to reading the final book. (Which I have been hoarding, as it is the only one of Lynn Flewelling's ten novels that I haven't yet read.)
mannis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
nadra's review against another edition
3.0
Boeken van de Tamir reeks stonden hoog op mijn leeslijstje, maar het kwam er iedere keer niet van. Nu het vakantie is mooie tijd om alle boeken in de vakantie te lezen, en dan de gehele reeks als 1 geheel.
Boek wordt erg mooi beschrijvend geschreven, erg verhalend wat je goed meeneemt in het verhaal. Er waren wel wat momenten die door de uitgebreide beschrijving soms wat saaiig werden. Maar was vaan van korte duur. Heb genoten van het beschrijvende geheel.
Boeken van de serie sluiten ook mooi op elkaar aan, waardoor ik zeker geen spijt heb gehad van de serie in 1 keer gelezen te hebben.
Boek wordt erg mooi beschrijvend geschreven, erg verhalend wat je goed meeneemt in het verhaal. Er waren wel wat momenten die door de uitgebreide beschrijving soms wat saaiig werden. Maar was vaan van korte duur. Heb genoten van het beschrijvende geheel.
Boeken van de serie sluiten ook mooi op elkaar aan, waardoor ik zeker geen spijt heb gehad van de serie in 1 keer gelezen te hebben.
mxsallybend's review against another edition
4.0
The Tamir Trilogy is truly a `proper' trilogy - that is, a single story, broken up into three volumes, as opposed to a series of self-contained, interconnected books. Book 2 (Hidden Warrior) continues the story, as Tobin tries to fit in at court with her cousin, the Prince, the other noble children, and their squires. By this point in the trilogy, Tobin knows the truth about herself, leaving her to not only to cope with her own destiny, but to struggle with a secret that threatens to change everything and everyone around herself.
While not as dark and gothic as the first volume, this one is equally as bleak. We see a young `boy' struggling with the knowledge that he's really a `girl' inside, and fighting the thoughts and feelings of the one, which do not mesh with the other. Confusing matters further is Tobin's awkward relationship with Ki, his long-time, faithful squire. By the end of this second volume, it's clear that they have feelings for one another, even if one can't express them and the other can't really understand them. In Ki, we find the friend every tgirl craves - never have I loved a supporting character more.
Once again, for transgender readers, Tobin's emerging conflicts really hit home, and are handled beautifully. It's a heartbreaking struggle to witness (and to share), but there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. We get the sense that the truth truly will set her free.
While not as dark and gothic as the first volume, this one is equally as bleak. We see a young `boy' struggling with the knowledge that he's really a `girl' inside, and fighting the thoughts and feelings of the one, which do not mesh with the other. Confusing matters further is Tobin's awkward relationship with Ki, his long-time, faithful squire. By the end of this second volume, it's clear that they have feelings for one another, even if one can't express them and the other can't really understand them. In Ki, we find the friend every tgirl craves - never have I loved a supporting character more.
Once again, for transgender readers, Tobin's emerging conflicts really hit home, and are handled beautifully. It's a heartbreaking struggle to witness (and to share), but there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. We get the sense that the truth truly will set her free.
gothgrandma's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0