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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
So, immediately after reading the third book, I had to buy this one and ended up reading it the same night, staying up way too late to do so. Maybe not the best choice, but whatever, it was compelling enough to keep me going.
I think the slow release of intrigue and secrets is what I'm enjoying so much on the series. There's enough revealed in each book to keep you invested and wanting more. It's also got a neat magic system, and nice world-building, and while sometimes the descriptions and characters can get groan-worthy, they're still overall well-developed.
Since this is a middle book, like my previous review, I don't want to elaborate too much. If you've read this many, you're likely to continue on with the books. Another solid book in the series.
Review by M. Reynard 2023
I think the slow release of intrigue and secrets is what I'm enjoying so much on the series. There's enough revealed in each book to keep you invested and wanting more. It's also got a neat magic system, and nice world-building, and while sometimes the descriptions and characters can get groan-worthy, they're still overall well-developed.
Since this is a middle book, like my previous review, I don't want to elaborate too much. If you've read this many, you're likely to continue on with the books. Another solid book in the series.
Review by M. Reynard 2023
Another solid entry in the Codex Alera series. I like where Mr. Butcher is taking the series. I see character growth and development. The pacing was pretty spot on. The plot was interesting, and I'm still very much invested in the land of Alera. Can't wait to read the next one!
In lieu of just gushing about Jim Butcher's book I'll just spitball some thoughts. (And I'll assume at this point you're familiar with previous books.)
Gaius Sextus takes the field in this one. And previously he was a boss in that everyone said he was B-A so I just interpreted his every action as being awesome. No more. What do you do when one of the High Lords of your realm rise up in rebellion? If you're most people you raise your armies, besiege his cities, retake land etc. If you're Gaius Sextus you. Because you have had enough of this nonsense.
Which brings me to my next thought. Butcher is really good at making me feel bad for enjoying his novels. In particular, in between the battles between 9 foot tall wolf men and magic wielding Roman legionnaires he takes the time to dwell on how much it would suck to be a refugee or even soldier there. I suppose it's only fun to read about. Which is kind of a 'duh' moment but it's probably good to be re-horrified by war every now and then.
Gaius Sextus takes the field in this one. And previously he was a boss in that everyone said he was B-A so I just interpreted his every action as being awesome. No more. What do you do when one of the High Lords of your realm rise up in rebellion? If you're most people you raise your armies, besiege his cities, retake land etc. If you're Gaius Sextus you
Spoiler
set off a volcano next to his capitalWhich brings me to my next thought. Butcher is really good at making me feel bad for enjoying his novels. In particular, in between the battles between 9 foot tall wolf men and magic wielding Roman legionnaires he takes the time to dwell on how much it would suck to be a refugee or even soldier there. I suppose it's only fun to read about. Which is kind of a 'duh' moment but it's probably good to be re-horrified by war every now and then.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
fast-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:
Yes
Another really great one in this series!! 2, 3 and 4 are all fantastic with incredible world building and great character work without being completely overwhelmed. Again we have both a nicely wrapped up plot and an ongoing overarching plot of the series that is very well balanced with enough resolved in the current conflict to feel satisfied and open enough to want more of this story. I love this series and highly recommend it for anyone who is a fan of epic fantasies.