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ryanjamesburt's review against another edition
3.0
It was enjoyable but not really as interesting as I had hoped. Seemed more like a book my wife would like then me. At first I thought it was going to have a dramatic "to be continued" but it wrapped up the book pretty good. Which also means there is probably no chance of me reading the next book.
dylanmadeley's review
3.0
The beginning didn't grab me at all and it took adjusting to really get into the feel of the book, but I was determined to read it all. By just before the middle there was a sufficient number of characters whose fates I was actually interested in that I could feel like reading the rest without much effort.
Also, apparently Lernen is the pedobear. Fortunately there's never a graphic description of this, but much discussion ensues about why they don't just get rid of the pedobear, and why it's safer to just have him continue on being the pedobear rather than appear to have any further schemes or political ambitions. It also means the most powerful guy in a particular political hierarchy is mostly a non-player in the intrigue, so we get to read more about people who aren't the pedobear instead.
Also, apparently Lernen is the pedobear. Fortunately there's never a graphic description of this, but much discussion ensues about why they don't just get rid of the pedobear, and why it's safer to just have him continue on being the pedobear rather than appear to have any further schemes or political ambitions. It also means the most powerful guy in a particular political hierarchy is mostly a non-player in the intrigue, so we get to read more about people who aren't the pedobear instead.
vixreader's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to enjoy this, I really did, but there were too many things that rubbed me the wrong way.
The language was simple, almost like a children's book, and clashed disconcertingly with all the sex, murder and political intrigue.
Parts of the plot were simply too ridiculous. For instance, the lord of however much of the land and father of the heir to the realm was busy on a raid to steal cattle?!
But my main gripe is that the characters are completely one-dimensional.
Marla is the spoiled sheltered princess trying make her way in life. Laran is the good, responsible, rational character. Riika is the good kind princess. Darilyn is her bitter, selfish sister. Alija is a career woman. Lernen is a sadistic dumbass. Hablet is a macho dumbass. Mahkas is an unfortunate dumbass. Barnardo is just a completely over the top dumbass. Nash is horny. Is he also a dumbass? Probably, but just about every single line concerning Nash in the book relates solely to his horniness. Brak is Geralt. Wrayan is a sidekick. Elezaar is the offbrand Tyrion Lannister, sans charisma and any actual importance.
It all just falls flat and fails to captivate.
I don't think I will continue reading this series.
The language was simple, almost like a children's book, and clashed disconcertingly with all the sex, murder and political intrigue.
Parts of the plot were simply too ridiculous. For instance, the lord of however much of the land and father of the heir to the realm was busy on a raid to steal cattle?!
But my main gripe is that the characters are completely one-dimensional.
Marla is the spoiled sheltered princess trying make her way in life. Laran is the good, responsible, rational character. Riika is the good kind princess. Darilyn is her bitter, selfish sister. Alija is a career woman. Lernen is a sadistic dumbass. Hablet is a macho dumbass. Mahkas is an unfortunate dumbass. Barnardo is just a completely over the top dumbass. Nash is horny. Is he also a dumbass? Probably, but just about every single line concerning Nash in the book relates solely to his horniness. Brak is Geralt. Wrayan is a sidekick. Elezaar is the offbrand Tyrion Lannister, sans charisma and any actual importance.
It all just falls flat and fails to captivate.
I don't think I will continue reading this series.
sean67's review against another edition
3.0
Why are fantasy books so long?
Why can they never be wrapped up within the pages of one volume?
The second question then makes the first question read why are fantasy books even longer than you originally thought when you invest time to read 600 odd pages and find out it is just the beginning.
Sigh.
Anyway - it was OK but nothing memorable - will I continue?
Unsure.
Why can they never be wrapped up within the pages of one volume?
The second question then makes the first question read why are fantasy books even longer than you originally thought when you invest time to read 600 odd pages and find out it is just the beginning.
Sigh.
Anyway - it was OK but nothing memorable - will I continue?
Unsure.
pwhc's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tita_noir's review against another edition
4.0
03/18/2018 update:
Decided to re-read this series since the last time I was read it was 10 years ago. Remember really liking it and wondered if it would stand up. It does! Enjoyed it as much the second time and while I remembered some stuff, I'd forgotten enough that the reading was almost like new.
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As I sat and started to read this book, I found myself snuggling deeper into my comfy chair, asking my husband for a glass of wine and happy that the kids were occupied elsewhere. This is one of those fantasy books that is like comfort food. It is familiar, yummy, satisfying without being too heavy, and yet too much of it may not be very good for you.
It takes place in a typical fantasy setting, namely a vaguely medieval setting with royalty, sorcerers and a recognizable caste system. The cast of characters are very approachable with cool names life Wolfblade, Lionsclaw, Ravenspear etc. There are a few plot surprises, plus some great moments of understated humor to keep the story moving along.
The main protagonist, Marla Wolfblade, is quite a nitwit in the beginning, but she is gifted with a calculating slave who wants to survive at all costs. He believes that making sure she learns political craft is the answer to both their continued survival. It is nice to see Marla's growing and learning process. Until the end where the reader sees how very much Marla has learned about the politics of survival.
And even though, Marla is clearly the main character, she doesn't carry the bulk of the book. The book boasts a large cast of characters who all plot for gain or survival. Even the main villain has a reason for the things they do that isn't necessarily all evil. I always like it when a villain isn't just there for the sake of villainy.
As i was reading the book, I couldn't help but be reminded of Raymond Feist/Janny Wurts' Empire trilogy that featured a character named Mara. The plot of a young member of a ruling house have to learn deadly state craft in order to survive runs strongly through both series. And I think that anyone who liked that one would like this one too.
Decided to re-read this series since the last time I was read it was 10 years ago. Remember really liking it and wondered if it would stand up. It does! Enjoyed it as much the second time and while I remembered some stuff, I'd forgotten enough that the reading was almost like new.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I sat and started to read this book, I found myself snuggling deeper into my comfy chair, asking my husband for a glass of wine and happy that the kids were occupied elsewhere. This is one of those fantasy books that is like comfort food. It is familiar, yummy, satisfying without being too heavy, and yet too much of it may not be very good for you.
It takes place in a typical fantasy setting, namely a vaguely medieval setting with royalty, sorcerers and a recognizable caste system. The cast of characters are very approachable with cool names life Wolfblade, Lionsclaw, Ravenspear etc. There are a few plot surprises, plus some great moments of understated humor to keep the story moving along.
The main protagonist, Marla Wolfblade, is quite a nitwit in the beginning, but she is gifted with a calculating slave who wants to survive at all costs. He believes that making sure she learns political craft is the answer to both their continued survival. It is nice to see Marla's growing and learning process. Until the end where the reader sees how very much Marla has learned about the politics of survival.
And even though, Marla is clearly the main character, she doesn't carry the bulk of the book. The book boasts a large cast of characters who all plot for gain or survival. Even the main villain has a reason for the things they do that isn't necessarily all evil. I always like it when a villain isn't just there for the sake of villainy.
As i was reading the book, I couldn't help but be reminded of Raymond Feist/Janny Wurts' Empire trilogy that featured a character named Mara. The plot of a young member of a ruling house have to learn deadly state craft in order to survive runs strongly through both series. And I think that anyone who liked that one would like this one too.
ohthenoveltea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
thiefofcamorr's review
5.0
Couldn't put it down :) Loved it! Jennifer Fallon just brings to light just how well written characters can be. She also manages to make politics the slightest bit interesting :p
ashybear02's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I quite enjoyed this book. I read the Demon Child series before this, but the Damin and Hythria plot was my favourite aspect of that, so being able to read a whole book on Hythria was enjoyable for me. I personally enjoyed the political aspect to this fantasy. The world building was fun to read and I learnt a lot about this world.
The reason I gave it 3.5 stars is because of the last 200 pages or so. There was a lot of time jumping which felt weird considering the first 400 pages had been during one aspect of their life. I didn't particularly like that, though I do look forward to the next book being a much older Damin!
The reason I gave it 3.5 stars is because of the last 200 pages or so. There was a lot of time jumping which felt weird considering the first 400 pages had been during one aspect of their life. I didn't particularly like that, though I do look forward to the next book being a much older Damin!
r_reads289's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing - the quality of wrting and illustrative language used made the book unputdownable and I have never found nayother books like it (except for its sequels! :D) My only regret is that after I bought it I let it sit in my bookcase for over six months, gathering dust. If you're looking for some interesstinf fantasy/sci-fi that's not completely unbelievable then this is the ook for you - or anyone really.