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mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
This is the third book in Abraham's "Long Price Quartet." The central fantasy element, the andat, is explored further, and, as the title suggests, there's a war. As with the first two books in the quartet, this is well-written, atmospheric, and immersive. It is also bleak. I think I liked it better, yet enjoyed it less than the previous book. Otah continues to be my favorite character, but I was caught up by several other characters, including Balasar Gice (a very driven man) and Sinja.
sonice's review against another edition
5.0
5.0 stars. I can't understand why this series is not more popular and talked about than it is. I can only assume it's because the pace is on the slower side, or that there are relatively few battles/action sequences as compared to the standard fantasy fare. These aren't even weak points, they're just differences. Otherwise? Anyone reading this who hasn't already checked it out NEEDS to add it to the TBR.
Realistic, nuanced, flawed and believable characters. Characters that you will be frustrated by, compelled by, inspired by (one of whom, at this point, I would say could give old Fitzchivalry a run for his money in the 'tragic and screwed over' category). Leaders from both sides of a conflict who's positions you can understand and maybe even be sympathetic to. A slow-burn plot with a focus on politicking and conspiracy, with major consequences for everyone involved. A unique magic system that is believable, interesting, and never feels like a cheap way out. A satisfying ending that has me itching to grab the last book. The way this book ended was NOT what I expected, but it's brilliant.
Just, everybody start reading Daniel Abraham. OK?
Realistic, nuanced, flawed and believable characters. Characters that you will be frustrated by, compelled by, inspired by (one of whom, at this point, I would say could give old Fitzchivalry a run for his money in the 'tragic and screwed over' category). Leaders from both sides of a conflict who's positions you can understand and maybe even be sympathetic to. A slow-burn plot with a focus on politicking and conspiracy, with major consequences for everyone involved. A unique magic system that is believable, interesting, and never feels like a cheap way out. A satisfying ending that has me itching to grab the last book. The way this book ended was NOT what I expected, but it's brilliant.
Just, everybody start reading Daniel Abraham. OK?
truthlessofcanada's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Another very good entry in The Long Price Quartet. This book benefits so much from the previous entries in terms of how the past has set up long term relationships. The foundation for this book is so solid that it allows Abraham to go with a much more eventful, plot focused book while still having character depth, and really complex relationships.
Like the last book this one had a very compelling antagonist PoV, although personally I think I prefer the antagonist in A Betrayal In Winter.
Also, the resolution for this book was just very good, hard to even describe it more specifically without risking spoilers, but it was not what I expected, but made a ton of sense in hindsight, it was impactful, and set up a lot more interesting conflict for The Price of Spring.
Lots of people find this to be a significant step up from A Betrayal In Winter, but to me they are on about the same level. This is more epic, and the stakes are higher, and it probably has a better ending, but I prefer the scheming, and the antagonist in A Betrayal in Winter. Both are excellent.
8.8/10
Like the last book this one had a very compelling antagonist PoV, although personally I think I prefer the antagonist in A Betrayal In Winter.
Also, the resolution for this book was just very good, hard to even describe it more specifically without risking spoilers, but it was not what I expected, but made a ton of sense in hindsight, it was impactful, and set up a lot more interesting conflict for The Price of Spring.
Lots of people find this to be a significant step up from A Betrayal In Winter, but to me they are on about the same level. This is more epic, and the stakes are higher, and it probably has a better ending, but I prefer the scheming, and the antagonist in A Betrayal in Winter. Both are excellent.
8.8/10
scottsofbohemia's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant. Brings the world to a perfect, harrowing climax and leaves the reader wondering how there can be a fourth. The emotional complexity of human relationships is perfectly splayed over a high fantasy epic plot.
archergal's review against another edition
5.0
This series just keeps getting better.
The Galts have found a way to get rid of the andat, the god-like creatures that are basically incarnated ideas. And they've decided to destroy the poets, their school, their books, and even the cities of the Khaiate so they can never embody andat again. And there's a good chance they'll succeed.
Pitched against this army are Otah, the leader of the city of Machi, the poets Maati and Cehmai, and Otah's family and friends. They have no real army. The poets are months or years away from embodying another andat. The situation looks hopeless.
I was really anxious through the last quarter of this book! I was worried about what would happen with these characters we've known through three books. And then when I thought I had a feel for where the story was going, Daniel Abraham surprised me. I won't spoil anything here. It's too good.
This one's going to be hard to top. But it'll be interesting to see where the story goes.
I was already a big fan of Daniel Abraham. This just solidifies my regard for him as a writer. Well done, sir.
The Galts have found a way to get rid of the andat, the god-like creatures that are basically incarnated ideas. And they've decided to destroy the poets, their school, their books, and even the cities of the Khaiate so they can never embody andat again. And there's a good chance they'll succeed.
Pitched against this army are Otah, the leader of the city of Machi, the poets Maati and Cehmai, and Otah's family and friends. They have no real army. The poets are months or years away from embodying another andat. The situation looks hopeless.
I was really anxious through the last quarter of this book! I was worried about what would happen with these characters we've known through three books. And then when I thought I had a feel for where the story was going, Daniel Abraham surprised me. I won't spoil anything here. It's too good.
This one's going to be hard to top. But it'll be interesting to see where the story goes.
I was already a big fan of Daniel Abraham. This just solidifies my regard for him as a writer. Well done, sir.
wjsanger's review against another edition
5.0
History was full of men who thought themselves to be the one great soul whom power would not corrupt
This book wrecked me. It’s so tragic in the most realistic way and I cannot give it enough praise. Daniel Abraham writes such beautifully realistic and tragic characters. This entire series is about the choices and exponentially large ramifications that even the smallest ones can make. I love this series and I love Abraham’s ability to right these quietly explosive plots. It’s so good. There are moments in this book that are seared into my brain permanently.
This book wrecked me. It’s so tragic in the most realistic way and I cannot give it enough praise. Daniel Abraham writes such beautifully realistic and tragic characters. This entire series is about the choices and exponentially large ramifications that even the smallest ones can make. I love this series and I love Abraham’s ability to right these quietly explosive plots. It’s so good. There are moments in this book that are seared into my brain permanently.
saraubs's review against another edition
5.0
My favourite of the series so far. Abraham is a masterful character writer and it's so satisfying to see small moments from the first book reverberate through the narrative. I'll save my in-depth thoughts for our upcoming discussion, but this series just gets better with each instalment.
hanienr's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a good series. Why isn't it a bigger deal? I knew when I read the first book this series would turn into a favorite of mine but I didn't realize the degree to which it which pull me in.
This book continues the story of Otah, Maati and the rest and it focuses on the conflict between the Khaiem and the Galts. This conflict that has been built up, both in the background and in the forefront for the entire series finally comes to its climax. And what a climax it was. As opposed to the previous books in the series, this one has a lot more action in it which makes sense with the war on. I've always felt a little ambivalent to action, it isn't necessarily what draws me to a story, but I thought this book had an appropriate amount without overdoing it.
My favorite part of this series is the politics, the conflicts and how the characters react and act to the things that happen in the world. The character work isn't necessarily the best I've ever seen but they make sense, the act consistently and they're distinct. They're just also a little meh. Nothing special.
This book continues the story of Otah, Maati and the rest and it focuses on the conflict between the Khaiem and the Galts. This conflict that has been built up, both in the background and in the forefront for the entire series finally comes to its climax. And what a climax it was. As opposed to the previous books in the series, this one has a lot more action in it which makes sense with the war on. I've always felt a little ambivalent to action, it isn't necessarily what draws me to a story, but I thought this book had an appropriate amount without overdoing it.
My favorite part of this series is the politics, the conflicts and how the characters react and act to the things that happen in the world. The character work isn't necessarily the best I've ever seen but they make sense, the act consistently and they're distinct. They're just also a little meh. Nothing special.
elros451's review against another edition
4.0
I like this one a little bit less than I expected to. The characters somehow feel even more complex then they were in book 2 but the plot this time around felt too linear. A character laid out a plan in the first couple chapters and then there was almost no deviation from it except at the very end.
esb234346's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5