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margreads's review against another edition
4.0
This is volume 9 of the Fables series, and so I will need to start with the now customary warning.....
***SPOILERS AHOY***
The first story in this collection picks up the action in the Homelands. After the bitter defeat that the Adversary's troops experienced in previous collection, the Homelands leaders come together more determined than ever to find a way to defeat the fables who live in Fabletown and they have no concern whatsoever about any collateral damage to the mundys who also live on Earth. First though the reader is introduced to each of them. Some we have met before like the head of the knight Bright Day but others are new - Lumi the Snow Queen for example. One of the more important seems to be Hansel (yes, the one usually associated with Gretel) who has previously been banished from Fabletown but is to be now sent back as the Adversary's political representative. In due course, we find out why he was banished in the first place - an unpleasant tale in itself.
To read more of my thoughts about this book head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2013/05/fables-sons-of-empire-by-bill-willingham.html
nancyotoole's review against another edition
3.0
All actions have consequences. After Bigby's full frontal assault on the Adversary, Gepetto calls in his lieutenants to plan a retaliation that will take down not just the fables, but humankind as we know it. Can Pinocchio manage to talk his father out of his devastating plans? Meanwhile, it's Christmas time back on the Farm, and Snow and Bigby are celebrating with the cubs. For Christmas, Snow wants nothing more than to visit the Homelands, but will the results be too dangerous?
The ninth graphic novel in the Fables series gathers two arcs from the comics, the "Sons of Empire" storyline, followed by the "Father and Son" storyline, with a Christmas story sandwiched in between. The "Sons of Empire" storyline is where the really interesting material is, while "Father and Son" is more a diversion (a pleasant one, admittedly, but a diversion nevertheless). It's always interesting to get a glimpse on what's going on behind enemy lines, which is exactly what "Sons of Empire" delivers. Another thing I really enjoyed about this arc was that while it wasn't really as action packed as some of the other story lines, it managed to be just as engrossing thanks to how suspenseful it was. "Father and Son" was a rather fitting story for me to read after the graphic novel 1001 Nights of Snowfall, which also features a storyline about Bigby and his father. I wasn't as fond of the artwork for this one, but it worked. As a nice bonus, we get several mini stories in this collection that either glimpses into the lives of fables we haven't seen yet (such as Rapunzel), or answers some burning questions.
In conclusion, the Sons of Empire graphic novel is another solid entry into the Fables series. Although I ended up liking the first arc ("Sons or Empire") more than the second ("Father and Sons"), I found both to be enjoyable and worth reading. I am particularly interested to see where the series will bring the character of Flycatcher next. So far, he's spent the entire series sitting on the sidelines, but it appears that he make take center stage soon.
The ninth graphic novel in the Fables series gathers two arcs from the comics, the "Sons of Empire" storyline, followed by the "Father and Son" storyline, with a Christmas story sandwiched in between. The "Sons of Empire" storyline is where the really interesting material is, while "Father and Son" is more a diversion (a pleasant one, admittedly, but a diversion nevertheless). It's always interesting to get a glimpse on what's going on behind enemy lines, which is exactly what "Sons of Empire" delivers. Another thing I really enjoyed about this arc was that while it wasn't really as action packed as some of the other story lines, it managed to be just as engrossing thanks to how suspenseful it was. "Father and Son" was a rather fitting story for me to read after the graphic novel 1001 Nights of Snowfall, which also features a storyline about Bigby and his father. I wasn't as fond of the artwork for this one, but it worked. As a nice bonus, we get several mini stories in this collection that either glimpses into the lives of fables we haven't seen yet (such as Rapunzel), or answers some burning questions.
In conclusion, the Sons of Empire graphic novel is another solid entry into the Fables series. Although I ended up liking the first arc ("Sons or Empire") more than the second ("Father and Sons"), I found both to be enjoyable and worth reading. I am particularly interested to see where the series will bring the character of Flycatcher next. So far, he's spent the entire series sitting on the sidelines, but it appears that he make take center stage soon.
manwithanagenda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
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? No
4.5
This story sets up a lot of framework for what's coming - I haven't read ahead, I just know that 'Fables' has a very, very long way to go and I've gotten the hang of Willingham's foreshadowing.
The 'Sons of Empire' arc introduces readers to the Empire's plans for revenge on Fabletown and the potential conquest of the mundy world. Well, at least the first draft. Nothing will play out that way, it'll be worse. It also takes time to introduce a few new prominent players, most importantly Hansel, who's mania for witch-hunting got him exiled from Fabletown and makes him a perfect tool for the Empire.
'Father and Son' has Bigby and his father, the North Wind, come to an understanding. It's not much, but they're both still alive and on the same side.
There were some great extras, including an issue of short stories answering reader questions about minor characters and loose threads, and even an appearance from Santa Claus.
This series is phenomenal. I don't know when I'll get to the rest of it, but I'll keep my eyes open.
Fables
Next: 'The Good Prince'
Previous: 'Wolves'
The 'Sons of Empire' arc introduces readers to the Empire's plans for revenge on Fabletown and the potential conquest of the mundy world. Well, at least the first draft. Nothing will play out that way, it'll be worse. It also takes time to introduce a few new prominent players, most importantly Hansel, who's mania for witch-hunting got him exiled from Fabletown and makes him a perfect tool for the Empire.
'Father and Son' has Bigby and his father, the North Wind, come to an understanding. It's not much, but they're both still alive and on the same side.
There were some great extras, including an issue of short stories answering reader questions about minor characters and loose threads, and even an appearance from Santa Claus.
This series is phenomenal. I don't know when I'll get to the rest of it, but I'll keep my eyes open.
Fables
Next: 'The Good Prince'
Previous: 'Wolves'
naitasia's review against another edition
2.0
I really only liked the part with Bigsby and family. I’m bored with The Adversary and I don’t like this version of Pinocchio.
majorrawne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.25
kelseyr713's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved all the stories in this one. It might be my favorite volume yet.
leahfrancis's review against another edition
4.0
not the absolute most interesting fables, but we did get some snow and bigby time at the end, thank god.
jpv0's review against another edition
5.0
[b:Fables, Vol. 9: Sons of Empire|158988|Fables, Vol. 9 Sons of Empire|Bill Willingham|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1375396700l/158988._SX50_.jpg|153455]. The calm before the storm. It's a number of somewhat lighter tales (relatively speaking!) showing how both sides are preparing to strike back.
We get a bit more detail on Frau Totenkinder--who turns out to be even more than we thought--and Ambrose/Flycatcher, who seems to have quite the backstory. And of course, the Wolf clan. They're always a lot of fun.
A good story. A nice breather.
Onwards!
Some of my favorite scenes (spoilers):
The idea that Hansel is on the side of the Adversary is ... of course he is. Especially given that Frau Totenkinder is who she is.
It's on one hand amazing that the average person doesn't know. But I guess that's entirely the point of the thing.
Man, Fly's had a rough life. Stress? Frog. Wife? Dead. Family? Dead. Oof.
The idea of curses carrying on was one we saw before with Briar Rose, but this makes it all the better. Three haircuts a day. And she's making bank on it. Pretty cool.
A silly little version of the Three Blind Mice. It works.
If you stay up to catch Santa, you can have one true answer instead of your presents. I really like that idea. And you know, that's actually a really good way that Santa works. Magic.
Santa's gift for Fly: one last kiss.
Man. Right in the feels. He's got quite a story.
You know. Geppetto really is kind of a terrible father figure. I feel bad for how Pinocchio has been stuck there.
Heh. Glasshole. Also the idea that everyone rhymes to magic mirror, but you don't actually *have* to, it just likes it? That's funny.
All that before he was fifteen. Man Charming is morally all over the place. He tries to do good, but ... he is who he is.
We get a bit more detail on Frau Totenkinder--who turns out to be even more than we thought--and Ambrose/Flycatcher, who seems to have quite the backstory. And of course, the Wolf clan. They're always a lot of fun.
A good story. A nice breather.
Onwards!
Some of my favorite scenes (spoilers):
The idea that Hansel is on the side of the Adversary is ... of course he is. Especially given that Frau Totenkinder is who she is.
It's on one hand amazing that the average person doesn't know. But I guess that's entirely the point of the thing.
Man, Fly's had a rough life. Stress? Frog. Wife? Dead. Family? Dead. Oof.
The idea of curses carrying on was one we saw before with Briar Rose, but this makes it all the better. Three haircuts a day. And she's making bank on it. Pretty cool.
A silly little version of the Three Blind Mice. It works.
If you stay up to catch Santa, you can have one true answer instead of your presents. I really like that idea. And you know, that's actually a really good way that Santa works. Magic.
Santa's gift for Fly: one last kiss.
Man. Right in the feels. He's got quite a story.
You know. Geppetto really is kind of a terrible father figure. I feel bad for how Pinocchio has been stuck there.
Heh. Glasshole. Also the idea that everyone rhymes to magic mirror, but you don't actually *have* to, it just likes it? That's funny.
All that before he was fifteen. Man Charming is morally all over the place. He tries to do good, but ... he is who he is.
sonshinelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Yay! More cubs! I loved the little shorts and I particularly enjoyed the answered questions at the end. A solid entry in the Fables saga.
abetterbradley's review against another edition
4.0
Volume 9 of the Fables series.
This volume is split into a few stories. There's a meeting of villians. We meet Santa. Biggby and family visit his father. And asked questions are answered.
This volume is split into a few stories. There's a meeting of villians. We meet Santa. Biggby and family visit his father. And asked questions are answered.