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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
This review is really for both books in the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker series, though my star rating is only for The Awakened Mage.
I'll preface by saying that I really do like these books—though after reading through them a second time, I can definitely see their glaring weaknesses as well.
I think whether you'll enjoy this series really depends on what you're looking for in a novel. First of all, the copy on these books' covers sorely misrepresents their contents. This is not an action-packed story. It is a slow, patient look at the lives of those unexpectedly caught up in a fate they didn't ask for and how they react when its strings pull taut around them. A look at how the details of history and religion blur and shift over the long passing of time, and how the delineations of right and wrong and law are not always clear. It is a story about choice, responsibility, promises and friendship.
The majority of these novels center around character development and intrigue. If you like getting to know a novel's characters well and exploring how their relationship dynamics change in times of stress and upheaval, then I'd recommend this series to you. If you're looking for tons of battles and action, look elsewhere.
That said, there are definitely some significant weak points in these books, the second one in particular.
Strengths:
• I really enjoy Miller's writing style. It's witty and punchy and very down to earth, and she paints images and feeling so clearly without relying on florid or overly lengthy phrasing. Each of her characters has a very distinct voice as well, so even just reading the dialogue is a pleasure.
• I like the world and how it's introduced to us. It's a fairly simple setting for what you might expect of fantasy (think more along the lines of what you'd find in a Fire Emblem or Tales of game), but it works well as a framework for the story, and we're never bogged down with tons of exposition or unneeded facts. The way Miller describes the kingdom of Lur feels very natural and lived-in; we notice small details as its residents go about their business in Dorana, just like you'd gradually become adjusted to a new city you'd moved to.
• And the greatest strength by far: Miller's created an excellent cast of characters. Gar is one of my favorite characters from anything I've ever read, watched or played. Dathne, Matt, Veira and Darran are all incredible characters as well, each so unique and with excellent development throughout. I really love the shifting viewpoints between these characters throughout the series, and how Miller overturns our intial preconceptions about a character to make us love, or at least sympathise with, a character we once disliked.
Weaknesses:
• The main villain is so over-the-top villain-y that I can't take him seriously. He's just tiring and annoying, and I found myself speed-reading through the portions from his point of view.
• This is a very slow and lengthy story. The excitement promised on the book's covers doesn't kick into high gear until part three, or page 365, of The Awakened Mage. That wasn't a problem for me in the first book. I only felt like it dragged a bit in the middle of the second one. But that was a pretty big disappointment because—
• The conclusion of the book flies by way too quickly, reads more like a first draft than a finished piece, and is frankly unsatisfying. Up until the point when Asher is finally told who he is, I love the books. After that, it becomes frustrating for me, largely because of Asher himself. I won't get into spoilers, but there are a few characters who absolutely deserved a better ending than they received—bridges that needed to be mended much, much sooner. Voices I wish we'd heard from more at the end. Poetic justice that was left undealt. People who, frankly, were just more interesting than Asher was by that point.
Ok fine, I'll get a little spoilery here:
Asher's and Gar's friendship was the shining light of both novels, and his friendships with the others were just as heartwarming in their own way. Take those away after letting us grow so damn attached to the other characters, and then deny us the satisfaction of seeing those relationships restored and an admission from Asher that he'd also done wrong, and how are we supposed to keep rooting for him? By the end I just kept thinking "Jesus, what a stubborn, bratty c***" every time Asher spoke, and I only wanted him to succeed for the sake of the others. I wish Miller had given less time to Asher's complaining, had let him grow more mature, and mended well bridges before the final confrontation.
All of that said, I still find these two novels to be very comforting and entertaining to read. Its characters stuck with me long, long after I first read the series back in 2013 (which is actually what prompted me to read them again—to reacquaint myself with those characters), and it was very pleasant to return to them six years later. I imagine Gar and Dathne will stick around with me for years longer, as will my appreciation for Miller's way with words.
But I also think I'd like to see some good fanfiction that rewrites the ending.
I'll preface by saying that I really do like these books—though after reading through them a second time, I can definitely see their glaring weaknesses as well.
I think whether you'll enjoy this series really depends on what you're looking for in a novel. First of all, the copy on these books' covers sorely misrepresents their contents. This is not an action-packed story. It is a slow, patient look at the lives of those unexpectedly caught up in a fate they didn't ask for and how they react when its strings pull taut around them. A look at how the details of history and religion blur and shift over the long passing of time, and how the delineations of right and wrong and law are not always clear. It is a story about choice, responsibility, promises and friendship.
The majority of these novels center around character development and intrigue. If you like getting to know a novel's characters well and exploring how their relationship dynamics change in times of stress and upheaval, then I'd recommend this series to you. If you're looking for tons of battles and action, look elsewhere.
That said, there are definitely some significant weak points in these books, the second one in particular.
Strengths:
• I really enjoy Miller's writing style. It's witty and punchy and very down to earth, and she paints images and feeling so clearly without relying on florid or overly lengthy phrasing. Each of her characters has a very distinct voice as well, so even just reading the dialogue is a pleasure.
• I like the world and how it's introduced to us. It's a fairly simple setting for what you might expect of fantasy (think more along the lines of what you'd find in a Fire Emblem or Tales of game), but it works well as a framework for the story, and we're never bogged down with tons of exposition or unneeded facts. The way Miller describes the kingdom of Lur feels very natural and lived-in; we notice small details as its residents go about their business in Dorana, just like you'd gradually become adjusted to a new city you'd moved to.
• And the greatest strength by far: Miller's created an excellent cast of characters. Gar is one of my favorite characters from anything I've ever read, watched or played. Dathne, Matt, Veira and Darran are all incredible characters as well, each so unique and with excellent development throughout. I really love the shifting viewpoints between these characters throughout the series, and how Miller overturns our intial preconceptions about a character to make us love, or at least sympathise with, a character we once disliked.
Weaknesses:
• The main villain is so over-the-top villain-y that I can't take him seriously. He's just tiring and annoying, and I found myself speed-reading through the portions from his point of view.
• This is a very slow and lengthy story. The excitement promised on the book's covers doesn't kick into high gear until part three, or page 365, of The Awakened Mage. That wasn't a problem for me in the first book. I only felt like it dragged a bit in the middle of the second one. But that was a pretty big disappointment because—
• The conclusion of the book flies by way too quickly, reads more like a first draft than a finished piece, and is frankly unsatisfying. Up until the point when Asher is finally told who he is, I love the books. After that, it becomes frustrating for me, largely because of Asher himself. I won't get into spoilers, but there are a few characters who absolutely deserved a better ending than they received—bridges that needed to be mended much, much sooner. Voices I wish we'd heard from more at the end. Poetic justice that was left undealt. People who, frankly, were just more interesting than Asher was by that point.
Ok fine, I'll get a little spoilery here:
Asher's and Gar's friendship was the shining light of both novels, and his friendships with the others were just as heartwarming in their own way. Take those away after letting us grow so damn attached to the other characters, and then deny us the satisfaction of seeing those relationships restored and an admission from Asher that he'd also done wrong, and how are we supposed to keep rooting for him? By the end I just kept thinking "Jesus, what a stubborn, bratty c***" every time Asher spoke, and I only wanted him to succeed for the sake of the others. I wish Miller had given less time to Asher's complaining, had let him grow more mature, and mended well bridges before the final confrontation.
All of that said, I still find these two novels to be very comforting and entertaining to read. Its characters stuck with me long, long after I first read the series back in 2013 (which is actually what prompted me to read them again—to reacquaint myself with those characters), and it was very pleasant to return to them six years later. I imagine Gar and Dathne will stick around with me for years longer, as will my appreciation for Miller's way with words.
But I also think I'd like to see some good fanfiction that rewrites the ending.
A stunning sequel to an already amazing book, I cannot wait to start Prodigal Mage. If you love fantasy with a wonderful plot and rich underlying themes this is a series for you. Miller’s characters are amazing, real. It is so easy to be absorbed into the land of Lur.
The story picks up where the innocent mage left off. Asher is not the Olken ambassador while his friend Prince Gar is now King Gar the weathermage. But things are not always what they seem and when Gar’s magic fails him it is Asher who steps in to create the weather all across Lur – a crime punishable by death. Gar convinces him to become the weather mage for one month, one month so he can find a way to reclaim the magic that once thrummed through his veins. Asher is miserable, hates everything to do with magic and cannot understand how he was pushed into breaking the first law of Barl. It is only for one month, only one month… but one month is a long time and Asher has many enemies who would love to see him beheaded…
I fiercely suggest this book, it was a joy and a pleasure to read!
The story picks up where the innocent mage left off. Asher is not the Olken ambassador while his friend Prince Gar is now King Gar the weathermage. But things are not always what they seem and when Gar’s magic fails him it is Asher who steps in to create the weather all across Lur – a crime punishable by death. Gar convinces him to become the weather mage for one month, one month so he can find a way to reclaim the magic that once thrummed through his veins. Asher is miserable, hates everything to do with magic and cannot understand how he was pushed into breaking the first law of Barl. It is only for one month, only one month… but one month is a long time and Asher has many enemies who would love to see him beheaded…
I fiercely suggest this book, it was a joy and a pleasure to read!
This novel brings to a conclusion Karen Miller's epic Kingmaker, Kingbraker series. In this installment, we find Asher helping Gar adjust to the death of his family as well as his new role as king. Gar makes Asher the Olken administrator, to the acclaim of his fans and muttering of his enemies. Asher is finally also making headway in wooing Dathne. Things look like they are going well.
That is until Gar's magic begins to fail and Asher's begins to emerge. Then Gar asks Asher to risk everything to help him keep up the facade, neither realizing that the darkest force of all is behind everything, waiting for the right time to strike.
Although there is a little dip in pace in the middle, Miller's story moves at a good clip, coming to a thrilling conclusion. These are main characters that you care for and a main villain that you can boo. Worth getting.
That is until Gar's magic begins to fail and Asher's begins to emerge. Then Gar asks Asher to risk everything to help him keep up the facade, neither realizing that the darkest force of all is behind everything, waiting for the right time to strike.
Although there is a little dip in pace in the middle, Miller's story moves at a good clip, coming to a thrilling conclusion. These are main characters that you care for and a main villain that you can boo. Worth getting.
This novel brings to a conclusion Karen Miller's epic Kingmaker, Kingbraker series. In this installment, we find Asher helping Gar adjust to the death of his family as well as his new role as king. Gar makes Asher the Olken administrator, to the acclaim of his fans and muttering of his enemies. Asher is finally also making headway in wooing Dathne. Things look like they are going well.
That is until Gar's magic begins to fail and Asher's begins to emerge. Then Gar asks Asher to risk everything to help him keep up the facade, neither realizing that the darkest force of all is behind everything, waiting for the right time to strike.
Although there is a little dip in pace in the middle, Miller's story moves at a good clip, coming to a thrilling conclusion. These are main characters that you care for and a main villain that you can boo. Worth getting.
That is until Gar's magic begins to fail and Asher's begins to emerge. Then Gar asks Asher to risk everything to help him keep up the facade, neither realizing that the darkest force of all is behind everything, waiting for the right time to strike.
Although there is a little dip in pace in the middle, Miller's story moves at a good clip, coming to a thrilling conclusion. These are main characters that you care for and a main villain that you can boo. Worth getting.
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoy Karen Miller's writing, even if her plots are a little cliche. This was a good sequel/finisher for the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker chronicles (even if there are more after this one). The ending felt a little rushed, but all things considered, this was a great book.
I wasn't so much of a fan of Asher this time round, nor did Dathne really grip me, especially once she went all. Gar I still did enjoy reading about though, and it was good for Willer to have his comeuppance.
Excellent writing, although novel plotlines are lacking here.
I wasn't so much of a fan of Asher this time round, nor did Dathne really grip me, especially once she went all
Spoiler
baby mad and lost any of her actual charmExcellent writing, although novel plotlines are lacking here.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For a book that I found in a used book store and bought because I liked the cover, this was a really good one.
Looking back, the story doesn’t seem like it would take ~1300 pages across 2 books to tell, but it never felt like it was dragging on. It was definitely a slow burn, but it kept burning the whole time.
Asher, the main character, never became likable for me. (And I don’t say that as a bad thing.) He definitely grew as a character and I give the book props for having a main character who was grating and insolent the whole time, but still true to himself.
The writing was good, especially switching the types of words used when different characters’ perspectives were being shown. The most obvious being when it was the Villain’s perspective.
Overall, I’m very glad I got these, and I’m interested to read the other book I have by this author.
Looking back, the story doesn’t seem like it would take ~1300 pages across 2 books to tell, but it never felt like it was dragging on. It was definitely a slow burn, but it kept burning the whole time.
Asher, the main character, never became likable for me. (And I don’t say that as a bad thing.) He definitely grew as a character and I give the book props for having a main character who was grating and insolent the whole time, but still true to himself.
The writing was good, especially switching the types of words used when different characters’ perspectives were being shown. The most obvious being when it was the Villain’s perspective.
Overall, I’m very glad I got these, and I’m interested to read the other book I have by this author.
My review of Book 1 admired the story-telling and the page turning nature of its narrative, though was slightly disappointed by the (admittedly comforting) safeness of its tale. The (erm) cliffhanging ending, however, left me interested in the tale’s outcome, so I was not too upset at taking on the slightly larger second volume.
However because of the book’s nature, following on from Volume 1, there are points that I’m going to have to develop.
MINOR SPOILERS FOLLOW.
The second volume starts just before the point we left it in Volume 1. As the story takes speed, the disastrous consequences of the deaths at the end of Innocent Mage leave us with some intriguing puzzles: how are Prince Gar and his friend Asher to deal with the kingdom of Lur turned upside down? How is Asher to meet his prophetic future, to be the Innocent Mage, born to save the world from blood and death, when the prophecy tells of apocalyptic proceedings as a result?
Well, as you might expect, there is a change in roles and responsibilities. Prince Gar now becomes King Gar, Weather-Worker for the nation. Asher is promoted from his assistant position to Ambassador for Olken Affairs. Dathne becomes Asher’s assistant to help deal with the increased workload as a consequence of Gar now being King Gar.
The city of Dorana deals with the royal deaths with stunned grief but is partly calmed by King Gar showing that his recently-found ability to manipulate the weather works. What they don’t know though is that, due to the earlier actions of Morg, Gar’s magic has failed and that it is actually Asher who wields the power: an action punishable under Barl’s law by death. As Morg becomes more powerful, the kingdom is split by upheaval and deception.
END OF SPOILERS.
I said in my review of Volume 1 there were niggles that could make the well-read reader of Fantasy less enamoured of this book than those new to the genre or those looking for nothing more than a comfortable read. There was little here to change that view, though the pace was faster, the niggles slightly less – niggly - and some of the consequences of earlier actions quite interesting in their resolution. Karen is a skilful writer in engaging the reader with traditional plot developments and enough action, particularly in the last section of this book, to keep those pages turning.
Having said that, parts of the book definitely did not work for me. In particular for me, love scenes between two of the main characters were just cringing in their expression and execution. In addition, there are plot resolutions that may be too convenient for some. Despite these areas of concern, ultimately the story is resolved, the prophecy is achieved and the story is ended in a manner which is satisfactory, though not really unpredictable.
In my review of Volume 1, I said that the book was ‘Not clever, not particularly original or uniquely stylish, but written well enough to keep the reader’s interest, this is a book that will create a warm sense of comfort for many Fantasy readers out there who wish to be charmed rather than challenged.’ As the books clearly run together, I would still stand by that for Volume 2, and with that view in mind I am ultimately pleased (though with some reservations) with the way the duology has developed and completed. There will be a lot of readers out there who will read these books in order to be no more than uplifted and entertained by them, and as such there is, in the end, much to get pleasure from. Those who enjoyed the first book will be further contented to find much more to enjoy here.
(And as a footnote, it has just been announced that Karen will be writing more of Lur soon: according to Karen’s website (link below) ‘there'll be a standalone prequel telling the story of Morgan and Barl, and a double-barrelled sequel following on from the events of Innocence Lost/The Awakened Mage. The sequel is due to be published first.’)
However because of the book’s nature, following on from Volume 1, there are points that I’m going to have to develop.
MINOR SPOILERS FOLLOW.
The second volume starts just before the point we left it in Volume 1. As the story takes speed, the disastrous consequences of the deaths at the end of Innocent Mage leave us with some intriguing puzzles: how are Prince Gar and his friend Asher to deal with the kingdom of Lur turned upside down? How is Asher to meet his prophetic future, to be the Innocent Mage, born to save the world from blood and death, when the prophecy tells of apocalyptic proceedings as a result?
Well, as you might expect, there is a change in roles and responsibilities. Prince Gar now becomes King Gar, Weather-Worker for the nation. Asher is promoted from his assistant position to Ambassador for Olken Affairs. Dathne becomes Asher’s assistant to help deal with the increased workload as a consequence of Gar now being King Gar.
The city of Dorana deals with the royal deaths with stunned grief but is partly calmed by King Gar showing that his recently-found ability to manipulate the weather works. What they don’t know though is that, due to the earlier actions of Morg, Gar’s magic has failed and that it is actually Asher who wields the power: an action punishable under Barl’s law by death. As Morg becomes more powerful, the kingdom is split by upheaval and deception.
END OF SPOILERS.
I said in my review of Volume 1 there were niggles that could make the well-read reader of Fantasy less enamoured of this book than those new to the genre or those looking for nothing more than a comfortable read. There was little here to change that view, though the pace was faster, the niggles slightly less – niggly - and some of the consequences of earlier actions quite interesting in their resolution. Karen is a skilful writer in engaging the reader with traditional plot developments and enough action, particularly in the last section of this book, to keep those pages turning.
Having said that, parts of the book definitely did not work for me. In particular for me, love scenes between two of the main characters were just cringing in their expression and execution. In addition, there are plot resolutions that may be too convenient for some. Despite these areas of concern, ultimately the story is resolved, the prophecy is achieved and the story is ended in a manner which is satisfactory, though not really unpredictable.
In my review of Volume 1, I said that the book was ‘Not clever, not particularly original or uniquely stylish, but written well enough to keep the reader’s interest, this is a book that will create a warm sense of comfort for many Fantasy readers out there who wish to be charmed rather than challenged.’ As the books clearly run together, I would still stand by that for Volume 2, and with that view in mind I am ultimately pleased (though with some reservations) with the way the duology has developed and completed. There will be a lot of readers out there who will read these books in order to be no more than uplifted and entertained by them, and as such there is, in the end, much to get pleasure from. Those who enjoyed the first book will be further contented to find much more to enjoy here.
(And as a footnote, it has just been announced that Karen will be writing more of Lur soon: according to Karen’s website (link below) ‘there'll be a standalone prequel telling the story of Morgan and Barl, and a double-barrelled sequel following on from the events of Innocence Lost/The Awakened Mage. The sequel is due to be published first.’)
My review of Book 1 (The Innocent Mage) admired the story-telling and the page turning nature of its narrative, though was slightly disappointed by the (admittedly comforting) safeness of its tale. The (erm) cliffhanging ending, however, left me interested in the tale’s outcome, so I was not too upset at taking on the slightly larger second volume.
However because of the book’s nature, following on from Volume 1, there are points that I’m going to have to develop.
So: MINOR SPOILERS FOLLOW.
The second volume starts just before the point we left it in Volume 1. As the story takes speed, the disastrous consequences of the deaths at the end of Innocent Mage leave us with some intriguing puzzles: how are Prince Gar and his friend Asher to deal with the kingdom of Lur turned upside down? How is Asher to meet his prophetic future, to be the Innocent Mage, born to save the world from blood and death, when the prophecy tells of apocalyptic proceedings as a result?
Well, as you might expect, there is a change in roles and responsibilities. Prince Gar now becomes King Gar, Weather-Worker for the nation. Asher is promoted from his assistant position to Ambassador for Olken Affairs. Dathne becomes Asher’s assistant to help deal with the increased workload as a consequence of Gar now being King Gar.
The city of Dorana deals with the royal deaths with stunned grief but is partly calmed by King Gar showing that his recently-found ability to manipulate the weather works. What they don’t know though is that, due to the earlier actions of Morg, Gar’s magic has failed and that it is actually Asher who wields the power: an action punishable under Barl’s law by death. As Morg becomes more powerful, the kingdom is split by upheaval and deception.
END OF MINOR SPOILERS.
I said in my review of Volume 1 there were niggles that could make the well-read reader of Fantasy less enamoured of this book than those new to the genre or those looking for nothing more than a comfortable read. There was little here to change that view, though the pace was faster, the niggles slightly less – niggly - and some of the consequences of earlier actions quite interesting in their resolution. Karen is a skilful writer in engaging the reader with traditional plot developments and enough action, particularly in the last section of this book, to keep those pages turning.
Having said that, parts of the book definitely did not work for me. In particular for me, love scenes between two of the main characters were just cringing in their expression and execution. In addition, there are plot resolutions that may be too convenient for some. Despite these areas of concern, ultimately the story is resolved, the prophecy is achieved and the story is ended in a manner which is satisfactory, though not really unpredictable.
In my review of Volume 1, I said that the book was ‘Not clever, not particularly original or uniquely stylish, but written well enough to keep the reader’s interest, this is a book that will create a warm sense of comfort for many Fantasy readers out there who wish to be charmed rather than challenged.’ As the books clearly run together, I would still stand by that for Volume 2, and with that view in mind I am ultimately pleased (though with some reservations) with the way the duology has developed and completed. There will be a lot of readers out there who will read these books in order to be no more than uplifted and entertained by them, and as such there is, in the end, much to get pleasure from. Those who enjoyed the first book will be further contented to find much more to enjoy here.
(And as a footnote, it has just been announced that Karen will be writing more of Lur soon: according to Karen’s website (link below) ‘there'll be a standalone prequel telling the story of Morgan and Barl, and a double-barrelled sequel following on from the events of Innocence Lost/The Awakened Mage. The sequel is due to be published first.’)
However because of the book’s nature, following on from Volume 1, there are points that I’m going to have to develop.
So: MINOR SPOILERS FOLLOW.
The second volume starts just before the point we left it in Volume 1. As the story takes speed, the disastrous consequences of the deaths at the end of Innocent Mage leave us with some intriguing puzzles: how are Prince Gar and his friend Asher to deal with the kingdom of Lur turned upside down? How is Asher to meet his prophetic future, to be the Innocent Mage, born to save the world from blood and death, when the prophecy tells of apocalyptic proceedings as a result?
Well, as you might expect, there is a change in roles and responsibilities. Prince Gar now becomes King Gar, Weather-Worker for the nation. Asher is promoted from his assistant position to Ambassador for Olken Affairs. Dathne becomes Asher’s assistant to help deal with the increased workload as a consequence of Gar now being King Gar.
The city of Dorana deals with the royal deaths with stunned grief but is partly calmed by King Gar showing that his recently-found ability to manipulate the weather works. What they don’t know though is that, due to the earlier actions of Morg, Gar’s magic has failed and that it is actually Asher who wields the power: an action punishable under Barl’s law by death. As Morg becomes more powerful, the kingdom is split by upheaval and deception.
END OF MINOR SPOILERS.
I said in my review of Volume 1 there were niggles that could make the well-read reader of Fantasy less enamoured of this book than those new to the genre or those looking for nothing more than a comfortable read. There was little here to change that view, though the pace was faster, the niggles slightly less – niggly - and some of the consequences of earlier actions quite interesting in their resolution. Karen is a skilful writer in engaging the reader with traditional plot developments and enough action, particularly in the last section of this book, to keep those pages turning.
Having said that, parts of the book definitely did not work for me. In particular for me, love scenes between two of the main characters were just cringing in their expression and execution. In addition, there are plot resolutions that may be too convenient for some. Despite these areas of concern, ultimately the story is resolved, the prophecy is achieved and the story is ended in a manner which is satisfactory, though not really unpredictable.
In my review of Volume 1, I said that the book was ‘Not clever, not particularly original or uniquely stylish, but written well enough to keep the reader’s interest, this is a book that will create a warm sense of comfort for many Fantasy readers out there who wish to be charmed rather than challenged.’ As the books clearly run together, I would still stand by that for Volume 2, and with that view in mind I am ultimately pleased (though with some reservations) with the way the duology has developed and completed. There will be a lot of readers out there who will read these books in order to be no more than uplifted and entertained by them, and as such there is, in the end, much to get pleasure from. Those who enjoyed the first book will be further contented to find much more to enjoy here.
(And as a footnote, it has just been announced that Karen will be writing more of Lur soon: according to Karen’s website (link below) ‘there'll be a standalone prequel telling the story of Morgan and Barl, and a double-barrelled sequel following on from the events of Innocence Lost/The Awakened Mage. The sequel is due to be published first.’)
I really liked 'The Innocent Mage' a lot and the way it ended abruptly on a cliffhanger made me picked this second book kind of right away! It was a mix of good and bad things for me and quite average as compared to the first part!
My biggest problem with this was the pacing, unlike the first one! In the first 70-80% of the book, nothing much of significance happened and in the last 20%, we had all the revelations. Final showdown for which we had all that buildup throughout the whole two books, was quite underwhelming!
As you can see from the title, you would think that this whole book is going to be about Asher getting to know about his powers and dealing with all the stuff he was clueless about in the first book (but we as a reader know!). But NOTHING like that happened, that part of getting know about himself also happened in the last few chapters which was a massive let down for me!
The only saving grace for this book was its political intrigue and my attachment with these characters from the previous book, otherwise, I would have rated it even less. The ending for some of my favourite characters was quite rough and it really broke my heart!
Even after finishing both books, I do not have a clear grasp of their magic system and the world, hence many things felt unfinished in some ways. But as we have a prequel released after this book explaining how it all started, I guess that will provide us with more explanations and understanding of things.
I am going to take some time before picking the third one and next series by Karen Miller for now!
MY RATING - 3 Stars!
The Innocent Mage (Book 1)- 4 Stars!
My biggest problem with this was the pacing, unlike the first one! In the first 70-80% of the book, nothing much of significance happened and in the last 20%, we had all the revelations. Final showdown for which we had all that buildup throughout the whole two books, was quite underwhelming!
As you can see from the title, you would think that this whole book is going to be about Asher getting to know about his powers and dealing with all the stuff he was clueless about in the first book (but we as a reader know!). But NOTHING like that happened, that part of getting know about himself also happened in the last few chapters which was a massive let down for me!
The only saving grace for this book was its political intrigue and my attachment with these characters from the previous book, otherwise, I would have rated it even less. The ending for some of my favourite characters was quite rough and it really broke my heart!
Even after finishing both books, I do not have a clear grasp of their magic system and the world, hence many things felt unfinished in some ways. But as we have a prequel released after this book explaining how it all started, I guess that will provide us with more explanations and understanding of things.
I am going to take some time before picking the third one and next series by Karen Miller for now!
MY RATING - 3 Stars!
The Innocent Mage (Book 1)- 4 Stars!