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mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
3.0
This is the eighth and final book in The Corean Chronicles, and the second from the perspective of Mykella, now the Lady-Protector (i.e. ruler) of her land. As with the previous volume, I found this enjoyably diverting, but neither gripping nor striking.
The series as a whole has some interesting world-building, integrating science fiction elements into a primarily fantasy world. I liked the opening three books best, because I cared more about their main character, Alucius, than the protagonists of the final five books. I have now read all the existing books in three of Modesitt's fantasy series. Of the three series, the Imager Portfolio is my personal favorite, and I am very glad that the eleventh book is due out in a month's time. I found the Saga of Recluce somewhat uneven, but enjoyed most of the books in it very much. For me, the Corean Chronicles, though entertaining, is the weakest of the three series.
The series as a whole has some interesting world-building, integrating science fiction elements into a primarily fantasy world. I liked the opening three books best, because I cared more about their main character, Alucius, than the protagonists of the final five books. I have now read all the existing books in three of Modesitt's fantasy series. Of the three series, the Imager Portfolio is my personal favorite, and I am very glad that the eleventh book is due out in a month's time. I found the Saga of Recluce somewhat uneven, but enjoyed most of the books in it very much. For me, the Corean Chronicles, though entertaining, is the weakest of the three series.
olityr's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Better than the Lord-Protector's Daughter, but not as good as the rest of the series.
janettedv's review against another edition
4.0
Not his best but I do love the Corean Chronicles even though many people don't.
sniperpumpkin's review
3.0
Not the best Modesitt ever, I'm afraid, but still a solid entry from one of my favorite authors. He spends a lot of time going throughout the challenges inherent in running a government in a semi-medieval culture. The day to day business of fixing a government hobbled by years of weak leadership and endemic corruption were just the sort of writing I expect from Modesitt. The MC was pleasant enough and dealt with the challenges of being a young female ruler in a male dominated society fairly well, but she didn't quite gel for me as a character (though, I can't quite put my finger on why).
From a technical standpoint, I had some issues with the beginning of the book, it just starts right up, assuming that you've read the short story that started this tale. It's a bit abrupt, and a touch more exposition near the front would have smoothed out a few of the rough edges. I've also noticed a few turns of phrase that he uses quite a lot that start to feel a bit stale (e.g. x was anything but y).
More broadly, Corus has never felt quite as solid, as real, as his other worlds, like Recluse or Defalk. This is something of a problem, because at least a third of the reason I enjoy Modesitt is because of his strong world building. His magic systems are usually very consistent and rigorous, but Talent has never really seemed distinct enough, and feels a bit like it's been sloshed together with elements from other systems.
This is still an enjoyable read, but fans may feel a bit like they've been here before, and newcomers will be a bit lost. Recommended provisionally
From a technical standpoint, I had some issues with the beginning of the book, it just starts right up, assuming that you've read the short story that started this tale. It's a bit abrupt, and a touch more exposition near the front would have smoothed out a few of the rough edges. I've also noticed a few turns of phrase that he uses quite a lot that start to feel a bit stale (e.g. x was anything but y).
More broadly, Corus has never felt quite as solid, as real, as his other worlds, like Recluse or Defalk. This is something of a problem, because at least a third of the reason I enjoy Modesitt is because of his strong world building. His magic systems are usually very consistent and rigorous, but Talent has never really seemed distinct enough, and feels a bit like it's been sloshed together with elements from other systems.
This is still an enjoyable read, but fans may feel a bit like they've been here before, and newcomers will be a bit lost. Recommended provisionally
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