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raki's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bedwinnjamin's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun book. Very classic high fantasy story, but unique that it doesn't tie in to any other intellectual property. The groups of characters and their interactions are very fun and lifelike. Two well equipped stories in this omnibus book, the world feels like it's waking up as the author shows threads that the characters between to pull and unwind. I recommend this, and am glad that I was recommended it as well.
mrbear's review against another edition
4.0
An improvement on the last book. Still cliched, but much less so than the previous book, and the plot grew more interesting in this book as well.
sazzyrazzy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
vespertillio's review against another edition
5.0
Why is this author not mentioned as much as Brandon Sanderson?! I love Sandersons books (the YA not so much) but Sullivan.. I missed out until now. I do not reread a lot (until now I guess) but every time I finish one of his books I just start again from the top. I have all six books in the revelations series ready to read but going to read this one (at least) once more before continuing. They are fantastic. Both to read and the graphic audio version are mind blowing.
songwind's review against another edition
3.0
Like this book's predecessor, this was a very enjoyable read with several weaknesses.
The book has two primary story lines. The first is a rather straight-forward "save the village" tale. A young woman hires Our Heroes to help her father retrieve the special weapon with which to protect her village from the Terrible Monster.
The other storyline is a political/mystery story. The Church is looking for the long lost heir to the Empire, and has been shown to be ruthless in its objectives.
The two storylines intersect in a predictable fashion, but the characterization carries the book very well, and makes you care what happens in this straightforward fantasy read.
Sullivan's command of archaic verb forms has not improved. It's a fairly minor point, I grant you, but one that shouldn't be an issue in fantasy fiction. It's like the silenced revolver in The Bourne Identity - a factual error that shouldn't be in a book of its genre.
I enjoyed having another adventure with Royce and Hadrian, but am not sure I will be willing to read through four more books to find out how the overarching storyline ends.
PS - I got the Kindle edition of the book. There were some typesetting errors that resulted in some of the typeface directives being visible. If this sort of thing really bugs you, pick up the paperback instead.
The book has two primary story lines. The first is a rather straight-forward "save the village" tale. A young woman hires Our Heroes to help her father retrieve the special weapon with which to protect her village from the Terrible Monster.
The other storyline is a political/mystery story. The Church is looking for the long lost heir to the Empire, and has been shown to be ruthless in its objectives.
The two storylines intersect in a predictable fashion, but the characterization carries the book very well, and makes you care what happens in this straightforward fantasy read.
Sullivan's command of archaic verb forms has not improved. It's a fairly minor point, I grant you, but one that shouldn't be an issue in fantasy fiction. It's like the silenced revolver in The Bourne Identity - a factual error that shouldn't be in a book of its genre.
I enjoyed having another adventure with Royce and Hadrian, but am not sure I will be willing to read through four more books to find out how the overarching storyline ends.
PS - I got the Kindle edition of the book. There were some typesetting errors that resulted in some of the typeface directives being visible. If this sort of thing really bugs you, pick up the paperback instead.
csdaley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.25
is_book_loring's review against another edition
4.0
Splendid as its predecessor with evolving plot and story lines. And this time, I don't see it coming, the ending was unexpected. Just awesome. Growing more and more attached towards Riyria, especially Royce.
ktloureads's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The second half of this was much stronger than the first and I like that we got some more back story on Royce and hints about Hadrian. That being said, Arista's chapters hard carried the first half and I hope she continues to be a strong presence throughout the series.
artomizer's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25