kerttuli's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
habeasopus's review
3.0
This series is really hitting its stride with this book. There's definitely a little of that "middle book of the trilogy" feel here, that some will love and some will hate, but it's serving it's purpose. It's nice to see some connections with Muirwood coming. Hoping there is more tied together in the next book.
wingstitch's review
5.0
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning. Strong characters, interesting landscape, enough action but not too much (nothing sours me on a book faster than guys fighting just because 50 more pages have passed, and it's time for a fight). The women warriors are believable to me, and welcome.
There is one problem that almost led me to downgrade it to four stars, and it is almost inevitable in a series that runs beyond a trilogy: the need to recap previous story threads, remind us how the characters fit together, and otherwise help readers to catch up with the books that came before, can bog down the first hundred pages significantly. (Let's call that the Ice/Fire Dilemma - leave readers on their own, and trust that they have read and remembered what came before, or fill them in completely and risk losing their interest?) After some thought, I decided the re-exposition wasn't excessive, considering the scope of the story. I like the device of using the character list to do some of the summarizing of previous story threads.
All in all, this is an entertaining addition to the Kingfountain series.
There is one problem that almost led me to downgrade it to four stars, and it is almost inevitable in a series that runs beyond a trilogy: the need to recap previous story threads, remind us how the characters fit together, and otherwise help readers to catch up with the books that came before, can bog down the first hundred pages significantly. (Let's call that the Ice/Fire Dilemma - leave readers on their own, and trust that they have read and remembered what came before, or fill them in completely and risk losing their interest?) After some thought, I decided the re-exposition wasn't excessive, considering the scope of the story. I like the device of using the character list to do some of the summarizing of previous story threads.
All in all, this is an entertaining addition to the Kingfountain series.
wanderlustlover's review
4.0
Doing this one like the last set of three;
2018 Spring:
Book 1 - I was very pleased to see this book focused suddenly on a girl character and not a boy, if in the same family and thus making use of some of the same 'powers.' I found the switching pieces of politics and change a breath of fresh air. I loved the addition of the Oath Maidens. I liked that the ages were different in this one. I do find the reliance on stories/experiences from the earlier trilogy a little too often and heavy-handed in places.
Book 2 - I'm a little disappointed in the same kind of love plot twist happening at the end of this book as happened in the last one. But I did appreciate the Oath Maidens here, again, and I nearly teared up at the point where the entire force was seen for the first time, by the King. That whole scene was divine. I feel a little uninterested in the wizrs, and very certain about what is happening with Morwenna (especially since she's Morgaine in these Arthurian Tales).
Book 3 -
2018 Spring:
Book 1 - I was very pleased to see this book focused suddenly on a girl character and not a boy, if in the same family and thus making use of some of the same 'powers.' I found the switching pieces of politics and change a breath of fresh air. I loved the addition of the Oath Maidens. I liked that the ages were different in this one. I do find the reliance on stories/experiences from the earlier trilogy a little too often and heavy-handed in places.
Book 2 - I'm a little disappointed in the same kind of love plot twist happening at the end of this book as happened in the last one. But I did appreciate the Oath Maidens here, again, and I nearly teared up at the point where the entire force was seen for the first time, by the King. That whole scene was divine. I feel a little uninterested in the wizrs, and very certain about what is happening with Morwenna (especially since she's Morgaine in these Arthurian Tales).
Book 3 -
sch91086's review
4.0
**Possible spoilers for [b:The Hollow Crown|32057598|The Hollow Crown (Kingfountain #4)|Jeff Wheeler|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1482585872s/32057598.jpg|52699659]**
I'm so excited to have finally gotten my hands on this!! It did not disappoint. The Silent Shield sees the continuing adventures of Trneowy Kiskaddon in her quest to become an Oath Maiden, earn the seat of the Siege Perilous, and protect her King. I absolutely love this series. I cannot recommend it enough to fellow fantasy fans. Books 3-6 in particular, are reimaginings of Arthurian myth. (King Drew is Arthur, Queen Genevieve is Guinevere, Trynne is Lancelot, Morwena is Morgana, and there is a Merlin, but he is not present in this book.)
In each of the books, there is a short interlude in the chapters, often written by someone whose viewpoint we do not see or know. In this one, it was Owen Kiskaddon, and his story, told in short paragraphs was every bit as interesting as Trynne's. Owen Kiskaddon is one of my favorite fantasy heroes of this year, and seeing how he was handling his abduction had me on edge. This is the single biggest cliffhanger in The Silent Shield. I won't spoil it further by saying why.
I've said it before, I'm sure I'll say it again, but Wheeler is not afraid to put his characters through hell. There are ups and downs and they are all felt, every joy, every sadness. I was reading this on my lunch break today and I felt tears coming on, and I wasn't even sure why. Every book is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Mostly because of the characters. They are real and complex and flawed. The best ones are every shade of gray. You never know who to trust or who not to trust. You want to trust them all and know you shouldn't.
The writing is beautiful but wonderfully accessible. These are easy, fun reads and can be enjoyed in just a couple of days. The world building is rich and full of intricate details, different societies, different cultures. The magic system fascinates me and I love how Wheeler employs it.
I won't spoil the ending, but the only reason I gave this four stars and not five was because it felt a little too convenient. There is a whole other book due out in a couple of months, and I'm very intrigued to see where it is going. This almost felt like it could have been the end to the series, but I'm glad it isn't.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy!
Thank you to 47North and NetGalley for providing an ARC!!
I'm so excited to have finally gotten my hands on this!! It did not disappoint. The Silent Shield sees the continuing adventures of Trneowy Kiskaddon in her quest to become an Oath Maiden, earn the seat of the Siege Perilous, and protect her King. I absolutely love this series. I cannot recommend it enough to fellow fantasy fans. Books 3-6 in particular, are reimaginings of Arthurian myth. (King Drew is Arthur, Queen Genevieve is Guinevere, Trynne is Lancelot, Morwena is Morgana, and there is a Merlin, but he is not present in this book.)
In each of the books, there is a short interlude in the chapters, often written by someone whose viewpoint we do not see or know. In this one, it was Owen Kiskaddon, and his story, told in short paragraphs was every bit as interesting as Trynne's. Owen Kiskaddon is one of my favorite fantasy heroes of this year, and seeing how he was handling his abduction had me on edge. This is the single biggest cliffhanger in The Silent Shield. I won't spoil it further by saying why.
I've said it before, I'm sure I'll say it again, but Wheeler is not afraid to put his characters through hell. There are ups and downs and they are all felt, every joy, every sadness. I was reading this on my lunch break today and I felt tears coming on, and I wasn't even sure why. Every book is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Mostly because of the characters. They are real and complex and flawed. The best ones are every shade of gray. You never know who to trust or who not to trust. You want to trust them all and know you shouldn't.
The writing is beautiful but wonderfully accessible. These are easy, fun reads and can be enjoyed in just a couple of days. The world building is rich and full of intricate details, different societies, different cultures. The magic system fascinates me and I love how Wheeler employs it.
I won't spoil the ending, but the only reason I gave this four stars and not five was because it felt a little too convenient. There is a whole other book due out in a couple of months, and I'm very intrigued to see where it is going. This almost felt like it could have been the end to the series, but I'm glad it isn't.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy!
Thank you to 47North and NetGalley for providing an ARC!!
lindsey_the_fae's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I am working my way through all of Wheelers books, per his suggested reading order. And, suffice it to say, I've read nothing else except his works since stumbling onto The First Argentines (the 2nd installment of the Kingfountain series). I am hooked!! The twist at the end of this book geniunely caught me completely off guard, I did not see it coming which never happens.
All of his works are inspired by history and lore, woven into luscious worlds he has built for his retellings. The way he spins fantasy and historical fiction together is perfect. I love stories with characters who are well fleshed out, who are flawed and complex, but who choose honor and virtue while remaining true to themselves.
I love the pace of his writing, it's perfectly balanced. I have yet, 17 of his books in, to feel bored or rushed. I am amazed at Wheeler's ability to grow his characters so thoroughly while keeping the plot moving along and interesting.
I also really enjoy that his writings are clean. I am an avid reader, and I read many genres with varying degrees of content matter. Sometimes, I just want a fantastic story without all the adult content. Wheeler delivers this in spades. There is organic romantic arcs that supplement the plots without being the focus.
I only wish the maps included were more detailed.
All of his works are inspired by history and lore, woven into luscious worlds he has built for his retellings. The way he spins fantasy and historical fiction together is perfect. I love stories with characters who are well fleshed out, who are flawed and complex, but who choose honor and virtue while remaining true to themselves.
I love the pace of his writing, it's perfectly balanced. I have yet, 17 of his books in, to feel bored or rushed. I am amazed at Wheeler's ability to grow his characters so thoroughly while keeping the plot moving along and interesting.
I also really enjoy that his writings are clean. I am an avid reader, and I read many genres with varying degrees of content matter. Sometimes, I just want a fantastic story without all the adult content. Wheeler delivers this in spades. There is organic romantic arcs that supplement the plots without being the focus.
I only wish the maps included were more detailed.
makenna_1842's review
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
onceinabluemoon88's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kmc95i's review
5.0
Love. Love.
This is a great series. The whole series is good. These last two books have a wonderful female lead. Highly recommend.
This is a great series. The whole series is good. These last two books have a wonderful female lead. Highly recommend.