Scan barcode
stacias99's review against another edition
4.0
A really enjoyable first entry into a series! I thought of this as a story revolving around 2 main protagonists - Declan and Hatu. Both are orphans with mysterious origins. Their stories are intertwined with that of a Baron. This is the story of how their threads all come together. I can feel that there is very much more I want to know about all of them. There is magic in this world, but it was barely touched upon. Even without the magic, this read was still enjoyable.
I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I'm looking forward to finding out what the system of magic is and how it works. I can't wait to read the next installment!
I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I'm looking forward to finding out what the system of magic is and how it works. I can't wait to read the next installment!
neilsef's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Having read most of the Midkemia novels I was intrigued to read this series and discover a whole new world of characters, locations and events.
This story gripped me from the outset, with a prologue that describes events that destroy one of five kingdoms, and wipe out the royal line of that Kingdom in a brutal and savage manner, all that is except for one small baby. The story then jumps some sixteen years, and the child is now approaching the age of adulthood, having spent the formative years being cared for and trained in the islands that the Coaltachin, the invisible nation, controls.
This was instantly engaging, with a cast of mainly youngish characters who embody that mix of confidence, inexperience and naivete that only the young possess. The plot revolves around the surviving royal heir, ignorant of their heritage, and a young, newly elevated Master Smith, who seems to be more than he is. The events unfold in an interesting and mostly unpredictable manner, which kept me wanting to turn the pages to see what happens next.
If you have read any of the Midkemia novels and enjoyed them, then you are going to enjoy this.
This story gripped me from the outset, with a prologue that describes events that destroy one of five kingdoms, and wipe out the royal line of that Kingdom in a brutal and savage manner, all that is except for one small baby. The story then jumps some sixteen years, and the child is now approaching the age of adulthood, having spent the formative years being cared for and trained in the islands that the Coaltachin, the invisible nation, controls.
This was instantly engaging, with a cast of mainly youngish characters who embody that mix of confidence, inexperience and naivete that only the young possess. The plot revolves around the surviving royal heir, ignorant of their heritage, and a young, newly elevated Master Smith, who seems to be more than he is. The events unfold in an interesting and mostly unpredictable manner, which kept me wanting to turn the pages to see what happens next.
If you have read any of the Midkemia novels and enjoyed them, then you are going to enjoy this.
julieirenekb's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
zombieslayer's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.0
actuallyshan's review against another edition
5.0
I admit I was nervous to start this book as I didn't know how it would compare to the Riftwar Saga, but it was a fantastic start to a new world and story and I cannot wait to read the next one
jrskjr's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rehexen's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty decent. Lots of wish fulfilment going on. Women act more like aliens than women, but sure what did I expect from fantasy. Could do without the logistics of blacksmithing in a saturated market and all the travel bits, kind of like a feelbad road trip movie. Will probably read the second book when it comes out.
theneurodivergentowl's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
bexany's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0