graculus's review against another edition
Started reading this in August, put it to one side and now it's October. I think I have to accept that I'm not coming back to this any time.
mferrante83's review against another edition
4.0
Durham, known for his historical fiction novels, burst onto the fantasy scene in 2007 with Acacia: The War with the Mein the first in a new fantasy series. Released back in September The Other Lands is the second book in Durham’s Acacia series continuing the saga of the Akaran family and their empire. Like the first book The Other Lands is a different from many fantasy novels today and its pacing structure and themes all seem informed by Durham’s experience with historical fiction. If you’ve yet to read the first book there are definite spoilers here.
We pick up nine years after Corinn’s coup and reclamation of the Akaran throne from her husband. What we get is very much a middle novel as the characters work through the tumultuous events of the previous book and how, or if, those events have changed them. Mena, has been tasked by her sister to track down and destroy the horrific foulthings spawned by the unleashed fury of Santoth magic and she still struggles with her desire for love and family as well as her violent role as the goddess Maeban on Earth. Dariel bears the guilt of his actions following Aliver’s death when he foreswore his brother’s word and attacked the Meinish army and has thrown himself into helping the common folk rebuild after the war. Summoned back to his sister’s side he is quickly tasked to journey across the sea to the titular Other Lands and meet with the mysterious Lothun Aklun. Corinn meanwhile has grasped the control of the Empire with an iron fist becoming something of a distant figure willing to use anyone and everyone to guide her empire to the destiny she foresees. In the process she now wields powerful magic capable of both creation and destruction.
The Other Lands is a transitory novel. On the one hand Corinn makes claim to follow through with some of her brother Aliver’s wishes but in truth become a tyrant whose lies and subterfuge are as great as any of her ancestors. While there is a perceived sense of change in leadership and governance is, in truth, more of the same tyranny that existed before. On the other hand the war of the previous volume and Aliver’s actions have allowed the cunning League of Ships to set into action and chain of events that will change things forever. As the various main characters work through what has happened to them in the past each either begins to affirm who they believed they are or begin to forge a new destiny.
Dariel is perhaps the greatest example of this. The guilt of his final actions in the war rests heavy on his shoulders. He is pushed to contemplation and introspection where, as pirate, he has been more prone to action. He is confronted with more consequences with his actions when Sire Neen, a leader in the League, reminds him that the League platforms he destroyed not only contained League members but their families and the quota slaves as well. Later Dariel is captured by individuals looking in exact vengeance on his family for the quota trade (a levy of child slaves given over to the League, who traded them to Lothun Aklun, who traded them in to their clients, all for a drug called mist that kept the population of the Akaran empire docile) and is again brought face to face with the past actions of his family. This time however Dariel is questioned by, and in turn questions, his captors in a fascinating use of, or at least something similar to, the Socratic method. While this manages to gives a nice bit of exposition regarding the history of his captors it also allows for some significant development on Dariel’s part the conclusion of which I thought was ironic: intellectual discourse, thought not action, leads a man to realize he is defined by what he does not what he says.
Corinn’s narrative was equally fascinating though spoiled somewhat when another character, Barad the Lesser, quickly dissects her motives and personality. The analysis is spot on but I think it denies the reader their own discovery of the same facts. She is a hard woman, but is hardness that is brittle and prone to cracking. I read her section with trepidation waiting for the moment when she finally breaks. While there was one close call in that regard it never really comes to fruition but some late revelations by the Santoth later in the novel, followed by some clever language in Corinn’s last chapter or two manage to evoke a nice sense of dread about what is to come.
I may have mentioned this in other reviews but I always find the introduction of certain Lovecraftian elements endear to fiction. Intentional or not that is the case hear as well not only in the foulthings Mena fights but in certain revelations late in the novel as well (I don’t want to spoil it though I hinted at it above). There are other elements of horror hear as well, particularly as we learn how Lothun Aklun magic actually functions. While not as ground breaking and engaging as I had hoped The Other Lands is still an exciting, well-crafted read that leaves me eager to see if things explode quite as large as I expect them to in the next volume. In addition to a fascinating plot and tangled (in a good way) politics Durham has created what I think is an excellent study on the nature of leadership and family, particularly as the two pertain to one another, in additional to providing some vibrant portraits of our three main characters and their relationship to one another. If there is one thing that Durham, and the Acacia series at large, does is craft a narrative that is both epic in scope and intimate in nature; a saga of family and empire that I highly recommend fans of fiction from all genres experience.
We pick up nine years after Corinn’s coup and reclamation of the Akaran throne from her husband. What we get is very much a middle novel as the characters work through the tumultuous events of the previous book and how, or if, those events have changed them. Mena, has been tasked by her sister to track down and destroy the horrific foulthings spawned by the unleashed fury of Santoth magic and she still struggles with her desire for love and family as well as her violent role as the goddess Maeban on Earth. Dariel bears the guilt of his actions following Aliver’s death when he foreswore his brother’s word and attacked the Meinish army and has thrown himself into helping the common folk rebuild after the war. Summoned back to his sister’s side he is quickly tasked to journey across the sea to the titular Other Lands and meet with the mysterious Lothun Aklun. Corinn meanwhile has grasped the control of the Empire with an iron fist becoming something of a distant figure willing to use anyone and everyone to guide her empire to the destiny she foresees. In the process she now wields powerful magic capable of both creation and destruction.
The Other Lands is a transitory novel. On the one hand Corinn makes claim to follow through with some of her brother Aliver’s wishes but in truth become a tyrant whose lies and subterfuge are as great as any of her ancestors. While there is a perceived sense of change in leadership and governance is, in truth, more of the same tyranny that existed before. On the other hand the war of the previous volume and Aliver’s actions have allowed the cunning League of Ships to set into action and chain of events that will change things forever. As the various main characters work through what has happened to them in the past each either begins to affirm who they believed they are or begin to forge a new destiny.
Dariel is perhaps the greatest example of this. The guilt of his final actions in the war rests heavy on his shoulders. He is pushed to contemplation and introspection where, as pirate, he has been more prone to action. He is confronted with more consequences with his actions when Sire Neen, a leader in the League, reminds him that the League platforms he destroyed not only contained League members but their families and the quota slaves as well. Later Dariel is captured by individuals looking in exact vengeance on his family for the quota trade (a levy of child slaves given over to the League, who traded them to Lothun Aklun, who traded them in to their clients, all for a drug called mist that kept the population of the Akaran empire docile) and is again brought face to face with the past actions of his family. This time however Dariel is questioned by, and in turn questions, his captors in a fascinating use of, or at least something similar to, the Socratic method. While this manages to gives a nice bit of exposition regarding the history of his captors it also allows for some significant development on Dariel’s part the conclusion of which I thought was ironic: intellectual discourse, thought not action, leads a man to realize he is defined by what he does not what he says.
Corinn’s narrative was equally fascinating though spoiled somewhat when another character, Barad the Lesser, quickly dissects her motives and personality. The analysis is spot on but I think it denies the reader their own discovery of the same facts. She is a hard woman, but is hardness that is brittle and prone to cracking. I read her section with trepidation waiting for the moment when she finally breaks. While there was one close call in that regard it never really comes to fruition but some late revelations by the Santoth later in the novel, followed by some clever language in Corinn’s last chapter or two manage to evoke a nice sense of dread about what is to come.
I may have mentioned this in other reviews but I always find the introduction of certain Lovecraftian elements endear to fiction. Intentional or not that is the case hear as well not only in the foulthings Mena fights but in certain revelations late in the novel as well (I don’t want to spoil it though I hinted at it above). There are other elements of horror hear as well, particularly as we learn how Lothun Aklun magic actually functions. While not as ground breaking and engaging as I had hoped The Other Lands is still an exciting, well-crafted read that leaves me eager to see if things explode quite as large as I expect them to in the next volume. In addition to a fascinating plot and tangled (in a good way) politics Durham has created what I think is an excellent study on the nature of leadership and family, particularly as the two pertain to one another, in additional to providing some vibrant portraits of our three main characters and their relationship to one another. If there is one thing that Durham, and the Acacia series at large, does is craft a narrative that is both epic in scope and intimate in nature; a saga of family and empire that I highly recommend fans of fiction from all genres experience.
kegriese1's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
davidsakh's review against another edition
2.0
This series frustrates me because a decent story is hampered by stilted prose and unrealistic dialogue that's rarely clever or insightful...just painful to read. It's unfortunate because I've always viewed the 'Mist' as a workable analog for our culture of consumption that distracts us from the world at large, and I'm a little invested in the characters...but I think I'm done.
agrantmas's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed it better than the first one, but thought the ending was incredibly abrupt. The twist was nice, though
jennieartemis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
3.75
TL;DR: A fantasy continuation with plenty of originality and potential, but a rather loose structure and focus
The Other Lands is more consistent than book 1 (which had a sluggish opening before a dynamic second half), but the overall effect is not as strong as I was expecting. Lots of ideas are thrown in and not really given enough development (the book lacking any real climax or resolution to most threads). I would have preferred a tighter focus on a few characters and ideas, building on momentum from the last book, because there is some great stuff there, particularly with Corinn and Kelis. I really didn't like all the time given to unnecessary gross and creepy characters, who were too cartoonish for me in this narrative, and there's still something iffy in the approach to female characters. But book 3 has the potential to take the best elements of the first two, so fingers crossed.
6/10 in personal rating system
The Other Lands is more consistent than book 1 (which had a sluggish opening before a dynamic second half), but the overall effect is not as strong as I was expecting. Lots of ideas are thrown in and not really given enough development (the book lacking any real climax or resolution to most threads). I would have preferred a tighter focus on a few characters and ideas, building on momentum from the last book, because there is some great stuff there, particularly with Corinn and Kelis. I really didn't like all the time given to unnecessary gross and creepy characters, who were too cartoonish for me in this narrative, and there's still something iffy in the approach to female characters. But book 3 has the potential to take the best elements of the first two, so fingers crossed.
6/10 in personal rating system
seak's review against another edition
5.0
The Other Lands is an excellent sequel to Acacia: The War with the Mein. It takes the solid foundation built in Acacia and expands it to, well, the Other Lands, which is a place full of new creatures and peoples. Best of all, we finally get to meet these people the Acacians have been so afraid of and sending their children to.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
I look a a sequel review as a place to discuss the first novel freely, so if you haven't read it, 1) you should and 2) you may not want to read the rest.
The Akarans, rulers of Acacia, are back in control after the Mein usurpation. Queen Corinn is doing her best to keep Acacia safe, which now includes her son, Aaden. She refuses to abolish the terrible "quota," Acacia's dirty not-so secret, which is where a quota of children are traded to a distant people through the League of Vessels and the Lothan Aklun.
The late Prince Aliver's dream is refused and the people are restless.
Durham really knows how to tug at the heartstrings and the quota is no exception. Having three kids of my own, it's hard not to think about losing your precious children to a trade with a foreign people, not knowing what becomes of those children.
In The Other Lands, we find out what does become of them, but I won't go ruining that for you.
As we know from Acacia, Prince Aliver was killed by Maender Mein, brother of Hanish Mein, the ruler of the Mein (whew). The rest of the Akaran children (although no longer children as this book takes place 9 years after Acacia) are under the rule of Queen Corinn as well, who has plenty to keep them busy.
Starting out, Mena is sent out to fight the foulthings. Foulthings are those creatures that came about because of the Santoth's magic use toward the end of the first book. Due to the Santoth's corrupted magic, these beings came about, essentially causing havoc among the people of the Known World.
This leads her into some trouble, but for the most part, Mena doesn't play an enormous role in this book. She's in it plenty, but her parts seem more of a set up for the next book whereas all the action really occurs with Corinn and especially Dariel.
Dariel decides, with Corinn's approval, to go about rebuilding the empire. With the destruction caused by the Numrek and the Mein, many places were in need of help including Aushenia in the north, which faced some of the worst of it.
Very quickly Corinn has another mission for Dariel, sending him across the Gray Slopes to the Other Lands (first of the Known World to do so) on a mission devised by the League of Vessels. And we all know how trustworthy they are.
The Other Lands is really a book full of answers. Many of the mysteries presented in Acacia are explained as we learn more of the Other Lands and the peoples therein. We learn of the quota children, we learn of the Aldek, and we even learn why the Numrek arrived in the Known World.
We get glimpses of the creatures and the trip across the Gray Slopes was breathtaking. I applaud Durham's imagination, which never ceases to astound me.
While we get many answers, The Other Lands is still very much a set up for the final volume of the trilogy. There are some great moments and some great action, but mostly there is preparation for what is to come...and it will be amazing.
It's also a book that needed to happen and it doesn't suffer for being the bridge between the two. There's enough wonder and amazement to keep you turning pages and even some big events that I'm sure will pay off in the final volume.
Durham's also written some of my all-time favorite characters in stouthearted Mena and the ever witty Dariel. These are the main reason you read these books and I can't get enough.
The Other Lands is an incredible and epic installment in the Acacia trilogy. It brings the trilogy to a whole new level and prepares us for the final encounters that I couldn't be more excited for. If you like epic in your fantasy, the Acacia trilogy is the one for you. It will have you living and breathing the life of a Known World inhabitant and that's exactly why I read fantasy.
4.5/5 Stars
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
I look a a sequel review as a place to discuss the first novel freely, so if you haven't read it, 1) you should and 2) you may not want to read the rest.
The Akarans, rulers of Acacia, are back in control after the Mein usurpation. Queen Corinn is doing her best to keep Acacia safe, which now includes her son, Aaden. She refuses to abolish the terrible "quota," Acacia's dirty not-so secret, which is where a quota of children are traded to a distant people through the League of Vessels and the Lothan Aklun.
The late Prince Aliver's dream is refused and the people are restless.
Durham really knows how to tug at the heartstrings and the quota is no exception. Having three kids of my own, it's hard not to think about losing your precious children to a trade with a foreign people, not knowing what becomes of those children.
In The Other Lands, we find out what does become of them, but I won't go ruining that for you.
As we know from Acacia, Prince Aliver was killed by Maender Mein, brother of Hanish Mein, the ruler of the Mein (whew). The rest of the Akaran children (although no longer children as this book takes place 9 years after Acacia) are under the rule of Queen Corinn as well, who has plenty to keep them busy.
Starting out, Mena is sent out to fight the foulthings. Foulthings are those creatures that came about because of the Santoth's magic use toward the end of the first book. Due to the Santoth's corrupted magic, these beings came about, essentially causing havoc among the people of the Known World.
This leads her into some trouble, but for the most part, Mena doesn't play an enormous role in this book. She's in it plenty, but her parts seem more of a set up for the next book whereas all the action really occurs with Corinn and especially Dariel.
Dariel decides, with Corinn's approval, to go about rebuilding the empire. With the destruction caused by the Numrek and the Mein, many places were in need of help including Aushenia in the north, which faced some of the worst of it.
Very quickly Corinn has another mission for Dariel, sending him across the Gray Slopes to the Other Lands (first of the Known World to do so) on a mission devised by the League of Vessels. And we all know how trustworthy they are.
The Other Lands is really a book full of answers. Many of the mysteries presented in Acacia are explained as we learn more of the Other Lands and the peoples therein. We learn of the quota children, we learn of the Aldek, and we even learn why the Numrek arrived in the Known World.
We get glimpses of the creatures and the trip across the Gray Slopes was breathtaking. I applaud Durham's imagination, which never ceases to astound me.
While we get many answers, The Other Lands is still very much a set up for the final volume of the trilogy. There are some great moments and some great action, but mostly there is preparation for what is to come...and it will be amazing.
It's also a book that needed to happen and it doesn't suffer for being the bridge between the two. There's enough wonder and amazement to keep you turning pages and even some big events that I'm sure will pay off in the final volume.
Durham's also written some of my all-time favorite characters in stouthearted Mena and the ever witty Dariel. These are the main reason you read these books and I can't get enough.
The Other Lands is an incredible and epic installment in the Acacia trilogy. It brings the trilogy to a whole new level and prepares us for the final encounters that I couldn't be more excited for. If you like epic in your fantasy, the Acacia trilogy is the one for you. It will have you living and breathing the life of a Known World inhabitant and that's exactly why I read fantasy.
4.5/5 Stars
anxiousarachnid's review against another edition
2.0
I have absolutely no idea why I am struggling so much to get through this book. It's basically fine, but reading it makes me feel like a toddler being asked to go to bed: "But Mom! I don't want to!"
The book is basically fine, but since I'm finding it such an unpleasant read, I've decided to move onto one of the many other books on my "to read" list.
The book is basically fine, but since I'm finding it such an unpleasant read, I've decided to move onto one of the many other books on my "to read" list.
nia_guy's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5