isabellarobinson7's review against another edition
1.5
Rating: 1.5 stars
The only thing amazing about this book (other than its cover) was how many clichés the author could squeeze into 500 pages. That's a little harsh, but let me explain. First we have a female MC who is plain-but-beautiful, not-like-other-girls, and only-a-commoner who knows nothing about the outside world, but don't worry because it's in a cute way (so precious! Must be protected!). Naturally we then have a bad-boy-brooding-but-secretly-a-softie love interest (staring into middle distance; has The Smoulder™) that corrupts our pure, innocent, naive MC. Through sheer coincidence, (and absolutely not because the plot needs them to) these two unlikely allies end up together on Fantasy Quest variant 7 (not to be confused with variant 6, they are very different). On this perilous quest (where the characters' lives are most definitely in danger) our duo find themselves in some frosty mountains, and lo and behold! our heroine gets cold. But fear not! Our brave and dashing man (who is drop dead gorgeous but conveniently single) comes to the rescue! Mustering up all his courage (of which he has much) he gallantly swoops in and warms her in his embrace! But our kind, sensitive man fears violating the lady's good, pious nature, and he pulls back. No! we scream. We have been rooting for this couple since the first chapter they met! (which also happened to be the first time they kissed, but it's not insta love because... uh... it just isn't). But we needn't worry our ship will not sail, because our fair maiden has already been corrupted to the core by this immoral man, so what is one scandalous night upon every other unscrupulous thing she had done with his guidance? *swoons*
Ok, but in all seriousness, Sword of Fire wasn't that bad. I wrote this while I was pushing myself through the last 100 pages and I got a tinsy bit carried away. I am just not the right audience for this. Why is it that whenever I try to diversify my authors (usually by trying to read more fantasy books by women), I always end up with duds?
The only thing amazing about this book (other than its cover) was how many clichés the author could squeeze into 500 pages. That's a little harsh, but let me explain. First we have a female MC who is plain-but-beautiful, not-like-other-girls, and only-a-commoner who knows nothing about the outside world, but don't worry because it's in a cute way (so precious! Must be protected!). Naturally we then have a bad-boy-brooding-but-secretly-a-softie love interest (staring into middle distance; has The Smoulder™) that corrupts our pure, innocent, naive MC. Through sheer coincidence, (and absolutely not because the plot needs them to) these two unlikely allies end up together on Fantasy Quest variant 7 (not to be confused with variant 6, they are very different). On this perilous quest (where the characters' lives are most definitely in danger) our duo find themselves in some frosty mountains, and lo and behold! our heroine gets cold. But fear not! Our brave and dashing man (who is drop dead gorgeous but conveniently single) comes to the rescue! Mustering up all his courage (of which he has much) he gallantly swoops in and warms her in his embrace! But our kind, sensitive man fears violating the lady's good, pious nature, and he pulls back. No! we scream. We have been rooting for this couple since the first chapter they met! (which also happened to be the first time they kissed, but it's not insta love because... uh... it just isn't). But we needn't worry our ship will not sail, because our fair maiden has already been corrupted to the core by this immoral man, so what is one scandalous night upon every other unscrupulous thing she had done with his guidance? *swoons*
Ok, but in all seriousness, Sword of Fire wasn't that bad. I wrote this while I was pushing myself through the last 100 pages and I got a tinsy bit carried away. I am just not the right audience for this. Why is it that whenever I try to diversify my authors (usually by trying to read more fantasy books by women), I always end up with duds?
druv's review
4.0
Time-skip sequels (though really, this is an all-new series) in fantasy are very interesting to me, especially when the author has thought through the implications of technological, political, and economic development. Luckily, from the earlier books in the Deverry Cycle, Katharine Kerr has spent a lot of time thinking about Deverrian society changes over time (the earlier series, after all, took place across 600 or so years). For new readers, the past will provide a rich history, with the new characters being quite complete in themselves and not needing the details of the earlier books to inform them. For old fans, we can take great joy in the references to events we read from the perspective of the participants.
Deverrian society is changing, with the middle class expanding and book-learnin' starting to become more important. The story focuses mostly on a group of noble and middle-class women who start setting some reforms into action, while the old rivalries of noblemen and royalty still endanger the common-born who are in their way. I am very curious as to how this series will progress, and very happy to reacquaint myself with the world of Deverry.
Deverrian society is changing, with the middle class expanding and book-learnin' starting to become more important. The story focuses mostly on a group of noble and middle-class women who start setting some reforms into action, while the old rivalries of noblemen and royalty still endanger the common-born who are in their way. I am very curious as to how this series will progress, and very happy to reacquaint myself with the world of Deverry.
nicky_brierley's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this trip back to Deverry. Looking forward to the next books in this saga.
xenawl's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I have loved the Deverry series since I first read Daggerspell as a teenager, and I have read the first fifteen books at least 20 times each. I have now read Sword of Fire three times and listened to it once and this one really falls short for me. I find the the main drive unconvincing and dull. in a world of magic the solution is a book that sets a legal precedent? <\spoiler>
The characters are supposed to be likeable but they’re pretty bland and a bit trope-y, and the development is entirely predictable and not particularly enjoyable.
I know Kerr deliberately wanted to get away from reincarnation as a theme, but it’s one of the things that makes the fantasy world so rich and makes having a large cast possible - the connections between characters from past lives. The little teaser that Cavan is Cullyn reborn isn’t enough <\spoiler>
There are some nice Easter eggs for aficionados, but all in all it feels like it needed a couple more developmental edits at least,
A minor gripe, but (spoiler for earlier series) Apparently it’s common knowledge among the nobility that Rhodry was no Maelwaedd and therefore neither was Rhodda, yet they think everyone would overlook that and accept Rhodda’s 5/8 elven son as the heir to Aberwyn? <\spoiler>
With dweomer pushed to the margins, the world is much duller, and don’t get me started on the abomination that is ‘dwimmer’. Yes, language changes, but change it to something that sounds and looks good! Dwehmer would have been better, or deomer or pretty much anything else. I assume the next book will feature Cavan learning dweomer and hopefully also learning to say it, and having some more interesting character development. <\spoiler>
Despite my rather obsessive love of Deverry I can’t in good conscience recommend this book. If you’re new to Kerr, start with Daggerspell!
The characters are supposed to be likeable but they’re pretty bland and a bit trope-y, and the development is entirely predictable and not particularly enjoyable.
I know Kerr deliberately wanted to get away from reincarnation as a theme, but it’s one of the things that makes the fantasy world so rich and makes having a large cast possible - the connections between characters from past lives.
There are some nice Easter eggs for aficionados, but all in all it feels like it needed a couple more developmental edits at least,
A minor gripe, but (spoiler for earlier series)
With dweomer
Despite my rather obsessive love of Deverry I can’t in good conscience recommend this book. If you’re new to Kerr, start with Daggerspell!
readingnymph's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the politics in this.
People fighting for the right to a fair and just legal system.
However, I did find the character development was some what lacking and the relationships felt a tad too rushed for my preference.
It is an interesting world with dragons and magic mentioned but not at the fore front of the plot.
I believe this is the start of a series within a series, I will be interested to see where it goes next as it wrapped up pretty well if a bit anticlimactic.
Disclaimer - I haven't read any of this authors other works where she has created a 15 book long series that is set in the same world.
People fighting for the right to a fair and just legal system.
However, I did find the character development was some what lacking and the relationships felt a tad too rushed for my preference.
It is an interesting world with dragons and magic mentioned but not at the fore front of the plot.
I believe this is the start of a series within a series, I will be interested to see where it goes next as it wrapped up pretty well if a bit anticlimactic.
Disclaimer - I haven't read any of this authors other works where she has created a 15 book long series that is set in the same world.
pamela22's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
3.0
Katherine Kerr’s Deverry novels are my all time favourites of the fantasy genre, particularly the opening novels of the series.
Whilst it was good to return to Deverry, albeit 400 years later, this novel wasn’ta patch on the easier works. Far too much telling as opposed to showing as Kerr set the scene for the new trilogy.
Whilst it was good to return to Deverry, albeit 400 years later, this novel wasn’ta patch on the easier works. Far too much telling as opposed to showing as Kerr set the scene for the new trilogy.
wynwicket's review against another edition
4.0
In this world, bards are historians, collectors of antique secrets, and the voice of the people--when they decide to get involved in politics, the world has to listen.
A good epic fantasy on a smaller scale, with likeable characters and a satisfying (if a little predictable) ending. Good stuff, and I think I might end up following this series!
A good epic fantasy on a smaller scale, with likeable characters and a satisfying (if a little predictable) ending. Good stuff, and I think I might end up following this series!
dockie's review against another edition
5.0
Finally, Deverry is back!
Love the deverry series and this book is no exception. Well written and a page turner! I want more, truly!
Love the deverry series and this book is no exception. Well written and a page turner! I want more, truly!