wynwicket's review against another edition
4.0
See my review for [b:The Briar King|490358|The Briar King (Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, #1)|Greg Keyes|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320429414s/490358.jpg|2393607]. The plot thickens beautifully, and the characters are really coming into their own. One more book to go, and I'm looking forward to it.
cat_queen005's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-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
3.0
katmarhan's review against another edition
4.0
9/10
The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone is one of those series where the plot is multi-layered and reading the books is like peeling off each layer to find something else beneath. Just as the characters frequently aren’t sure who to trust, the reader is in the same predicament.
Keyes has obviously either studied and practiced fencing and dueling himself or done a great deal of research, for the scenes with Casio and, to a lesser extent, with Neil, are some of the most detailed and feel very authentic. The same is true with the variations and derivations in languages in the scenes with Stephen—a real understanding of languages and how they develop and change over time and distance.
This third book in the series set a high bar and I hope the conclusion can match it.
The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone is one of those series where the plot is multi-layered and reading the books is like peeling off each layer to find something else beneath. Just as the characters frequently aren’t sure who to trust, the reader is in the same predicament.
Keyes has obviously either studied and practiced fencing and dueling himself or done a great deal of research, for the scenes with Casio and, to a lesser extent, with Neil, are some of the most detailed and feel very authentic. The same is true with the variations and derivations in languages in the scenes with Stephen—a real understanding of languages and how they develop and change over time and distance.
This third book in the series set a high bar and I hope the conclusion can match it.
cavalary's review against another edition
4.0
The story continues, though it may seem a little too fragmented at times. The deeper plot is still very obviously there for anyone who is interested in it and I really want to know how it will all turn out in the end. I must note that the beauty of the world is seriously lessened, though that is perfectly normal considering what's going on.
One real complaint I have is the fact that basically every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, which makes it feel more like a writing exercise at times. But the moments when there's a break in the action in order to make room for character development are quite brilliant.
One real complaint I have is the fact that basically every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, which makes it feel more like a writing exercise at times. But the moments when there's a break in the action in order to make room for character development are quite brilliant.
vaderbird's review against another edition
4.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
mkpatter's review against another edition
3.0
It was enjoyable, but I was led to believe this series was on par with Song of Ice and Fire. That's not true, but it doesn't mean it's not worth reading, it's just very different. This probably isn't the best book in the series either, mainly because like 90% is characters just randomly getting laid out of nowhere.
blue_squishie's review against another edition
2.0
Excellent continuation of "The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone" series. I'm not the obsessive type who re-reads every book previous in the series before reading the newest one, so some of the plot points I had forgotten. One thing that I did notice was that Anne Dare was a lot less annoying in this book. I'm totally looking forward to The Born Queen hopefully out this year.
lasairfiona's review against another edition
5.0
More! Must have more!
It has taken three books to figure out who is the good guys and who the bad guys are. It becomes much more clear in this book but I still have a bit on uncertainty. I love how complex this is. And that twist!
When my boyfriend who usually sticks to things like Kafka loves this series, you know it is a good one. Yes, the writing is a bit chopy but the story completely and utterly makes up for it. I believe I have said that before but it bears repeating.
The next one doesn't come out until late March '08. I want it now. Both of us are chomping at the bit. I may actually have to order two copies so we can read it at the same time.
It has taken three books to figure out who is the good guys and who the bad guys are. It becomes much more clear in this book but I still have a bit on uncertainty. I love how complex this is. And that twist!
When my boyfriend who usually sticks to things like Kafka loves this series, you know it is a good one. Yes, the writing is a bit chopy but the story completely and utterly makes up for it. I believe I have said that before but it bears repeating.
The next one doesn't come out until late March '08. I want it now. Both of us are chomping at the bit. I may actually have to order two copies so we can read it at the same time.
rollsouth's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it. So much great weaving of folklore and myth, with language and history thrown in there.
cgirl98's review
3.0
The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone Series I am always surprised that this series does not get anymore attention, because it deserves more. I picked up the first book, The Briar King, on a whim. I was looking for something to read to pass the time and just picked it up at the bookstore because it sounded interesting. I am always looking for books that are good fantasy, but not predictable repetitive like some other fantasy books. You know, the usual young boy finds out he is special in some way; goes on epic journey, fights bad guy, and win...it can be a bit much. So this book sounded like a change and I was glad I picked it up once I got going.The first thing that stood out to me was the fact that the main protagonist is a female, and a good character at that. Once complaint I always have about fantasy books are that the females in it are always flat and one dimensional. They either are there to serve as love interest for the male character, who sit about and annoy me with their uselessness and weak personalities. Little pure princesses, that don't actually exist in real life. Or they are the evil witch who must be defeated. That whole Madonna, whore thing...but then Fantasy is mostly written by men. So I was happy to see that this series has a strong female lead character that is useful and central. Yeah in the first book she makes mistakes that make you want to smack here, but because they character is well thought out...the mistakes are understandable, and you can see growth. She learns and changes from her mistakes.Another aspect of this series I enjoy is the action. There are plenty of fighting scenes complete with blood and guts and sword fighting for those that enjoy that sort of thing. But it not only has physical action, but literary action..the book never stalls and has a great pace..that almost makes you feel like you are one this frantic journey with these people. But the series is not also without lots of plot driven action as well. The plot is complicated and thick.Which gets to the final thing I liked...the mystery of what is exactly going on. There are plots within plots, and just when you think you know what is going on, and who is behind it...another layer is peeled of and you realize that there is more going on than meets the eye. As you answer on question, two more pop up..and all evidence seems to point to this not just being a wild goose chance with no satisfying pay off at the end. It seems the writer knows where he is going and what is going to happen...that this story line will be wrapped up.But with a plot so dense, there can be time when there is confusion. There is a large group of characters and sometimes more are introduced. It is definitely a series that requires re-read before a new installment to make sure that the players and events are fresh in your mind.So, having finished the third book, The Blood Knight, I can say that this series is very good and worth the read. I have the final book, The Born Queen, and look forward to finishing this underrated series.