raven_acres's review against another edition
5.0
So glad I had the sequel. Picks up right where it left off, and starts to fill in more between the bumpkin and the Prince/King. Fights against the bad guy, and major heroics.
Thoroughly enjoyed the series, even better then her trilogy.
Thoroughly enjoyed the series, even better then her trilogy.
garbutch's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook version of this.
Most of the first part of the book is just "people are stricken with grief" and that permeated so much of the rest of it as well. Many others have already brought up pacing issues and I mostly agree. A lot of that is why it took me so long to finish the book. On the flip side, it made it easier to just pick up the book again where I left off and not have to worry about forgetting a bunch of details, because frankly there weren't a lot of new ones to hang onto that I'd forgotten about.
I also take umbrage with how queerbaiting this and the previous book were. I can appreciate being able to show wholesome best friendships between the two main characters but even in terms of that, there wasn't a whole lot new or subverting to the status quo in terms of how they showed platonic affection to each other, either.
Another problem I have is with the fact that the book ended with Gar having martyred himself for his kingdom. It isn't the WORST of problems because it seemed to fall in line with his character and wasn't something that came out of the blue. We knew for a while leading up to the end that one of the main characters would die, though we thought it would be Asher. Emotionally I'm not that fussed. He died, whatever. I didn't cry or feel betrayed about it. And if they had made anything gay cannon, I'd definitely be more upset about his death, for sure.
My problem with it lies because through the whole duology, the narration and characters always explicitly referred to him with derogatory terms for disabled people. The book pretty clearly categorized him as a disabled person. (Because of his lack of magic, which was not typical for those of his origins.) His excuses for allowing himself to die were things like having "broken" promises that he had entirely intended to keep but were beyond his control. Things about not "usurping" the crown from his younger sister (who literally was murdered - beyond his control). Things about breaking promises he didn't have the option to keep because he was being extorted by evil forces threatening to kill a whole kingdom of marginalized peoples.
Essentially we had a disabled character killed and not forgiven for any of those things until after he died, only prompted really because of his death. That's pretty hecked up?
I recognize that in most plots, lacking forgiveness or greater perspective or maturity is supposed to be part of what holds the plot together. But frankly I am tired of it. I find it exhausting and it makes the characters less likeable.
All that said, I still enjoyed the book. I did complete it. I do love the concept, and prophecies and heroic fantasy are my favourite. If there were more options for me to choose from for this kind of thing, I might not rate this so highly. But frankly, I want Goodreads to recommend me more books like this.
I also personally think a lot of the issues with the writing can be blamed on the editing. There was a lot of good work in this book that really could have been given better justice, if only editors had asked that some scenes be a little more condensed, maybe.
Most of the first part of the book is just "people are stricken with grief" and that permeated so much of the rest of it as well. Many others have already brought up pacing issues and I mostly agree. A lot of that is why it took me so long to finish the book. On the flip side, it made it easier to just pick up the book again where I left off and not have to worry about forgetting a bunch of details, because frankly there weren't a lot of new ones to hang onto that I'd forgotten about.
I also take umbrage with how queerbaiting this and the previous book were. I can appreciate being able to show wholesome best friendships between the two main characters but even in terms of that, there wasn't a whole lot new or subverting to the status quo in terms of how they showed platonic affection to each other, either.
Another problem I have is with the fact that the book ended with Gar having martyred himself for his kingdom. It isn't the WORST of problems because it seemed to fall in line with his character and wasn't something that came out of the blue. We knew for a while leading up to the end that one of the main characters would die, though we thought it would be Asher. Emotionally I'm not that fussed. He died, whatever. I didn't cry or feel betrayed about it. And if they had made anything gay cannon, I'd definitely be more upset about his death, for sure.
My problem with it lies because through the whole duology, the narration and characters always explicitly referred to him with derogatory terms for disabled people. The book pretty clearly categorized him as a disabled person. (Because of his lack of magic, which was not typical for those of his origins.) His excuses for allowing himself to die were things like having "broken" promises that he had entirely intended to keep but were beyond his control. Things about not "usurping" the crown from his younger sister (who literally was murdered - beyond his control). Things about breaking promises he didn't have the option to keep because he was being extorted by evil forces threatening to kill a whole kingdom of marginalized peoples.
Essentially we had a disabled character killed and not forgiven for any of those things until after he died, only prompted really because of his death. That's pretty hecked up?
I recognize that in most plots, lacking forgiveness or greater perspective or maturity is supposed to be part of what holds the plot together. But frankly I am tired of it. I find it exhausting and it makes the characters less likeable.
All that said, I still enjoyed the book. I did complete it. I do love the concept, and prophecies and heroic fantasy are my favourite. If there were more options for me to choose from for this kind of thing, I might not rate this so highly. But frankly, I want Goodreads to recommend me more books like this.
I also personally think a lot of the issues with the writing can be blamed on the editing. There was a lot of good work in this book that really could have been given better justice, if only editors had asked that some scenes be a little more condensed, maybe.
desicat13's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.25
jennykeery's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the first book in this series but found 'The Awakened Mage' didn't quite live up to the high standard Miller set for herself. I previously liked Dathne, but was dismayed to find that her strong character had been reduced to that of a generic love interest. The relationship between Gar and Asha is what saved the book for me - it was interesting and well-developed throughout.
lyndiane's review against another edition
5.0
10 stars
Before I do this review, first let me say that I picked up my fist Karen Miller book (The Accidental Sorcerer) on 19 March 2021, and have binge read six of her books between then and 5 April 2021 (a mere 18 days). I love everything about her writing, especially her very skilful use of dialogue as a means of emphasising relationships (a BIG, BIG thing for me as a reader and a fledgeling writer) and the oh-so-tricky balance between show-and-tell, and I'm very glad that I decided to read this duology, despite the abundance of 1- and 2-star ratings.
Before I do this review, first let me say that I picked up my fist Karen Miller book (The Accidental Sorcerer) on 19 March 2021, and have binge read six of her books between then and 5 April 2021 (a mere 18 days). I love everything about her writing, especially her very skilful use of dialogue as a means of emphasising relationships (a BIG, BIG thing for me as a reader and a fledgeling writer) and the oh-so-tricky balance between show-and-tell, and I'm very glad that I decided to read this duology, despite the abundance of 1- and 2-star ratings.
catsbooksmilktea's review against another edition
3.0
This review is really for both books in the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker series, though my star rating is only for The Awakened Mage.
I'll preface by saying that I really do like these books—though after reading through them a second time, I can definitely see their glaring weaknesses as well.
I think whether you'll enjoy this series really depends on what you're looking for in a novel. First of all, the copy on these books' covers sorely misrepresents their contents. This is not an action-packed story. It is a slow, patient look at the lives of those unexpectedly caught up in a fate they didn't ask for and how they react when its strings pull taut around them. A look at how the details of history and religion blur and shift over the long passing of time, and how the delineations of right and wrong and law are not always clear. It is a story about choice, responsibility, promises and friendship.
The majority of these novels center around character development and intrigue. If you like getting to know a novel's characters well and exploring how their relationship dynamics change in times of stress and upheaval, then I'd recommend this series to you. If you're looking for tons of battles and action, look elsewhere.
That said, there are definitely some significant weak points in these books, the second one in particular.
Strengths:
• I really enjoy Miller's writing style. It's witty and punchy and very down to earth, and she paints images and feeling so clearly without relying on florid or overly lengthy phrasing. Each of her characters has a very distinct voice as well, so even just reading the dialogue is a pleasure.
• I like the world and how it's introduced to us. It's a fairly simple setting for what you might expect of fantasy (think more along the lines of what you'd find in a Fire Emblem or Tales of game), but it works well as a framework for the story, and we're never bogged down with tons of exposition or unneeded facts. The way Miller describes the kingdom of Lur feels very natural and lived-in; we notice small details as its residents go about their business in Dorana, just like you'd gradually become adjusted to a new city you'd moved to.
• And the greatest strength by far: Miller's created an excellent cast of characters. Gar is one of my favorite characters from anything I've ever read, watched or played. Dathne, Matt, Veira and Darran are all incredible characters as well, each so unique and with excellent development throughout. I really love the shifting viewpoints between these characters throughout the series, and how Miller overturns our intial preconceptions about a character to make us love, or at least sympathise with, a character we once disliked.
Weaknesses:
• The main villain is so over-the-top villain-y that I can't take him seriously. He's just tiring and annoying, and I found myself speed-reading through the portions from his point of view.
• This is a very slow and lengthy story. The excitement promised on the book's covers doesn't kick into high gear until part three, or page 365, of The Awakened Mage. That wasn't a problem for me in the first book. I only felt like it dragged a bit in the middle of the second one. But that was a pretty big disappointment because—
• The conclusion of the book flies by way too quickly, reads more like a first draft than a finished piece, and is frankly unsatisfying. Up until the point when Asher is finally told who he is, I love the books. After that, it becomes frustrating for me, largely because of Asher himself. I won't get into spoilers, but there are a few characters who absolutely deserved a better ending than they received—bridges that needed to be mended much, much sooner. Voices I wish we'd heard from more at the end. Poetic justice that was left undealt. People who, frankly, were just more interesting than Asher was by that point.
Ok fine, I'll get a little spoilery here:
Asher's and Gar's friendship was the shining light of both novels, and his friendships with the others were just as heartwarming in their own way. Take those away after letting us grow so damn attached to the other characters, and then deny us the satisfaction of seeing those relationships restored and an admission from Asher that he'd also done wrong, and how are we supposed to keep rooting for him? By the end I just kept thinking "Jesus, what a stubborn, bratty c***" every time Asher spoke, and I only wanted him to succeed for the sake of the others. I wish Miller had given less time to Asher's complaining, had let him grow more mature, and mended well bridges before the final confrontation.
All of that said, I still find these two novels to be very comforting and entertaining to read. Its characters stuck with me long, long after I first read the series back in 2013 (which is actually what prompted me to read them again—to reacquaint myself with those characters), and it was very pleasant to return to them six years later. I imagine Gar and Dathne will stick around with me for years longer, as will my appreciation for Miller's way with words.
But I also think I'd like to see some good fanfiction that rewrites the ending.
I'll preface by saying that I really do like these books—though after reading through them a second time, I can definitely see their glaring weaknesses as well.
I think whether you'll enjoy this series really depends on what you're looking for in a novel. First of all, the copy on these books' covers sorely misrepresents their contents. This is not an action-packed story. It is a slow, patient look at the lives of those unexpectedly caught up in a fate they didn't ask for and how they react when its strings pull taut around them. A look at how the details of history and religion blur and shift over the long passing of time, and how the delineations of right and wrong and law are not always clear. It is a story about choice, responsibility, promises and friendship.
The majority of these novels center around character development and intrigue. If you like getting to know a novel's characters well and exploring how their relationship dynamics change in times of stress and upheaval, then I'd recommend this series to you. If you're looking for tons of battles and action, look elsewhere.
That said, there are definitely some significant weak points in these books, the second one in particular.
Strengths:
• I really enjoy Miller's writing style. It's witty and punchy and very down to earth, and she paints images and feeling so clearly without relying on florid or overly lengthy phrasing. Each of her characters has a very distinct voice as well, so even just reading the dialogue is a pleasure.
• I like the world and how it's introduced to us. It's a fairly simple setting for what you might expect of fantasy (think more along the lines of what you'd find in a Fire Emblem or Tales of game), but it works well as a framework for the story, and we're never bogged down with tons of exposition or unneeded facts. The way Miller describes the kingdom of Lur feels very natural and lived-in; we notice small details as its residents go about their business in Dorana, just like you'd gradually become adjusted to a new city you'd moved to.
• And the greatest strength by far: Miller's created an excellent cast of characters. Gar is one of my favorite characters from anything I've ever read, watched or played. Dathne, Matt, Veira and Darran are all incredible characters as well, each so unique and with excellent development throughout. I really love the shifting viewpoints between these characters throughout the series, and how Miller overturns our intial preconceptions about a character to make us love, or at least sympathise with, a character we once disliked.
Weaknesses:
• The main villain is so over-the-top villain-y that I can't take him seriously. He's just tiring and annoying, and I found myself speed-reading through the portions from his point of view.
• This is a very slow and lengthy story. The excitement promised on the book's covers doesn't kick into high gear until part three, or page 365, of The Awakened Mage. That wasn't a problem for me in the first book. I only felt like it dragged a bit in the middle of the second one. But that was a pretty big disappointment because—
• The conclusion of the book flies by way too quickly, reads more like a first draft than a finished piece, and is frankly unsatisfying. Up until the point when Asher is finally told who he is, I love the books. After that, it becomes frustrating for me, largely because of Asher himself. I won't get into spoilers, but there are a few characters who absolutely deserved a better ending than they received—bridges that needed to be mended much, much sooner. Voices I wish we'd heard from more at the end. Poetic justice that was left undealt. People who, frankly, were just more interesting than Asher was by that point.
Ok fine, I'll get a little spoilery here:
Asher's and Gar's friendship was the shining light of both novels, and his friendships with the others were just as heartwarming in their own way. Take those away after letting us grow so damn attached to the other characters, and then deny us the satisfaction of seeing those relationships restored and an admission from Asher that he'd also done wrong, and how are we supposed to keep rooting for him? By the end I just kept thinking "Jesus, what a stubborn, bratty c***" every time Asher spoke, and I only wanted him to succeed for the sake of the others. I wish Miller had given less time to Asher's complaining, had let him grow more mature, and mended well bridges before the final confrontation.
All of that said, I still find these two novels to be very comforting and entertaining to read. Its characters stuck with me long, long after I first read the series back in 2013 (which is actually what prompted me to read them again—to reacquaint myself with those characters), and it was very pleasant to return to them six years later. I imagine Gar and Dathne will stick around with me for years longer, as will my appreciation for Miller's way with words.
But I also think I'd like to see some good fanfiction that rewrites the ending.
kricket's review against another edition
5.0
A stunning sequel to an already amazing book, I cannot wait to start Prodigal Mage. If you love fantasy with a wonderful plot and rich underlying themes this is a series for you. Miller’s characters are amazing, real. It is so easy to be absorbed into the land of Lur.
The story picks up where the innocent mage left off. Asher is not the Olken ambassador while his friend Prince Gar is now King Gar the weathermage. But things are not always what they seem and when Gar’s magic fails him it is Asher who steps in to create the weather all across Lur – a crime punishable by death. Gar convinces him to become the weather mage for one month, one month so he can find a way to reclaim the magic that once thrummed through his veins. Asher is miserable, hates everything to do with magic and cannot understand how he was pushed into breaking the first law of Barl. It is only for one month, only one month… but one month is a long time and Asher has many enemies who would love to see him beheaded…
I fiercely suggest this book, it was a joy and a pleasure to read!
The story picks up where the innocent mage left off. Asher is not the Olken ambassador while his friend Prince Gar is now King Gar the weathermage. But things are not always what they seem and when Gar’s magic fails him it is Asher who steps in to create the weather all across Lur – a crime punishable by death. Gar convinces him to become the weather mage for one month, one month so he can find a way to reclaim the magic that once thrummed through his veins. Asher is miserable, hates everything to do with magic and cannot understand how he was pushed into breaking the first law of Barl. It is only for one month, only one month… but one month is a long time and Asher has many enemies who would love to see him beheaded…
I fiercely suggest this book, it was a joy and a pleasure to read!
ubalstecha's review
This novel brings to a conclusion Karen Miller's epic Kingmaker, Kingbraker series. In this installment, we find Asher helping Gar adjust to the death of his family as well as his new role as king. Gar makes Asher the Olken administrator, to the acclaim of his fans and muttering of his enemies. Asher is finally also making headway in wooing Dathne. Things look like they are going well.
That is until Gar's magic begins to fail and Asher's begins to emerge. Then Gar asks Asher to risk everything to help him keep up the facade, neither realizing that the darkest force of all is behind everything, waiting for the right time to strike.
Although there is a little dip in pace in the middle, Miller's story moves at a good clip, coming to a thrilling conclusion. These are main characters that you care for and a main villain that you can boo. Worth getting.
That is until Gar's magic begins to fail and Asher's begins to emerge. Then Gar asks Asher to risk everything to help him keep up the facade, neither realizing that the darkest force of all is behind everything, waiting for the right time to strike.
Although there is a little dip in pace in the middle, Miller's story moves at a good clip, coming to a thrilling conclusion. These are main characters that you care for and a main villain that you can boo. Worth getting.
ubalstecha's review against another edition
4.0
This novel brings to a conclusion Karen Miller's epic Kingmaker, Kingbraker series. In this installment, we find Asher helping Gar adjust to the death of his family as well as his new role as king. Gar makes Asher the Olken administrator, to the acclaim of his fans and muttering of his enemies. Asher is finally also making headway in wooing Dathne. Things look like they are going well.
That is until Gar's magic begins to fail and Asher's begins to emerge. Then Gar asks Asher to risk everything to help him keep up the facade, neither realizing that the darkest force of all is behind everything, waiting for the right time to strike.
Although there is a little dip in pace in the middle, Miller's story moves at a good clip, coming to a thrilling conclusion. These are main characters that you care for and a main villain that you can boo. Worth getting.
That is until Gar's magic begins to fail and Asher's begins to emerge. Then Gar asks Asher to risk everything to help him keep up the facade, neither realizing that the darkest force of all is behind everything, waiting for the right time to strike.
Although there is a little dip in pace in the middle, Miller's story moves at a good clip, coming to a thrilling conclusion. These are main characters that you care for and a main villain that you can boo. Worth getting.