bookshelfmonkey's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Confinement, and Animal death
thevaliantqueen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
smartpanda's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed it but it would be better as 5th in the series, yet it is 7th.
chaos_tempest's review against another edition
4.0
O lanta what an entertaining continuation to a beloved series. Yes, Erak's Ransom should probably be read right after Battle of Skandia to get the full effect, but I don't think it matters either way.
Erak, oberjarl of the Skandians, desires one last raid before settling into his position of power. Betrayed by one of his own, Erak is taken hostage by the desert people he has hoped to raid, now Will, Halt, Cassandra, and Horace (among others) must "diplomatically" rescue their friend. During which, catastrophe of course occurs, leaving one to save the rest.
Again I found this book on par (or better) with each and every one of the earlier books. We got to see a fun new side of Halt (my favorite, he can dance, did you know that?!), watch Cassandra blossom into the power princess we always knew she was (wicked acting), and of course get the banter we've enjoyed side the beginning.
Erak, oberjarl of the Skandians, desires one last raid before settling into his position of power. Betrayed by one of his own, Erak is taken hostage by the desert people he has hoped to raid, now Will, Halt, Cassandra, and Horace (among others) must "diplomatically" rescue their friend. During which, catastrophe of course occurs, leaving one to save the rest.
Again I found this book on par (or better) with each and every one of the earlier books. We got to see a fun new side of Halt (my favorite, he can dance, did you know that?!), watch Cassandra blossom into the power princess we always knew she was (wicked acting), and of course get the banter we've enjoyed side the beginning.
jetpackdolphin's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really fantastic sort-of prequel book (it took place after the fourth book and before the fifth book). The change of setting was interesting and a good idea, and I loved the idea of Will losing Tug and going off into the desert to find him, which was quite a scary part, because he almost died. I loved the new characters, especially Selethen, who was one of the best in this book. This is a long book, but it's worth reading, and it also fills in some good back-story that comes into play during book 5 and so on.
star63's review against another edition
4.0
If people haven't already said this - read this after book four and before book five.
tabithar's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the better books in the series and has pacing more like The Battle for Skandia. In this adventure, the reader gets to explore much more of the world. The bulk of the story occurs in this world's version of Africa/India/Middle East. In the end, the overarching goal is about getting people to work together and negotiation in tough situations.
Comments on the series:
It feels like the series is rolling more politically now whereas the beginning felt like it was going to be more magical. I'm not sure if the author lost the magic ideas or what. The faster pace made this a much more enjoyable than 5&6 which were sort of magical. Despite the magic, 5&6 were less entertaining due to extremely slow pacing. Quality and editing from book to book in this series is rather variable.
Comments on the series:
It feels like the series is rolling more politically now whereas the beginning felt like it was going to be more magical. I'm not sure if the author lost the magic ideas or what. The faster pace made this a much more enjoyable than 5&6 which were sort of magical. Despite the magic, 5&6 were less entertaining due to extremely slow pacing. Quality and editing from book to book in this series is rather variable.