lanica's review against another edition
1.0
Slow, boring and the story just goes nowhere...with great detail. I couldn't make myself finish it. That is really rare for me. I read quickly and usually get to the end before passing judgment...but I just could not make myself continue this book.
raevynskyye's review
3.0
This book takes place 8 or 9 years after the events of Dies the Fire. It does not actually have the war the title mentions, but the entire thing is the build-up to it.
eishe's review against another edition
4.0
Review from October, 2016:
Descriptions. So. Many. Descriptions. Still liking this.
Review for read from April 22 to June 11, 2010:
It took me quite a while to read the second book in the series, reading it quite periodically. The first excitement I got when reading the "Dies the Fire" has partially died down and this book does not have such an amazing air to it as the first one had. Nevertheless it is a good follow-up and created the universe even further by explaining some technical details of how the Change has changed everything (though we still have no idea why it happened) and paints an interesting picture of how man has managed to make the best of the situation all around the world.
When I started (and continued) reading it I became quite skeptical of this book in comparison with the first one, as the first two thirds were quite dragged out and a bit overly poetical, though they had quite a good storyline (two actually) and gave a good insight on what is happening outside the US and how they survived the Change. Though the way in which it was told often generally unimpressive and sometimes even forced to switch to another book for a while. It was basically the introduction of new characters and catching up with the old ones.
The book turned to the good side with a battle cry: "St. George for England! A Loring! A Loring!" about halfway through, when the two storylines merged together turning it from 2.5 stars to 3-4, but the real transition was approximately one third from the ending when the book took a turn in the direction that saved it and made me want to read the next one as well. The last part was packed with both action and character interaction and their actions in it managed to color them more vividly than the actual introduction part had.
It leaves off with more of a cliffhanger than the first one did, so I would just assume that "Meeting at Corvallis" picks up where this one ends or soon after that.
The old characters have not changed a lot: Juniper is still the Splendiferously Supreme Clan Chieftainly Mom-person (according to Ellir) and her domain has expanded quite a bit, Mike has fared equally well, Signe is even more unlikeable (though she snaps out of it) and Astrid just as mad as before. The new characters - three quite different Englishmen - make a good entrance.
Overall - not as good as the first one, as the first part drags out, though the last part is a real treat. Not quite dystopic anymore as well.
Descriptions. So. Many. Descriptions. Still liking this.
Review for read from April 22 to June 11, 2010:
It took me quite a while to read the second book in the series, reading it quite periodically. The first excitement I got when reading the "Dies the Fire" has partially died down and this book does not have such an amazing air to it as the first one had. Nevertheless it is a good follow-up and created the universe even further by explaining some technical details of how the Change has changed everything (though we still have no idea why it happened) and paints an interesting picture of how man has managed to make the best of the situation all around the world.
When I started (and continued) reading it I became quite skeptical of this book in comparison with the first one, as the first two thirds were quite dragged out and a bit overly poetical, though they had quite a good storyline (two actually) and gave a good insight on what is happening outside the US and how they survived the Change. Though the way in which it was told often generally unimpressive and sometimes even forced to switch to another book for a while. It was basically the introduction of new characters and catching up with the old ones.
The book turned to the good side with a battle cry: "St. George for England! A Loring! A Loring!" about halfway through, when the two storylines merged together turning it from 2.5 stars to 3-4, but the real transition was approximately one third from the ending when the book took a turn in the direction that saved it and made me want to read the next one as well. The last part was packed with both action and character interaction and their actions in it managed to color them more vividly than the actual introduction part had.
It leaves off with more of a cliffhanger than the first one did, so I would just assume that "Meeting at Corvallis" picks up where this one ends or soon after that.
The old characters have not changed a lot: Juniper is still the Splendiferously Supreme Clan Chieftainly Mom-person (according to Ellir) and her domain has expanded quite a bit, Mike has fared equally well, Signe is even more unlikeable (though she snaps out of it) and Astrid just as mad as before. The new characters - three quite different Englishmen - make a good entrance.
Overall - not as good as the first one, as the first part drags out, though the last part is a real treat. Not quite dystopic anymore as well.
flyingryndeer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
varghoss's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ks92's review against another edition
adventurous
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
1.0
netgyrl's review against another edition
5.0
Oct2021 - 2nd listen, still loving it. The series was not complete during my first lesson so I am really looking forward to the last few books so I can see how it all turns out.
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I love these characters! The books are long but I really like the story and the author has what I feel is a realistic take on what life after electricity and fast combustion stop working would be like. I couldn't wait to start book three at the then of of this one.
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I love these characters! The books are long but I really like the story and the author has what I feel is a realistic take on what life after electricity and fast combustion stop working would be like. I couldn't wait to start book three at the then of of this one.
shai3d's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book though not quite as much as DIES THE FIRE simply because the timeline wasn't linear which caused some confusion until I picked up on what was going on. It takes up 8 years later and continues to follow Juniper MacKenzie, Mike Hovel and their clans. There was also the introduction of three Englishmen who I am looking forward to hearing more about.
kairosdreaming's review against another edition
3.0
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. The Protector's War is the second in the series and I highly recommend reading Dies the Fire before moving on to this book. A little background, the world has been through a Change. This Change meant the end of civilization as most know it. Guns, Electricity and other modern implements no longer work and the world has been thrown back in time to where Bow and Arrow, Sword, and Armor have a place in society. Among the survivors, are Juniper McKenzie and her clan. They are great archers and Wiccans in practice and kind to all they meet. Mike Havel is Lord Bear of the Bearkillers and his outfit act almost like mercenaries. Together, these two groups form an alliance against the Evil Protector and his slaves and barons.
This book takes us eight and nine years into the future. Mostly everything has settled down and people are surviving better, but are always on the hunt for more power. This can't be more true of the Protector who wants the Bearkiller's and McKenzie's land for his own. Between going about their lives and fighting little battles here and there, Juniper and Mike must keep everyone together and well. At least Mike has help, Signe his warrior wife and Juniper has her daughter Eilir and precious son Rudi although she longs for her own lover.
Across the seas are Nigel Loring, his son, and a friend who have to escape England and its crazy king or be killed. Through fate they end up in the Willamette and view the Protector as just as big a foe as the other's do. They will have to join up if they have any hope of living a peaceful life. Not to mention, Alleyne Loring has caught the eye of both Eilir and Astrid (Havel's sister-in-law).
The characters in this novel are a joy to read about. They might be a little unbelievable but I think it makes them interesting. And I can suspend reality for awhile when it comes to Juniper and Mike. I also like Eilir who comes into her own in this book. Astrid on the other hand I don't really care for, she's just annoying to me. Stirling's a good descriptive writer. But that gets him into trouble with this novel. Its titled about a war but there is no war, only small battles and a very long, somewhat boring lead up to the war that is supposedly in the next book. There is also the element of the religion in this book. While I personally don't have a problem with it, it could be disconcerting for some readers. A good way to think of this novel is that instead of Christian fiction, this book could probably be placed square in a genre of Wiccan fiction. I enjoyed reading about the different rites but it may not be to everyone's taste.
This is probably an important book for information, but for excitement of reading it is merely average. I look forward to reading more of the series to see if they improve and bring back what I liked in Dies the Fire.
The Protector's War
Copyright 2006
591 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
This book takes us eight and nine years into the future. Mostly everything has settled down and people are surviving better, but are always on the hunt for more power. This can't be more true of the Protector who wants the Bearkiller's and McKenzie's land for his own. Between going about their lives and fighting little battles here and there, Juniper and Mike must keep everyone together and well. At least Mike has help, Signe his warrior wife and Juniper has her daughter Eilir and precious son Rudi although she longs for her own lover.
Across the seas are Nigel Loring, his son, and a friend who have to escape England and its crazy king or be killed. Through fate they end up in the Willamette and view the Protector as just as big a foe as the other's do. They will have to join up if they have any hope of living a peaceful life. Not to mention, Alleyne Loring has caught the eye of both Eilir and Astrid (Havel's sister-in-law).
The characters in this novel are a joy to read about. They might be a little unbelievable but I think it makes them interesting. And I can suspend reality for awhile when it comes to Juniper and Mike. I also like Eilir who comes into her own in this book. Astrid on the other hand I don't really care for, she's just annoying to me. Stirling's a good descriptive writer. But that gets him into trouble with this novel. Its titled about a war but there is no war, only small battles and a very long, somewhat boring lead up to the war that is supposedly in the next book. There is also the element of the religion in this book. While I personally don't have a problem with it, it could be disconcerting for some readers. A good way to think of this novel is that instead of Christian fiction, this book could probably be placed square in a genre of Wiccan fiction. I enjoyed reading about the different rites but it may not be to everyone's taste.
This is probably an important book for information, but for excitement of reading it is merely average. I look forward to reading more of the series to see if they improve and bring back what I liked in Dies the Fire.
The Protector's War
Copyright 2006
591 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
bibliophilelinda's review against another edition
5.0
Another fabulous chapter to the Emberverse I, or commonly referred to as the "Dies the Fire", Trilogy. Hilarious, at times, sad, clever, thrilling and un-put-downable. I've become so addicted to the character's stories, that I never want the story to end. Additionally, I really like the way Stirling composes the story with flashbacks of incidences interjected into the present.
The MacKenzies and the BearKillers are still trying to deal with the increasing ferocity of the Lord Protectors advances into unclaimed territories and his bands of minions that continue to terrorize travelers. Juniper and Mike's son is now 9 years old and promises to be a most formidable man. Sir Nigel, his son and friend are now brought into the fray; old SES friends of Sam that prove their weight in gold in information and combat prowess. While most of the story revolves around Sir Nigel's escape from England to Oregon, MacKenzie and Bearkiller skirmises with the Lord Protector's men, Mike and Signe's small marital strife's, and Astrid's and Eilir's continuing relationship and the establishment of their Rangers group, it's what happens in the last hundred pages that really turn this book into such a compulsively addicting read as to make one call in sick to work so you can keep your nose glue to the pages. Excellent!
The MacKenzies and the BearKillers are still trying to deal with the increasing ferocity of the Lord Protectors advances into unclaimed territories and his bands of minions that continue to terrorize travelers. Juniper and Mike's son is now 9 years old and promises to be a most formidable man. Sir Nigel, his son and friend are now brought into the fray; old SES friends of Sam that prove their weight in gold in information and combat prowess. While most of the story revolves around Sir Nigel's escape from England to Oregon, MacKenzie and Bearkiller skirmises with the Lord Protector's men, Mike and Signe's small marital strife's, and Astrid's and Eilir's continuing relationship and the establishment of their Rangers group, it's what happens in the last hundred pages that really turn this book into such a compulsively addicting read as to make one call in sick to work so you can keep your nose glue to the pages. Excellent!