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A review by itkovian_books
Age of Legend by Michael J. Sullivan
4.0
"Age of Legend" acts as a great continuation of the "Legend of the First Empire" series, as well as an intriguing opening to the latter half of the series. I believe Sullivan wanted this series to consist of two separately satisfying, yet linked, trilogies, and so far he accomplishes this goal. Interpersonal conflicts run strong throughout this book, and I loved watching these characters develop in satisfying ways, while still leaving plenty of room for further development in the final two books. The plot itself is a bit jumbled and unfinished, but this is because (unlike the other books in the series, which each had their own satisfying climaxes) Sullivan designed the final three books to serve as a single ongoing story. Thus, there is a massive cliffhanger, but Sullivan pulls it off well, so I don't fault him for that.
A minor issue was the pacing at the beginning of the novel. 3 chapters follow directly after the events of Book 3. Then there is a year time-jump. Another 5 chapters. Then a 5-year time jump. I think this method was better than immediately jumping 6 years, or writing unnecessary information throughout the middle years, but it does make the pacing a bit iffy at first.
I was also disappointed by how little we saw of Persephone, who was one of my favorite characters in the first 3 books. I'm sure there's plenty in store for her later, but her absence was all too noticeable, as at the beginning of every chapter toward the end, I found myself wondering when we would return to her, and that became a bit distracting. The rest of the cast is great, and this series is filled with so many other great female characters, but I do hope Persephone accomplishes more in the next two books. It would be disappointing to discover that her main story was completely wrapped up in the first trilogy.
Rating: 8/10
A minor issue was the pacing at the beginning of the novel. 3 chapters follow directly after the events of Book 3. Then there is a year time-jump. Another 5 chapters. Then a 5-year time jump. I think this method was better than immediately jumping 6 years, or writing unnecessary information throughout the middle years, but it does make the pacing a bit iffy at first.
I was also disappointed by how little we saw of Persephone, who was one of my favorite characters in the first 3 books. I'm sure there's plenty in store for her later, but her absence was all too noticeable, as at the beginning of every chapter toward the end, I found myself wondering when we would return to her, and that became a bit distracting. The rest of the cast is great, and this series is filled with so many other great female characters, but I do hope Persephone accomplishes more in the next two books. It would be disappointing to discover that her main story was completely wrapped up in the first trilogy.
Rating: 8/10