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A review by assaphmehr
The Gates of Tagmeth by P.C. Hodgell
5.0
I've recently decided to re-read this excellent epic fantasy cycle, and review as I go.
What to Expect
The Gates of Tagmeth is the (currently) latest novel in the series, but not the last. Jame has a unique task for her third year as a randon cadet, and naturally it comes with her penchant for unique adventures. More importantly, the novel ends at a point that has been long in the coming, with a final stage-setting for the series conclusion. It's great to see all the characters (main and side) mature and develop.
From reading Hodgell's blog, my understanding is that the next novel -- "By Demons Possessed" -- is currently with her editors, and that she has started writing the next, and possibly final, volume. Naturally, writing and publishing is a lengthy exercise, but at least as a fan I know the grand finale is in the works and should be coming soon(ish). It's been an amazing journey (definitely for the protagonists and for me as a reader since childhood -- and I can only imagine for Hodgell as an author), well worth the read.
What I liked
Hodgell's story-telling and world-building are top-notch, her story pacing is excellent, and she balances light and dark themes perfectly. We get a lot more background in this volume (for questions that have been hinted at for a while). If you've read this far in the series, you should know why this is excellent epic fantasy.
What to be aware of
This is book 8 of a long running series (over 35 years, so far). You really need to start at [b:God Stalk|69169|God Stalk (Kencyrath, #1)|P.C. Hodgell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1287523762s/69169.jpg|1281031] if you're to have any chance of understanding what is going on. The series is not yet complete (though I imagine that wouldn't stop any GRRM fans).
Summary
A highly recommended series. This is epic fantasy done right, with perfect balance of light and dark, and excellent, slowly-building pacing. If you love fantasy, I strongly suggest you add God Stalk to your TBR pile.
--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1518065419p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1457914061s/29500700.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
The Gates of Tagmeth is the (currently) latest novel in the series, but not the last. Jame has a unique task for her third year as a randon cadet, and naturally it comes with her penchant for unique adventures. More importantly, the novel ends at a point that has been long in the coming, with a final stage-setting for the series conclusion. It's great to see all the characters (main and side) mature and develop.
From reading Hodgell's blog, my understanding is that the next novel -- "By Demons Possessed" -- is currently with her editors, and that she has started writing the next, and possibly final, volume. Naturally, writing and publishing is a lengthy exercise, but at least as a fan I know the grand finale is in the works and should be coming soon(ish). It's been an amazing journey (definitely for the protagonists and for me as a reader since childhood -- and I can only imagine for Hodgell as an author), well worth the read.
What I liked
Hodgell's story-telling and world-building are top-notch, her story pacing is excellent, and she balances light and dark themes perfectly. We get a lot more background in this volume (for questions that have been hinted at for a while). If you've read this far in the series, you should know why this is excellent epic fantasy.
What to be aware of
This is book 8 of a long running series (over 35 years, so far). You really need to start at [b:God Stalk|69169|God Stalk (Kencyrath, #1)|P.C. Hodgell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1287523762s/69169.jpg|1281031] if you're to have any chance of understanding what is going on. The series is not yet complete (though I imagine that wouldn't stop any GRRM fans).
Summary
A highly recommended series. This is epic fantasy done right, with perfect balance of light and dark, and excellent, slowly-building pacing. If you love fantasy, I strongly suggest you add God Stalk to your TBR pile.
--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1518065419p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1457914061s/29500700.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.