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0765325950
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| 0765325950
| 4.58
| 157,481
| Jan 08, 2013
| Jan 08, 2013
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it was amazing
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1
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Oct 08, 2024
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Oct 19, 2024
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Oct 20, 2024
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Hardcover
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0765341530
| 9780765341532
| 0765341530
| 4.43
| 173,296
| Nov 07, 2009
| Oct 2010
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it was amazing
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Mass Market Paperback
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0812577566
| 9780812577563
| 0812577566
| 4.20
| 144,355
| Oct 03, 2005
| Dec 2006
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really liked it
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0312864590
| 9780312864590
| 0312864590
| 3.78
| 136,080
| Jan 07, 2003
| Jan 01, 2003
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liked it
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Sep 16, 2024
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Hardcover
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081257558X
| 9780812575583
| 081257558X
| 3.97
| 150,786
| 2000
| Jan 07, 2002
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liked it
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**spoiler alert** Winter's Heart is is not exactly the most popular book in the Wheel of Time series. A random sample of rankings I've found online le
**spoiler alert** Winter's Heart is is not exactly the most popular book in the Wheel of Time series. A random sample of rankings I've found online lets me believe that it might be many people's least favorite. To be honest, I struggled very hard with The Path of Daggers and in the end didn't feel as if enough stick with me to write a review. After that the ninth entry was the first I wasn't excited for going in. And it's off to a very slow start. An eighty pages Prologue about some Aes Sedai I cannot quite place (there have been so many, haven't there?), not exactly something to get you all hyped again. After that we follow Perrin for numerous chapters in a row. Remember when Perrin was the proud leader in the battles of the Two Rivers? Yeah, he was awesome back then. It was a very long time ago. Since then he has done nothing of note. Now Faile was kidnapped (by... someone) and he's determined to get her back. Only that he spends a couple of chapters complaining and not doing much. I think that was it, the subplot doesn't find any closure here. Then there are numerous Elayne chapters. She rules, but she hasn't yet officially gained the Lion Throne. In fact, her succession is disputed. I think that's what these chapters are primarily about? There is also some "progress" in the love... triangle? Quadrangle? I think Elayne, Min and Aviendha are now all bond to Rand and feel his pain. Literally, apparently this guy is suffering horrendously from the two wounds afflicted by Padan Fain. But this doesn't really offer much depth to their relationship(s). In fact, Elayne is now pregnant, and it happens rather unceremoniously. Other than that she doesn't really seem ahead of the game. She certainly acts in character when she is poisoned and afterwards rewards the man who came to her rescue. He could have attacked her with a poisoned knife out in the open and that girl wouldn't have seen the trick. I've said it before, but she's really annoyingly stupid. Things only marginally improve when in later chapters she is assisted by other characters. All throughout there are chapters recounted from the points of view of other characters. You know, the kind of people that make you go, who was that again? Maybe Tuon deserves her own chapter or two, because of where her ark is going with Mat (I'll get to that). But Shalon? I think she has a couple of chapters. She travels around with some Aes Sedai, like to an Ogier stedding? I have to admit that I didn't pay enough attention to know why this matters to the overall story. Perhaps her subplot wasn't completed, yet. I think it's fair to say that Mat is the star of the show. I'm not sure if he has the most chapters (it's probably Elayne), but I feel like the latter half of the book mainly focuses on him. Or maybe it was because he followed a more easily discernible quest. Which certainly isn't to say that it was an interesting quest. Mat is essentially where he was before, in Ebou Dar in Altara. Actually, I could swear he left at some point. Wasn't there the exact same scene of him leaving his rapist lover, and in the end saying that he will honestly miss her? That happened, right? Anyway he's still (or back or back to being) Queen Tylin's sex slave and his big goal is to escape this situation. Only that the situation isn't presented as being as dire as would be warranted. Imagine the situation was gender swapped, Jordan would have told a very different story, right? Anyway, you wouldn't believe how many chapters it would take him to get things going. Granted, the city is now under Seanchan occupation, but events are moving forward only very slowly. And eventually his big plan is to recycle the circus scheme. Boring and a drag! There is some silver lining, though. Oh, there is something else I just remembered. What's with this old Noal fellow who assists Mat in his fight against the Gholam and later shows up again when Mat is in need of help? There is very little of him in between. I don't know if this relationship is going anywhere. So far the most lackluster of sidekicks. Now, I was talking of silver linings. There have been many prophecies all throughout the series, not the least the countless of visions that Min has about people's fates. Frankly, I'm not keeping track. But there was one in particular, I think back from when Mat died (I think he did) in Rhuidean. Something about the woman he is to marry. Since the Daughter of the Nine Moons is explicitly referenced, it turns out to the Tuon, high Blood of the Seanchan empire. So far we know only very little about her, other than the fact that she wanted to buy Mat. I hope this is going somewhere. Finally, there is Rand. He's there throughout, but it's only in the last few chapters when he regains his status as main player. His quest is actually pretty cool. No really! As was foretold, some of the Asha'man went crazy and attacked him in The Path of Daggers. Now the Dragon Reborn strikes back. Their tracks lead him to Far Madding where he's able to confront two of them. He also faces Padan Fain once more, who again sneaks of when given the chance. Rand then sets out to heal the male source of the One Power from the taint that makes men go crazy. I think the storyline has all the potential for an epic climax, though in the end it was a bit underwhelming. This being said, I applaud the effort of not bringing us yet another massive battle and instead thinking of something different. At least the mental images of glowing statues and stuff were cool. Yeah, that was Winter's Heart. The fact that it's all set in the dead of winter doesn't really matter much. Egwene's armies make no progress whatsoever (she sure is taking her time). The Forsaken make real fools of themselves (as Mike emphasized in his review). Overall, I didn't have much positive to say about the book. Strangely, I did enjoy the reading experience for the most part. People say they found it hard to make it to the end. I didn't, at no point did I feel like giving up. I guess give me magic, swords, and pulp-y humor and I'll have a fine day. In this spirit, bring on the next one! Rating: 3/5 ...more |
Notes are private!
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Aug 20, 2024
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Sep 06, 2024
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Sep 06, 2024
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Mass Market Paperback
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0812550293
| 9780812550290
| 0812550293
| 3.93
| 157,834
| Oct 20, 1998
| Dec 15, 1999
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liked it
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Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 13, 2024
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Aug 19, 2024
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Sep 06, 2024
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Mass Market Paperback
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0812550285
| 9780812550283
| 0812550285
| 4.07
| 181,654
| May 15, 1996
| Nov 15, 1997
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liked it
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Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 2024
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Aug 12, 2024
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Sep 06, 2024
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Mass Market Paperback
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0812513754
| 9780812513752
| 0812513754
| 4.19
| 191,250
| Oct 15, 1994
| Nov 15, 1995
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really liked it
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**spoiler alert** "Let the Lord of Chaos rule." The Dark One experienced a series of setbacks. In the past couple of books, our heroes were able to ove **spoiler alert** "Let the Lord of Chaos rule." The Dark One experienced a series of setbacks. In the past couple of books, our heroes were able to overcome many of the Forsaken. Rand was able to bring nations behind him, so that even public rulers like Sammael are on the defense. Firmly in power, Rand dares to grant amnesty to male channelers. He hired no other than former false Dragon Mazrim Taim to train his army of soldiers capable to wield the One Power, his Asha'man, as they'll come to be known. So, our evil lord is understandably pissed. But we already know that his prison isn't holding up too well and he is re-gaining some of his power. He lets his presence know by making the whole world burn up. More secretly he brings some other Forsaken into the world. And by know you should know, in the world of Wheel of Time this means – that he will leave the stage and the revived will only creep about the end of a chapter or two. We do understand, though, there are things still to come! This kind of setup is growing on me. For some reason Jordan loves to remind his readers how dire the situation really is, perhaps to overshadow all victories that are about to unfold in the course of the next one thousand odd pages. In fact, Lord of Chaos might be the book of empowerment on our heroes side. The most fateful character growth is undoubtedly Egwene's. After she has learned Travel by entering the World of Dreams in flesh, she is summoned to Salidar to speak before the rebel Aes Sedai. It turns out, they decided that Egwene will be the next Amyrlin. Meanwhile, Nynaeve discovered how to Heal women of stilling as well as men of gentling, respectively. In this way she is able to reconnect the former Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche, to the True Source. It's without consequence, though, as it still leaves her much weaker than before. I thought the development was emotionally very twisted and you can only imagine how disruptive it must have felt to her. I would have liked if it had been explored further, though. Also, the healing of the other former false Dragon, Logain, is so far not much addressed, either. Moreover, it's puzzling to me why these core moments pass by so quickly. I feel like Jordan doesn't fully answer the questions that motivate these plot points. Why Egwene? How exactly does Nynaeve discover the long-lost art of Healing a stilling? I've read people complain about how important episodes in the series come about rushed, and as with certain episodes in the previous book, there are clear examples here. Maybe the series is really more about its pulpy charm, and there is much of this here. For instance, there is this incredibly ridiculous quarrel between Perrin and Faile, because Berelain is sexually approaching the guy. It's really stupid, especially since it doesn't even pretend to add anything to the plot. Rand is also reunited with Min, whom he relentlessly friend-zones. What also happend: Over-the-top love pulls Egwene in Gawyn's dreams. At this point it's really clear what to expect from the romance bits, and I kind of enjoy the stupidity of it all. We learn some new things about Rand. Not only is he of Aiel ancestry, in a distant sense he is even related to Elayne. Apparently he is the son of some other Daughter-Heir of Andor who disappeared some twenty-five years ago? Not sure about the details, but that's probably because she ended up with the Aiel for whatever reason. We learn a few things about the houses and lords, but I applaud Jordan for resisting the temptation of prolonged info-dumping. In this context it felt a bit odd that Elayne and her mother remain fully passive for the entirety of the book's plot. Believing that Morgase is dead – she is de facto imprisoned by the Children of Light – Rand is determined to make his friend the new ruler of Andor. Somehow Elayne doesn't act on this, not sure if she even knows about Rand's stance. I suspect she will be the focus of the next novel, similar to how this one focused on Egwene and Nynaeve. Noteworthy are also some cool additions to the magic system. We learn that bonding warders can be used as a weapon and against the other person's will. There is a bit of an unusual edge to it, because of how much it plays fast and loose with the mechanics. Nynaeve is still suffering from the blockade that prevents her from channeling freely, and it's fun to see in what ways her teachers try to overcome the limitations. I think it's also the first time that there is talk of Talents (with capital "T"), like being able to reliably make out ta'veren. By far the most important development is the fact that Lewis Therin Telamon now speaks to Rand in his mind. Clearly this is to suggest that he is slowly getting mad. What is interesting, though, the voice in his head already is mad. It's all very comical, like Venom's voice in Eddie Brock's head. I thought it was very good fun and certainly made Rand more interesting to me. The plot at the end of the last book led towards confrontation between Rand and Sammael. Surprisingly, nothing of this sort happens here. The Forsaken even offers truce, even if Rand doesn't accept. I guess this wouldn't be a fourteen-part series if things moved that quickly. Instead, the real villain is the White Tower. Or not even that, some more or less random representatives of the White Tower. To be honest, Rand demonstrated some unhinged stupidity when he fell for their trick of bringing "servants" with them. It all happens during their second audience, suddenly it's the baneful number of thirteen and the Dragon Reborn is captured! Seriously, who would have thought. It's another instance of where the visuals – the way you would imagine the scene to play out – being much more important than any brilliant writing to make it happen. It all leads to the Battle of Dumai's Wells. For me this was certain the highlight and most memorable sequence of the entire book. It again conjures up grandiose images, with Perrin off horse and slashing through enemy lines with his axe, assisted by reckless wolves. The giant Loial himself axe in hand. A small army of Asha'man arrives by way of a gateway, to my mind somewhat reminiscent of Avengers: Endgame. Their response is significantly more brutal though, as they literally make their Shaido enemy explode. This and the fact that Rand has been tortured makes this probably the darkest entry in the series so far. At this point I won't expect any smart plot twists, nuanced reveals, or finely woven developments. You really have to remember, The Wheel of Time is all about fun. And on this front Lord of Chaos very well delivers. Rating: 3.5/5 ...more |
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Jul 19, 2024
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Jul 31, 2024
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Mass Market Paperback
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0812550307
| 9780812550306
| 0812550307
| 4.20
| 206,032
| Oct 15, 1993
| Oct 15, 1994
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really liked it
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**spoiler alert** Rand crossed the Dragonwall and united the Aiel behind him. There may be a few clans that still refuse see him as their Car’a’carn,
**spoiler alert** Rand crossed the Dragonwall and united the Aiel behind him. There may be a few clans that still refuse see him as their Car’a’carn, but he can no longer wait, he has to quickly return from the Spine of the World and stop the bloody conquest of his relentless rival candidate and the Shaido Aiel. And we already know, some of the Forsaken placed themselves in positions of political power. Sooner rather than later the Dragon Reborn will have to face them, too. As in the previous book, we follow different threads through the narrative. While we leave Perrin behind for the time being, two of the other storylines continue. Min joined Siuan Sanche and Leane, the Amyrlin passé and her former Keeper. With them is also Logain, one of the false dragons that was gentled at the White Tower. They are on their way to rejoin with the rebel Aes Sedai who like them won't accept Elaida's claim to the Amyrlin Seat. Generally perhaps the least important arc, though it'll have it's moments throughout the novel. Likewise with Nynaeve, Elayne, Thom and Juilin (the thief hunter, if you don't remember). As soon as they discovered what happened at the Tower, the fact that Siuan Sanche was ousted, their destination is the hiding place of the Blue Ajahs. For them, as well as for the other party, one problems remains: they don't really know where they are. So expect a few detours. Actually, expect them to become the stars of a menagerie! Their episodes tend to be somewhat lighter and counterbalance what is generally a darker tone. I especially enjoyed the more prominent role of Birgitte Silverbow, one of the legendary heroes that will return when the Horn of Valere resounds. At least that's what myths and stories tell us, yet somehow she is removed from the World of Dreams and gains presence in the waking world. I quite liked how the dream realm turns out to be the land of legends, too. Egwene in particular becomes much more powerful in her ability to control and travel Tel’aran’rhiod, though Nynaeve and Elayne to some extent follow suit. Similarly, Rand is now capable to more or less freely create gateways to other parts of the world, while shielding his own dreams from unwanted intruders. The fact that characters are thus able to escape the bonds of time and space occasionally propels a plot that I felt moved significantly slower than in The Shadow Rising. The story focuses strongly on shifting relationships. Not only does Egwene develop her potential, we are as surprised as she is when she finds that Moraine talks to her as an equal. It's easy to emphasize how this would boost her confidence, which she uses to renegotiate her relative standing with Nynaeve. Back home the latter has always been her undisputed superior; now it's her who calls the shots. Nynaeve is all too aware of what is happening. Understandably, it puts her on edge and I think that's one of the causes for growing tensions between her and her travel companion, Elayne. In these moments the characters truly feel more mature and human. At the end of the predecessor it was established that Asmodean – one of the Forsaken! – would be traveling with Rand. Of course there are only very few men who would be able to teach Rand to be stronger and to prepare him for Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle. There is the constant worry whether he really can be trusted. For the most part, though, he's rather surprisingly passive. I think he will take center stage only later. He already taught Rand some impressive tricks, though. There is another characters that travels very close to Rand. As in the second half of the previous novel, Aviendha won't leave his side. At every opportunity she expresses her deep longing to finally leave, there being no man she would less rather be with and all that. So, if you've ever read a book you know, she will become his love interest (I think his fourth in the series?). There is one scene in particular that drives this development forward. After he saw her naked, she panics and flees through a gateway she inadvertently created. Right into a storming blizzard! Quick actions in the cold outside leads to hot action inside. Frankly, it's all very silly. Not exactly The Left Hand of Darkness, that's for sure. But I still think that Aviendha has potential to remain one of the more intriguing characters in the cast. To me the political developments were more interesting. In my introduction I already talked about the Shaido and the other man with claim to being the Car’a’carn. The Aiel despise the wetlanders for their reckless behavior in the past – I think they burned down trees the Aiel considered almost sacred – and to Couladin this is reason enough to burn their villages to the ground and to slaughter their inhabitants. The first big climax, somewhere around the midway point, portrays the fateful clash of Rand and Couladin. Jordan asks us to think of battle in the most epic proportions. We learn that the enemy commands more than 160,000 warriors! To be honest, at no point in the narrative does it feel that grand. There was much more passion and stake in the smaller scale fights in the Two Rivers. The events see one unlikely hero – Mat, aided by the memories of legendary leaders. I don't think his strategies were captivating enough to make these moments memorable, and it was also a bit lazy that the big villain is killed in the off. Let's return to Perrin and his epic adventures, please! The group around Nynaeve encounters another figure with potential to wield his influence: Masema, the Prophet of the Dragon Reborn. The unofficial Prophet, you may add. He's the familiar twister of religion and belief, the infuriating herald of conservative dogma. So far he was a minor character, but one that may succeed as a powerful symbol later on. There are similar religious undertones to how Garad's arc develops. Elayne's half-brother was always portrayed as uncompromisingly righteous, so in a twisted sense it's only fitting that he would join the Whitecloaks. He's seems genuinely determined to help Elayne and the others, yet it's very possible that his commitment to the greater cause might lead to darkness. Certainly one of the most intriguing characters, even if romantic tensions with Egwene seem inevitable. We already know that Lord Gasbril, Queen Morgase's lover, was in fact one of the Forsaken. Now we learn that his real name is Rahvin and that he uses Compulsion to take mental control of her. Eventually, Rand's armies will be marching for Caemlyn and there will be a showdown. Interestingly, with the exception of a few lines at a gathering of the Forsaken at the very beginning of the book, Rahvin hardly appears as an actual character. Even in the last battle he's more like an ominous presence than a physical attacker. To my mind it added greatly to the dark atmosphere of the climax. The nature of Rahvin's spells is worthy of mention, too. He's attacking with Balefire, another cool addition to the magic system. Apparently, this substance pulls a thread from the Pattern, to some extent undoing what the victim has done. The repercussions in the plot were quite predicable – did you really believe that Aviendha, Asmodean, and Mat would be killed so unceremoniously? – but it still adds an interesting element of time-travel to the mix. There are meaningful deaths, though. I was sure that Moraine would reestablish her role as one of the more influential plotters in the bigger scheme of things. What I certainly did not expect was how suddenly she finds her end. To be honest, the events that lead to her death felt weirdly convoluted. Something about that merchant guy who was quietly traveling with them since forever, then Moraine leading Rand to the docks for no obvious reason. Explosions, then Lanfear attacking. Her sudden fury is confusing, too. It's probably because of what Lewis Therion's ex lover discovered about Aviendha, but how did she find out, and why then? To me the lead-up doesn't do justice to the importance of the scene. There are other key moments that unfold in ways that make it difficult for the reader to grasp what is really going on. For instance, Nynaeve once again faces Moghedien, the Forsaken she has had surmounted in The Shadow Rising . We learn that this time she is more successful because Nynaeve was able to capture her using the a’dam, but I wasn't able to visualize what this would imply. In any way, the outcome makes clear that we'll see a lot more of Moghedien in the future. The Fires of Heaven left me slightly unsatisfied. The most significant moments felt rushed in their execution and hamper what would otherwise be an awesome tale once more. Yet, the Wheel keeps turning, and fascinating events loom ahead! Rating: 3.5/5 ...more |
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Jul 08, 2024
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Jul 18, 2024
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Jul 10, 2024
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Mass Market Paperback
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0812513738
| 9780812513738
| 0812513738
| 4.28
| 254,635
| Sep 15, 1992
| Oct 15, 1993
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it was amazing
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**spoiler alert** The Shadow Rising improves on all fronts. While I enjoyed The Wheel of Time before, the book turned me into an avid and passionate d
**spoiler alert** The Shadow Rising improves on all fronts. While I enjoyed The Wheel of Time before, the book turned me into an avid and passionate disciple. Rand al'Thor, the now widely recognized Dragon Reborn, returns to center stage as he positions himself as the prophesied leader of the legendary desert people. Meanwhile, other members of the growing cast of characters follow their own callings, consistently to destinations of great significance. At the core of the genuinely epic narrative – the longest novel in the series – there is a key event when Rand truly becomes the Aiel's Car'a'carn, He Who Comes With the Dawn. Please excuse me for getting right into the action; for me it was the one moment (or sequence) when the world fully came to life. A series of flashbacks throw him right at the time when almost all-powerful Aes Sedai brought destruction to the world. Yet, it's not about how the male half of the True Source was tainted or the Age of Madness. Instead, we learn about a people whose commitment to peace – their Way of the Leaf – was put to the proof by increasingly dire circumstances. To me the Aiel origin myth was the most convincing sign of more mature writing, especially because of how it addresses the painful reconstruction of identity in the face of what some of them had to do in order to survive or to save their loved ones. The Wheel of Time is often praised for its rich depiction of culture. Earlier entries to the series had some of this, but The Shadow Rising quite literally spins a backdrop of colorful tapestry that goes well beyond earlier encounters with sporadic curiosities. Of the four main threads (I'll return to this) the events in the Aiel Waste take precedence, and what our long-standing heroes experience there is rich lore, custom, and character. In fact, even the place itself is construed as their Three-fold Land, where they dwell as punishment for their sins, to prove their courage, and to return to virtue. Firstly, there are the little things. The comparatively tall people are perceived as fierce and remote, their humor is different and it's difficult to find common ground for conversation. Occasionally find themselves the subject of ceremonies with less than subtle sexual connotations. In many ways to find one's footing with some and some scenes leave the reader just as bewildered as Rand and Mat do themselves. Don't get me wrong, the novel offers enough background information to gather a vague picture, if you bothered to piece together the details. If you are the kind of fan that enjoys high fantasy as being depictable on maps, there is world-building of this sort. But I don't think that's the point; it's more about the feeling and atmosphere than it is about genuine understanding of a people. In short, it's info-dumping done right. Other than the feeling of bewilderment, some of the details are just plain awesome. For instance, we meet the Maidens of the Spear (or in their own tongue, the Far Dareis Mai). The form this subsociety of pride female warriors, armed with bows, long-bladed knives at their belts – and numerous long-bladed spears on their backs. I'm getting ahead of myself (I think it will only be established in the next novel), but they'll become Rand's personal guardians. The image might very well have occurred in my over-stimulated childhood dreams of too many hours playing RPG video games. Speaking of dreams, if you are in any way familiar with the series it shouldn't come as a big surprise that they again play a crucial role in the narrative. We already know that Perrin may access the wolf dream to gather information on his surrounding environment. More importantly, Egwene was much-heralded by her companions for her potential to become a Dreamer, or a dreamwalker, as it's more descriptively called later on. The prospect of wise teaching is what calls her to the desert. Up to this point, the White Tower of the Aes Sedai claimed the prerogative of interpreting what it means to channel the One Power. In this respect, the story strode familiar paths. The situation is now leavened to some extent by the introduction of other roles of magic. Only few of the Wise Ones can channel – in fact, the Aiel woman Aviendha is a new supporting character ordered to the Aiel Waste for reasons relating to this issue – though they are very well-versed in yet unfamiliar uses. Their societal standing too is very different when compared to the Aes Sedai. Maybe this is a good point to talk about the second plotline, the one that features Elayne, Nynaeve, and Thom Merrilin. They too meet yet another group of women who make use of the One Power (again under different name) to achieve unique wonders. To reach their destiny they take up the services of the Sea Folk and the two seaward chapters delivered what was perhaps the most captivating prose of the series to date. You could almost smell the ocean and feel the fresh wind on your skin. I have to admit, their stay in Tanchico was otherwise perhaps the weakest aspect of the fourth installment. It had it's moments, though, with Elayne and the gleeman getting reacquainted perhaps being the most memorable (even though it was a bit slow and clumsy). Also, their climax at the Palace, with its two boss fights, the rescue mission, and the general vibes, fully put me in the Final Fantasy state of mind. Very good fun! You may remember that the Prologue of The Dragon Reborn revealed the Children of the Light's plan to deliver their justice to Perrin. It's mostly a plot of personal revenge, yet there is an overarching strategy plotted by the mysterious Ordeith (the man we knew as the peddler Padan Fain) to lure Rand to the Two Rivers. Assisted by Loial and a small group of Aiel warriors it is Perrin who answers the challenge. Of course, those chapters are well-grounded in nostalgia, even if many of the relationships precede the events of the first novel. But when he leads the stealthy rescue mission in the Clan's camp we fully understand what he's made of. Here again Jordan's writing is phenomenal. He portrays the situation in such vivid detail that you'll find yourself holing your breath not to make one sound. I thought it was absolutely awesome how our hero slowly becomes their capable leader, Lord Perrin, the Goldeneyes. The excessive space makes it possible to really spend time with the crowd. That was particular true for the scenes set in the Two Rivers and it gave off some refreshing cozy vibes. It's as if we follow Perrin to all his daily interactions, some only rather mundane in the bigger scheme of things. They are the kind of details necessary for the reader to get fully immersed in the world, like when we learn of the commodities offered by peddlers or the little things that people do between battles. The latter however certainly were the highlights here. I guess I'm really susceptible to all the death-and-glory demeanor, greatly exemplified in a passage as this: "All up and down the line, as far as Perrin could see, the women were there. Their numbers were the only reason the lines still held, almost driven back against the houses. Women among the men, shoulder to shoulder; some no more than girls, but then, some of those 'men' had never shaved yet. Some never would." For a book released in the early 90s, I think it's fair to praise the crucial role often assigned to female characters. Unfortunately, it's still hard to overstate how little substance there is to Faile. I saw her described as being reduced to the sassy sidekick, and it's sadly fully on-point. Would you believe that her marriage with Perrin takes up only half a page, in a book as chunky as this? It makes you wonder whether Jordan himself liked her. Similarly, there are some very pulpy attempts at romance in the first third of the book. Frankly, there was a chapter or two when the writing became almost unbearably adolescent. But I have to say, these moments interspersed throughout later and more meaningful events grew on me. It's still very YA (and not even the good kind), but you cannot deny that it adds to the overall character and vibe of the series. Elayne or Min, I wonder. Though I still hope Egwene. Min is the subject of the fourth and most minor plot thread. Its repercussions are huge and the few chapters are quite exciting to read, but I suspect it's mainly there to take away their safe haven and to set up the general tone of the next book. When it comes to The Fires of Heaven, signs are pointing to greatness! Rating: 5/5 ...more |
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Mass Market Paperback
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0765305119
| 9780765305114
| 0765305119
| 4.28
| 316,358
| Oct 15, 1991
| Sep 14, 2002
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really liked it
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**spoiler alert** Rand al'Thor publicly proclaimed himself to be the true Dragon Reborn when he fought the Dark One floating in the air. Rumor travels
**spoiler alert** Rand al'Thor publicly proclaimed himself to be the true Dragon Reborn when he fought the Dark One floating in the air. Rumor travels fast, and all authorities are aware of what the world is coming to. His dreams show him where he has to go next to fulfill his destiny. In the city of Tear an age-old fortress holds the legendary sword of Callandor. The male half of the True Source was tainted and the prospect of impending madness weighs heavily on our hero-to-be. From the very beginning Rand decides to go on his quest alone. The novel's plot structure strictly reflects his ta'veren nature. While the character effectively leaves the stage until the very last chapter, the Wheel weaves the Pattern around him. That is to say, his presence sets the fate for all of our main protagonists. In true high-fantasy tradition, fate is subjectively realized in the form of quests. With Rand's prior travel companions – Perrin, Morraine, her Warde Land, and Ogier Loial – their goal is set as soon as they notice his absence: they have to catch up to him and assist him in dangerous times. Naturally, they'll learn some important things along the way, yet for the most part Tear is where they are going. Similar to the second half of the predecessor, the story strongly focuses on our three future Aes Sedai. Well, the three girls – Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne – did leave their post in secret and the women in Tar Valon are not happy about that. In fact, they already strongly suspected Black Ajah in their midst, so they won't even return with important news (there goes their chance for glory). Yet, the Amyrlin Seat suspects they are the only ones she can trust – and assigns them with the task to hunt down the thirteen dark women. Certainly no mean feat considering they are barely Accepted at this point. Finally, there is Mat. We last saw him in Falme, when the poor guy surprisingly blew the Horn of Valere to summon an army of the dead to help against the invading Seanchan. The cursed dagger fully wore him down, though. Only the Aes Sedai may save him now, and indeed this happens after he arrived with the three girls and Verin Sedai. Elayne, the Daughter-Heir of Andor, has use for him, handing him a letter to deliver to her mother, Queen Morgase in Caemlyn. At least it offers him a way out. Strangely, by and far Mat's journey was the subplot I enjoyed the most. Real critics might read this and complain that his task was a filler if ever there was one, and they would be right. Still, when playing RPG video games I always find myself getting lost in cozy side quests, far from the stressful dangers of the main events. And he's a happy-go-lucky character in the most literal sense, rendered the more delightful when he is rejoined by everyone's favorite gleeman. The opening act too is one to be best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. Winter may not yet be fully gone and there are some worries on Perrin's mind – not the least with his worsening wolf dreams –, but there was something about the waiting in their camp in nature that I thought was a refreshing opening after what felt like a very rushed climax at the end of the last book. Perrin's arc is going exactly where you would expect it to go, to fear of animalistic madness and dangerously faceless women. But I think the fact that we stay on his POV for numerous chapters well grounded the opening act. Talking of the beginning, what I do find puzzling in retrospect is the Prologue. It mentions a couple of things to refresh your memory (appreciated!), but given the fact that the Children of the Light won't play much of a role, it makes you wonder whether some mix-up occurred and this was intended as introduction to a different book. It's all very ominous and all, but not the dangers that will be of any importance. Instead, throughout I felt that there was no real urgency to the tasks at hand. Naturally, our heroes face some challenges along the way, but to me there was no real impression of immediate threats foreboding. The fact that we won't directly follow Rand only adds to the overall sense that we won't make much headway here. I think it's only with their arrival in Illian that the events take up pace, with ominous danger immediately in the damp air. From Moraine's changing habitus we may infer that this will be more important than it seems, superficially. As reader I was like, what is going on, there were only some knifed dudes (albeit the soul-less Grey Men), nothing too be too concerned about? At last some intriguing mystery, nonetheless. And some connection to Perrin's dreams. Dreams. Maybe I really shouldn't read Wheel of Time, as whenever there are dream sequences in fiction I struggle to feel invested. Here too I shared Egwene's complaint that it was difficult to see how what they showed was of any genuine important. But at least the lore draws some connections to the parallel worlds of which we shared some first-hand experiences in the previous novel. At that juncture there was some cool world building, too. We learn some things about Illian – it's a city of sickening heat, with as many canals as there are streets, with many big ships in the harbor, yet its panorama is also defined by colorful rooftops – and we return to the city of Caemlyn. The young women as well as Perrin come across the Aiel with their strange customs and rites. Not the rich tapestry of culture that Wheel of Time is often praised for, but it added to the immersion. Above I've said that the story strongly focuses on Nynaeve, Egwene, Elayne. Unfortunately, for me their little episodes were overall among the less interesting. Initially I thought their little detective subplot might be cool, but there is hardly any real investigation at all. Quite literally chasing shadows for most of the time. There was one moment I enjoyed a lot, though, their encounter with Tear's Wisdom (or Wise One). Did I mention I enjoyed the more mundane moments? Did I yet mention Perrin forging everyday tools? That moment was sweet, too. At the end the narrative takes a real sword & sorcery turn. It's fitting considering that Robert Jordan used to write Conan adventures. Rand's encounters with the dark forces within the Stone of Tear cannot really compete with the famous barbarian's best treasure hunts, but I think I enjoyed the action more than I did with the climaxes of the two predecessors. At no point will you believe that Rand is actually facing Ba'alzamon, and at even fewer points will you care for Perrin's attempts to save the Falcon, but the chapters are still a fun and quick read. Not the least because of Mat, again the true hero of the story. I think after The Eye of the World and The Great Hunt I needed a bit of a fantasy break. After The Dragon Reborn I feel quite the opposite – I cannot wait to dive right back in. I'll be very unhappy if The Shadow Rising won't be in the mail tomorrow! Rating: 3.5/5 ...more |
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Mass Market Paperback
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0062662597
| 9780062662590
| 0062662597
| 4.17
| 424,734
| May 01, 2018
| May 01, 2018
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it was amazing
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**spoiler alert** High fantasy is frequently inspired or even modeled on British or Continental history. The Poppy War is different in that it takes C
**spoiler alert** High fantasy is frequently inspired or even modeled on British or Continental history. The Poppy War is different in that it takes China in the twentieth century as it's brutal paragon. Honestly, I don't know anything about Chinese history (other than the famous buzz words), and I don't think I would have cared if that was the series' only selling point. The reason why this is awesome is much more rooted in pop-culture and very well converts with my current interests. It's only as of late that I rediscovered my love for Naruto, and along came this book that reads as if martial-arts anime (or especially Avatar: The Last Airbender) were turned into prose. After centuries of war there is now peace between the Nikan Empire and the Mugen Federation. Our protagonist Rin was orphaned by the war and is living with foster parents. In her teenage years she learns of the exam for the prestigious military academy in the nation's capital, Sinegard. With hard and painful work, and to everyone's surprise (except of the readers, maybe), she is able to get in. Not exactly popular, not even among her teachers, but at least with the promise for some purpose in life. I think this is the strongest aspect of the entire narrative, the idea of Rin's purpose in war. There is genuine character development marked by war and hate all around her. In the beginning it's all about recognition. As everywhere in the academy the familiar mechanisms of social injustice are in place, and due to her background, for her it's much more difficult to succeed than it is for the offshoots of the prestigious families. She has to follow her path with much more intensity and in a way it pays of. She is recognized as being special and one teacher takes her on to develop her potential. Her teacher might be addicted to the eponymous drug, though he's careful in his guidance. In tumultuous times and with her background it's understandable that the for Rin the point is not always evident. R. F. Kuang has a great sense for how teenage emotions would play out in a scenario that bleak. Frankly, when all hell breaks loose Rin's ambition becomes to use her superhuman powers to crush the enemy. Unlike most franchises where there is a distinct dichotomy of Good vs. Evil, here the temptations of the dark side are very real. When Rin discovers her true heritage, being an offspring of a people that was obliterated in a genocide, she is even more determined to put an end to her people's suffering no matter by what means. However, the dark promises are never presented in undisguised or unambiguous form. For the the perpetual uncertainty made for an even more engaging read. Reveals are well interwoven with other things happening in the plot. Circumstances change, her relationships to other characters change, and the Lore at play in the background is never easy to interpret. Neither for Rin, nor for the reader. One thing becomes totally clear, though; there may be religion and gods, but it's Rin herself who is responsible for her decisions and it is her who has to live with the consequences. I think it's a rare thing in SFF that characters honestly feel the weight of their actions. Here it's not even Rin alone. There is a cast of characters who make meaningful decisions and who often turn out to be very different from what you might have thought in the beginning. So, it's only in the beginning that the picture is as colorful as the animations of Avatar. But even then it can be quite visceral in its descriptions, as in how Rin deals with her menstruation pains. Later on Kuang doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors of war. I think the graphic prose serves a purpose and it's because of this that Rin's darker motives become more intelligible. With the suffering from massacre, bombs, and rape it becomes understandable how for her the enemy becomes this faceless monster that has to be extinguished at all cost. I think the emotions are even mirrored by the pacing. After Rin left the academy and suddenly finds herself a soldier in war, the plot is not as streamlined as it was in the first part of the book. There is no clear goal, and certainly no clear path to follow. Rin's actions become more erratic as events become more unpredictable and intense. At first I was a bit taken aback by the change of quality, but especially towards the end it all makes sense. It's only then that the effects of the eponymous drug are fully introduced in the story. It's terrible to think how the soldiers of Rin's special army would experience the uncertainties through the drug-induced haze. More importantly, though, by the end it's frighteningly understandable how the drug becomes the means too ease the pain. A weakness that is at first repellent, yet later presented with empathy for the fact that life can be become unbearably difficult. It was fun when the first act made me re-experience the light-hearted tension of a Dragonball tournament. However, The Poppy War became so much more powerful when it dared to go to some truly horrifying places. 4.5/5 ...more |
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Kindle Edition
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B0DWTYXWR5
| 3.99
| 414,105
| Dec 01, 1983
| Dec 26, 2008
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None
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1
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Mar 22, 2024
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Mar 19, 2024
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ebook
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1529050367
| 9781529050363
| 1529050367
| 3.99
| 3,301
| Feb 01, 2011
| Jul 22, 2021
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liked it
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The Sea Watch was not what I expected. It had been more than a year since I've read The Scarab Path and initially I thought that this was the reason I
The Sea Watch was not what I expected. It had been more than a year since I've read The Scarab Path and initially I thought that this was the reason I couldn't fully connect with the story. There were other reasons, though. The book focuses almost entirely on Stenwold Maker. Sure, in earlier entries too the narrative was more concerned with some characters than with others. For instance, Cheerwell and Thalric shared the spotlight in the previous novel. Here, however, the cast of genuinely important people is significantly smaller and the changes of scenery are within narrow confines. But I'm getting ahead of myself, let me sketch where we are at the beginning of the story. As always, Collegium is under threat again. Pirates prey on Beetle ships and Stenwold discovers that they are financed by Spiders. In fact, the Spiders are planning an attack and Teornis – once vital in resisting the Imperial advance – is at the center of the betrayal. Moreover, it's clear that the Wasps themselves are planning to regain lost territory. The story's main antagonist is revealed only later on. In the book's advertisement there is some secrecy about this. To be honest, if you've ever read a book (seen a movie) you will know that there is some sort of Atlantis-like kingdom to be involved (spoiler alert?). Surprisingly (?), this is exactly what it turns out to be. I enjoyed the Lovecraftian vibes that come with the environmental change and Tchaikovsky goes a long way to describe their culture and customs in great detail. The Sea Kinden really come to life here. As many observed, though, the plot itself came too much to a halt. It's a very long book, much longer than the earliest titles in the series, but the middle act is strikingly uneventful. There are too many new players at least I for myself didn't really care about. Frankly, initial intrigue gradually waned and it became a bit of a struggle. It was only the last 200 pages or so, when Stenwold finally gains the upper hand, that I thoroughly enjoyed the journey again. Tchaikovsky's thrilling prose is there all along, but it's only in this highly satisfying conclusion that it's finally channeled in great action and plot progression. For me, two characters stood out. I already mentioned Teornis who was great mainly because it wasn't completely obvious that he would be the villain. In fact, I think his actions are somewhat ambivalent until the bloody confrontation at the end. The Fly-pirate Laszlo has all the potential to become a fan favorite. Don't be fooled by his outlaw background, he's very loyal to Stenwold and his happy-go-lucky attitude is great fun to read. People say Heirs to the Blade is going to be the best in the series, so I'm very excited to continue with the series (and much sooner this time). Still, The Sea Watch wasn't quite the page-turner earlier entries had been. Rating: 3/5 ...more |
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Oct 13, 2023
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Oct 15, 2023
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Paperback
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0441888054
| 9780441888054
| 0441888054
| 3.93
| 11,023
| Mar 01, 1977
| Mar 01, 1988
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liked it
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After Elric traveled through dreams and the realms of the Multiverse, The Weird of the White Wolf is again much more constrained. In its writing style
After Elric traveled through dreams and the realms of the Multiverse, The Weird of the White Wolf is again much more constrained. In its writing style and atmosphere it's very reminiscent to what we might call the first novel, 1972's Elric of Melniboné. It was only after I've finished the four stories that I realized that they had all been published significantly earlier. I think this fact explains a lot. At the end of my review of The Sailor on the Seas of Fate I predicted that Elric would next join his friend Count Smiorgan and travel to the Purple Towns. But after the Prologue (more on that below) we find him on his way to Imrryr (The Dreaming City), the capital of Melniboné. Puzzingly, he's not bothered by Smiorgan's attempts to conquer hsi homeland and he soon too endorses the plan. It's also not easy to tell how the six sealords (whoever the other five are) came by a fleet comprising enough to overcome what until now we were told was a very powerful nation that ruled for many centuries. The whole story is a very uneven affair and the important events it brings about in Elric's arc feel rushed and out-of-character. It also repeats some scenes from the before-mentioned novel that had been done there better (like the showdown between Elric and his cousin Yyrkoon). I think it had been Michael Moorcock's first published story (released in 1961), and it shows. But it was still a decent read, especially the description of the sea battle. I think I at least appreciate that the events remained canon. "While the Gods Laugh" is another very old story, also released in 1961. A year after the death of his beloved Cymoril by his own hand and the fall of Melniboné, Elric is again traveling the Young Kingdoms. A woman called Shaarilla of the Dancing Mist seeks him out to tell him that her father, a powerful sorcerer, located the Book of the Dead Gods (I think it was called). Elric hopes to find an answer to the question that threatens his existence, whether Peace is possible. Or, more explicitly, whether there is a superior god that stands above Law and Chaos and that might guarantee Balance. On their journey they run into Moonglum, who I think will be a recurring character in the saga. They then overcome marshlands, which formed a cool setting, before eventually they meet the Keeper of the book. Other than the somewhat interesting set-up, the story didn't fully captivate me, either. I think what is lacking is a genuine sense of discovery and purpose. In the end the book holds no secrets and Elric moves on. In 1967 Moorcock published "The Singing Citadel", the third main story collected here. The story promises amazing events in the titual citadel, a creation of the renegade god of Chaos, Balo the Jester. Queen Yishana of Jharkor herself seeks him out to help. The prelude of the story with Elric's annoyance was kind of fun, as was the silly sexul rivalry between him and the dark sorcerer from Pan Tang, Theleb K'aarna. The Jester is fun – especially in the wonderful reading of Samuel Roukin – but his defeat simply by again calling on Arioch was rather anticlimactic. Also, the prelude announced that we would learn more about the Higher Worlds – what did we learn? There was one story that I did enjoy very much, though. "The Dream of Earl Aubec" is presented as the Prologue to the novel, but it was first published in 1964 as a non-Elric story about the eponymous incarnation of the Eternal Champion (doesn't Elric meet another Earl Aubec, the guy who pulled him out of the water in the last story of the previous novel?). He is sent by his queen to conquer Kaneloon (on the very edge of the world) where he enters the Castle famous for its traps of dark sorcery. The series of challenges he has to overcome are certainly more exciting than all the events that Elric encounters in his journey. When in the end he meets Myshella (the Dark Lady) she offers him a bargain that I think leads to the creation of the Young Kingdoms where hitherto had only been maddening unformed matter. He then travels there with the queen foreshadowing his doom. Well, at this point I find myself more interested in Earl Aubec than in Elric. But let's see what the other early stories have in store. Rating: 3/5 ...more |
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May 14, 2023
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May 18, 2023
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May 14, 2023
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Mass Market Paperback
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0441748635
| 9780441748631
| 0441748635
| 3.91
| 12,607
| 1976
| Sep 15, 1987
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really liked it
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It had been months since Elric left his homeland Melniboné to mix with the people of the Young Kingdoms to learn about less cruel ways of life. Ironic
It had been months since Elric left his homeland Melniboné to mix with the people of the Young Kingdoms to learn about less cruel ways of life. Ironically, he is greeted by the human inhabitants with suspicion and hostility as a member of the race that until recently despotically dominated its dominion. Elric had tried to work as a mercenary in Ryfel, but its ruler understandably thought he must be a Melnibonéan spy. He's able to escape but after an exhausting march through the Dead Hills he arrives at a big sea completely exhausted and unable to go on. Just as he contemplates suicide, a mysterious ship arrives at the misty shores. Thus begins another journey on which he'll yet again have to face supernatural opponents that will make him question the nature of his reality. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate is made up of three books in which Elric boards three different ships and (in some sense) sails to the Future, the Present, and the Past. The parts are mostly self-contained stories that are just like dreams in that they quickly take us to the most outlandish of places. All three trips are an absolute thrill to read. In "Sailing to the Future" the albino becomes a member of The Four (Who are One), apparently the Champion Eternal in four of his incarnations. Not that I know what this means exactly, but that's what we are told. Together with Erekosë, Dorian Hawkmoon, and Corum Jhaelen Irsei Elric travels to an island to face two powerful sorcerers, Agak and his sister Gagak, who threaten to destroy their universe by feeding on its cosmic energy. It's said that the two dwell on an island, more specifically in an edifice at the center of a city in ruin. In fact, the city had once been the legendary Tanelorn, the place that all of Elric's companions had been seeking. The turn-out will truly blow your mind. To defeat them, the Eternal Champions not only unite with each other – they inadvertently become one with Gagak right at the moment when the warriors realize the true nature of the danger they walked into. Although Elric is able to return to the Dark Ship victoriously, the blind Captain already set sail for different shores to deliver important cargo. I don't know whether we'll ever learn what exactly he had on board, but I think his destination is Tanelorn of the present. In any way, to ever return to his own plane Elric has to pass through the Crimson Gate located on some limbo world. And off he goes into the water. He wakes up at the shores where he first boarded the Dark Ship, but quickly realizes that the sun burns in blackish purple. He finds warriors from various periods of the Young Kingdoms. Clearly he's in a land outside of time (did I mention that Corum claimed that they once, maybe in some future, fought together before?), but soon has to slay them. The only survivor is Count Smiorgan Baldhead, another traveler in search of his home plane and future friend of the albino. Unlike the first story where they arrived at their destination (the Future) early on, in "Sailing to the Present" they will only able to arrive at the Present after they overcome the challenges of this timeless world of dream. In fact, in some sense the story is set in the past. Or at least Elric becomes a protagonist in a legend about an ancestor and unfulfilled love that is mysteriously continued on this plane. In the tale, Earl Saxif D’an is in love with a woman that is half Human, half Melnibonéan, but she loves someone else, Prince Carolak. The jealous lover kills her, only to learn of her love for him as her last words (they seems to have loved the both of them). Saxif is now obsessed with a woman he thinks of as an incarnation of the woman he had killed. Or if she isn't then at least she's the perfect vessel for her soul. There is an interesting twist to the story. Saxif is the ruler of the plane and only he is capable to open the Crimson Gate and the passage to Elric's Present. But Elric acts as the protector of the girl and Saxif can only animate her with the soul of the girl from his time if she was given "freely" to him (evidently we are not fighting the patriarchy). It's not the most elegant of narrative frames, but I liked the stalemate situation that ensues. In the final story, Elric travels to the Past to learn about the history of his people. Legend has it that the Melnibonéans came from the unexplored Western Continent beyond the Boiling Sea. It's said that there once was a glorious city, R'lin K'ren A'a, which translates to Where The High Ones Meet. This is what happened, the Lords of the Higher Worlds came to meet there and to decide the rules of the Cosmic Struggle. It's all very unclear what this means exactly – there is talk of the coming Struggle at the end of the story – but what is evident is that the inhabitants had to leave. They came to the Dragon Isle and founded Melniboné. Elric and Smiorgan board the ship of a Duke Avan (remember the name, he'll be important in the next novel) who expects to find the precious and magical eyes of a jade statue that represents Arioch. The story itself is a fun adventure set in a jungle world. At the beginning their ship travels over some river when they are attacked by strange reptile creatures from the undergrowth. Eventually, they arrive at the city (again in ruins) where Elric once again has to bargain with the Duke of Hell, before he becomes the doom of his crew. Especially the third narrative hints at many important events in Past and Future. The guilt-ridden Eric will join his friend Smiorgan to the Purple Towns and I expect the next novel, The Weird of the White Wolf, will be a direct continuation of the plot thread and the coming challenge that Arioch foreshadowed. I'm excited to see where this is going! Rating: 4/5 ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 12, 2023
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May 13, 2023
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May 13, 2023
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Mass Market Paperback
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0441248667
| 9780441248667
| 0441248667
| 3.77
| 5,545
| 1989
| Dec 01, 1990
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really liked it
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**spoiler alert** At the end of Elric of Melniboné the titular emperor left his realm to explore the Young Kingdoms and to learn of their ways. His go
**spoiler alert** At the end of Elric of Melniboné the titular emperor left his realm to explore the Young Kingdoms and to learn of their ways. His goal is to improve himself and become a better ruler of his people. There are supernatural forces to his universe of which even the acknowledged sorcerer has only a very limited understanding. In The Fortress of the Pearl – a novel published more than ten years after the last installment to the original series – we follow Elric as he first gathers first-hand experience of how dream and reality become inseparable in a Multiverse of planes. I was absolutely amazed by the complexity of the tale. The story opens with a chapter on how Elric ended up in the desert city of Quarzhasaat. It was once defeated by Melniboné, but since the victor has left it to its own devices. It's very proud of its wealth and prone to political intrigue, especially among the members of its ruling Council of Seven (or the Six and One Other). A would-be nobleman, Lord Gho Fhaazi, seeks his own seat at the table and he knows how he could justify his claim. Because Elric is weakened by an unlucky abstinence of his sustaining drug, Lord Gho is able to force him into another addiction. Without the elixir Elric will suffer greatly – and he'll die in three weeks if he doesn't consume the cure that only Lord Gho possesses. To further ensure the albino's support for his cause he enslaved a young friend of his. Elric cannot but accept his fate and soon he travels the Red Road in search for the mythical Fortress of the Pearl. What begins as a quest to save his own life soon turns into a more noble cause to save the life of a young girl that was equally wronged by the wicked aristocrat. The Holy Girl of the Bauradi – the wise keeper of their history and possessor of supernatural knowledge – was trapped in a dream by Lord Gho's servants, the warrior sect of the Sorcerer Adventurers. When Elric meets a so-called dreamthief, the kind Alnac Kreb, he learns that dreams are not just dreams. I was as eager to learn more about the mysteries of his world as Elric was, and throughout the story we are treated to many insights. The remarks are never straight-forward though and we are often left wondering what exactly is meant and whether things are to be taken literally. For me the ambiguity is much more intriguing than straight facts would have been. Especially since it's not just knowledge about facts – together with the dreamthief Oone Elric soon travels into the very thing whose nature he cannot fully grasp in order to find a way to save the girl from her nightmare prison. Dreams are by nature intangible, and the adventures in the dream plane perfectly mirror the dreamer's experience. There is the comical Pearl Warrior who challenges them to battle numerous times, yet who is strangely also at their side in times of greater danger. There is the veiled Navigator that guides them part of their way, apparently an incarnation of the girl itself and a queen of no realm (whatever that means). Apparently, the Pearl only existed in legend but the Holy Girl was imprisoned to force her to reveal its location; she creates the Fortress and the Pearl to escape her predicament, and her creation later gains outside reality that will enable Elric to escape his predicament. As for the actual occurrences, it's often not easy to discern with any confidence what exactly is happening. It's not only the elusive images that make this a very unique experience. Of the characters my favorite was most likely Jasper Colinadous (and his cat Whiskers). He seems to hint to the nature of the Multiverse, yet his sketchy memory of his past (and future) are more puzzling than enlightening. But his confusion is highly entertaining. I suspect he'll return in different guises in later stories, as otherwise I would be terribly disappointed by his sudden departure. The climax of destruction, eternal gratitude and blood-stained revenge very satisfactorily ends a story that on an intellectual level left you pleasantly in limbo. I've already read on (a review for The Sailor on the Seas of Fate will follow very soon) and I know that for Elric the details of the events will leave his waking memory and only return to him in dreams. But I'm highly exited to see how the repercussions will be further developed in other stories. Rating: 4/5 ...more |
Notes are private!
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May 07, 2023
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May 11, 2023
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May 07, 2023
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Mass Market Paperback
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0441203981
| 9780441203987
| 0441203981
| 3.89
| 30,429
| 1972
| Jul 15, 1987
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really liked it
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Considering its influence on epic heavy metal, with countless awesome bands taking or at least drawing inspiration for their artwork from Michael Whel
Considering its influence on epic heavy metal, with countless awesome bands taking or at least drawing inspiration for their artwork from Michael Whelan's iconic illustrations, its quite an embarrassment that until now I hadn't read a single book in Michael Moorcock's Elric series. Now that I finally got around to at least get into the first novel (published in 1972) the fascination is easy to understand and share. Each part of the book opens with an epic depiction of the events to come. You immediately find yourself in the mindset that you are reading about the stuff of legend. Our hero is Elric, the new emperor of the island kingdom of Melniboné (the Dragon Isle). The plot immediately takes off building towards the inevitable face-off between him and his cousin, Prince Yyrkoon, who challenges Elric's aptitude as the ruler. Even the emperor himself worries that Yyrkoon might be right. He's an interesting protagonist because he broke with the traditions of his realm. He absolished the bloody rituals performed by his people to please the Lords of Chaos they serve. The Melnibonéans still prevail over the Young Kingdoms (the human races), but their dominance is weakening. Technically, Elric is their (428th) sorcerer-king, but he renounced sorcery and tends to show mercy against his enemies. There are many who think him weak and who would like to see his fierce cousin to seize the reign. All the reader needs to know before the glorious action can begin is established in entertaining conversations that introduce us to the characters. There are descriptions of places – like the sea-maze of Imrryr (the Dreaming City) and the trade outpost, Tower of Monshanjik, at its center – but there are absolutely zero lengthy expositions. Through dialogs we mentioned the fantastic elements of their world, but we learn what they are when the Gods, Demons, Elementals, mythical weapons and objects, and parallel universes make their appearance in the story themselves. I was completely drawn in by many of the descriptions. For instance, Elric when he goes into battle for the first time: "Now he was in all his black gear: the massive breastplate, the padded jerkin, the long greaves, the mail gauntlets. At his side was a five-foot broadsword which, it was said, had belonged to a human hero called Aubec. Resting on the deck against the golden rail of the bridge was the great round war-board, his shield, bearing the sign of the swooping dragon. And a helm was on his head; a black helm, with a dragon’s head craning over the peak, and dragon’s wings flaring backward above it, and a dragon’s tail curling down the back. All the helm was black, but within the helm there was a white shadow from which glared two crimson orbs, and from the sides of the helm strayed wisps of milk-white hair, almost like smoke escaping from a burning building. And, as the helm turned in what little light came from the lantern hanging at the base of the mainmast, the white shadow sharpened to reveal features—fine, handsome features—a straight nose, curved lips, up-slanting eyes" Or, to cite but one other example, the awe-inspiring arrival of the King of the Earth: "And then, slowly, the heaving earth subsided and the ship was still and a huge, brown figure stood looking down at the ship. The figure was the colour of earth and looked like a vast, old oak. His hair and his beard were the colour of leaves and his eyes were the colour of gold ore and his teeth were the colour of granite and his feet were like roots and his skin seemed covered in tiny green shoots in place of hair and he smelled rich and musty and good and he was King Grome of the Earth Elementals." The plot itself too is very stream-lined and a real pleasure to read. It's not so much about any big ideas or amazing places or spells, but about thrilling prose and cool situations that at least to my mind were just pure joy. The imagery of the seaside battle with the southlander barbarians, Elric and Cymoril's romantic date in the groves of nature interrupted by terrifying lightning and thunder, the arrival of the Ship Which Sails Over Land and Sea, the summoning of Straasha (Lord of the Water Elementals), the showdown of the Two Dark Blades – its thrilling all the way through! But I also have to acknowledge that there are shortcomings that might bother some readers more than they did bother me. For once thing, Yyrkoon is far from being the intimidating villain he's set out to be. To be honest, I was surprised by how much of an incapable fool he turned out to be. There is also the later plot point of the Mirror of Memory that somehow just comes into Yyrkoon's possession almost purely out of convenience for the narrative. It's pulpy but didn't diminish my enjoyment of this classic. The story established many staples I'm sure will be of bigger importance in the series – not the least the multiverse and the soul-draining sword – and I cannot wait to read more tales on the adventures of Elric! Rating: 3.5/5 ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 05, 2023
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May 06, 2023
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May 05, 2023
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Mass Market Paperback
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0007323115
| 9780007323111
| 0007323115
| 3.98
| 473,527
| Oct 15, 1951
| Jan 01, 2009
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liked it
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**spoiler alert** After
The Magician's Nephew
had been my second book in the Chronicles of Narnia, I decided to return to the series's original or
**spoiler alert** After
The Magician's Nephew
had been my second book in the Chronicles of Narnia, I decided to return to the series's original order of publication. Prince Caspian is the direct sequel to
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
and tells us of the return of the Pevensie children to Narnia one year later. I have to qualify what has just been said. In the wonderous land of Narnia, time is not the same. In the first novel we learned that the children grew up to become powerful kings and queens in their years-long regency. Upon their return they gradually discover that many centuries have passed – almost 2,300 years, to be more precise – since they left and their adventures and deeds became the stuff of legend. Narnia is in ruins and men rule in a land where talking animals and mythical beings are considered fairytales. Many of the events that occurred during their previous fifteen years in the parallel world were only hinted at. Yet, I felt very susceptible to how the second book conveys all the nostalgia and memory of past glory and happiness. The reader (or at least the older reader) much quicker picks up on what is going on when the children begin to investigate their surroundings. Still, when it finally dawns on them that they came across the fallen Cair Paravel it was still an epic revelation. It's not just the rediscovering of many things they used to know. I think the effect of romanticism is increased by the fact that the children themselves forgot all about the details of their stay in Narnia. Not only physically they returned to be the children they once where. As they breath in the fantastic air and find all the objects they once knew – many reference to the previous book – they reacquire their past knowledge and skill. For instance, there is the moment when little Peter is suddenly Peter the Magnificent again. The plot is developed by following numerous threads. Our heroes coincidentally come across a dwarf (one of my favorite characters for his head-on attitude) that needs rescuing and he tells them what happened during their long (very long) absence. Well, or at least what happened very recently. Narnia is now ruled by the Telmarines who came and conquered the realm. The true heir to the crown is the young (and just) Prince Caspian, son of the deceased King Caspian IX. As we later learn, the king was killed by his brother and the prince has to run to escape the same fate by his uncle's hand. It's together with Prince Caspian (in the narrative within the narrative) that we learn what happened to the fabulous creatures that inhabited Narnia in the previous story (or stories). He gradually becomes the leader of an army of talking animals in whose existence seemingly only he firmly believed. They are not the most developed personalities (in fact, we learn very little of their actual traits), but I still thought it was sweet how the prince gets to know all his subordinates who immediately swear him their loyalty and alliance. Earlier, (Queen) Susan is disappointed to find that her horn is missing (though at least she is reunited with her bow). Did you wonder why they were back without going in any wardrobe – they, the Kings and Queens of Old, are the assistance to be called upon in the most dire times! I also highly enjoyed the analogy with the djinn, observing how strangely you never wonder how it was for the djinn at the other side of the invocation. There they are now, these silly little creatures to again take their place in the big war to come. Or a war in which the good side was already losing before they even set foot into Narnia again. I felt there were some lengths to the third act. They had now firmly established their destination – Aslan's How where the last stand is taking place – but there are so many frustrating detours to overcome before they finally arrive. I realize that it's intended to be more about the way than it is about the arrival, and of course it makes for the glorious return of Aslan, but I still felt it was a bit long-winded. It also made me wonder why the lion horsed around so much before finally helping them. Of course, in this way Lewis could repeat the events of the very beginning, only that Edmund this time put his firm believe in his younger sister. But there seems to be no real motivation grounded in the story itself. It's all very enjoyable and (befitting to a children's book) easy to read, but I again struggled to feel fully invested. To my mind, the Narnia books are lacking a sense of real urgency, since at no point you are really/i> worried for your heroes. The simplicity is very charming and dreamy, though simplicity it still is. In a word, I like my high fantasy a bit more serious than what the Chronicles intend to be. Rating: 3.5/5 ...more |
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Mar 13, 2023
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Mar 15, 2023
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Mar 13, 2023
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Paperback
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0880389052
| 9780880389051
| 0880389052
| 4.26
| 96,994
| Sep 19, 1990
| Sep 19, 1990
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liked it
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As a teenager I was very passionate about Baldur's Gate. I never had any close-up experience with Dungeons & Dragons and had only vague ideas what it
As a teenager I was very passionate about Baldur's Gate. I never had any close-up experience with Dungeons & Dragons and had only vague ideas what it might be. What I did come across, though, were the novels of R. A. Salvatore (whom I knew as the author of the Star Wars: Episode II novelization). I was particularly attracted by (the covers of) Icewind Dale, but I thought I would start at the beginning. So I picked up Homeland, the first book in the The Dark Elf Trilogy. To be honest, I never made it past book 2. I put in the effort, but at that point the English was really challenging (I'm not sure if there was a German translation). Anyway, recently I've seen a video where the fantasy BookTuber claimed she still very much enjoyed the series revolving around the popular dark elf. I was at my parent's house over Christmas and Exile fell into my hand. The books are short and have still very intriguing covers, so I thought I would try again. What struck me as remarkable is the quality of the prose. I mean, it's a game tie-in, who would have thought it could have been written so well. The worldbuilding is not overly detailed – for the most part the story is set in the drow home city of Menzoberranzan – but of course there is an entire catalog of D&D lore that forms the backdrop of the events. From the first page we are thrown right into the action and the pacing remains sweeping throughout. That's the kind of storytelling I was hoping for. I think much of the attraction comes from the fact that Drizzt Do'Urden is an intrinsically likable protagonist. He grows up in a society that values deceive, ruthlessness, and cunning above all else. Maybe there is no evil when every party signs up to these rules, but young Drizzt sees the immorality of it all. To some extent he's the kind of endlessly capable superhero character, but he's still something going for him because of the inevitable loss of innocence that defines his arc. Naturally, there is something heartwarming about the relationship to his mentor, Zaknafein, who unbeknownst to him is his biological father. Zak surmises that the boy could be like him, being among the very few who are reluctant to the drow ways. The postponement of the final reveal was a bit forced (to say the least), but it still felt satisfying. More satisfying, though, was all the cool fighting and the idea of Drizzt using these dual scimitars as his choice of weapon. As I've said before, at its core the story is very action-oriented and there are some thrilling encounters. Many of the fights against other dark elves are a piece of cake, which makes his ascent within the Academy a bit dull. But there are some more memorable opponents awaiting him in the Underdark. Easily the coolest episode features Drizzt's fight with an earth elemental. The description was colorful and I would have liked to read more about the ensuing bit about the friendly gnome Belwar (I suspect the character will make a return?). In the background there is the story about the last survivor of the house DeVir, Alton DeVir, planning his revenge on the house that eradicated his family – the Do'Urdens, as we know from the very beginning. He somehow assumed the identity of a wizard, a teacher at the school of magic (or Sorcere), Gelroos Hun'ett. The Faceless One (as Gelroos is called for his disfigured face) was assigned to kill Alton at the night of the betrayal. While not exactly embraced with open arms, he becomes a pawn of the Hun'etts and I enjoyed the scheming involved in his subplot. Some plot points are a bit too convenient. For instance, for his stay at Sorcere Drizzt is assigned to Masoj Hun'ett, who coincidentally is in cahoot with Alton and was the guy who killed the original Faceless One. Apparently, the idea is to discover his weaknesses, but that motivation seemed a bit lazy, too. Well, at least the plot sufficed to bring Drizzt in contact with the magical panther, Guenhwyvar, perhaps the coolest relationship in the book so far. The self-contained cosmos of Menzoberranzan forms a harsh environment with evil and betrayal all around. But of course that's not what the dark elves themselves believe. At the Academy, the students are taught about the evil ways off their relatives, the fairies (or surface elves). I have to admit, while intriguing in theory, Salvatore didn't really do much to emotionally convey the deep-rooted hatred. The religious aspect of the society, the worship of the Spider Queen (or Lolth) was superficial too. I would be surprised many readers will even remember Drizzt's stay at Arach-Tinilith. I also expected more from their surface raid – a disappointment I already felt on my first reading twenty years ago. Homeland may not be without its flaws, but it's an easily accessible tale of high fantasy that very well served its purpose as being the book equivalent of an entertaining video game. Rating: 3/5 ...more |
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Jan 14, 2023
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Jan 18, 2023
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4.58
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it was amazing
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Oct 19, 2024
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Oct 20, 2024
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4.43
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it was amazing
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Oct 2024
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Oct 01, 2024
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4.20
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really liked it
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Sep 24, 2024
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Oct 01, 2024
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3.78
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liked it
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Sep 16, 2024
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Oct 01, 2024
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3.97
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Sep 06, 2024
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3.93
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liked it
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Aug 19, 2024
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Sep 06, 2024
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4.07
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Aug 12, 2024
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Sep 06, 2024
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4.19
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really liked it
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Jul 31, 2024
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4.20
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really liked it
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Jul 18, 2024
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Jul 10, 2024
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4.28
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it was amazing
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Jul 07, 2024
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Jun 24, 2024
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4.28
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really liked it
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Jun 23, 2024
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Jun 17, 2024
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4.17
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it was amazing
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Mar 31, 2024
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Mar 22, 2024
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3.99
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Mar 22, 2024
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Mar 19, 2024
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3.99
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Oct 13, 2023
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Oct 15, 2023
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3.93
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liked it
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May 18, 2023
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May 14, 2023
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3.91
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really liked it
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May 13, 2023
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May 13, 2023
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3.77
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really liked it
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May 11, 2023
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May 07, 2023
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3.89
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really liked it
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May 06, 2023
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May 05, 2023
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3.98
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liked it
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Mar 15, 2023
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Mar 13, 2023
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4.26
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liked it
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Jan 18, 2023
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Jan 18, 2023
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