Scan barcode
ekortunov's review
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The worldbuilding of this book does not hold water and for the story to work all of the people in the background and then some of the main characters have to act incredibly stupid from time to time. In three books three supposedly most powerfull men in the world and most wise ones, who also supposed to be compassionate and corageous by defenition (Dai kvos) didnt do a single wise thing and came as absolutelly moronic, cowardly and vicious. But man can Abraham write action and stress...
wouterk's review against another edition
5.0
The best book in the quartet until now. Abraham continues to capture life, growth and the things that matter so well. I rarely read an author doing as good a job at it.
In this book we again meet Otah and Maati, but now they are in their 40s. Also Liat makes an entrance again as well, as does Kiyan. Given the title and start of the prologue, I do not consider it a spoiler that in this book the covert conflict between the Galt and the Khaiem comes to an overt clash. The book follows these characters but also the Galtic general Balasar as the war is prepared and finds a resolution. A heart-wrenching, supsenseful and fascinating resolution. I hate I cannot say more about it, but I would not want to spoil the story for anyone.
I will say that Abraham does all perspectives justice. Also the stakes and perspective of both sides in the war. Anybody who read the first two books will know that the Galts are generally a very brutal and military dominant country. However, the Khaiem have the Andat and they can destroy a nation in the blink of an eye. They use it to keep the peace but they are also the greatest threat in the world. It takes one deranged Khai or poet and the world will crumble like the first and second empire.
A very central theme is that of parenthood. We see perspectives from different life stages on how people experience having kids, or not having the opportunity to be there for their kids or even the inability to have kids. Since it is war of course the grief that comes with losing a son or daughter also receives attention.
As you might expect there is more action in this book than in its predecessors. What was wonderful to see that Abraham really writes the action in a war well. He is less detailed than others, but dives into tactics and how individuals experience the battles. Some very interesting tactics and also with a lot of eye for detail what happens if you have brilliant people who have not needed to field an army for centuries.
Can't say any more without spoiling. So have fun!
In this book we again meet Otah and Maati, but now they are in their 40s. Also Liat makes an entrance again as well, as does Kiyan. Given the title and start of the prologue, I do not consider it a spoiler that in this book the covert conflict between the Galt and the Khaiem comes to an overt clash. The book follows these characters but also the Galtic general Balasar as the war is prepared and finds a resolution. A heart-wrenching, supsenseful and fascinating resolution. I hate I cannot say more about it, but I would not want to spoil the story for anyone.
I will say that Abraham does all perspectives justice. Also the stakes and perspective of both sides in the war. Anybody who read the first two books will know that the Galts are generally a very brutal and military dominant country. However, the Khaiem have the Andat and they can destroy a nation in the blink of an eye. They use it to keep the peace but they are also the greatest threat in the world. It takes one deranged Khai or poet and the world will crumble like the first and second empire.
A very central theme is that of parenthood. We see perspectives from different life stages on how people experience having kids, or not having the opportunity to be there for their kids or even the inability to have kids. Since it is war of course the grief that comes with losing a son or daughter also receives attention.
As you might expect there is more action in this book than in its predecessors. What was wonderful to see that Abraham really writes the action in a war well. He is less detailed than others, but dives into tactics and how individuals experience the battles. Some very interesting tactics and also with a lot of eye for detail what happens if you have brilliant people who have not needed to field an army for centuries.
Can't say any more without spoiling. So have fun!
lib_britannia's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
demosthenes34nz's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brianthehuman's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nicovreeland's review
4.0
Now we’re cooking. Only in the second half of this third volume in the series did I feel a sense of momentum. I think this entire quartet could’ve been one really good novel, but this installment was good enough to make me finish it
js_2301's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did #2, although it is probably on a par with #1.
I found the first half a bit of a slog: the plot slow and I wasn't invested in the characters. I would possibly have DNF'd had I not trusted Abraham as a writer, and the second half was much more engaging plot-wise.
I did struggle to connect to the characters throughout this one. Possibly because they are now older than me, so there's some distance between my experiences/concerns and theirs. I have also noticed that the time-gaps between stories in this series means you are (to some extent) (re)introduced to new characters in each book. The strength of the Quartet's timescale you see the impact of previous events across unfolding lives, as characters pay their 'price'. The weakness is finding it harder to feel like you know them, as you drop in and out of their lives with decade long intervals.
Although I became more aware of the Quartet's weaknesses reading 'An Autumn War', it is still very solid story-telling. The characters act like real people, the plot resolves in a coherent way, the themes are poignant and not shoved in your face.
I aim to read #4 in the next month and would recommend.
I found the first half a bit of a slog: the plot slow and I wasn't invested in the characters. I would possibly have DNF'd had I not trusted Abraham as a writer, and the second half was much more engaging plot-wise.
I did struggle to connect to the characters throughout this one. Possibly because they are now older than me, so there's some distance between my experiences/concerns and theirs. I have also noticed that the time-gaps between stories in this series means you are (to some extent) (re)introduced to new characters in each book. The strength of the Quartet's timescale you see the impact of previous events across unfolding lives, as characters pay their 'price'. The weakness is finding it harder to feel like you know them, as you drop in and out of their lives with decade long intervals.
Although I became more aware of the Quartet's weaknesses reading 'An Autumn War', it is still very solid story-telling. The characters act like real people, the plot resolves in a coherent way, the themes are poignant and not shoved in your face.
I aim to read #4 in the next month and would recommend.
mary_soon_lee's review
4.0
This is the third book in Abraham's "Long Price Quartet." The central fantasy element, the andat, is explored further, and, as the title suggests, there's a war. As with the first two books in the quartet, this is well-written, atmospheric, and immersive. It is also bleak. I think I liked it better, yet enjoyed it less than the previous book. Otah continues to be my favorite character, but I was caught up by several other characters, including Balasar Gice (a very driven man) and Sinja.
sonice's review against another edition
5.0
5.0 stars. I can't understand why this series is not more popular and talked about than it is. I can only assume it's because the pace is on the slower side, or that there are relatively few battles/action sequences as compared to the standard fantasy fare. These aren't even weak points, they're just differences. Otherwise? Anyone reading this who hasn't already checked it out NEEDS to add it to the TBR.
Realistic, nuanced, flawed and believable characters. Characters that you will be frustrated by, compelled by, inspired by (one of whom, at this point, I would say could give old Fitzchivalry a run for his money in the 'tragic and screwed over' category). Leaders from both sides of a conflict who's positions you can understand and maybe even be sympathetic to. A slow-burn plot with a focus on politicking and conspiracy, with major consequences for everyone involved. A unique magic system that is believable, interesting, and never feels like a cheap way out. A satisfying ending that has me itching to grab the last book. The way this book ended was NOT what I expected, but it's brilliant.
Just, everybody start reading Daniel Abraham. OK?
Realistic, nuanced, flawed and believable characters. Characters that you will be frustrated by, compelled by, inspired by (one of whom, at this point, I would say could give old Fitzchivalry a run for his money in the 'tragic and screwed over' category). Leaders from both sides of a conflict who's positions you can understand and maybe even be sympathetic to. A slow-burn plot with a focus on politicking and conspiracy, with major consequences for everyone involved. A unique magic system that is believable, interesting, and never feels like a cheap way out. A satisfying ending that has me itching to grab the last book. The way this book ended was NOT what I expected, but it's brilliant.
Just, everybody start reading Daniel Abraham. OK?
truthlessofcanada's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Another very good entry in The Long Price Quartet. This book benefits so much from the previous entries in terms of how the past has set up long term relationships. The foundation for this book is so solid that it allows Abraham to go with a much more eventful, plot focused book while still having character depth, and really complex relationships.
Like the last book this one had a very compelling antagonist PoV, although personally I think I prefer the antagonist in A Betrayal In Winter.
Also, the resolution for this book was just very good, hard to even describe it more specifically without risking spoilers, but it was not what I expected, but made a ton of sense in hindsight, it was impactful, and set up a lot more interesting conflict for The Price of Spring.
Lots of people find this to be a significant step up from A Betrayal In Winter, but to me they are on about the same level. This is more epic, and the stakes are higher, and it probably has a better ending, but I prefer the scheming, and the antagonist in A Betrayal in Winter. Both are excellent.
8.8/10
Like the last book this one had a very compelling antagonist PoV, although personally I think I prefer the antagonist in A Betrayal In Winter.
Also, the resolution for this book was just very good, hard to even describe it more specifically without risking spoilers, but it was not what I expected, but made a ton of sense in hindsight, it was impactful, and set up a lot more interesting conflict for The Price of Spring.
Lots of people find this to be a significant step up from A Betrayal In Winter, but to me they are on about the same level. This is more epic, and the stakes are higher, and it probably has a better ending, but I prefer the scheming, and the antagonist in A Betrayal in Winter. Both are excellent.
8.8/10