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humanpuke's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
thomas_hense's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
teri_b's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I am glad I made it to the end of this trilogy.
It definitely was written in a time when timing and pacing were completely different, and the mixture between action and introspection is something I have not come across before.
There, too, is the mix between science fiction and fantasy that finally comes together.
What I most like is the subversions of what I would assume were standard tropes in the 1980ies, that the author has worked into her story line.
In the end it is the female with her seemingly weak power of dream weaving that gets them out of the world threatening situation.
It definitely was written in a time when timing and pacing were completely different, and the mixture between action and introspection is something I have not come across before.
There, too, is the mix between science fiction and fantasy that finally comes together.
What I most like is the subversions of what I would assume were standard tropes in the 1980ies, that the author has worked into her story line.
greyscarf's review against another edition
3.0
Jaric endures the Cycle of Fire with aid from Taen Dreamweaver. But their reunion is short-lived as Maelgrim continues to ravage & terrorize the lands near Shadowfane. The pair travel to free Anskiere & rally the remaining human leaders to face the demon forces. With the offensive spearheaded by the Kielmark, the king of pirates, the humans victory is dearly bought & the trio of conjurers defeat Maelgrim. Jaric & the Kielmark make a desperate bid to infiltrate Shadowfane & raze the fortress to the ground. They too succeed after a grim struggle, but Jaric's own final test to master his talents is only the beginning of a new era for the remaining humans & their future amid the stars.
So, as I may have mentioned previously, I read this series as a way to puzzle out what might be in store in The Wars of Light and Shadow. I cannot say that I was too successful; The Cycle of Fire is assuredly a microcosm of the same themes & elements as the other series but it stands on its own. If anything, this series has given me a better appreciation for the longer, more dense Wars because there were many times I wanted to go more in depth but had to settle for the story I was given.
I was somewhat disappointed that we didn't get more of Maelgrim/Emien's perspective, since the other two books seemed to explore Taen's & Jaric's perspectives pretty thoroughly. But the horrors that Maelgrim conjure were plenty to take in, so I can't fault the author too much for not wanting to get too deep into his mind. The bittersweet ending of Jaric's trials & reunion with Taen & Anskiere kept reminding me of all Arithon has gone through in the Wars series & made me yearn for the next book. So, I guess thank you for making my book jones even more unbearable? :)
So, as I may have mentioned previously, I read this series as a way to puzzle out what might be in store in The Wars of Light and Shadow. I cannot say that I was too successful; The Cycle of Fire is assuredly a microcosm of the same themes & elements as the other series but it stands on its own. If anything, this series has given me a better appreciation for the longer, more dense Wars because there were many times I wanted to go more in depth but had to settle for the story I was given.
I was somewhat disappointed that we didn't get more of Maelgrim/Emien's perspective, since the other two books seemed to explore Taen's & Jaric's perspectives pretty thoroughly. But the horrors that Maelgrim conjure were plenty to take in, so I can't fault the author too much for not wanting to get too deep into his mind. The bittersweet ending of Jaric's trials & reunion with Taen & Anskiere kept reminding me of all Arithon has gone through in the Wars series & made me yearn for the next book. So, I guess thank you for making my book jones even more unbearable? :)
marktimmony's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this trilogy from start to finish. Wurts' gift with language is a joy to read and the nuance she brings to characters and their motivations is breathtaking - as is the depth of the mystic arts she fills her fantasy's with.
With the sweep of a handful of words she paints visions in the mind and touches human emotion that tugs at the heart long after you have put down the book.
If ever there was a trilogy that deserved a sequel - or at least 'one more book!' - then it is this one. While wholly satisfying in and of itself there is s till more than enough story to follow for me.
With the sweep of a handful of words she paints visions in the mind and touches human emotion that tugs at the heart long after you have put down the book.
If ever there was a trilogy that deserved a sequel - or at least 'one more book!' - then it is this one. While wholly satisfying in and of itself there is s till more than enough story to follow for me.
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