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ghosthermione's review against another edition
I could not focus on it. It may be me rather than the book but regardless, DNF
claire_loves_books's review against another edition
2.0
Blades of the Old Empire just didn't really capture my interest or imagination. I don't understand where the Majats get their skills from- you can train someone to be a decent fighter but some of the stuff they did wasn't just good training but superhuman speed and skill (being able to knock multiple arrows out the air, moving extra fast ect.). I just don't believe that one person can take on dozens of fighters.
I didn't buy into the relationship between Kara and Kyth- there was no background to it and no chemistry.. All the characters were pretty one dimensional and pretty interchangeable.
It also felt like everyone was a speshul snowflake Kyth has super rare magical powers (only one in the world with the power), Ellah has rare magical powers, Aldar is super unique Kara is special- youngest diamond ever, best diamond ever and resistant to the evil magic men. And these people just happen to all hang out together
I didn't buy into the relationship between Kara and Kyth- there was no background to it and no chemistry.
Spoiler
Mai being in love with Kara came out of nowhere- I'd believe him respecting her skill but they barely spoke to each otherIt also felt like everyone was a speshul snowflake Kyth has super rare magical powers (only one in the world with the power), Ellah has rare magical powers, Aldar is super unique
Spoiler
consort or whatever to Ayella- either way he's the only one in the world who makes her sane when they have sexmoirwyn's review against another edition
3.0
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2014/04/07/blades-old-empire-anna-kashina/
I'm gonna give this one 3.5 stars.
An ancient order of evil magicians called the Kaddim have risen from the ashes and threaten King Evan’s lands. Only two people appear to be immune to their power: Prince Kythar, and his bodyguard Kara. Prince Kythar isn’t supposed to exist, because it’s forbidden for royals to have magical talent. He should have been killed at birth, but King Evan had a soft heart. His bodyguard Kara is an assassin in a guild called the Majat. The Majat are superhumanly talented fighters, and the guild exerts total control over each of its members in order to keep them from going renegade and destroying the world order. They are bound by a strict code of conduct and honor and are forbidden to have personal relationships. But Kara and Kythar care about each other too much, and the result could be catastrophic.
See that description? That’s what the publisher should have used when marketing Blades of the Old Empire. Instead, they gave away a major plot spoiler, and it had a detrimental effect on my reading experience. When writing cover or marketing material, my feeling is that the first 15% or so of the book is fair game, but anything beyond that needs to be less specific. You shouldn’t give away a major twist right away, because then readers already know what’s gonna happen, and it takes the fun out of guessing.
My thoughts on Blades of the Old Empire as a whole run in a similar vein. While generally I’ve loved everything that Angry Robot has published, this was a case where the book needed more editing and another set of eyes on it before it was released. There was even a chapter missing from the first print, although they’ve since rectified the problem. And I feel bad for the author too, because she’s got a very good story that would have been amazing with an extra pass from the editor and more care with respect to marketing and production as a whole.
You see, Blades of the Old Empire is a companion to Kashina’s earlier novel The First Sword. But that also wasn’t mentioned in any of the marketing materials or on the book itself, so I jumped in and felt lost. Certain characters weren’t introduced particularly well because it was assumed that the reader already knew who they are. And that’s fine if readers know that they are supposed to have read something else first, but I didn’t, and so I felt like I was missing a lot of things and that the pacing was off. This got better as the book went on, but the damage was already done.
And then some little editing things irked me. The Kaddim have weapons called orbens, which are sort of like a medieval flail. Orbens are forbidden in the kingdom because they’re big and scary and they’re symbolic to the Kaddim. However, a character gets hit in the head with one and somehow is fine because his hair cushioned the blow? Pretty sure it doesn’t work like that. My hair didn’t prevent me from getting a concussion when I slipped and fell on the ice this winter, and I’m pretty sure a dude’s hair isn’t saving his life from a blow to the head with a spiky metal ball. I’d also have liked to have seen a bigger demonstration of what the Kaddim could do early in the book. For all that the villains are swinging around these orbens, they don’t really do much damage for most of the book. Good writing should show, not tell. Sacrifice some guards to the cause and show what the orbens are capable of, otherwise the villains come off as bumbling and comedic instead of scary.
And yet, the story itself is good. I love the world, the conflicts between the characters, the magic systems, etc., so it makes me sad that this book came out the way it did. I’m still going to continue the series when the next book comes out, because I do think that there’s potential and I have faith that the next one will be better.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2014/04/07/blades-old-empire-anna-kashina/
I'm gonna give this one 3.5 stars.
An ancient order of evil magicians called the Kaddim have risen from the ashes and threaten King Evan’s lands. Only two people appear to be immune to their power: Prince Kythar, and his bodyguard Kara. Prince Kythar isn’t supposed to exist, because it’s forbidden for royals to have magical talent. He should have been killed at birth, but King Evan had a soft heart. His bodyguard Kara is an assassin in a guild called the Majat. The Majat are superhumanly talented fighters, and the guild exerts total control over each of its members in order to keep them from going renegade and destroying the world order. They are bound by a strict code of conduct and honor and are forbidden to have personal relationships. But Kara and Kythar care about each other too much, and the result could be catastrophic.
See that description? That’s what the publisher should have used when marketing Blades of the Old Empire. Instead, they gave away a major plot spoiler, and it had a detrimental effect on my reading experience. When writing cover or marketing material, my feeling is that the first 15% or so of the book is fair game, but anything beyond that needs to be less specific. You shouldn’t give away a major twist right away, because then readers already know what’s gonna happen, and it takes the fun out of guessing.
My thoughts on Blades of the Old Empire as a whole run in a similar vein. While generally I’ve loved everything that Angry Robot has published, this was a case where the book needed more editing and another set of eyes on it before it was released. There was even a chapter missing from the first print, although they’ve since rectified the problem. And I feel bad for the author too, because she’s got a very good story that would have been amazing with an extra pass from the editor and more care with respect to marketing and production as a whole.
You see, Blades of the Old Empire is a companion to Kashina’s earlier novel The First Sword. But that also wasn’t mentioned in any of the marketing materials or on the book itself, so I jumped in and felt lost. Certain characters weren’t introduced particularly well because it was assumed that the reader already knew who they are. And that’s fine if readers know that they are supposed to have read something else first, but I didn’t, and so I felt like I was missing a lot of things and that the pacing was off. This got better as the book went on, but the damage was already done.
And then some little editing things irked me. The Kaddim have weapons called orbens, which are sort of like a medieval flail. Orbens are forbidden in the kingdom because they’re big and scary and they’re symbolic to the Kaddim. However, a character gets hit in the head with one and somehow is fine because his hair cushioned the blow? Pretty sure it doesn’t work like that. My hair didn’t prevent me from getting a concussion when I slipped and fell on the ice this winter, and I’m pretty sure a dude’s hair isn’t saving his life from a blow to the head with a spiky metal ball. I’d also have liked to have seen a bigger demonstration of what the Kaddim could do early in the book. For all that the villains are swinging around these orbens, they don’t really do much damage for most of the book. Good writing should show, not tell. Sacrifice some guards to the cause and show what the orbens are capable of, otherwise the villains come off as bumbling and comedic instead of scary.
And yet, the story itself is good. I love the world, the conflicts between the characters, the magic systems, etc., so it makes me sad that this book came out the way it did. I’m still going to continue the series when the next book comes out, because I do think that there’s potential and I have faith that the next one will be better.
texaswolfman's review against another edition
5.0
Took a chance on this fantasy book, and I was not disappointed. Great characterization, intricate world-building, and awesome weapon fighting description. Just bought the sequel.
felinity's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
A somewhat familiar fantasy plot: with a crown at stake the political arena has become murky; only the steadfastness of the bought mercenaries can protect the king and his heir, but someone is working against them...
While some plot elements and the overall characterizations were verging on predictable, most of that may be ascribed to the occasional lack of subtlety in both plot and dialogue. Nonetheless, it drew me into the conspiracy and kept me reading.
The rankings of the mercenaries, the powers involved, the Mirewalkers and the Forest Mother, all served to add a unique touch to the traditional story (though there were times when I could almost hear maniacal laughter from The Bad Guy). An enjoyable story, and a series I wouldn't mind continuing.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: The author has let me know that many print and electronic copies are missing Chapter 49, a key chapter. My ARC did contain this chapter, but you may wish to check your own copy before reading - go to http://angryrobotbooks.com/blades if yours is affected.
A somewhat familiar fantasy plot: with a crown at stake the political arena has become murky; only the steadfastness of the bought mercenaries can protect the king and his heir, but someone is working against them...
While some plot elements and the overall characterizations were verging on predictable, most of that may be ascribed to the occasional lack of subtlety in both plot and dialogue. Nonetheless, it drew me into the conspiracy and kept me reading
Spoiler
despite the repeated use of the ACME-bag-of-tricks-magic herb and - unfortunately - more unrequited love. At least the love triangle wasn't fully realized, as the center remained apparently unaware of the problemThe rankings of the mercenaries, the powers involved, the Mirewalkers and the Forest Mother, all served to add a unique touch to the traditional story (though there were times when I could almost hear maniacal laughter from The Bad Guy). An enjoyable story, and a series I wouldn't mind continuing.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: The author has let me know that many print and electronic copies are missing Chapter 49, a key chapter. My ARC did contain this chapter, but you may wish to check your own copy before reading - go to http://angryrobotbooks.com/blades if yours is affected.
neenor's review against another edition
1.0
You know, kudos to me for being able to finish this disaster of a book. I bought it because I saw it in Waterstones, the cover reminded me of Throne of Glass, and the synopsis seemed unique and enticing. Do not fall for it, folks! This book promises and does not deliver. That badass looking character of the front? Wet lettuce. The rest of the characters? Also wet lettuces. The only person I could stand was Ellah, because for all her whining and angst, her point of view was interesting. Everyone else just made me want to jump off a metaphorical cliff of despair. I think it was just the writing - the writing was amateur, to say the least. It's the kind of thing you'll find on a fanfiction site, if I'm being honest (not the good fanfiction, but the fanfiction written by 13 year olds). Sex scene? Oh yes, we'll just write about how the two bodies have been merged into one and are floating in some ethereal paradise of ecstasy. Someone is going to die from an infectious wound that in no way will ever get better? Oh look, some written-in character who has some dandy skills that will heal absolutely everything! Someone has died? We'll just find a convenient way to bring them back! No one can resist this awesome power apart from one guy? Let's give him all the skills and turn him into some frickin' superhero who can transfer his powers of resistance to other people!
I'm going to stop this review before I change my mind and give it 1 star instead of 2. All in all, it's a bad book. The only reason I'm not giving it the worst rating is because of Ellah and the fact I managed to finish it (with a lot of skim reading)
I'm going to stop this review before I change my mind and give it 1 star instead of 2. All in all, it's a bad book. The only reason I'm not giving it the worst rating is because of Ellah and the fact I managed to finish it (with a lot of skim reading)
rachelini's review against another edition
2.0
Bland writing. Plus the prince read like he was about 15, although I'm quite certain he was supposed to be an adult. It was weird.
vaderbird's review against another edition
2.0
Of course there is the renshi type swordman who are unstoppable (ref another author but i like the parallel), and all the characters around all have powers. Over all the book was ok, little fast pace exciting. It seems to predictable and bland.
But of course I did have to finish the book, so I rate it as ok (I do think 4,5 stars are overused). 2 stars is a book you can read the entire book.
But of course I did have to finish the book, so I rate it as ok (I do think 4,5 stars are overused). 2 stars is a book you can read the entire book.
literarygeorge's review against another edition
3.0
Originally reviewed at For Your Literary Pleasure
For a book that advertises itself on the kick ass female Kara it was surprising to find the book revolve around the power and struggles of men. While the struggle of Kara is prominent we don't really get into her head, ever. All we know about Kara is that she is the object of Prince whatever his name and she is one of the highest ranking warriors in her faction. I wanted to wave my "I love this character" banner but I couldn't because the entire focus on Kara revolved around Prince whingey bags. She is SUCH a promising and complicated character and yet she is confined to LOVE INTEREST. WHY!? I understand the importance of the love story but it could have been part of a larger dynamic of Kara breaking through her emotional conditioning and beginning the journey to self discovery but no. I was so annoyed by this because I picked the book because of Kara and the possibility of her fricken' awesome character only to be disappointed with the lack of development.
There are a few female characters in a heavily male cast and the only other important female aside from Kara is Ellah. Ellah began as an annoying side character who just happened to be along for the trip but slowly developed into someone worth reading about. I became invested in her narrative arc which wasn't the easiest journey considering she is only a commoner and probably wasn't the best person to take on a quest. Despite this Ellah has an intense sense of loyalty, justice and perseverance. She never lets her inexperience be the reason others fail and continues to surprise those around her with brave actions. I absolutely adored Ellah by the end and was FURIOUS when she had to choose between love and her magic career.
Ellah was so earnest and courageous but completely shy when it came to love. She loved that idiot Diamond so much and continued to see the good in him - followed him EVERYWHERE - despite him obviously just playing with her. I hated him for that because why would you string along a young girl with no experience for YOUR OWN AMUSEMENT!? Asshole. She was nothing but kind and defended him to others but he was being a douchebag jerk. Ellah deserved a strong, powerful and amazing man to think she was everything he wanted in a woman but instead she gets a manipulative jerk who makes her feel unworthy of such love. How dare he?! AND! How dare that woman tell Ellah that she is not deserving of a man like that NUMBSKULL! I hated that not only was Ellah rejected in a moment of huge courageousness but she gets beaten down by other characters saying why would Ellah entertain such a romance, can't she see he's better than her? No ELLAH is better than HIM. End of story. She gave her everything in this story to end up with the shitty happy ever after. No thank you.
Side note - I thought it was ridiculous that douchebag diamond is in love with someone else. Worst twist ever!
Overall, it wasn't a bad fantasy novel but it's not a kick ass female fantasy. The storyline was interesting and despite disliking almost all of the males for getting more page time than the ladies I liked it. The bad guys were more irritating than ominous which made for a strange good vs. evil dynamic. The romance is drawn out and not well developed beyond puppy love so if you were wanting intricate romance it's not here. In saying that it is strong on the fantasy plot so might be good for Young Adult Fiction.
xxx Literary George
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Copy received from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
For a book that advertises itself on the kick ass female Kara it was surprising to find the book revolve around the power and struggles of men. While the struggle of Kara is prominent we don't really get into her head, ever. All we know about Kara is that she is the object of Prince whatever his name and she is one of the highest ranking warriors in her faction. I wanted to wave my "I love this character" banner but I couldn't because the entire focus on Kara revolved around Prince whingey bags. She is SUCH a promising and complicated character and yet she is confined to LOVE INTEREST. WHY!? I understand the importance of the love story but it could have been part of a larger dynamic of Kara breaking through her emotional conditioning and beginning the journey to self discovery but no. I was so annoyed by this because I picked the book because of Kara and the possibility of her fricken' awesome character only to be disappointed with the lack of development.
There are a few female characters in a heavily male cast and the only other important female aside from Kara is Ellah. Ellah began as an annoying side character who just happened to be along for the trip but slowly developed into someone worth reading about. I became invested in her narrative arc which wasn't the easiest journey considering she is only a commoner and probably wasn't the best person to take on a quest. Despite this Ellah has an intense sense of loyalty, justice and perseverance. She never lets her inexperience be the reason others fail and continues to surprise those around her with brave actions. I absolutely adored Ellah by the end and was FURIOUS when she had to choose between love and her magic career.
Spoiler
Ellah was so earnest and courageous but completely shy when it came to love. She loved that idiot Diamond so much and continued to see the good in him - followed him EVERYWHERE - despite him obviously just playing with her. I hated him for that because why would you string along a young girl with no experience for YOUR OWN AMUSEMENT!? Asshole. She was nothing but kind and defended him to others but he was being a douchebag jerk. Ellah deserved a strong, powerful and amazing man to think she was everything he wanted in a woman but instead she gets a manipulative jerk who makes her feel unworthy of such love. How dare he?! AND! How dare that woman tell Ellah that she is not deserving of a man like that NUMBSKULL! I hated that not only was Ellah rejected in a moment of huge courageousness but she gets beaten down by other characters saying why would Ellah entertain such a romance, can't she see he's better than her? No ELLAH is better than HIM. End of story. She gave her everything in this story to end up with the shitty happy ever after. No thank you.
Side note - I thought it was ridiculous that douchebag diamond is in love with someone else. Worst twist ever!
Overall, it wasn't a bad fantasy novel but it's not a kick ass female fantasy. The storyline was interesting and despite disliking almost all of the males for getting more page time than the ladies I liked it. The bad guys were more irritating than ominous which made for a strange good vs. evil dynamic. The romance is drawn out and not well developed beyond puppy love so if you were wanting intricate romance it's not here. In saying that it is strong on the fantasy plot so might be good for Young Adult Fiction.
xxx Literary George
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Copy received from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.