|
Browse categories
H
- Haber, Karen
- Haldeman, Jack C.
- Haldeman, Joe
- Halperin, James L.
- Hambly, Barbara
- Hamilton, Laurell K.
- Hamilton, Peter F.
- Hammell, Ian
- Hand, Elizabeth
- Harbinson, W.A.
- Harper, Tara K.
- Harris, Deborah Turner
- Harrison, Harry
- Hartwell, David G.
- Hawke, Simon
- Heinlein, Robert A.
- Henderson, Jason
- Hendrix, Howard V.
- Herbert, Brian
- Herbert, Frank
- Herbert, Mary H.
- Hickman, Tracy
- Hinz, Christopher
- Hobb, Robin
- Hoffman, Nina Kiriki
- Hogan, James P.
- Holdstock, Robert
- Holt, Tom
- Hood, Daniel
- Hood, Ken
- Hopen, Stuart
- Hoshino, Yukinobu
- Howard, Robert E.
- Hubbard, L. Ron
- Huff, Tanya
- Hughart, Barry
- Hughes, Ryan
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 Customer Reviews
Excellent, worth reading the first book to get to this one, 06 Jan 2009
Great story, highly engaging. I struggled with The Dreaming Void a little as I was in the wrong mindset - I wanted to see what had become of the Commonwealth characters, not this backward Edeard. It was a slow book until the final chapters...
Not so with this one. Edeard's development and a couple of plot twists in the Commonwealth make for a real page-turner.
I have been reading mostly Banks, Reynolds and Hamilton sci-fi in the last few years and its easy to become spoiled... It's only when you go back to reading the truly derivative space opera like the Saga of Seven Suns or The Dread Empire trilogy that you realise what masters the aforementioned gentlemen are.
Let's just hope that Mr Hamilton can resist his trademark deus ex machina ending for what is becoming a thrilling trilogy. I wait with baited breath for the next chapter!
Very, very powerful story..., 05 Jan 2009
This second part of the Void trilogy glides perfectly on from the first. The skill involved in melding sf with fantasy on this hugely expectant level is very brave, but crikey, it's simply, uniquely, fantastic.
Peter keeps the sex to a young adult level in this series, which should make it universally appealing for those 'shyer types'...
I am busting my chops waiting for the final instalment of this deeply moving tale.
Grant
Absolutely brilliant, 16 Nov 2008
I just finished reading the Temporal Void last night, and I would implore anyone who has a mind for imaginative sprawling space operas to buy this book. It is a wonderful addition to Hamilton's established Commonwealth series, beginning chronologically with Pandoras Star and Judas Unchained (known collectively as the Commonwealth saga), and the Void trilogy, of which the Temporal Void is number 2.
The plot picks up directly after the end of Dreaming Void, with Justine escaping Centurion Station, immediately after the Void encroachment is triggered by the Second Dreamer's rejection of the Void entity known as a Skylord. Aaron, the ANA agent, is on Hanko with Inigo and his estranged wife Corrie Lyn, trying to escape before the world implodes from an m-sink which was driven into the planet. The threat of the Ocisen fleet is a constant danger, with a few nostalgic twists that I couldn't help but smile at, in particular the Ocisens very formidable ally, unknown as yet to the Navy. If you've read the Commonwealth saga, you will know what I mean. The book basically kicks off with most of the characters trying to escape certain death, (or capture, in Araminta's case).
There is also another vital aspect of the book which I find very engaging. The story of Edeard the Waterwalker is one of the best concepts I've seen in large scale sci fi such as is fitting to Hamilton's writing style. If you were to take out all the segments entitled "Inigo's Dream", from the first 2 books so far, you would have a thoroughly engaging stand alone fantasy novel. But the way it ties in with the rest of the storyline is a winner, expertly switching from the events in our Universe, and that of the Void.
The closing chapters supplied me with many memorable (and emotional) moments. Edeard's plight as he consolidates Makkrathan and drives out the gangs, amounts to a series of wonderfully fashioned events which I found immensely gripping, paying homage to Hamiliton's development of his characters within the Void.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this book, whether you've read Hamilton's books or not (though is you haven't you're going to be very confused). I will let something slip though, which I cannot contain, but it sets up the final installment nicely. If you don't want to know finish reading here. To be honest it was inevitable, but if you're wondering where the hell Ozzie's been all this time, you're guaranteed to pay him a visit in the 3rd book.
Congratulations Peter Hamilton. I cannot wait until the final book.
Adam
Glorious Convolution, 12 Nov 2008
While I agree with one reviewer about the usefulness of a summary of Part I, I also think that you just have to sink yourself into Hamilton's marvellous universe (or universa?) to fully appreciate the wild and convoluted rollercoaster you're about to undergo.
Plus that I think Hamilton is one of the very few to have created a consistent universe, including delightfully contradictions. I'm wondering why others in this region (Iain Banks, Terry Pratchett, Alastair Reynolds, to mention just a few) are all British writers. Mmm... something to do with Empire-building... ;-)
In the meantime, enjoy Hamilton. And now we have to wait about 1 1/2 year for the conclusion...
Magic Realism, 10 Nov 2008
Just superb fiction, up Hamilton's best standard. I just wonder however if some of the other reviewers have got it right describing Edeard's adventures in Makkathran as fantasy. I found that part of the work best savoured rather than rushed as it reminded me of the Magic Realism style (Gabriel Garcia Marquez et al. ) which I think would elevate the work to literary fiction rather than Science Fiction.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Excellent, worth reading the first book to get to this one, 06 Jan 2009
Great story, highly engaging. I struggled with The Dreaming Void a little as I was in the wrong mindset - I wanted to see what had become of the Commonwealth characters, not this backward Edeard. It was a slow book until the final chapters...
Not so with this one. Edeard's development and a couple of plot twists in the Commonwealth make for a real page-turner.
I have been reading mostly Banks, Reynolds and Hamilton sci-fi in the last few years and its easy to become spoiled... It's only when you go back to reading the truly derivative space opera like the Saga of Seven Suns or The Dread Empire trilogy that you realise what masters the aforementioned gentlemen are.
Let's just hope that Mr Hamilton can resist his trademark deus ex machina ending for what is becoming a thrilling trilogy. I wait with baited breath for the next chapter!
Very, very powerful story..., 05 Jan 2009
This second part of the Void trilogy glides perfectly on from the first. The skill involved in melding sf with fantasy on this hugely expectant level is very brave, but crikey, it's simply, uniquely, fantastic.
Peter keeps the sex to a young adult level in this series, which should make it universally appealing for those 'shyer types'...
I am busting my chops waiting for the final instalment of this deeply moving tale.
Grant
Absolutely brilliant, 16 Nov 2008
I just finished reading the Temporal Void last night, and I would implore anyone who has a mind for imaginative sprawling space operas to buy this book. It is a wonderful addition to Hamilton's established Commonwealth series, beginning chronologically with Pandoras Star and Judas Unchained (known collectively as the Commonwealth saga), and the Void trilogy, of which the Temporal Void is number 2.
The plot picks up directly after the end of Dreaming Void, with Justine escaping Centurion Station, immediately after the Void encroachment is triggered by the Second Dreamer's rejection of the Void entity known as a Skylord. Aaron, the ANA agent, is on Hanko with Inigo and his estranged wife Corrie Lyn, trying to escape before the world implodes from an m-sink which was driven into the planet. The threat of the Ocisen fleet is a constant danger, with a few nostalgic twists that I couldn't help but smile at, in particular the Ocisens very formidable ally, unknown as yet to the Navy. If you've read the Commonwealth saga, you will know what I mean. The book basically kicks off with most of the characters trying to escape certain death, (or capture, in Araminta's case).
There is also another vital aspect of the book which I find very engaging. The story of Edeard the Waterwalker is one of the best concepts I've seen in large scale sci fi such as is fitting to Hamilton's writing style. If you were to take out all the segments entitled "Inigo's Dream", from the first 2 books so far, you would have a thoroughly engaging stand alone fantasy novel. But the way it ties in with the rest of the storyline is a winner, expertly switching from the events in our Universe, and that of the Void.
The closing chapters supplied me with many memorable (and emotional) moments. Edeard's plight as he consolidates Makkrathan and drives out the gangs, amounts to a series of wonderfully fashioned events which I found immensely gripping, paying homage to Hamiliton's development of his characters within the Void.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this book, whether you've read Hamilton's books or not (though is you haven't you're going to be very confused). I will let something slip though, which I cannot contain, but it sets up the final installment nicely. If you don't want to know finish reading here. To be honest it was inevitable, but if you're wondering where the hell Ozzie's been all this time, you're guaranteed to pay him a visit in the 3rd book.
Congratulations Peter Hamilton. I cannot wait until the final book.
Adam
Glorious Convolution, 12 Nov 2008
While I agree with one reviewer about the usefulness of a summary of Part I, I also think that you just have to sink yourself into Hamilton's marvellous universe (or universa?) to fully appreciate the wild and convoluted rollercoaster you're about to undergo.
Plus that I think Hamilton is one of the very few to have created a consistent universe, including delightfully contradictions. I'm wondering why others in this region (Iain Banks, Terry Pratchett, Alastair Reynolds, to mention just a few) are all British writers. Mmm... something to do with Empire-building... ;-)
In the meantime, enjoy Hamilton. And now we have to wait about 1 1/2 year for the conclusion...
Magic Realism, 10 Nov 2008
Just superb fiction, up Hamilton's best standard. I just wonder however if some of the other reviewers have got it right describing Edeard's adventures in Makkathran as fantasy. I found that part of the work best savoured rather than rushed as it reminded me of the Magic Realism style (Gabriel Garcia Marquez et al. ) which I think would elevate the work to literary fiction rather than Science Fiction.
Excellent read, but not as involving as Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained, 05 Jan 2009
I picked this book up after rattling through the Pandora's Star/Judas unchained series, which I loved.
This book is written in a very similar manner, and is similarly entertaining.
There are 2 differing strand styles, one being high tech, set in the commonwealth 1500 years after the events of the books mentioned above. The other strand is more fantasy style, which I actually really enjoyed - when I hit the first chapter like this, I thought I would struggle with it, but it was pretty good.
Like his other work Hamilton does an excellent job of painting interesting characters that you care about - I feel this is one of his main strengths, and it comes through strongly here.
The single star I've taken off is that the overall story isn't quite as gripping as the Pandora's Star one, and therefore the book doesn't quite grab you in the same way. however, this being a trilogy, it may well develop more in the later books.
In summary, an excellent read. If you enjoyed the Pandora's Star saga, you will definitely enjoy this. If you haven't read the Pandora's Star books, go and read them first!
A personal void, 13 Nov 2008
I read about 20 pages then skipped to 50 and then gave up. This type of sci-fi epic is not for me...or perhaps it is because I very much like Iain Banks but this one left me cold.
I think it was the relentless gadget name-dropping that did it eg x took the anti-grav hopper to the sun-port, not forgetting his zero-g hank'..shut up shut up..arrrghhh
the thought of 500+ pages of this made me put it swiftly aside.
Hamilton back to his best!, 05 Nov 2008
There's already too many large reviews regarding this book, so I'm only going to say that this book is "Hamilton back to his best"! Easily on a par with the Nights Dawn trilogy - I might even buy the Temporal Void hard-cover version as I can't wait for the paperback!!
Great start to a new trilogy, 04 Oct 2008
This is a really good first book in the new series. Its good to have some continuity from the previous trilogy as those that read the Commonwealth trilogy can immediately relate. At the same time thigs are different enought to allow new avenues to be explored. Wheras the first book in some of Peter Hamilton's series can be a bit slow, this one gets of to a flying start and keeps you interested all of the way.
A very good read - can't wait until the next two are available in paperback.
Great fun, gripping read, can't wait for the next one!, 26 Sep 2008
Surprised by the number of low ratings the book has received.
Yes the book is telling two stories, one low tech tale of child-to adult 'fantasy' genre type and another a high tech futuristic mystery thriller.
The tales are intertwined and both are exciting. Can't wait for the next book, already on order!
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Excellent, worth reading the first book to get to this one, 06 Jan 2009
Great story, highly engaging. I struggled with The Dreaming Void a little as I was in the wrong mindset - I wanted to see what had become of the Commonwealth characters, not this backward Edeard. It was a slow book until the final chapters...
Not so with this one. Edeard's development and a couple of plot twists in the Commonwealth make for a real page-turner.
I have been reading mostly Banks, Reynolds and Hamilton sci-fi in the last few years and its easy to become spoiled... It's only when you go back to reading the truly derivative space opera like the Saga of Seven Suns or The Dread Empire trilogy that you realise what masters the aforementioned gentlemen are.
Let's just hope that Mr Hamilton can resist his trademark deus ex machina ending for what is becoming a thrilling trilogy. I wait with baited breath for the next chapter!
Very, very powerful story..., 05 Jan 2009
This second part of the Void trilogy glides perfectly on from the first. The skill involved in melding sf with fantasy on this hugely expectant level is very brave, but crikey, it's simply, uniquely, fantastic.
Peter keeps the sex to a young adult level in this series, which should make it universally appealing for those 'shyer types'...
I am busting my chops waiting for the final instalment of this deeply moving tale.
Grant
Absolutely brilliant, 16 Nov 2008
I just finished reading the Temporal Void last night, and I would implore anyone who has a mind for imaginative sprawling space operas to buy this book. It is a wonderful addition to Hamilton's established Commonwealth series, beginning chronologically with Pandoras Star and Judas Unchained (known collectively as the Commonwealth saga), and the Void trilogy, of which the Temporal Void is number 2.
The plot picks up directly after the end of Dreaming Void, with Justine escaping Centurion Station, immediately after the Void encroachment is triggered by the Second Dreamer's rejection of the Void entity known as a Skylord. Aaron, the ANA agent, is on Hanko with Inigo and his estranged wife Corrie Lyn, trying to escape before the world implodes from an m-sink which was driven into the planet. The threat of the Ocisen fleet is a constant danger, with a few nostalgic twists that I couldn't help but smile at, in particular the Ocisens very formidable ally, unknown as yet to the Navy. If you've read the Commonwealth saga, you will know what I mean. The book basically kicks off with most of the characters trying to escape certain death, (or capture, in Araminta's case).
There is also another vital aspect of the book which I find very engaging. The story of Edeard the Waterwalker is one of the best concepts I've seen in large scale sci fi such as is fitting to Hamilton's writing style. If you were to take out all the segments entitled "Inigo's Dream", from the first 2 books so far, you would have a thoroughly engaging stand alone fantasy novel. But the way it ties in with the rest of the storyline is a winner, expertly switching from the events in our Universe, and that of the Void.
The closing chapters supplied me with many memorable (and emotional) moments. Edeard's plight as he consolidates Makkrathan and drives out the gangs, amounts to a series of wonderfully fashioned events which I found immensely gripping, paying homage to Hamiliton's development of his characters within the Void.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this book, whether you've read Hamilton's books or not (though is you haven't you're going to be very confused). I will let something slip though, which I cannot contain, but it sets up the final installment nicely. If you don't want to know finish reading here. To be honest it was inevitable, but if you're wondering where the hell Ozzie's been all this time, you're guaranteed to pay him a visit in the 3rd book.
Congratulations Peter Hamilton. I cannot wait until the final book.
Adam
Glorious Convolution, 12 Nov 2008
While I agree with one reviewer about the usefulness of a summary of Part I, I also think that you just have to sink yourself into Hamilton's marvellous universe (or universa?) to fully appreciate the wild and convoluted rollercoaster you're about to undergo.
Plus that I think Hamilton is one of the very few to have created a consistent universe, including delightfully contradictions. I'm wondering why others in this region (Iain Banks, Terry Pratchett, Alastair Reynolds, to mention just a few) are all British writers. Mmm... something to do with Empire-building... ;-)
In the meantime, enjoy Hamilton. And now we have to wait about 1 1/2 year for the conclusion...
Magic Realism, 10 Nov 2008
Just superb fiction, up Hamilton's best standard. I just wonder however if some of the other reviewers have got it right describing Edeard's adventures in Makkathran as fantasy. I found that part of the work best savoured rather than rushed as it reminded me of the Magic Realism style (Gabriel Garcia Marquez et al. ) which I think would elevate the work to literary fiction rather than Science Fiction.
Excellent read, but not as involving as Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained, 05 Jan 2009
I picked this book up after rattling through the Pandora's Star/Judas unchained series, which I loved.
This book is written in a very similar manner, and is similarly entertaining.
There are 2 differing strand styles, one being high tech, set in the commonwealth 1500 years after the events of the books mentioned above. The other strand is more fantasy style, which I actually really enjoyed - when I hit the first chapter like this, I thought I would struggle with it, but it was pretty good.
Like his other work Hamilton does an excellent job of painting interesting characters that you care about - I feel this is one of his main strengths, and it comes through strongly here.
The single star I've taken off is that the overall story isn't quite as gripping as the Pandora's Star one, and therefore the book doesn't quite grab you in the same way. however, this being a trilogy, it may well develop more in the later books.
In summary, an excellent read. If you enjoyed the Pandora's Star saga, you will definitely enjoy this. If you haven't read the Pandora's Star books, go and read them first!
A personal void, 13 Nov 2008
I read about 20 pages then skipped to 50 and then gave up. This type of sci-fi epic is not for me...or perhaps it is because I very much like Iain Banks but this one left me cold.
I think it was the relentless gadget name-dropping that did it eg x took the anti-grav hopper to the sun-port, not forgetting his zero-g hank'..shut up shut up..arrrghhh
the thought of 500+ pages of this made me put it swiftly aside.
Hamilton back to his best!, 05 Nov 2008
There's already too many large reviews regarding this book, so I'm only going to say that this book is "Hamilton back to his best"! Easily on a par with the Nights Dawn trilogy - I might even buy the Temporal Void hard-cover version as I can't wait for the paperback!!
Great start to a new trilogy, 04 Oct 2008
This is a really good first book in the new series. Its good to have some continuity from the previous trilogy as those that read the Commonwealth trilogy can immediately relate. At the same time thigs are different enought to allow new avenues to be explored. Wheras the first book in some of Peter Hamilton's series can be a bit slow, this one gets of to a flying start and keeps you interested all of the way.
A very good read - can't wait until the next two are available in paperback.
Great fun, gripping read, can't wait for the next one!, 26 Sep 2008
Surprised by the number of low ratings the book has received.
Yes the book is telling two stories, one low tech tale of child-to adult 'fantasy' genre type and another a high tech futuristic mystery thriller.
The tales are intertwined and both are exciting. Can't wait for the next book, already on order!
Fantastic start to an epic series, 23 Nov 2008
I am so jealous of anyone who still has all these Robin Hobb books to start. It is an epic journey which is beautifully crafted. Great characters and storyline. One of the best things about Robin Hobb's books is she takes the time to finish the story as well as she writes the rest of it and you feel you have been on a journey and weren't robbed at the end. Read them!
90% feelings-10% action, 15 Nov 2008
Having read so many positive reviews I bought the 3 books.....what a shame ! The idea for the books a fine, but Ms Hobb puts feeeeelings in everywhere...the plot becomes tidious and nothing is happening without describing more feelings...in the end I "speed read" - one page in every 30 and at last, towards the end, hoped some action without feeling and some explanation to the plot story was given...I was wrong.
So I don't get the hype about this series. Nothing close to just one page of Tolkien.
On the other hand. If you like caracters that expresses feelings all the time, do not fight (very short and none-gory fights here in the books)and just can't get their act together - this series is for you.
Refreshing, original fantasy, 17 Sep 2008
I found Assasssins Apprentice, and the rest of the trilogy, a very refreshing read. The pace does begin a little slow and at times I felt Robin Hobbs did not have to go to the extremes she did to portray Fitz's utter loneliness, however after about chapter six I found the pace picked up and I was hooked into the book.
This is not a typical 'epic quest' based fantasy tale, Hobb does a great job of avoiding most of the cliches and stereotypes rife in the fantasy genre, although admittedly the antagonist can be a little flat at times in the typical 'bad guy' way. However, overall I think this book is worth reading just for Hobbs' skill in creating deep, dynamic characters that grow with the story. I felt a little distant from most of the characters in the book at first, I think this is a clever reflection on the state of mind of young Fitz in his loneliness, however by the second book I had grown to love them - the characters are all so rounded and realistic, with their own histories, opinions and faults.
Hobbs' use of language also impressed me, she has a lovely style of writing that is very descriptive without being over-indulgent, giving the story an overall feel of 'realness' that sucks the reader into the world of Buckkeep and the Six Duchies.
A brilliant read., 06 Sep 2008
I am not the biggest fan of reading and don't read particularly often but I loved this book It did have quite a slow start but once it had started it was brilliant I couldn't put it down.
Don't think about buying it just BUY IT!
Atmosphere, Character, 13 Jun 2008
The words in the subject seem to be Hobb's forte. She is unrivalled in the fantasy genre for both. She creates a completely believable quasi mediaeval world without resorting to mind numbing realism or conceited grittiness, and also manages to include enough beauty and magic for it to be intriguing to jaded Fantasy readers. The magic system could have been cliched - it is not. There are real costs and dilemmas attached to the two magics in the book. You will not find fireballs or lightning bolts here.
It is a dark tale with troughs of despair and strife warring against the brief peaks of happiness that the protagonist is allowed.
The events and situations we find in the book are both logical and poignant due to the expertly painted characters - if Fitz, the Assassin's Apprentice of the title, is in a dangerous situation, it really matters because Hobb has made the character matter to us. The same goes for secondary characters: even minor characters are written with a style and care that most novelists would not consider. This is not to say that one will find lengthy passages about the workday of a cook that Fitz happens to see occasionally, no, Hobb can delineate and sculpt an impression of a character with a few well chosen lines, lines that can linger long in the memory.
I have not mentioned the plot. This is not a summary, but an explanation of the 5 stars at the top of this review.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
Excellent, worth reading the first book to get to this one, 06 Jan 2009
Great story, highly engaging. I struggled with The Dreaming Void a little as I was in the wrong mindset - I wanted to see what had become of the Commonwealth characters, not this backward Edeard. It was a slow book until the final chapters...
Not so with this one. Edeard's development and a couple of plot twists in the Commonwealth make for a real page-turner.
I have been reading mostly Banks, Reynolds and Hamilton sci-fi in the last few years and its easy to become spoiled... It's only when you go back to reading the truly derivative space opera like the Saga of Seven Suns or The Dread Empire trilogy that you realise what masters the aforementioned gentlemen are.
Let's just hope that Mr Hamilton can resist his trademark deus ex machina ending for what is becoming a thrilling trilogy. I wait with baited breath for the next chapter! Very, very powerful story..., 05 Jan 2009
This second part of the Void trilogy glides perfectly on from the first. The skill involved in melding sf with fantasy on this hugely expectant level is very brave, but crikey, it's simply, uniquely, fantastic.
Peter keeps the sex to a young adult level in this series, which should make it universally appealing for those 'shyer types'...
I am busting my chops waiting for the final instalment of this deeply moving tale.
Grant
Absolutely brilliant, 16 Nov 2008
I just finished reading the Temporal Void last night, and I would implore anyone who has a mind for imaginative sprawling space operas to buy this book. It is a wonderful addition to Hamilton's established Commonwealth series, beginning chronologically with Pandoras Star and Judas Unchained (known collectively as the Commonwealth saga), and the Void trilogy, of which the Temporal Void is number 2.
The plot picks up directly after the end of Dreaming Void, with Justine escaping Centurion Station, immediately after the Void encroachment is triggered by the Second Dreamer's rejection of the Void entity known as a Skylord. Aaron, the ANA agent, is on Hanko with Inigo and his estranged wife Corrie Lyn, trying to escape before the world implodes from an m-sink which was driven into the planet. The threat of the Ocisen fleet is a constant danger, with a few nostalgic twists that I couldn't help but smile at, in particular the Ocisens very formidable ally, unknown as yet to the Navy. If you've read the Commonwealth saga, you will know what I mean. The book basically kicks off with most of the characters trying to escape certain death, (or capture, in Araminta's case).
There is also another vital aspect of the book which I find very engaging. The story of Edeard the Waterwalker is one of the best concepts I've seen in large scale sci fi such as is fitting to Hamilton's writing style. If you were to take out all the segments entitled "Inigo's Dream", from the first 2 books so far, you would have a thoroughly engaging stand alone fantasy novel. But the way it ties in with the rest of the storyline is a winner, expertly switching from the events in our Universe, and that of the Void.
The closing chapters supplied me with many memorable (and emotional) moments. Edeard's plight as he consolidates Makkrathan and drives out the gangs, amounts to a series of wonderfully fashioned events which I found immensely gripping, paying homage to Hamiliton's development of his characters within the Void.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this book, whether you've read Hamilton's books or not (though is you haven't you're going to be very confused). I will let something slip though, which I cannot contain, but it sets up the final installment nicely. If you don't want to know finish reading here. To be honest it was inevitable, but if you're wondering where the hell Ozzie's been all this time, you're guaranteed to pay him a visit in the 3rd book.
Congratulations Peter Hamilton. I cannot wait until the final book.
Adam
Glorious Convolution, 12 Nov 2008
While I agree with one reviewer about the usefulness of a summary of Part I, I also think that you just have to sink yourself into Hamilton's marvellous universe (or universa?) to fully appreciate the wild and convoluted rollercoaster you're about to undergo.
Plus that I think Hamilton is one of the very few to have created a consistent universe, including delightfully contradictions. I'm wondering why others in this region (Iain Banks, Terry Pratchett, Alastair Reynolds, to mention just a few) are all British writers. Mmm... something to do with Empire-building... ;-)
In the meantime, enjoy Hamilton. And now we have to wait about 1 1/2 year for the conclusion... Magic Realism, 10 Nov 2008
Just superb fiction, up Hamilton's best standard. I just wonder however if some of the other reviewers have got it right describing Edeard's adventures in Makkathran as fantasy. I found that part of the work best savoured rather than rushed as it reminded me of the Magic Realism style (Gabriel Garcia Marquez et al. ) which I think would elevate the work to literary fiction rather than Science Fiction.
Excellent read, but not as involving as Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained, 05 Jan 2009
I picked this book up after rattling through the Pandora's Star/Judas unchained series, which I loved.
This book is written in a very similar manner, and is similarly entertaining.
There are 2 differing strand styles, one being high tech, set in the commonwealth 1500 years after the events of the books mentioned above. The other strand is more fantasy style, which I actually really enjoyed - when I hit the first chapter like this, I thought I would struggle with it, but it was pretty good.
Like his other work Hamilton does an excellent job of painting interesting characters that you care about - I feel this is one of his main strengths, and it comes through strongly here.
The single star I've taken off is that the overall story isn't quite as gripping as the Pandora's Star one, and therefore the book doesn't quite grab you in the same way. however, this being a trilogy, it may well develop more in the later books.
In summary, an excellent read. If you enjoyed the Pandora's Star saga, you will definitely enjoy this. If you haven't read the Pandora's Star books, go and read them first! A personal void, 13 Nov 2008
I read about 20 pages then skipped to 50 and then gave up. This type of sci-fi epic is not for me...or perhaps it is because I very much like Iain Banks but this one left me cold.
I think it was the relentless gadget name-dropping that did it eg x took the anti-grav hopper to the sun-port, not forgetting his zero-g hank'..shut up shut up..arrrghhh
the thought of 500+ pages of this made me put it swiftly aside. Hamilton back to his best!, 05 Nov 2008
There's already too many large reviews regarding this book, so I'm only going to say that this book is "Hamilton back to his best"! Easily on a par with the Nights Dawn trilogy - I might even buy the Temporal Void hard-cover version as I can't wait for the paperback!! Great start to a new trilogy, 04 Oct 2008
This is a really good first book in the new series. Its good to have some continuity from the previous trilogy as those that read the Commonwealth trilogy can immediately relate. At the same time thigs are different enought to allow new avenues to be explored. Wheras the first book in some of Peter Hamilton's series can be a bit slow, this one gets of to a flying start and keeps you interested all of the way.
A very good read - can't wait until the next two are available in paperback. Great fun, gripping read, can't wait for the next one!, 26 Sep 2008
Surprised by the number of low ratings the book has received.
Yes the book is telling two stories, one low tech tale of child-to adult 'fantasy' genre type and another a high tech futuristic mystery thriller.
The tales are intertwined and both are exciting. Can't wait for the next book, already on order! Fantastic start to an epic series, 23 Nov 2008
I am so jealous of anyone who still has all these Robin Hobb books to start. It is an epic journey which is beautifully crafted. Great characters and storyline. One of the best things about Robin Hobb's books is she takes the time to finish the story as well as she writes the rest of it and you feel you have been on a journey and weren't robbed at the end. Read them! 90% feelings-10% action, 15 Nov 2008
Having read so many positive reviews I bought the 3 books.....what a shame ! The idea for the books a fine, but Ms Hobb puts feeeeelings in everywhere...the plot becomes tidious and nothing is happening without describing more feelings...in the end I "speed read" - one page in every 30 and at last, towards the end, hoped some action without feeling and some explanation to the plot story was given...I was wrong.
So I don't get the hype about this series. Nothing close to just one page of Tolkien.
On the other hand. If you like caracters that expresses feelings all the time, do not fight (very short and none-gory fights here in the books)and just can't get their act together - this series is for you. Refreshing, original fantasy, 17 Sep 2008
I found Assasssins Apprentice, and the rest of the trilogy, a very refreshing read. The pace does begin a little slow and at times I felt Robin Hobbs did not have to go to the extremes she did to portray Fitz's utter loneliness, however after about chapter six I found the pace picked up and I was hooked into the book.
This is not a typical 'epic quest' based fantasy tale, Hobb does a great job of avoiding most of the cliches and stereotypes rife in the fantasy genre, although admittedly the antagonist can be a little flat at times in the typical 'bad guy' way. However, overall I think this book is worth reading just for Hobbs' skill in creating deep, dynamic characters that grow with the story. I felt a little distant from most of the characters in the book at first, I think this is a clever reflection on the state of mind of young Fitz in his loneliness, however by the second book I had grown to love them - the characters are all so rounded and realistic, with their own histories, opinions and faults.
Hobbs' use of language also impressed me, she has a lovely style of writing that is very descriptive without being over-indulgent, giving the story an overall feel of 'realness' that sucks the reader into the world of Buckkeep and the Six Duchies. A brilliant read., 06 Sep 2008
I am not the biggest fan of reading and don't read particularly often but I loved this book It did have quite a slow start but once it had started it was brilliant I couldn't put it down.
Don't think about buying it just BUY IT!
Atmosphere, Character, 13 Jun 2008
The words in the subject seem to be Hobb's forte. She is unrivalled in the fantasy genre for both. She creates a completely believable quasi mediaeval world without resorting to mind numbing realism or conceited grittiness, and also manages to include enough beauty and magic for it to be intriguing to jaded Fantasy readers. The magic system could have been cliched - it is not. There are real costs and dilemmas attached to the two magics in the book. You will not find fireballs or lightning bolts here.
It is a dark tale with troughs of despair and strife warring against the brief peaks of happiness that the protagonist is allowed.
The events and situations we find in the book are both logical and poignant due to the expertly painted characters - if Fitz, the Assassin's Apprentice of the title, is in a dangerous situation, it really matters because Hobb has made the character matter to us. The same goes for secondary characters: even minor characters are written with a style and care that most novelists would not consider. This is not to say that one will find lengthy passages about the workday of a cook that Fitz happens to see occasionally, no, Hobb can delineate and sculpt an impression of a character with a few well chosen lines, lines that can linger long in the memory.
I have not mentioned the plot. This is not a summary, but an explanation of the 5 stars at the top of this review. Brilliant, 11 Nov 2008
All I'll say is that this series is a must read. The character development is brilliant and complex, so much so that even 'bit-part' characters have hugely complex personalities. There are ideas that may be difficult to grasp, but I found Hobb's writing style was easy to read, and very pleasing on the imagination. poor read, 26 Oct 2008
The author tried to pack as many idea into three books as possible without bothering if any of it makes any sense. The overall plot would have neatly fitted into one book and in all fairness: the first book had it's flaws but was a very good read.
So take my advice: Enjoy the first book and skip the other two: All will be well in the end.
If the author had provided her protagonist with any common sense or wit one book would have been enough to tell the story. As it is the "hero" stumbles from one mishap into another, is almost killed 100 odd times only to escape miraculously and run into the next trap. To be very honest: other than the first 30 pages I have not read the 2nd and 3rd book of the series but had the essence told by my wife who is a more enduring and forgiving reader. But she confirmed the books are a load of rubbish.
It the book Fitz, read it, 05 Jul 2007
The Farseer Trilogy has so far proved that Robin Hobb is a writer who knows what her readers want ... and delivers! The storyline, characters and intrigue develop and just leave you wanting more. I can't wait to read book 3!! The best book of the series, 10 Jul 2006
This is a great book where Fitz (the hero of the series) becomes a man. After surviving the trouble of childhod in the royal court, Fitz starts to take shape as one of the most charismatic characters in modern fantasy fiction. The rudderless child of the previous book becomes a princeling and the pride you feel for him is a testament to the authors skill in storytelling.
Robin Hobb has a knack of treating her characters that makes you burn with the injustice that life has thrown at them; from the larger issues to the petty everyday tormenting of those in power against the powerless while still giving them the nobility to bear this treatment without resorting to cheap literary tricks.
The only downside is that the bad/evil characters never get the same emotional rounding given to the good characters, so they all end up sounding and feeling like pantomime villans. The trials and tribulations of the Fitz, 21 Aug 2005
Book 2 of the Farseer trilogy continues Fitz's life of trouble and strife, pain and suffering, torment and injustice. It's a great tribute to Robin Hobb's writing and story telling skills that she can make you want to read a tale that's so full of loss and misery. The trick is that her characters are alive, with depth of personality. The villains are irredeemably wicked so that the reader is frustrated with impotence at not being able to get in there and sort them out, give them what they deserve. But the heroes are far from perfect: they have foibles and faults that we can all relate to and forgive, their intentions are good but they make mistakes, misunderstand situations, get their priorities wrong, go off on ego trips - just as most of us would in their situation. Their mistakes often have dire consequences and they have to pay dearly when that happens. Fitz is young and impulsive and he sometimes rails against the constraints his elders place upon him. His rebellious spirit makes it difficult for his mentors and allies to plot a straight course through the political mire. Where there was a single path that led to possible disaster, there are now multiple possibilities. As The Fool foresaw, Fitz generates alternatives. The characters in this trilogy have invaded my sleep, in more ways than one. The books keep me awake far into the early hours, reading when I should be sleeping and then, when I do eventually turn out the light, the world of the Farseers sidles into my dreams. Stories don't get much more real and powerful than that. I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys fantasy - but with one proviso: don't expect a happy ending.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
Excellent, worth reading the first book to get to this one, 06 Jan 2009
Great story, highly engaging. I struggled with The Dreaming Void a little as I was in the wrong mindset - I wanted to see what had become of the Commonwealth characters, not this backward Edeard. It was a slow book until the final chapters...
Not so with this one. Edeard's development and a couple of plot twists in the Commonwealth make for a real page-turner.
I have been reading mostly Banks, Reynolds and Hamilton sci-fi in the last few years and its easy to become spoiled... It's only when you go back to reading the truly derivative space opera like the Saga of Seven Suns or The Dread Empire trilogy that you realise what masters the aforementioned gentlemen are.
Let's just hope that Mr Hamilton can resist his trademark deus ex machina ending for what is becoming a thrilling trilogy. I wait with baited breath for the next chapter! Very, very powerful story..., 05 Jan 2009
This second part of the Void trilogy glides perfectly on from the first. The skill involved in melding sf with fantasy on this hugely expectant level is very brave, but crikey, it's simply, uniquely, fantastic.
Peter keeps the sex to a young adult level in this series, which should make it universally appealing for those 'shyer types'...
I am busting my chops waiting for the final instalment of this deeply moving tale.
Grant
Absolutely brilliant, 16 Nov 2008
I just finished reading the Temporal Void last night, and I would implore anyone who has a mind for imaginative sprawling space operas to buy this book. It is a wonderful addition to Hamilton's established Commonwealth series, beginning chronologically with Pandoras Star and Judas Unchained (known collectively as the Commonwealth saga), and the Void trilogy, of which the Temporal Void is number 2.
The plot picks up directly after the end of Dreaming Void, with Justine escaping Centurion Station, immediately after the Void encroachment is triggered by the Second Dreamer's rejection of the Void entity known as a Skylord. Aaron, the ANA agent, is on Hanko with Inigo and his estranged wife Corrie Lyn, trying to escape before the world implodes from an m-sink which was driven into the planet. The threat of the Ocisen fleet is a constant danger, with a few nostalgic twists that I couldn't help but smile at, in particular the Ocisens very formidable ally, unknown as yet to the Navy. If you've read the Commonwealth saga, you will know what I mean. The book basically kicks off with most of the characters trying to escape certain death, (or capture, in Araminta's case).
There is also another vital aspect of the book which I find very engaging. The story of Edeard the Waterwalker is one of the best concepts I've seen in large scale sci fi such as is fitting to Hamilton's writing style. If you were to take out all the segments entitled "Inigo's Dream", from the first 2 books so far, you would have a thoroughly engaging stand alone fantasy novel. But the way it ties in with the rest of the storyline is a winner, expertly switching from the events in our Universe, and that of the Void.
The closing chapters supplied me with many memorable (and emotional) moments. Edeard's plight as he consolidates Makkrathan and drives out the gangs, amounts to a series of wonderfully fashioned events which I found immensely gripping, paying homage to Hamiliton's development of his characters within the Void.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this book, whether you've read Hamilton's books or not (though is you haven't you're going to be very confused). I will let something slip though, which I cannot contain, but it sets up the final installment nicely. If you don't want to know finish reading here. To be honest it was inevitable, but if you're wondering where the hell Ozzie's been all this time, you're guaranteed to pay him a visit in the 3rd book.
Congratulations Peter Hamilton. I cannot wait until the final book.
Adam
Glorious Convolution, 12 Nov 2008
While I agree with one reviewer about the usefulness of a summary of Part I, I also think that you just have to sink yourself into Hamilton's marvellous universe (or universa?) to fully appreciate the wild and convoluted rollercoaster you're about to undergo.
Plus that I think Hamilton is one of the very few to have created a consistent universe, including delightfully contradictions. I'm wondering why others in this region (Iain Banks, Terry Pratchett, Alastair Reynolds, to mention just a few) are all British writers. Mmm... something to do with Empire-building... ;-)
In the meantime, enjoy Hamilton. And now we have to wait about 1 1/2 year for the conclusion... Magic Realism, 10 Nov 2008
Just superb fiction, up Hamilton's best standard. I just wonder however if some of the other reviewers have got it right describing Edeard's adventures in Makkathran as fantasy. I found that part of the work best savoured rather than rushed as it reminded me of the Magic Realism style (Gabriel Garcia Marquez et al. ) which I think would elevate the work to literary fiction rather than Science Fiction.
Excellent read, but not as involving as Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained, 05 Jan 2009
I picked this book up after rattling through the Pandora's Star/Judas unchained series, which I loved.
This book is written in a very similar manner, and is similarly entertaining.
There are 2 differing strand styles, one being high tech, set in the commonwealth 1500 years after the events of the books mentioned above. The other strand is more fantasy style, which I actually really enjoyed - when I hit the first chapter like this, I thought I would struggle with it, but it was pretty good.
Like his other work Hamilton does an excellent job of painting interesting characters that you care about - I feel this is one of his main strengths, and it comes through strongly here.
The single star I've taken off is that the overall story isn't quite as gripping as the Pandora's Star one, and therefore the book doesn't quite grab you in the same way. however, this being a trilogy, it may well develop more in the later books.
In summary, an excellent read. If you enjoyed the Pandora's Star saga, you will definitely enjoy this. If you haven't read the Pandora's Star books, go and read them first! A personal void, 13 Nov 2008
I read about 20 pages then skipped to 50 and then gave up. This type of sci-fi epic is not for me...or perhaps it is because I very much like Iain Banks but this one left me cold.
I think it was the relentless gadget name-dropping that did it eg x took the anti-grav hopper to the sun-port, not forgetting his zero-g hank'..shut up shut up..arrrghhh
the thought of 500+ pages of this made me put it swiftly aside. Hamilton back to his best!, 05 Nov 2008
There's already too many large reviews regarding this book, so I'm only going to say that this book is "Hamilton back to his best"! Easily on a par with the Nights Dawn trilogy - I might even buy the Temporal Void hard-cover version as I can't wait for the paperback!! Great start to a new trilogy, 04 Oct 2008
This is a really good first book in the new series. Its good to have some continuity from the previous trilogy as those that read the Commonwealth trilogy can immediately relate. At the same time thigs are different enought to allow new avenues to be explored. Wheras the first book in some of Peter Hamilton's series can be a bit slow, this one gets of to a flying start and keeps you interested all of the way.
A very good read - can't wait until the next two are available in paperback. Great fun, gripping read, can't wait for the next one!, 26 Sep 2008
Surprised by the number of low ratings the book has received.
Yes the book is telling two stories, one low tech tale of child-to adult 'fantasy' genre type and another a high tech futuristic mystery thriller.
The tales are intertwined and both are exciting. Can't wait for the next book, already on order! Fantastic start to an epic series, 23 Nov 2008
I am so jealous of anyone who still has all these Robin Hobb books to start. It is an epic journey which is beautifully crafted. Great characters and storyline. One of the best things about Robin Hobb's books is she takes the time to finish the story as well as she writes the rest of it and you feel you have been on a journey and weren't robbed at the end. Read them! 90% feelings-10% action, 15 Nov 2008
Having read so many positive reviews I bought the 3 books.....what a shame ! The idea for the books a fine, but Ms Hobb puts feeeeelings in everywhere...the plot becomes tidious and nothing is happening without describing more feelings...in the end I "speed read" - one page in every 30 and at last, towards the end, hoped some action without feeling and some explanation to the plot story was given...I was wrong.
So I don't get the hype about this series. Nothing close to just one page of Tolkien.
On the other hand. If you like caracters that expresses feelings all the time, do not fight (very short and none-gory fights here in the books)and just can't get their act together - this series is for you. Refreshing, original fantasy, 17 Sep 2008
I found Assasssins Apprentice, and the rest of the trilogy, a very refreshing read. The pace does begin a little slow and at times I felt Robin Hobbs did not have to go to the extremes she did to portray Fitz's utter loneliness, however after about chapter six I found the pace picked up and I was hooked into the book.
This is not a typical 'epic quest' based fantasy tale, Hobb does a great job of avoiding most of the cliches and stereotypes rife in the fantasy genre, although admittedly the antagonist can be a little flat at times in the typical 'bad guy' way. However, overall I think this book is worth reading just for Hobbs' skill in creating deep, dynamic characters that grow with the story. I felt a little distant from most of the characters in the book at first, I think this is a clever reflection on the state of mind of young Fitz in his loneliness, however by the second book I had grown to love them - the characters are all so rounded and realistic, with their own histories, opinions and faults.
Hobbs' use of language also impressed me, she has a lovely style of writing that is very descriptive without being over-indulgent, giving the story an overall feel of 'realness' that sucks the reader into the world of Buckkeep and the Six Duchies. A brilliant read., 06 Sep 2008
I am not the biggest fan of reading and don't read particularly often but I loved this book It did have quite a slow start but once it had started it was brilliant I couldn't put it down.
Don't think about buying it just BUY IT!
Atmosphere, Character, 13 Jun 2008
The words in the subject seem to be Hobb's forte. She is unrivalled in the fantasy genre for both. She creates a completely believable quasi mediaeval world without resorting to mind numbing realism or conceited grittiness, and also manages to include enough beauty and magic for it to be intriguing to jaded Fantasy readers. The magic system could have been cliched - it is not. There are real costs and dilemmas attached to the two magics in the book. You will not find fireballs or lightning bolts here.
It is a dark tale with troughs of despair and strife warring against the brief peaks of happiness that the protagonist is allowed.
The events and situations we find in the book are both logical and poignant due to the expertly painted characters - if Fitz, the Assassin's Apprentice of the title, is in a dangerous situation, it really matters because Hobb has made the character matter to us. The same goes for secondary characters: even minor characters are written with a style and care that most novelists would not consider. This is not to say that one will find lengthy passages about the workday of a cook that Fitz happens to see occasionally, no, Hobb can delineate and sculpt an impression of a character with a few well chosen lines, lines that can linger long in the memory.
I have not mentioned the plot. This is not a summary, but an explanation of the 5 stars at the top of this review. Brilliant, 11 Nov 2008
All I'll say is that this series is a must read. The character development is brilliant and complex, so much so that even 'bit-part' characters have hugely complex personalities. There are ideas that may be difficult to grasp, but I found Hobb's writing style was easy to read, and very pleasing on the imagination. poor read, 26 Oct 2008
The author tried to pack as many idea into three books as possible without bothering if any of it makes any sense. The overall plot would have neatly fitted into one book and in all fairness: the first book had it's flaws but was a very good read.
So take my advice: Enjoy the first book and skip the other two: All will be well in the end.
If the author had provided her protagonist with any common sense or wit one book would have been enough to tell the story. As it is the "hero" stumbles from one mishap into another, is almost killed 100 odd times only to escape miraculously and run into the next trap. To be very honest: other than the first 30 pages I have not read the 2nd and 3rd book of the series but had the essence told by my wife who is a more enduring and forgiving reader. But she confirmed the books are a load of rubbish.
It the book Fitz, read it, 05 Jul 2007
The Farseer Trilogy has so far proved that Robin Hobb is a writer who knows what her readers want ... and delivers! The storyline, characters and intrigue develop and just leave you wanting more. I can't wait to read book 3!! The best book of the series, 10 Jul 2006
This is a great book where Fitz (the hero of the series) becomes a man. After surviving the trouble of childhod in the royal court, Fitz starts to take shape as one of the most charismatic characters in modern fantasy fiction. The rudderless child of the previous book becomes a princeling and the pride you feel for him is a testament to the authors skill in storytelling.
Robin Hobb has a knack of treating her characters that makes you burn with the injustice that life has thrown at them; from the larger issues to the petty everyday tormenting of those in power against the powerless while still giving them the nobility to bear this treatment without resorting to cheap literary tricks.
The only downside is that the bad/evil characters never get the same emotional rounding given to the good characters, so they all end up sounding and feeling like pantomime villans. The trials and tribulations of the Fitz, 21 Aug 2005
Book 2 of the Farseer trilogy continues Fitz's life of trouble and strife, pain and suffering, torment and injustice. It's a great tribute to Robin Hobb's writing and story telling skills that she can make you want to read a tale that's so full of loss and misery. The trick is that her characters are alive, with depth of personality. The villains are irredeemably wicked so that the reader is frustrated with impotence at not being able to get in there and sort them out, give them what they deserve. But the heroes are far from perfect: they have foibles and faults that we can all relate to and forgive, their intentions are good but they make mistakes, misunderstand situations, get their priorities wrong, go off on ego trips - just as most of us would in their situation. Their mistakes often have dire consequences and they have to pay dearly when that happens. Fitz is young and impulsive and he sometimes rails against the constraints his elders place upon him. His rebellious spirit makes it difficult for his mentors and allies to plot a straight course through the political mire. Where there was a single path that led to possible disaster, there are now multiple possibilities. As The Fool foresaw, Fitz generates alternatives. The characters in this trilogy have invaded my sleep, in more ways than one. The books keep me awake far into the early hours, reading when I should be sleeping and then, when I do eventually turn out the light, the world of the Farseers sidles into my dreams. Stories don't get much more real and powerful than that. I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys fantasy - but with one proviso: don't expect a happy ending.
Never ending, 30 Dec 2008
It's one of the worst book I ever read.
Too many boring details, never ending descriptions.
It seems as if the author was going to be paid on the number of written pages.
The first book is really good, the second is ok, this one is ... just disappointing.
a let down, 04 Sep 2008
The first two books in the series were well written, I got a feeling, however, that they were leading up to something really good. Fitz never really fully learned to skill properly and the limits of this gift were neer truly explored by the books. The final installment of the triology Assassins Quest had a good start to the journey, followed by what seems like too much pointless detail into the travelling, then followed by the worst ending I've seen in a trilogy. The ending is, in my opinion, the best bit in all books, but after I had finished the book, I wish I hadn't even started the trilogy. Much disappointment :-(
Trudi Canavans Black Magician trilogy was much better!!!
Die horribly for turning Fitz into a little girl., 02 Aug 2008
I was amazed with Assassins Apprentice and loved Royal Assassin, but this was an atrocious way to end what could have been one of the greatest fantasy epics ever conceived. Yeah, she can write, there is no doubt about that, but the direction that she took Fitz in mentally is of a whining self pitying little girl. And he was anything but that in the previous two books. An absolute shame, and everything she's written since is pretty bland too.
Poor ending, 26 Jun 2008
Loved the first two. Deliberately saved the final book for my two-week holiday to Canada. Great start but it is as others have said: a rushed and poorly thought out ending. I could not believe what I was reading. She set the bar high but let the side down with a real shoddy finale.
Brilliant, 03 May 2008
It is without doubt a fantastic story; fast paced and enthralling. I would highly recommend it. Mind you the trilogy has stolen the last three days of my life- i've been unable to put it down!
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
Excellent, worth reading the first book to get to this one, 06 Jan 2009
Great story, highly engaging. I struggled with The Dreaming Void a little as I was in the wrong mindset - I wanted to see what had become of the Commonwealth characters, not this backward Edeard. It was a slow book until the final chapters...
Not so with this one. Edeard's development and a couple of plot twists in the Commonwealth make for a real page-turner.
I have been reading mostly Banks, Reynolds and Hamilton sci-fi in the last few years and its easy to become spoiled... It's only when you go back to reading the truly derivative space opera like the Saga of Seven Suns or The Dread Empire trilogy that you realise what masters the aforementioned gentlemen are.
Let's just hope that Mr Hamilton can resist his trademark deus ex machina ending for what is becoming a thrilling trilogy. I wait with baited breath for the next chapter! Very, very powerful story..., 05 Jan 2009
This second part of the Void trilogy glides perfectly on from the first. The skill involved in melding sf with fantasy on this hugely expectant level is very brave, but crikey, it's simply, uniquely, fantastic.
Peter keeps the sex to a young adult level in this series, which should make it universally appealing for those 'shyer types'...
I am busting my chops waiting for the final instalment of this deeply moving tale.
Grant
Absolutely brilliant, 16 Nov 2008
I just finished reading the Temporal Void last night, and I would implore anyone who has a mind for imaginative sprawling space operas to buy this book. It is a wonderful addition to Hamilton's established Commonwealth series, beginning chronologically with Pandoras Star and Judas Unchained (known collectively as the Commonwealth saga), and the Void trilogy, of which the Temporal Void is number 2.
The plot picks up directly after the end of Dreaming Void, with Justine escaping Centurion Station, immediately after the Void encroachment is triggered by the Second Dreamer's rejection of the Void entity known as a Skylord. Aaron, the ANA agent, is on Hanko with Inigo and his estranged wife Corrie Lyn, trying to escape before the world implodes from an m-sink which was driven into the planet. The threat of the Ocisen fleet is a constant danger, with a few nostalgic twists that I couldn't help but smile at, in particular the Ocisens very formidable ally, unknown as yet to the Navy. If you've read the Commonwealth saga, you will know what I mean. The book basically kicks off with most of the characters trying to escape certain death, (or capture, in Araminta's case).
There is also another vital aspect of the book which I find very engaging. The story of Edeard the Waterwalker is one of the best concepts I've seen in large scale sci fi such as is fitting to Hamilton's writing style. If you were to take out all the segments entitled "Inigo's Dream", from the first 2 books so far, you would have a thoroughly engaging stand alone fantasy novel. But the way it ties in with the rest of the storyline is a winner, expertly switching from the events in our Universe, and that of the Void.
The closing chapters supplied me with many memorable (and emotional) moments. Edeard's plight as he consolidates Makkrathan and drives out the gangs, amounts to a series of wonderfully fashioned events which I found immensely gripping, paying homage to Hamiliton's development of his characters within the Void.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this book, whether you've read Hamilton's books or not (though is you haven't you're going to be very confused). I will let something slip though, which I cannot contain, but it sets up the final installment nicely. If you don't want to know finish reading here. To be honest it was inevitable, but if you're wondering where the hell Ozzie's been all this time, you're guaranteed to pay him a visit in the 3rd book.
Congratulations Peter Hamilton. I cannot wait until the final book.
Adam
Glorious Convolution, 12 Nov 2008
While I agree with one reviewer about the usefulness of a summary of Part I, I also think that you just have to sink yourself into Hamilton's marvellous universe (or universa?) to fully appreciate the wild and convoluted rollercoaster you're about to undergo.
Plus that I think Hamilton is one of the very few to have created a consistent universe, including delightfully contradictions. I'm wondering why others in this region (Iain Banks, Terry Pratchett, Alastair Reynolds, to mention just a few) are all British writers. Mmm... something to do with Empire-building... ;-)
In the meantime, enjoy Hamilton. And now we have to wait about 1 1/2 year for the conclusion... Magic Realism, 10 Nov 2008
Just superb fiction, up Hamilton's best standard. I just wonder however if some of the other reviewers have got it right describing Edeard's adventures in Makkathran as fantasy. I found that part of the work best savoured rather than rushed as it reminded me of the Magic Realism style (Gabriel Garcia Marquez et al. ) which I think would elevate the work to literary fiction rather than Science Fiction.
Excellent read, but not as involving as Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained, 05 Jan 2009
I picked this book up after rattling through the Pandora's Star/Judas unchained series, which I loved.
This book is written in a very similar manner, and is similarly entertaining.
There are 2 differing strand styles, one being high tech, set in the commonwealth 1500 years after the events of the books mentioned above. The other strand is more fantasy style, which I actually really enjoyed - when I hit the first chapter like this, I thought I would struggle with it, but it was pretty good.
Like his other work Hamilton does an excellent job of painting interesting characters that you care about - I feel this is one of his main strengths, and it comes through strongly here.
The single star I've taken off is that the overall story isn't quite as gripping as the Pandora's Star one, and therefore the book doesn't quite grab you in the same way. however, this being a trilogy, it may well develop more in the later books.
In summary, an excellent read. If you enjoyed the Pandora's Star saga, you will definitely enjoy this. If you haven't read the Pandora's Star books, go and read them first! A personal void, 13 Nov 2008
I read about 20 pages then skipped to 50 and then gave up. This type of sci-fi epic is not for me...or perhaps it is because I very much like Iain Banks but this one left me cold.
I think it was the relentless gadget name-dropping that did it eg x took the anti-grav hopper to the sun-port, not forgetting his zero-g hank'..shut up shut up..arrrghhh
the thought of 500+ pages of this made me put it swiftly aside. Hamilton back to his best!, 05 Nov 2008
There's already too many large reviews regarding this book, so I'm only going to say that this book is "Hamilton back to his best"! Easily on a par with the Nights Dawn trilogy - I might even buy the Temporal Void hard-cover version as I can't wait for the paperback!! Great start to a new trilogy, 04 Oct 2008
This is a really good first book in the new series. Its good to have some continuity from the previous trilogy as those that read the Commonwealth trilogy can immediately relate. At the same time thigs are different enought to allow new avenues to be explored. Wheras the first book in some of Peter Hamilton's series can be a bit slow, this one gets of to a flying start and keeps you interested all of the way.
A very good read - can't wait until the next two are available in paperback. Great fun, gripping read, can't wait for the next one!, 26 Sep 2008
Surprised by the number of low ratings the book has received.
Yes the book is telling two stories, one low tech tale of child-to adult 'fantasy' genre type and another a high tech futuristic mystery thriller.
The tales are intertwined and both are exciting. Can't wait for the next book, already on order! Fantastic start to an epic series, 23 Nov 2008
I am so jealous of anyone who still has all these Robin Hobb books to start. It is an epic journey which is beautifully crafted. Great characters and storyline. One of the best things about Robin Hobb's books is she takes the time to finish the story as well as she writes the rest of it and you feel you have been on a journey and weren't robbed at the end. Read them! 90% feelings-10% action, 15 Nov 2008
Having read so many positive reviews I bought the 3 books.....what a shame ! The idea for the books a fine, but Ms Hobb puts feeeeelings in everywhere...the plot becomes tidious and nothing is happening without describing more feelings...in the end I "speed read" - one page in every 30 and at last, towards the end, hoped some action without feeling and some explanation to the plot story was given...I was wrong.
So I don't get the hype about this series. Nothing close to just one page of Tolkien.
On the other hand. If you like caracters that expresses feelings all the time, do not fight (very short and none-gory fights here in the books)and just can't get their act together - this series is for you. Refreshing, original fantasy, 17 Sep 2008
I found Assasssins Apprentice, and the rest of the trilogy, a very refreshing read. The pace does begin a little slow and at times I felt Robin Hobbs did not have to go to the extremes she did to portray Fitz's utter loneliness, however after about chapter six I found the pace picked up and I was hooked into the book.
This is not a typical 'epic quest' based fantasy tale, Hobb does a great job of avoiding most of the cliches and stereotypes rife in the fantasy genre, although admittedly the antagonist can be a little flat at times in the typical 'bad guy' way. However, overall I think this book is worth reading just for Hobbs' skill in creating deep, dynamic characters that grow with the story. I felt a little distant from most of the characters in the book at first, I think this is a clever reflection on the state of mind of young Fitz in his loneliness, however by the second book I had grown to love them - the characters are all so rounded and realistic, with their own histories, opinions and faults.
Hobbs' use of language also impressed me, she has a lovely style of writing that is very descriptive without being over-indulgent, giving the story an overall feel of 'realness' that sucks the reader into the world of Buckkeep and the Six Duchies. A brilliant read., 06 Sep 2008
I am not the biggest fan of reading and don't read particularly often but I loved this book It did have quite a slow start but once it had started it was brilliant I couldn't put it down.
Don't think about buying it just BUY IT!
Atmosphere, Character, 13 Jun 2008
The words in the subject seem to be Hobb's forte. She is unrivalled in the fantasy genre for both. She creates a completely believable quasi mediaeval world without resorting to mind numbing realism or conceited grittiness, and also manages to include enough beauty and magic for it to be intriguing to jaded Fantasy readers. The magic system could have been cliched - it is not. There are real costs and dilemmas attached to the two magics in the book. You will not find fireballs or lightning bolts here.
It is a dark tale with troughs of despair and strife warring against the brief peaks of happiness that the protagonist is allowed.
The events and situations we find in the book are both logical and poignant due to the expertly painted characters - if Fitz, the Assassin's Apprentice of the title, is in a dangerous situation, it really matters because Hobb has made the character matter to us. The same goes for secondary characters: even minor characters are written with a style and care that most novelists would not consider. This is not to say that one will find lengthy passages about the workday of a cook that Fitz happens to see occasionally, no, Hobb can delineate and sculpt an impression of a character with a few well chosen lines, lines that can linger long in the memory.
I have not mentioned the plot. This is not a summary, but an explanation of the 5 stars at the top of this review. Brilliant, 11 Nov 2008
All I'll say is that this series is a must read. The character development is brilliant and complex, so much so that even 'bit-part' characters have hugely complex personalities. There are ideas that may be difficult to grasp, but I found Hobb's writing style was easy to read, and very pleasing on the imagination. poor read, 26 Oct 2008
The author tried to pack as many idea into three books as possible without bothering if any of it makes any sense. The overall plot would have neatly fitted into one book and in all fairness: the first book had it's flaws but was a very good read.
So take my advice: Enjoy the first book and skip the other two: All will be well in the end.
If the author had provided her protagonist with any common sense or wit one book would have been enough to tell the story. As it is the "hero" stumbles from one mishap into another, is almost killed 100 odd times only to escape miraculously and run into the next trap. To be very honest: other than the first 30 pages I have not read the 2nd and 3rd book of the series but had the essence told by my wife who is a more enduring and forgiving reader. But she confirmed the books are a load of rubbish.
It the book Fitz, read it, 05 Jul 2007
The Farseer Trilogy has so far proved that Robin Hobb is a writer who knows what her readers want ... and delivers! The storyline, characters and intrigue develop and just leave you wanting more. I can't wait to read book 3!! The best book of the series, 10 Jul 2006
This is a great book where Fitz (the hero of the series) becomes a man. After surviving the trouble of childhod in the royal court, Fitz starts to take shape as one of the most charismatic characters in modern fantasy fiction. The rudderless child of the previous book becomes a princeling and the pride you feel for him is a testament to the authors skill in storytelling.
Robin Hobb has a knack of treating her characters that makes you burn with the injustice that life has thrown at them; from the larger issues to the petty everyday tormenting of those in power against the powerless while still giving them the nobility to bear this treatment without resorting to cheap literary tricks.
The only downside is that the bad/evil characters never get the same emotional rounding given to the good characters, so they all end up sounding and feeling like pantomime villans. The trials and tribulations of the Fitz, 21 Aug 2005
Book 2 of the Farseer trilogy continues Fitz's life of trouble and strife, pain and suffering, torment and injustice. It's a great tribute to Robin Hobb's writing and story telling skills that she can make you want to read a tale that's so full of loss and misery. The trick is that her characters are alive, with depth of personality. The villains are irredeemably wicked so that the reader is frustrated with impotence at not being able to get in there and sort them out, give them what they deserve. But the heroes are far from perfect: they have foibles and faults that we can all relate to and forgive, their intentions are good but they make mistakes, misunderstand situations, get their priorities wrong, go off on ego trips - just as most of us would in their situation. Their mistakes often have dire consequences and they have to pay dearly when that happens. Fitz is young and impulsive and he sometimes rails against the constraints his elders place upon him. His rebellious spirit makes it difficult for his mentors and allies to plot a straight course through the political mire. Where there was a single path that led to possible disaster, there are now multiple possibilities. As The Fool foresaw, Fitz generates alternatives. The characters in this trilogy have invaded my sleep, in more ways than one. The books keep me awake far into the early hours, reading when I should be sleeping and then, when I do eventually turn out the light, the world of the Farseers sidles into my dreams. Stories don't get much more real and powerful than that. I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys fantasy - but with one proviso: don't expect a happy ending.
Never ending, 30 Dec 2008
It's one of the worst book I ever read.
Too many boring details, never ending descriptions.
It seems as if the author was going to be paid on the number of written pages.
The first book is really good, the second is ok, this one is ... just disappointing.
a let down, 04 Sep 2008
The first two books in the series were well written, I got a feeling, however, that they were leading up to something really good. Fitz never really fully learned to skill properly and the limits of this gift were neer truly explored by the books. The final installment of the triology Assassins Quest had a good start to the journey, followed by what seems like too much pointless detail into the travelling, then followed by the worst ending I've seen in a trilogy. The ending is, in my opinion, the best bit in all books, but after I had finished the book, I wish I hadn't even started the trilogy. Much disappointment :-(
Trudi Canavans Black Magician trilogy was much better!!!
Die horribly for turning Fitz into a little girl., 02 Aug 2008
I was amazed with Assassins Apprentice and loved Royal Assassin, but this was an atrocious way to end what could have been one of the greatest fantasy epics ever conceived. Yeah, she can write, there is no doubt about that, but the direction that she took Fitz in mentally is of a whining self pitying little girl. And he was anything but that in the previous two books. An absolute shame, and everything she's written since is pretty bland too.
Poor ending, 26 Jun 2008
Loved the first two. Deliberately saved the final book for my two-week holiday to Canada. Great start but it is as others have said: a rushed and poorly thought out ending. I could not believe what I was reading. She set the bar high but let the side down with a real shoddy finale.
Brilliant, 03 May 2008
It is without doubt a fantastic story; fast paced and enthralling. I would highly recommend it. Mind you the trilogy has stolen the last three days of my life- i've been unable to put it down!
the best of the three, 16 Oct 2008
This book really worked for me...Robin Hobb's prose is beautiful and effortless to read. None of Hobb's characters, from any of her books are easy or pleasant and this trilogy deals with many uncomfortable aspects of humanity which I think is one of the reasons that people have found it harder to like but finally I grew to understand Nevarre and sympathise with him.
Read em all!!!
eco warriors, 23 Sep 2008
third and final volume in robin hobb's trilogy of fantasy novels called the soldier son trilogy. these are about nevare. a would be soldier in a world where red indian style indigenous people are being threatened by the expansion of humanity, his career and life have been ruined and forever changed by a native magic woman who is using him to fight back against humanity.
whilst the book does bring you up to speed in the first chapter you really need to have read the first two volumes in the series [shamans crossing and forest mage] to get the most out of this, so go and read those first if you havent.
if you have, then you are safe to read on.
those who read the first two books will recall the second ended with nevare giving himself over to the magic, and leaving all his human friends and enemies thinking he's dead. as a result of this, he ends up with the natives, and another personality takes over his body. this is called soldiers boy, and he's determined to destroy humanity.
can nevare get control of his body and life back? and what will happen to the world?
typically excellent prose from robin hobb but this is more a novel of character than plot and thus many will find it slow moving. but as a novel of character this is exceedingly well written. the conflict between nevare and his other half is well done, and the experiences he goes through and the settings are as well. things do happen, and changes occur to the characters and the world as a result.
after which one hundred pages are required to wrap the fate of everyone else up, and this they do.
4.5/5 from me, as whilst typically excellently written the story ultimately isn't quite as strong as it was in the first two volumes. but robin hobb remains a very good writer and this will not put me off trying her subsequent work.
Know what you're getting into..., 18 Sep 2008
I choose to write this review more generally about the whole soldier son trilogy. Most of the reviews so far have made unfavourable references to the frankly awe-inspiring assassin/liveship/fool trilogies. I, however, don't think a comparison can reasonably be made. Superficially there are similarities between the styles of writing from Fitz and Nevarre (respective narrators of the books) - both are highy emotionally compelling character explorations told from the point of view of a character who is both protagonist and unwilling recipient of many of the events driving both stories. The books are confessionals of the struggle in these characters to do 'the right thing.'
There however the similarity ends. The soldier son books are set in an entirely different world (still equally fantastical) and contemporary with colonial technology and values, though in fact the same story could probably be transplanted onto any number of time periods. While the setting is largely militaristic (book one takes place predominately in a military academy, book two in a military outpost and book three in the opposing camp) little of the text is concerned with warfare - indeed the descriptions of any actual warfare are few and far between. If that is what you seek in a similar temporal setting, then I'd suggest reading bernard cornwell's sharpe series.
Instead, this series focusses on polar tensions. There are actually three societies comprising the world in which the books take place. The Plainspeople, the Gernians and the Specks. the first of these seem largely incidental to the story and seem to exist mostly to flesh out the world. This is not necessarily a bad thing but one does get a sense of unfulfillment from them. The other two societies, conversely are fantastically realised. We have the colonial-esque Gernians and the more traditionally fantasy-based tree people (the Specks). Both societies, and their drastically conflicting values are deeply explored, and the tension between the beliefs of each society creates a deliciously tense setting. Even the idea that they are at war is fascinating as neither really understands the concept in the manner of the other. Indeed, the Gernians are unaware that the specks consider themselves at war with them., while the Speck make war on them by spreading disease and discontent. The setting seems to be designed to highlight the contrast between urban expansion and natural harmony, and the 'war' between the peoples seems just to be a realisation of the deeper tension that exists as a result of urban encroachment on the natural environment.
This polarization is further explored with the protagonist, Nevarre Burvelle. Hobb takes the unique step of separating Nevarre into two distinct entities: Nevarre and Soldier's Boy. Intriguingly our narrator is only one of these two personalities - thus we have a series narrated by half a person - a concept that is truly fascinating and endlessly intriguing. Our narrator is principally the Gernian half of Nevarre, though he certainly has much sympathy for the specks, while his opposing half, Soldier's Boy appears to be primarily Speck in outlook - though the few glimpses we get of Soldier's Boy's sympathy for the Gernians suggest at a character who is equally as troubled with his conscience as Nevarre.
Conscience as it turns out plays a major role in the narrative. It forces one to question whether Nevarre really is literally split in two, or simply exploring his own actions and atrocities against the two opposing peoples. His loyalty by default is Gernian, but only the specks treat him well because he's fat. Yup. Fat. Huge in fact.
So here's another theme of the novel. Prejudice. Nevarre becomes hugely fat during book two as a result of becoming a mage. Suddenly he is ostracised by his own society, even his own family, and revered by the Specks. The exploration of people's attitudes towards fat people are not something one would expect in this genre, but the book carries it off fantastically. Here we have a hero who is physically un-heroic, indeed for much of book three he is not even in control of his body, we see through his eyes what soldier's boy does as becomes the personification of soldier's boy's conscience. To read a book told from the perspective of someone's conscience is an experience I will not soon forget.
I have heard criticisms of the magic system in the book as being "clumsy" or "impenetrable." I actually like the latter, though I see it as a compliment rather than a criticism. The eponymous "Forest Mage" is not our narrator Nevarre, but rather Soldier's Boy. We are not privy to soldier's Boy's thoughts, and thus the magic remains just that - magic. Nevarre doesn't know how it works, and so it should be. We use the idea of magic to describe phenomena we cannot fully comprehend. Nevarre dabbles, but certainly doesn't know what he's doing or how he's doing it. Interestingly there seem to be two different uses of the term magic. One is in the more traditional sense - a power to achieve incredible things such as fast travel, or an influence on people's emotions. The second use seems more intangible. It seems to refer to magic, or more properly in this usage "the magic" as an entity. Perhaps it could be more easily imagined as fate. If "the magic" wants something to happen, it happens. I rather like the usage, especially as it appears to be a version of fate that has an active and opposable component.
Nevarre is a wonderful character to read, though he may not always be terribly likable, and as with all Hobbs characters, sometimes you want to bang his head against the wall and explain the thing he can't seem to comprehend. I suspect he was also a joy to write. His incarnation as half a personality, gives a fascinating perspective and is something few writers have attempted. David Gemmell's Dark Moon did something similar, but on a much smaller scale. Make no mistake, this series is on an epic scale. We have 2000 pages of extraordinary character realisation. I have just discussed Nevarre, but the fabulous three dimensional characters that Hobb builds up around him are a joy to behold. Epiny in particular is exquisitely drawn, albeit from Nevarre's perspective, as she strives towards an early concept of feminism.
This series is slow. Glacially slow, and yet contains very little filler. It's also horrendously addictive. I found myself blasting through the whole series in three days. If you want fast paced high fantasy this is not for you. Even avid Robin Hobb fans brought up on a diet of Fitz and the Fool may wish to pass this one by, but if you like your fantasy to challenge your expectations and make you think, then I can think of few finer series.
To end on a lighter note, one does get the distinct impression from time to time that the venerable Ms. Hobb may have been on a diet while writing this. Some of the descriptions of the food that the specks lavish on Nevarre are salivation-inducing. Do not, under any circumstances, read this series (or at least the latter two books) without access to a well stocked fridge...
Lost in the forest, 17 Sep 2008
This is the third and final volume in the Soldier Son trilogy (after Shaman's Crossing and Forest Mage).
Barely escaping Gettys and its angry mob with his life, Nevare flees into the forest. Realizing that the King's Road is planned to go right through the part where Lisana's tree stands, he makes one last attempt at stopping its construction with the Magic. Alas, it doesn't work as expected and Nevare's Magic is all be depleted.
Finding him in this poor condition, Olikea and her son Likari need to feed him again until he regains a respectable girth, so they can present him as Great One to their kin clan at the Wintering Place, on the other side of the Barrier Mountains.
As time passes and Nevare tries to find out what the Magic expects him to do, his Speck self, Soldier's Boy, becomes more and more powerful, until he finally takes control of his body. Nevare is then nothing but a helpless witness of Soldier's Boy's actions: when he tattoos his skin with the dapples of the Specks, or when he plans a raid on the Gernians in Gettys to stop their Eastward progression. Only on rare occasions can Nevare surreptitiously tap Soldier's Boy Magic and dream-walk to his cousin Epiny, to try and warn her of the impending attack.
A major part of the book takes place in the forest with the Specks, and even though I'm a tree-hugger, sadly I must admit that their culture failed to intrigue me. I felt close to Nevare but not to Soldier's Boy. Probably because the "Gernian-bred" me was taking sides, and I found myself constantly waiting for signs that things would look up for Nevare, that the scales would finally tip in his favour and reunite his split personality without too much loss and sacrifice. But that's also why I found the last third of the book tremendously exciting.
As a whole, the Soldier Son trilogy was a more than excellent series, and Robin Hobb's storytelling surpasses everything I have read. However, I still have a preference for her precedent trilogies (The Farseer, The Liveship Traders, and The Tawny Man). I do hope it grows on me with time, though. I'm sure it will.
Tries to be two different things and doesn't really work, 30 Jul 2008
Robin Hobb is an excellent author, there's little doubt of that. While the Soldier Son is far from her best work, I am sick of people complaining because they prefer the Farseer more, or because her latest output is not as good as her older material. Well sorry to break the bad news to you, but authors have good times and bad times like the rest of us. I don't want another Farseer. I have already read that book. You cannot take a negative view on a novel because it is different from another. What you can do is take a negative view because the book is not particularly well written.
The Soldier Son suffered from day one. It was a difficult read, and in my opinion there were many great concepts and stories which were never really sewed together properly which caused the whole trilogy to have a detached feeling. What I mean by this is that there are two main themes through this series - the colonial era Gettysburg setting - Old Thares, Widevale, the plains people - and that part of it is all excellently described (even the main town in the last book is called Gettys). The second is the forest magic setting - the Specks and their great people, and their way of life. Again, very well described and an excellent new concept of magic.
Where it all fell down was where Hobb tried to bring these two cultures together - ironically mirroring the problems seen in the story between the two peoples. I feel that this story tried to be a great colonial book and a great tree magic book, and instead of perfecting one, the thread split down the middle and the whole trilogy fell into the crack at the centre. The book is as split as like Nevare and Soldier's Boy.
Having read it, I feel I have come away confused an a little bit bombarded with too many things which were mentioned too briefly. I have no clue how the whole Lisana thing saving Nevare actually works having only just finished it. I couldn't tell you how the problem of Nevare and Soldier's Boy finally being unified was actually rectified, because I don't think it was really explained very well. I have a nasty feeling that some things were swept under the carpet, though I can't seem to pinpoint specifically what I mean. I criticised the first two books but I think they were both better than the third, only upon reading Renegade's Magic did I realise how well thought out the world was and how well it was described in the first two books. But the book is not entirely without merit, I found myself enjoying most of it.
Hobb is now writing a new novel about the Realm of the Elderlings, set in the same world as the Six Duchies, thank God. This should please different people for different reasons.
|
|
|
 |
|