[Mithfânion]

I've seen a lot of buzz for this series on this board and would like to know some general stuff about it. It was recommended in my big epics thread and after checking it out on Amazon I've got mixed feelings.

The book is in a medieval, european style world. That's a plus. Do they have ancient races?If so, what are they like (physique and magic). How would you define the protagonist(s). How is magic portrayed throughout the series? Is there a heavy emphasis on court intrigue or is it a quest "travel hundreds of miles" thing?

[Crysania]

I'm glad you brought this up. I wanted some opinions too. I read the first book and enjoyed it quite a lot. The writing was solid, the world engrossing, the magic intriguing. But... well, 1/4 of the way through the second book, I just got FED UP with the lead female character. I wanted to kill her, I found her so annoying. She never stood up for herself, she was weepy, she wasn't whip-smart...and all of this would've been found if I'd thought her interesting in the least. Mostly it got annoying that every single male over the age of 11 and under the age of 100 was instantly madly in love with her. I mean, COME ON. I was also completely annoyed with the love story between her and the prince. Oooh, like I didn't see that coming from a mile away.

So... do others agree that the second book starts off slow and I should definitely give it another try? I know there are a lot of Elliot fans, so if you had similar experience/thoughts, I would love to know. I think it's worth giving it another try because there was so much of the first book that I really liked. I just can't get passed... huh, I don't even remember her name!

[Arty]

Um, yes there are other races. They are not like humans. I know that seems a little general but I don't want to give stuff away.

This series is a "braided plot". One POV character is a girl(Liath) who is orphaned early on in the story and struggles through mistreatment and nastiness until she "rescued" by the head of the King's Eagles (a fancy sort of messenger service). She is then put into service for the King. It is a BIG mystery about just exactly who she is.
Another POV character is Alain. A boy who is sent out by his family to go into service as a priest. That never happens because he is mystically called into service by an ethereal woman with a red rose. His entire life changes in that instant. It is also a BIG mystery just exactly who he is.

The court intrigue is small and limited, although there is a civil war going on that is integral to the plot. There is also a quest aspect to it, although not in the way you seem to mean.
Its hard to describe the magic systems, the magic is very subtle and not used overly much. There is some long distance communication through fire type stuff....but it's not a big "magic spells" kinnd of thing.

Overall I like this series more than anything I've read that is NOT SoFaI. So I put it at 2nd overall, and I am positively DYING for the next one to come out. If you are a fan of big epics PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just try this one.

[Arty]

Please Crysania, she is not the only character and in fact, as you go on she's not even the most important, please keep reading.

[ChrisW]

Do they have ancient races?

Yes, the main "ancient" race are the Aoi.I guess you could describe them as elf-like in looks but they are not elves. Then there are the Eika who are kinda stone like in appearence(gawd thats a bad description). There are others but you won't really read about them until book four.

How would you define the protagonist(s).
Oh thats a hard one. Each race has its good guys and bad guys. The bad guys of each race wanna kill all the others and the good guys of each race want to try and work together to save everyone. Can't really explain much more than that without giving to much away.

How is magic portrayed throughout the series?

As I see it there are two types of magic in the books. There is the religious kind of magic involving the saints and then there is a elemental type of magic as well. Magic plays a small but important part in the books.

Is there a heavy emphasis on court intrigue or is it a quest "travel hundreds of miles" thing?

Court intrigue does play a major role in the books imo. There is no questing as far as i'm concerned. The main characters are basically just trying to live there lives and stay alive for the most part. There is no save the world theme until book four.

I doubt that helped you any http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

Oh what gave you mixed feelings in the reviews?

[Keyoke]

I cant give you any feedback on this series, but, never take Amazon.com reviews to seriously. I find that place to be a source of conflicting thoughts and opinions. I just find looking at reviews at amazon to cause me more confusion than insight on books.

They also have a great tendacy to spoil stories as well. I think if you read the first book and like, then I'd say give Book #2 a second chance.. Simple as that. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[saintjon]

No way man, the second book was all right but the third and fourth were gold. (Loved Alain's story in book 4, who the hell is he anyway?) After a while magic does become very important as well. I'd also say that there are more than two types of magic (remember the kerayit?). I count at least four different types. Whatever, you're killing your chances to enjoy most of my favourite stories if you quit books half way through. I always wait til I've read the whole thing before saying it was bad.

[Hans]

I thought the first book started off slow, but got interesting as it went on, especially the ending. The second book was exciting, and the 3rd and fourth books was amazing. The mystrey around the characters background really gets to you, your always trying to figure out who/what etc. The plot is also great, and is surrounded in mystery again. Kate Elliot has created an excellent atmosphere, world, where everything makes sense. Supplies to armies are explained and make sense, alliances, corruption and greadiness play into the role. Magic is not used too much but when it is, it plays a major role.

I highly recommend it.

[estranghero]

Hope you guys are right.

I first read the 2nd book, found it good, went looking for the 1st one, found it bad.

Or mebbe I just found Liath whiny in the 1st book. (But when I read the 2nd book again, found it fascinating. Oh well...) http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/redface.gif

[Eventine]

estrangehero -
I dd the same thing. I was joined into one of thos awful book clubs once, and they sent me Prince of Dogs. I read it and loved, then went back and got King's Dragon. didn't enjoy it quite as much, but still a fair bit. This series is definitely getting better as it goes - I really loved the explanations and further mysteries from the last book, especially with Alain. All the plot threads hold a great story, and as they intersect I can only see it getting stronger.