The Briar King: a review

**DrBloodmoney1** · January 27th, 2003, 09:27 AM

Here is a review I posted on another website (sorry if this offends the anti-spamites)

Here's the review

Feel free to comment, bash, execrate, etc.

DrB

**DrBloodmoney1** · January 27th, 2003, 09:29 AM

Please disregard above egregious example of inept computer user:

Starting with great characterization is one way to really get my attention. Keyes did such a wonderful job creating a cast of characters in this story that a lot of the background wouldn't have even matter. With the strength shown by his characterization, the plot and story probably could have been terrible and I wouldn't have noticed. This was not the case. An interesting plot, well-thought out background and intriguing history make this read memorable. Compared to the two reigning giants of epic fantasy, RJ and GRRM (not discounting Erikson, but being a yankee there are obstacles, oh so many, to my reading him), the degree to which magic forces, special forces, etc are involved is about half-way between them. Not as much magic and such as RJ, but slightly more than GRRM, it is certainly mysterious and not elaborated upon. Rather, your imagination must be employed; it isn't explained to you. One thing that it seems to have in common is the reader's anticipation of discovery of some more ancient power later in the series (akin to WOT and ASOIAF).
So far this series looks impressive. If Greg Keyes can keep it to only the promised four books, then we (that is the fantasy reading community) will have a gritty, realistic series that will be completed before WOT and ASOIAF are projected to be.
If you were disappointed by COT (and let's face it... who wasn't?) and need some reassurance that the world of fantasy isn't dying, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Great plot, great characters, believable conflict, noticeable absence of deux ex machina, hell it even has decent cover art (woo-hoo no more stupid cartoons)... Just read it. Peace DrB

**saintjon** · January 27th, 2003, 09:45 AM

Anyone who can compare favourable to George Martin is on the fast-track of my "To Read" list.

I think ASoIaF was original supposed to be only four books long, so I wouldn't bet on it.

**horribleman** · January 27th, 2003, 09:56 AM

anyone know when this will get a UK release??

**Rob B** · January 27th, 2003, 10:09 AM

Hey Doc, I fixed your linking problem, I pretty much concur with what you've said about the book, aside from not yet reading COT. Anyway, here is MY OFFICIAL SFFWORLD REVIEW OF THE BRIAR KING for those interested.

The book will be publishing in the UK under Panmacmillan's newly initiated TOR imprint, though I am not sure when.

**Rhaegar** · January 27th, 2003, 05:57 PM

Nice reviews guys. The Briar King is next on my reading pile after I conquer Erikson's House of Chains (which is incredible so far).

**sueVee** · January 30th, 2003, 06:12 PM

I just want to thank you for your review of this book, and the other review I found on this site. Based on these reviews I have ordered this book.

Whenever I get into a dry spell, I have found wonderful recommendations on this board. It is great to have such a resource. I know I am gushing....but I mean it!!!!

**lukaspriest** · January 30th, 2003, 11:53 PM

yeah, because of the news (and now reviews!) on this book, I'll be heading down to purchase it as well. If this site is still linked to Amazon, I'll use that.

**DrBloodmoney1** · January 31st, 2003, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by sueVee
I just want to thank you for your review of this book, and the other review I found on this site. Based on these reviews I have ordered this book.

Whenever I get into a dry spell, I have found wonderful recommendations on this board. It is great to have such a resource. I know I am gushing....but I mean it!!!!

I just try and repay the kind folks on this board for all of their reviews that have inspired many book-hunting quests. Let us know how you liked the book. DrB

**Crysania** · January 31st, 2003, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by DrBloodmoney1
Compared to the two reigning giants of epic fantasy, RJ and GRRM (not discounting Erikson, but being a yankee there are obstacles, oh so many, to my reading him),

Curious as to what you mean by that. Erikson is next on my list, so...

**DrBloodmoney1** · January 31st, 2003, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by Crysania

Curious as to what you mean by that.

I believe that he means that since Erikson isn't published in the US he can't just run out to the nearest bookseller and grab it off the shelf. You have to import it and pay exorbitant shipping fees. DrB

**ezchaos** · January 31st, 2003, 12:26 PM

I think he means that it's hard to get Erikson's books in the U.S.

**Crysania** · January 31st, 2003, 02:53 PM

Yes... I've just been discovering that since I left this thread.... Any sites anyone reccommends?

**ezchaos** · January 31st, 2003, 03:17 PM

You can try ordering them from Amazon UK or one of the Canadian bookstores like Chapters. About a year ago or so I tried to order Gardens of the Moon from Chapters but they were out of stock. I eneded up getting it from a smaller book store in British Columbia.

Anyway, back on topic, I just rcvd my SFBC copy of The Briar King yesterday and can't wait to read it!

**sueVee** · January 31st, 2003, 09:25 PM

I know this is the Briar King thread, but Erikson's name has come up. At any rate yesterday I emailed the webmaster at the Malazan.com website asking why Erikson's books are not available in the US. Here is his reply. I thought it was interesting.

" Hi

Thanks for emailing.

As to your question, I remember asking this question to Erikson, and he said that the US Publishers said that the books are too complex for the american readers.

The books are easily available in Canada as it is published there also. You you could try ordering from a canadian online book shop, which may cut down the cost of delivery.

Hope that helps

Best Wishes
WebMaster"

Any thoughts on this?