Martin himself has cited Williams as an influence over his own epic fantasy series. We get it: its been a long time since the last installment of A Song of Ice and Fire was released, and there is a void in the epic fantasy section that needs to be filled. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2014. Throughout the series, the characters must grow and face the darkness that threatens to engulf their world. Product as described,well packed and delivered well within delivery date.Very pleased. What happens when one single person holds all the power? Beginning with Acacia: The War with the Mein, this trilogy starts off with Leodan Akara, ruler of the Known World. In the past few years I've read Game of Thrones (loved the world building and overall storytelling, started & finished between seasons 1 & 2 of the TV series), Rothfuss (loved the prose, story was good), Tigana (loooved it), and my favorite so far, Dagger & the Coin. Kelsier manages to escape and get his old thieving crew back together, along with another Mistborn named Vin, to set his plan in motion. Fun fact: the titles for all three of the books in this series have literary origins. I think this is exactly what I'm looking for. The Spiders War is a worthy though somewhat bittersweet ending to an original and (at times) unpredictable fantasy series. . Second book you might want to try is Black Wolves by Kate Elliot. Hes ruled by his own insecurities, which are fuelled and manipulated by Geders most trusted friend: Basrahip, the spider-priest pulling Geders strings in an attempt to turn Camnipol into a platform for the chaotic cult of the spider goddess. He is a hero of Antea, protector to the crown prince, and darling of the court. I'll definitely read it, thanks a lot. I highly recommend Daniel Abrahams work to any and all readers of SFF, and Ill certainly be taking a look at his Long Price Quartet in the near future. but more on that in a moment. I'm a pretty fast reader so I'll check out the first one, but would be interested in what your issues were with the series as a whole. . No power has withstood him, except for the heart of the one woman he desires. Lord Regent Geder Palliako's war has led his nation and the priests of the spider goddess to victory after victory. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2015. Thanks for the thoughts. If you're a big fan of character, emotion, and a side of romance, go with anything written by Carol Berg. Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. Woolliscroft | The Fantasy Hive, 5 Reasons to Read The Faithful and the Fallen, A Beginners Guide to Malazan Characters: Gardens of the Moon, A Beginners Guide to Malazan Characters: Deadhouse Gates. Sandersons Mistborn series is here to answer that question. YMMV! If the events of The Dagger & the Coin are a river with The Dragons Path as their source, then The Kings Blood is the young river stage: downhill (obviously), and increasing pace rapidly. . I can't wait to find out how everything ends. The names are a bit tough but I got used to them. : We use cookies and similar tools that are necessary to enable you to make purchases, to enhance your shopping experiences and to provide our services, as detailed in our Cookie Notice. While Esslemonts series is as canonical as Erikson, its known under the separate name of Novels of the Malazan Empire. The Tyrants Law is the first book in the series where the diversity of the different races becomes a contentious issue, and the fact that we the reader have already spent two books peacefully co-existing with those who are now reviled makes us feel especially uncomfortable with the rising bigotry. Last but not least, Last Argument of Kings is from a quote inscribed on Louis XIVs cannons. 'The Folding Knife' is a solid standalone/style entree. His Long Price Quartet is very character-driven. I think I read there's a sequel to this that's been announced? Something went wrong. The Dragons Path does an excellent job of setting future events in motion, and in hindsight gives the reader some intriguing hints about the bigger picture. Fans of science fiction are drawn to the genre for a variety of reasons. Laura also writes LitRPG under the pen name Demi Harper; her first novel, GOD OF GNOMES, was published in September 2019. whilst also wanting to smack him round the head with the flat of Marcus culling blade. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 January 2022. I'm from NY so the setting intrigues me. . Explore the rest of Kay's work. And while theres nothing remotely resembling a cliffhanger, there are plenty of plot threads that are tied off less tightly than others welcoming (but not demanding) an eventual return to the Dagger & Coin universe. So different than Dagger & the Coin but so good. : Have you read her other stuff? I know these books have received more than enough attention here, but I'm really trying to avoid spoilers and I don't think I can get the answer I'm looking for without making this thread of my own. Once again, the protagonists are the most engaging feature of The Widows House; and once again, Geder Palliako edges into the lead as my personal favourite. Thank you, that's helpful. The world of The Dagger and the Coin seems to exist in spite of the story, not because of it. Moreover, he also takes the time to thoroughly wrap up surviving characters story arcs in a variety of (mostly) satisfying ways, striking a fine balance between breathless action and patient closure. It's always intrigued me, but I've never really known where to start, and in early forays into the genre (10+ years ago), I evidently didn't try the right stuff, was probably a little intimidated, and went back to what I typically read (mysteries, crime, literary fiction, etc). As in the first two books, the story and the action begin slowly and build steadily. That might explain why the adjective I see most often used to describe the Dagger and Coin series is good . Abraham does a creditable job of introducing the protagonists including Cithrin (a bankers apprentice), Marcus (a jaded mercenary) and Geder (a quixotic nobleman) using alternating PoV chapters. More about us. And having finished The Spiders War I know for a certainty that Ill be returning to Cithrin, Clara, Geder and co. in the future.
The transition of a clumsy, loveably inept minor noble into a hateful yet well-meaning tyrant has been so subtle and seamless that it remains hard not to feel sympathetic towards him . Set in a world reminiscent of medieval Europe, The First Law series follows a handful of characters in the midst of war. But for now, that river has run its course. Know the vengeance of a mother and a tyrant's darkest fears. If youre a fan of complex worldbuilding, ancient magic, political and moral dilemmas, and morally ambiguous characters, this is a series that will keep you turning pages until the very end. Trust real people, not robots, to give you book recommendations. Brave, practical and loyal, her chapters always make for a pleasantly easy read a trend which continues into book five, The Spiders War. He has been nominated for the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards, and won the International Horror Guild award. On a lighter note, I think most readers tend to be pleasantly surprised by how interesting Cithrins chapters are. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 September 2014. As the vio Lord Regent Geder Palliako's great war has spilled across the world, nation after nation falling before the ancient priesthood and weapon of dragons. I just read a little about Goblin Emperor and will definitely give it a try. Add to it the fact that the characters themselves dont know much of whats going on and they are the narrators its up to you to decide if they are reliable or not. Geder Palliako's star is rising. Mistborn is very much a light hearted action packed adventure. But Abercrombie takes their disturbing and antagonistic traits and turns his characters into true anti-heroes, compelling readers to care about them and about their fates. [], The Dagger and the Coin (Series) by Daniel Abraham, View thefantasyhives profile on Facebook, View thefantasyhives profile on Instagram. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and you might too, but its not what your asking for. Learn the limits of the Spider and the Dragon, and how one big lie can bring down the Lord of Lies. We also use these cookies to understand how customers use our services (for example, by measuring site visits) so we can make improvements. She created The Fantasy Hive in 2017; her sanity has been steadily disintegrating ever since. Long-time lurker, first time poster in this sub, so apologies in advance if I'm doing anything wrong! which, while positive, is about as lukewarm as praise gets. The Kings Blood unfolds the tale of Camnipols gradual descent into civil war, which we witness through two main PoVs each on a different side of the conflict. And I've been intrigued by Banks in the past, so I'll definitely check out the Culture books. But he also isnt ashamed to embrace the familiar, and so the perplexed reader will soon find themselves grounded by a comforting backdrop of classic fantasy elements that I like to think of as the authors gentle homage to the genre. While a lot of epic fantasies take place in a world inspired by medieval Europe, this one has Asian-inspired elements that set it apart. He is the antihero to end all antiheroes, and you will probably hate him, but will still surprisingly root for him. However, it continues steadily towards the end of its journey: calm on the surface, but shedding innocent corpses in its wake like silt deposits and leaving the ground behind it irrevocably altered. The slow burn of the build in this series comes to a boiling point with brilliantly paced action separated by beautiful, quiet description. Mother to four children, Claras main purpose is maintaining the house and participating in social events with other wives of the rich and powerful. As mentioned above, Baru Cormorant sounds like exactly what I need! Many thanks. There are five total books and each novel in the series has received an award. And if The Tyrants Law is the tumbling waterfall, then The Widows House is unquestionably the calmer, middle stage of the Dagger & Coin story-river. No matter, though, because theres another character in The Kings Blood who may surprise you. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie Preferences, as described in the Cookie Notice. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Daniel Abraham shows us how quickly and unexpectedly a kingdom can dissolve into chaos and war, and how easy it is for an entire civilisation to succumb to fear and prejudice. This is set in New York at the very end of the 19th century. Parker does a lot of the same level sociopolitical and character work that Abraham does. A better book in this splendid series than its predecessor. It is well written, but it is not really what you describe. It is Asian influenced and a really great series. Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer - no Kindle device required. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Any good? . I dnf'ed the first book just a little ways in. Abraham sacrifices clarity at the beginning in order to convey the diversity of his world in a more organic way, and I guarantee it wont be long before youre familiar with all thirteen races: pale, slender Cinnae and black, chitinous Timzinae; sharp-toothed Tralgu and tusked Yemmu; otter-pelted Kurtadam and the elusive Drowned. Military power or financial influence? 100+ books a year, mostly fiction. Laura works as a freelance editor beneath the grey, pigeon-filled skies of northern England. There are dragons, labyrinths, and evil forces that need to be vanquished, after all. The series follows the story of Simon, a young kitchen worker from the castle, who, as an apprentice to the League of the Scroll, becomes involved in the events that seek to confront the enemy that threatens his land. The Blade Itself comes from the quote, The blade itself incites to deeds of violence, by Homer. From the very beginning of The Dagger and the Coin, Abraham uses Geders story arc to paint an increasingly horrifying scenario of a world where absolute power is held by one man alone. Marcus' hero days are behind him. I agree Mistborn may not work. . Awesome, will do. Where J.R.R. The tyrant Geder Palliako had led his nation to war, but every victory has called forth another conflict. Third parties use cookies for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalised ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. Unlike other fantasy series, where magic is practiced carelessly, Earthsea is all about careful balance. I've read some good books lately, including several in this genre, but as soon as I began The Widow's House I recognised the step change from good to great. yet strangely sympathetic at the same time. He doesnt dazzle us with descriptions or confuse us with cleverness. But overthrowing a thousand-year-old empire is no easy feat, and they must risk their lives in order to change the world. Very similar in feeling to Guy Gavriel Kay's writing (you mentioned you liked Tigana). The plot also keeps revealing uenxpected things, with the truth always a bit more complicated than i'd previously thought. The fact that Abraham acknowledges the clich with a few dry remarks from Marcus is a perfect example of how hes using The Dagger and the Coin not only to pay tribute to traditional fantasy elements but also to mess around with (and poke fun at!) : Also, adding to the 'Read more GGK' recommendations. . It is very relationship and music focused, with political strife mixed in, and is fantastically told. Thanks a lot! was released, and there is a void in the epic fantasy section that needs to be filled. The Dagger and the Coin The Dragon's Path The King's Blood The Tyrant's Law The Widow's House The Spider's War. Dark, sexy, cool magic system and very solid characters. But fantasy is easily my least explored territory. She's written. Author Spotlight - D.P. It also successfully establishes characters and setting, and Abraham displays impressive originality in terms of worldbuilding. . In a battle of Light versus Dark, the one person that could save them is also the one that can destroy the world. This trilogy is part of The Riftwar Universe, which is comprised of an additional twenty-seven books! Geder is intriguing, Cithrin is cunning . Upon Googling I realize I've seen Elliot's books before but never picked one up. It's almost historical fiction with just a touch of magic bringing it into fantasy. Press J to jump to the feed. I want to learn more about the series, but I am very wary of running into spoilers inadvertently. Just as you think youre nearing the mouth you realise too late that theres one more unseen waterfall. The series follows the succession of European monarchs that lead into the Hundred Years War, a series of conflicts between the House of Plantagenet in England, and the House of Valois in France between 1337 and 1453. Its usually pretty straightforward: the hero fulfils the prophecy. Its a very exciting book - once it gets going. Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app. The story begins with the French King Philip the Fair, who brings a curse upon his family. to create and sustain a rich, satisfyingly complex epic fantasy.--, , Abraham manages to wiggle the hook and embed it a bit further. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. New books are added every day. If you agree, well also use cookies to complement your shopping experience across the Amazon stores as described in our Cookie Notice. That Abraham juxtaposes Cithrin (representing trade, or coin) and Geder (symbolising war, or the dagger/dragons path) isnt immediately obvious in The Dragons Path; but it soon becomes a pivotal part of the saga. The Widows House may have lulled us into believing that The Spiders War will be a quick, smooth strait that takes us through to the end . When the kings health begins to falter, sibling rivalry and long-kept secrets threaten the stability of the kingdom. Picks up the pace again and keeps revealing things are more complicated than you thought, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 November 2014. Reviewing an entire series in one fell swoop can be tricky. i have read all of long price, all of published dagger/coin, have not read mistborn. After his death, his four children are forced to face the reality of their kingdom and attempt to radically change their world. However, much rarer (and arguably more special) are the voices and the tales that we choose to revisit. This is a somewhat qualified recommendation, as I have some issues with this series, myself, but you might enjoy Greg Keyes' Kingdom of Thorn and Bone. Thanks in advance! Too tropey, predictable, poor prose, weak characters, something else? What is going on with the down votes in this topic, by the way? Suitable read for us older folk who desire something less black and white. This thread of the story focuses entirely on economics, and is well written and original. The Widow's House: 4 (Dagger and the Coin). someone who can barely look at a bank statement without getting cross-eyed) the details of her financial schemes actually become one of the most exciting plot points. Agreed, this sounds like the clichd plot of an old role-playing game; yet seeing these two cool characters paired up on a wild adventure is actually a LOT of fun. I have read quite a few fantasy books, but finding similar books is hard, because imo he has pretty unique voice. Daniel Abraham is my favourite author and I like about everything about his novels. Click Customise Cookies to decline these cookies, make more detailed choices, or learn more. If thats not intriguing enough for you, its followed by his attempts to rebuild the life he left behind and ascend to the throne of the Broken Empire. Thanks for the thoughtful and honest response. What I like most about Daniel Abrahams writing is his clean, engaging style. While it is not as politically charged as many of the others that have been recommended to you, Ilana C. Myer's debut novel definitely hits many similar notes to the others you have read. . Other recommendations would be Robin Hobb's Farseer, Carol Berg's Rai-Kirah, Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel and Sundering, Patrick Rothfuss' Kingkiller and Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea. Lets start at the beginning (or should I say source? This co-authored trilogy follows the story of Mara of the Acoma, a young nun-in-training, who rises to Ruling Lady of the Acoma after the death of her father and brother. With dynamic characters, complex relationships, beautiful scenery, and action-packed scenes, theres nothing quite like diving into epic fantasy stories. Try The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker perhaps. For sci fi, definitely read any of the books from the Culture series or Hainish Cycle, right meow. This review was originally publishedon Fantasy-Faction on 17th August 2016. Schism a FictionDB is committed to providing the best possible fiction reference information. Sorry, there was a problem saving your cookie preferences. (I can't remember if there is much romance but the characterization and story are great.). This might not sound like the makings of an interesting character, but in reality its a breath of fresh air from the morally-grey grimdark antiheroes that populate (and dominate) so much of recent fantasy. Try Anne Bishop's Dark Jewels trilogy. It's all about relationships and a little about magic. He leads a peaceful and prosperous kingdom, but his world is full of much more darkness than he realizes. The previous book was a bit slow, but this one picks up the pace considerably. But although Cithrin plays a crucial role in future events, she spends much of book two waiting in the wings. Not against big battle sequences but don't need action like that. George R.R. I'm new to this forum, though I have I have perused quite a few threads in the past. I miss them already. . Now the greater war spreads out before him, and he is bent on bringing peace. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. but the real darling of The Widows House is Clara. The Lord Regent is child-like and peevish, petulant and bitter . This is particularly evident in book two, The Kings Blood, in which mercenary Marcus and apostate Kit embark on a quest to find a magic sword and kill an evil goddess. This review relates to all five books in the `Dagger and Coin' series. (Its called the dagger and coin series, after all.). You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. , ISBN-10 Already embarked on radically divergent paths, events soon begin to shape their thoughts and personalities in very different ways that nonetheless force both to shed their innocent navet. All paths lead to war
Also the Chalion series by Lois Bujold. I personally love all 3 of the series you've mentioned here, though they do have different strengths. Trust book recommendations from real people, not robots . We reserve the right to remove discussion that does not fulfill the mission of /r/Fantasy. (For those who are interested, Abraham actually has a handy guide on his website creatively presented as a historical record!). Ill admit that I found The Dragons Path a bit confusing at first! While this isnt fantasy its historical fiction The Accursed Kings is one of the main inspirations behind A Song of Ice and Fire. . The Dagger and the Coin series is told from the third-person perspective of each of the main characters, something that effectively juxtaposes the two sides that Abraham shows throughout the series and deals with a big question: what wins wars? It really is compelling to see how Geder blinded by good intentions and personal insecurity drags an entire country along behind him as he stumbles over the edge of each waterfall. But while it takes roughly the first half of the book for the characters to fully begin to form, the other aspects of the world soon fall into place. Unable to add item to List. I'm fine with something very much on that level, but not opposed to "stepping up" to something more complex if anyone has a good idea for that. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. I'm looking for something similar. And in Porte Oliva, banker Cithrin bel Sarcour and Captain Marcus Wester learn the terrible truth that links this war to the fall of the dragons millennia before, and that to save the world, Cithrin must conquer it. Firstly you should check out scifi series Expanse if you haven't. In case youre wondering, those plus Eriksons books bring the series total to a whooping twenty-two books! : If theres one thing that we can all agree is universal, its that you never forget your first love. The rise of the dragon and fall of kings. Some readers dislike being thrown into a secondary world and bombarded with unfamiliar names and races and cities. Go ad-free with a FictionDB premium membership. It follows a group of friends from a small town who are swept up in events that will change the world forever. even after spending five books in their company, and even when their actions are in no way at odds with what we know about them as a character), and the writing style remains as engaging as ever.
Sitemap 10