The next book in the thrilling "New York Times" bestselling series.
For years he has endured the endless trials and triumphs of a man whose sk... read full description
For years he has endured the endless trials and triumphs of a man whose sk... read full description
reviews
Aug 01, 2011
Jim
rated it: 
This is the final book in the series & it did sum everything up nicely - too nicely. Butcher is just too attached to some of his characters. While that makes this a fun read, it lacked any depth of emotions for me. <spoiler> I was never worried that a major, well-loved character could die. In this series, almost no one dies - ever. They're constantly getting killed, but then magically revived.</spoiler> It just took all the suspense out of it. C'mon Butcher, grow a pair! Life i
More...
5 comments
like
(8 people liked it)
May 31, 2010
Jeffrey
rated it: 
I really liked this book and burned through it in one day. Its hard to talk about the novel because it was a conclusion of a six book series in which the earlier books were much better, but all of the story lines were concluded satisfactory.
That being said, I felt that Tavi, who is the focus of most of the story was basically off page for more than half of the book, as the author tried to tie up the loose ends involving some of the other characters. That is a minor quibble. Also some More...
That being said, I felt that Tavi, who is the focus of most of the story was basically off page for more than half of the book, as the author tried to tie up the loose ends involving some of the other characters. That is a minor quibble. Also some More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Nov 29, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
Gaius Octavian, the First Lord of Alera is returning home after fighting the merciless Vord in the Canim homeland. Unfortunately, one hive of vord is overtaking Alera as well. Tavi’s grandfather has died trying to defend the capital and most of the major cities are destroyed or occupied by the Vord. Tavi must reach the remaining forces who are readying for a last stand in the Calderon Valley and reinforce them or his homeland will be lost. He is also the only one with the smallest chance to
More...
Oct 09, 2011
Algernon
rated it:
The grand finale in the Codex Alera epic. It was probably difficult for the author to ramp up tension and the adrenaline rush after the already frantic pace of the previous books, but somehow Jim Butcher pulled it off. Like the fabled amplifier that goes to 11, the adventure went in overdrive with the heroes battling literally millions of relentless foes and magical fireworks going off in continent spawning swathes. There are rivers of blood and gore and cities razed to the ground, yet Butcher m
More...
Aug 31, 2011
James
rated it:
And so it ends.
Well... what do you say when a series as great as this finishes? Me?, I sat back and let out a breath and stared at the page for a whole minute just absorbing the fact that it had ended. This series was miraculously brilliant, easily one of my favourite fantasy series of all time. No, scratch that; probably the best series I have ever read. Evidence? I read all six books in four days. That's six books, each with 300-400 pages, in four days. One of the quickest series I More...
Well... what do you say when a series as great as this finishes? Me?, I sat back and let out a breath and stared at the page for a whole minute just absorbing the fact that it had ended. This series was miraculously brilliant, easily one of my favourite fantasy series of all time. No, scratch that; probably the best series I have ever read. Evidence? I read all six books in four days. That's six books, each with 300-400 pages, in four days. One of the quickest series I More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 13, 2011
Books-treasureortrash
rated it:
Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Everyone is back on Aleran, fighting the Vord. The main characters are spread out, each with their own tale full of adventures. The story continues immediately following Princeps’ Fury
This is the final book in the Codex Alera Series. Which is a high fantasy and it takes place in the Aleran Empire in a society similar to that of ancient Rome. This book is told in the third person narrative from the various different characters point of view, but p More...
Everyone is back on Aleran, fighting the Vord. The main characters are spread out, each with their own tale full of adventures. The story continues immediately following Princeps’ Fury
This is the final book in the Codex Alera Series. Which is a high fantasy and it takes place in the Aleran Empire in a society similar to that of ancient Rome. This book is told in the third person narrative from the various different characters point of view, but p More...
Aug 01, 2011
Mlle.
rated it: 
Well, crows, but Jim Butcher sure knows how to end a series on a high note. I would happily keep reading about the adventures of Tavi et al (and it's a pretty huge cast of characters at this point) every year until they all died of old age...but I guess that's not to be.
But, rest assured, this final installment in the Codex Alera is epic. It is tightly plotted, with key characters slowly converging on the Calderon Valley where the whole series started. It's full of big magic, big batt More...
But, rest assured, this final installment in the Codex Alera is epic. It is tightly plotted, with key characters slowly converging on the Calderon Valley where the whole series started. It's full of big magic, big batt More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Dec 30, 2010
Karissa
rated it:
This is the final book in Butcher's Codex Alera series. There is a lot that happens in this book from a detail point of view; overall it is an excellent conclusion to the series.
Tavi, now First Lord Octavian Gaius, is steering the ships full of both the First Aleran and the Canim to land. From there they are hoping to march across Alera and meet up with the Aleran Legions making their final stand at Riva. Of course things don't go quite as planned and Riva falls, forcing the final batt More...
Tavi, now First Lord Octavian Gaius, is steering the ships full of both the First Aleran and the Canim to land. From there they are hoping to march across Alera and meet up with the Aleran Legions making their final stand at Riva. Of course things don't go quite as planned and Riva falls, forcing the final batt More...
Dec 25, 2010
Wang
rated it:
Sorry Jim Butcher,
I had really high expectations about the concluding book to the series. But there was just something missing from the book. It was really disappointing the way you concluded the series, particularly the fight against the vord queen. A swift stroke and she's dead? No pomp or anything? It is just about as ridiculous as the worst fantasy series I have ever read.
I have huge respect for you as an author, and I have to say that this series does not match up to the More...
I had really high expectations about the concluding book to the series. But there was just something missing from the book. It was really disappointing the way you concluded the series, particularly the fight against the vord queen. A swift stroke and she's dead? No pomp or anything? It is just about as ridiculous as the worst fantasy series I have ever read.
I have huge respect for you as an author, and I have to say that this series does not match up to the More...
May 31, 2010
Crystal
rated it:
I hardly know what to say. The series is finished for now, though there are loose ends that could lead to more stories in this universe, if Butcher desires. I think my comparison to the Mistborn series is apt. This series is an adventure story if there ever was one, and the magic system has tactical advantages as in the Mistborn series. The first few books were certainly the best, with the most detail and clearly thought out battles. As the enemies Tavi faces get stronger, the resolution to
More...
Jan 03, 2010
Jet
rated it: 
Introduction
This series chronicles the adventures of a young man, Tavi, as he rises over and above his humble beginnings to save the realm of Alera, a fictional empire that mirrors the social structure of ancient Rome. The single patriachial monarch, the First Lord Gaius Sextus, is dying and having no heir or clear successor, shows no sign of relinquishing his control over an increasingly fragmented empire. As civil war looms, Alera comes under attack on all sides by hostile enemies More...
This series chronicles the adventures of a young man, Tavi, as he rises over and above his humble beginnings to save the realm of Alera, a fictional empire that mirrors the social structure of ancient Rome. The single patriachial monarch, the First Lord Gaius Sextus, is dying and having no heir or clear successor, shows no sign of relinquishing his control over an increasingly fragmented empire. As civil war looms, Alera comes under attack on all sides by hostile enemies More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 15, 2009
Milen
rated it:
Frankly, it was a disappointment. Not that it didn't have some good moments, but I am sure Jim Butcher could, and should, do better. Overall, First Lord's Fury felt like an unwillingly and hastily done job. It's written without feeling, inspiration or enthusiasm - like these last hours in the office just before the weekend, when you just want to finih your work as fast as possible and be done with it. Granted, Butcher remains a skilled professional and even his not-so-good works are better than
More...
Nov 30, 2009
Sammy
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 03, 2010
Jeff
rated it:
This was the finale of the Codex Alera series. At least I'm pretty sure that it is intended to be the last book. A major epic, First Lord's Fury sees Canim, Marat, Ice People, and Alerans all join forces to fight the hated Vord. It looks pretty bleak for a while, as the Vord pretty much take over the whole planet, except for a small area that Bernard has secretly been preparing for just such an event.
We see a political fight as a decision must be made as to who the new First Lord More...
We see a political fight as a decision must be made as to who the new First Lord More...
Sep 27, 2011
trishtrash
rated it:
This book – and the series as a whole – rates five stars for being not merely engaging but almost compelling. Jim Butcher tells a fantasy story with imagination, pace, heart, humour, courage and imbues it all with deep excitement. Tavi’s final steps in the journey from shepherd’s apprentice to First Lord, and his quest to end the invasion of the Vord on Alera, forging alliances and outthinking foes at every step, was as close to the definition of ‘unputdownable’ as I’ve encountered in a book.
More...
Nov 27, 2009
Beanbag
rated it:
This is going to be a short review because it's the sixth and final book in a very complex series and everyone who's reading this story is going to read it anyway.
Codex Alera is a military/fantasy series. It takes place in a world similar to earth, but could be someplace else entirely. It's got cities, but also farms and estates, called 'steadholts'. The people of this realm have the ability to use and attach 'furies' which give them specific talents such as manipulating wood, ear More...
Codex Alera is a military/fantasy series. It takes place in a world similar to earth, but could be someplace else entirely. It's got cities, but also farms and estates, called 'steadholts'. The people of this realm have the ability to use and attach 'furies' which give them specific talents such as manipulating wood, ear More...
3 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 22, 2009
Nicole
rated it:
The Codex Alera series was really well put together, and after reading about Jim Butcher's novel methodology I can understand why. I'm sure, when starting with Furies of Calderon, he already saw the writing on the wall--though probably not as clearly, you know what they say about hindsight.
Now that it's over I feel a little sad, like I've lost something I really love. There is no more story, no more development, and still some lingering questions. For example, unlike his previous wo More...
Now that it's over I feel a little sad, like I've lost something I really love. There is no more story, no more development, and still some lingering questions. For example, unlike his previous wo More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 28, 2011
Everest
rated it:
On the whole, this book was much wittier than its predecessors. However, the ending was simply too pat. I like endings that work out well for the protagonists, don't get me wrong. But this was too "Happily ever after" even for me.
Aside from that, the book wasn't bad, and did have some fairly clever parts--even if there were some gaping holes in the plot-line (but I found that to be a frequent problem with this series). From the perspective of the strength of the story, More...
Aside from that, the book wasn't bad, and did have some fairly clever parts--even if there were some gaping holes in the plot-line (but I found that to be a frequent problem with this series). From the perspective of the strength of the story, More...
Aug 30, 2011
Eric
rated it:
I loved this series, and the final book is no exception. I’m sorry to see it come to an end. My first thought was that the series should continue, now that Tavi is the First Lord. Seemed to me like that was the beginning of a whole new series of adventures.
But then I thought about it some more, and realized this series could be considered a coming of age tale, not just for Tavi, but for all of Alera. At the beginning of the series, Tavi is a young man hampered by his lack of furycra More...
But then I thought about it some more, and realized this series could be considered a coming of age tale, not just for Tavi, but for all of Alera. At the beginning of the series, Tavi is a young man hampered by his lack of furycra More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Feb 25, 2010
Chandra
rated it:
I'm a fan of Butcher's so it was guaranteed that I'd read the series conclusion. He left it wide open for another series set in the same world.
I should've seen the ending coming as the resolution was introduced about 3/4 of the way through. I'm never a good judge of whether or not a book is predictable because I just don't see these things 'til the end, but if you are the type of person who can pull together clues then I doubt the ending will surprise you.
Butcher's writin More...
I should've seen the ending coming as the resolution was introduced about 3/4 of the way through. I'm never a good judge of whether or not a book is predictable because I just don't see these things 'til the end, but if you are the type of person who can pull together clues then I doubt the ending will surprise you.
Butcher's writin More...
Dec 24, 2009
Gaby
rated it:
Set in a fantasy world of Jim Butcher's making, the Codex Alera encompasses a tumultuous period in the nation's history. The people of Alera have unique bonds with the elementals of earth, air, fire, water, wood and metal and are able to manipulate the elementals in objects and in their environment to perform acts of immense power. The feats are limited only by the individual's strength and imagination.
Aleran society is characterized by a strict caste system with slaves, freemen, cit More...
Aleran society is characterized by a strict caste system with slaves, freemen, cit More...
Dec 10, 2009
Julia
rated it:
This is the sixth and final book in Butcher’s Codex Alera series. While I've loved reading the whole series, this is a fitting and superb end to the series. Unlike Butcher’s Dresden Files which is urban fantasy, this is epic fantasy set in a world where the Roman Empire never fell.
Here, people control furies allowing Isana to heal (water), Amana to fly (wind), Bernard hunts (earth), Araris controls metal and is Alera’s best swordsman. High lords often control multiple furies. Tavi’
More...
Jan 06, 2010
Mike
rated it:
First Lord’s Fury is the sixth and final book in Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera. Set in a Roman inspired world whose citizens control powerful elementals called furies the Codex Alera is a fast-paced action intensive series. In First Lord’s Fury both speed and action are ratcheted way past 11 making for an exciting, though somewhat rushed, read. If you haven’t read any of the other books in the series yet then even reading past the blurb of the later books, or glancing at the titles, provides so
More...
Dec 03, 2009
Lightreads
rated it:
Conclusion to this six-book epic fantasy about the lost prince rising to power in the land overrun by creepy hive-minded spider thingies.
It's not romanesque, it's romanish. Which explains everything you really need to know about this series, except that it's predictable and has quietly annoying gender issues and is deeply, deeply satisfying. Like dolphin noises satisfying. Like Anne McCaffrey when you're twelve satisfying, only more swords.
No, wait, I do actually have so More...
It's not romanesque, it's romanish. Which explains everything you really need to know about this series, except that it's predictable and has quietly annoying gender issues and is deeply, deeply satisfying. Like dolphin noises satisfying. Like Anne McCaffrey when you're twelve satisfying, only more swords.
No, wait, I do actually have so More...
Feb 04, 2010
Jacqueline
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Sep 27, 2010
Nicholas
rated it:
Amazing!!!! This is my second favorite book series after The Dark Tower, and I'll put it coequal to the Potter series. Butcher writes fantasy that is fresh, intelligent, and new, yet full of the sense of camaraderie and adventure that made Lord of the Rings so memorable. The best part of it is, it doesn't feel Tolkein-esque. It feels like it's own creation, a piece of praise that cannot be garnered upon almost any other book I've read in the fantasy genre.
This last book in the se More...
This last book in the se More...
Jun 29, 2011
Caroline
rated it:
I really wish I could say this was better than the last couple in the series, but for me it was just the same level of "meh" that I've been feeling since starting this series. I probably set my expectations wrong going in, as I love his Dresden Files and was hoping for the same smart writing and great plotting, but it felt to me like this series didn't have anywhere near the personality and charm.
<spoiler>The ending in here was pretty predictable, and the levels of te More...
<spoiler>The ending in here was pretty predictable, and the levels of te More...
Jul 27, 2011
Vanessa
rated it:
I can't recommend this series enough! It's hard to believe this is the same author who does the Dresden Files series -- not because I don't like the other series (I love it!), but because the Alera series is so very different. This installment made me anxious to find any spare moment to read more and more. I do think you would need to read the series to appreciate this book, though. Not something you could pick up mid-stream. The Alera series reminds me a bit of the Orson Scott Card's Ender seri
More...
Jan 09, 2010
C
rated it:
What an adventure... the series read like one cohesive story. Initially, I was hesitant to start this series because I thought, from the summary, that the system of magic was too confusing. But Butcher really did a great job of throwing the reader into the system without too much effort. I'm glad I did finally pick the books up.
I have to say, some things in this series reminded me of Ender's Game. The Vord and the Buggers, the endless military strategizing, and the clever protagonist More...
I have to say, some things in this series reminded me of Ender's Game. The Vord and the Buggers, the endless military strategizing, and the clever protagonist More...
Oct 30, 2010
Owen
rated it:
Nuts and bolts: the Codex of Alera novels are about watching the main character overcome impossible odds. In the earlier books, his problems were smaller scale due to power limitations, in the later books he gets to take the world on his shoulders and attempt to solve it. It's a distillation of the kind of theme that was incredibly popular in late-80s/early-90s fantasy novels, and Butcher's much improved prose and worldbuilding skills combine to provide a raucous good time. There's never really
More...
