The Daylight War (Demon Cycle, #3)

Mar 02, 2013 Dan Schwent rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, 2013

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The corelings will rise en masse under the new moon and Arlen and company only have a month to prepare for it. Can they survive the month and the Krasians that draw near Deliverer's Hollow?

After three years of waiting, the third book in the Demon Cycle is upon us. Was it worth the wait?

Meh. I don't know if it's because I've just devoured five George R.R. Martin books in record time or because three years have passed since I read the Desert Spear but The Daylight War didn't blow my doors off the...more The corelings will rise en masse under the new moon and Arlen and company only have a month to prepare for it. Can they survive the month and the Krasians that draw near Deliverer's Hollow?

After three years of waiting, the third book in the Demon Cycle is upon us. Was it worth the wait?

Meh. I don't know if it's because I've just devoured five George R.R. Martin books in record time or because three years have passed since I read the Desert Spear but The Daylight War didn't blow my doors off the way I thought it would. It wasn't bad but I guess was expecting a whole lot more. Maybe it's just that the newness has worn off but it felt like cotton candy compared to A Song of Ice and Fire.

Much like the Desert Spear, about half of the book is a long flashback involving a secondary character, in this case, Jardir's first wife, Inevera. Inevera's tale is an interesting one of scheming and betrayal.

Unfortunately, it is by far the most interesting part of the book, way more engaging than the main story in my opinion. The way things are going, I'm expecting the next book to have an extended sequence from a demon's point of view.

Worse, both Arlen and Leesha were really getting on my nerves for most of the book. Arlen is now ridiculously powerful and also kind of annoying with his inspirational speeches and modesty. Arlen's relationship with Renna doesn't seem even slightly real to me and feels like a stalling tactic until he inevitably ends up with Leesha. And Leesha is just a mess. She's 28 years old and a healer so she likely knows how babies are made and therefore shouldn't be the least bit surprised when it turns out she's pregnant with Jardir's baby after they've spent quite a bit of time going at it like particularly randy rabbits on a Spring Break field trip to the Viagra factory. Rojer is about the only character I still really like. In fact, his relationship with his two wives is my favorite part of the book with all the maneuvering by various Krasians a close second.

For most of the book, there's too much talking and preparing and not enough payoff. The fights with corelings were good but nothing revolutionary. The last fifty or so pages seemed rushed, however, and end in a cliffhanger. We've been waiting a long time for Arlen and Jardir to square off and we're denied any sort resolution. What we got was good but making us wait untold years before we find out how the fight ends is kind of a cheap shot.

I guess this all sounds kind of harsh. I did like the book overall. Three stars and I'll likely be picking up the next one.(less)

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Dec 29, 2012 Mia rated it 5 of 5 stars

* Please read this only if you've read the first two books in the Demon Cycle series -- The Warded Man and The Desert Spear. Do not deprive yourself of the pleasure of discovering every twist and turn of this splendid tale in the proper order. Further, I'm purposely shying away from providing details to avoid even unintended spoilers.*

A RECAP: The Warded Man introduced us to Arlen of Tibbett's Brook, a boy whose simple village life was upended by a tragic demon attack. His ensuing restlessness l...more

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May 27, 2012 Campbell marked it as to-read

Recommended to Campbell by: Her grandfather

Shelves: unreleased

Feburary 4th 2013

The Warded Man... The Desert Spear... The Daylight War.

These books had fallen from my focus after I read the second one all that time ago and noticed that the third wouldn't be out for... Well, for a long, long time.
And now, looking through reviews of The Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss, my sight strays to a little box in the corner that says 'Readers also enjoyed' and the title, 'The Daylight War' catches my eye as something similar to titles I've seen before, something that...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Talal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, fantasy, favorites

I powered through the first two books in three days only to find out that the third part wont be out till next year. -sigh-

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Feb 13, 2013 Mihir rated it 5 of 5 stars

Full review originally at Fantasy Book Critic

Overall Rating = 4 & 1/2 stars

ANALYSIS: Peter V. Brett’s The Daylight War is a book that most fans have been clamoring for since the release of The Desert Spear back in 2010. This book focuses on Inevera’s character as the past books have done for Arlen, Leesha, Rojer and Jardir. This book would also serve to show the conflict brewing between Jardir and Arlen and so easily marked itself as the most anticipated title for 2013 IMO. A warning thoug...more
Full review originally at Fantasy Book Critic

Overall Rating = 4 & 1/2 stars

ANALYSIS: Peter V. Brett’s The Daylight War is a book that most fans have been clamoring for since the release of The Desert Spear back in 2010. This book focuses on Inevera’s character as the past books have done for Arlen, Leesha, Rojer and Jardir. This book would also serve to show the conflict brewing between Jardir and Arlen and so easily marked itself as the most anticipated title for 2013 IMO. A warning though, with this book being the third of a series, there might be points discussed below that serve as minor spoilers for the preceding titles. Before I begin my review, readers wanting to read Liviu's thoughts on the book, can click here.

The story begins with Inevera nearly 33 years before the start of current events (as mentioned in the book) and we get to see her as a child and with a family of her own. Her father Kasaad is a veteran warrior with a disability and drinking issues. Her mother Manvah is a basket weaver and supports the family and lastly is her elder brother Soli who has just become a new Sharum warrior. Life however has other plans as Inevera as Hannu Pash beckons and we have read in the earlier book what happens next and in this book, Peter Brett shows her remarkable journey all the way. The focus is also on Arlen and Renna who are a couple now and share more wards than any normal couple would. Renna is aggressively following Arlen in his ways and walk even though he might not want her to continue on the same path. Leesha continues to straddle her various roles and is now trying to figure out the best way to extradite herself from the wiles of Jardir and his Krasian contingents. Rojer finds himself with an altered connubial status of sorts, is learning more about womanly wiles and especially Krasian womanly wiles. He’s striving to become a good partner to Sikwah and Amanwah whilst trying to explore his own skill with warded magic via his music.

Then there’s Abban who is slowly becoming my favorite character with his grey-shaded actions and tenebrous interactions with everyone as he helps Jardir fortify his new found lands. However Jardir and Inevera both struggle to determine his true intentions and are constantly wary of him. Jardir also plays a significant role in the happenings of this book and especially towards the climax. But in this volume his role is smaller among all the main POV characters aforementioned. This is not to say he doesn’t make his presence felt but this story truly belongs to Inevera, as we find out more about her thoughts, her past and her intentions towards the upcoming Sharak Ka.

After finishing this book, all I can is WOW! Peter V. Brett really knows how to change character perceptions and showcase different facets even after two preceding books. Let’s begin with the part that beguiled me so much, namely characterization. The author fleshes out all characters vividly and makes each of them distinct, beginning from the POV characters all the way down to the minor characters, each of them feels distinctly unique and this is the best part of the story. Beginning from Arlen as he aggressively pursues his own route and now is becoming a darker character and a bit unhinged as well. Renna Tanner is brought into the spotlight due to her own actions and Arlen’s gestures however as a character, I couldn’t connect with her as she seemed off with her thoughts and her actions cause further discord between the people around her.

Rojer who had a reduced role in the preceding title gets a bigger draw and we see what he can accomplish. Leesha also learns about the new headaches of leadership and I felt the author manages to portray her situation a bit better in this volume. Inevera, Jardir and Abban further confound the readers with their machinations and so it is this facet that makes this book bloody terrific. Secondly the author further fleshes out the Krasian culture whilst distinctly drawing some characteristic ties to Islam. Previously the Krasian world was explored from a masculine lens and in this book the same is done from a feminine viewpoint. However the Krasian culture is shown to be no less ruthless or bloodthirsty as we learn about the Dama’tings and their objectives. It’s not shocking to find out the Dama’tings and their underlings have their own games to play and they regard the Krasian men with even more of a rigid mindset than they view their fellow females.

The book slightly alters the pattern by having the current events run entirely parallel to Inevera’s background story. So in chapter I we get to see Arlen going about the Thesan world reclaiming his spot not as the Deliverer but as Arlen Bales the Warded Man, this was a good thing as we directly see past and present events occurring in synchronicity. The magic system is further expanded and this time we get a deeper look in to the Demons and what seems to be taking place at the Core. I liked how the author paralleled the Demon’s culture with those of the humans above. People who have been waiting to know more about the prophecies, the Alagai hora and demon culture will definitely love this book as the author finally gives us a wider look in to all the aforementioned things and much more. Then there’s the fantastic cover art with both the US and UK editions, which I must say the author is really lucky to have such gorgeous cover art on both sides of the pond.

The pace and action sequences of this book are exponentially increased as the title suggests and once any reader starts this book, they'll be hard-pressed to stop reading. This is where PVB managed to combine the plus points from the earlier books to make the third the best one so far. Lastly I want to emphasize what a terrific ending this book has, its right up there with that of say Changes by Jim Butcher or A Storm Of Swords by George R.R. Martin. Not a cliffhanger in the literal sense but a thematic one as the action ends on a edge of a cliff and fans will probably hate the author for ending the book the way it is shown. The worrisome part being that now readers will have to wait another 2-3 years (minimally) to find out what happens next. As an author this is what you strive for and perhaps PVB will have fans clamoring for the fourth book (The Skull Throne) in the same vociferous way as those of GRRM and Patrick Rothfuss. For those fans who are jonesing for the next epic fantasy series after the conclusion to Wheel Of Time, they might want to give this one a try as its not bloated (so far) and promises much more in the remaining two volumes.

I couldn't find any drawbacks to this book however this is entirely a subjective opinion. If one didn’t enjoy the author’s earlier books and style of writing then this book won’t change your opinion but you would be missing out on a terrific series. For all the fans, Peter V. Brett hits it out of the park with this third volume and only makes it harder to not bang on his door pleading for the next volume.

CONCLUSION: An out and out thrilling storyline that mixes action, intrigue and amazing characters, Peter V. Brett’s The Daylight War is his best work so far and rather upends the bar steeply for this series. I would simply like to conclude by saying that with this book, Peter confirms his place among epic fantasy’s pantheon of greats amid the likes of George R.R. Martin, Steven Erikson, and Robert Jordan.(less)

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Feb 16, 2013 Clinton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: let-down-central, stupid-characters-make-bad-decision

Book:3.5
Series so far: 4
****WARNING****
The Daylight War Is a Sex Filled Romance Novel Masquerading as the fantasy book you thought you were going to be reading.

Peter V. Brett dropped the ball on this one. The Daylight War is in no way a bad book, it’s just a letdown. It seems that when Peter decided he was going to write a third book, he decided to gather up all the most irritating characters of the past two books and make them main characters. Not only that, he also managed to make some of th...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Mark Lawrence rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are almost no authors I wait on. George Martin is one, Peter Brett another. I'm hooked on these books. They're the fun, exciting, imaginative fantasy I used to love way back in the 80s, but written for the new milenium with all the additional sharpness and insights that entails.

Brett combines a wonderful idea - the particular combination of 'bad guys' and magic that drives the series - with great characterisation across a broad cast.

To deliver literary punches, to write scenes where we car...more

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Mar 17, 2013 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Really not sure how to review this book. I have to say that I struggled for the first part of this book because it was so hard to get in to, and with the constant flicking between times and people, it really started to grate. Only started to properly enjoy it towards the end and the big battles.

Arlen and Leesha were kinda annoying in this book. Leesha was especially annoying and only redeemed herself at the end, and only a little and Renna is just horrible, nothing about her is appealing and I c...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Damian Dubois rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You would think that with a working title of 'The Daylight War' that we would finally get to see the Krasian's much sort after Sharak Sun and get some pretty epic battles to accompany it. Well, so much for that. This book reads more like an extension of the Desert Spear due to the fact that not a whole lot happens over the course of 791 pages (the last 17 of which include a very handy Krasian dictionary). In fact only about a month elapses between the end of the second and third books and some o...more You would think that with a working title of 'The Daylight War' that we would finally get to see the Krasian's much sort after Sharak Sun and get some pretty epic battles to accompany it. Well, so much for that. This book reads more like an extension of the Desert Spear due to the fact that not a whole lot happens over the course of 791 pages (the last 17 of which include a very handy Krasian dictionary). In fact only about a month elapses between the end of the second and third books and some of the situations pretty much read the same as the previous novel which makes the Daylight War at time feel like nothing more than filler material.

This feeling is probably exacerbated with the numerous flashbacks which we get which fills in the back story of Inevera, Jadhir's Damajah wife. While this may sound like a criticism, I found these parts the most informative and, more importantly, much more interesting. And while we are on the subject of Inevera, what about the two covers?! Both the UK (blue) and the US (red) covers are simply beautiful to behold and are breathtakingly striking. I went for the blue but after reading the novel I think I can see Inevera taking to the red silks more naturally, fiery lass that she can be!

While the characterisation isn't as good as say Martin or Erikson, the main characters are for the most part likeable (especially Rojer the Jongleur). But, for the first time in many a book that I have read, I have come to detest one of Brett's main characters, Arlen's love and wife, Renna. Actually, I need a stronger word than detest. How about abhor? Absolutely terrible character, no redeeming features whatsoever, petulant, constant mood ranges between vexed, slightly miffed and extreme anger. I'm hoping (praying!) that in the next novel she bites the big one and Arlen is then pushed through grief into the arms of Leesha Paper! Surely he can't allow Renna to live...

I should also mention that it ends abruptly (yes, major cliffhanger) which some people may find very off-putting as it also involves the demise (surely this character's story cannot end in this fashion!!) of a major POV character.

So, overall I did enjoy the Daylight War but I think my expectations for the novel were too high and just weren't met.(less)

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Feb 13, 2013 Miczal rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm getiing very annoyed with backstories and descending trend of this cycle. Was The Painted Man written by someone else? In that book you at least had really good story till the last page.

I'm really disappointed that first 30% of The Daylight War doesn't develop plot at all. Instead we have Inevera's "POV" on things we already knew. What's the point? I think that those chapters could be at least two times shorter. Things start to get interesting in second half, but I feel almost cheated by th...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Sian Milne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was long awaited and is a series of books I share the love of with my hubby. So of course we had to buy 2 copies of this book so that we could both read at the same time.

I am not going to go into the book description as Amazon have done it well enough as well as other reviewers.

I couldnt put this book down. I read as much I could do with an 8 month old and I loved every page of this story.

I have to admit Renna peeved me off throughout most of the book and I couldnt warm to her but towards...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Bob Milne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-epic

An improvement on the first two instalments in almost every way, The Daylight War sees Peter V. Brett successfully pull all the elements together and really hit his stride. Don't get me wrong, The Warded Man and The Desert Spear were both solid reads, but the technique was a bit rough around the edges, especially in the transition between the two, where it almost seemed if the story had gotten away from him.

Much as he did with the second instalment, Brett casts us back in time to open up the nov...more An improvement on the first two instalments in almost every way, The Daylight War sees Peter V. Brett successfully pull all the elements together and really hit his stride. Don't get me wrong, The Warded Man and The Desert Spear were both solid reads, but the technique was a bit rough around the edges, especially in the transition between the two, where it almost seemed if the story had gotten away from him.

Much as he did with the second instalment, Brett casts us back in time to open up the novel, introducing us to the back story of Inevera. It's a truly fascinating tale, perhaps more so than her husband's, which truly serves to flesh out her character and better definer her edges. Rather than transform her from villain to hero, as the opening of The Desert Spear did for Jaridr, it lays the ground for a more sympathetic understanding of her motives, and establishes her as a much more cunning and dangerous foe. Most interesting of all, we get to see the 'truth' behind her die casting, the unvarnished facts as she reads them, not as she interprets them for others.

In terms of technique, Brett does a far better job of weaving in her history while keeping the story moving forward, although I suspect that may be a deliberate move on Brett's part. It's only in seeing how he treats Inevera's story that we truly recognize how Jardir, like Arlen, had so much uninterrupted space to dedicated to his back story. That dedication, especially when contrasted to Inevera's more traditional telling, puts the two on an even footing, so to speak, further clouding the question as to which (if either) is the Deliverer.

In terms of the other characters, Renna proves that her heroics in the closing chapters of the second book were not just an anomaly, while also developing her relationship with Arlen in some rather intriguing ways. There's a desperate sort of happiness there that is entirely unexpected, humanizing Arlen even as he demonstrates just how close he's come to the Core. I wasn't sure about her role after the last book, and I still have a nagging fear that there's either a fall or a betrayal in her future, but Brett succeeds in making her a partner worthy of The Warded Man himself. More importantly, he doesn't allow questions of love and duty to blind Arlen to the truth, resulting in some surprising (but welcome) revelations late in the story.

Already a favourite of mine, Rojer really outdoes himself in this volume, earning himself a place at the forefront of the battle. He grows and matures as the mantle of responsibility settles a little more comfortably upon his shoulders; he makes an awkward, politically arranged, suspicion-laden marriage not only work, but become a high point of the story; and he even comes to terms with his past, as he's forced to publicly confront Arrick's misdeads . . . and lingering legacy. He's not the flashy, attention-demanding hero that Arlen is, but neither is he the meek, content to linger in the shadows, sidekick that he seemed set up to be in the first two volumes.

If there were to be a weak spot for me in the characterization, though, it would definitely be with Leesha. The drama, the romantic entanglements, and the teenager-like angst were just too much for me. The power and the strength that she showed in the first two volumes really seemed to be leached away here, as she began feeling sorry for herself and almost insisting that she be defined by the men in her life. It's a shame, because she clearly has a significant role to play in future instalments, but perhaps Brett is taking her down a few notches to that he can make her resolution more powerful.

The story progression follows a weird arc once again, with some early developments, a lot of waiting, and a premature climax. Fortunately, there's a lot of story between developments, with the evolution of the Hollow, the new application of wards, and the rather stunning theft (and subsequent enhancement) of tactics by the demons more than enough to keep things compelling. It's an even darker tale than the first two volumes, with stakes both grim and dire, yet there's a sense of hope that's entirely refreshing. Once again, though, there's an oddly impatient transition to the true climax of the story, with an abbreviated major confrontation, and a cliffhanger ending that is as brilliant as it is excruciatingly painful.

Compelling, exciting, and thoroughly entertaining, The Daylight War is certain to please fans of the first two books. Even if it doesn't quite tell the story I expected, and denies us the fight we most desire until the very end, it's still a beautiful piece of storytelling.

Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins(less)

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Feb 27, 2013 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, on-my-kindle-fire-ipad-samsung

Ahhhh! Cliffhanger ending. The majority of this book was from or about Inevera, Jardir's First Wife, and how she was raised, trained, and how once she became a bride of Everam, she manipulated and schemed for Jardir to become the Deliverer of the Krasians. I didn't really care for her point of view. It was basically a retelling of the previous books from her vantage point.
Rojer's and his wives proved entertaining. However, Leesha seems to be all over the place and the situation between her and...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Chrysanthos rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: audiobooks

Absolutely brilliant! I don't know how Peter does it, but each book is even better than the previous one, a feat I thought almost impossible.

Be warned though...
As you may already know, the author has a way to sway the reader’s allegiances. A way to make the "bad" guys likeable by reintroducing the world from their point of view. Everyone has reasons for their actions and those reasons are just as moral as the next guys. Do not jump into conclusions until you know all the facts. In the end you'll...more

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May 18, 2013 Jennifer Rinehart rated it 2 of 5 stars

So the last time I was in the Demon Cycle world I was pretty upset. There was one thing that really stuck in my craw, so to speak and I hate to say that, for me, this series and author has failed to be redeemed.

There was a lot, I mean a huge butt ton of rapes in this series.

Now I get it that this is a lawless world. That stepping outside your door can lead to everything from being torn to bits by demons or being castigated by local villagers, but seriously, I didn't feel that the rapes in the bo...more

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May 05, 2013 Natasha Chowdory rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Too long. Is my first impression of this book. The best parts happened in the last 1/3 of the book and even then we hurtled towards an ending with a (literal) cliffhanger. The good parts were limited to the background if Inevera (probably the better done background story in the series so far), and the battle scenes with Arlen and Renna use power of 'The Draw' to create wards etc. The bits with Leesha and Jardir and generally with Leesha+ mother +Rojer.

Brett seems to have an issue with having wo...more

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May 01, 2013 John Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Man oh man! Just when I thought it could not get any better Brett proves me oh so wrong!

"The Daylight Way" continues to expand upon the excellent plot from the previous two, throwing in yet another character's point of view, Inevera, the puppet-mistress herself. I really like that Brett adds a new viewpoint each novel because in the end, the only characters I really, really despise are the demons.

Which to me makes the books all that more engaging, because while I get frustrated with many of the...more Man oh man! Just when I thought it could not get any better Brett proves me oh so wrong!

"The Daylight Way" continues to expand upon the excellent plot from the previous two, throwing in yet another character's point of view, Inevera, the puppet-mistress herself. I really like that Brett adds a new viewpoint each novel because in the end, the only characters I really, really despise are the demons.

Which to me makes the books all that more engaging, because while I get frustrated with many of the characters actions, I find myself being able to stand in their shoes. In many fantasy stories and monster stories with rival humans, one of the humans is so vilified that I am pleased when they are killed off. Not so in the Demon Cycle. Brett reminds us constantly who the real bad guys are.

The demons are back in full force in this one too. IN the previous novel, "Desert Spear", the demons lost some of their bite, if you will, as Jadir and Arlen began to figure out their powers and turn the tables on the various breeds of demons, making their threat a background one, more of a occupational hazard than genocidal threat.

With the mind demons running the show though, the genuine threat of the demons are back and it's beginning to look dim for humanity.

Brett does a superb job of answer some lingering questions about the demons, from the mind demons POV, without giving away too much of the secret of the creatures. I'm am almost as excited to learn more of the previous age, and the true extent of the demons as I am to see what happens after the ending of the book.

Oh I forgot to mention that? The ending is one of THE biggest cliffhangers I have ever seen at the end of a novel. A chapter or section of a book, sure, but the novel!!! When I turned the page and saw the glossary, I about threw my kindle across the room!

But in the end that is ok. I like it when an author is able to pull at my heart strings right like that. I'll just have to wait patiently for the next installment!

P.S.- I bought the e-book version and once again flawless editing as far as images and chapter headings go! (less)

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Apr 22, 2013 Love-anne Laq rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was a big let down to me, who so eagerly waited for the book to be released. I did not dislike the Inevera's back story as I wanted to understand how she went from being a nice young girl to cold hard bitch. That being said, the Arlen Bales and Renner Tanner story just seemed very out of place. The whole Love you bit, made feel like writing myself into the book so I could bitch slap somebody.
Also when the Arlen start speaking like a country bumpkin
It was implied that Arlen had strong feels...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Sam King rated it 5 of 5 stars

"The Daylight War" is my favorite novel yet by Peter V. Brett, and it's one of the best fantasy novels that I've read. It describes how, after the events of "The Desert Spear," Arlen and Jardir prepare for the coming new moon.

The rest of this review will not contain spoilers about "The Daylight War" (though it will describe plenty of broad trends and things that you learn very early on), but it will assume that you have read the previous two books and spoil those.

POVs and Subjectivity
In the firs...more

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Apr 15, 2013 N Islam rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: epic-fantasy, fantasy, shitty-part-of-a-series, too-much-sex, total-piece-of-crap

Synopsis
1 - 300 to 400, s*x, Arabs are stupid, S*x is the answer to all problems
2 - Somewhere in the middle - It was so they all reach the hollow, with Arlen getting a new Wife????
3 - Cliff-hanger.

Brett is getting progressively worse with every new installment of his series. This one is the worst of the lot, desert spear was decent, it was a ‘fantasy’ novel, but the thing is folks, this one is just plain erotica for the first 300 to 400 pages. Nothing happens. Nothing.

I hate to say this, but Bre...more Synopsis
1 - 300 to 400, s*x, Arabs are stupid, S*x is the answer to all problems
2 - Somewhere in the middle - It was so they all reach the hollow, with Arlen getting a new Wife????
3 - Cliff-hanger.

Brett is getting progressively worse with every new installment of his series. This one is the worst of the lot, desert spear was decent, it was a ‘fantasy’ novel, but the thing is folks, this one is just plain erotica for the first 300 to 400 pages. Nothing happens. Nothing.

I hate to say this, but Brett has lost it, he’s lost his characters, turning a mature and strong woman into an outright s*x-pot for all to see, it’s a shame that such a good character is wasted and made into such a fool. The main protagonist, has fallen in love with a character that had nothing to do with this book whatsoever, and so far the series was sheer bliss without her, now Brett just had to get a dumb hick of a chick into Arlen’s life. I mean really? Really?

Secondly, Leesha is not this person that we see in The Daylight War. Leesha's character is simply not consistent with the first part of the book. The Desert Spear was hard enough to bear with her ‘koozing’ up and doing what she did. This is why men write such horrible women characters. Just plain horrible. And Elona, damn you to hell. I friggin’ hate you, I hate your friggin’ guts.

The plot barely moves, most of the time its just shitty “Love you XXXX” and the reply “Love you XXXXX”. And that seems to be it. No really, there is barely any romance, barely anything going on. People with a hard day of work and no love life will probably enjoy this total piece of trash.
The first book was so enthralling, that I though Brett would make his next books even better. But the truth is, the plot has become progressively worse, and has come to the point where I just don’t give a damn.

And whats this with mixing the worst of the worst in one culture man? I mean, you have pre-Islamic Arabia, mixed with casting in Hinduism, and all the worst things on earth. If you are going to have two sides, have some balance dammit.

To all fantasy writers, write fantasy dammit, not second class s*x scenes. Such a shame to see all my time go to waste, and this series go to waste. Will not pick up next book. Heading back to REAL books like "The Lies of Locke Lamora".

I should stop writing now, or else I might just start swearing outright.(less)

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Apr 13, 2013 T. Edmund rated it 3 of 5 stars

Like many other reviewers, it seems, I liked The Painted/Warded Man, enjoyed The Desert Spear less, but was interested to see where the series was heading and ultimately was disappointed by this third installment.

The unusual thing is Daylight War isn't necessarily that bad, it simply possesses positive and negative points in equal abundance. Leaving the reader a feeling of spending time with a treasured friend who has been unusually obnoxious that day.

So where to begin?

I'll start with the good -...more Like many other reviewers, it seems, I liked The Painted/Warded Man, enjoyed The Desert Spear less, but was interested to see where the series was heading and ultimately was disappointed by this third installment.

The unusual thing is Daylight War isn't necessarily that bad, it simply possesses positive and negative points in equal abundance. Leaving the reader a feeling of spending time with a treasured friend who has been unusually obnoxious that day.

So where to begin?

I'll start with the good - unlike The Desert Spear, the demons feature more dangerously in this installment, and Brett shows his flair for battle and bloodshed. Most of the story is 'interesting' (said in scare quotes because interesting doesn't always cut it, more on this later) We find out more about the demons and this is exciting, also the consequences of Arlen's ingestion and continuing demonisation become both bad-ass and concerning.

What went wrong?

Unfortunately quite a few things. I don't want to pan the backstory issues too much as many, many other reviewers have done this. What I will say is treating us to Inerva's backstory is 'interesting' but not vital to the plot at all. We already know she succeeds in achieving the position she covets, and her backstory does not bring any tension to the plot that wasn't already there. Her backstory did highlight a general flaw in Brett's writing in that almost all his main characters seem to such inherit a knack for their special skills, and while there is some story in the development of said powers (in book one mostly) often it is more a case of being born able to do cool stuff.

Another problem, which may just be my opinion: Brett seems poor at creating authentic relationships. Without going into spoilerish detail, characters just fall apart and explicitly together again without real character consistency. In terms of details Brett comes across as torn between an x-rated George RR Martin take on love(sex), and a more innocent funny style that jars with the former.

Anyone with a paper copy of this book will likely realise this is a bloated tome. Brett has a talent for violent, dangerous scenes and apocalyptic bad guys. The ultimate problem with the Daylight War is everything else that happens in this story.(less)

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Apr 13, 2013 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Peter Brett continues his gripping saga; the fate of the world held in the hands of two men. One proclaims himself the Deliverer of mankind, but is a cruel master, lord of the dessert warriors. The other is a haunted man who has tattooed his own flesh with wardings that he might fight demons with his bare hands, a man who has been labeled the savior by others, but wishes for each man to be his own Deliverer.

Every night, demons rise up from the earth to destroy humans. The last remnants of humani...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Grimnir rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was very disappointing after the first two which were so very good. About a third of this book was devoted to Inevera and her back story, her childhood training etc, which was a third too much. I found her back story, boring, long winded, dull, and extremely frustrating, too the point where I started skipping ahead. I just couldn't bring myself to atrophy any more brain cells by perservering with it. If it had an eventual point or objective it took too long to get there for me so I end...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Dianna rated it 4 of 5 stars

**There are spoilers in this alert, read at your own risk**

The third book in the trilogy, this time featuring Inevera as the main character. I love how Brett takes characters who remain mysterious in the previous books and break down them by telling their story. Her story was my favorite part of the novel (I have a soft spot for coming of age tales) and it was really interesting to see the events previously told from Jardir's point of view now told from Inevera's perspective. I knew Inevera was...more **There are spoilers in this alert, read at your own risk**

The third book in the trilogy, this time featuring Inevera as the main character. I love how Brett takes characters who remain mysterious in the previous books and break down them by telling their story. Her story was my favorite part of the novel (I have a soft spot for coming of age tales) and it was really interesting to see the events previously told from Jardir's point of view now told from Inevera's perspective. I knew Inevera was key in shaping Jardir into the role of the Deliverer, but now I know that despite the confident mask she presents to him and the rest of the world, she has her share of doubts and uncertainties as well. Thought it was interesting that the dice doesn't always give a straight answer, since it's been portrayed as the answer to every question.

I have to say though, I'm starting to dislike some of the other major characters, namely Renna and Leesha. Neither had any depth to them, and any respect I might have had for them has all but dissipated. I know Renna's had a rough childhood and is going through some bodily changes, but does she really have to raise her hackles and grab her knife anytime anyone as much as speaks to her or her beloved? And Leesha...how did she go from a respectable leader of her village to sleeping around with the closest man in power around her? And her plan to pretend Jardir's child is someone else's is so ridiculous I wondered where her brains ran off to.

The part about Renna's mom and Gared made me blanch though. Should've seen it coming given what we know about her mom, but it still shocked me.

The story was decent enough. Like I mentioned already, Inevera's story really caught my attention, but I will admit it was a little jarring jumping from her story to present day events and then back again.

The showdown between Jardir and Arlen was inevitable (so glad it finally happened), and I look forward to 4th book to see what exactly happens to the two of them! I don't believe for a second that either one will die; they've been built up too much for that.(less)

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Mar 21, 2013 Rosemarie Herbert rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.

Arlen Bales is no Deliverer. Well, not according to him anyway, since everyone else seems to think so. Jardir on the other hand believes he is - but doesn't seem to be making many steps in the right direction. Told from their women's perspectives for the most part, this novel is an interesting and involved read that isn't too daunting for the beg...more This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.

Arlen Bales is no Deliverer. Well, not according to him anyway, since everyone else seems to think so. Jardir on the other hand believes he is - but doesn't seem to be making many steps in the right direction. Told from their women's perspectives for the most part, this novel is an interesting and involved read that isn't too daunting for the beginning fantasy reader.

I was glad of the prologue, and felt that it set up Inevera’s parts of the novel nicely. The storyweaving was strangely compelling, and really drew me into the novel. I also really enjoyed the initial parts told from Renna’s perspective, and the learning that Arlen imparted to her. I felt that there could have been more of this learning, and that it would have grounded new readers a little better in the world.

I haven’t read the first and second books in this series, and wonder whether I would have felt more compulsion in the plot if I had. As it was, it wasn’t clear for quite some time what the aim of Arlen and Jardir was, what they were fighting against. The first two books are on my to-read list now for sure, and I'll be eagerly awaiting the next books in the series.

From the perspectives of the two women, Renna and Inevera, I couldn't decide who I liked more. Renna felt more honest, but Inevera was really crafty and interesting in her own way. Throw in Leesha Paper, and the three women tear things apart! I wouldn't have said the novel was about the men at all - it is the women who have power. Of the two main men though, I definitely preferred Arlen over Jardir. Jardir was just so... calculating and snooty. Arlen seems much more down to earth and likeable, even if he does sometimes have some weird moments.

I was particularly glad of the role of music in this novel. Rojer and his friends are able to craft demon stopping music, which I found fascinating. The uses of demon bone, and the Greatwards were unique to the world building as well. I did wonder why more people didn't think to eat demon flesh though, if it would grant such great powers. Particularly to that huge dog!

There were so many minor plots to keep my interest which was great. The major plot of the Waning Moon and the coming major war against the demons was so slow that it was a good thing there were lots of other things to concentrate on.

Don't be put off by the size of this novel. It's really quite an accessible novel, and as I've said, the changing perspectives are crucial for keeping your interest in the novel going.

I received this novel as part of The Book Depository's new affiliate reviewing program. I'm really chuffed I was chosen to participate, and I hope to see new books out soon for me to love and review.(less)

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Mar 14, 2013 Stephan van Velzen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This is another book I finished a while ago, that I'm having trouble reviewing. I actually received a review copy, which I devoured, but haven't been able to churn out a review yet. I feel guilty! A bigger review is forthcoming at The Ranting Dragon, though, and it will be largely positive.

What I'm having trouble dealing with is the amount of sexuality (often of a brutal kind) used in this book. I confess, I may be a bit squeamish about it in general. It's not you, Brett, it's me! The thing is t...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Ryan Miller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow Brett did a great job with this book! While the story line is great here, the real genius is how the concept of the series is really starting to gel.

in the previous book, The Desert Spear, a new voice is added to the tale. But to really get in the head of Ahmann Jardir the author takes us back through their childhood all the way up through their part in the current story. I wrote this before and I'm sticking with it. It was jarring. It's like when you expect your glass to be full of coke an...more Wow Brett did a great job with this book! While the story line is great here, the real genius is how the concept of the series is really starting to gel.

in the previous book, The Desert Spear, a new voice is added to the tale. But to really get in the head of Ahmann Jardir the author takes us back through their childhood all the way up through their part in the current story. I wrote this before and I'm sticking with it. It was jarring. It's like when you expect your glass to be full of coke and it turns out to be root beer. Not necessarily bad, just unexpectedly different and only initially displeasing.

In this book we get a better look into the mind of Inevera. Again we get to start with their childhood to really get a chance to learn about this new character and see the plot from another angle. Yet this time Inevera's back story is dispersed through the book. There's not a sense of "that's nice, now tell me what's happening with main plot!". Brett is so clever in his placement of back story here. The main plot spans a little over a month. In that time there's plenty of down time where we can hear Inevera's story and come right back to current events. The occasional 'over the last 2 weeks things had progressed well' really works here. We get the highlights, we get the feel of what's happening without the need to see the routine stuff. And it helps acknowledge that, yes, you've been gone from the main plot, here's what you missed (nothing) and here's what's happening now. Fantastic stuff!

As for the main plot, it's solid. There's great growth in all the characters. Arlen's character starts to look more like the boy we learned about in The Warded Man instead of the stiff figure he becomes after he shows up warded. Rojer and Abban finally starts showing some backbone. Likewise Elona shows us that she's more than just the wicked mother figure. Finally we start to see some more doubt creeping into Jardir. Fanatics make for great henchman but not for dynamic leaders.

I take small issue with the end of this book. It's exciting (no spoilers here) it fits the story, but man.... I gotta say I felt a little cheated! This isn't a chapter book or a short story in a magazine. The next installment will not be out next month. Cliff hangers on this scale feel unfair. Brett, I promise you I was already planning on buying the next book. By the end of book 3 your readers have pretty much signed on for the long haul. You didn't need to do this to us.

If you're a fan of the fantasy genre this is a series you need to start reading. It's only getting better!(less)

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Mar 05, 2013 Mike riley rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was awesome. I read a lot of fantasy and I'm quite picky. The Daylight War elevated the Demon Cycle series to a solidified place in my top three. It may even be at the top of that list. Yes, the book has heavy places examining the history of some characters and yes it delves more into the personal/romantic relations of them but I don't see how this is a bad thing...

Those ties do much to demonstrate the human side to the characters in the book. When the action does happen (which is defi...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Charlie Woodruffe rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Peter V. Brett; man, writer, legend!
The Daylight War, book number three of the five part Demon Cycle, was for me at least, an absolutely incredible read. It kept me up 'til 4am when I had work at 6, and had me neglecting all other priorities upon finishing work until I finally read those last 25 words on page 791.
This author must himself have warded fingers, because there is pure magic in his writing.
The Painted Man (Warded Man for the US folk) was the book that really brought me over to the...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Anthony Persichini rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: completed, books-i-really-liked

This was the worst book of the series including the shorts, and I hope Peter does better on the next one.

OK I liked 1/2 of the book... The beginning and the end. It almost lost my interest a few times in the middle, but I really wanted to like it so I forced myself to continue. The book didn't re-grab me until about chapter 22.

The back stories, and love affairs that in some places were way way to descriptive. It was porno like material could have been toned down or completely removed and the bo...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Can't decide whether or not to wait	7	42	5 hours, 3 min ago
The Ending (Spoilers)	16	42	May 07, 2013 01:30am
Wish list for the 3rd book...	4	47	Mar 03, 2013 02:27pm

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The Daylight War (Demon Cycle #3)

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