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Elves #2
La Révolte des TaiGethen
La guerre s'envenime. L'ennemi commun des elfes n'a ni pitié ni honneur. Et l'ennemi est l'homme. Les TaiGethen, guerriers d'élite, sont prêts à tout pour libérer leurs frères esclaves et sauver leur peuple de l'extinction. Les GriffesLiées, elfes sauvages revenus à la nature, décident de purger leur forêt malgré les menaces de représailles. L'amitié improbable de Takaar, l'elfe fou, avec un mage humain mène une armée tout droit vers l'autrefois prestigieuse cité de Katura. Les haines ancestrales entre les elfes doivent s'éteindre s'ils veulent un jour triompher de la magie humaine. L'heure de l'union est arrivée.
432 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
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459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 22, 2014
Another great book by this author. My only issue, and it isn't really with the book itself at all, is that the more truthful a book is about humans, the more I shake my head and wonder how we have survived so long. I fear if elves lived on another planet (as all our continents are busy) we would subjugate them as we have our environments and every living thing on earth. For all our mental leaps of genius over the centuries i.e. Newton's apple; Einstein's relativity; the computer era; the advances in health... and yet mental health f the community or the world for that matter is ignored. We need to realize that if aliens were watching us it is probably in disgust. We've known what we were doing to the planet and to animals and to other humans from the get go, but our ability to ignore long term issues is simply dumbfounding. How are we not all ashamed to be human? and if people are why don't we implement change?
Sorry 'bout the rant. It's what the book made me feel even more strongly. Kinda worried that it will ruin my enjoyment of the final book, but I will persevere! lol
Sorry 'bout the rant. It's what the book made me feel even more strongly. Kinda worried that it will ruin my enjoyment of the final book, but I will persevere! lol
April 15, 2019
Rise of the TaiGethen – James Barclay
Elves Book 2 and the story has moved forward 150 years, the humans have settled into Calius and most of the elven nation are enslaved. Auum and his fellow Tai Gethen are fighting a guerrilla war, the fledgling elven mages are not too successful, Takaar has a plan to change that and the humans are determined to finish the job and destroy the remaining elves.
The story is action laced throughout, with Mr Barclay’s customary detail as to how the elves strike and what part of the bodies they connect with, sometimes it can be quite robotic to read about but you care for the combatants(well one side at least) so you can forgive that and the action is integral to the story. Tai Gethen and their Al-Arynaar comrades come and go, but the core characters fight on. But as always with a James Barclay book, there’s some shocking deaths, so don’t get to attached to anyone that’s not called Auum.
I’m ready for the third book now, which jumps forward several thousand years and seems to deal with Septern and Dawnthief (the spell that the first of the Raven books centres around) and the destruction of The Wytch Lords.
Another great read for those fans of elves, swords, magic and very, very detailed fight scenes!
Elves Book 2 and the story has moved forward 150 years, the humans have settled into Calius and most of the elven nation are enslaved. Auum and his fellow Tai Gethen are fighting a guerrilla war, the fledgling elven mages are not too successful, Takaar has a plan to change that and the humans are determined to finish the job and destroy the remaining elves.
The story is action laced throughout, with Mr Barclay’s customary detail as to how the elves strike and what part of the bodies they connect with, sometimes it can be quite robotic to read about but you care for the combatants(well one side at least) so you can forgive that and the action is integral to the story. Tai Gethen and their Al-Arynaar comrades come and go, but the core characters fight on. But as always with a James Barclay book, there’s some shocking deaths, so don’t get to attached to anyone that’s not called Auum.
I’m ready for the third book now, which jumps forward several thousand years and seems to deal with Septern and Dawnthief (the spell that the first of the Raven books centres around) and the destruction of The Wytch Lords.
Another great read for those fans of elves, swords, magic and very, very detailed fight scenes!
July 3, 2019
Lives up to the last one and pacing is perfect again. I noticed one typo near the end but to be honest I don't really care because it was a one off.
I liked the focus more on Auum's POV although I would have liked more from Takaar. The perspective of Jeral was a nice addition along with the rare glimpse with Ystormun. The hints towards the potential plot for the next book is also a nice touch.
The humans got what was coming to them and the brutality the elves suffered genuinely made me cringe.
Also the first scene with Pelyn? Shudder.
Also what happens to Elyss is not okay.
I'll admit it all flowed together a bit too well, maybe? So it can be hard to say what happened in too much detail. That doesn't really bother me though too much.
I still would appreciate more of an obvious distinction between threads of elves and what does make them unique. But maybe that's up to our imagination I guess?
Overall I really did enjoy this as much as the first one, maybe more because the stakes were even higher and I actually knew what was going on all the way through.
Onto the next one!
I liked the focus more on Auum's POV although I would have liked more from Takaar. The perspective of Jeral was a nice addition along with the rare glimpse with Ystormun. The hints towards the potential plot for the next book is also a nice touch.
The humans got what was coming to them and the brutality the elves suffered genuinely made me cringe.
Also the first scene with Pelyn? Shudder.
Also what happens to Elyss is not okay.
I'll admit it all flowed together a bit too well, maybe? So it can be hard to say what happened in too much detail. That doesn't really bother me though too much.
I still would appreciate more of an obvious distinction between threads of elves and what does make them unique. But maybe that's up to our imagination I guess?
Overall I really did enjoy this as much as the first one, maybe more because the stakes were even higher and I actually knew what was going on all the way through.
Onto the next one!
January 25, 2021
A gripping sequel to 'Once Walked with Gods'. Barclay's work is immersive and addresses issues such as culture clash and discrimination in an often visceral and heart-wrenching way. I'm really looking forward to reading the third novel in the trilogy.
September 24, 2017
The more I read, the more I wanted to read. Another exciting tale from Barclay. Can't wait for the next installment.
May 4, 2012
Elves: Rise of the TaiGethen the latest in the Elves series from James Barclay and a book that takes the series to a new level. This series is set in the same world as the fantastic action fantasy series the Raven a series full of characters that live and breathe adventure, that fight the good fight, that never leave a man behind. But that series for all its brilliance never had the depth of his amazing duo-logy the ascendants ( Cry of the Newborn: The Ascendants of Estorea Book 1 (Gollancz S.F.) & Shout For The Dead: The Ascendants of Estorea Book 2 (Gollancz S.F.) )
The Elves series and especially Rise of the TaiGethen bridge that gap in writing depth, the gap that seemed to exist between Raven and Acendants. That depth of writing and the characters like Auum, Serrin, Garran & Ystorumun and many other really do confirm what i have felt for some time, that James is one of the few Fantasy authors who can write as well Gemmell, and with Rise of the TaiGethen it all comes together in a signle book. Its not about just writing a good story, its about the place, the people, the fight, the message behind the story.
Like many James Barclay books, this one left me wrung out at the end, his plots always gallop along at a high pace, but even more so this time because you get sucked into the fate of the elves and depth of loss felt for every death, the utter bond of the clawbound, and the stark beauty and danger of the land they call home.
I as ever look forward to every word and every book that James writes, i have never been disappointed by a single book, and he just gets better and better.
Highly recommended.
(Parm)
Product Description
THE ELVES ARE ENSLAVED Calaius is occupied by an implacable, relentless enemy. The great elven cities are little more than prison camps. Elven slaves are forced to destroy their beloved rainforest to harvest timber for their masters. The enemy has no mercy, no honour and little skill in battle. The enemy is Man. Those few elves who remain free are fragmented, in squabbling factions, and they must unite before they can take a stand against Man. Many believe that the battle is already lost, but Auum is not one of them. He knows Men's numbers are great but their tactics are weak; he knows Men think the Elves are already beaten; he is convinced that his people must fight now, or see their race destroyed. Takaar disagrees. He believes Elven salvation lies in unlocking their magic, not in fighting pitched battles against Man. He is determined to save his people too, but his tactics are entirely different . . . and if some Elves must die now to ensure Calaius will be free of Man in the future, it's a sacrifice he is willing to make. The Elves must choose their sides. Whatever they decide, victory will win their freedom . . . and failure will mean extermination . . .
The Elves series and especially Rise of the TaiGethen bridge that gap in writing depth, the gap that seemed to exist between Raven and Acendants. That depth of writing and the characters like Auum, Serrin, Garran & Ystorumun and many other really do confirm what i have felt for some time, that James is one of the few Fantasy authors who can write as well Gemmell, and with Rise of the TaiGethen it all comes together in a signle book. Its not about just writing a good story, its about the place, the people, the fight, the message behind the story.
Like many James Barclay books, this one left me wrung out at the end, his plots always gallop along at a high pace, but even more so this time because you get sucked into the fate of the elves and depth of loss felt for every death, the utter bond of the clawbound, and the stark beauty and danger of the land they call home.
I as ever look forward to every word and every book that James writes, i have never been disappointed by a single book, and he just gets better and better.
Highly recommended.
(Parm)
Product Description
THE ELVES ARE ENSLAVED Calaius is occupied by an implacable, relentless enemy. The great elven cities are little more than prison camps. Elven slaves are forced to destroy their beloved rainforest to harvest timber for their masters. The enemy has no mercy, no honour and little skill in battle. The enemy is Man. Those few elves who remain free are fragmented, in squabbling factions, and they must unite before they can take a stand against Man. Many believe that the battle is already lost, but Auum is not one of them. He knows Men's numbers are great but their tactics are weak; he knows Men think the Elves are already beaten; he is convinced that his people must fight now, or see their race destroyed. Takaar disagrees. He believes Elven salvation lies in unlocking their magic, not in fighting pitched battles against Man. He is determined to save his people too, but his tactics are entirely different . . . and if some Elves must die now to ensure Calaius will be free of Man in the future, it's a sacrifice he is willing to make. The Elves must choose their sides. Whatever they decide, victory will win their freedom . . . and failure will mean extermination . . .
February 17, 2012
Following on from the excellent “Once Walked with Gods”, decades have now passed and the majority of the Elven race are slaves. These slaves are being used by humans to systematically destroy the great forest they have lived in for centuries. The ‘free’ elves are unable to agree a strategy in the face of severe retaliation for any human killed and have divided up into three factions, the warriors of the TaiGethen, the Claw Bound, feral elves and those led by Takaar who wants to find new magic to combat the invasions. The trouble is, time is running out and a human army is now in the forest and the wrong strategy may see the end of the elven race…..
Some very interesting themes played out here in a very intelligent book. There is the theme of concentration camps, that of sustainability, the caste system and even narcotics!. Wrapped into this are the risks of doing things for the longer term good against the horrors of today. But the book doesn’t preach, it is all pace and action and a variety of rounded characters and viewpoints.
It is a powerful book, broad in depth but also a joy to any fan of heroic fantasy and the author’s previous works. Read “Once Walked with Gods” first, but you are in for a treat here.
Some very interesting themes played out here in a very intelligent book. There is the theme of concentration camps, that of sustainability, the caste system and even narcotics!. Wrapped into this are the risks of doing things for the longer term good against the horrors of today. But the book doesn’t preach, it is all pace and action and a variety of rounded characters and viewpoints.
It is a powerful book, broad in depth but also a joy to any fan of heroic fantasy and the author’s previous works. Read “Once Walked with Gods” first, but you are in for a treat here.
May 3, 2012
Another action packed novel about the warrior elf clan the TaiGethen, I thought the second novel of the series better than the first and worth 4.5 stars.
The book could have been called the revenge of the TaiGethen as although they come out of the final battles as victors - their numbers become greatly reduced. Also the novel is told from the view points of both the elves and the human aggressors, giving you a feel of the action from both sides of the fence. There is a large gap of 150 years between this book and the first of the series, and much has changed in this time. You don't really get a feel for what has happened during the time between books and there is a constant introduction of new characters.
That said the chief protagonist Auum, the arch of the TaiGethen is a high energy character who you definitely want to prevail in the fights he undertakes.
My only slight criticism is the book is told entirely in the present and while the action is enthralling, I felt I wanted to know more about Auum and his past. More character exploration was needed, however this doesn't hinder the enjoyment of the book.
The book could have been called the revenge of the TaiGethen as although they come out of the final battles as victors - their numbers become greatly reduced. Also the novel is told from the view points of both the elves and the human aggressors, giving you a feel of the action from both sides of the fence. There is a large gap of 150 years between this book and the first of the series, and much has changed in this time. You don't really get a feel for what has happened during the time between books and there is a constant introduction of new characters.
That said the chief protagonist Auum, the arch of the TaiGethen is a high energy character who you definitely want to prevail in the fights he undertakes.
My only slight criticism is the book is told entirely in the present and while the action is enthralling, I felt I wanted to know more about Auum and his past. More character exploration was needed, however this doesn't hinder the enjoyment of the book.
February 20, 2012
This book is Amazing.
James Barclay has continued his brilliant run of form in the Elves series. This book was non stop intensity from beginning to end.
The characters are fantastic, they have depth and emotion, oh and the TaiGethen (especially Auum), only one way to describe them....Hard Bastards. I found myself desperately hoping that they could prevail, sitting on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. There is a great sense of honour and courage amongst the TaiGethen, they are so easy to get behind and support.
The action was so intense and exquisitely detailed, it never felt like to much or overdone. There is always a risk when doing large battle scenes that the action becomes to over described, to dry and leaves you turning pages to get back to the story, i am extremely happy to say that this is not a problem with this book, nor any of Barclays offerings.
I can only say, Bravo Mr Barclay, Bravo!
James Barclay has continued his brilliant run of form in the Elves series. This book was non stop intensity from beginning to end.
The characters are fantastic, they have depth and emotion, oh and the TaiGethen (especially Auum), only one way to describe them....Hard Bastards. I found myself desperately hoping that they could prevail, sitting on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. There is a great sense of honour and courage amongst the TaiGethen, they are so easy to get behind and support.
The action was so intense and exquisitely detailed, it never felt like to much or overdone. There is always a risk when doing large battle scenes that the action becomes to over described, to dry and leaves you turning pages to get back to the story, i am extremely happy to say that this is not a problem with this book, nor any of Barclays offerings.
I can only say, Bravo Mr Barclay, Bravo!
April 21, 2012
The Elves have been driven out of their capital. The invading forces of Mankind, backed by the terrifying power of their mages have taken hundreds of elves as hostages and have now begun to plunder the sacred jungles of Calaius. The remaining free Elves have gathered, under the leadership of the Taigethan warrior Auum, in the jungles around the city and have begun a hopeless guerilla war to harass the invading forces. But for every man killed dozens of captured Elves are slaughtered. There seems to be no hope. Even Takaar, Lord of the Taigethan, returned from self-imposed exile seems overwhelmed by madness. But perhaps salvation lies with him afterall. James Barclay's Elves are lethal warriors, skilled in bushcraft, mystically linked to nature. But now they face their sternest test: a magic that breaks all of natures rules. A magic that mankind uses without fear or discretion. Is this the end for the Elven race?
April 29, 2012
WOW! To think that I will have to wait ... how long? .... for book number 3. I loved it. Words are failing me to express what I really think and would like to convey. So for now, WOW will have to do.
One thing is sure. James Barclay has outdone himself again. The story is great, the characters are ... or at least seem .... real. I laughed, I cried, the battles' description was detailed and created lots of suspense. Every book he writes is better than the previous one. James Barclay did it again!!!! WOW WOW WOW. By the way .... you gotta love Auum.
One thing is sure. James Barclay has outdone himself again. The story is great, the characters are ... or at least seem .... real. I laughed, I cried, the battles' description was detailed and created lots of suspense. Every book he writes is better than the previous one. James Barclay did it again!!!! WOW WOW WOW. By the way .... you gotta love Auum.
October 14, 2012
James Barclay writes great action fantasy, the fights are spectacular and the pace hardly ever slows.
For me, this series suffers from much the same problem as many prequels: You pretty much know how it’s all going to turn out and who definitely is going to make it to the end (which you certainly don’t in the Raven books).
For me, this series suffers from much the same problem as many prequels: You pretty much know how it’s all going to turn out and who definitely is going to make it to the end (which you certainly don’t in the Raven books).
July 6, 2012
Better than book 1. Set 150 years later it has the warrior elves battling to save elves from extinction. Hard to put down. Built up the characters of both humans and elves.
March 24, 2013
A fantastic read! Great sequel to Once Walked With Gods.
July 29, 2014
Fast paced and well written, a pleasure to read.
April 5, 2017
A very solid continuation of the Elves saga by Barclay.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews