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Flametouched
The Eternal Flame branded its mark upon Davon Carver's palms, and now the sabercat he carved has come to life. Creating living carvings is an odd and troublesome gift for a humble clerk trying to uncover a plot against his beloved nation, Bittermarch. But like the hidden conspirators he's trying to expose, Davon guards a secret--he wasn't always a clerk. Once a nobleman and a Baron, Davon faked his own death to escape his cruel marriage. Davon wants a quiet life, but the Queen orders her new clerk to delve into the affairs of the lovely Lady Hightower to uncover the truth about the mysterious plot. He discovers that powerful and prestigious conspirators don't like meddlesome clerks, and Davon must dodge bullets and increasing scrutiny, fearing the exposure of his past life. As the clues fall into place, Davon finds that the fate of Bittermarch and the Eternal Flame itself are in his flame-branded hands.
495 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2016
73 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 24, 2016
Short Review:
4 stars
Many people may not have heard of this book because it was unfortunately released on November 2016 which had a lot of high profile fantasy releases and backspill from October 2016 and its a shame that it's lost in the crowd as it deserves a read. It's a good fantasy read that isn't grimdark! it has romance, magickz, primal forces and great characters. First of all I'd like to say that Brian K. Fuller is the author of the excellent and underrated Trysmoon: The Complete Saga: Books 1 - 4. I'd actually put him in the same vein as Brandon Sanderson and Michael J. Sullivan in the thematic sense but isn't quite up to par to their writing skill. What I mean by same vein is the world is actually a fantasy world I want to live in and the characters are actually people I'd like to be friends with if they exist. It reminds me of escapism fantasies from the 90s. In short it's a feel good fantasy. The Long review below may have some light spoilers but nothing glaring.
Long Review:
1. Characters
Like what most people say about good books applies here too, the characters are believable and complex people that grow through the book with strong characterizations that don't get lost. The dialogue is witty and their inner monologues are hilarious, especially Davon's bewilderment at the female species and Adrianne's chastisement of Davon.
The women in all his books are amazing. He writes strong women in fantasy like no other author I know. Most fantasy writers write strong women by making them tomboys who don't care what society and the world thinks of them, basically men in women's clothing and we're supposed to be impressed by how manly they are as women. But Brian K Fuller's women are strong women who are comfortable in their own skin, they like nice dresses, like doing up their hair and confident in their femininity, which is so rare in this genre. They are strong by means of their conviction, they know what they want and they will spare nothing to do it at times at the expense of themselves.
The men in his books are tortured souls and Davon is no exception. He has surprisingly modern issues to work through but has no support network so ends up taking the most bizarre solutions to his problems. But, this is not to say that he is dark and brooding, the opposite in fact, he is tortured but that does not change his character which is witty and valiant.
There's Bad too unfortunately. Brian doesn't write enough male side characters or just hasn't written them in. It ends up being the male protagonist and a bunch of memorable fantastic women (isn't a harem). It's not that he writes them badly, in fact when he does write them they're great but their connection to the main cast is tenuous and their characters aren't fleshed out enough, it might just be because of the small page count of the book, as they were more prominent in his previous novel but even then they were just memorable villains and not the protagonist's companions.
2. Relationships
Brian uses themes for his relationships, duty/honor vs love, mother-daughter love and characters as religious symbols in this book and his last.
The romance of the main pair is excellent and one of the main driving point of all his books. He writes very unobstructive romance, romance that doesn't hinder the plot with indecision but rather grows the characters through love. There is little angst here but there is a smouldering strength that grows like embers being sparked to life unable to return and only able to flare brighter, I wish more people would write like this but I guess it also helps that his characters are older and more world wise.
One of Brian's trademark themes is mother-daughter relationships like it was in Trysmoon saga, only here its a surrogate mother who is adorable and loves the female protagonist all the same. Unfortunately its good when its there but it isn't explored as deeply as it was in his previous novel.
The religion bit is there and is still very nice in this novel. Brian takes the approach of showing rather than telling. Most of the nation is religious and religion is tied so tightly into their lives its inseparable, it reminds me a bit of the Asian approach to religion where the line between culture and religion is blurred its in as much a part of their lives as eating, hunting and sleeping.
Once again I do find while the characters are not thin on friendship, there's a distinct lack of bromance or male bondship. It's not obvious when reading but I missed it once I was done with it. However, as opposed to that the relationship between women in this novel is amazing, their friendship, animosity and love for each other seem so natural and well written.
3.World-building
I think world-building is Brian's strongest suit and he goes through a very different approach than other authors. While the world itself is a normal quasi 1400 English society, Brian's skills lies in manipulating social structure and religions of the world so it falls into a parallel world of what would happen if our world had weak magic. First of all the ruling system is not monarchy but a rather weird succession line through appointment (or it might have ended up that way through a lack of heirs), there is also aristocracy and an interesting religious house and women play a more important role in society though not completely free of societal shackles, which is reminiscent of Half a King by Joe Abercrombie. It was the same in Trysmoon saga where it was a subversion of a society that exists and I find that really interesting, it may not have the same flair as Sanderson worldbuilding but it has its own charm.
He is also a master at describing the world carving it out one artistic prose at a time.
Also part of that charm is the magic in the world, most of his books have magic but its power is weak and serves more of a catalyst for technological advancement rather than hinder it like in most other fantasies. The world has guns and that's about it but I wouldn't be surprised to see steam engines in subsequent books of the series.
There are weird aspects too it seems that they use modern bullets as opposed to gunpowder and lead ball from the flintlock era. Which would mean they have sufficiently advanced chemistry to be able to invent chemical primers for the bullets and it isn't obvious if they use smokeless gun powder, but the level of chemical advancement isn't really shown in society, maybe it exists but is never really mentioned.
He also writes tribal societies pretty well too as a side note.
4. Plot
The plot of the novel is probably the weakest point, but while I say that, I was never bored and enjoyed the novel well enough. It's a fight between two primal forces and their chosen avatar of sorts, it's not so much good vs evil as it is passion vs apathy. The book reminded me most of Elantris simple, cliched but full of heart. Brian writes using tropes and cliches and it didn't matter as much in Trysmoon saga but its more noticeable here though still well done.
The pacing is the main problem I think, the books spreads out evenly taking as much time in each of the acts, which is to its determent. Events that he should have take longer on to expand the characters and relationships were cut short and there was unfortunately no sense of urgency in the book. The action when it happens is good and is mostly confined to the final act and the first 2/3 of the book is filled with world-building and character development which I loved but other people may find a bit slow its a bit like Malice in that aspect.
Finally, there are loose ends that leaves the option open for a sequel which I may or may not want. While I want to see more of the world and its mysteries especially if they involve new nations with interesting societies, I do not want to see the main couple suffer as I love them as a mother sabercat loves her litter and I know that Brian has the ability to make his characters suffer, I'm looking at you Trysmoon: The Complete Saga: Books 1 - 4.
Conclusion
All in all it was a really enjoyable book of a feel good fantasy that is so rare in today's fantasy climate that each one should be protected like pandas in a reserve! It has its share of problems but never did take away from my enjoyment of the book and if there are more in the series I'll be happy to read it but am satisfied with where this book ended too as the questions I have don't outweigh my satisfaction. The book would probably do better with tighter editing, and I'm not sure if he is still self published like his previous works were. It gets 4 stars as it was a very good book but pacing issues detract from it being a great 5 star book.
4 stars
Many people may not have heard of this book because it was unfortunately released on November 2016 which had a lot of high profile fantasy releases and backspill from October 2016 and its a shame that it's lost in the crowd as it deserves a read. It's a good fantasy read that isn't grimdark! it has romance, magickz, primal forces and great characters. First of all I'd like to say that Brian K. Fuller is the author of the excellent and underrated Trysmoon: The Complete Saga: Books 1 - 4. I'd actually put him in the same vein as Brandon Sanderson and Michael J. Sullivan in the thematic sense but isn't quite up to par to their writing skill. What I mean by same vein is the world is actually a fantasy world I want to live in and the characters are actually people I'd like to be friends with if they exist. It reminds me of escapism fantasies from the 90s. In short it's a feel good fantasy. The Long review below may have some light spoilers but nothing glaring.
Long Review:
1. Characters
Like what most people say about good books applies here too, the characters are believable and complex people that grow through the book with strong characterizations that don't get lost. The dialogue is witty and their inner monologues are hilarious, especially Davon's bewilderment at the female species and Adrianne's chastisement of Davon.
The women in all his books are amazing. He writes strong women in fantasy like no other author I know. Most fantasy writers write strong women by making them tomboys who don't care what society and the world thinks of them, basically men in women's clothing and we're supposed to be impressed by how manly they are as women. But Brian K Fuller's women are strong women who are comfortable in their own skin, they like nice dresses, like doing up their hair and confident in their femininity, which is so rare in this genre. They are strong by means of their conviction, they know what they want and they will spare nothing to do it at times at the expense of themselves.
The men in his books are tortured souls and Davon is no exception. He has surprisingly modern issues to work through but has no support network so ends up taking the most bizarre solutions to his problems. But, this is not to say that he is dark and brooding, the opposite in fact, he is tortured but that does not change his character which is witty and valiant.
There's Bad too unfortunately. Brian doesn't write enough male side characters or just hasn't written them in. It ends up being the male protagonist and a bunch of memorable fantastic women (isn't a harem). It's not that he writes them badly, in fact when he does write them they're great but their connection to the main cast is tenuous and their characters aren't fleshed out enough, it might just be because of the small page count of the book, as they were more prominent in his previous novel but even then they were just memorable villains and not the protagonist's companions.
2. Relationships
Brian uses themes for his relationships, duty/honor vs love, mother-daughter love and characters as religious symbols in this book and his last.
The romance of the main pair is excellent and one of the main driving point of all his books. He writes very unobstructive romance, romance that doesn't hinder the plot with indecision but rather grows the characters through love. There is little angst here but there is a smouldering strength that grows like embers being sparked to life unable to return and only able to flare brighter, I wish more people would write like this but I guess it also helps that his characters are older and more world wise.
One of Brian's trademark themes is mother-daughter relationships like it was in Trysmoon saga, only here its a surrogate mother who is adorable and loves the female protagonist all the same. Unfortunately its good when its there but it isn't explored as deeply as it was in his previous novel.
The religion bit is there and is still very nice in this novel. Brian takes the approach of showing rather than telling. Most of the nation is religious and religion is tied so tightly into their lives its inseparable, it reminds me a bit of the Asian approach to religion where the line between culture and religion is blurred its in as much a part of their lives as eating, hunting and sleeping.
Once again I do find while the characters are not thin on friendship, there's a distinct lack of bromance or male bondship. It's not obvious when reading but I missed it once I was done with it. However, as opposed to that the relationship between women in this novel is amazing, their friendship, animosity and love for each other seem so natural and well written.
3.World-building
I think world-building is Brian's strongest suit and he goes through a very different approach than other authors. While the world itself is a normal quasi 1400 English society, Brian's skills lies in manipulating social structure and religions of the world so it falls into a parallel world of what would happen if our world had weak magic. First of all the ruling system is not monarchy but a rather weird succession line through appointment (or it might have ended up that way through a lack of heirs), there is also aristocracy and an interesting religious house and women play a more important role in society though not completely free of societal shackles, which is reminiscent of Half a King by Joe Abercrombie. It was the same in Trysmoon saga where it was a subversion of a society that exists and I find that really interesting, it may not have the same flair as Sanderson worldbuilding but it has its own charm.
He is also a master at describing the world carving it out one artistic prose at a time.
Also part of that charm is the magic in the world, most of his books have magic but its power is weak and serves more of a catalyst for technological advancement rather than hinder it like in most other fantasies. The world has guns and that's about it but I wouldn't be surprised to see steam engines in subsequent books of the series.
There are weird aspects too it seems that they use modern bullets as opposed to gunpowder and lead ball from the flintlock era. Which would mean they have sufficiently advanced chemistry to be able to invent chemical primers for the bullets and it isn't obvious if they use smokeless gun powder, but the level of chemical advancement isn't really shown in society, maybe it exists but is never really mentioned.
He also writes tribal societies pretty well too as a side note.
4. Plot
The plot of the novel is probably the weakest point, but while I say that, I was never bored and enjoyed the novel well enough. It's a fight between two primal forces and their chosen avatar of sorts, it's not so much good vs evil as it is passion vs apathy. The book reminded me most of Elantris simple, cliched but full of heart. Brian writes using tropes and cliches and it didn't matter as much in Trysmoon saga but its more noticeable here though still well done.
The pacing is the main problem I think, the books spreads out evenly taking as much time in each of the acts, which is to its determent. Events that he should have take longer on to expand the characters and relationships were cut short and there was unfortunately no sense of urgency in the book. The action when it happens is good and is mostly confined to the final act and the first 2/3 of the book is filled with world-building and character development which I loved but other people may find a bit slow its a bit like Malice in that aspect.
Finally, there are loose ends that leaves the option open for a sequel which I may or may not want. While I want to see more of the world and its mysteries especially if they involve new nations with interesting societies, I do not want to see the main couple suffer as I love them as a mother sabercat loves her litter and I know that Brian has the ability to make his characters suffer, I'm looking at you Trysmoon: The Complete Saga: Books 1 - 4.
Conclusion
All in all it was a really enjoyable book of a feel good fantasy that is so rare in today's fantasy climate that each one should be protected like pandas in a reserve! It has its share of problems but never did take away from my enjoyment of the book and if there are more in the series I'll be happy to read it but am satisfied with where this book ended too as the questions I have don't outweigh my satisfaction. The book would probably do better with tighter editing, and I'm not sure if he is still self published like his previous works were. It gets 4 stars as it was a very good book but pacing issues detract from it being a great 5 star book.
June 30, 2017
I absolutely loved THE TRYSMOON SAGA. When I eventually learned that Mr. Fuller had written another fantasy novel, I jumped on it and I devoured it.
Like TRYSMOON, I loved reading this book. I loved every page, every word, every character, the magic system and the setting. I couldn't put this book down. It was an absolute joy to read.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Like TRYSMOON, I loved reading this book. I loved every page, every word, every character, the magic system and the setting. I couldn't put this book down. It was an absolute joy to read.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
November 8, 2017
Light fantasy and an interesting magic system complement a well thought-out setting and characters. This is feel-good fantasy properly done and an appropriately stuffed standalone story. I was left feeling contented.
Worth a try for any fan of fantasy.
Worth a try for any fan of fantasy.
October 30, 2017
SO close to giving this a five stars. 4.25 for me after all is said and done.
Read this one.
Read this one.
March 23, 2017
Fuller's previous series of books, the Trysmoon Saga, reveled in turning the usual fantasy trope of "an obscure child from a small village is actually a great warrior of prophesy that will save the world" on its head. Elements of that sentence were still there, but twisted in such a way that it was unclear what would happen next. I had a similar sensation in this book as I started this book. I honestly couldn't tell who the main character was going to be for a few chapters and, even then, I was surprised at who it was. I don't know if Fuller is trying to upset fantasy tropes or if it just happens, but it makes for interesting reading.
This book is set in a post-industrial revolution period in the country of Bittermarch which was founded in the not-so-distant past by a religious break-off of the nearby rival country Creetis (non-religious). It is implied that Bittermarch's run of success is due to the favor of the Eternal Flame, one of four Primal Forces in the world. The Creetians look on the prosperity in neighboring Bittermarch with envy and look to foment a war in such a way that their under-nourished, under-armed army can prevail. While that is the larger picture, the book itself focuses on one man as his life goes through great upheaval and he becomes, despite himself, embroiled in the politics, intrigues, and religious underpinnings of the conflict.
This is not a fantasy novel in the usual vein in that it is definitely post-firearms and combustion. Also, not a tremendous amount of magic. I would say, however, that part of what I enjoyed about this book was that it was different. Much like the Trysmoon Saga. Unlike Trysmoon, I have no idea if this book is going to turn into a series. It certainly could be, but it is also tied up enough at the end to be a stand alone. In all, another good book from Mr. Fuller.
This book is set in a post-industrial revolution period in the country of Bittermarch which was founded in the not-so-distant past by a religious break-off of the nearby rival country Creetis (non-religious). It is implied that Bittermarch's run of success is due to the favor of the Eternal Flame, one of four Primal Forces in the world. The Creetians look on the prosperity in neighboring Bittermarch with envy and look to foment a war in such a way that their under-nourished, under-armed army can prevail. While that is the larger picture, the book itself focuses on one man as his life goes through great upheaval and he becomes, despite himself, embroiled in the politics, intrigues, and religious underpinnings of the conflict.
This is not a fantasy novel in the usual vein in that it is definitely post-firearms and combustion. Also, not a tremendous amount of magic. I would say, however, that part of what I enjoyed about this book was that it was different. Much like the Trysmoon Saga. Unlike Trysmoon, I have no idea if this book is going to turn into a series. It certainly could be, but it is also tied up enough at the end to be a stand alone. In all, another good book from Mr. Fuller.
February 9, 2017
Brilliant, loved it.
I was almost put off by the prologue, but once the story started properly, I loved it. Eventually the prologue made sense, but I'm not sure I'd have chosen it as the beginning of the story.
I read the whole thing within 24 hours, which is a big deal because it's huge! Good to get a whole story in one go instead of faffing around with trilogies. Good work Mr Fuller, looking forward to whatever you do next :)
I was almost put off by the prologue, but once the story started properly, I loved it. Eventually the prologue made sense, but I'm not sure I'd have chosen it as the beginning of the story.
I read the whole thing within 24 hours, which is a big deal because it's huge! Good to get a whole story in one go instead of faffing around with trilogies. Good work Mr Fuller, looking forward to whatever you do next :)
January 26, 2017
A positive 2 stars.
The story is not bad, the writing is more than okay (despite some typos here and there) but the main character was a bit too perfect for my taste and I tend to get bored when things get religious.
And what's funny, I thought that if this book was a painting, it would be a naive painting.
The story is not bad, the writing is more than okay (despite some typos here and there) but the main character was a bit too perfect for my taste and I tend to get bored when things get religious.
And what's funny, I thought that if this book was a painting, it would be a naive painting.
November 11, 2018
3 stars. I liked it because it seemed to mix the best of Jane Austen and fantasy.
I didn't finish the book, but I think I get the gist of things, and how they are going to end. I have to say that I really did come to like this book, but the second half of the story ruined a few things for me because they seemed really quite rushed (now I know why this did not have much of a following).
This is a fantasy novel, yet there is such a good buildup of romance here, that I was reminded of some of Jane Austen's novels. The story is a little different from the stuff that you normally see in fantasy novels. First off, the hero is a unhappily married man who alters the course of his noble life by trying to fake his own death. However, this backfires terribly, and ends up on one hell of an adventure. The story itself seemed to be a little too compressed for my liking, there were some really good characters that I would loved to have been explored. One example is a gentleman called Mr. Goodwin, who says "Were you not a mat for a herd of bison". This really cracked my up.
This is what makes me sad about this book. If this book had only been a little more fleshed out, this would have been a fantastic 5 star book. The prose is fantastic, the action is well done, the romance is spot on, the side characters are fleshed out. However, the world building leaves much to be desired of. This often makes it feel as though you have these amazing characters acting out their lives but with a green screen as a background.
Oh, and also I wish there was a map somewhere. I had to draw one of my own to make things work out. Here is where things are in the late stage of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed it and wish that it were better and more fleshed out; this book had so much damn potential. While I would not actively recommend it, I can say that fantasy loves will get something out of this novel.
PS: Simon Vance narrates this audiobook, and he is a true master. I'd recommend trying out the audiobook.
I didn't finish the book, but I think I get the gist of things, and how they are going to end. I have to say that I really did come to like this book, but the second half of the story ruined a few things for me because they seemed really quite rushed (now I know why this did not have much of a following).
This is a fantasy novel, yet there is such a good buildup of romance here, that I was reminded of some of Jane Austen's novels. The story is a little different from the stuff that you normally see in fantasy novels. First off, the hero is a unhappily married man who alters the course of his noble life by trying to fake his own death. However, this backfires terribly, and ends up on one hell of an adventure. The story itself seemed to be a little too compressed for my liking, there were some really good characters that I would loved to have been explored. One example is a gentleman called Mr. Goodwin, who says "Were you not a mat for a herd of bison". This really cracked my up.
This is what makes me sad about this book. If this book had only been a little more fleshed out, this would have been a fantastic 5 star book. The prose is fantastic, the action is well done, the romance is spot on, the side characters are fleshed out. However, the world building leaves much to be desired of. This often makes it feel as though you have these amazing characters acting out their lives but with a green screen as a background.
Oh, and also I wish there was a map somewhere. I had to draw one of my own to make things work out. Here is where things are in the late stage of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed it and wish that it were better and more fleshed out; this book had so much damn potential. While I would not actively recommend it, I can say that fantasy loves will get something out of this novel.
PS: Simon Vance narrates this audiobook, and he is a true master. I'd recommend trying out the audiobook.
March 1, 2024
Wholesome fantasy that's an absolute delight; highly recommend
January 5, 2017
Another fantastic and original story from Fuller
Great book with a great original magical system. Characters were likable and the main characters were developed thoroughly. Characters had flaws and strengths. Fuller has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
Great book with a great original magical system. Characters were likable and the main characters were developed thoroughly. Characters had flaws and strengths. Fuller has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
August 16, 2017
This author wrote the Trysmoon series, which I enjoyed, so I thought I'd try this. It's got some similar elements but is unique.
2.75 stars for this regency style romance-adventure set in a fantasy world, with ballgowns and butlers, woolly mammoths and sabertooth cats, plus god-like primal fire, primal air, primal water, and primal earth.
I enjoyed it but also felt a little frustrated at times, when things didn't quite add up. Some solutions felt stupid, including the task assigned to treacherous Emile, and the role Davon must take up eventually. Didn't feel sensible or wise. Nearly unlimited power is never good.
The mythos /world building is a bit weak, esp with regards to the primal elements.
Plus, Baron Davon Carver was a bit too good, especially to Emile, while the main villains were evil incarnate.
But I liked Davon, and I resonated with the women, Elaine, Arianna, Queen Fillipa, Oriana and Missa, Ta and Ki.
And the carvings were fun.
By the way, Bittermarch is only 200 years old, but some statements and descriptions do not jive with a young nation.
I think there might be a sequel, but this book stands alone.
2.75 stars for this regency style romance-adventure set in a fantasy world, with ballgowns and butlers, woolly mammoths and sabertooth cats, plus god-like primal fire, primal air, primal water, and primal earth.
I enjoyed it but also felt a little frustrated at times, when things didn't quite add up. Some solutions felt stupid, including the task assigned to treacherous Emile, and the role Davon must take up eventually. Didn't feel sensible or wise. Nearly unlimited power is never good.
The mythos /world building is a bit weak, esp with regards to the primal elements.
Plus, Baron Davon Carver was a bit too good, especially to Emile, while the main villains were evil incarnate.
But I liked Davon, and I resonated with the women, Elaine, Arianna, Queen Fillipa, Oriana and Missa, Ta and Ki.
And the carvings were fun.
By the way, Bittermarch is only 200 years old, but some statements and descriptions do not jive with a young nation.
I think there might be a sequel, but this book stands alone.
April 23, 2019
There's a lot of weird archaic subtext going on here. The nobleman "slumming it" with the commoners is automatically better at everything, more honorable about everything, and impossibly (annoyingly) modest. His wife who doesn't love him is despicable and evil in every way, with no redeeming qualities. The author goes out of his way to bash her in the text so often and so maliciously that it feels almost like a personal vendetta. Which would be fine except that it means she and the other main characters are painfully one-dimensional.
And then there's the "savages." Pseudo native Americans who are honorable despite their savage ways and take the protagonist on a magical spirit trip to confront his inner demons. Bleh.
Overall it's not badly written, and most of the descriptions are well done. But if you're looking for anything new or exciting, character or plot wise, this is not the book.
And then there's the "savages." Pseudo native Americans who are honorable despite their savage ways and take the protagonist on a magical spirit trip to confront his inner demons. Bleh.
Overall it's not badly written, and most of the descriptions are well done. But if you're looking for anything new or exciting, character or plot wise, this is not the book.
December 6, 2016
Excellent!
Really enjoyed this, along the same level as Michael Sullivan's Riyria books, but perhaps not as funny but still with great adventure. I'll undoubtedly be reading the rest of Brian's books!
Really enjoyed this, along the same level as Michael Sullivan's Riyria books, but perhaps not as funny but still with great adventure. I'll undoubtedly be reading the rest of Brian's books!
January 5, 2017
A wonderful story
Loved this book! It is one of those rare gems that you run across now and then. A wonderful story with an array of lively characters you really feel for.
Loved this book! It is one of those rare gems that you run across now and then. A wonderful story with an array of lively characters you really feel for.
August 13, 2023
Chosen One trope is done in a way that became exhausting and repetitive. There was like 5 levels of this trope displayed for this main character and 3-4 of those just didn't need to happen.
I was on board for the first third of this book. I was having an ok time and really getting into the rhythm of the world building and plot threads. However the main character was the most male Mary Sue of Mary Sue's and the co-stars were not helping by always pointing out how amazing and perfect this Mary Sue was and could do no wrong. It was childish after a whole and unbelievable. Sometimes it was so inconsistent, like the author couldn't remember their own references. One moment the Mary Sue has such a good disguise that they could fool everyone in court to the next moment Mary Sue's disguise is so bad at a plot convenient time that anyone could see through it, which one is it?
I seriously don't understand why the Chosen One trope was repeated as often as it was. It felt like a lack of creativity after a while. Like a genuinely clever and unique story could not be thought up so heavy reliance on this trope was the answer to everything. Seriously sometimes it was so over used that it was getting offensive towards the end and felt like the butt of a joke. He really had enough going for him just being a Mary Sue and a flametouched, there really wasn't a need to keep adding and adding and adding and adding.
Stacking more and more Chosen One tropes is not character development. It never felt like this character ever had a chance to develop because so many tropes kept stacking on him in a way that he was constantly dealing with one new instance of being a Chosen One after another that not enough time allowed any to sink for the reader to care.
The plot for the majority of this book takes a back seat because these Chosen One tropes kept needing fleshed out one right after another that you sorta lose track and forget there even is a plot going on in the first place. The intrigue is lost after a while and it just feels lifeless and doesn't matter anymore because even at the end-end, yet more chosen one tropes keep getting stacked so it feels like nothing matters anymore anyways when the author found an easy button to answer everything.
I was on board for the first third of this book. I was having an ok time and really getting into the rhythm of the world building and plot threads. However the main character was the most male Mary Sue of Mary Sue's and the co-stars were not helping by always pointing out how amazing and perfect this Mary Sue was and could do no wrong. It was childish after a whole and unbelievable. Sometimes it was so inconsistent, like the author couldn't remember their own references. One moment the Mary Sue has such a good disguise that they could fool everyone in court to the next moment Mary Sue's disguise is so bad at a plot convenient time that anyone could see through it, which one is it?
I seriously don't understand why the Chosen One trope was repeated as often as it was. It felt like a lack of creativity after a while. Like a genuinely clever and unique story could not be thought up so heavy reliance on this trope was the answer to everything. Seriously sometimes it was so over used that it was getting offensive towards the end and felt like the butt of a joke. He really had enough going for him just being a Mary Sue and a flametouched, there really wasn't a need to keep adding and adding and adding and adding.
Stacking more and more Chosen One tropes is not character development. It never felt like this character ever had a chance to develop because so many tropes kept stacking on him in a way that he was constantly dealing with one new instance of being a Chosen One after another that not enough time allowed any to sink for the reader to care.
The plot for the majority of this book takes a back seat because these Chosen One tropes kept needing fleshed out one right after another that you sorta lose track and forget there even is a plot going on in the first place. The intrigue is lost after a while and it just feels lifeless and doesn't matter anymore because even at the end-end, yet more chosen one tropes keep getting stacked so it feels like nothing matters anymore anyways when the author found an easy button to answer everything.
April 7, 2020
An entertaining read that has some good bits but overall didn't impress me as much as other books by the same author.
I enjoyed the political intrigue, descriptions of court gossip, family backgrounds, and interactions between characters.
But:
The descriptions of characters wondering around in forests didn't add to the suspense or flow of the story.
The double plot to harm Bittermarch was an interesting idea but for me it lacked substance. I felt we spent more time wandering the outdoors than we did protecting the Eternal Flame or trying to understand the plot behind doing harm to that symbol of national importance.
We also didn't get an explanation why Davon married his first wife other than being conned. It didn't fit in with the rest of his character. It seems off that an outsider who dislikes spending time with the rest of the superficial nobility should not be able to see through her act. I think I had hoped for her to play a bigger role.
I enjoyed the political intrigue, descriptions of court gossip, family backgrounds, and interactions between characters.
But:
The descriptions of characters wondering around in forests didn't add to the suspense or flow of the story.
The double plot to harm Bittermarch was an interesting idea but for me it lacked substance. I felt we spent more time wandering the outdoors than we did protecting the Eternal Flame or trying to understand the plot behind doing harm to that symbol of national importance.
We also didn't get an explanation why Davon married his first wife other than being conned. It didn't fit in with the rest of his character. It seems off that an outsider who dislikes spending time with the rest of the superficial nobility should not be able to see through her act. I think I had hoped for her to play a bigger role.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
This is a rather heavy handed love story. That is something I'd usually turn away from. But the way Mr. Fuller told it, and the way he intermixed the elements of magic, war, politics, and intrigue had me spellbound throughout. I can't believe that over 17 hours of audiobook have passed, as the time really flew while listening to it.
Davon, the main character, is an easily relatable guy. I immediately sympathized with him as he made difficult life decisions followed by difficult life changes. Around Davon are a host of enjoyable characters, both good and bad, that really kept me connected.
I listened to this as an audiobook. As narrator, Simon Vance performs with his customary mastery. And he is the perfect choice for this book. His pacing is perfect. His character voices are diverse and well chosen.
Davon, the main character, is an easily relatable guy. I immediately sympathized with him as he made difficult life decisions followed by difficult life changes. Around Davon are a host of enjoyable characters, both good and bad, that really kept me connected.
I listened to this as an audiobook. As narrator, Simon Vance performs with his customary mastery. And he is the perfect choice for this book. His pacing is perfect. His character voices are diverse and well chosen.
May 3, 2022
Oddly, although I rarely feel like a book is too long, this is the second time that I felt that Fuller dragged things on longer than he should have. His Trysmoon Saga should've been a trilogy (rather than 4 books) and this novel was too long by at least 25% if not 1/3. The beginning was great, as well as the backstory. The characters were all very interesting, though I think that some of the antagonists could have used a bit more development. The carving power was odd and not all that intriguing, but I was ok with it. When the protagonist (no spoiler) goes off in the woods against his will, the book got a bit boring. Fuller should've simply stuck with the overall conspiracy plot and not gone down that path (although I enjoyed how our protagonist changed from that journey).
August 2, 2017
Fuller does it again with another wonderful book. I read around 80+ books a year, so I see a lot of the same story lines. What I like about Brian K. Fuller is that I may have a general sense of where we are going, the path he takes is always a surprise. From the very beginning of this story I was hooked. This is a universe I would like to see explored some more. Great stuff! If you have enjoyed his other works as I have, then this book is certainly for you. If you are new to Fuller then you are in for some great reading (check out the Trysmoon Saga too). Simon Vane narrates the audio version (I read the book then also listened to the audio version when it came out), making it equally as superb.
February 10, 2018
This was a well written book. I especially enjoyed the first quarter, or possibly half, as it was quite funny at times thanks to the identity issues. The main character was a bit overpowered, but I didn't mind, as it went well with the story. However, I felt the book took a bit too long to start and at times, I kind of thought a there were scenes that could have been cut or made shorter as they didn't really add anything of substance.
All in all, a good book, but I won't be re-reading it, as it wasn't quite my cup of tea :)
All in all, a good book, but I won't be re-reading it, as it wasn't quite my cup of tea :)
February 15, 2022
FANTASTIC!
This book has it all. Adventure, intrigue, romance, and and even magic.
It is very well written and would, if I got my way, become a classic. I have never said that before.
I did not care how long it was (sometimes I do). I just couldn’t wait to find out what happened next and I didn’t want it to end.
I just have one question: WHY IS THERE NO SEQUEL?!
This book has it all. Adventure, intrigue, romance, and and even magic.
It is very well written and would, if I got my way, become a classic. I have never said that before.
I did not care how long it was (sometimes I do). I just couldn’t wait to find out what happened next and I didn’t want it to end.
I just have one question: WHY IS THERE NO SEQUEL?!
August 7, 2017
I have never been so conflicted about a book. The story and narration was very entertaining and well thought out, it only had some minor logical flaws. However, the authors obsession with skin color throughout the book was disappointing and somehow disturbing.
November 3, 2019
I put this book off for more than a year, and I can't even remember why now. The book was entertaining enough, nothing to make me ignore it like the plague for so long. Maybe it was my frame of mind at the time.
3/5 Stars
3/5 Stars
April 11, 2021
This one crept up on me! I didn't enjoy a lot of the first half, two stars all the way...then it just kinda came together in a great way that made it so I struggled to stop reading it. It isn't a mind blowing book, but it is original in its own way. Definitely worth reading!
June 14, 2021
3 stars. An interesting concept plagued by anticlimax, poor pacing, heavy-handed characterization, and harmful tropes, as well as some troublingly—even disturbingly—unchallenged notions on the nature of nobility and criminal justice.
June 7, 2017
3.5 stars Although it started out slow, about a quarter of the way through the story picked up the pace and became engrossing.
July 19, 2017
Good story
I previously read the author's Trysmoon books, and quite enjoyed them, so I thought that I'd give this one a try. I'm glad that I did!
I previously read the author's Trysmoon books, and quite enjoyed them, so I thought that I'd give this one a try. I'm glad that I did!
August 12, 2017
Pretty darn good. I'd like to see this world expanded upon...
January 28, 2018
Brian Fuller does it again, as good as the Trysmoon saga.Well written and very engaging fantasy story.
July 26, 2019
Fantastic, original fantasy
Loved the characters, loved the lore and magic. Loved the pace . Loved the peaks of action and deeper character building . Loved it all
Loved the characters, loved the lore and magic. Loved the pace . Loved the peaks of action and deeper character building . Loved it all
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