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Lotus Kingdoms #1
The Stone in the Skull
Hugo Award-winning author Elizabeth Bear returns to her critically acclaimed epic fantasy world of the Eternal Sky with a brand new trilogy.
Best SFF Books 2017--The Guardian
Kirkus Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2017
The Verge Recommended Fantasy for 2017
Locus 2017 Recommended Reading List
The Stone in the Skull, the first volume in her new trilogy, takes readers over the dangerous mountain passes of the Steles of the Sky and south into the Lotus Kingdoms.
The Gage is a brass automaton created by a wizard of Messaline around the core of a human being. His wizard is long dead, and he works as a mercenary. He is carrying a message from the most powerful sorcerer of Messaline to the Rajni of the Lotus Kingdom. With him is The Dead Man, a bitter survivor of the body guard of the deposed Uthman Caliphate, protecting the message and the Gage. They are friends, of a peculiar sort.
They are walking into a dynastic war between the rulers of the shattered bits of a once great Empire.
The Lotus Kingdoms
#1 The Stone in the Skull
The Eternal Sky Trilogy
#1 Range of Ghosts
#2 Shattered Pillars
#3 Steles of the Sky
Best SFF Books 2017--The Guardian
Kirkus Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2017
The Verge Recommended Fantasy for 2017
Locus 2017 Recommended Reading List
The Stone in the Skull, the first volume in her new trilogy, takes readers over the dangerous mountain passes of the Steles of the Sky and south into the Lotus Kingdoms.
The Gage is a brass automaton created by a wizard of Messaline around the core of a human being. His wizard is long dead, and he works as a mercenary. He is carrying a message from the most powerful sorcerer of Messaline to the Rajni of the Lotus Kingdom. With him is The Dead Man, a bitter survivor of the body guard of the deposed Uthman Caliphate, protecting the message and the Gage. They are friends, of a peculiar sort.
They are walking into a dynastic war between the rulers of the shattered bits of a once great Empire.
The Lotus Kingdoms
#1 The Stone in the Skull
The Eternal Sky Trilogy
#1 Range of Ghosts
#2 Shattered Pillars
#3 Steles of the Sky
367 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2017
207 people are currently reading
6331 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bear
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
February 14, 2023
I like Elizabeth Bear, but I’m discovering that I like her in the same way I like lilies: in small doses and from a distance.
She does elaborate things with language that work for me in small doses–I adored Bone and Jewel Creatures and own a special edition hardcover–but absolutely do not work for me in larger ones. This is the second book of her’s that I’ve tried–to my recollection–and although I made it further into the story, it was because I was putting some effort into it. Also, I was on a plane. Honestly, I should have known better. Anything that starts with book one in a fantasy series tends to be no-go for me in my old age, although to give me some credit, the current librarian trend to assign everything a sequential label, whether author intended or not, often masks the degree to which books are truly connected. (This came up as friend Mimi was thinking about reading The Devotion of Suspect X, which is listed as number one in a series that is absolutely not a series in the sense of the ‘closely linked in chronology and plot sequence’ sense of the word. )(Honestly, if you aren’t in the mood for digressions, you should probably move on. I’m going to be terribly off-track today).
“In summer, there was the danger of avalanche. In winter, there was … well, there was the winter.”
The narration in this story was more humorous than the others I’ve read by Bear, which undoubtedly kept me going. Yet as I progressed, I started to wonder more and more about that humor. I felt like it didn’t particularly track. The narration is third person focused, alternating between two different female religious/political rulers; the Gage, a mechanical man animated by the spirit of a dead man; and primarily, the Dead Man (no relation) “one of the elite royal guards of a caliphate that no longer exactly existed.” But primarily, we are following the Dead Man, who worships one god who he believes is above all others and is rather judgey about everyone else’s multiple gods and semi-deified rulers. He also sounds very world-weary and is eyeballing places he might eventually settle down.
“The world was a dune. It wore on, and things and places and people you had loved or hated or had your heart broken by vanished beneath it and the only mark they left was on your soul. And that was that.”
So it’s a complex emotional tone, which I might have actually liked quite a bit, if it didn’t keep getting interrupted by the convoluted and elaborate language. This extreme example, for instance, first caused me to pause, then consider the intention of the author, and then go back and re-read, just to make sure there wasn’t something more important than I thought:
“A word that by extension meant the thing that acted to cause the mark, and the thing that was acted upon and so became a thing that was marked, and also the mark itself, and precisely and significantly the action of marking that forever linked those things.”
In A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life, Saunders asks us to think about stories as an agreement between the reader and the writer. When I read sentences like this, I have to think that the writer isn’t thinking about the reader anymore, that they are thinking about how much they love the words and the sound of their own voice that they can write words that don’t actual mean anything to a story. I mean, she just used 47 words to say something had a feedback loop and we aren’t talking about the McGuffin here. This is just one standout illustration of excessiveness that can be streamlined, helping the reader focus. Saunders also asks writers to follow their voice, so I’m definitely not saying Bear shouldn’t do her prose thing. But someone should rein that in, or send it someone who reads most of the words.
I did enjoy the characterization, though I wasn’t in love with the four different storylines that I just know are all related to Big Events that will undoubtedly Come Together Much Later. This is why I’m not reading fantasy epics these days, but Bear almost drew me in. The characters are interesting and have some depth. The world seems interesting and thought-out, feeling something like an Egyptian delta in the lowlands. There’s semi-interesting politics that happening with the female leads and the Dead Man/Gage action-focused plot gives a nice contrast. I did enjoy the humor of the Dead Man, except when he was being quite prejudiced, but of course, that just adds to the character complexity.
“Just what this expedition was in need of,” the Dead Man said conversationally. “A pirate tiger.”
Just not something I have tolerance for these days, no matter how beautiful. Don’t blame Bear; I have allergies.
Stopped at 35%, and rating because otherwise the review doesn't show up.
She does elaborate things with language that work for me in small doses–I adored Bone and Jewel Creatures and own a special edition hardcover–but absolutely do not work for me in larger ones. This is the second book of her’s that I’ve tried–to my recollection–and although I made it further into the story, it was because I was putting some effort into it. Also, I was on a plane. Honestly, I should have known better. Anything that starts with book one in a fantasy series tends to be no-go for me in my old age, although to give me some credit, the current librarian trend to assign everything a sequential label, whether author intended or not, often masks the degree to which books are truly connected. (This came up as friend Mimi was thinking about reading The Devotion of Suspect X, which is listed as number one in a series that is absolutely not a series in the sense of the ‘closely linked in chronology and plot sequence’ sense of the word. )(Honestly, if you aren’t in the mood for digressions, you should probably move on. I’m going to be terribly off-track today).
“In summer, there was the danger of avalanche. In winter, there was … well, there was the winter.”
The narration in this story was more humorous than the others I’ve read by Bear, which undoubtedly kept me going. Yet as I progressed, I started to wonder more and more about that humor. I felt like it didn’t particularly track. The narration is third person focused, alternating between two different female religious/political rulers; the Gage, a mechanical man animated by the spirit of a dead man; and primarily, the Dead Man (no relation) “one of the elite royal guards of a caliphate that no longer exactly existed.” But primarily, we are following the Dead Man, who worships one god who he believes is above all others and is rather judgey about everyone else’s multiple gods and semi-deified rulers. He also sounds very world-weary and is eyeballing places he might eventually settle down.
“The world was a dune. It wore on, and things and places and people you had loved or hated or had your heart broken by vanished beneath it and the only mark they left was on your soul. And that was that.”
So it’s a complex emotional tone, which I might have actually liked quite a bit, if it didn’t keep getting interrupted by the convoluted and elaborate language. This extreme example, for instance, first caused me to pause, then consider the intention of the author, and then go back and re-read, just to make sure there wasn’t something more important than I thought:
“A word that by extension meant the thing that acted to cause the mark, and the thing that was acted upon and so became a thing that was marked, and also the mark itself, and precisely and significantly the action of marking that forever linked those things.”
In A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life, Saunders asks us to think about stories as an agreement between the reader and the writer. When I read sentences like this, I have to think that the writer isn’t thinking about the reader anymore, that they are thinking about how much they love the words and the sound of their own voice that they can write words that don’t actual mean anything to a story. I mean, she just used 47 words to say something had a feedback loop and we aren’t talking about the McGuffin here. This is just one standout illustration of excessiveness that can be streamlined, helping the reader focus. Saunders also asks writers to follow their voice, so I’m definitely not saying Bear shouldn’t do her prose thing. But someone should rein that in, or send it someone who reads most of the words.
I did enjoy the characterization, though I wasn’t in love with the four different storylines that I just know are all related to Big Events that will undoubtedly Come Together Much Later. This is why I’m not reading fantasy epics these days, but Bear almost drew me in. The characters are interesting and have some depth. The world seems interesting and thought-out, feeling something like an Egyptian delta in the lowlands. There’s semi-interesting politics that happening with the female leads and the Dead Man/Gage action-focused plot gives a nice contrast. I did enjoy the humor of the Dead Man, except when he was being quite prejudiced, but of course, that just adds to the character complexity.
“Just what this expedition was in need of,” the Dead Man said conversationally. “A pirate tiger.”
Just not something I have tolerance for these days, no matter how beautiful. Don’t blame Bear; I have allergies.
Stopped at 35%, and rating because otherwise the review doesn't show up.
January 31, 2018
3.5ish stars
This book has transportive worldbuilding and exquisite descriptions of a unique setting. Some interesting characters are introduced and the stage is set for what seems like it will be a great series. The downside is that the book is almost entirely stage-setting; it hints at great things to come, but doesn't show a lot of greatness in and of itself.
It might be a more fulfilling read for those who are familiar with Bear's Eternal Sky series, with which this book shares a universe. I have not, so some nuance might be lost on me. I thought the first 3/4 was very slow. Things get exciting at the end (including a horrible cliffhanger!) but it was too little, too late for me to love the book. I'll settle for liking it instead, and probably pick up the next in the series with the hope that the pace picks up.
Posted in Mr. Philip's Library
This book has transportive worldbuilding and exquisite descriptions of a unique setting. Some interesting characters are introduced and the stage is set for what seems like it will be a great series. The downside is that the book is almost entirely stage-setting; it hints at great things to come, but doesn't show a lot of greatness in and of itself.
It might be a more fulfilling read for those who are familiar with Bear's Eternal Sky series, with which this book shares a universe. I have not, so some nuance might be lost on me. I thought the first 3/4 was very slow. Things get exciting at the end (including a horrible cliffhanger!) but it was too little, too late for me to love the book. I'll settle for liking it instead, and probably pick up the next in the series with the hope that the pace picks up.
Posted in Mr. Philip's Library
May 3, 2019
By the end of this new fantasy of Elizabeth Bear, I was completely under its spell. Like, utterly.
But I really need to be honest here: most of the novel is really slow-paced and focused on slow reveals about the lands as the Gage (a fantasy cyborg) and the Dead Man, a highly-skilled bodyguard, travel in a caravan and we get to know and love them. We also get to know the ruler of their intended destination. And I got to love her, too. :)
The best part of this is not the action but the character development. And there's a LOT of character development. Very slow burn, but after a while, I was fully entranced and invested.
It hardly matters, by that point, that the full-blown action was blowing me away after they get to their destination. Once they are all together, everything gets really great. So great, in fact, that I had to drop all my other plans and start reading my ARC of the second book. Like, now.
And it is all action so far. :) Yay! Loving it. :)
But I really need to be honest here: most of the novel is really slow-paced and focused on slow reveals about the lands as the Gage (a fantasy cyborg) and the Dead Man, a highly-skilled bodyguard, travel in a caravan and we get to know and love them. We also get to know the ruler of their intended destination. And I got to love her, too. :)
The best part of this is not the action but the character development. And there's a LOT of character development. Very slow burn, but after a while, I was fully entranced and invested.
It hardly matters, by that point, that the full-blown action was blowing me away after they get to their destination. Once they are all together, everything gets really great. So great, in fact, that I had to drop all my other plans and start reading my ARC of the second book. Like, now.
And it is all action so far. :) Yay! Loving it. :)
October 21, 2017
Who says you need to read series in their chronological reading order?
This book certainly would argue against it.
I had no clue that this book is first in a continuation of the previous trilogy. I haven’t researched it enough (at all) before starting it (because I’m living dangerous = I chose the book by its cover!).
It takes fifty years after the events in the first trilogy with entirely new cast of characters and setting.
Regardless, be mindful of (potential) spoilers for those of you who have already finished through the first trilogy.
Or more likely just easter eggs for you. Probably just easter eggs.
I knew next to nothing about author of this or her previous books. And I’m both glad and sad about it, because I like to be surprised with a good read of a good book, such as this, and I’m sad because I wish I found out about her books sooner.
Enjoyable read for a rock-solid 3.16 rating.
This book is filled with great new ideas of worldbuilding and magic system, written in a beautiful prose and telling grand and personal stories of both rulers and regular people and vice versa.
Story.
First of all, I would like to credit Richard Anderson, for making (another) wonderful cover which truthfully depicts first chapter of this book.
Yes, the story starts with a pair of mercenaries – The Dead Man, trained bodyguard of the deposed Uthman Caliphate and Gage, a brass automaton that outlived both mission for which he was created for, as well as his master – on a mission of delivering the message, while protecting the circus caravansary through mountain passes, and fighting an ice-wyrm.
And right from the start, this ‘David Vs Goliath’ battle was one of the most intense, overwhelming and anxiety-inducing descriptions of possible disadvantages an inferior opponent could face with.
By the end of it I was sweating and I physically felt exhausted.
(no, I wasn't, but you know what I mean)
Now, as I’ve mentioned, mercenaries are delivering a message, sent by a most powerful wizard in the world to her niece, a Rajni (title of a ruler) of Lotus Kingdom, Mrithuri.
The message is crucial to Mrithuri, since she’s over a decade late for a marriage (and subsequently giving away her title to her husband) and patience of her cousins, as well as suitors, are growing week by each passing day.
They are showing that lack of patience by massing their armies against borders of her kingdom, and the only possible solution was seeking protection from her aunt, mentioned above, that powerful wizard.
Her female cousin Reyna, after decades of marriage, and as now acting regent of her kingdom for her three year old son, is facing suitors herself.
But where Mrithuri’s kingdom is big and rich and beautiful, Reyna’s is quite opposite of that. It’s a poor backdoor land, with dry seasons, famine and many other struggles they’re facing. And like that wasn’t enough, her people is now threatened by an active volcano.
In face of riots, exodus and probable death for her and her child, she has to find a solution or a very sharp knife for a rope that tightens around necks of both her and her son.
Now, I hope while reading this you realized how vastly different this book is in just three or four chapters I mentioned here, from that action packed first chapter to these political intrigues involving mentioned characters.
And that’s exactly the case. I would recommend this book for everyone who puts slower developing filled with court intrigues, politics, economy and influence of religion on all those aspects, before constant action and battles of magnificent scopes.
Mind you, I’m not saying that this book lacks action in it. Far from it. It’s just not the focus of it.
Worldbuilding & Characters.
This was much needed break from Anglo-Saxon/Norman, Viking, or medieval European overall, influence in fantasy and an intake of fresh air with a change of setting with that of parallel, pre-colonial India.
So many different kingdoms, with much disparate cultures and various casts of people in them.
Society of strong and week, but of all those in-between, described as palpable and as vivid, as if they were right around your corner; a lifelong neighbors.
Truly, author poured her heart and soul into making this world seem real.
Witnessing scientists and deeply orthodox priests challenging each other’s opinions in relentless search for the sake of knowing - not disputing - was thrillingly entertaining for me.
Brass automaton was livelier than a Dead Man beside him, but each seemed as an antithesis of the other, which made them really enjoyable to follow.
Wizards and elephants. And myself jumping like a child on their mentioning!
Hard pronouncing names, which by the half of the book you fall in love with.
Vengeance in the name of the family; acceptance for the sake of self-preservation.
Poisoning yourself out of an addiction or the sake of religious ritual.
All very interesting and diverse, but sadly, not entirely developed or simply just spun into far too many cycles of already established familiarity within other characters in this book alone.
Nevertheless, they do not lack depth, but when faced and compared with rest in which this book excels, fault in characterization is only that it wasn’t as good as rest of the book.
Which by definition of many, might not be a fault at all.
Prose.
Most beautiful and strongest part of this book.
And there’s this interesting thing I noticed. She’s writing her characters, describing their actions, in such manor that I felt multiple times like she’s berating them.
She would explain how her character was thinking of taking one course of action, most logical one, let’s say - only so that she would pull the rug under his feet and make him choosing entirely opposite one.
Even against her own character’s better judgement.
From time to time I would think how a character would break the fourth wall at some point and simply ask to be excused for at least part of the book.
Really colorful and amazingly descriptive prose that asks of you complete and non-obtrusive attention.
“There was a word for a mark that remained after that which made it had moved on – a path worn in earth, ink on a page, a bruise on a skin, a dry riverbed, a scar.
Or, not precisely a word for the thing.
But a word of the act of so marking. A word that by extension meant the thing that acted to cause the mark, and the thing that was acted upon and so became a thing that was marked, and also the mark itself, and precisely and significantly the action of marking that forever linked those things and joined them into a continuum, even long after they had moved apart again.”
Patiently waiting for the sequel.
This book certainly would argue against it.
I had no clue that this book is first in a continuation of the previous trilogy. I haven’t researched it enough (at all) before starting it (because I’m living dangerous = I chose the book by its cover!).
It takes fifty years after the events in the first trilogy with entirely new cast of characters and setting.
Regardless, be mindful of (potential) spoilers for those of you who have already finished through the first trilogy.
Or more likely just easter eggs for you. Probably just easter eggs.
I knew next to nothing about author of this or her previous books. And I’m both glad and sad about it, because I like to be surprised with a good read of a good book, such as this, and I’m sad because I wish I found out about her books sooner.
Enjoyable read for a rock-solid 3.16 rating.
This book is filled with great new ideas of worldbuilding and magic system, written in a beautiful prose and telling grand and personal stories of both rulers and regular people and vice versa.
Story.
First of all, I would like to credit Richard Anderson, for making (another) wonderful cover which truthfully depicts first chapter of this book.
Yes, the story starts with a pair of mercenaries – The Dead Man, trained bodyguard of the deposed Uthman Caliphate and Gage, a brass automaton that outlived both mission for which he was created for, as well as his master – on a mission of delivering the message, while protecting the circus caravansary through mountain passes, and fighting an ice-wyrm.
And right from the start, this ‘David Vs Goliath’ battle was one of the most intense, overwhelming and anxiety-inducing descriptions of possible disadvantages an inferior opponent could face with.
By the end of it I was sweating and I physically felt exhausted.
(no, I wasn't, but you know what I mean)
Now, as I’ve mentioned, mercenaries are delivering a message, sent by a most powerful wizard in the world to her niece, a Rajni (title of a ruler) of Lotus Kingdom, Mrithuri.
The message is crucial to Mrithuri, since she’s over a decade late for a marriage (and subsequently giving away her title to her husband) and patience of her cousins, as well as suitors, are growing week by each passing day.
They are showing that lack of patience by massing their armies against borders of her kingdom, and the only possible solution was seeking protection from her aunt, mentioned above, that powerful wizard.
Her female cousin Reyna, after decades of marriage, and as now acting regent of her kingdom for her three year old son, is facing suitors herself.
But where Mrithuri’s kingdom is big and rich and beautiful, Reyna’s is quite opposite of that. It’s a poor backdoor land, with dry seasons, famine and many other struggles they’re facing. And like that wasn’t enough, her people is now threatened by an active volcano.
In face of riots, exodus and probable death for her and her child, she has to find a solution or a very sharp knife for a rope that tightens around necks of both her and her son.
Now, I hope while reading this you realized how vastly different this book is in just three or four chapters I mentioned here, from that action packed first chapter to these political intrigues involving mentioned characters.
And that’s exactly the case. I would recommend this book for everyone who puts slower developing filled with court intrigues, politics, economy and influence of religion on all those aspects, before constant action and battles of magnificent scopes.
Mind you, I’m not saying that this book lacks action in it. Far from it. It’s just not the focus of it.
Worldbuilding & Characters.
This was much needed break from Anglo-Saxon/Norman, Viking, or medieval European overall, influence in fantasy and an intake of fresh air with a change of setting with that of parallel, pre-colonial India.
So many different kingdoms, with much disparate cultures and various casts of people in them.
Society of strong and week, but of all those in-between, described as palpable and as vivid, as if they were right around your corner; a lifelong neighbors.
Truly, author poured her heart and soul into making this world seem real.
Witnessing scientists and deeply orthodox priests challenging each other’s opinions in relentless search for the sake of knowing - not disputing - was thrillingly entertaining for me.
Brass automaton was livelier than a Dead Man beside him, but each seemed as an antithesis of the other, which made them really enjoyable to follow.
Wizards and elephants. And myself jumping like a child on their mentioning!
Hard pronouncing names, which by the half of the book you fall in love with.
Vengeance in the name of the family; acceptance for the sake of self-preservation.
Poisoning yourself out of an addiction or the sake of religious ritual.
All very interesting and diverse, but sadly, not entirely developed or simply just spun into far too many cycles of already established familiarity within other characters in this book alone.
Nevertheless, they do not lack depth, but when faced and compared with rest in which this book excels, fault in characterization is only that it wasn’t as good as rest of the book.
Which by definition of many, might not be a fault at all.
Prose.
Most beautiful and strongest part of this book.
And there’s this interesting thing I noticed. She’s writing her characters, describing their actions, in such manor that I felt multiple times like she’s berating them.
She would explain how her character was thinking of taking one course of action, most logical one, let’s say - only so that she would pull the rug under his feet and make him choosing entirely opposite one.
Even against her own character’s better judgement.
From time to time I would think how a character would break the fourth wall at some point and simply ask to be excused for at least part of the book.
Really colorful and amazingly descriptive prose that asks of you complete and non-obtrusive attention.
“There was a word for a mark that remained after that which made it had moved on – a path worn in earth, ink on a page, a bruise on a skin, a dry riverbed, a scar.
Or, not precisely a word for the thing.
But a word of the act of so marking. A word that by extension meant the thing that acted to cause the mark, and the thing that was acted upon and so became a thing that was marked, and also the mark itself, and precisely and significantly the action of marking that forever linked those things and joined them into a continuum, even long after they had moved apart again.”
Patiently waiting for the sequel.
February 28, 2018
The Stone in the Skull kicks off strong with a unique and visual scene of a group of mercenaries featuring two of the main characters. Gage is an automaton and the other one? He is called The Dead Man. OK, it got my attention! Then when the setting changes, I honestly became more invested and quickly preferred the perspectives of Sayeh and Mrithuri, two powerful women who are each ruling their own kingdoms. Gotta love a book that features not just one, but two powerful women that can control the fate of their land. So, my first impressions this book were really strong, however, I am was disappointed that my overall experience was not on that same level.
This is one of those books that I leave feeling quite conflicted. It started strong and through out, there were parts and passages of it that I loved, convincing me that I would have an overall positive experience. Unfortnately, something held me back. While I love the premise of this book, and I actually quite like most of her prose there seemed to be a pacing issue as well as inconsistent strength of perspectives. As the book progressed, I realized I found myself rather detatched from most of the characters and in turn, eventually, the story itself. This book was so different from the fun and fast paced Karen Memory and maybe it was at a slight disadvantage because when I started as I was in the mood for fast and fun.
Honestly, this book has some impressive strengths, I can not deny Bear’s ability to craft prose and create richly detailed scenes as the book is vivid and quite descriptive. The passages hold on their own, particularly if you enjoy details. However, I really feel like I would have enjoyed this more if more time had been spent on character development. I am a reader who needs an attachment to the characters or at least their story and I found the slow pace just didn’t work for me in this one. So while I had an initially positive experience, unfortunately the story as a whole just didnt hold my attention. For readers that love descriptive prose, I would still recommend they give this one a try as there were enough strengths that I am sure other readers may have a more positive experience than I did.
This is one of those books that I leave feeling quite conflicted. It started strong and through out, there were parts and passages of it that I loved, convincing me that I would have an overall positive experience. Unfortnately, something held me back. While I love the premise of this book, and I actually quite like most of her prose there seemed to be a pacing issue as well as inconsistent strength of perspectives. As the book progressed, I realized I found myself rather detatched from most of the characters and in turn, eventually, the story itself. This book was so different from the fun and fast paced Karen Memory and maybe it was at a slight disadvantage because when I started as I was in the mood for fast and fun.
Honestly, this book has some impressive strengths, I can not deny Bear’s ability to craft prose and create richly detailed scenes as the book is vivid and quite descriptive. The passages hold on their own, particularly if you enjoy details. However, I really feel like I would have enjoyed this more if more time had been spent on character development. I am a reader who needs an attachment to the characters or at least their story and I found the slow pace just didn’t work for me in this one. So while I had an initially positive experience, unfortunately the story as a whole just didnt hold my attention. For readers that love descriptive prose, I would still recommend they give this one a try as there were enough strengths that I am sure other readers may have a more positive experience than I did.
November 10, 2017
OK, yes, this is set in the world of Bear's (highly, highly recommended) Eternal Sky trilogy. But it's set 50 years later and centers around an (almost) entirely new cast of characters, so you don't need to have read the initial trilogy to start here. (But you should. Because the initial trilogy was also very, very good.)
In this case, the setting is the Lotus Kingdoms -- a series of smaller prinicpalities built on the remnants of a larger empire. Into the Kingdoms come the Dead Man (a now-masterless warrior -- not a ronin, exactly, but that'll get the idea across) and the Gage (a sorcerously-animated automaton powered by a human spirit), currently working as caravan guards, but sent by a Messaline wizard to bear a message to Mrithuri, the young woman ruling of one of the Lotus Kingdoms.
Separately, in another one of the Kingdoms, Sayeh, ruler of a poor kingdom and mother to a very young son, finds herself confronted by bad omens and by neighboring rulers who'd like nothing more than to annex her kingdom, preferably by marrying her (and removing her son from the picture), although not unwilling to resort to more direct methods if need be.
As with the Eternal Sky trilogy, this is a frankly gorgeous book filled with compelling characters, strange magics, dire intrigues and a captivating world. This is very much the first book in a trilogy; it ends on a cliffhanger, and the two main plot threads (Sayeh's and Mrithuri's) don't really start to come together until the very end. But that doesn't bother me in the slightest because it means that in another year or so I'll be spending even more time with the Dead Man and the Gage and all of the rest.
In this case, the setting is the Lotus Kingdoms -- a series of smaller prinicpalities built on the remnants of a larger empire. Into the Kingdoms come the Dead Man (a now-masterless warrior -- not a ronin, exactly, but that'll get the idea across) and the Gage (a sorcerously-animated automaton powered by a human spirit), currently working as caravan guards, but sent by a Messaline wizard to bear a message to Mrithuri, the young woman ruling of one of the Lotus Kingdoms.
Separately, in another one of the Kingdoms, Sayeh, ruler of a poor kingdom and mother to a very young son, finds herself confronted by bad omens and by neighboring rulers who'd like nothing more than to annex her kingdom, preferably by marrying her (and removing her son from the picture), although not unwilling to resort to more direct methods if need be.
As with the Eternal Sky trilogy, this is a frankly gorgeous book filled with compelling characters, strange magics, dire intrigues and a captivating world. This is very much the first book in a trilogy; it ends on a cliffhanger, and the two main plot threads (Sayeh's and Mrithuri's) don't really start to come together until the very end. But that doesn't bother me in the slightest because it means that in another year or so I'll be spending even more time with the Dead Man and the Gage and all of the rest.
February 19, 2020
Mini Review: I’m writing a mini review for this one because, even though it has only been a couple weeks since I finished the book, I couldn’t tell you much about it. It’s set in the same world as her Eternal Sky series, and I couldn’t help but wonder while reading if she was riding the success of previously developed characters and relationships (which were lost to me) instead of composing something fresh. It certainly felt like I was missing some key components and to be frank – not a whole lot happened. Two of the female characters were so similar, it took me more than half the book to realize they weren’t the same person (this is also a good time to point out that Bear used a lot of pronouns instead of calling the characters by name). It was an interesting, exotic world that I enjoyed reading about, there just wasn’t enough meaningful plot advancement to give me something to really dig into (… and there was a distinct lack of advertised dragons). One thing I did enjoy – I absolutely loved Bear’s writing voice. This is my first book from her, and the prose was one of the most lovely I’ve ever read in a fantasy novel (seriously). So I’m not done experimenting with her yet. I just wish I’d had more to rave about with this one.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
January 21, 2018
This is a slow burner of a book, more about setting and character development than plot (ahem, not that there isn’t one! It’s setting up for an immense story and we’re just getting those foundations laid). Don’t let that put you off, though, because I think Bear is a master at description - of place, food, people - and world-building. Everything feels utterly real, for all that this is a magical world with automatons and days darker than nights, and I just love spending time in her world. There’s something very big being said, as well, about the way individuals shape the world (and leave their mark) that I’m very much looking forward to seeing played our further as the series continues.
It is not necessary to have read Range of Ghosts et al to enjoy this, though I whole-heartedly recommend that series and do think it enriches the reading of this.
It is not necessary to have read Range of Ghosts et al to enjoy this, though I whole-heartedly recommend that series and do think it enriches the reading of this.
Read
February 1, 2018I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of this book. Sadly I have to say that I simply could not get into it and DNFed it at 25%.
At the beginning of the book we meet Gage, who is an automaton. He is carrying a very important message to the Rajni of the Lotus Kingdom. His creator has long since been gone, which is why Gage is offering his services to others. He and his companion, the Dead Man, are travelling with a caravan, acting as its protectors.
We also meet two female rulers of the kingdoms and follow their stories.
As I already mentioned, I could not get into the story. I did enjoy the chapters featuring Gage and the Dead Man. They have a great relationship and work together very well. They both have mysterious pasts, but I did not get to discover them.
What kept pulling me out of the story, were actually the chapters featuring the ladies. I could not find it in me to care for them and their lives. I did not care to read about all the rituals and have every single thing described in minute detail.
I definitely plan to get back to this book at some point, because I am still intrigued enough by it to give it another try, and from the many very positive reviews it is obvious others are enjoying it, and hopefully I will be one of them one day.
At the beginning of the book we meet Gage, who is an automaton. He is carrying a very important message to the Rajni of the Lotus Kingdom. His creator has long since been gone, which is why Gage is offering his services to others. He and his companion, the Dead Man, are travelling with a caravan, acting as its protectors.
We also meet two female rulers of the kingdoms and follow their stories.
As I already mentioned, I could not get into the story. I did enjoy the chapters featuring Gage and the Dead Man. They have a great relationship and work together very well. They both have mysterious pasts, but I did not get to discover them.
What kept pulling me out of the story, were actually the chapters featuring the ladies. I could not find it in me to care for them and their lives. I did not care to read about all the rituals and have every single thing described in minute detail.
I definitely plan to get back to this book at some point, because I am still intrigued enough by it to give it another try, and from the many very positive reviews it is obvious others are enjoying it, and hopefully I will be one of them one day.
October 5, 2017
The Stone in the Skull is the start of a sequel trilogy to Bear’s epic fantasy series that began with Range of Ghosts. However, you do not need to be at all familiar with the previous series. The Stone in the Skull takes place over fifty years later and has an almost entirely new cast. It also moves the narrative south to the Lotus Kingdoms, a setting based on pre-colonial India.
Trouble is brewing in the Lotus Kingdoms. What was once a great empire has shattered into principalities ruled by the emperor’s descendants. Among them are two women, both struggling to hold on to their own thrones and independent power.
Sayeh is regent for her three year old son, given to her by the divine intervention of the gods. But her kingdom is a poor one, and they struggle to find water during the dry season. If the potential strife with her neighboring cousins weren’t enough, natural disaster looks likely to strike Sayeh’s country.
Mrithuri is a twenty-four year old woman who rules her kingdom in her own right, but she’s under increasing pressure to marry, which would mean handing over authority to her husband. And the options for a husband to be are distasteful: two male cousins who mass armies on her border. She desperately awaits a message from her great-aunt, the wizard of Messaline, whom she hopes will bring her some form of aid.
Her great-aunt has sent her message with the Gage, a brass automaton who was created to serve a wizard but has outlived his creator. Accompanying him is his friend, the Dead Man, a survivor of the deposed Uthman Caliphate who has since become a mercenary. They may think themselves only messengers, but the wizard of Messaline has plans for them in the Lotus Kingdoms.
The Stone in the Skull has hints of grand quests, but it is much more of a political intrigue fantasy than Bear’s last trilogy. It may very well appeal to those who enjoy stories such as Game of Thrones but want something less grimdark and with a more diverse cast. I’m grateful that Bear chose this route for The Stone in the Sky. While the plot line is still a bit familiar, it was less so than the epic quest, evil wizard story of her last trilogy. I didn’t find the plot line to be super thrilling, fast paced, or exciting, but it worked all right.
And anyway, Bear makes up for it with her lush world and fantastic characters. The world was undeniably my favorite part of Range of Ghosts, so I’m glad she decided to explore a new corner of it. She has a marvelous gift for embedding her settings and descriptions with true magic and wonder. The she paints a brilliant picture of gorgeous architecture, scents, clothing, and even the sky overhead, a river of stars with a cauled sun that leaves the lacy shadows of an eclipse.
Bear veers from the norm when it comes to fantasy settings. Her world is clearly non-Western, and the Lotus Kingdoms are inspired by historic India. The setting is a fresh breath of air for a genre often too preoccupied with medieval Europe, and I like how she moves up the historic time line, offering a fantasy that’s not quite steampunk but including elements such as guns. And of course, the Gage, a character I couldn’t help but love.
In fact, I liked all of the central characters. The Gage and his backstory never ceased to fascinate me, and I can’t wait to see how he develops in the sequels. I loved the friendship between him and the Dead Man, who’s got his own tragic tale. The Dead Man may fall into some familiar character types, but he’s well drawn and not overly angsty. And of course, I always love the wide variety of female characters Bear includes in her work. Mrithuri and Sayeh are both incredible female leads, and Bear surrounds them with other noteworthy women. I am intrigued by Mrithuri’s addiction to the poison of a serpent, as it’s not a topic I’ve seen often explored in fantasy. I also appreciate how Bear includes queer characters, particularly Sayeh, a trans woman who’s gender is never questioned by the narrative. However, I have yet to see any reviews of The Stone in the Skull by trans reviewers, so if you come across any, I would be very interested to see what they have to say.
My only complaint in regards to the characters are some romance sub-plots that feel a bit like insta-love. Thankfully, this isn’t two tedious when I like the characters involved.
I started out unsure whether or not I’d continue with the trilogy The Stone in the Skull starts out, but by the end this enchanting story had won me over.
Review originally posted at The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
Trouble is brewing in the Lotus Kingdoms. What was once a great empire has shattered into principalities ruled by the emperor’s descendants. Among them are two women, both struggling to hold on to their own thrones and independent power.
Sayeh is regent for her three year old son, given to her by the divine intervention of the gods. But her kingdom is a poor one, and they struggle to find water during the dry season. If the potential strife with her neighboring cousins weren’t enough, natural disaster looks likely to strike Sayeh’s country.
Mrithuri is a twenty-four year old woman who rules her kingdom in her own right, but she’s under increasing pressure to marry, which would mean handing over authority to her husband. And the options for a husband to be are distasteful: two male cousins who mass armies on her border. She desperately awaits a message from her great-aunt, the wizard of Messaline, whom she hopes will bring her some form of aid.
Her great-aunt has sent her message with the Gage, a brass automaton who was created to serve a wizard but has outlived his creator. Accompanying him is his friend, the Dead Man, a survivor of the deposed Uthman Caliphate who has since become a mercenary. They may think themselves only messengers, but the wizard of Messaline has plans for them in the Lotus Kingdoms.
The Stone in the Skull has hints of grand quests, but it is much more of a political intrigue fantasy than Bear’s last trilogy. It may very well appeal to those who enjoy stories such as Game of Thrones but want something less grimdark and with a more diverse cast. I’m grateful that Bear chose this route for The Stone in the Sky. While the plot line is still a bit familiar, it was less so than the epic quest, evil wizard story of her last trilogy. I didn’t find the plot line to be super thrilling, fast paced, or exciting, but it worked all right.
And anyway, Bear makes up for it with her lush world and fantastic characters. The world was undeniably my favorite part of Range of Ghosts, so I’m glad she decided to explore a new corner of it. She has a marvelous gift for embedding her settings and descriptions with true magic and wonder. The she paints a brilliant picture of gorgeous architecture, scents, clothing, and even the sky overhead, a river of stars with a cauled sun that leaves the lacy shadows of an eclipse.
Bear veers from the norm when it comes to fantasy settings. Her world is clearly non-Western, and the Lotus Kingdoms are inspired by historic India. The setting is a fresh breath of air for a genre often too preoccupied with medieval Europe, and I like how she moves up the historic time line, offering a fantasy that’s not quite steampunk but including elements such as guns. And of course, the Gage, a character I couldn’t help but love.
In fact, I liked all of the central characters. The Gage and his backstory never ceased to fascinate me, and I can’t wait to see how he develops in the sequels. I loved the friendship between him and the Dead Man, who’s got his own tragic tale. The Dead Man may fall into some familiar character types, but he’s well drawn and not overly angsty. And of course, I always love the wide variety of female characters Bear includes in her work. Mrithuri and Sayeh are both incredible female leads, and Bear surrounds them with other noteworthy women. I am intrigued by Mrithuri’s addiction to the poison of a serpent, as it’s not a topic I’ve seen often explored in fantasy. I also appreciate how Bear includes queer characters, particularly Sayeh, a trans woman who’s gender is never questioned by the narrative. However, I have yet to see any reviews of The Stone in the Skull by trans reviewers, so if you come across any, I would be very interested to see what they have to say.
My only complaint in regards to the characters are some romance sub-plots that feel a bit like insta-love. Thankfully, this isn’t two tedious when I like the characters involved.
I started out unsure whether or not I’d continue with the trilogy The Stone in the Skull starts out, but by the end this enchanting story had won me over.
Review originally posted at The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
July 30, 2017
At the moment, there is only one other rating for this title here on Goodreads and it doesn't have a review, so I feel like I should say something, but I'm not thinking of anything that I'm happy with. So...I guess I'll just say that Elizabeth Bear is one of my go-to authors and I have never been disappointed by any of her books. If you enjoy stories that do new and interesting things with mythology and religion and folklore and belief; where neither gender nor sexuality are binary; and where magic, science, and technology are all to be equally embraced and reviled, then you could do much worse than to discover the work of Elizabeth Bear and The Stone in the Skull would be a fine place to start your explorations.
April 2, 2022
“We’re not the heroes of the story. We’re those guys who wander in during the third act to pick up the dirty work.”
A pleasant excursion into a world analogous to southern Asia before the British spoiled the local fun. Don’t read the blurb; it reveals too much backstory about the cauled sun and other phenomena of this world, robbing the reader of wonder and discovery.
“Duty above anything else. And then the lifetime regret for choices untaken.”
Decent character and world building. Enough strands that, at first, the reader is adrift. Enough point of view characters to bring the reader into the story without a lot of data dumps. Almost too many characters. Some of them remain enigmas throughout, appropriate for a multi-volume tale.
“The world was a dune. It moved on and things and places and people you loved or hated or had your heart broken by had vanished beneath it and the only mark they left was on your soul.”
Good writing but shoddy editing: double negatives, awkward phraseology (“stepped back away”) and a lot of telling rather than showing. Not terrible, but it knocks the reader out of the spell of the story too often.
“The pen moves on, and leaves a thought behind.”
The soft porn scene was unnecessary--in fact, out of character--and offensive. Cost a star.
“The years pass. Pride fails. You learn to take what is offered.”
Even so, was three stars right up to the end. And then it didn’t finish so much as stop. Unless the reader is ready to commit to the whole series, nothing is resolved that we didn’t know was going to be resolved a quarter of the way through. Readers will recognize the titular stone in the skull before the characters, but who skull and how is … wait, that would spoil the fun.
“On the choices we make in thoughtless childhood are the rest of our long lives hung. Those who get any choice at all.”
A pleasant excursion into a world analogous to southern Asia before the British spoiled the local fun. Don’t read the blurb; it reveals too much backstory about the cauled sun and other phenomena of this world, robbing the reader of wonder and discovery.
“Duty above anything else. And then the lifetime regret for choices untaken.”
Decent character and world building. Enough strands that, at first, the reader is adrift. Enough point of view characters to bring the reader into the story without a lot of data dumps. Almost too many characters. Some of them remain enigmas throughout, appropriate for a multi-volume tale.
“The world was a dune. It moved on and things and places and people you loved or hated or had your heart broken by had vanished beneath it and the only mark they left was on your soul.”
Good writing but shoddy editing: double negatives, awkward phraseology (“stepped back away”) and a lot of telling rather than showing. Not terrible, but it knocks the reader out of the spell of the story too often.
“The pen moves on, and leaves a thought behind.”
The soft porn scene was unnecessary--in fact, out of character--and offensive. Cost a star.
“The years pass. Pride fails. You learn to take what is offered.”
Even so, was three stars right up to the end. And then it didn’t finish so much as stop. Unless the reader is ready to commit to the whole series, nothing is resolved that we didn’t know was going to be resolved a quarter of the way through. Readers will recognize the titular stone in the skull before the characters, but who skull and how is … wait, that would spoil the fun.
“On the choices we make in thoughtless childhood are the rest of our long lives hung. Those who get any choice at all.”
November 12, 2017
If you’d like to read a book that has details about the details that further inspires details about glass, wood, mud etc, this is the book for you. Past that, there was nothing more about this book. Character development is crucial but it took an entire 300 plus pages to do it? I was happy it was over.
October 27, 2017
4.5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2017/10/26/th...
I’m going to start this review by saying that I loved The Stone in the Skull. This is a beautifully written story, truly epic in scope, resplendent with creativity and graced with wonderful characters that you can’t help feeling attached to and caring about.
The story gets off to a breathtaking start and a speedy introduction to two of our main characters. A caravan travelling south across the Steles of the Sky is attacked and only the quick thinking of two of the mercenaries hired as protection saves the day. Gage and The Dead Man. They carry an important message and are anxious to reach the Lotus Kingdom in a timely fashion.
Meanwhile we witness two important ceremonies. The first introduces us to Mrithuri as she embarks on an age old ceremony that will bestow a prophecy upon her kingdom for the forthcoming months. Mrithuri is ruler to a prosperous kingdom. As such she has been pursued by plenty of suitors and whilst she has managed to fend off proposals for many years, not wishing to hand over her power to a man, the issue is becoming more critical and her neighbours, tired of waiting for an alliance through marriage are amassing armies on her doorstep. The second ceremony is a more dangerous affair that involves divers seeking fresh water to sustain the people of the kingdom. Reyna, cousin to Mrithuri, is currently acting Regent for her three year old son. Her kingdom is much poorer and her people frequently struggle to survive. Unfortunately, the water gathering doesn’t go exactly as planned and whilst this will once again cause unrest and undoubtedly prompt the people to call for Reyna to marry, it also highlights a much greater threat to the kingdom.
To the characters then. The main four are as above, although there are also a number of intriguing peripheral characters. The two main females play strong roles and I really enjoyed reading about both heir stories but I can’t deny that, for me, the Gage and the Dead Man stole the show a little with their friendship and strange, yet compelling, banter. The Gage, once a human being, is now an automaton, created by a Wizard who no longer exists. The Dead Man was once a bodyguard to a deposed Caliphate. Both, lacking purpose, have become mercenaries. Strangely enough, and in spite of the scope of the story here, I would almost say that the real focus for this instalment at least, is for these two to find a purpose – which they certainly manage to do by the end of the book. What I really liked about all the characters is the amount of emotional depth that Bear succeeds in bestowing upon them, it’s enough to make you weep with joy. Seriously, this author is an expert at characterisation. I think where she also really succeeds is in finding their individual motivations and this is what makes them so compelling to read.
I’m not going to elaborate on the plot, suffice to say that there is truly a lot of scope here not to mention an elaborate set up for the next book – in a good way. However, if you’re expecting 10,000 orcs marching into battle with all the resultant bloodshed then you may be slightly disappointed. This story may be epic but the majority of the action takes place off page. Don’t get me wrong, I’m probably making it sound as though nothing happens, which is far from the truth, there are disasters and betrayals that inevitably lead to bloodshed and violence, but the nature of this story focuses much more intently on the central characters and the political and court intrigue surrounding them. There are riddles, poets, magicians, revenants and kidnapping and a final uncovering of certain inevitable truths that will no doubt be the focus of the next book. The writing is compelling and beautiful and the overall result is a gradual but deep connection to the main cast and for me an irresistible urge to have the next instalment in front of me right now.
Put simply, I loved this. The setting is well portrayed, the cast are easy to embrace and the overall plot is intriguing. I’m not going to deny that this is a slow build and that once the initial burst of excitement from the opening chapters is out of the way this does calm down considerably but personally I didn’t find that a problem because I was so engrossed in the Lotus Kingdom and it’s rich descriptions. A real beauty of a book.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
https://lynns-books.com/2017/10/26/th...
I’m going to start this review by saying that I loved The Stone in the Skull. This is a beautifully written story, truly epic in scope, resplendent with creativity and graced with wonderful characters that you can’t help feeling attached to and caring about.
The story gets off to a breathtaking start and a speedy introduction to two of our main characters. A caravan travelling south across the Steles of the Sky is attacked and only the quick thinking of two of the mercenaries hired as protection saves the day. Gage and The Dead Man. They carry an important message and are anxious to reach the Lotus Kingdom in a timely fashion.
Meanwhile we witness two important ceremonies. The first introduces us to Mrithuri as she embarks on an age old ceremony that will bestow a prophecy upon her kingdom for the forthcoming months. Mrithuri is ruler to a prosperous kingdom. As such she has been pursued by plenty of suitors and whilst she has managed to fend off proposals for many years, not wishing to hand over her power to a man, the issue is becoming more critical and her neighbours, tired of waiting for an alliance through marriage are amassing armies on her doorstep. The second ceremony is a more dangerous affair that involves divers seeking fresh water to sustain the people of the kingdom. Reyna, cousin to Mrithuri, is currently acting Regent for her three year old son. Her kingdom is much poorer and her people frequently struggle to survive. Unfortunately, the water gathering doesn’t go exactly as planned and whilst this will once again cause unrest and undoubtedly prompt the people to call for Reyna to marry, it also highlights a much greater threat to the kingdom.
To the characters then. The main four are as above, although there are also a number of intriguing peripheral characters. The two main females play strong roles and I really enjoyed reading about both heir stories but I can’t deny that, for me, the Gage and the Dead Man stole the show a little with their friendship and strange, yet compelling, banter. The Gage, once a human being, is now an automaton, created by a Wizard who no longer exists. The Dead Man was once a bodyguard to a deposed Caliphate. Both, lacking purpose, have become mercenaries. Strangely enough, and in spite of the scope of the story here, I would almost say that the real focus for this instalment at least, is for these two to find a purpose – which they certainly manage to do by the end of the book. What I really liked about all the characters is the amount of emotional depth that Bear succeeds in bestowing upon them, it’s enough to make you weep with joy. Seriously, this author is an expert at characterisation. I think where she also really succeeds is in finding their individual motivations and this is what makes them so compelling to read.
I’m not going to elaborate on the plot, suffice to say that there is truly a lot of scope here not to mention an elaborate set up for the next book – in a good way. However, if you’re expecting 10,000 orcs marching into battle with all the resultant bloodshed then you may be slightly disappointed. This story may be epic but the majority of the action takes place off page. Don’t get me wrong, I’m probably making it sound as though nothing happens, which is far from the truth, there are disasters and betrayals that inevitably lead to bloodshed and violence, but the nature of this story focuses much more intently on the central characters and the political and court intrigue surrounding them. There are riddles, poets, magicians, revenants and kidnapping and a final uncovering of certain inevitable truths that will no doubt be the focus of the next book. The writing is compelling and beautiful and the overall result is a gradual but deep connection to the main cast and for me an irresistible urge to have the next instalment in front of me right now.
Put simply, I loved this. The setting is well portrayed, the cast are easy to embrace and the overall plot is intriguing. I’m not going to deny that this is a slow build and that once the initial burst of excitement from the opening chapters is out of the way this does calm down considerably but personally I didn’t find that a problem because I was so engrossed in the Lotus Kingdom and it’s rich descriptions. A real beauty of a book.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
October 10, 2017
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
The first and only book I have read up to this point by Elizabeth Bear was karen memory way back in the days before I had a blog. And I adored it. So when I heard she was releasing the first book in a new trilogy I just had to have it. I starting reading this one in me bunk as day was turning to dusk and I didn’t finish it until night was turning into dawn. No sleep for me! But it was so worth it. The book completely and utterly fit me mood in that moment. I do so love when that happens.
The story starts out with two people in a caravan trying to get to their destination in order to deliver the message of utmost importance entrusted to them. One is a brass automaton who once was human. The other is a human called the Dead Man who was a body guard for a ruler who no longer exists. I adored their friendship. Later add in an odd priest and many highly unique strong female rulers. Plus light politics, intrigue and fantastic character relationships.
The beginning was an explosive entry into the world and while the pace slowed a little after that, I was obviously engrossed. The world building is fantastic, the characters are extremely diverse, and I couldn’t guess many of the plot twists. The relationships between characters stood out for me and I loved getting further hints into backstories and motivations as I read. The only small quibble that I had was there were some insta-lust-ish relationships and a sex scene that was rather abrupt and unnecessary. I didn’t hate it but would have preferred these things to have been removed or handled differently. That said I would recommend this book to fantasy readers and am keeping details of plot on the down low so readers can make their own journeys into the Lotus Kingdoms. I certainly will be reading the next book in the trilogy. I just don’t want to have to wait so long.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
The first and only book I have read up to this point by Elizabeth Bear was karen memory way back in the days before I had a blog. And I adored it. So when I heard she was releasing the first book in a new trilogy I just had to have it. I starting reading this one in me bunk as day was turning to dusk and I didn’t finish it until night was turning into dawn. No sleep for me! But it was so worth it. The book completely and utterly fit me mood in that moment. I do so love when that happens.
The story starts out with two people in a caravan trying to get to their destination in order to deliver the message of utmost importance entrusted to them. One is a brass automaton who once was human. The other is a human called the Dead Man who was a body guard for a ruler who no longer exists. I adored their friendship. Later add in an odd priest and many highly unique strong female rulers. Plus light politics, intrigue and fantastic character relationships.
The beginning was an explosive entry into the world and while the pace slowed a little after that, I was obviously engrossed. The world building is fantastic, the characters are extremely diverse, and I couldn’t guess many of the plot twists. The relationships between characters stood out for me and I loved getting further hints into backstories and motivations as I read. The only small quibble that I had was there were some insta-lust-ish relationships and a sex scene that was rather abrupt and unnecessary. I didn’t hate it but would have preferred these things to have been removed or handled differently. That said I would recommend this book to fantasy readers and am keeping details of plot on the down low so readers can make their own journeys into the Lotus Kingdoms. I certainly will be reading the next book in the trilogy. I just don’t want to have to wait so long.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
August 26, 2017
This novel succeeds most with its lush descriptions. I don't think anyone could deny that it has that. The author certainly loves her world building and I found in refreshing that it is based off of something other than the standard European influences. Now, I did not read her prior trilogy and am not sure how much it would tie into this -- other than being set in the same world.
I enjoyed her four main characters well enough, but found it a bit odd that as much as we get to know them, it felt as if their relationships to each other (the ones who met, anyway) were mostly glossed over. Obviously the Dead Man and the Gage had a lot more of their entwined backstory revealed, but at the same time, a lot was left out. The multiple love plots that show up felt rather insta-love. So the powers of description did not seem to be focused on character interactions near as much as it was on the world.
The magic system was fascinating, as well as the effects that it had on society and people. The hints of religion were also interesting.
So, with all these pluses, why only three stars? Well, while objectively quite a bit happened, it felt as if not much happened. The novel felt longer to me than it was and as if it took forever to get to major plot points. There wasn't much resolution, either, because by the time the biggest events happened it was time for book two, apparently. I will likely continue with the series, but no guarantees. I'm interested to see what happens, but the pacing was tough for me.
I should say, however, that lately I don't have as much patience for books with multiple POVs. They make me feel as if every time something is about to happen, it all gets delayed by someone else. Do, if you enjoy multiple POVs, I bet you wouldn't have the issues I did with the novel.
What a beautiful cover, though!
I enjoyed her four main characters well enough, but found it a bit odd that as much as we get to know them, it felt as if their relationships to each other (the ones who met, anyway) were mostly glossed over. Obviously the Dead Man and the Gage had a lot more of their entwined backstory revealed, but at the same time, a lot was left out. The multiple love plots that show up felt rather insta-love. So the powers of description did not seem to be focused on character interactions near as much as it was on the world.
The magic system was fascinating, as well as the effects that it had on society and people. The hints of religion were also interesting.
So, with all these pluses, why only three stars? Well, while objectively quite a bit happened, it felt as if not much happened. The novel felt longer to me than it was and as if it took forever to get to major plot points. There wasn't much resolution, either, because by the time the biggest events happened it was time for book two, apparently. I will likely continue with the series, but no guarantees. I'm interested to see what happens, but the pacing was tough for me.
I should say, however, that lately I don't have as much patience for books with multiple POVs. They make me feel as if every time something is about to happen, it all gets delayed by someone else. Do, if you enjoy multiple POVs, I bet you wouldn't have the issues I did with the novel.
What a beautiful cover, though!
November 19, 2019
Fantasy pro dospěláky inspirované indickou mytologií, plné silných hrdinek, magie a intrik? To beru! Moje první (tak trochu zaměstnanecká 😁) recenze pro Knihcentrum: https://www.knihcentrum.cz/recenze-sk...
Jen mě mrzí, že nejdříve nevyšla v češtině její první série z tohoto světa, spousta věcí by byla jasnějších. Ale zase si ty detaily můžete detektivně sesbírat a poskládat sami. 😉
Jen mě mrzí, že nejdříve nevyšla v češtině její první série z tohoto světa, spousta věcí by byla jasnějších. Ale zase si ty detaily můžete detektivně sesbírat a poskládat sami. 😉
did-not-finish
October 5, 2020DNF at 26%. My second attempt at this wasn't more interesting than the first. It's very descriptive and slow paced, and by page 100 I wanted to understand the point of the story...but it seemed like it would be mostly setup.
dnf
September 15, 2019DNF @39%
Simply not for me. I would force myself to finish the book if the book followed The Gage and The Dead Man only. Rajni's chapters were boring as hell.
Simply not for me. I would force myself to finish the book if the book followed The Gage and The Dead Man only. Rajni's chapters were boring as hell.
December 11, 2017
Bear can paint a very detailed picture, but she does so much of it it overshadows her plotting and characters. There is so much languid description, even in what should be high tension (action!) scenes, which saps the drama right out. The story is slow, slow, slow, though it starts to pick up about a hundred pages in (the first hundred pages are worldbuilding exposition).
Despite all that description, it feels like we're told about the plot and characters more than we're shown. So many tags like "he thought" and "she was angry", rather than being self-evident in their thoughts and dialogue. Paragraphs and paragraphs of exposition. Love is insta-love. The richness of description in the external environment isn't mirrored in the character interactions. I don't feel engaged with the characters; I'm not motivated to care, or to find out more.
I feel like every story in a series needs to be a story in and of itself as well as the setup for later stories. The Stone in the Skull feels like one giant book of setup for the later stories without a story for itself.
Bear has some gorgeous prose. She knows how to appeal to senses beautifully and breathe life into her environments. But I think she should apply her descriptive prowess with a much, much lighter hand.
Despite all that description, it feels like we're told about the plot and characters more than we're shown. So many tags like "he thought" and "she was angry", rather than being self-evident in their thoughts and dialogue. Paragraphs and paragraphs of exposition. Love is insta-love. The richness of description in the external environment isn't mirrored in the character interactions. I don't feel engaged with the characters; I'm not motivated to care, or to find out more.
I feel like every story in a series needs to be a story in and of itself as well as the setup for later stories. The Stone in the Skull feels like one giant book of setup for the later stories without a story for itself.
Bear has some gorgeous prose. She knows how to appeal to senses beautifully and breathe life into her environments. But I think she should apply her descriptive prowess with a much, much lighter hand.
April 26, 2019
This book definitely would have been a five star reading experience for me if the first half of the book had just moved a teensy bit faster. But I was right there with the Dead Man and Gage as they worked their job of protection for a caravan of ice-boats. It never hurts to get paid for doing a job that is taking you to the place you wanted to reach all along. Elizabeth Bear is such a wonderful writer that I even enjoyed the slog of pushing/pulling/hauling boats through ice, snow and mud, even over mountains. The characters are presented in such depth you can't help but understand their motivation and even if you don't appreciate one or more of them at least you know exactly where they are coming from.
This first book in the Lotus Kingdoms trilogy takes up some years in the future after the end of The Eternal Sky trilogy. Don't worry, you don't need to have read any of those books before you take this one up, but be ready to be delighted to know they are there waiting for you. The Dead Man is a warrior now getting up there in age for his profession. Gage is an automaton formed by a wizard from the human Gage was. I was fascinated by Gage especially but also amazed by the intimacy Bear created between me, the reader, and so many of the characters in this novel. There are also main characters Sayeh, who is rajni and not raja, and Mrithuri, rajni, both rulers of their kingdom and both shown to be imminently capable women rulers. This world is filled with unusual characters and unusual magic with unexpected things happening throughout the novel. Even the first half of the book where the backgrounds are revealed and the present situations are set in place were so well written that I was involved to the extent I never even considered putting the book away. Yes, it takes some time to set up the story but it is so very worthwhile to become immersed in it all. The next book is The Red-Stained Wings and it will be released on May 28, 2019. I'm ready and waiting!
This first book in the Lotus Kingdoms trilogy takes up some years in the future after the end of The Eternal Sky trilogy. Don't worry, you don't need to have read any of those books before you take this one up, but be ready to be delighted to know they are there waiting for you. The Dead Man is a warrior now getting up there in age for his profession. Gage is an automaton formed by a wizard from the human Gage was. I was fascinated by Gage especially but also amazed by the intimacy Bear created between me, the reader, and so many of the characters in this novel. There are also main characters Sayeh, who is rajni and not raja, and Mrithuri, rajni, both rulers of their kingdom and both shown to be imminently capable women rulers. This world is filled with unusual characters and unusual magic with unexpected things happening throughout the novel. Even the first half of the book where the backgrounds are revealed and the present situations are set in place were so well written that I was involved to the extent I never even considered putting the book away. Yes, it takes some time to set up the story but it is so very worthwhile to become immersed in it all. The next book is The Red-Stained Wings and it will be released on May 28, 2019. I'm ready and waiting!
November 24, 2017
I finished The Stone in the Skull the author is the wife of Scott Lynch.
I liked it, but it's very obviously a book 1 in a series, a ton of set up and loose dangling ends. I liked the world building and I liked all of the characters.
I'm hoping the Dead Man and the Gage get happy endings in later books. It's even mentioned by a wizard that she can give the Gage a human body again.
One huge problem: it felt like a ton of references for lesbian/third gender/gender issues, it felt a bit preach-y to me, some examples: a ton of references to shandas (third sex), using neutral pronouns in a diplomatic setting when the rajni (queen) is unsure of the person's gender of the "Godmade" aka a prophet for a pagan god who can work miracles, references to a shanda giving birth miraculously even though lacking the appropriate parts, a Gage previously being a human woman and trading her human body to a wizard for vengeance, now becoming a masculine robot in a steel body, even her/his friend saying I thought you liked men, but he starts a relationship with a woman.
But I still liked the book.
I liked it, but it's very obviously a book 1 in a series, a ton of set up and loose dangling ends. I liked the world building and I liked all of the characters.
I'm hoping the Dead Man and the Gage get happy endings in later books. It's even mentioned by a wizard that she can give the Gage a human body again.
One huge problem: it felt like a ton of references for lesbian/third gender/gender issues, it felt a bit preach-y to me, some examples: a ton of references to shandas (third sex), using neutral pronouns in a diplomatic setting when the rajni (queen) is unsure of the person's gender of the "Godmade" aka a prophet for a pagan god who can work miracles, references to a shanda giving birth miraculously even though lacking the appropriate parts, a Gage previously being a human woman and trading her human body to a wizard for vengeance, now becoming a masculine robot in a steel body, even her/his friend saying I thought you liked men, but he starts a relationship with a woman.
But I still liked the book.
February 23, 2019
This is like reading all the effects and scenery without much story driving it along. Unfortunately I like the story.....
Gave up at 13%
Gave up at 13%
June 23, 2024
Rep: Indian-coded cast, transfem mc, bi transmasc mc, nonbinary side character
November 19, 2017
This review and others posted over at
my blog.
I have no idea how to describe the plot of this book in a succinct way that also makes sense. It’s fantasy, with a touch of steampunk and an Asian feel to the world. The book is heavy on political intrigue and geography, yet the characters are so compelling that two potentially boring (for me, anyway) subjects fell neatly into the background.
I don’t normally refer to maps, but I found the one in this book particularly helpful in giving me a sense of the world. In the first half of the book, there’s a lot of travel going on and it was nice to get a feel for where the characters were headed.
Oh, the characters. What an unexpectedly varied cast this book has! The Dead Man is not actually dead – I think his title has something to do with his religion or like, former job – his face is just constantly veiled. His home is gone and I got the sense that he’s the “dying breed” type though people still recognize his title. The Gage is a sweet fuckin’ automaton built by a wizard and towards the end of the story, his character had some excellent development that I didn’t see coming. There’s a priest of indeterminate gender who is much more powerful than they seem and has a badass golden eye. There are two ruling Rajnis (like princesses or queens, I suppose) who are actually cousins. One is addicted to snake venom because it helps her deal with the stress of ruling alone, the other is of “the third sex” and has to fight to keep her reign so that her young son can rule in the future.
On top of all that there are court wizards both male and female, cat-like people and dragons! There’s even a boneless man. The cast was more diverse than any I’ve come across in a fantasy book in quite some time and I loved it.
I loved the world building too. It wasn’t heavy-handed, yet I felt I really had a grasp on what Bear was going for. I love when an author can accomplish some complex world building without dense chapters of history and geography.
Totally random gripe: There was a sentence that felt incredibly modern and it really pulled me out of the story for a moment.
“Pain is the proof that sometimes God is too busy thinking about blowjobs to do Her work properly, and in the interstices people get hurt.”
I’m not implying that people didn’t use the word “blowjob” in ye olde times, but something about the way this sentence was constructed had me scratching my head. Incredibly minor issue, however.
I do take issue with the end of this book though! It’s a total cliffhanger and I’m mad as hell because this book just came out AND I NEED MORE! I wanna know what happens next right now not in a year or more. I’m going to forget everything by the time the next book comes out (shush, those of you saying how I forget a book a few weeks after I read it).
I will definitely be reading more work by Elizabeth Bear. Fun fact, she’s married to Scott Lynch of Lies of Locke Lamora fame! I knew she was cool! I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something a little different in your fantasy, but be prepared for that ending!
I received this book for free from Tor in exchange for an honest review.
I have no idea how to describe the plot of this book in a succinct way that also makes sense. It’s fantasy, with a touch of steampunk and an Asian feel to the world. The book is heavy on political intrigue and geography, yet the characters are so compelling that two potentially boring (for me, anyway) subjects fell neatly into the background.
I don’t normally refer to maps, but I found the one in this book particularly helpful in giving me a sense of the world. In the first half of the book, there’s a lot of travel going on and it was nice to get a feel for where the characters were headed.
Oh, the characters. What an unexpectedly varied cast this book has! The Dead Man is not actually dead – I think his title has something to do with his religion or like, former job – his face is just constantly veiled. His home is gone and I got the sense that he’s the “dying breed” type though people still recognize his title. The Gage is a sweet fuckin’ automaton built by a wizard and towards the end of the story, his character had some excellent development that I didn’t see coming. There’s a priest of indeterminate gender who is much more powerful than they seem and has a badass golden eye. There are two ruling Rajnis (like princesses or queens, I suppose) who are actually cousins. One is addicted to snake venom because it helps her deal with the stress of ruling alone, the other is of “the third sex” and has to fight to keep her reign so that her young son can rule in the future.
On top of all that there are court wizards both male and female, cat-like people and dragons! There’s even a boneless man. The cast was more diverse than any I’ve come across in a fantasy book in quite some time and I loved it.
I loved the world building too. It wasn’t heavy-handed, yet I felt I really had a grasp on what Bear was going for. I love when an author can accomplish some complex world building without dense chapters of history and geography.
Totally random gripe: There was a sentence that felt incredibly modern and it really pulled me out of the story for a moment.
“Pain is the proof that sometimes God is too busy thinking about blowjobs to do Her work properly, and in the interstices people get hurt.”
I’m not implying that people didn’t use the word “blowjob” in ye olde times, but something about the way this sentence was constructed had me scratching my head. Incredibly minor issue, however.
I do take issue with the end of this book though! It’s a total cliffhanger and I’m mad as hell because this book just came out AND I NEED MORE! I wanna know what happens next right now not in a year or more. I’m going to forget everything by the time the next book comes out (shush, those of you saying how I forget a book a few weeks after I read it).
I will definitely be reading more work by Elizabeth Bear. Fun fact, she’s married to Scott Lynch of Lies of Locke Lamora fame! I knew she was cool! I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something a little different in your fantasy, but be prepared for that ending!
I received this book for free from Tor in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2022
Set in the same world as Elizabeth Bear's "Steles of the Sky" (which I loved and which broke my heart) trilogy but some time later, and the main setting is the Lotus Kingdoms. The main characters are two rajnis, one young, Mrithuri,, the other middle-aged, Sayeh, and two former warriors, Gage and Dead Man. Gage is a cyborg, a former woman who has lived a long time in their artificial body, while Dead Man formerly was a royal guard of a long-defeated caliphate.
Gage and Dead Man were charged to bring a message from a wizard in Messaline to the Lotus Kingdoms, and are working as guards for a caravan as they travel to their destination. The two rajnis's lands, meanwhile, are under threat from relatives eager to snatch power from the two women.
We follow Gage and Dead Man, mostly, through the admittedly slow-moving book; the two have a long friendship, and their conversations, though spare, show a long, comfortable association between the two.
The two women, meanwhile, are while trying to keep greedy men from taking over their lands, also are dealing with internal threats. Sayeh has given birth late in life, thanks to a goddess' magic, and would do anything to protect her young son. Mrithuri has no desire to marry and cede her power to a man, and has the ability to communicate with animals.
And did I mention there is also a wizard, Tsering, who may or may not be the same Tsering from the first trilogy, and the poet Ummuhan, now elderly, is also at hand for the devolving situation in the Lotus Kingdoms.
The pacing, as I've already mentioned, is slow for much of the book, but it allows Bear to give the reader several small but potent character moments, and get a good grasp of what is at stake if the women are deposed. And then, the quietly building tension explodes into conflict, which will play out over the rest of the trilogy, I imagine.
I loved the slow build story, and particularly loved the characters, and all the little details Bear provided to flesh them out.
By the end of the book, the four main characters have been separated and each will have a role to play over the successive books, which I am eager to read.
Gage and Dead Man were charged to bring a message from a wizard in Messaline to the Lotus Kingdoms, and are working as guards for a caravan as they travel to their destination. The two rajnis's lands, meanwhile, are under threat from relatives eager to snatch power from the two women.
We follow Gage and Dead Man, mostly, through the admittedly slow-moving book; the two have a long friendship, and their conversations, though spare, show a long, comfortable association between the two.
The two women, meanwhile, are while trying to keep greedy men from taking over their lands, also are dealing with internal threats. Sayeh has given birth late in life, thanks to a goddess' magic, and would do anything to protect her young son. Mrithuri has no desire to marry and cede her power to a man, and has the ability to communicate with animals.
And did I mention there is also a wizard, Tsering, who may or may not be the same Tsering from the first trilogy, and the poet Ummuhan, now elderly, is also at hand for the devolving situation in the Lotus Kingdoms.
The pacing, as I've already mentioned, is slow for much of the book, but it allows Bear to give the reader several small but potent character moments, and get a good grasp of what is at stake if the women are deposed. And then, the quietly building tension explodes into conflict, which will play out over the rest of the trilogy, I imagine.
I loved the slow build story, and particularly loved the characters, and all the little details Bear provided to flesh them out.
By the end of the book, the four main characters have been separated and each will have a role to play over the successive books, which I am eager to read.
November 2, 2017
I find Bear to be a master at bring life to both characters and enviroment. Her imaginative world building is not only rich in detail but also a wealth of language (I admire an author that teaches me new words.)
The Dead Man and the Gage are two warriors the story pivots around. One a refugee from a vanished city and the other a dead wizard's artifact.
The two mercenaries become involved with two kingdoms powerful women. One of whom is Transgender; facing prejudice for not having been born female, Regent and mother of the boy who will rule. The other a Virgin Queen who has no desire to marry and share power.
The war that is building in this first book, with the unsavory male relative of a neighboring kingdom, may be won if they can just correctly interpret cryptic instructions for a quest by The Eyeless, Wizard of Messaline.
I was pleased to see several previously enjoyed books being woven into the background of this series. Besides the Eternal Sky trilogy, there are two others connected to this world. 'Bone and Jewel Creatures' and 'Book of Iron' dealing with the Wizards of Messaline who created Gage. There is a nice element of real science that the Wizards use besides unexplained magic.
The Dead Man and the Gage are two warriors the story pivots around. One a refugee from a vanished city and the other a dead wizard's artifact.
The two mercenaries become involved with two kingdoms powerful women. One of whom is Transgender; facing prejudice for not having been born female, Regent and mother of the boy who will rule. The other a Virgin Queen who has no desire to marry and share power.
The war that is building in this first book, with the unsavory male relative of a neighboring kingdom, may be won if they can just correctly interpret cryptic instructions for a quest by The Eyeless, Wizard of Messaline.
I was pleased to see several previously enjoyed books being woven into the background of this series. Besides the Eternal Sky trilogy, there are two others connected to this world. 'Bone and Jewel Creatures' and 'Book of Iron' dealing with the Wizards of Messaline who created Gage. There is a nice element of real science that the Wizards use besides unexplained magic.
May 10, 2019
Yay! 4.5 stars for Bear's return to the world of the Eternal Sky.
The action takes place some years after the previous trilogy(Range of Ghosts, etc). It is not necessary to have read the previous books for the reader to enjoy this action-packed adventure.
I loved our two heroines, each a ruler in her own right, each threatened by outside forces. Our heroes are an unlikely pair--an automaton and an aging warrior, who are bringing 'help' to the younger of the two women. Throw in a wizard or two, an ascetic priest, a couple of bad guys and a whole bunch of omens--now you have a real-page turner of a book.
As this is the first book of a planned trilogy, the overall story arc is left unfinished. We do reach a pause in the action, with a fairly good idea of how the next book will start.
I want the next book now, of course.
ETA: re-read 10 May in anticipation of 'The Red Stained Wings'. While I had remembered the big points of the story and the main characters, I had forgotten some of the finer points. So I enjoyed the re-read just as much as I had the first read. Fabulous story, great characters, intriguing world-building--this book hits the trifecta.
The action takes place some years after the previous trilogy(Range of Ghosts, etc). It is not necessary to have read the previous books for the reader to enjoy this action-packed adventure.
I loved our two heroines, each a ruler in her own right, each threatened by outside forces. Our heroes are an unlikely pair--an automaton and an aging warrior, who are bringing 'help' to the younger of the two women. Throw in a wizard or two, an ascetic priest, a couple of bad guys and a whole bunch of omens--now you have a real-page turner of a book.
As this is the first book of a planned trilogy, the overall story arc is left unfinished. We do reach a pause in the action, with a fairly good idea of how the next book will start.
I want the next book now, of course.
ETA: re-read 10 May in anticipation of 'The Red Stained Wings'. While I had remembered the big points of the story and the main characters, I had forgotten some of the finer points. So I enjoyed the re-read just as much as I had the first read. Fabulous story, great characters, intriguing world-building--this book hits the trifecta.
June 11, 2019
I usually enjoy fantasy which has an Asian-type setting/world-building and this novel has an interesting setting and characters, but this entire first novel was a set up for the next, with the events happening only at the end. I find I'm not entirely interested in finding out what happens next.
December 5, 2017
This return to the world of Steles of the Sky features exotic places and fascinating characters, but it seems like it was 365 pages of setup for the actual story which will presumably get started in the next book.
There are some really interesting pieces being carefully placed on the chessboard - A Dead Man, a young queen, a wizard-created metal creature that was once human, a third-sex ruler who has a child by divine intervention, a strong-willed young cliff-diver, a mostly-dead saint, several wizards, at least 2 warlords and several spies of one stripe or another. But after all of these pages, now everyone seems to have gotten where they were going, found out what they need to find out, and now the army is at the gates.
Now What?
We wait until the next book comes out.
Grrrrrr
There are some really interesting pieces being carefully placed on the chessboard - A Dead Man, a young queen, a wizard-created metal creature that was once human, a third-sex ruler who has a child by divine intervention, a strong-willed young cliff-diver, a mostly-dead saint, several wizards, at least 2 warlords and several spies of one stripe or another. But after all of these pages, now everyone seems to have gotten where they were going, found out what they need to find out, and now the army is at the gates.
Now What?
We wait until the next book comes out.
Grrrrrr
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