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Captain's Fury

(Codex Alera #4)

Jim Butcher (Goodreads Author)

4.32 · Rating details · 65,105 ratings · 1,277 reviews

In his acclaimed Codex Alera novels, bestselling author Jim Butcher has created a fascinating world in which the powerful forces of nature take physical form. For millennia, the people of Alera have used their unique bond with these elementals for protection. Now, as enemies become allies, and friends become bitter foes, a danger beyond reckoning looms. . . .

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Hardcover, 451 pages

Published December 4th 2007 by Ace Books

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Mar 03, 2018 Mario the lone bookwolf rated it it was amazing

Shelves: butcher-jim

I had to think of Sandersons´ Laws of magic while reading the novels because there are more and more differences between oldfashioned worlds that use the inner character personalization universe as a contrast point in mixture with the world and the fantasy and the new works that unite all elements.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_an...

And I would subjectively say that the amalgamation of every aspect of the story in the character makes the works more complex and opens plot options that wouldn´ I had to think of Sandersons´ Laws of magic while reading the novels because there are more and more differences between oldfashioned worlds that use the inner character personalization universe as a contrast point in mixture with the world and the fantasy and the new works that unite all elements.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_an...

And I would subjectively say that the amalgamation of every aspect of the story in the character makes the works more complex and opens plot options that wouldn´t be possible if the intrinsic motivation of the protagonists isn´t directly linked to their abilities, superpowers, sheer will,...

This is of cause a huge matter and question of taste too, as some might like their magic info dumping separated from their beloved characters and their development curve and hero´s journey, but for the readers who like the more and more dominating quick, fast cut, cliffhangery, newer writing style, many of the new fantasy authors, who often do great characterization too, may be the revelation.

I do like the Canim, it may be possible that mammals evolve to higher intelligence, but don´t lose their instincts, scent, hierarchies, archaic warrior castes,… and it´s an interesting topic in Sci-Fi and fantasy, but a bit underrepresented in fantasy. The evil may be pure evil or something between or not evil in the real sense, just forced to do it, but a whole evolution of complex species is often more something for the main protagonists or their allies, not the standard orcs and evil minions.

In sci-fi, on the other hand, it´s logical that with the advanced technological development each fraction that is relevant to the plot has to have a certain military strength and the endless source for new ideas is creating fresh and tasty combinations of the level of how society, mentality, and tech cooperate.

Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph... ...more

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Oct 11, 2017 Anne rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2017, kindle, fantasy

My least favorite, so far.
I love to read about Tavi and his immediate circle of friends - Kitai, Max, Ehren, Crassus, Marcus. I love to read about what political hijinks Lord & Lady Aquitaine are up to, and what Lady Aria Placida, Issana & Araris are doing to try to help stop them. And I love to read about Fidelias and his struggle to play both sides against each other.
But Bernard and Amara are just as dull as dishwater.
I mean, I like them, but I tend to zone out a tad when reading about their ...more

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Sep 26, 2015 Evgeny rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

This installment picks up right where the previous one left, so expect some minor spoilers that I will try to minimize. The rebellion of a High Lord still goes on; the invading force is still present in Alera. Tavi and other regulars of the series are still where they were left in the end of book 3. The High Lord of Alera decided that enough is enough and it is time to abandon the diplomacy and show people his raw power.

What is the problem with this? It left Tavi to deal with diplomacy and resu ...more

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Apr 17, 2017 Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller rated it really liked it

[4 stars] Academ’s Fury and Cursor’s Fury were two of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read – I loved the snot out of them. They took me on a whirlwind of a ride and so, by comparison, Captain’s Fury was a slower burn, more on par with the first book (although the events that happened within this one still rocked my world). It seemed more like a set up novel for the last couple books in the series and it did a great job generating some momentum. I can’t wait to finish this series – almost everyt ...more

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Mar 28, 2017 Scott Hitchcock rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: butcher

The series has definitely gotten better each book. I'm glad I stuck with it. The less whiny Tavi gets the better. ...more

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Jun 02, 2014 Kaitlin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: my-sff-faves

To me, this book has been the most fun in the series so far, which is great! I read this as part of the #Rainbowthon and I found myself managing to get through this is just 2 days, very exciting.

This is set in a world where magic is the norm and everyone has at least one weak Fury (kind of a magic spirit). If you are very proficient with the Fury or Furies that you control and use then it's more likely that you're a noble or someone who has a position of power, although some keep the true extent To me, this book has been the most fun in the series so far, which is great! I read this as part of the #Rainbowthon and I found myself managing to get through this is just 2 days, very exciting.

This is set in a world where magic is the norm and everyone has at least one weak Fury (kind of a magic spirit). If you are very proficient with the Fury or Furies that you control and use then it's more likely that you're a noble or someone who has a position of power, although some keep the true extent of their powers hidden.
There are three major races in this book who we follow. The Aleran's are the main race that most of our central character's are from. We then have the Marat race which is largely based on tribes and customs, and have very different ways to the Aleran's. Finally we have the Canim who are a super large wolf-like race. They're often seen as the 'bad-guys' and in this book they're against the Aleran's, but some of them are more reasonable than others.

So this story once more follows Tavi as the lead character with others also taking leading roles. Tavi is a young man by the time we meet him in this book and he's been masquerading as Scipio, the young Captain leading troops against the Canim. The war against the Canim has been going on for a while and it's only now that Alera are at full strength and ready to really take them on (and *hopefully* win). Tavi is stuck leading troops and soldiers whilst all around him people are jealous of his position and envious of the men loyal to him. He's in a fair few deadly situations and close calls across the book, but this doesn't stop him from showing us his determination and skilful planning, and resourcefulness when things (inevitably) go wrong.

Isana is Tavi's aunt and has basically cared for him from his birth. She's one of the closest people to him, but she's kept a secret about his heritage for a long long time, and she's reluctant to tell Tavi even though he's now old enough. This secret has been the worry of her life, and she's tense and worried about his reaction to it. She's also kind of a pawn in another's game (Lady Aquitine) who wants her to do her bidding in return for earlier help. Overall Isana is also put into some tough predicaments, yet she actually relishes these once they're done with and the unburdening seems to help her expand herself and her powers.

Amara is a Curser who is working for the First Lord, Gaius as she has done for much of her life. She's a clever character who knows how to act quickly and do her job well. She's very competent and one of the best wind Fury controllers out there when it comes to flight. She's loyal to Gaius beyond a doubt, and she's happy to accompany him on a very mysterious mission without too much explanation.
Despite all this she has a secret which is to do with the man she loves. She's trying to fulfil her role to Gais at all times, but sometimes she wishes things were different and Curser's could get married and live a simple life...

Marcus is a member within the troops working with Tavi. He's a man who has a very shady past, but due to some events of the previous books his earlier alliances with the Aquitine's may now be tested and he's not sure who he should root for. He's manipulative and very good at guessing what may come to pass so he's a dangerous character to be on the wrong side of. He also doesn't like to be controlled. His story certainly interested me a lot more as the book went on and we saw him as a more major viewpoint character.

Kitai was, once more, my favourite character as she's quick and sharp in all senses of the words. She's funny and can make jokes, but she's also been raised in a way that's very different from the people of Alera because she's a Marat. She's fun to read about and imagine and I feel like she's the sort of person you'd like to be friends with (because being her enemy would be deadly).

Finally Gaius himself deserves a fair mention as he's one of the most powerful men in all of the land with many Furies under his command and a long time of ruling and experience. He's a fairly old man by this point of the story but the events of the ongoing conflicts from two sides have forced him to act and take matters into his own hands. At some points of this book his frailty was wonderfully shown and at others his power and immense strength of will and magic was also brilliantly shown. Overall I think he's a bit of a bad-ass :)

On the whole this book was just the type of book I was looking for right now. It was fun, fast-paced and a return to character I already knew and enjoyed. Slipping back into the world was very easy and it felt like I could remember everything that I needed to even though it had been a fair time since I last picked up the book before. I thoroughly enjoyed the read through for this and would give it a 5* rating. Recommended as a very fun and fast high fantasy series. ...more

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Aug 13, 2010 Stephen rated it liked it

Shelves: audiobook, 2006-2010, fantasy, unique-magic

3.5 stars. Another excellent installment in what has turned out to be an above-average epic fantasy series. The description of the book tells enough about the story that I won't re-hash the plot and will simply point out a few things I like about the story.

The progression of Tavi from young, naive, fury-less Country boy to a veteran, capable, fury-full (is that a word) Captain of the Aleran forces has been thoughful, understandable and well done. I also find myself really liking the characters ...more

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Dec 12, 2018 Laura rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: great-ya, read-in-2018

This series gets more and more interesting with each book!

It could have been a tad shorter as we really didn't need to know so many details about that very long journey of the First Lord through so many places. I get it. It was loooooong and dangerous! And I almost reached the stage of: Oh, come on!! Still not done with it?!
Apart from that however, no complains from me!

A thumping good read!
And if you love adventure with a great touch of magic, you're going to love this!

Those furies are awes ...more

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Mar 28, 2014 Tom rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite

Perfection! 5 Every book has gotten better for me and I loved them from the beginning. Instead of a book of theories and questions it was an entire book of ANSWERS! The battle scenes were more condensed and that left more room for personal storylines. LOVE this series!

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Dec 11, 2008 Josh rated it it was amazing

Butcher crafts a compelling fantasy. These are some of the first books in years that have given me chills during some of the more stirring scenes. Can't recommend the series enough. Hail Octavian! ...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Rob rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, author-male, read-2014, own, read-before-goodreads

Executive Summary: While this one didn't live up to my memory of it, it's still a really fun read with a lot to like.

Audio book: At this point, I'm used to Kate Reading as a reader and can't imagine anyone else doing it.

Full Review
I originally maintained my 5 star rating after finishing my reread, but I think if I'm honest and rate it how I would if I were reading it for the first time, it would be a solid 4 star. This book starts and ends really well, but slows down in the middle some.

Like ...more

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Sep 20, 2018 Lauren Stoolfire rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adventure, fantasy, epic-fantasy

The fourth installment of this series is easily my favorite so far. Taxi really is growing up, isn't he! I love that Jim Butcher can deliver such a sweeping epic fantasy adventure and still take the time to do right by the characters, even those secondary and minor characters I've come to care about. I can't wait to continue this series. ...more

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Aug 18, 2016 Cori Reed rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Another solid addition to this series.

I've been partially listening to these books, and now there is one person ahead of me in line from the library for the audiobook of book 5. Sad.

Also, I very much appreciate that the audiobooks are narrated by a woman. In my experience, that only tends so happen when the protagonist is female, and in this case, it is not.

Edit: I've wanted to start mentioning it when fantasy authors address periods, especially male authors. Jim Butcher both acknowledged cramp ...more

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Dec 01, 2008 Reed rated it liked it

The continuing adventures of Tavi and the rest of the crew. If you are a fan of the series, you know what to expect. The characters get into loads of impossible scrapes, only to somehow pull themselves through.

I've noticed a disturbing trend in this series since the second book--I spend the first quarter to third of the book trying to remember who all the characters are, and where the assorted story lines were going. I spend the next third or so thinking "I love Butcher's novels, but I'm not sur ...more

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Aug 20, 2019 Nadine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I’ll keep this short and spoiler free since Captain’s Fury is the fourth book in the series.

Captain’s Fury is slower than the previous novels, but that does not detract from its awesomeness. If you’ve made it this far into the series, you can forgive it’s slowly pace and lengthy set up for the final two novels.

The series is now embroiled in war. Butcher writes such energetic and gritty war scenes making it easy to follow and visualize. At no point does he glorify war. He shows it in all its dirt ...more

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Jul 14, 2011 Jim rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 1paper, fantasy, 3series, 2fiction

Another fun, quick read, although a bit predictable. The main character, Tavi, matures further & is slowly coming into his own, which is neat. The interactions with the Camin are interesting - different cultures meeting & clashing. It's nice to see that the 'good' guys aren't always perfect & often, no matter what they do, their options are limited so that they can seem pretty bad. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. ...more

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Dec 21, 2015 ShoSho rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: elib-audio, fantasy, audio, x-2016

Fantastic!

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Jun 05, 2020 ⋆ yel ⋆ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-reads, review

4 of 5 stars

-----

"Very few people understand that swords aren't dangerous, Tavi, nor hands nor arms, nor furies. Minds are dangerous. Wills are dangerous. You are heavily armed with both"

Probably my least favorite in this series so far but still a very much solid read. I appreciate how the author makes Tavi's character so consistent but not repetitive. He still managed to suprise me with his clever decisions. He's flawed, just like any other characters, but he somehow used his flaws to his a ...more

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Jun 09, 2020 Shreyas rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-books, favourites-and-five-stars

This series gets better and better with each book. This one was a labyrinth of political intrigue and decisions and out-maneuvering ones opponents both literally and figuratively. I loved it and can't wait to read the next two.

Ratings:- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ...more

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Nov 07, 2015 Kathleen rated it really liked it

Shelves: magic-fantasy, series

Tavi still overcomes by depending on his wits and forming strong friendships. A good read, especially aboard the Slive with Captain Demos, and in Alera Imperia with Ambassador Vaug. Cool dueling scene at the end. Tavi learns a few things about himself, and the cause of his inhibited fury-crafting abilities.

Major problem with the characterization of Fidelius. Early in book 1, Gaius told Amara that he suspected FIDELIUS. He knew Fidelius incapable of truly understanding loyalty. He saw portents o ...more

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Aug 28, 2017 Donna rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

This is the 4th book in this series by Jim Butcher. Just like with the 3rd one, I loved the ending. I can't imagine where the next one will go. Certain info was being constantly revealed as the story progressed. I loved that part. There were actually many things I liked about this one.

The story line unfolded at a fair clip. There was plenty of action and as always, this author does amazing world building. The characters were also given time to shine as they continued to progress, especially Tav ...more

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May 15, 2018 Kostas rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, epic-high-fantasy, military

7.5/10

Moving towards the second half of the series, where most authors would have already brought their story arcs to their completion, having managed to build a huge world through his imagination, Jim Butcher takes us in Captain’s Fury, the fourth installment, back to the Realm's civil war, into a story of Legionares and Senators, of singulares, pirates and wolfish warriors, and into an adventure of stratagems and conspiracies, of discipline and leadership, and of truth and trust that will test ...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Kaila rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-aficionados-challenge-2012, 2012, magic, fantasy

I am not a Codex Alera fan. So far, the star spread is (links lead to the reviews):

Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera #1) - 2 stars
Academ's Fury (Codex Alera #2) - 2 stars
Cursor's Fury (Codex Alera #3) - 1 star
And this book, Captain's Fury (Codex Alera #4) - 2 stars

That's not a very good track record to continue on with. And yet, I'm still reading them. Some deep dark part of me obviously wants to know how the story is going to end, and whether any of these characters are ever going to bite it. So ...more

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Nov 27, 2018 Anni rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5 Stars 🌟

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Jun 04, 2015 Tosh rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Tavi has grown so much within these 4 books, discovering some very important things about himself. Most of what he learns has in one way or another been hinted at in previous books, so I don’t really think the discoveries came as much of a surprise. Anticipating when these things would be revealed was still exciting though.

Enemies are far more faithful than friends…more dependable than allies.

Tavi’s interactions with Varg and Nasaug are some of my most favorite moments. Over the course of t ...more

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Nov 30, 2014 Katerina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Oct 09, 2009 Mike (the Paladin) rated it really liked it

Shelves: epic-fantasy, fantasy

Our hero continues to grow into his destiny and things are brought out into the light for all to see in this book.

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Aug 17, 2013 Dantezgirl rated it liked it

So I think I've figured Butcher's style :) And yeah, looks like we do jump two years for each consecutive books. Dunno if I like that in terms of story wise.

So Octavian and Kitai sound like they've FINALLY done the deed. Kitai FINALLY has her horse. Tavi is still Captain. And the Cane are still roaming, now with ex-slave recruits! No doubt Tavi will win the Aleran folks back to his side. AANNDD sounds like Tavi may just be boinking his Cousin or Step Sister! *Shudders* Eww! (Butcher keeps bangi ...more

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Aug 01, 2018 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Shelves: borrowed-library, dys-fantasy-pnr-scifi-altreal, military, all-the-lies-or-secrets, action-adventure-mystery-suspense, part-of-a-series, 2018, safe, romance, stars-3-5

3.5 stars. The perfect combination of action, intrigue, relationship and character development, I enjoyed this one the most of the series so far. The different story lines, settings, and points of view helped to move the overall plot along quite nicely. The H was really my favourite character. Unfortunately, Isana turned into a bit of a caricature in this one, but then again I've never really liked her. Looking forward to book five! ...more

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Mar 25, 2014 Terence rated it liked it · review of another edition

There was nothing particularly special about this one. There was a lot of things that were quite obvious (view spoiler). We didn't find anything new out like the last book (view spoiler).

(view spoiler) ...more

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Sci-fi and Heroic...: Captain's Fury by Jim Butcher	16	15	May 17, 2019 03:49PM
Fantasy Buddy Reads: Captain's Fury [Nov 10, 2018]	15	38	Dec 01, 2018 06:51PM
Romance Lovers fo...: Captain's Fury (Codex Alera #4) by Jim Butcher [Start: January 18, 2016]	48	15	Jan 21, 2016 08:46PM
WRONG PAGE NUMBER?	1	11	Mar 26, 2015 07:57PM
Buddy Read Zone: Captain's Fury (Codex Alera #4)	88	24	Dec 20, 2014 08:31AM
Goodreads Librari...: Wrong Page Number	3	27	Sep 26, 2014 08:14AM

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About Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher

43,531 followers

Jim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resi ...more

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Quotes from Captain's Fury

“I've never lost a duel to the death. Not one.” — 150 likes

“Tavi grinned. "Are you with me?"
"The plan is insane," Ehren said. "YOU are insane." He looked around the inside of the tent. "I'll need some pants.” — 56 likes

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