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Banewreaker

(The Sundering #1)

Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author)

3.44 · Rating details · 4,145 ratings · 258 reviews

If all that is good thinks you evil... are you?

Once upon a time, the Seven Shapers dwelled in accord and Shaped the world to their will. But Satoris, the youngest among them, was deemed too generous in his gifts to the race of Men, and so began the Shapers' War, which Sundered the world. Now six of the Shapers lay to one end of a vast ocean, and Satoris to the

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Paperback, 502 pages

Published January 1st 2005 by Tor (first published 2004)

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Start your review of Banewreaker (The Sundering, #1)

Dec 04, 2014 Conor rated it really liked it

If all that is good thinks you evil... are you?

This was an interesting deconstruction of LoTR that turned the normally black and white tale of good vs. evil into a much more ambiguous and challenging one and it was really brought to life by Carey's typically lush and ornate prose which fitted the epic scope and grandeur of the story well.

The main premise of this series is the idea that what if, instead of being a the malice-driven force of pure evil spitefully trying to destroy all that is go If all that is good thinks you evil... are you?

This was an interesting deconstruction of LoTR that turned the normally black and white tale of good vs. evil into a much more ambiguous and challenging one and it was really brought to life by Carey's typically lush and ornate prose which fitted the epic scope and grandeur of the story well.

The main premise of this series is the idea that what if, instead of being a the malice-driven force of pure evil spitefully trying to destroy all that is good, Sauron (Satoris in this) was instead an emo kid having a row with his older, kinda arrogant and douchey, brother? As a fan of morally ambiguous storytelling I really enjoyed this change up and I especially appreciated how I found myself rooting for both the "good" and "evil" sides at different times.

Carey's lush, ornate prose was perfectly suited to this story. I enjoyed her writing style in the Kushiel's series although it sometimes seemed she was pushing it a bit, here her style is perfectly suited and has a great synergy with an epic tale of the battle between good and evil, mortals and gods over the course of millennia. Her writing style reminds me a bit of Tolkien's style and the old sagas he was inspired by but at the same time it's undoubtedly Carey's own unique style.

Carey did a brilliant job of creating a cast of likeable and understandable characters on both sides of the divide but ultimately I always sympathized the most with the "villains". Tanaros was probably the standout character for me as he was a really well done example of the "honorable warrior" fantasy trope done well with the added twist that he was serving the, apparent, Lord of Evil. I probably could have done without the constant brooding about his past but I guess your wife banging your best mate will do that. Incidentally it seems that no one in this world stumbled on the "bros before hos" (or whatever that would be in Carey's sweeping prose) code of conduct. A copy of Barney Stinson's the Bro Code would have saved a lot of trouble.

This was an enjoyable read that served as a nice introduction to a fantasy series with an intriguing premise that has been lived up to so far by a cast of sympathetic and brilliantly drawn characters and a well-developed plot. ...more

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Mar 18, 2008 Pandem Buckner rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: anybody with a pulse

Shelves: fiction, fantasy

(The date above applies to my most recent reading.)

If you're looking for epic battles, mighty and mysterious powers clashing in a fierce battle for survival, this book is a great place to look for that.

If you're looking for a battle with clear-cut, cleanly defined sides of good and evil. . .walk away. Run away. Fast.

This book and its companion, Godslayer, are the absolute greyest books I've ever read, by which I mean that the characters do not fall into such simple cate ...more

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Jun 10, 2009 seak rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2009

Another old review from the blog:

Just finished Banewreaker the other night. I honestly didn't think I'd like it this much. The characters are just great and everything's a nice shade of grey. It's really hard not seeing the struggle from both perspectives and thinking, well I don't know who to root for.

Thanks Ms. Carey for a fun read, on to Godslayer.

Full Review Here

When I heard that this bo Another old review from the blog:

Just finished Banewreaker the other night. I honestly didn't think I'd like it this much. The characters are just great and everything's a nice shade of grey. It's really hard not seeing the struggle from both perspectives and thinking, well I don't know who to root for.

Thanks Ms. Carey for a fun read, on to Godslayer.

Full Review Here

When I heard that this book was basically The Lord of the Rings told from the perspective of the losing side, I had to check it out. It’s told in a similar lyrical manner and it is reminiscent of LotR, but it is its own story in its own world just in case you were wondering.

I have to say that Banewreaker really grew on me. At first I thought it would be a likeable book that would be fun just for the fact that it’s told from the “bad” guys’ perspective. But, I’ve really grown to enjoy the world of Urulat along with the great cast of characters who are all trying their hardest to do their best, good or bad.

In the first few pages, we find out that there are 7 Shapers who have created the world of Urulat. Each Shaper has a certain gift. Satoris, the third born, is free with his gift to all of the creations of his siblings, but he is refused by his older brother, Haomane, who created the Ellylon (or pretty much the Elves). Haomane wants Satoris to take his gift back from Men and Satoris refuses. Thus begins the Sundering of the world and a time when Haomane spreads rumors declaring Satoris evil and Satoris is forced to take shelter with the Fjel (or the orcs for all intensive purposes).

And there you have it. Those that are considered “evil” are really just misunderstood. Don’t worry, this isn’t a huge spoiler since you learn all this in the first bit. What is great about this book is that each character believes he or she is doing the right thing. And really, who’s to say? Is it really the Ellyllons’ fault for following something they believe to be true? Are the Fjel really evil for helping a fellow being who’s in distress?

And the wonderful grey area continues to spread throughout the book. Tanaros, the immortal human general of Satoris’ army, really exemplifies this. Betrayed by his wife and king who had an adulterous affair, Tanaros kills them both and then finds sanctuary with Satoris in Darkhaven. Even though he is despised as the Betrayer or the Kingslayer in the realm of man, he is a champion in the eyes of those in Darkhaven.

One negative thing, but it really only has to do with the publishers. The Sundering was split into two books, Banewreaker and Godslayer, because it was getting too big. Together they total around 880 pages in mass market paperback, which normally isn't a big problem. Anyway, it's happened before and it's not a huge problem. The book's still great and I guess not so unwieldy to carry.

Who should read this? This is epic and lyrical and yet moves the plot very nicely. Read this when you’re in the mood for a change, when you want to get the feeling of what the other side is thinking; maybe it’s not all bad. Maybe we’re all just selfish and prideful. Whatever you do, you really should read it soon because it’s a great book. ...more

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Aug 14, 2007 Jillian Benavidez rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Anyone who likes fantasy

I picked up this book because I enjoy the author - Jacqueline Carey - and her other series, Kushiel's Dart. She is an extremely talented author and I have not yet read a book by her that has not been wonderful.

This book, of course, is no exception and has not failed the high standards I set when reading Carey for the first time. As far as I am concerned, she is one of the very best fantasy writers. In this book, she has embraced the all-too standard fantasy setting of heroes, magic, ...more

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Jun 05, 2013 kaśyap rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

A high fantasy novel but an epic tragedy rather than a heroic epic. This is closely based on the events in Tolkien's Silmarillion and the lord of the rings. But simply describing it as the lord of the rings told from Sauron's point of view would be doing it injustice. All the similarities are only superficial as the characters and the emotionally powerful prose add a lot of interesting nuances to the story.
Like in her previous books themes of passion and sexuality play an important part in the ...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Becky Koski rated it it was amazing

The Sundering is basically Jacqueline Carey's retelling of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but from the perspective of what we think of as "the bad guys". It's beautifully written with language that is reminiscent of Tolkien, but without being nearly as long-winded when it comes to descriptions of basic fantasy elements (race, class, politics, etc). Both this book and the sequel (Godslayer) do a marvelous job of blending shades of grey. The characters that should be "evil" are actually very likea ...more

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Mar 27, 2010 Capella rated it did not like it

Reasons I disliked this book:
1. Flagrant ripoff of LOTR plot, themes, and characters. I can appreciate some similarities but it got ridiculous when the Galdalf character was momentarily removed from the plot while trying to save the unsuspected small hero from detection and death (with the obvious implication that he would be back soon). A couple other ones:
- Deity organization of an overarching god (Uru-Alat from Carey and Iluvatar from Tolkien), who made a family circle of under gods (S Reasons I disliked this book:
1. Flagrant ripoff of LOTR plot, themes, and characters. I can appreciate some similarities but it got ridiculous when the Galdalf character was momentarily removed from the plot while trying to save the unsuspected small hero from detection and death (with the obvious implication that he would be back soon). A couple other ones:
- Deity organization of an overarching god (Uru-Alat from Carey and Iluvatar from Tolkien), who made a family circle of under gods (Shapers and Ainur), who then made the various races of the land.
- One of the gods rebels and causes a split in the world (Satoris and Melkor)
- An object of power is misused and split up (Souma and Silmarils)
- Massive war splits the world (both referred to in terms of 'Sundering') and creates an antagonist who holds some kind of grudge against the gods.
- Races of the land (Ellylon, Men, Fjeltrol, and Dwarves in Carey, Elves, Men, Orcs, and Dwarves in Tolkien) bear many similarities in who makes them and what they can do.
- Formation of a company to put an end to the antagonist's power, including a bearer (of the Water of Life or the One Ring), a mysterious magician (Malthus or Gandalf), a warrior, an elf, and some tag along characters.
That's as many as I can bear to think of but it just gets more and more flagrant the longer the book carries on. I understand paying tribute to Tolkien and I can even accept some plot similarities but this was just so painfully obvious that it felt like Carey had just decided to do Tolkien her way. In short, it was poorly done.

2. The characters were flat and didn't seem to be connected to their actions at all. For example, Tanaros is devoted to his master, Satoris but he feels some inexplicable urge to justify everything to Cerelinde.
3. The chapters presumably cover a specific period of time and are made up of of small sections about the main characters, but they disjointed and just don't make sense.

4. Everyone ruminates over everything. All. The. Time. Tanaros is bitter about his wife sleeping with the King. Satoris hates his brothers and sisters for sundering the world. Cerelinde plays at loving Aracus Altorus, the man she is supposed to marry to fulfill the prophecy that drives the plot (and which also bears an alarming resemblance to "All that is gold does not glitter"). Ushahin the Dreamspinner gnaws on his anger at human and the Ellylon (see Elves) and backs himself into self-pity corner. Lilias constantly worries about her stolen power and is obsessed with the beauty of her "pretty ones." I just don't see how obsession is meant to accomplish anything except to make the characters extremely annoying, like whinny children.

5. Carey is not suited to writing sweeping epics, her writing style is more suited to writing character driven stories like the books in the Kushiel series. She can't carry the elevated writing style that usually characterizes epics and she spends too much time on the thoughts of each character, when really she should be weaving plot lines together. The book is a disjointed mess of poorly developed character emotions and motivations and confusing plot lines.

I love Carey's Kushiel series but this was not at all what I expected. Also, not nearly enough sensuous sex scenes; I think she referenced penises twice in the first half of the book, which is a stark contrast to her Kushiel books, where "phallus," "shaft," and other tasteful references are rife. ...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Paul rated it did not like it

Shelves: fiction-fantasy-all, fiction-fantasy-standalone

I have to admit that I have (provisionally) decided to put this book down (after reading perhaps 20%, because it is simply too boring.

I can understand that it is a deliberate pastiche of Lord of the Rings, and similar fantasy works, told from the point-of-view of the "evil" characters. However, it simply doesn't have the quality of Jacqueline Carey's other works.

My strong suspicion is that this was her first attempt at writing a novel, which was rejected by publishers, an ...more

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Dec 20, 2018 Samantha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I firmly believe that fantasy novels should have magic and excitement and not just be a worse version of the War of the Roses. So Banewreaker totally fits the bill for an excellent fantasy novel, unlike a certain high fantasy novel where you have to wait 806 pages for the dragons to show up. (I'm gonna roast GOT til I die probably. Can't stop, won't stop.) Banewreaker is brimming with fierce battles, courtly love, and cool terminology & internal logic. And there are awesome talking dragons that you meet early ...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Tessa rated it did not like it

oh my, it has been a long time since I read something so overwhelmingly pretentious.
Other people have mentioned in their reviews that this was a pastiche of the Lord of the Rings, it's not, it's more like the very old fantasy novels, the ones Tolkien had pretty much stamped out. For a reason.
The very first fantasy novel in print was not the lord of the rings, it was "The Well at the World's End" by William (Wallpaper) Morris from 1896. And his prose was like his wallpaper overwrought ...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Christina rated it did not like it

i wish i could give this book no stars. i love love LOVE the Kushiel books. Phedre has got to be one of the most amazing female characters in all of literature. The Naamah books didn't click for me in the same way, but i still read them. This book... I couldnt finish it. I could barely start it. Its so overwritten that i wondered if it had the same author. There's so much backstory, its nearly impossible to troll through it to get to the actual plot.

I may decide to try it out again i ...more

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May 20, 2013 Cristy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: related-books

This is probaly one of the most exciting books I have ever read. I usually skip alot of the descriptive parts, but not this book. I literally read every single word. I could not put this book down. I carried it with me everywhere. It's a highly addictive read if you like paranormal/fantasy. This book, which is book one, is appropriate for teens. There was no sex in this book.
It begins with the way the world came into extistence, followed by shapers who gave the earth and its children, gifts suc ...more

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Jul 30, 2010 Bronwyn rated it really liked it

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

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May 14, 2012 Davytron rated it really liked it

This is an awesome twist on typical fantasy fare. I've waited so long to read a novel like this one - I often sympathize with or at least wonder what's going through the minds of "villains" and this book satisfies that curiosity. Now I don't feel so weird wondering why it's "good" to just slaughter millions of orcs just because they are the protagonists' enemies. The scope of this novel is huge (i.e. from creation to the sundering to the present day to the future/perhaps the end of all things); ...more

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Jan 20, 2015 Obaid Haroon rated it really liked it

Great book. She aimed for Tolkienesque and she got it. Amazing characters and storyline. But that's par for the course with JC.

No not that JC the other one.

The Three were amazing and I really really hated the "good" guys. Aracus, Malthus, Ingolin to name a few. Blaise was alright. But he's no Blacksword.

Can't wait to read the next one. And I'll tell you I'll never be able to watch Lord of the Rings again without thinking "Have you tried listening to what Sauron has to say?"

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Jun 12, 2007 Adriel rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: people who want to subvert lord of the rings

Shelves: fantasy

This book is not my usual kind of favorite, but I think the author does a brilliant job of telling a story from an unusual perpective. Of course this story is the quintissential lord of the rings group adventure story, but the perspective is from the dark side. She gives this classic epic a great deal of depth and complexity. I love the second one too.

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Mar 28, 2018 THE BIBLIOPHILE (Rituranjan) rated it it was amazing

A poignant and a intense tale written with heart-wrenching passion. This is pure classic epic fantasy, but, is more shaded in grey. It definitely bears the influence of Tolkien, and is done in a more humanely manner than its great predecessor. Many of the readers tend to dismiss it as a LOTR clone, and, I admonish the rest not to fall into this fallacy. Banewreaker is the unexplored potential of Tolkien's mythopoeia, a continuation of the grand legacy in a more profound and original manner of su A poignant and a intense tale written with heart-wrenching passion. This is pure classic epic fantasy, but, is more shaded in grey. It definitely bears the influence of Tolkien, and is done in a more humanely manner than its great predecessor. Many of the readers tend to dismiss it as a LOTR clone, and, I admonish the rest not to fall into this fallacy. Banewreaker is the unexplored potential of Tolkien's mythopoeia, a continuation of the grand legacy in a more profound and original manner of subversion more suited to the modern sensibilities.

The worldbuilding and the mythology has echoes of Tolkien's 'Silmarillion'. Jacqueline Carey has undoubtedly taken inspiration from the lores and myths of Tolkien's world, but, she has succeeded in making it her own. She imbues her tale with an Miltonic majesty, which is subtle, limited, and sublime at the same time. Critically, I would say it as a Deconstruction of the LOTR in ways we have never imagined, but, it is also much more and beyond that Derridian concept. Of course, one can read it as the other side of the story, whom the victors painted as the villain in their grand songs and stories. Whereas, doing so will limit the reader's vision of encompassing the epic panorama of events.

Gods, Immortals, and mortals clash in Carey's world. There is a Fallen God, who is pursued by his kin as the root of evil. There are Dragons with their ancient knowledge and wisdom. There are magical races, dwarves, trolls, and men caught in an ancient war since time began. There are prophecies, manipulations, and alliances. It's totally incredible how each layers are weaved like an intricate tapestry.

The characters are as complex as anything that one might find in current fantasy. They are cloaked in various shades of grey. Be it the Lord Shaper Sartoris, who is in war against his elder brother. Sartoris is one of the most intriguing, and complex divine characters ever written. His downfall, betrayal by his kin, his grievous wound and unfathomable sorrow resounds in every page of the story. Tanaros is also one such character who is changed by pain of betrayal, a great tragedy of love. Ushashin the half-breed, with his tinge of pain, suffering, and a flicker of insanity is too changed by his fate. There is so much of emotional depth in the characters, with our own echoes of fears, doubts, the strong bond of friendship and loyalty. One cannot help but admire them, root for them in their grand struggle and plight.

Banewreaker is filled with passion to the brim. Carey writes with such a lyrical intensity that, it will leave the reader moist-eyed in some occasions. Never had I loved the trolls this much after reading them in this novel. Their sense of unflinching loyalty, simple camaraderie touched my heart. And, gods, the Dragons were majestic. There is a magic in this book, deeper and filled with tragic undertones that wrings the heart. Carey has created something special in this novel. I urge the fantasy lovers out there to read this beautiful tale. ...more

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Feb 14, 2019 Cyndee rated it really liked it

The premise is a Tolkeinesque high fantasy told from the perspective of the "evil" characters, although the character of Satoris seems more influenced by Milton's Satan than by Sauron. It was really hard for me to get into this book at first. The author bombards you with info dump backstory in the beginning, with character switches every couple of pages. But with time, the world sucked me in and grew on me and I ended up really enjoying it. It does get a bit slow at times, and there are some pro ...more

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Jul 13, 2017 Elspeth Artifex rated it it was ok

a challenging and not particularly enjoyable(for me) read.

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Feb 12, 2008 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Shelves: pure-fantasy

Classic fantasy and rather derivative, but very strong characters. I really enjoyed that it is written from the point of view of the villain, so to speak. I rated the first book higher because the end (meaning the end of the 2nd book) was not... well, it ended badly for the side I was rooting for. I guess in that sense maybe it maybe reads as more realist than fantasy books generally do.

As reviewed on Amazon, January 2006:
Actually, I thought it was quite different and very compelling
I just fin/>As Classic fantasy and rather derivative, but very strong characters. I really enjoyed that it is written from the point of view of the villain, so to speak. I rated the first book higher because the end (meaning the end of the 2nd book) was not... well, it ended badly for the side I was rooting for. I guess in that sense maybe it maybe reads as more realist than fantasy books generally do.

As reviewed on Amazon, January 2006:
Actually, I thought it was quite different and very compelling
I just finished this novel, and I'll say this to those who are drawing comparisons to Tolkien and gibing Carey for her lack of originality: yes, the plot may not be too terribly original. But have you no sensitivity to the point of view? That is what truly sets the novel apart, along with some fantastic characterizations. I'll elaborate...

Here is a novel much more along the typical fantasy line than Carey's last series (Kushiel's Dart, et al), which I enjoyed, and which had a vague hint of epistemological depth in its exploration of angelic and celestial themes. For me, someone who adores the "typical fantasy line" - I mean, if you are tired of gods and dragons, why did you even pick it up? - it's great stuff. The world of this novel was created by the Seven Shapers, who are demi-gods. Here again is Carey's fascination with the human characterization of divinity, and with human interaction with the celestial, definitely one of the strongest factors of interest in her writing.

There is definitely interest in the concept and even some ties to Hindu philosophy in the way that Carey ties each of her Shapers to a particular human attribute; the Eldest is the Lord of Thought, the Second the Bestower of Love, the Third is the Sower - who bestows the urge to procreate. This is an interesting mythology, and certainly one that I find thought-provoking and original. The war of the Shapers, and how it plays out between the races of Ellylon, Men, Were, Fjell, Dwarfs (all created by the Shapers), is the premise of the book. What is even more interesting is the point of view of the novel.

Satoris Third-Born, the Sower and the "Sunderer of the World", the dark lord that others compare to Sauron of Middle Earth, centers the main storyline. He is a sympathetic character, and those surrounding him are the main protagonists of this novel. Here is a philosophical demi-god unto whom was made an unreasonable request - to withdraw his gift - the urge to procreate - from the race of Mankind - and who denied, at the cost of his Gift itself, all the regard of all the races, and the wrath of his siblings. I suspect that there are strong metaphysical reasons, only hinted at in the beginning of this series, for his actions.

There are many other tragic storylines that create sympathy for the other main "evil" characters, and very little characterization of those who fight for "Good", personified by "the Lord of Thought". Carey's subtext is not only a metaphysical hint to the mastery of the other senses over thought itself, it is a subtle commentary on any who identify with a majority unthinkingly. There is also a strong cyclical nature to the mythology of this book, as identified by the deep and abiding knowledge of the dragons, who maintain that though Satoris has sundered the world, only in sundering can it be made whole again. The mystical nature of this cycle is, again, very metaphysical.

And, oh! The dragons! This characterization of dragons may just be the most moving I have read in many years, bestowing on them such tremendous wisdom, terrible beauty, and wonderful capriciousness. The dragons alone may just be worth the read.

In short, I think it's a fascinating read, with many levels on which it can be enjoyed, and I favor it over Carey's other work. I look forward to reading the next installment! ...more

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Mar 02, 2018 G.D. Burkhead rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Shelf Life – Banewreaker Will Make You Feel Bad for Sauron

Very few fantasy fans can get away with admitting that they aren’t all that big into sweeping, high epic fantasy à la Lord of the Rings or the Pern stories or everything that Terry Brooks writes. Many non-fantasy fans, however, can point to these tales as examples of why they aren’t into fantasy. Like it or not, it’s hard not to see the latter group’s point, as a lot of high fantasy is riddled with confusing terminology, rehas ...more

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Mar 07, 2012 K. Lincoln rated it really liked it

Banewreaker is pure, unadulterated, Epic Fantasy. If you like Dungeons and Dragons, Lord of the Rings, Fionavar, The Belgarion, George RR Martin, etc, you will like this series.

I haven't been an Epic Fantasy fan since junior high. Somehow, after reading the aforementioned take on elves and orcs and dragons, the usual "quest for the magical object" and "politics of race" lack luster; it's all been said before.

And yet...Banewreaker manages to slog around in a swamp of clich Banewreaker is pure, unadulterated, Epic Fantasy. If you like Dungeons and Dragons, Lord of the Rings, Fionavar, The Belgarion, George RR Martin, etc, you will like this series.

I haven't been an Epic Fantasy fan since junior high. Somehow, after reading the aforementioned take on elves and orcs and dragons, the usual "quest for the magical object" and "politics of race" lack luster; it's all been said before.

And yet...Banewreaker manages to slog around in a swamp of cliches and archetypes and still be interesting.

We begin with Lord Satoris, the Banewreaker, who refused his brother-god (called Shapers here) a request to withdraw fertility from humans.

He did it out of love for his sister-god, and because, let's face it, his brother-god's people (the elves) the Ellylon just weren't keeping up in the fertility department and were dwindling, so not really a selfless request on the brother-god's part.

Lord Satoris is served by the Fjel (orcs) who everyone hates because they are ugly and brutish, but as we enter this world we are shown their purity of heart, their artistic leanings, and their overwhelming honor/loyalty. We are show this by Lord Satoris' human servant, Tanaros, who was betrayed by his King and Wife, both of whom he loved, and whom he slew in a rage. Lord Satoris forgave this crime, gave him sanctuary and immortal life, and has been nothing but kind to him...or has he? Are the madlings Lord Satoris takes in used by him in their madness? Or does his assertion that they are beautiful as they are ring true?

Here is the crux of why Banewreaker isn't stale: it is the in depth, sympathetic, and unswervingly brutal portrayal of the "villains" of the story, making them into heroes, that causes this book to rise from the muck.

And the language, flowery, grandiose prose all the way, baby. All the characters have dire, meaningful conversations. Every phrase is dripping with historical and emotional repercussions.

If you like that kind of thing (as I do in measured doses) than the prose itself is baroquely pleasing. On the other hand, it wore at me a little to have "sundered" used about ten times a page as well as the flowery names and phrases such as "Tanaros Blacksword/Kingslayer", etc.

Even for jaded tastes like mine, Banewreaker is worth the read. However, jump into this swamp knowing full well that you're going to get covered head to toe in flowery, epic prose. If that's what you like, you'll love this book.

This Book's Snack Rating: Cheetos, because every page gets cheesy epic prose all over your fingers, but really the crunchy characters are a familiar in their deliciousness.
...more

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Sep 22, 2009 Denise rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, heroic-fantasy

I love and miss Robert Jordan and he recommended reading Jacqueline Carey. I read Banewreaker and Godslayer together and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Seven shapers formed the world, Urulat, named after the world god Uru-alat whose death gave birth to it. Haomane, the Lord-of-Thought was the first born and his children, the Ellylon were shaped "before the final throes of Uru-alat's death and time touched them not... {he} wrought his children of pure thought." Second born Arahila the Fair, Born-of-the ...more

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Sep 10, 2008 Nikki rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Jacqueline Carey's Banewreaker is nothing like her Kushiel books. It's written in third person, not first, which brings a lot of differences right there. You're not as close to the characters, for one thing, which makes it slightly less intense. The writing is still lovely, though. Less personal, more epic and Tolkienesque, but still nice to read.

It's an interesting concept, though: the epic like Lord of the Rings from the point of view of the bad guys, sympathetic to the bad guys. I ...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Krystal rated it really liked it

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Mar 27, 2013 Jenn rated it really liked it

I found this story slow to start, but once I got in a few chapters it picked up and I looked forward to coming home from work to read.

This review may have spoilers for you. Proceed with caution..,

I've read some reviews that said this story was like Lord of Rings from the point of view of the bad guys. Well, I don't know about that as I have no interest in LOTR, but it was a very good story with dragons, sorceresses and sorcerers, gods and immortals, races of men and other creatures ...more

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Apr 19, 2017 Krista rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

It's not often that you see an author flip the script as well as Carey has done here. In most fantasy novels the reader follows the hero and his or her comrades as they face whatever challenges come their way. The divide between good and evil is clear and the hero is always on the right side of that line, motivated by love, charity, integrity, or whatever other honorable character trait makes them uniquely qualified to face off against the Big Bad.

In this duology, the reader is invited to view ...more

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Mar 02, 2010 jD rated it liked it

Shelves: genre_fantasy, fantasy_adventure_worldbuilding, different-and-strange

Honestly, the story was 4 almost 5 stars but because Ms. Carey did not bother to provide an explanation of her strange terminology, I had to go with three. I have googled and binged trying to find out what a "rhios" is and there is no definition anywhere.

I was able to follow the story as long as I did not try to visualize anything beyond dragons, trees, weres, elves, trolls, and rivers. Everything else she went out of her way to make it complicated. She needed to provide two things t ...more

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May 29, 2012 Wise_owl rated it it was amazing

This book is fantastically interesting, and continues my love affair with the work of Jacqueline Carey. I short, it's a typical 'Epic Fantasy' but told from the perspective of the 'bad guys'. It's Tolkien influence is deeply felt, but here we get a work were the Monstrous creatures of the 'Dark Lord' have feelings, intentions, and a reason for what they do. Where the Dark Lord Himself is less 'bent on controlling the world' and more sees himself as a figure for freedom from his over-bearing 'bro ...more

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Oct 16, 2015 Marc-André rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

When I decided to read this, it was because reviews were saying this is The Lord of the Rings, but written from the point of the view of the vilain. I am a big fan of the LotR and this made me curious and excited.

When I read it my enthousiasm faded a bit. Yes, it is easy to recognize the characters of the LotR and this is indeed written from the point of view of the vilain, but he it isn't very exciting. I have to say the vilain, although morally ambiguous, is rather campy.

A like of excitement and c ...more

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About Jacqueline Carey

Jacqueline Carey

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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Jacqueline Carey (born 1964 in Highland Park, Illinois) is an author and novelist, primarily of fantasy fiction.

She attended Lake Forest College, receiving B.A.'s in psychology and English literature. During college, she spent 6 months working in a bookstore as part of a work ...more

Other books in the series

The Sundering (2 books)

Books by Jacqueline Carey

Kushiel's Justice (Imriel's Trilogy, #2)

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Quotes from Banewreaker

“The wise man," the dragon rumbled, "does not play games with dragons.” — 2 likes

“There are others. There will be others. Other heroes, other heroines. Other prophecies to fulfill, other adversaries to despise. There will be stories told and forgotten, and reinvented anew until one day, perhaps, the oldest are remembered, and the beginning may end, and the ending begin.” — 2 likes

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