What do you think?
Rate this book
Kencyrath #9
By Demons Possessed
SOMETHING IS PREYING ON THE GODS OF TAI-TASTIGON
A crucial moment draws nigh leading to the ultimate showdown between Jame Knorth and Perimal Darkling, the supernatural entity that has pursued Jame’s people, the Kencyr, across multiple universes, destroying all in its wake. Can the Kencyr finally make an effective stand, or will another world fall into shadow?
But now news arrives from Tai-tastigon, the vast city that formed Jame into the master thief, wily fighter, and godling-in-the-making that she has become.
It seems something is preying on the gods of Tai-tastigon. The new Pantheon is falling, and the ancient city is in turmoil. The self-serving, beguiling demi-god leader of the Thieves Guild has coerced Jame into finding the soul of his missing brother by holding hostage people she loves. Jame She reluctantly returns to find a Tai-tastigon in turmoil, with citizen pitted against citizen, and day and night-time folk at one another’s throats. It seems many in the vast Lower Town have lost their shadows—not so funny when you realize that a shadow is cast by a soul.
DISAPPEARING SOULS
Some of the affected have gone mad. Some wander like ravening wraiths, attacking even family members by tooth and nail. Which means something is taking—or destroying—souls in the city.
What’s more, in the city’s Temple District fearful gods are finding their very beings drained. Some have become so diminished they hide in the robes of their priests like mewling babes. Across the city, murder and mayhem have erupted. But whatever demon-wrought madness is afoot in Tai-tastigon will have to face the ultimate avatar of god That-Which-Destroys Itself. That would be one Jame Knorth.
WHERE JAME KNORTH GOES, CHAOS WILL FOLLOW!
About The Gates of Tagmeth:
"The Kencyr live in one of the most deeply realized worlds in fantasy, a rich and complicated space that includes many cultures and riveting, three-dimensional characters. Full of dark wonder, wry humor, and the quirks of Jame’s inimitable personality, the newest installment in Hodgell’s life’s work demonstrates why it can be worthwhile for a writer to spend 40 years writing the same series."—Publishers Weekly
About P.C. Hodgell’s Kyncyrath Series:
"P.C. Hodgell writes the most strikingly weird and wonderful stories in epic fantasy today."—Charles Stross
"Hodgell has crafted an…intricate fantasy with humor, tragedy, and a capable and charming female hero.”—Library Journal
The Kencyrath Saga
Seeker’s Bane
Bound in Blood
Honor's Paradox
Sea of Time
The Gates of Tagmeth
By Demons Possessed
Omnibus Editions
The Godstalker Chronicles
Contains Kencyrath prequel novels God Stalk and Dark of the Moon
A crucial moment draws nigh leading to the ultimate showdown between Jame Knorth and Perimal Darkling, the supernatural entity that has pursued Jame’s people, the Kencyr, across multiple universes, destroying all in its wake. Can the Kencyr finally make an effective stand, or will another world fall into shadow?
But now news arrives from Tai-tastigon, the vast city that formed Jame into the master thief, wily fighter, and godling-in-the-making that she has become.
It seems something is preying on the gods of Tai-tastigon. The new Pantheon is falling, and the ancient city is in turmoil. The self-serving, beguiling demi-god leader of the Thieves Guild has coerced Jame into finding the soul of his missing brother by holding hostage people she loves. Jame She reluctantly returns to find a Tai-tastigon in turmoil, with citizen pitted against citizen, and day and night-time folk at one another’s throats. It seems many in the vast Lower Town have lost their shadows—not so funny when you realize that a shadow is cast by a soul.
DISAPPEARING SOULS
Some of the affected have gone mad. Some wander like ravening wraiths, attacking even family members by tooth and nail. Which means something is taking—or destroying—souls in the city.
What’s more, in the city’s Temple District fearful gods are finding their very beings drained. Some have become so diminished they hide in the robes of their priests like mewling babes. Across the city, murder and mayhem have erupted. But whatever demon-wrought madness is afoot in Tai-tastigon will have to face the ultimate avatar of god That-Which-Destroys Itself. That would be one Jame Knorth.
WHERE JAME KNORTH GOES, CHAOS WILL FOLLOW!
About The Gates of Tagmeth:
"The Kencyr live in one of the most deeply realized worlds in fantasy, a rich and complicated space that includes many cultures and riveting, three-dimensional characters. Full of dark wonder, wry humor, and the quirks of Jame’s inimitable personality, the newest installment in Hodgell’s life’s work demonstrates why it can be worthwhile for a writer to spend 40 years writing the same series."—Publishers Weekly
About P.C. Hodgell’s Kyncyrath Series:
"P.C. Hodgell writes the most strikingly weird and wonderful stories in epic fantasy today."—Charles Stross
"Hodgell has crafted an…intricate fantasy with humor, tragedy, and a capable and charming female hero.”—Library Journal
The Kencyrath Saga
Seeker’s Bane
Bound in Blood
Honor's Paradox
Sea of Time
The Gates of Tagmeth
By Demons Possessed
Omnibus Editions
The Godstalker Chronicles
Contains Kencyrath prequel novels God Stalk and Dark of the Moon
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2019
40 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 14, 2020
After leaving at the end of book one, Jame is finally called back to god-haunted Tai-Tastigon (which city is still in the process of recovering from her last visit five years ago).
More Kencyrath skullduggery, more glimpses at the larger story (Jame's family and the Kencyrath's fight against Perimal Darkling), and the return of any number of greatly-missed characters from Jame's first visit to the city.
More Kencyrath skullduggery, more glimpses at the larger story (Jame's family and the Kencyrath's fight against Perimal Darkling), and the return of any number of greatly-missed characters from Jame's first visit to the city.
June 4, 2019
By Demons Possessed is the 9th volume in one of my all-time favourite, long-running epic fantasy series. It's not the end though.
What to Expect
If you've read the series so far, this is possibly the last piece of set-up before the grand finale. (And if you haven't, you need to go back to God Stalk and catch up!). Jame returns to Tai-Tastigon, the wonderful city that is the background of the first (and only the first) novel in the series. While this affords the reader (as well as Jame) some reunions, the tone is quite different.
The events in the book are spread over six days (not like the discrete episodes covering a larger time span, as in the previous books). There is also an almost metaphysical aspect, as Hodgell further explores the boundaries between life and death or lack thereof. It makes sense if you follow the series, as it will obviously provide Jame if not exactly the weapon then the last pieces of the puzzle for the final confrontation.
What I liked
I like Hodgell's writing style, her depiction of martial arts without specifying a single move, the alien-ness and bizarre-ness she imbues the world, the rich historical knowledge and terminology that she brings. The characters and their adventures are always engaging, although -- as usual -- Jame is the centre and others stay in the wings (as much as we'd like to hear more from them).
What to be aware of
As mentioned, this is an epic cycle. Don't jump in near the end and don't skip volumes -- there are just too many references to events in previous volumes.
Summary
A lovely addition to this wonderful series. Looking forward to the next -- possibly final -- volume!
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
If you've read the series so far, this is possibly the last piece of set-up before the grand finale. (And if you haven't, you need to go back to God Stalk and catch up!). Jame returns to Tai-Tastigon, the wonderful city that is the background of the first (and only the first) novel in the series. While this affords the reader (as well as Jame) some reunions, the tone is quite different.
The events in the book are spread over six days (not like the discrete episodes covering a larger time span, as in the previous books). There is also an almost metaphysical aspect, as Hodgell further explores the boundaries between life and death or lack thereof. It makes sense if you follow the series, as it will obviously provide Jame if not exactly the weapon then the last pieces of the puzzle for the final confrontation.
What I liked
I like Hodgell's writing style, her depiction of martial arts without specifying a single move, the alien-ness and bizarre-ness she imbues the world, the rich historical knowledge and terminology that she brings. The characters and their adventures are always engaging, although -- as usual -- Jame is the centre and others stay in the wings (as much as we'd like to hear more from them).
What to be aware of
As mentioned, this is an epic cycle. Don't jump in near the end and don't skip volumes -- there are just too many references to events in previous volumes.
Summary
A lovely addition to this wonderful series. Looking forward to the next -- possibly final -- volume!
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
June 7, 2019
I read the eARC of this book (and I plan to also buy the final, fully proofed version as well when it comes out later this year.) I was a little unsure about this one at first -- by which, bear in mind, I mean I was unsure whether this would be one of P. C. Hodgell's truly great books or simply one of her very, very good ones -- because the first few chapters moved at a pace which didn't give the narrative a lot of time to breathe. Encounters which might have been spread across months in her earliest books were compressed into a couple of days. However, once the pieces were set in place and the reasons for events were revealed, the story became a breathtaking one that easily overcame my initial misgivings. Jame's return to Tai-Tastigon has been awaited by fans for, quite literally, decades, and I'm very glad to say that it didn't disappoint; my only real complaint, in the end, is that I wish there had been even more of it.
The narrative allowed a chance to see how much Jame has learned since book one, and for that matter, also allowed some insight into how Hodgell's own ideas have evolved and matured over the grand scope of this series. This book provides answers to some of the long-standing questions about the world, while at the same time revealing that its secrets are grander and more mysterious than any of the characters -- and perhaps even the author -- had at first imagined.
The narrative allowed a chance to see how much Jame has learned since book one, and for that matter, also allowed some insight into how Hodgell's own ideas have evolved and matured over the grand scope of this series. This book provides answers to some of the long-standing questions about the world, while at the same time revealing that its secrets are grander and more mysterious than any of the characters -- and perhaps even the author -- had at first imagined.
June 28, 2019
All right, so we’re starting to actually wrap things up here, I think. This one’s another fast forward high action “let’s watch Jame run through a burning building while things try to kill her” trip, but she’s starting to actually try and think things through before stabbing them, so that’s a good sign. Nice to return to Tai-tastigon, and see some old faves, too. Some more hints at exactly what’s going on with the overall cosmology, and some clues as to what the hell’s been going on with the Kencyrath and the Three-Faced God, and it turns out (big surprise) the Kencyrath have apparently royally fucked up pretty much everything they’ve ever touched. Shocked, I am, no really.
BUT. Stuff gets resolved, and there’s a breath of conclusion drifting over the horizon. So. Yay!
BUT. Stuff gets resolved, and there’s a breath of conclusion drifting over the horizon. So. Yay!
May 26, 2019
Tai-tastigon is where this series began, in the brilliant "God Stalk". You've read "God Stalk", right? (If you haven't, seek it out!) Its protagonist is Jame, who cannot walk past an apple cart without upsetting it. (If she turns to avoid it, turning will cause the cart horse to spook, and set off an apple-cart armageddon. It's a combination of personal and mystical propensities.)
Tai-tastigon is a city with numerous Gods. That's not "people worship many Gods", but "there are many actual Gods and they are accessible." Jame's people are obligate monotheists - they don't particularly like their God, but they weren't give a choice in the matter - which makes the demonstrable existence of other Gods in Tai-tastigon a problem for her.
"God Stalk" also introduces us to a much-larger problem: There is a being known as "Perimal Darkling" who destroys worlds - or perhaps universes. Jame's people, the Kencyrath, got drafted by their God millenia ago to stop Perimal Darkling, and they've been losing ever since, retreating and leaving behind a chain of unmade worlds.
In "By Demons Possessed", Jame returns to Tai-tastigon. The city is - literally - falling apart and Jame, who has urgent responsibilities elsewhere, has been coerced to come and help.
"By Demons Possessed" was not written to be accessible to readers who are unfamiliar with the earlier books. The reader is expected to understand statements like "the Builders were destroyed by rathorns whose screams were amplified by imus". So the target audience consists of readers following the entire story.
This is the wrong book to advance that story. From the perspective of the overall plot, the book starts with Jame being about to go south to establish her status. She has a side-adventure in Tai-tastigon. She returns late, and will have to hurry (or pull a mystical rabbit out of her hat) to get south in time. From the perspective of that larger plot, it's the wrong side-adventure. Much of Jame's growth in the earlier books comes from acquiring connections to the larger Kencyr society. She has friends and allies. She has responsibilities. She has (Gods help her) relatives. This book is a reversion to the young Jame who dashes about alone trying to put out more fires than she starts.
The elements of this book that do advance the overall story are contained in three conversations - perhaps two conversations and an audience - about the nature of the Gods. The conversations are extremely important, because they raise doubt about the war for which the Kencyrath were drafted, but it feels as if this book was written just to provide scaffolding for those conversations.
Tai-tastigon is a city with numerous Gods. That's not "people worship many Gods", but "there are many actual Gods and they are accessible." Jame's people are obligate monotheists - they don't particularly like their God, but they weren't give a choice in the matter - which makes the demonstrable existence of other Gods in Tai-tastigon a problem for her.
"God Stalk" also introduces us to a much-larger problem: There is a being known as "Perimal Darkling" who destroys worlds - or perhaps universes. Jame's people, the Kencyrath, got drafted by their God millenia ago to stop Perimal Darkling, and they've been losing ever since, retreating and leaving behind a chain of unmade worlds.
In "By Demons Possessed", Jame returns to Tai-tastigon. The city is - literally - falling apart and Jame, who has urgent responsibilities elsewhere, has been coerced to come and help.
"By Demons Possessed" was not written to be accessible to readers who are unfamiliar with the earlier books. The reader is expected to understand statements like "the Builders were destroyed by rathorns whose screams were amplified by imus". So the target audience consists of readers following the entire story.
This is the wrong book to advance that story. From the perspective of the overall plot, the book starts with Jame being about to go south to establish her status. She has a side-adventure in Tai-tastigon. She returns late, and will have to hurry (or pull a mystical rabbit out of her hat) to get south in time. From the perspective of that larger plot, it's the wrong side-adventure. Much of Jame's growth in the earlier books comes from acquiring connections to the larger Kencyr society. She has friends and allies. She has responsibilities. She has (Gods help her) relatives. This book is a reversion to the young Jame who dashes about alone trying to put out more fires than she starts.
The elements of this book that do advance the overall story are contained in three conversations - perhaps two conversations and an audience - about the nature of the Gods. The conversations are extremely important, because they raise doubt about the war for which the Kencyrath were drafted, but it feels as if this book was written just to provide scaffolding for those conversations.
April 8, 2020
Maybe a 3.5
I was excited to return to Tai-tastigon, the maze-like city full of thieves, sinners, gods and ordinary people. The last time Jame visited, she left a trail of destruction in her wake (as is her want) but this time, she’s summoned back to answer for her crimes and put right things left unfinished.
On the one hand, the plot felt a bit meandering in the beginning despite taking place in the middle of a crisis, and yet also too abrupt, as Hodgell starts yanking the many loose plot threads from previous books into some order, as if to ready the stage for the closing act. Some things didn’t feel as if they got their proper due, and were wrapped up too hastily. Blink and you miss it cameos from various characters appeared in flashes, like Penari.
Overall I liked it better than some previous books but I still think there’s been something missing, as if the author has spent too many books wandering off on tangents and now is rushing to wrap things up. I’ve read some comments by her to the effect that the next book might be the last. I’d be both sad and maybe satisfied to have the saga concluded. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I was excited to return to Tai-tastigon, the maze-like city full of thieves, sinners, gods and ordinary people. The last time Jame visited, she left a trail of destruction in her wake (as is her want) but this time, she’s summoned back to answer for her crimes and put right things left unfinished.
On the one hand, the plot felt a bit meandering in the beginning despite taking place in the middle of a crisis, and yet also too abrupt, as Hodgell starts yanking the many loose plot threads from previous books into some order, as if to ready the stage for the closing act. Some things didn’t feel as if they got their proper due, and were wrapped up too hastily. Blink and you miss it cameos from various characters appeared in flashes, like Penari.
Overall I liked it better than some previous books but I still think there’s been something missing, as if the author has spent too many books wandering off on tangents and now is rushing to wrap things up. I’ve read some comments by her to the effect that the next book might be the last. I’d be both sad and maybe satisfied to have the saga concluded. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
June 9, 2019
As I noted before, this was a strange book for me. I started the series around the time the first book was published - in 1983, I think. I was around 16 years old and really just interested in the weirdness and the fighting.
This book is a return to the setting of that first one, Tai-tastigon. Many loose ends from that 1983 book are tied up and the story returns to present concerns with the most cliff-hangery ending of the books so far.
This book is a return to the setting of that first one, Tai-tastigon. Many loose ends from that 1983 book are tied up and the story returns to present concerns with the most cliff-hangery ending of the books so far.
May 25, 2019
I adore Hodgell's writing, and will always buy her books no questions asked, but this one is a little more disjointed than usual. Still better than most writers out there, but not her best work, and clearly didn't spend enough time with either proofreader. or copy editor.
February 23, 2020
The latest in the Kencyrath saga, in which Jamethiel returns to the beginning. The gods of Tai-tastigon and the souls if its inhabitants are being eaten to fuel demons. Jame gets word of this as she prepares to set out out for her military review at the Randon college, where it will be decided if she will be deemed fit to lead the Kendar who have trained with her. Loyalty, trust, and obligations pull her in several directions. And lurking in the corners and over all, drawing ever closer, the ultimate destruction that is Perimal Darkness.
So many waiting for her, So much depends on her. What's a girl to do? Plenty, when you are Jamethiel Knorth - Dream Weaver, an unfallen Darkling, and emerging avatar of Regonereth, That-Which-Destroys of the Tyr-Ridian, which is both the apocalypse and hope of triumph over darkness and evil.
I enjoyed this book very much and devoured it in less than 24 hours. I have been a big fan of PC Hodgell and Jamethiel since I stumbled across an old version of Gold Stalk in a used bookstore in 1994. Tai-tastgon and it's chaotic panoply were unique, bewildering, and engaging - much like the heroine. It was a joy to revisit this troubled yet joyous town and its inhabitants.
I found this to be one of PC Hodgell's more engaging books, with less side fritterings (that are charming, but whaaaa?) and main use of previously introduced characters (it can be tough to take them all in and keep them in place). One can sense that the story is drawing to the ultimate confrontation and showdown. The world building is immersive, and there is a nice balance of discovery through Jame and resolution of some previous characters/threads (pardon the pun). While Pat still has the capacity for dark and shocking descriptions of the decay and fall of all things mortal (and organic) it feels to me in this book more like controlled storytelling and less a sucker punch. Near the end of this book, Jame refuses to be used, and draws first blood (or something similar) with her mortal nemesis, Gerridon. I look forward to the next installment (and possibly the last book) - which, as of late December 2019, was up to chapter 8 in the writing process.
I highly recommend putting in the time to read the entire series.
So many waiting for her, So much depends on her. What's a girl to do? Plenty, when you are Jamethiel Knorth - Dream Weaver, an unfallen Darkling, and emerging avatar of Regonereth, That-Which-Destroys of the Tyr-Ridian, which is both the apocalypse and hope of triumph over darkness and evil.
I enjoyed this book very much and devoured it in less than 24 hours. I have been a big fan of PC Hodgell and Jamethiel since I stumbled across an old version of Gold Stalk in a used bookstore in 1994. Tai-tastgon and it's chaotic panoply were unique, bewildering, and engaging - much like the heroine. It was a joy to revisit this troubled yet joyous town and its inhabitants.
I found this to be one of PC Hodgell's more engaging books, with less side fritterings (that are charming, but whaaaa?) and main use of previously introduced characters (it can be tough to take them all in and keep them in place). One can sense that the story is drawing to the ultimate confrontation and showdown. The world building is immersive, and there is a nice balance of discovery through Jame and resolution of some previous characters/threads (pardon the pun). While Pat still has the capacity for dark and shocking descriptions of the decay and fall of all things mortal (and organic) it feels to me in this book more like controlled storytelling and less a sucker punch. Near the end of this book, Jame refuses to be used, and draws first blood (or something similar) with her mortal nemesis, Gerridon. I look forward to the next installment (and possibly the last book) - which, as of late December 2019, was up to chapter 8 in the writing process.
I highly recommend putting in the time to read the entire series.
February 3, 2021
This was a good read, and it had all the elements of strange and wonderful that I enjoy in PC Hodgell’s books. Before spoilers: Overall good read, didn’t advance main story enough.
Spoilers below:
First, I have to mention that PC Hodgell has to be one of the most dedicated writers in the world, because she has stuck with this story through thick and thin (dissertations and life, as well as publishing industry woes), and I’ve been here for it for over 30 years.
Jamethiel Priestsbane’s story began all those years ago in Tai-Tastigon, back where she had little knowledge of who she really was and was on a mission to find her brother, who was the (mostly) rightful Heir to Knorth. I loved how quirky she began, and how in her journey this far she has kept that quirk even as she begins to unravel the great mystery of her past and Perimal Darkling (think Galactus as a great pile of rot.)
This book brings us back to Jame’s beginnings, but with all the knowledge she has gained in the meantime.
I loved getting to see Jame back in Tai-Tastigon, and getting to revisit so many characters from the very first book, especially Bane and Sparrow. Men-Dalis not so much, but that’s not the writing—I’m still holding a grudge over Dally.
It was good to see how Jame had progressed from the chaotic force trying to figure everything out and manage to keep her honor intact to the chaotic force trying to figure everything out but pretty secure in her honor.
My main reason for only giving 3 stars over 4: with the exception of the very end and a few small moments, the main story didn’t progress. I don’t know if Hodgell’s intention was perhaps to remind us of all the loose ends and tie some of them up by going back, or if there was some revelation I somehow missed over 30+ years (LOL), but I wished we had seen more progression with that and also, as always, MORE JAME/TORI SCENES. Chaos ensues wherever Jame goes, and the fact that it horrifies her (older/twin) brother amuses me. He’ll grow up and understand some day.
Overall, good standalone read.
Spoilers below:
First, I have to mention that PC Hodgell has to be one of the most dedicated writers in the world, because she has stuck with this story through thick and thin (dissertations and life, as well as publishing industry woes), and I’ve been here for it for over 30 years.
Jamethiel Priestsbane’s story began all those years ago in Tai-Tastigon, back where she had little knowledge of who she really was and was on a mission to find her brother, who was the (mostly) rightful Heir to Knorth. I loved how quirky she began, and how in her journey this far she has kept that quirk even as she begins to unravel the great mystery of her past and Perimal Darkling (think Galactus as a great pile of rot.)
This book brings us back to Jame’s beginnings, but with all the knowledge she has gained in the meantime.
I loved getting to see Jame back in Tai-Tastigon, and getting to revisit so many characters from the very first book, especially Bane and Sparrow. Men-Dalis not so much, but that’s not the writing—I’m still holding a grudge over Dally.
It was good to see how Jame had progressed from the chaotic force trying to figure everything out and manage to keep her honor intact to the chaotic force trying to figure everything out but pretty secure in her honor.
My main reason for only giving 3 stars over 4: with the exception of the very end and a few small moments, the main story didn’t progress. I don’t know if Hodgell’s intention was perhaps to remind us of all the loose ends and tie some of them up by going back, or if there was some revelation I somehow missed over 30+ years (LOL), but I wished we had seen more progression with that and also, as always, MORE JAME/TORI SCENES. Chaos ensues wherever Jame goes, and the fact that it horrifies her (older/twin) brother amuses me. He’ll grow up and understand some day.
Overall, good standalone read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2019
P. C. Hodgell started her writing career in 1982 with a tale of Jame Knorth coming out of of the haunted lands to do a God Stalk (paper which I’ve read several times) in the city of Tai-Tastigon, because her people believe their three-faced god is unique and they have been fighting Perimal Darkling across multiple worlds, with present being the last. In that one she discovered that the gods of the city were getting their magical power from the Kencyrath temple. Flash forward that Jame has to return to the city because the gods are By Demons Possessed (trade from Baen) when they eat people’s souls. All of her old friends are in trouble, and the gods who haven’t become demons are dying. Some of her friends became gods and then demons. Neat series. I gulp down each new episode. Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
May 2, 2022
Thoughts About Souls
In this 9th book of the Kencyrath, Jame is called to Tai-Tastigon to save the Res aB’Tyrr and the people living there. Besides the action, because, let’s face it, Jame generates trouble wherever she goes, she gives a lot of deep thought to souls, especially wondering at what point are they truly set free.
Even with all of the rhetoric, the question remained largely unanswered and Jame’s saga continues. I really hope Pat wraps this story up in the next book. 40 years is a long time to wait for a conclusion to this tale. For those of you who haven’t read this saga yet, the fact that people have stuck with Pat all this time should tell you that this is a really great story. But please, please finish it soon!
In this 9th book of the Kencyrath, Jame is called to Tai-Tastigon to save the Res aB’Tyrr and the people living there. Besides the action, because, let’s face it, Jame generates trouble wherever she goes, she gives a lot of deep thought to souls, especially wondering at what point are they truly set free.
Even with all of the rhetoric, the question remained largely unanswered and Jame’s saga continues. I really hope Pat wraps this story up in the next book. 40 years is a long time to wait for a conclusion to this tale. For those of you who haven’t read this saga yet, the fact that people have stuck with Pat all this time should tell you that this is a really great story. But please, please finish it soon!
January 1, 2024
Surprisingly nice to return to the setting of our first book, this far out, to see how the perpetual issue of honour’s paradox was first teased out in such a curious, otherwise somewhat unintegrated city in a world of planes-hopping, old families and crumbling keeps, and spectral manses blighting the wilderness.
Missing our foil brother sorely here, but a nice little (I’m guessing final) detour for Jame, as the laces of the lore and bbeg start to really cinch up.
Not looking forward to when I get to the end of the written run and have to wait like everyone else.
A nice first book to have finished for 2024.
Missing our foil brother sorely here, but a nice little (I’m guessing final) detour for Jame, as the laces of the lore and bbeg start to really cinch up.
Not looking forward to when I get to the end of the written run and have to wait like everyone else.
A nice first book to have finished for 2024.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
Jame returns to Tai-Tastigon to deal with the loose ends she left behind. We get more insight into the relationship between the Kencyrath and Rathillien, as well as more musings on godhood. It's a non-stop adventure like all the other books, although it feels like a detour on the way to our final destination. However, it did showcase how much Jame has grown from the beginning of the series. Can't wait for the next installment and I hope we'll get to spend time with Jame, Torisen and Kindrie all together.
April 18, 2020
Sixth in the Kencyrath fantasy series, following the story of Jamethiel Knorth, these are for dedicated fantasy readers who don't mind occasionally having no idea whatsoever is going on, (so you are in the same boat as Jame herself). This time Jame must return to Tai-Tastigon the city she traveled to in the very first novel to unravel an unholy mess -- priests, thieves, gods, demons, and everything in between are at odds with one another and the city is literally falling apart. By the end, never fear, you will get what has happened. Well, sort of. Enough to await the next book! ****
May 11, 2020
This came as part of a monthly offer from Baen. First book in the series that I have read so that is probably why much of the story seemed overly complicated. While I appear to have missed the first 8 books, and all the background that I hope they laid for this book, there was still enough decent writing for me to finish the book even if I didn't end up really enjoying the story. Not bad, but not good enough to encourage me to go back and read the first 8 either.
June 1, 2021
Jame has a really big problem. She is scheduled to show up for the cadet graduation. But she has been summoned back to Tai-Tastigon to deal with the consequences of her actions in the past. The dead gods are returning and she needs to find out how and why and what can be done about. It was interesting to see Jame interaction with her past so directly and managing to seemingly get a handle on her life. It will be interesting to see what comes next!
August 11, 2019
Thanks for the excellent story
Enjoyed the details that closed loose ends from the first book.
It was fun to see many of the characters again and to see how they developed. The ending makes me want to get the next story as quickly as possible. Love the way P. C. Hodgell wordsmiths her stories.
Enjoyed the details that closed loose ends from the first book.
It was fun to see many of the characters again and to see how they developed. The ending makes me want to get the next story as quickly as possible. Love the way P. C. Hodgell wordsmiths her stories.
December 20, 2021
3.5* Book 9 was a solid entry in the series. I did enjoy the return of several Tai-tastigon characters, but found Jame's visit to the City and all the New and Old Pantheon Gods' plot very much a "side mission", that didn't move the main series arc very far. The ending, set back in Tagmeth, was a strong finish.
August 15, 2019
It was great to return to Tai-tastigon, a wonderful city to set a novel. Initially I thought it was going to be a side trip and not of overall importance to the arc of Jamethiel Priest-bane’s story but I was wrong. Very good.
January 29, 2020
Penultimate, the end draws nearer. Answered questions spawn more. How can there be time enough, when even time is fluid?
The Four are out of place. The Three must be taken on faith. The past clings to the present, and in the middle of it all, Jame.
The Four are out of place. The Three must be taken on faith. The past clings to the present, and in the middle of it all, Jame.
September 28, 2020
Jame goes back to the city where it started via a builders route. Leaves note but taken by lieutenant. City in turmoil and decay. Rommelig verhaal over goden die mensen doden -> demonen, verdedigen van volgers, back to Garnizoen proberen nog op tijd te komen (voor het volgende boek).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2024
A wild homecoming
This book pleased me immensely! Partly because we go back to where the story of Jame's adventures began--in Tai-tastigon. And partly because the overarching story arc seems to be finally moving toward its conclusion.
This book pleased me immensely! Partly because we go back to where the story of Jame's adventures began--in Tai-tastigon. And partly because the overarching story arc seems to be finally moving toward its conclusion.
January 20, 2025
Still a huge fan of this series but Jame’s return to Tai Tastigon was not as full of fun and romp as her first sojourn there. Still, Priests-bane furthers her understanding of their host planet’s deity, as well as her own indifferent god.
February 11, 2019
Went and bought the eARC as soon as I saw the notice that it's out - and I was not disappointed.
June 16, 2019
I've been reading this series for a very long time and I love it a lot, but I definitely "Uh, who was that?" a few times. I look forward to reading the whole series in a row once it is done.
October 27, 2019
At long last we make a return to where the saga began, Tai-tastigon. Great story which wraps up quite a few loose threads from the first book. Five stars.
November 3, 2019
The return to Tia-Tastison. A wonderful world but this story lacks the artistry of her prior works.
June 29, 2020
Love this series and was just starting to think this was the last one when Hodgell pulls a fast one! Love this return to the start before heading to the end!
August 13, 2020
Loved it. The next book is going to be wild
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews