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Chronicles of Sirkara #3
The Destroyer Goddess
* "Resnick brings her outstanding two-part fantasy saga, which began with White In Fire Forged, Part One , to a fully satisfying conclusion. Fast-paced, witty and full of action, the book is a marvel of storytelling, but it's the credible, complex relationships among the characters that elevates this far above the usual fantasy standard."-- Publishers Weekly starred review"A masterpiece of high fantasy! In the sweeping tradition of Tolkien, Jordan, and Haydon, In Fire Forged is a rich, compelling story of a land in crisis and the high price of freedom. Using wry humor and breakneck pacing, Laura Resnick effortlessly moves her complex, well-drawn characters through ever-escalating crises to an explosive (in every sense of the word) and deeply satisfying conclusion. I hope Resnick returns to Sileria again soon!"--Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author of The Bartered Bride "Strong storytelling and a sense of mythic overtones lend depth to a well-developed tale of personal courage and high adventure."-- Library Journal "Breathtaking scope and complexity. 4 ½ Stars"-- Romantic Times "The tale will certainly keep its series audience industriously turning pages and make them hope Resnick has more in store for them."-- Booklist
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First published September 1, 2003
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About the author
Laura Resnick
109 books275 followersLaura Resnick is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author, the daughter of prolific science fiction author Mike Resnick. She was the winner of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction for 1993. She also writes romance novels under the pseudonym Laura Leone
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 11, 2013
Though the series isn’t perfect, The Chronicles of Sirkara is an epic fantasy trilogy that has flown below way too many people’s radars. This is one of those true gems that is sure to please most readers. The world building is stunning, the relationships and culture are believable, the battles and hardships are intense and easy to get lost in. While there are some characterization and pacing issues, they don’t bog down the series. The Chronicles of Sirkara will suck you in, pull you under, and leave you gaping. Resnick shows her stunning ability to write incredible epic fantasy. This series will stick with you and make you beg for more.
Read my full review of this trilogy here:
http://www.bookwormblues.net/2013/01/...
Read my full review of this trilogy here:
http://www.bookwormblues.net/2013/01/...
August 11, 2023
I give this series as a whole 4 stars. The series was originally planned to be a duology they had to split it up so I assumed that part 1 would be boring and the last book be epic but it was kind of backwards. The first book was full of action and character development and part 2 didn’t really have as much action and the climactic ending was a pretty meh.
That being said Laura Resnick writes some really good characters and really enjoyable world. I loved her prose for the most part. The series is loaded with prophecies but you’re constantly second guessing yourself until the very end and you’ll never figure it out on your own. Also the magic system was simple but I liked it. All in all I really enjoyed this series and it will go down as another classic fantasy favorite of mine!
That being said Laura Resnick writes some really good characters and really enjoyable world. I loved her prose for the most part. The series is loaded with prophecies but you’re constantly second guessing yourself until the very end and you’ll never figure it out on your own. Also the magic system was simple but I liked it. All in all I really enjoyed this series and it will go down as another classic fantasy favorite of mine!
November 8, 2019
Decent plot twists and the best thing in fantasy ever: no travel scenes. This author just jumps over the travel and characters start the next chapter at whatever city they are supposed to be in, which is just. ... a revelation after reading stuff like ASOIAF, where travel is painstakingly chronicled.
Anyway, the book is a nice finish to the story started with "In Legend Born"
Anyway, the book is a nice finish to the story started with "In Legend Born"
May 13, 2019
I liked it quite a bit. I liked the first two books better, which is always disappointing. I just did not buy the relationship between Tansen and Mirabar. I bought it maybe 60%. It wasn't preposterous, but it didn't feel real. That said, excellent worldbuilding, wonderfully vivid characters - and the SNARK of Baran is so, so funny. All-in-all, a worthy read. I felt like this book was funnier than the other two, which was a wonderful balance.
March 17, 2018
Interesting finish to the series
March 18, 2023
I only knew (and adored) Laura Resnick for her funny, slapstick-comedy-like "Esther Diamond" urban fantasy series. And now it turns out she wrote this excellent epic fantasy trilogy a few years ago - why are there no re-issues (I got my copies second-hand)? Oh well, on to the books.
"In Legend Born", "The White Dragon" and "The Destroyer Godess" are about an island nation that has been ruled by foreigners for a thousand years and is now facing a rebellion against their conquerers and a civil war against the water-sorcerers that are trying to take over once the rebellion is won. At the center stands the war between fire-magic and water-sorcery, with lots of power-politics and guerilla-warfare thrown in.
What makes this trilogy so much better than the average epic fantasy are the characters: while there are still the standard warriors, sorcerers, aristocrats and peasants, Resnick wrote complex people with real personalities and relationships. They're not always nice. The villains are actually motivated (they don't do things just because they're evil) and the heroes aren't that heroic either because they make mistakes, get jealous or seriously missinterpret things. There are numerous plot-twists, well-written action scenes, political intrigue, good descriptions of the enviroment, witty dialogue and even a nice romance (that mercyfully stays in the background most of the time - this is definitly not a romance novel).
If you're willing to confront a very complicated plot and a big cast of characters you'll enjoy this trilogy very much. I did.
UPDATE March 2023: Re-reading the trilogy and it holds up very well. Perhaps even better the second time around when you can concentrate more on character-interaction than on keeping all the different plotlines straight. Highly recommended! (Still no re-issue in print, but at least there's an e-book edition now.)
"In Legend Born", "The White Dragon" and "The Destroyer Godess" are about an island nation that has been ruled by foreigners for a thousand years and is now facing a rebellion against their conquerers and a civil war against the water-sorcerers that are trying to take over once the rebellion is won. At the center stands the war between fire-magic and water-sorcery, with lots of power-politics and guerilla-warfare thrown in.
What makes this trilogy so much better than the average epic fantasy are the characters: while there are still the standard warriors, sorcerers, aristocrats and peasants, Resnick wrote complex people with real personalities and relationships. They're not always nice. The villains are actually motivated (they don't do things just because they're evil) and the heroes aren't that heroic either because they make mistakes, get jealous or seriously missinterpret things. There are numerous plot-twists, well-written action scenes, political intrigue, good descriptions of the enviroment, witty dialogue and even a nice romance (that mercyfully stays in the background most of the time - this is definitly not a romance novel).
If you're willing to confront a very complicated plot and a big cast of characters you'll enjoy this trilogy very much. I did.
UPDATE March 2023: Re-reading the trilogy and it holds up very well. Perhaps even better the second time around when you can concentrate more on character-interaction than on keeping all the different plotlines straight. Highly recommended! (Still no re-issue in print, but at least there's an e-book edition now.)
May 9, 2014
Oh God. What have I done?!
What made me skim through this instead of just read it like I have endured with the first two others?! Maybe it's because I've read the whole series for three days and my eyes are killing me! Just when I was nearing end I gave in and skimmed the book!? What in the world was I thinking?! But still I got the gist of the story, I did read the about 20 percent on the end so I know how it all went.
I've got to say this is a progress to the previous book. For once, the pace was fast and there was action! Finally! Not action- fight the assasin action, but the characters are finally doing something! Things are finally changing unlike the second book which didn't do anything but raise issues.
There are some twists that I haven't seen coming. It blew me away. And I might even put this on my favorite shelf...and re-read shelf since I kind skimmed...What a lose.
What made me skim through this instead of just read it like I have endured with the first two others?! Maybe it's because I've read the whole series for three days and my eyes are killing me! Just when I was nearing end I gave in and skimmed the book!? What in the world was I thinking?! But still I got the gist of the story, I did read the about 20 percent on the end so I know how it all went.
I've got to say this is a progress to the previous book. For once, the pace was fast and there was action! Finally! Not action- fight the assasin action, but the characters are finally doing something! Things are finally changing unlike the second book which didn't do anything but raise issues.
There are some twists that I haven't seen coming. It blew me away. And I might even put this on my favorite shelf...and re-read shelf since I kind skimmed...What a lose.
January 1, 2013
I had one issue with the book which I thought problematic especially since it's a female author (a rape which was clearly a rape but then she glossed it over and it was viewed as seduction by the victim), but besides that....an utterly amazing trilogy with characters so, so, so full of life, where minor characters suddenly became so important and awesome (Najdan!), plus an absolutely intriguing and absorbing story line.
I'm glad that I remembered this trilogy aka that I had read the first book years ago and liekd it.
I'm glad that I remembered this trilogy aka that I had read the first book years ago and liekd it.
February 10, 2011
This was my favorite book of the series. It was so action packed. It keeps you guessing, and usually guessing wrong. haha. the twists in it are amazing, as are the descriptions, details, fights, and especially the ending. bottom line- i would reccomend this book to anyone who likes fantasy fiction or wants just an amazing book to read! Laura resnick is an amazing author! i would love nothing more than to meet her and talk to her!
December 10, 2015
This was a great trilogy. "'Sister Velikar" Baan said. "Rain!"' That was such a funny part. Probably one of the most amusing I've read. Laura wrote a great character in Baran. It's really masterful when an author can create good characters. Everyone is pretty serious, except Josarian, who's pretty jovial at times, and then you can tell she had fun with Baran. Anyway, I just wanted to say that part was particularly funny.
November 8, 2016
Sad for the end
I am always looking for new authors. I came across the first book in the series in a used book store. I was hooked. This is a talented writer with a gift. I wish the story could've continued. The characters were written so clearly I felt like I knew them personally. I will miss Mirabar, Tansen, and finding out how all the relationships worked out. A must-read series.
I am always looking for new authors. I came across the first book in the series in a used book store. I was hooked. This is a talented writer with a gift. I wish the story could've continued. The characters were written so clearly I felt like I knew them personally. I will miss Mirabar, Tansen, and finding out how all the relationships worked out. A must-read series.
December 22, 2008
I fell in love with "In Legend Born" and then couldn't find the sequel anywhere. Years later the two halves of "In Fire Forged" showed up under the Christmas tree and I devoured them. The characters are strong and the world Resnick creates is captivating. I highly recommend it.
Want to read
November 21, 2008TBR
February 5, 2013
I couldn't get into it and never finished it. I really don't like not finishing, even when I am not interested in a book. I like much of this author's other work but this one just didn't speak to me.
February 24, 2013
What an exquisite ending. I want more. Do you hear my Resnick?! I want more Sirkara!
June 1, 2014
Much better than previous 2. Strong ending. Felt like the characters evolved with conflict this time around. Good surprises.
October 19, 2016
The series conclusion was good although the middle book was a bit of a slog to get through.
October 31, 2024
Ch4
Hypocrites try to outwit God while he is outwaiting them!
Hypocrites try to outwit God while he is outwaiting them!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews