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Wars of Light and Shadow #9
Initiate's Trial
The first book in the fourth arc, Sword of the Canon, finds Arithon and Lysaer on an unstoppable path toward direct conflict
Half-brothers Arithon and Lysaer were laid under a curse of lifelong enmity when they defeated the Mistwraith and freed the world of Athera. Now Arithon has been magically imprisoned and his memories have been removed. Meanwhile his daughter is being raised and trained by his enemy, the Koriani enchantress, but when she eventually learns of her father's existence, she chooses her own destruction to secure his freedom. Still ruled by the Mistwraith's curse, Lysaer will stop at nothing to find and destroy the newly freed Arithon.
Half-brothers Arithon and Lysaer were laid under a curse of lifelong enmity when they defeated the Mistwraith and freed the world of Athera. Now Arithon has been magically imprisoned and his memories have been removed. Meanwhile his daughter is being raised and trained by his enemy, the Koriani enchantress, but when she eventually learns of her father's existence, she chooses her own destruction to secure his freedom. Still ruled by the Mistwraith's curse, Lysaer will stop at nothing to find and destroy the newly freed Arithon.
544 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2011
46 people are currently reading
1741 people want to read
About the author
Janny Wurts
105 books1,913 followersJanny Wurts is the author of War of Light and Shadow series, and To Ride Hell's Chasm. Her eighteen published titles include a trilogy in audio, a short story collection, as well as the internationally best selling Empire trilogy, co authored with Raymond E. Feist, with works translated into fifteen languages worldwide. Her latest title in the Wars of Light and Shadow series, Destiny's Conflict, culminates more than thirty years of carefully evolved ideas. The cover images on the books, both in the US and abroad, are her own paintings, depicting her vision of characters and setting.
Through her combined talents as a writer/illustrator, Janny has immersed herself in a lifelong ambition: to create a seamless interface between words and pictures that will lead reader and viewer into the imagination. Her lavish use of language invites the mind into a crafted realm of experience, with characters and events woven into a complex tapestry, and drawn with an intensity to inspire active fuel for thought. Her research includes a range of direct experience, lending her fantasy a gritty realism, and her scenes involving magic crafted with intricate continuity. A self-taught painter, she draws directly from the imagination, creating scenes in a representational style that blurs the edges between dream and reality. She makes few preliminary sketches, but envisions her characters and the scenes that contain them, then executes the final directly from the initial pencil drawing.
The seed idea for the Wars of Light and Shadow series occurred, when, in the course of researching tactic and weapons, she viewed a documentary film on the Battle of Culloden Moor. This was the first time she had encountered that historical context of that brutal event, with the embroidery of romance stripped from it. The experience gave rise to an awakening, which became anger, that so often, our education, literature and entertainment slant history in a manner that equates winners and losers with moral right and wrong, and the prevalent attitude, that killing wars can be seen as justifiable solutions when only one side of the picture is presented.
Her series takes the stance that there are two sides to every question, and follows two characters who are half brothers. One a bard trained as a master of magecraft, and the other a born ruler with a charismatic passion for justice, have become cursed to lifelong enmity. As one sibling raises a devoted mass following, the other tries desperately to stave off defeat through solitary discipline and cleverness. The conflict sweeps across an imaginary world, dividing land and people through an intricate play of politics and the inborn prejudices of polarized factions already set at odds. Readers are led on a journey that embraces both viewpoints. The story explores the ironies of morality which often confound our own human condition - that what appears right and just, by one side, becomes reprehensible when seen from the opposite angle. What is apparently good for the many, too often causes devastating suffering to the nonconformist minority. Through the interactions between the characters themselves, the reader is left to their own discretion to interpret the moral impact of events.
Says Janny of her work, "I chose to frame this story against a backdrop of fantasy because I could handle even the most sensitive issues with the gloves off - explore the myriad angles of our troubled times with the least risk of offending anyone's personal sensibilities. The result, I can hope, is an expanding journey of the spirit that explores the grand depths, and rises to the challenge of mapping the ethereal potential of an evolving planetary consciousness... explore free thought and compassionate understanding."
Beyond writing, Janny's award winning paintings have been showcased in exhibitions of imaginative artwork, among them a commemorative exhibition for NASA's 25th Anniversary; the Art of the Cosmos at Hayden Planet
Through her combined talents as a writer/illustrator, Janny has immersed herself in a lifelong ambition: to create a seamless interface between words and pictures that will lead reader and viewer into the imagination. Her lavish use of language invites the mind into a crafted realm of experience, with characters and events woven into a complex tapestry, and drawn with an intensity to inspire active fuel for thought. Her research includes a range of direct experience, lending her fantasy a gritty realism, and her scenes involving magic crafted with intricate continuity. A self-taught painter, she draws directly from the imagination, creating scenes in a representational style that blurs the edges between dream and reality. She makes few preliminary sketches, but envisions her characters and the scenes that contain them, then executes the final directly from the initial pencil drawing.
The seed idea for the Wars of Light and Shadow series occurred, when, in the course of researching tactic and weapons, she viewed a documentary film on the Battle of Culloden Moor. This was the first time she had encountered that historical context of that brutal event, with the embroidery of romance stripped from it. The experience gave rise to an awakening, which became anger, that so often, our education, literature and entertainment slant history in a manner that equates winners and losers with moral right and wrong, and the prevalent attitude, that killing wars can be seen as justifiable solutions when only one side of the picture is presented.
Her series takes the stance that there are two sides to every question, and follows two characters who are half brothers. One a bard trained as a master of magecraft, and the other a born ruler with a charismatic passion for justice, have become cursed to lifelong enmity. As one sibling raises a devoted mass following, the other tries desperately to stave off defeat through solitary discipline and cleverness. The conflict sweeps across an imaginary world, dividing land and people through an intricate play of politics and the inborn prejudices of polarized factions already set at odds. Readers are led on a journey that embraces both viewpoints. The story explores the ironies of morality which often confound our own human condition - that what appears right and just, by one side, becomes reprehensible when seen from the opposite angle. What is apparently good for the many, too often causes devastating suffering to the nonconformist minority. Through the interactions between the characters themselves, the reader is left to their own discretion to interpret the moral impact of events.
Says Janny of her work, "I chose to frame this story against a backdrop of fantasy because I could handle even the most sensitive issues with the gloves off - explore the myriad angles of our troubled times with the least risk of offending anyone's personal sensibilities. The result, I can hope, is an expanding journey of the spirit that explores the grand depths, and rises to the challenge of mapping the ethereal potential of an evolving planetary consciousness... explore free thought and compassionate understanding."
Beyond writing, Janny's award winning paintings have been showcased in exhibitions of imaginative artwork, among them a commemorative exhibition for NASA's 25th Anniversary; the Art of the Cosmos at Hayden Planet
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 17, 2018
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!❤❤ My favourite of the series so far! ❤❤❤
Did I say that for the last book also? It may be. It's just that every book in this series seems to be even better then the last. And just when I think it couldn't get better - BAM - I'm proven wrong because IT IS better than the last!!
FRTC
Did I say that for the last book also? It may be. It's just that every book in this series seems to be even better then the last. And just when I think it couldn't get better - BAM - I'm proven wrong because IT IS better than the last!!
FRTC
August 27, 2014
8/26/14. Man I wish more people would read this series!
The tour de force of Stormed Fortress is a hard act to follow, but, as usual, Janny Wurts is up to the job. It's 250 +/- years in the future, Arithon is a prisoner of the Koriani, betrayed by a clansman who was one of the Companions - which event is foreshadowed in Stormed Fortress and Traitor's Knot. Prime Selidie is determined to break the compact the F7 made with the dragons in the Second Age and will go to any lengths to do so. Elaira is now a rebel and travels to visit the Biedar in a bid to help her best beloved. Lysaer has gotten better at fighting the curse, but is having a mighty struggle of it. Asandir enlists the help of Daliana, a descendent of Sulfin Evend, to try to shelter him.
New characters abound, and the shades of old ones emerge. Dakar is grown up, now a skilled mage in his own right, but still funny as hell.
A rousing good read, the opening of a new Arc to be finished in the next book, as things gradually build to the ultimate climax... Wurts' plotting is superb and there is no guessing what she will pull out of the hat next.
I was moved to tears several times, laughed out loud a few times, and my heart stopped once or twice!
ETA: As usual, I saw much much more in this reread. Dakar is really a tragi/comic figure. There's so much sadness and also a lot of hope. How easy it is for people to hate! It's so much harder to be vulnerable and open. Lysaer is the exemplification of this, but is the truly tragic figure here. He's defeated as much by his own inability to lower his defenses as he is by the curse. The layers of events and meanings continue.
The tour de force of Stormed Fortress is a hard act to follow, but, as usual, Janny Wurts is up to the job. It's 250 +/- years in the future, Arithon is a prisoner of the Koriani, betrayed by a clansman who was one of the Companions - which event is foreshadowed in Stormed Fortress and Traitor's Knot. Prime Selidie is determined to break the compact the F7 made with the dragons in the Second Age and will go to any lengths to do so. Elaira is now a rebel and travels to visit the Biedar in a bid to help her best beloved. Lysaer has gotten better at fighting the curse, but is having a mighty struggle of it. Asandir enlists the help of Daliana, a descendent of Sulfin Evend, to try to shelter him.
New characters abound, and the shades of old ones emerge. Dakar is grown up, now a skilled mage in his own right, but still funny as hell.
A rousing good read, the opening of a new Arc to be finished in the next book, as things gradually build to the ultimate climax... Wurts' plotting is superb and there is no guessing what she will pull out of the hat next.
I was moved to tears several times, laughed out loud a few times, and my heart stopped once or twice!
ETA: As usual, I saw much much more in this reread. Dakar is really a tragi/comic figure. There's so much sadness and also a lot of hope. How easy it is for people to hate! It's so much harder to be vulnerable and open. Lysaer is the exemplification of this, but is the truly tragic figure here. He's defeated as much by his own inability to lower his defenses as he is by the curse. The layers of events and meanings continue.
May 14, 2024
Re-read. Gearing up for the last book arriving in less than two weeks! One more to re-read before then.
Original review:
This one starts out with a heck of a bang: . Throughout the rest of the pages we are given glimpses as to how this event occurred in the first place. What a complicated mess.
There are two books left: one already published and one in the hopper. I'll be rereading the next shortly.
Original review:
This one starts out with a heck of a bang: . Throughout the rest of the pages we are given glimpses as to how this event occurred in the first place. What a complicated mess.
There are two books left: one already published and one in the hopper. I'll be rereading the next shortly.
May 23, 2025
Annnd the momentum gained by the last book has disappeared.
I was so confused at the start of the book and I had to check I hadn’t skipped a book. This was not helped by a massive time jump of 200 years and also a major spoiler point which I won’t divulge.
I just felt cheated. All this building of characters was annihilated in the last book and this one. I also felt numerous character actions felt out of sorts which is strange because that was one of my top praises for Wurts.
The ending was pretty satisfying, but I remained frustrated throughout and I feel extremely annoyed by the way the plot has gone.
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I was so confused at the start of the book and I had to check I hadn’t skipped a book. This was not helped by a massive time jump of 200 years and also a major spoiler point which I won’t divulge.
I just felt cheated. All this building of characters was annihilated in the last book and this one. I also felt numerous character actions felt out of sorts which is strange because that was one of my top praises for Wurts.
The ending was pretty satisfying, but I remained frustrated throughout and I feel extremely annoyed by the way the plot has gone.
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April 21, 2015
I roared along the book and my spontaneous comment after the final sequence was “OMG! Read this one!”
Heartfelt advice; if you’ve read Stormed Fortress, do not miss this first book of the Sword of the Canon Arc. I'm very happy I read this gripping installment straightaway, Initiate's Trial shifts gears but not the pace, which increases, again, and what sets the stage is the very ending of the previous book, particularly all the things that emerge in the final chapters. Another round of applause to the author, I was surprised yet again and it wasn't easy, after the awesome Alliance of Light Arc, to write something equally powerful and continuing the story with originality and sensation. The approach is pretty intense, and daring, because the tale is not done in linear time. It was not easy to accept it at first, considering how I loved the story and the characters, but then I just immersed into the narrative and saw the events through the eyes of the protagonists; this literary choice added to the reading momentum: going forward, I was also in suspense to find out what had happened before.
It takes courage, certainly, but after the ending of Stormed Fortress, I guess a different direction may have sprawled things and probably one of the elements why this series works so fine for me is, in hindsight, that while the story never takes an angle of unredeemable sadness and pain, nothing overstays its welcome. The Wars of Light and Shadow doesn’t suffer from lack of inspiration or from excessive attachment to characters or situations, or on the other hand, from deliberate slaughter.
I am again reminded Janny Wurts is an author who doesn't repeat herself and doesn’t sacrifice coherence for expediency's sake; she keeps fitting a multi-layered epic into no wasted steps and brilliantly manages to raise tension and conflict with each volume.
I particularly relished the enfolding themes of the nature of religious fanaticism, social stigma, of the necessity of balancing conflicting interests, the many shades of redemption, the rippling impact of individual choices, the backlash of power and the several surprises with double ramifications genially spread throughout the book, among which, some exciting reveals on Lysaer character.
The book is deeply engaging, yet it's different from all its predecessors. It is exactly the reader’s knowledge of the story which allows the shocking opening and the narrower outlet on the events; I also loved the way the language matches the feeling of uncertainty, of unbalance and of the instinct behavior of the characters involved; then the veil gradually lifts granting both fast-paced action and introspection, until the climax when all the threads burst forth. Throughout, the intensity never wavers. Characteristically, the book does not end with a cliff-hanger, but needless to say, many things have been set into motion and I am fully in step with the new situation, eagerly looking forward to Destiny’s Conflict.
Heartfelt advice; if you’ve read Stormed Fortress, do not miss this first book of the Sword of the Canon Arc. I'm very happy I read this gripping installment straightaway, Initiate's Trial shifts gears but not the pace, which increases, again, and what sets the stage is the very ending of the previous book, particularly all the things that emerge in the final chapters. Another round of applause to the author, I was surprised yet again and it wasn't easy, after the awesome Alliance of Light Arc, to write something equally powerful and continuing the story with originality and sensation. The approach is pretty intense, and daring, because the tale is not done in linear time. It was not easy to accept it at first, considering how I loved the story and the characters, but then I just immersed into the narrative and saw the events through the eyes of the protagonists; this literary choice added to the reading momentum: going forward, I was also in suspense to find out what had happened before.
It takes courage, certainly, but after the ending of Stormed Fortress, I guess a different direction may have sprawled things and probably one of the elements why this series works so fine for me is, in hindsight, that while the story never takes an angle of unredeemable sadness and pain, nothing overstays its welcome. The Wars of Light and Shadow doesn’t suffer from lack of inspiration or from excessive attachment to characters or situations, or on the other hand, from deliberate slaughter.
I am again reminded Janny Wurts is an author who doesn't repeat herself and doesn’t sacrifice coherence for expediency's sake; she keeps fitting a multi-layered epic into no wasted steps and brilliantly manages to raise tension and conflict with each volume.
I particularly relished the enfolding themes of the nature of religious fanaticism, social stigma, of the necessity of balancing conflicting interests, the many shades of redemption, the rippling impact of individual choices, the backlash of power and the several surprises with double ramifications genially spread throughout the book, among which, some exciting reveals on Lysaer character.
The book is deeply engaging, yet it's different from all its predecessors. It is exactly the reader’s knowledge of the story which allows the shocking opening and the narrower outlet on the events; I also loved the way the language matches the feeling of uncertainty, of unbalance and of the instinct behavior of the characters involved; then the veil gradually lifts granting both fast-paced action and introspection, until the climax when all the threads burst forth. Throughout, the intensity never wavers. Characteristically, the book does not end with a cliff-hanger, but needless to say, many things have been set into motion and I am fully in step with the new situation, eagerly looking forward to Destiny’s Conflict.
August 25, 2014
When I finished the previous book, and with that Wurts' longest arc in this series, I thought maybe the creeping progress the series had been making might speed up. I never imagined that she would do the unthinkable and go backwards, but that is exactly what this book felt like. Time-wise, this book moved forward, in fact it leapt forward 250 years, to my stunned dismay. No worries, for now is apparently the time to start bringing back the essences of past characters, creating the unique experience of new characters who are yet old. But that's not really what prompted me to say we've gone backwards. What has is that the main character has no memories at the start and barely more at the end. If the eight previous books hadn't been enough to prove Arithon's true character to us, I don't know what can, but I guess Wurts wants to hammer it home anyway. All I can say is that it was one of the most frustrating and maddening plot twists I've ever encountered. Will we ever make progress, I ask again. We did get hints of what Elaira is finally going to accomplish and a useful contribution from Dakar, but that was not enough to make me regret that first impulse I had to throw the book across the room after I read the first chapter and realized what I was going to have to endure.
December 14, 2011
Initiate's Trial - Janny Wurts
(Possible spoilers if you've read the series but I don't really give anything away.)
One of my rare book reviews. Rare because more often than not I read for pure pleasure and I also, to my bane, do not have a retentive memory no matter how much I train it to behave.
In other words, I don't 'do' reviews of any great depth. Usually. So why would I do one this time? Because I seriously feel that this is one of the best fantasy series I have ever read, and like anyone when they find something to be passionate about, they want to share the joy.
Why `The Wars of Light and Shadows`and not the `Wheel of Time` or a `Game of Thrones`, or even 'The Lord of the Rings'? They all have their merits, they all have their memorable characters and they all have great settings. But for me, the depth of "The Wars of Light and Shadows" trumps the lot.
I can recognise within the threads the simularities with the persecution of the scottish clans, even without knowing that this was deliberate. The political machinations, the power-hungry leaders all bear resemblance to countries and leaders of our liftetimes. The persecution of a people because they are 'different' and therefore dangerous resonates across time.
"Initiate's Trial" has a twist to it the others don't in that the two main characters are shown in different lights from previous books. The obnoxious Lysaer is shown without the burden of the geas that sends him into a fanatical killer whenever Arithon is around, and Arithon is shown with only some of his memory intact. It changes a reader's perspective of both of them. Lysaer's directive was always to do what is right no matter the cost in lives or how he treated those around him. Throughout the series you only catch glimpses of the other side of Lysaer. I've never doubted his courage but I have always wanted to slap him upsides his head for being a stubborn, ridiculous fool. There are moments in Initiate's Trial where he is almost likeable. Of course, it takes a good woman to show it.
The two main powers - the Fellowship of the Seven - Sorcerors sworn to uphold the Law of the Major Balance, and to foster enlightened thought in Athera. And the Koriathain - order of enchantresses ruled by a circle of Seniors, under the power of the one Prime Enchantress, battle against each other and over the lives of Lysaer and Arithon, manipulating them both. Though the Fellowship is much more inclined to allow the characters freewill, to preserve their world they do go to great lengths. On the other hand, Morriel Prime reminds me of a female hitler. Thank God he hasn`t managed to reincarnate himself the way she does. To serve the Koriathain she seeks Arithon`s death, but she also uses Lysaer heartlessly as she does Elaira, the love of Arithon`s life, and it is a very long life, too.
The paravian races remain in the background - the unicorns, the centaurs, the sunchildren. They have left Athera and taken their magic with them, or so it seems. many places still hold on to the magic and it still disrupts the world. Their spirits remain if they do not in person.
The Mistwraith, which is the whole cause of the curse between Lysaer and Arithon is made up of almost mindless entities whose one wish is to destroy. To me, they come across as gibbering spirits driven mad by a nuclear explosion or similar. There are hints throughout the series that this isn`t a fantasy series at all but a science fictional one, because how did the Mistwraith come into being and who were the fellowship of the seven before they became sorcerors?
There are hints and trails throughout the whole series. Sometimes those stick with me and I get a huge aha! moment, other times, because it is so complex, I miss them. It isn't a series you can skim and hope to understand it all, although, it depends I guess on 'how' you read. It is the very complexity of it that enthralls me. It doesn't ever ramble like some series I might mention. Janny keeps you on the edge of your seat as she puts all the characters through the ringer. You are 'there' with them, crying and laughing and hating and loving.
Some readers argue that Janny's prose is too 'difficult' and yet there is a rhythm to it that becomes a song in your head. She does not compromise on words or apologise for making you run to a dictionary. Thank goodness! I am tired of novels where they are almost dumbed down to satisfy that audience who wants five minute fame. Instead, the words, the rhythm, the prose stays with you, as do the images she creates.
Oh, and I nearly forgot the dragons. These dragons are in no wise 'humanized'. They are like giant, wicked cats who play with their prey and then sleep in the sun for a very long time. But while these guys sleep their dreams can change a world.
So if you love long fantasy series with real plots, real characterization, real worlds, do begin at the beginning with "The Curse of the Mistwraith". It is so easy if you possess a Kindle/Knook/Kobo etc to just click on that button and begin the journey of a lifetime. Personally, I like a big, fat book in my hands, but that isn't always possible these days.
Just, go read and be as fascinated as I have been by the scope of one author's imagination and cleverness.
August 31, 2019
In 1997, Janny Wurts included an apology at the beginning of her third book (Warhost of Vastmark). In it she stated that the only reason the book was split in two was because of its length and that the series would really only be 5 books long.
In 2012 she published Book 9 -- as the beginning of a new "arc."
While the original premise was extremely interesting and I'd like to see the series finished, I find myself annoyed as I reread this book (as a prelude to reading Destiny's Conflict which just came out.)
Evidentially, Ms. Wurts the value of a book is judged by the number of words. A simple subject-verb-object type sentence is routinely replaced by one embellished almost beyond readability with deeply descriptive adjectives and adverbs, wrought parenthetical phrases; and anguished italics to let the reader know how the protagonist is feeling. (my poor attempt to copy Ms. Wurts verbose style.)
For example, this sentence from the first chapter: "The visceral remembrance of freedom denied and the resurgent echo of rebellious anger shuddered in recoil through him" could be rendered as "he shuddered in anger about his imprisonment."
Removing many of the descriptive embellishments would advance the story-line without noticeable loss. Ms. Wurts is in sad need of a good editor.
In 2012 she published Book 9 -- as the beginning of a new "arc."
While the original premise was extremely interesting and I'd like to see the series finished, I find myself annoyed as I reread this book (as a prelude to reading Destiny's Conflict which just came out.)
Evidentially, Ms. Wurts the value of a book is judged by the number of words. A simple subject-verb-object type sentence is routinely replaced by one embellished almost beyond readability with deeply descriptive adjectives and adverbs, wrought parenthetical phrases; and anguished italics to let the reader know how the protagonist is feeling. (my poor attempt to copy Ms. Wurts verbose style.)
For example, this sentence from the first chapter: "The visceral remembrance of freedom denied and the resurgent echo of rebellious anger shuddered in recoil through him" could be rendered as "he shuddered in anger about his imprisonment."
Removing many of the descriptive embellishments would advance the story-line without noticeable loss. Ms. Wurts is in sad need of a good editor.
December 18, 2021
https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/202...
At long last I have made it to the Arc IV in the War of Light and Shadow series and it is a drastic shift in the way the story has been told thus far. Instead of show us the events involving our beloved characters in a linear story line we have a drastic time jump of 250 years!!! With that, new characters will be introduced and past events will be sprinkled into the story line gradually over the next 2 books. No one said this journey would be easy, but I am up for the challenge! This will be a spoiler free review but I will be touching upon events from the previous novels.
The story starts off with Arithon being held captive to the Koriani in a secluded space. Unaware of who he is or the past events leading up to this, Arithon is set one task from the Koriani which is keeping him alive. With his task now completed, the Prime is now free to exact her revenge on the Shadow Prince but other forces at play have plans for Arithon. Freed from confinement and wandering the country side, the past will sneak up on the Shadow Prince very quickly and they will not all be memories of joy. I’ll stop here as to not go any further into spoiler territory, but the ramifications for these intro chapters will set the stage for the next few books and bring to light events from the past novels in the series.
Being 250 years in the future, many of our beloved characters are no longer among our main cast and this was a hard pill to swallow. Their past will be explained in due time but Initiates Trial will require more patience than previous entries. Not everyone will be happy with this change of pace but I can definitely say this is what the story needed. Now for the fun part of falling in love with the new cast of characters. Specifically Tarens and Daliana will continue to grow on you all throughout this book and even into book 10. Tarens is a very loyal character with a good heart but tends to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. His past will play a huge role in the story to come. Daliana is a firecracker and someone you would want to invite to a dinner party. Quick wit, sharp, and determined gal on a mission from the Fellowship which will have unintending consequences. Her history is ripped with intrigue and shocking revelations.
I had the same feeling reading this book that I had reading Fugitive Prince. Not necessarily the story I expected but the story the series needed. The structure of the novel is vastly different but the buildup and payoff remain the same. There will be many hints and clues both to the larger picture and the past events at large. Although not my favorite book in the series, I can see the ground work for the rest of the series to come. We are coming up on the finish line with one more published book to going in Destiny’s Conflict. Everything is moving into place nicely with the ending just around the corner. A fine addition to series and it will surprise you in many ways.
Cheers!
At long last I have made it to the Arc IV in the War of Light and Shadow series and it is a drastic shift in the way the story has been told thus far. Instead of show us the events involving our beloved characters in a linear story line we have a drastic time jump of 250 years!!! With that, new characters will be introduced and past events will be sprinkled into the story line gradually over the next 2 books. No one said this journey would be easy, but I am up for the challenge! This will be a spoiler free review but I will be touching upon events from the previous novels.
The story starts off with Arithon being held captive to the Koriani in a secluded space. Unaware of who he is or the past events leading up to this, Arithon is set one task from the Koriani which is keeping him alive. With his task now completed, the Prime is now free to exact her revenge on the Shadow Prince but other forces at play have plans for Arithon. Freed from confinement and wandering the country side, the past will sneak up on the Shadow Prince very quickly and they will not all be memories of joy. I’ll stop here as to not go any further into spoiler territory, but the ramifications for these intro chapters will set the stage for the next few books and bring to light events from the past novels in the series.
Being 250 years in the future, many of our beloved characters are no longer among our main cast and this was a hard pill to swallow. Their past will be explained in due time but Initiates Trial will require more patience than previous entries. Not everyone will be happy with this change of pace but I can definitely say this is what the story needed. Now for the fun part of falling in love with the new cast of characters. Specifically Tarens and Daliana will continue to grow on you all throughout this book and even into book 10. Tarens is a very loyal character with a good heart but tends to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. His past will play a huge role in the story to come. Daliana is a firecracker and someone you would want to invite to a dinner party. Quick wit, sharp, and determined gal on a mission from the Fellowship which will have unintending consequences. Her history is ripped with intrigue and shocking revelations.
I had the same feeling reading this book that I had reading Fugitive Prince. Not necessarily the story I expected but the story the series needed. The structure of the novel is vastly different but the buildup and payoff remain the same. There will be many hints and clues both to the larger picture and the past events at large. Although not my favorite book in the series, I can see the ground work for the rest of the series to come. We are coming up on the finish line with one more published book to going in Destiny’s Conflict. Everything is moving into place nicely with the ending just around the corner. A fine addition to series and it will surprise you in many ways.
Cheers!
October 25, 2012
4.5 stars!
First things first: Initiate’s Trial is the ninth book in the Wars of Light and Shadow series by Janny Wurts. I’ve tried to avoid spoilers in this review, but if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series and want to enter into it without any preconceived notions, you may want to skip this review and instead check out the one I wrote about series opener The Curse of the Mistwraith here. (Short summary: it’s brilliant, and any fantasy fan who enjoys intellectually and emotionally challenging novels should read this series.)
Initiate’s Trial may be the ninth book in this series, but it’s also the first book in a new arc, meaning the start of a new subchapter within the larger series. In addition, for the first time Janny Wurts has allowed a significant amount of time to pass between the ending of the previous book and the beginning of the new one: Initiate’s Trial starts about two and a half centuries after the events described in Stormed Fortress. Because of this, the new novel may initially feel like a series reboot, but you’ll quickly find out that this is somewhat deceptive.
Read the entire review on my site Far Beyond Reality!
First things first: Initiate’s Trial is the ninth book in the Wars of Light and Shadow series by Janny Wurts. I’ve tried to avoid spoilers in this review, but if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series and want to enter into it without any preconceived notions, you may want to skip this review and instead check out the one I wrote about series opener The Curse of the Mistwraith here. (Short summary: it’s brilliant, and any fantasy fan who enjoys intellectually and emotionally challenging novels should read this series.)
Initiate’s Trial may be the ninth book in this series, but it’s also the first book in a new arc, meaning the start of a new subchapter within the larger series. In addition, for the first time Janny Wurts has allowed a significant amount of time to pass between the ending of the previous book and the beginning of the new one: Initiate’s Trial starts about two and a half centuries after the events described in Stormed Fortress. Because of this, the new novel may initially feel like a series reboot, but you’ll quickly find out that this is somewhat deceptive.
Read the entire review on my site Far Beyond Reality!
March 14, 2012
I realized while talking to a friend that I've been reading this series for 17 years, and while I've outgrown most of the series that I read as a child, this one reveals new depths as I grow older. This is the ninth book in the series overall, but the beginning of a new arc in the storyline, and begins nearly 250 years after the end of book eight.
As always, Janny Wurts's prose is eloquent and her italics lethal; I've never known a series to rip apart my heart like this one does and yet I keep coming back for more because it's so beautiful. After four years teaching ESL at a beginner level, I actually physically teared up when I started reading this book because there were Words! All of the width and breadth of expression in the English language forcing my rusty brain into action once more.
As for the plot itself, I'm enjoying the introduction of Daliana and feeling something like hope for Lysaer at last. Also, the Biedar twist has opened up some interesting possibilities for the future. Lastly, I feel like there were some hints in this novel for an ending I hadn't thought of before, and I wonder... but I won't say anything yet in case I'm drawing castles in the clouds.
As always, Janny Wurts's prose is eloquent and her italics lethal; I've never known a series to rip apart my heart like this one does and yet I keep coming back for more because it's so beautiful. After four years teaching ESL at a beginner level, I actually physically teared up when I started reading this book because there were Words! All of the width and breadth of expression in the English language forcing my rusty brain into action once more.
As for the plot itself, I'm enjoying the introduction of Daliana and feeling something like hope for Lysaer at last. Also, the Biedar twist has opened up some interesting possibilities for the future. Lastly, I feel like there were some hints in this novel for an ending I hadn't thought of before, and I wonder... but I won't say anything yet in case I'm drawing castles in the clouds.
November 2, 2011
An excellent continuation of The Wars of Light and Shadow series. The events of the book push exciting development in existing characters (including some I had previously not cared for, and now like), and introduce people who have already become new favorites. Janny Wurts' latest book is as well-written as ever, and I found myself promising "just one more chapter" until long past when I should have been abed. I eagerly await the next installment.
May 19, 2012
Janny Wurts's latest novel in the WARS OF LIGHT AND SHADOW, Initiate's Trial, is another rock-solid installment in what has become one of my favorite series. Janny's use of the English language, her ability to sculpt characters with concepts and characteristics that make them live and her continuing commitment to solid storytelling make her work some of the best ever. Initiate's Trial is a perfect example of why her books are always worth the wait.
As often happens in a series, there are elements of the plot that have happened in between books. In this case, Arithon has been placed under the custody of the Koriathian Sisterhood, loathsome spiders, to continue the process of freeing Athera from the lasting threat of the Mistwraith. Janny does a superlative job of not just describing the process that it takes to do this, but also how the lingering effects of his complete loss of memory enable him to develop his skills in other ways. It's like the way that a person deprived of a primary sense, like sight, will often find that their other senses become sharper as their use is increased to compensate. Beautiful, lyrical descriptive efforts, such as the way Wurts envisions Arithon's use of his innate skills as Masterbard and skilled sorcerer to complete such a peril-fraught task even without his full training and heritage to fall back on, are what make this series something special.
For Lysaer, the imprisonment of Arithon has bought his centuries of peace from the insidious influence of the Mistwraith's curse. The stark, shocking realization that he underwent previously has carried over and he has distanced himself from the religion that he created to hunt and hound his nemesis and half-brother. The story of Lysaer has always been tragic and his life as the Mayor of Etarra has clearly not been satisfying, but I am led to respect him to a certain degree because he has realized the false nature and inherent evil of the political/religious cult that he created. Yet I loathe him still for being too cowardly to challenge and bring down the false priests and religious bigots who have overtaken his creation.
Inject into this caustic mix the ongoing feud between the Fellowship sorcerers who are tied at every turn as they seem to be outmaneuvered over and over again by the slimy and ruthless Prime Matriarch of the Koriathian. These overburdened, morally pure heroes never can seem to get ahead. I am left in awe of the fortitude that Sethvir shows as he reads the events of the world, at times powerless to intervene despite the incredible horrors that are being perpetrated on innocents. There are bright moments, things like Asandir's continued role as Kingmaker, responsible for selecting and empowering the heirs to the Kingdoms and the awakening of the grand mysteries.
Initiate's Trial is full of wonderful side stories as well. The youthful exuberance of young Clanmembers from Rathain who are bent on saving their liege lord, the humorous events surrounding the attempted execution of Arithon and his newly won friend, and finally the heart-wrenching service of the heir of Sulfin Event and her unstinting desire to save Lysaer from himself at any personal cost she must bear. These are examples of the moral fortitude and at times misplaced loyalties that have been the hallmark of the ethical questions that Janny Wurts has made a wonderful underlying theme of this series. Is misguided loyalty and service in fact evil when it enables bad choices to go unpunished? Such great ideas to consider, amid a story filled with action and adventure.
I am a die-hard fan of Janny Wurts and I love this series. If you are just starting with The Curse of the Mistwraith or you are returning to the world of Athera after a break, I can assure you that this latest book is worth reading. This is epic high fantasy at its finest and immersing yourself in this world of beauty, magic and characters that are both real and painfully flawed is simply a joy. I can't wait for the next book
As often happens in a series, there are elements of the plot that have happened in between books. In this case, Arithon has been placed under the custody of the Koriathian Sisterhood, loathsome spiders, to continue the process of freeing Athera from the lasting threat of the Mistwraith. Janny does a superlative job of not just describing the process that it takes to do this, but also how the lingering effects of his complete loss of memory enable him to develop his skills in other ways. It's like the way that a person deprived of a primary sense, like sight, will often find that their other senses become sharper as their use is increased to compensate. Beautiful, lyrical descriptive efforts, such as the way Wurts envisions Arithon's use of his innate skills as Masterbard and skilled sorcerer to complete such a peril-fraught task even without his full training and heritage to fall back on, are what make this series something special.
For Lysaer, the imprisonment of Arithon has bought his centuries of peace from the insidious influence of the Mistwraith's curse. The stark, shocking realization that he underwent previously has carried over and he has distanced himself from the religion that he created to hunt and hound his nemesis and half-brother. The story of Lysaer has always been tragic and his life as the Mayor of Etarra has clearly not been satisfying, but I am led to respect him to a certain degree because he has realized the false nature and inherent evil of the political/religious cult that he created. Yet I loathe him still for being too cowardly to challenge and bring down the false priests and religious bigots who have overtaken his creation.
Inject into this caustic mix the ongoing feud between the Fellowship sorcerers who are tied at every turn as they seem to be outmaneuvered over and over again by the slimy and ruthless Prime Matriarch of the Koriathian. These overburdened, morally pure heroes never can seem to get ahead. I am left in awe of the fortitude that Sethvir shows as he reads the events of the world, at times powerless to intervene despite the incredible horrors that are being perpetrated on innocents. There are bright moments, things like Asandir's continued role as Kingmaker, responsible for selecting and empowering the heirs to the Kingdoms and the awakening of the grand mysteries.
Initiate's Trial is full of wonderful side stories as well. The youthful exuberance of young Clanmembers from Rathain who are bent on saving their liege lord, the humorous events surrounding the attempted execution of Arithon and his newly won friend, and finally the heart-wrenching service of the heir of Sulfin Event and her unstinting desire to save Lysaer from himself at any personal cost she must bear. These are examples of the moral fortitude and at times misplaced loyalties that have been the hallmark of the ethical questions that Janny Wurts has made a wonderful underlying theme of this series. Is misguided loyalty and service in fact evil when it enables bad choices to go unpunished? Such great ideas to consider, amid a story filled with action and adventure.
I am a die-hard fan of Janny Wurts and I love this series. If you are just starting with The Curse of the Mistwraith or you are returning to the world of Athera after a break, I can assure you that this latest book is worth reading. This is epic high fantasy at its finest and immersing yourself in this world of beauty, magic and characters that are both real and painfully flawed is simply a joy. I can't wait for the next book
September 19, 2017
Brilliant, as usual. At this point its hard to expect anything else from this series.
Unlike the other books, I read this one after a bit of a break. The first thing I noticed coming back to the series was how easy it is to get absorbed in this. The writing is dense, lyrical and descriptive, as this is proper epic fantasy, yet its so easy to follow character interactions and imagine the scenes as you're reading them.
I'm not sure how to write a review for this series. Its honestly beyond my scope. there's far too much to try and condense into a pitch, even.
You know how you get invested in series? With the best kind? Where you worry about the characters and the world and the problems. Janny has an incredible way of writing characters. Even when they frustrate you to hell and back, you know exactly what they're thinking, and why they act like they do.
Honestly, this series has prophecies, magic, incredible characters, brilliant world building and all the richness you could hope for. If you're looking for a sweeping epic, this is it. Ignore my bumbling attempt at a review, and go check it out.
Unlike the other books, I read this one after a bit of a break. The first thing I noticed coming back to the series was how easy it is to get absorbed in this. The writing is dense, lyrical and descriptive, as this is proper epic fantasy, yet its so easy to follow character interactions and imagine the scenes as you're reading them.
I'm not sure how to write a review for this series. Its honestly beyond my scope. there's far too much to try and condense into a pitch, even.
You know how you get invested in series? With the best kind? Where you worry about the characters and the world and the problems. Janny has an incredible way of writing characters. Even when they frustrate you to hell and back, you know exactly what they're thinking, and why they act like they do.
Honestly, this series has prophecies, magic, incredible characters, brilliant world building and all the richness you could hope for. If you're looking for a sweeping epic, this is it. Ignore my bumbling attempt at a review, and go check it out.
January 11, 2025
Initiate's Trial (Wars of Light & Shadow) is the epic start of this journey and is a fantastic read. I am addicted to this author's work and have been since I first read her work back when I was in my twenties.
Jannys’ work needs to be unraveled due to its intricacies layer by layer. Therefore you will not be getting any spoilers from me. Her work entices us to confront the darkness within the narrative, suggesting that those who venture into this world will want to remain amongst the pages. She masterfully weaves together a tapestry of suspenseful storytelling.
The narrative unfolds through edge-of-your-seat plots and chilling enigmas that ensnared me from the very first page. This story seamlessly blends fantasy, supernatural and paranormal elements.
This series is gripping and exciting and a tangled web that leaves you breathless and craving more. It is filled with loss and hope, magic and danger, suspense and tension, and action within a world where chaos reigns.
Jannys’ work needs to be unraveled due to its intricacies layer by layer. Therefore you will not be getting any spoilers from me. Her work entices us to confront the darkness within the narrative, suggesting that those who venture into this world will want to remain amongst the pages. She masterfully weaves together a tapestry of suspenseful storytelling.
The narrative unfolds through edge-of-your-seat plots and chilling enigmas that ensnared me from the very first page. This story seamlessly blends fantasy, supernatural and paranormal elements.
This series is gripping and exciting and a tangled web that leaves you breathless and craving more. It is filled with loss and hope, magic and danger, suspense and tension, and action within a world where chaos reigns.
November 6, 2011
Another masterful example of Janny's writing, a roller coaster ride of emotions from tears to laughter and everything in between. I thought there was a bit more humour in this than we have had for a while, Initiate's Trial was a lot more fun to read. Many of the old characters have gone through changes, Arithon lost himself, Lysaer fights to remain himself, Elaira stands up for herself and Dakar while still being Dakar is a lot smarter than he used to be. Janny takes the time to introduce a new generation of vividly depicted characters for us to get attached to, and there is plenty of trouble brewing to keep them all busy. Could not put the book down it was that interesting, just had to see what happened next.
December 29, 2011
I’ve been a fan of this series for a long time. This latest book is fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat kinda story that is more like Wurts’ stand-alone novel, 'To Ride Hell’s Chasm'. Fans will be thrilled as Wurts’ magical prose weaves its spell and pushes the boundaries of Arithon and Lysaer’s battle, shadowed by the machinations of the Koriani,
leaving you wanting more.
leaving you wanting more.
December 3, 2018
I love this ninth book. I hate that Arithon has been trapped and all his memories were erased. I hate that even though they are brothers still and Arithon went through some tough times, Lysaer is still going to try to kill him. I hate how Arithon's daughter got raised and trained by his enemy. That would be terrible. I liked meeting a few new characters, but I'm still following Arithon and Lysaer for than ever. I loved this book. I am finally moving on the the last and final book. I rate this book 5 stars.
May 22, 2017
Janny has me on the edge of my seat for nine books now! One of my favourite series that demands to be reread ! (After Destiny's Conflict of course :)) Can't wait for the last book!
December 18, 2023
“All of his days began the same way. He awoke without any memory. Nameless, he knew nothing at all of his past. Search though he might, his thoughts churned in circles. He encountered no sense of self-purpose. Nothing beyond the fact, ‘I exist’, that might endow him with a future.”
In perhaps the most shocking book of the entire “Wars of Light and Shadow” series, author Janny Wurts begins a new arc, and propels us forward approximately two and a half centuries in the history of Athera, to the events of “Initiate’s Trial”, book 9 of this astounding saga.
After being cursed by the Mistwraith, approximately 300 years prior, the paths of half-brothers, Arithon, thought of as the Spinner of Darkness, and Lysaer, known as the Lord of Light, have diverged perhaps as far apart as they ever have previously in the series. But their enduing enmity, at least on Lysaer’s part, remains.
Arithon is captive of the ruthless Koriathain enchantresses. He has no memory nor agency, as per the quote from the book provided, at the beginning of this review. Nonetheless, he has the wherewithal to realize that he has been tasked, for an undetermined length of time, with battling free wraiths - elements of the vanquished Mistwraith who no longer have physical entity, who wander through space – from imperilling the world of Athera.
Meanwhile, his daughter (whom Arithon does not realize is his daughter), raised by the same Koriathain who have imprisoned her father, and used him for their purposes, appears. She advises Arithon that his life is in danger. Since he has successfully banished all the free wraiths, he is no longer useful. She tells Arithon she has a plan to free him.
Lysaer, meanwhile, after having been venerated most of his life as the Avatar of the Light, is now deemed an apostate to the same religion that originated with him. We learn that a Great Schism has occurred, whereby Lysaer has denounced what he has considered false priests from the religion of the Light. As a result, in the splinter, the “True Sect” – a new and fanatical offshoot branch of the religion of the Light - has been formed.
Lysaer has chosen to leave religion behind, and focus his energies and power on politics, to become the Mayor of Eterra. Yet Lysaer is still curse-driven, and still bound by that compunction, to destroy his half-brother.
Lysaer has a new faithful companion, Daliana (a descendant of Lsyaer’s former loyal aide Sulfin Evend), trying to forestall his worst impulses.
But can a man driven by such a geas as the Mistwraith, ever be truly prevented and restrained from those impulses? And at what cost to Arithon, and indeed, the rest of the world, if he cannot?
In writing this review, perhaps this a good juncture, to pause, reflect, and make some more general and overarching commentary about the book and the series, rather than provide the standard review, where I typically, in more in-depth fashion, discuss characters, themes, writing, etc. about the specific book I’m reviewing. Instead, I’d like to expand on two elements, that I believe need to be highlighted about this particular book, and the overall series.
THE TIME JUMP IN “INITIATE’S TRIAL”:
The first thing I’d like to address is the elephant in the room, about the book itself. It’s the time jump, why I referred earlier to “Initiate’s Trial” as perhaps the most shocking book of the series.
Yes, even for me, a huge fan of the series and of Wurts’ writing, the time jump, was, at first discombobulating. That does not mean it was not extremely well handled. It’s sometimes disconcerting when a book leaps forward in time in the middle of the book, or from where the previous book in a series left off.
For me, in this case, it was that feeling, at first, of nostalgia, and even grief, mourning that some of the side characters I loved from the previous eight books, had died of natural causes, because their lifespans are far shorter than that of the two main players.
But when I sat back and pondered this, I found this was MY issue, rather than the author’s.
Because I went back and re-read “Stormed Fortress”, the book that preceded “Initiate’s Trial”, and asked myself, as honestly as I could, if Wurts had left anything urgently lingering from the plot of “Stormed Fortress” that should have been closed off before jumping 250 years ahead. The answer, after some internal debate with myself, was “no”.
For despite my lamenting for the fates of some of favs from previous books, wondering how the rest of their lives played out, Wurts give us satisfying tidbits in “Initiate’s Trial” about just that. So, the feeling of loss, and dissatisfaction about what happened to those who have long passed, was alleviated to a great degree.
Moreover, with the new cast of characters introduced, and the skillful manner in which Wurts depicts them, we quickly form a sense of attachment and appreciation for them as well, and care about what happens to them too. Just as we did with the long-dead characters who died in the 250-year interval. That brings a whole new depth to the series.
Furthermore, when it comes to characters, even though with the drastic, and perhaps jarring time jump in Initiate’s Trial ( possible because the two main characters are blessed – or cursed – with magically-extended, exceptionally long lifespans of about 500 years ) we are still focused on Arithon and Lysaer, as he have been from the commencement of the series.
Final thought on this point, I bring you back to the prologue of “Curse of the Mistwraith”, which is in effect the prologue for the entire series.
“…At that time, Arithon, called Master of Shadow, battled the Lord of Light through five centuries of bloody and bitter conflict. If the canons of the religion founded during that period are reliable, the Lord of Light was divinity incarnate, and the Master of Shadow a servant of evil, spinner of dark powers…yet contrary evidence supports a claim that the Master was unjustly aligned with evil. Fragments of manuscript survive which expose the entire religion of Light as fraud, and award Arithon the attributes of saint and mystic instead. Because the factual account lay hopelessly entangled between legacy and theology, sages in the seventh age mediated upon the ancient past…let each who reads determine the good and evil for himself.”
This prologue truly became even more relevant when considering the time jump in Initiate’s trial. It’s much clearer to understand how such misconceptions, confusion, and contradictions about who and what Arithon and Lysaer were, when put in the context of the passage of huge swaths of time, such as 250 years.
So, once the reader moves past the time jump, they can absorb themselves back into this marvellous series, with renewed energy and enthusiasm. And indeed, the time jump, after I had completed Initiate’s Trial, made the whole series feel ‘rebooted’, in a good way!
THE ARCS IN “WARS OF LIGHT AND SHADOW”:
The next item I’d like to address, is the “arc” nature of dividing up the series. I’d like to explore at how it is designed by the author, why it works so well, and why it was warranted in the first place.
As I noted, this book, “Initiate’s Trial”, represents the start of a new arc in the series. Wurts has elected to divide her magnum opus into distinct arcs. Arc 1 is “Curse of the Mistwraith”, the first book.
Arc 2 consists of “Ships of Merior”, and “Warhost of Vastmark”, which some consider one self-contained book, in certain editions has been published that way.
Arc 3 is the largest arc, and holds “Fugitive Prince”, “Grand Conspiracy”, “Peril’s Gate”, “Traitor’s Knot”, and “Stormed Fortress”.
Arc 4 starts with “Initiate’s Trial”, and concludes with “Destiny’s Conflict”.
The final Arc 5 is the sole and concluding book of the series, which will be entitled “Song of the Mysteries”, to be released in 2024.
I would note here, that Wurts was inspired to pen “Wars of Light and Shadow”, after viewing a documentary about the Battle of Culloden Moor. After watching that movie, she was resolved to write about a conflict where there were lots of shades of grey, and ambiguity between what is “good”, and what is “evil”.
Speaking in an interview posted in Locus Magazine in 2017, Wurts said this, related to why she wrote the series, and the arc structure she chose to write it in:
“When the storyline was conceived, decades before the first volume’s release, I was young, ambitious, and neck deep in research to support the foundations of an epic concept, including the nuances of weapons and tactics. Then I saw the docudrama, ‘Culloden’, filmed in stark black and white, with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite rebellion so ‘’celebrated’’ in ballads and literature stripped down to horrific, unvarnished facts. The shock of that viewing, set against the reading I’d done, forever an¬nihilated the heroic trope of a killing war based on a cause. The shine on the myth became utterly stripped. Textbook presentations of history, the narrow presentation of the daily news, literature, movies, and particularly fantasy literature perniciously oversimplify good and evil. The righteous battle for a grandiose cause does not exist, and the ‘‘good’’ side does not prevail when the outcome rests upon brute force turned to slaughter.
"My personal fury re-sharpened the ‘Wars of Light and Shadow’ with intent to shatter the fallacy. All conflict has multi-faceted angles of view. From the outset, this series embraces that stance, its thrust aimed to rebut the glorifica¬tion of history as written by the victor, and to rend the veil that elevates war as a broad-scale solution. The arc structure begins by setting the stage through the eyes of two half-brothers with different backgrounds, one a musician and solitary mystic, and the other the gifted son of a king. Their divergent natures become set at odds by the Mistwraith they aimed to subdue. The second phase enlarges the span of the conflict as their individual characters shape their re¬sponses as dedicated enemies, and how that influence shapes their followers. The third arc opens up the arena to world view and defines the moral high ground of all of the factions involved, and the fourth dives beneath the sur¬face into the mysteries of the world itself. The final arc (and last volume, now underway in draft) will orchestrate the series finale and bring the Mistwraith’s origins to conclusion. This graduated expansion alters the readers’ journey profoundly, each arc unveiling a wider perspective by breaking the precon¬ceived frames of assumption. One by one, all of the traditional fantasy concepts are blown away, reversed, or replaced, revising all that has gone before until the viewpoint reshapes the setting and ventures beyond the world we thought we knew.”
As you might also glean from the above interview, besides how and why Wurts chose to divide her series into arcs, that this series is as utterly ambitious in scope, worldbuilding, history. It rivals anything by Erikson, Jordan, Tolkien, or the like. It has all the heavy emotional impact of Hobbs, in terms of the breadth and depth of character exploration and analysis. Stunning and visceral fight scenes as found in Gwynne, Winter, and Cameron? This series has that too.
No hyperbole here that any reader who wants to be challenged on every level of reading, including emotionally, intellectually, (and for me spiritually), should be reading this series. This is a story, which, as the writer herself notes, does not “sprawl”, instead it “deepens”.
And, I adore all that depth. I noted in my review of “Fugitive Prince”, this series interlaces interminable spectacle, intricately crafted and incredibly plausible plots and subplots, utterly convincing and captivating characters, prodigious world-building, and seminal, redolent prose, that I can’t get enough of. ‘Wars of Light and Shadow” has everything I could want in a fantasy series, and so much more.
This series, is simply, for me, the greatest, and most complete fantasy series ever written, Janny Wurts is one of the greatest fantasy authors ever to write, and “Initiate’s Trial” continues to display her incredible genius, taking the series into unforetold and exciting new directions.
My next review will be of the last book that is currently published in the series, “Destiny’s Conflict”.
In perhaps the most shocking book of the entire “Wars of Light and Shadow” series, author Janny Wurts begins a new arc, and propels us forward approximately two and a half centuries in the history of Athera, to the events of “Initiate’s Trial”, book 9 of this astounding saga.
After being cursed by the Mistwraith, approximately 300 years prior, the paths of half-brothers, Arithon, thought of as the Spinner of Darkness, and Lysaer, known as the Lord of Light, have diverged perhaps as far apart as they ever have previously in the series. But their enduing enmity, at least on Lysaer’s part, remains.
Arithon is captive of the ruthless Koriathain enchantresses. He has no memory nor agency, as per the quote from the book provided, at the beginning of this review. Nonetheless, he has the wherewithal to realize that he has been tasked, for an undetermined length of time, with battling free wraiths - elements of the vanquished Mistwraith who no longer have physical entity, who wander through space – from imperilling the world of Athera.
Meanwhile, his daughter (whom Arithon does not realize is his daughter), raised by the same Koriathain who have imprisoned her father, and used him for their purposes, appears. She advises Arithon that his life is in danger. Since he has successfully banished all the free wraiths, he is no longer useful. She tells Arithon she has a plan to free him.
Lysaer, meanwhile, after having been venerated most of his life as the Avatar of the Light, is now deemed an apostate to the same religion that originated with him. We learn that a Great Schism has occurred, whereby Lysaer has denounced what he has considered false priests from the religion of the Light. As a result, in the splinter, the “True Sect” – a new and fanatical offshoot branch of the religion of the Light - has been formed.
Lysaer has chosen to leave religion behind, and focus his energies and power on politics, to become the Mayor of Eterra. Yet Lysaer is still curse-driven, and still bound by that compunction, to destroy his half-brother.
Lysaer has a new faithful companion, Daliana (a descendant of Lsyaer’s former loyal aide Sulfin Evend), trying to forestall his worst impulses.
But can a man driven by such a geas as the Mistwraith, ever be truly prevented and restrained from those impulses? And at what cost to Arithon, and indeed, the rest of the world, if he cannot?
In writing this review, perhaps this a good juncture, to pause, reflect, and make some more general and overarching commentary about the book and the series, rather than provide the standard review, where I typically, in more in-depth fashion, discuss characters, themes, writing, etc. about the specific book I’m reviewing. Instead, I’d like to expand on two elements, that I believe need to be highlighted about this particular book, and the overall series.
THE TIME JUMP IN “INITIATE’S TRIAL”:
The first thing I’d like to address is the elephant in the room, about the book itself. It’s the time jump, why I referred earlier to “Initiate’s Trial” as perhaps the most shocking book of the series.
Yes, even for me, a huge fan of the series and of Wurts’ writing, the time jump, was, at first discombobulating. That does not mean it was not extremely well handled. It’s sometimes disconcerting when a book leaps forward in time in the middle of the book, or from where the previous book in a series left off.
For me, in this case, it was that feeling, at first, of nostalgia, and even grief, mourning that some of the side characters I loved from the previous eight books, had died of natural causes, because their lifespans are far shorter than that of the two main players.
But when I sat back and pondered this, I found this was MY issue, rather than the author’s.
Because I went back and re-read “Stormed Fortress”, the book that preceded “Initiate’s Trial”, and asked myself, as honestly as I could, if Wurts had left anything urgently lingering from the plot of “Stormed Fortress” that should have been closed off before jumping 250 years ahead. The answer, after some internal debate with myself, was “no”.
For despite my lamenting for the fates of some of favs from previous books, wondering how the rest of their lives played out, Wurts give us satisfying tidbits in “Initiate’s Trial” about just that. So, the feeling of loss, and dissatisfaction about what happened to those who have long passed, was alleviated to a great degree.
Moreover, with the new cast of characters introduced, and the skillful manner in which Wurts depicts them, we quickly form a sense of attachment and appreciation for them as well, and care about what happens to them too. Just as we did with the long-dead characters who died in the 250-year interval. That brings a whole new depth to the series.
Furthermore, when it comes to characters, even though with the drastic, and perhaps jarring time jump in Initiate’s Trial ( possible because the two main characters are blessed – or cursed – with magically-extended, exceptionally long lifespans of about 500 years ) we are still focused on Arithon and Lysaer, as he have been from the commencement of the series.
Final thought on this point, I bring you back to the prologue of “Curse of the Mistwraith”, which is in effect the prologue for the entire series.
“…At that time, Arithon, called Master of Shadow, battled the Lord of Light through five centuries of bloody and bitter conflict. If the canons of the religion founded during that period are reliable, the Lord of Light was divinity incarnate, and the Master of Shadow a servant of evil, spinner of dark powers…yet contrary evidence supports a claim that the Master was unjustly aligned with evil. Fragments of manuscript survive which expose the entire religion of Light as fraud, and award Arithon the attributes of saint and mystic instead. Because the factual account lay hopelessly entangled between legacy and theology, sages in the seventh age mediated upon the ancient past…let each who reads determine the good and evil for himself.”
This prologue truly became even more relevant when considering the time jump in Initiate’s trial. It’s much clearer to understand how such misconceptions, confusion, and contradictions about who and what Arithon and Lysaer were, when put in the context of the passage of huge swaths of time, such as 250 years.
So, once the reader moves past the time jump, they can absorb themselves back into this marvellous series, with renewed energy and enthusiasm. And indeed, the time jump, after I had completed Initiate’s Trial, made the whole series feel ‘rebooted’, in a good way!
THE ARCS IN “WARS OF LIGHT AND SHADOW”:
The next item I’d like to address, is the “arc” nature of dividing up the series. I’d like to explore at how it is designed by the author, why it works so well, and why it was warranted in the first place.
As I noted, this book, “Initiate’s Trial”, represents the start of a new arc in the series. Wurts has elected to divide her magnum opus into distinct arcs. Arc 1 is “Curse of the Mistwraith”, the first book.
Arc 2 consists of “Ships of Merior”, and “Warhost of Vastmark”, which some consider one self-contained book, in certain editions has been published that way.
Arc 3 is the largest arc, and holds “Fugitive Prince”, “Grand Conspiracy”, “Peril’s Gate”, “Traitor’s Knot”, and “Stormed Fortress”.
Arc 4 starts with “Initiate’s Trial”, and concludes with “Destiny’s Conflict”.
The final Arc 5 is the sole and concluding book of the series, which will be entitled “Song of the Mysteries”, to be released in 2024.
I would note here, that Wurts was inspired to pen “Wars of Light and Shadow”, after viewing a documentary about the Battle of Culloden Moor. After watching that movie, she was resolved to write about a conflict where there were lots of shades of grey, and ambiguity between what is “good”, and what is “evil”.
Speaking in an interview posted in Locus Magazine in 2017, Wurts said this, related to why she wrote the series, and the arc structure she chose to write it in:
“When the storyline was conceived, decades before the first volume’s release, I was young, ambitious, and neck deep in research to support the foundations of an epic concept, including the nuances of weapons and tactics. Then I saw the docudrama, ‘Culloden’, filmed in stark black and white, with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite rebellion so ‘’celebrated’’ in ballads and literature stripped down to horrific, unvarnished facts. The shock of that viewing, set against the reading I’d done, forever an¬nihilated the heroic trope of a killing war based on a cause. The shine on the myth became utterly stripped. Textbook presentations of history, the narrow presentation of the daily news, literature, movies, and particularly fantasy literature perniciously oversimplify good and evil. The righteous battle for a grandiose cause does not exist, and the ‘‘good’’ side does not prevail when the outcome rests upon brute force turned to slaughter.
"My personal fury re-sharpened the ‘Wars of Light and Shadow’ with intent to shatter the fallacy. All conflict has multi-faceted angles of view. From the outset, this series embraces that stance, its thrust aimed to rebut the glorifica¬tion of history as written by the victor, and to rend the veil that elevates war as a broad-scale solution. The arc structure begins by setting the stage through the eyes of two half-brothers with different backgrounds, one a musician and solitary mystic, and the other the gifted son of a king. Their divergent natures become set at odds by the Mistwraith they aimed to subdue. The second phase enlarges the span of the conflict as their individual characters shape their re¬sponses as dedicated enemies, and how that influence shapes their followers. The third arc opens up the arena to world view and defines the moral high ground of all of the factions involved, and the fourth dives beneath the sur¬face into the mysteries of the world itself. The final arc (and last volume, now underway in draft) will orchestrate the series finale and bring the Mistwraith’s origins to conclusion. This graduated expansion alters the readers’ journey profoundly, each arc unveiling a wider perspective by breaking the precon¬ceived frames of assumption. One by one, all of the traditional fantasy concepts are blown away, reversed, or replaced, revising all that has gone before until the viewpoint reshapes the setting and ventures beyond the world we thought we knew.”
As you might also glean from the above interview, besides how and why Wurts chose to divide her series into arcs, that this series is as utterly ambitious in scope, worldbuilding, history. It rivals anything by Erikson, Jordan, Tolkien, or the like. It has all the heavy emotional impact of Hobbs, in terms of the breadth and depth of character exploration and analysis. Stunning and visceral fight scenes as found in Gwynne, Winter, and Cameron? This series has that too.
No hyperbole here that any reader who wants to be challenged on every level of reading, including emotionally, intellectually, (and for me spiritually), should be reading this series. This is a story, which, as the writer herself notes, does not “sprawl”, instead it “deepens”.
And, I adore all that depth. I noted in my review of “Fugitive Prince”, this series interlaces interminable spectacle, intricately crafted and incredibly plausible plots and subplots, utterly convincing and captivating characters, prodigious world-building, and seminal, redolent prose, that I can’t get enough of. ‘Wars of Light and Shadow” has everything I could want in a fantasy series, and so much more.
This series, is simply, for me, the greatest, and most complete fantasy series ever written, Janny Wurts is one of the greatest fantasy authors ever to write, and “Initiate’s Trial” continues to display her incredible genius, taking the series into unforetold and exciting new directions.
My next review will be of the last book that is currently published in the series, “Destiny’s Conflict”.
May 6, 2025
8/10
November 9, 2013
3.5 stars (using Goodreads scale where 3 is liked and 4 is really liked).
Initiate's Trial starts 250 years after the previous book in the series (Stormed Fortress) but because so many of the characters have magical longevity it doesn't feel as though that much time has gone by: Arithon and Lysaer are still subject to the Mistwraith's curse; Elaira is still deeply in love with Arithon even though she hasn't seen him for over 200 years; Prime Seldie is still plotting the downfall of Arithon and of the Fellowship; Lirenda is still jealous of Seldie...
I found it hard to accept that there hadn't been more changes, either in the society portrayed or in the ongoing characters.
There was a key point which I didn't remember from the previous book. One of the other reviews says that this happened offstage (i.e. after the end of Stormed Fortress but before Initiate's Trial). It was a relief to know that I hadn't forgotten something so important, but I would like to know more of what happened then.
Having said that, I still ached for Arithon (on the run for almost the entire book) and am looking forward to the next book. Janny Wurts has a beautiful, although very wordy, style of writing.
Initiate's Trial starts 250 years after the previous book in the series (Stormed Fortress) but because so many of the characters have magical longevity it doesn't feel as though that much time has gone by: Arithon and Lysaer are still subject to the Mistwraith's curse; Elaira is still deeply in love with Arithon even though she hasn't seen him for over 200 years; Prime Seldie is still plotting the downfall of Arithon and of the Fellowship; Lirenda is still jealous of Seldie...
I found it hard to accept that there hadn't been more changes, either in the society portrayed or in the ongoing characters.
There was a key point which I didn't remember from the previous book. One of the other reviews says that this happened offstage (i.e. after the end of Stormed Fortress but before Initiate's Trial). It was a relief to know that I hadn't forgotten something so important, but I would like to know more of what happened then.
Having said that, I still ached for Arithon (on the run for almost the entire book) and am looking forward to the next book. Janny Wurts has a beautiful, although very wordy, style of writing.
June 5, 2017
I feel like I missed a whole book somewhere, but this is the next in the series. Have no clue how Arithon wound up where he starts this books, and that question is never really answered. I went back and re-read the ending of Stormed Fortress to see what I'd missed, but although the potential "why" is sort of set up, the "how" is never only sort of hinted at. It was a bit frustrating, as there were clues throughout the book, but no real answers. Kind of like I was supposed to know, but I don't have a clue.
Also, I'd give this my usual four star rating if it wasn't for that. The book itself is really good, just the frustrations was... frustrating.
Also, I'd give this my usual four star rating if it wasn't for that. The book itself is really good, just the frustrations was... frustrating.
August 5, 2012
This one was a weird read but amazing as usual. I was angry with Janny Wurts at first because of the timeline and because of the resulting loss of especially one character I loved very much, but Janny Wurts managed to make me embrace all those new characters.
And while I've become extremely frustrated with "A Song of Ice and Fire", "The Wars of Light and Shadow" is still as exciting as it was since the time I picked up the German translations of the first three books (a decade ago, time really does fly).
I simply can't wait for the next installment.
And while I've become extremely frustrated with "A Song of Ice and Fire", "The Wars of Light and Shadow" is still as exciting as it was since the time I picked up the German translations of the first three books (a decade ago, time really does fly).
I simply can't wait for the next installment.
September 9, 2023
I have been deep into the War of Light and Shadow, and though the device the author uses to open this book astounded me to no end—in fact I’m still ruminating over the clever way this book developed—I don’t think the book delivered on the promise it could have had.
I enjoyed this, I will continue… But I enjoyed some other things I read recently more.
The full review was originally posted on my blog (post linked). An excerpt with the introduction and conclusion has been copied to Goodreads.
I enjoyed this, I will continue… But I enjoyed some other things I read recently more.
The full review was originally posted on my blog (post linked). An excerpt with the introduction and conclusion has been copied to Goodreads.
Read
May 26, 2012Truthfully, I had my doubts about leapfrogging that much time after the conclusion of Stormed Fortress, but as per usual Janny smashed all of those. The new characters provided us with yet another angle to see the returning characters from, and I was hooked from the middle of the first chapter onward. Highly recommend to anyone who's read the rest of the Wars of Light and Shadow series (if you haven't, do yourself a favor and go do so!).
July 20, 2013
Good story. However, it seemed like the author decided to put every word she could find from the dictionary in the book which really distracted from the storytelling. I don't recall the other books being overburdened in that manner although it's been a few months since I read them.
August 6, 2012
Terrific start on the new story arc for the Wars of Light and Shadows series. As always, Janny Wurts paints compelling and vivid word pictures. Her action scenes pack a wallop and she keeps readers on the edge of their seats. A wonderful read!
December 19, 2014
Another gripping tale in Athera. Excellent book in the series. If you're this far, you'd better just grab the next available copy and read it.
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