The Cold Commands

A Land Fit for Heroes #2

by Richard K. Morgan

The otherworldly Kiriath once used their advanced technology to save the world from the dark magic of the Aldrain, only to depart as mysteriously as they arrived. Now one of the Kiriath’s uncanny machines has fallen from orbit, with a message that humanity once more faces a grave danger: the Ilwrack Changeling, a boy raised to manhood in the ghostly realm of the Gray Places. Wrapped in sorcerous slumber on an island that drifts between this world and the Gray Places, the Ilwrack Changeling is stirring. When he wakes, the Aldrain will rally to him and return in force. But with the Kiriath long gone, humankind’s fate now depends on warrior Ringil Eskiath and his few, trusted allies. Undertaking a perilous journey to strike first against the Ilwrack Changeling, each of them seeks to outrun a haunted past and find redemption in the future. But redemption won’t come cheap. Nor, for that matter, will survival.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, LGBT, Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Audiobook, Science Fiction

407 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

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

Richard K. Morgan (sometimes credited as Richard Morgan) is a science fiction and fantasy writer.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So besides screaming YOU MUST READ...how can I best entice you to sample Richard Morgan’s excellent, highly original, fantasy science fiction genre-busting series?
 
Well, since name dropping never hurts…
 
Start with prose that is dramatic, philosophically-inclined and ornately descriptive, in the spirit of Dune...juxtapose it with the crisp, trope-thrashing subversion of Joe Abercrombie…inject enough graphic depictions of violence and sex to give even George R. R. Martin pause…and submerge it all into one of the most intriguing dying earth settings since Jack Vance wrote what’s it called.

It’s polished, intelligent, and chalk full of inventiveness and ultra violence. I really liked it...a lot.

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, let me state for the record that I've been a rabid fan of every novel Richard Morgan’s written. Thus, my accolade dump is coming from the perspective of someone who has definitely drunk the kool-aid when it comes to this guy being a special talent. 
 
With that, let me start by saying that this second volume of Morgan's Land Fit for Heroes series is NOT perfect. The pace is too slow, the POV threads are unevenly developed, and not much in the way of plot progression actually happens. It’s all a set up for the next book, and that may disappoint some.

But not me...not really...though it did keep me from giving it a 5th star.  

While I would have preferred a bit more forward movement, what Morgan gives us instead is a good deal of character fleshing out, a healthy dose of backstory/world-building that is pure gold (more on that below), and a significant escalation of the stakes involved for our principal players, ramping up the drama for what promises to be a kick ass book 3. For the most part, this was just fine with me, because Morgan’s visionary world and his palpably violent vibe are so engaging that I didn’t mind just hanging out in his playground taking in whatever he wanted to show me. 
 
I'm going to forego a plot summary because the dust jacket does an adequate job, and I want to avoid spoilers for those who haven't read book 1...yet. Instead, I’ll just gush a bit Morgan’s mad skills.
 
The Prose:
 
Morgan has a knack for whisking the reader (this reader anyway) very quickly into his world. His descriptions conjure stark images in my imagination's visual feed that allow me complete immersion into his story.

In addition, he’s able to deploy his talented word-smithing in a variety of different ways. He can be breezy and lyrical when he’s providing decoration to the narrative:

The tree branched low, not much over head height for a human, and spread intricately tangled limbs upward and out—a dispersal derived not, Archeth knew, from any sculptor’s observation or skill, but from certain mathematical musings her father’s people had incubated in the hearts of their machines like song.

He can also pump up the adrenaline when he wants to get his anger on while blasting fantasy cliches to shreds:  

Well than try giving it some thought, why don’t you? Apply that finely tutored mind of yours to all those bullshit hero-with-a-high-destiny legends you people are so fucking fond of telling one another. You really think, in a mudball slaughterhouse of a world like this, where war and privation harden whole populations to inhuman brutality and ignorance, where the ruling classes dedicate their sons to learning the science of killing men the way they consign their daughters to breeding till they crack--you really think the gods of a world like that have got no better thing to do with their time than take some random piece of lowborn trash and spend long years carving him into shape for a cat’s-paw?

Mostly, however, his prose is just a blast to read, and it rubs and stimulates the neurons responsible for warming my cockles.

The World Building:

The world Morgan has created/is creating is like a dense, vibrant onion. What started out as gritty, subversive, epic fantasy setting has morphed into something very science fictional, with alien races, advanced technology, and ancient civilizations fighting massive wars with unimaginable weapons. There are even hints, not yet fully divulged, that this world may be connected to Morgan’s SF novels (please, please, please let it be so).

Regardless, the world building has become something that is bordering on the truly elite, and is certainly among the most compelling that I’ve encountered recently. Who knows, by the time Morgan wraps the series, it may find a place among the giants of speculative fiction.

Yes, it has the potential to be that good. 
 
In sum, this second installment suffers a bit from “middle volume” syndrome, but has enough of the outstanding going for it to make it an easy recommendation. This series is dark, gory and you won’t find any white hats populating the pages. But if you don’t mind grim, and love unique, intelligent stories with plenty of bloodshed...you’ve come to the right place.

4.0 to 4.5 stars. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

[James Tivendale · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Cold Commands, the second book in the A Land Fit for Heroes trilogy, we rejoin the tale of "hero, dragonslayer, and faggot" Ringil Eskiath. He's now 31-years-old and there is a price on his head throughout Trelayne following on from his deeds that concluded the events of The Steel Remains. He's changed dramatically because of his time in the Grey Places, his relationship with the Dwenda Seethlaw, and how their relationship came to its complicated conclusion.

In addition to Ringil, the other two main point of view characters return from The Steel Remains with the Majek warrior and dragonslayer Egar, and Archeth Indamaninarmal, part-human and part-Kiriath political diplomat. In a similar fashion to the previous novel, I enjoyed reading all the different perspectives of the main trio; but my favourite by far is Ringil's. In my opinion, I'd say he's one of the greatest grimdark protagonists I've read about yet.

‘And how exactly did you come by that murderous little item?’
Ringil reached up and touched the pommel of the Ravensfriend, where it rose at his shoulder. ‘It was forged for me at An-Monal by Grashgal the Wanderer.’
‘Yes – actually, I was talking to the sword.’

I thought that there was occasionally something odd and slightly disorientating about the story's presentation from the different points of view. For example, one chapter would be following Ringil, then all of a sudden, it would be presenting someone else's viewpoints on events which seemed to disrupt the flow. I'm not an expert at these devices, so I don't know if this was intentional by Morgan, but it seemed that there are peculiar switches about ten times or so in the book. It didn't really affect my enjoyment, yet I did raise my eyebrows and smile wryly here and there due to this.

One element I have really enjoyed in these novels is when both main and supporting characters reflect on their time in, and the current influence of, the previous war with the Scaled Folk. The history is deep and layered and almost feels like Morgan should have another fantasy series out that covers the wartime occasions that are mentioned in these novels. This adds considerable weight to the already complex characters.

‘I like you, Ringil Eskiath, Prophet take me up the arse if I don’t. You’re an arrogant little northern thug, you’re trading on not much more than old war stories, a belly for violence and a few family connections.’ Thin, grim slice of a smile on his lips now. ‘And from what I hear, your bedroom practices wouldn’t bear much scrutiny either. But there it is – I like you. What am I to do?’

Another aspect I like is the presentation and otherworldly feel of the Grey Places. I don't always comprehend what's happening or follow this realm's rules but it is extremely intriguing and full of secrets I'm yet to acknowledge and understand. It's also interesting to see when revealed, the influence this place is having over Ringil's character progression. The mystery surrounding the Grey Places, I thought, was a bit like Other's Island from Robin Hobb's The Realm of the Elderlings and created similar imagery in my mind.

I'll keep my review here pretty short as The Cold Commands is similar in style and design to The Steel Remains, therefore, a lot of what I stated in that review is relevant here also. Morgan's fantasy world is riveting, the cast of characters is great and I adore the sardonic wit and humour. However, some parts dragged in the middle, there aren't that many great set-pieces (excluding the finale), and I had no idea where the different storylines were going until about the 80% mark, when, once again, it all seemed to make perfect sense leading up to a belter of a finish.

I'd summarise The Cold Commands as being a steady 3-star read that I've upgraded the rating of due to its 5-star lead character and the 5-star ending. I found the finale so gripping and exciting that I will be returning to the A Land Fit for Heroes series with The Dark Defiles shortly.

[Overhaul · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Soy bienvenido en el hogar de los cuervos y las alimañas que siguen a los guerreros. Soy amigo de las aves carroñeras y los lobos. No soy la dulce promesa de una vida larga en los años del porvenir, soy la promesa férrea de jamás ser un esclavo"


El gelido mando, la segunda entrega de la saga "Tierra de Héroes" en la que (para mi) ha bajado un poco la calidad y ha cambiado en ciertos aspectos con respecto a "Solo el Acero". Soy FAN de Richard Morgan, cada libro suyo lo devoro, le da unos toques que a mi como lector, me encantan. El primer libro se llevó las cinco estrellas, no es un libro redondo tiene sus cosillas, pero joder como lo disfruté. Este prometía mucho cuando lo empecé a leer, pero no llegó. Me fastidia decir estas palabras pero, me la he pegado, estoy decepcionado.


Morgan, vuelve a separar a los protagonistas, como si no hubiera pasado "nada" , es como si el primer libro solo hubiera servido para marcar a nuestros personajes con ciertos eventos que tuvieron lugar. Me dio la sensación de empezar de nuevo, aquí pone en marcha tanto la trama como a los protagonistas hacía ese objetivo final que tiene en mente, llegas a este libro y notas que la verdadera historia comienza aquí.


Empecemos por lo que me hizo restarle puntuación a este libro y algo que para mi cambió con respecto al primero: Hay unos capítulos en concreto tres de, Ringil cuando nos vamos acercando a la mitad del libro, en concreto el capítulo 19, en el que tienen lugar sus "viajes".


A mi me parecieron algo excesivos, se me hicieron lentos, densos y un poco "complejos" ahí para mi pegó un bajon la historia, me la pegué llegado este punto y curiosamente no por haber tenido altas expectativas cuando cogí el libro, sino cuando empecé a leerlo, empezó genial. Fue avanzando y daba la impresión de encaminarse a superar a su predecesor, otro dato curioso es que lo que más me gustaba eran los capítulos de, Ringil, más oscuro, dando escenas, momentos muy buenos y chocantes. Fue llegar a ese capítulo suyo y me la pegué, que por desgracia eso que me transmitió, me afectó, ya que los capítulos del resto de protagonistas fueron a más, se volvieron interesantes, ves que la historia se dirige a un destino final, por desgracia hubo algunos momentos que no los llegué a disfrutar como debería. Por suerte los capítulos de, Ringil empiezan otra vez a resurgir pasados esos "viajes".


"No hay alternativas. Vives con lo que eres. Y no dejas que tus fantasmas ocupen espacio en tu cabeza"


Pero he aquí la razón por la que le quite puntos, la decepción con este libro es simple y es compararlo con su predecesor. ¡Por que no se puede!. Hubo un gran cambio que sentí y me chocó con respecto a "Solo el Acero " y es que dio un bajón considerable en las cosas que hicieron del primero esa jodida maravilla. Me han faltado esos toques, esa garra que le da, Morgan, ese tono sin pelos en la lengua, esa crudeza y crueldad sin cortarse un pelo, esas escenas de acción que me mantenían pegado al libro pasando cada página con ansia, los momentos de cortar los clichés a hachazos para luego mearles encima sin reparos, las escenas de sexo, fuertes y explícitas. Todo esto para mi ha bajado, en algunos casos de manera considerable. ¿Empezó bien?, sí. ¿Tiene momentos al principio sobretodo que ves un poco esa garra, esa dureza y oscuridad?, sí, pero decae y, Richard Morgan me ha parecido mucho más "blando", "dócil". Para mi esta segunda parte no representa del todo lo que fue "Solo el Acero" no está ese autor que me impresionó y capto mi atención. Si hubiera leído este sin haber leído el primero, mi valoración sería distinta. ¡Pero, ojo, esto no deja de ser mi opinión, a otros os parecerá que mejora o que se mantiene!.


La historia definitivamente sufrió un poco lo que es el síndrome del segundo libro. Los acontecimientos que tuvieron lugar en esta entrega se sintieron más como una preparación para la entrega final.  En realidad, no sucedió nada significativo hasta casi el final del libro. A pesar de eso, la historia se salva ya que sigue siendo "interesante". 


El ritmo es lento en comparación con el primero, los puntos de vista de los protagonistas se desarrollan de manera desigual y no ocurren muchas cosas en la progresión de la trama. Hubiera preferido algo más de movimiento, en su lugar se centra más en el desarrollo del personajes, construcción de mundo, historia. Nos muestra lo que está en juego para los protagonistas, ya no hay vuelta atrás. Todo está preparado para el próximo libro. Prometiendo un tercer libro, ojalá, increíble.


"Elige tus sentimientos como lo harías con un arma. Eso es lo que significa ser Majak"


Morgan tiene una gran habilidad para logra llevar al lector rápidamente a su mundo. Sus descripciones evocan imágenes que permiten sumergirte por completo en su historia. Su narrativa es una maravilla, eso si, esta segunda entrega tiene algunos momentos que estimula las neuronas un poco demasiado xD.


El mundo que ha creado Morgan es fascinante, el elenco de personajes es genial, adoro ese ingenio y humor sardónico que muestran. Siento que esta segunda entrega me ha decepcionado fue menos oscura y brutal que la primera. Aun así, Morgan logra cierto equilibrio en la historia de manera correcta. Te atrapa a seguir leyendo. Por supuesto que tenemos algunos sucesos brutales y oscuros en la historia, con humor para equilibrar los momentos duros. No le he puesto menos puntuación debido a los detalles negativos que mencioné gracias a que la historia no está mal, se va volviendo más "interesante", pero sobretodo por que me gustó el final, promete una tercera entrega con, "La Impía Oscuridad" que me traerá más acción y movimiento hacía un desenlace esperado, quizás esa garra que le dio, Morgan al primero y que sea menos "dócil". O eso espero..


"¿Os parezco un puto esclavo? —les preguntó.
Y, aunque finalmente acabaron con él por simple superioridad numérica, ninguno de los que le oyeron hacer aquella pregunta vivió para ver el amanecer"

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 3.75 ***

…“Well than try giving it some thought, why don’t you? Apply that finely tutored mind of yours to all those bullshit hero-with-a-high-destiny legends you people are so fucking fond of telling one another. You really think, in a mudball slaughterhouse of a world like this, where war and privation harden whole populations to inhuman brutality and ignorance, where the ruling classes dedicate their sons to learning the science of killing men the way they consign their daughters to breeding till they crack--you really think the gods of a world like that have got no better thing to do with their time than take some random piece of lowborn trash and spend long years carving him into shape for a cat’s-paw?”...

This is the second book of a trilogy, which I would describe as a dark fantasy with Sci-Fi elements. It is a world with its own wars, slavery, aliens who had come and protected humanity, but then had left and are possibly all dead, versions of Eldridge Folks, both Dark and Light Courts, possible dragons and derivatives as lizard folks, and some really screwed up medieval-like world, but with cyborg-like hybrid AIs... I find the ideas in the story very compelling and interesting, but when you add a whole another reality, called The Gray Places, where time can jump back and forth, the cohesiveness of the narrative becomes shaky and confusing not only for our heroes, but for the reader as well...

Once again, we have an author who has embraced a rougher language and doesn't hold back with what is done to slaves, or how those who have been in prolonged war environment, fighting and killing for their survival on daily basis, have a hard time going back to the life of a regular civilian. I guess this could be considered by some as a work belonging to the Grim Fantasy genre, since the characters are of the gray variety, with as many virtues as failings, and at times in complete opposition of what we expect from our protagonists. However, it differs in some ways, because it doesn't dwell as much on bleakness and hopelessness, and despite its darker mood and antiheroes, it still feels like there could be a light at the end of the tunnel... Also, two of our three main characters are gay. Well, one is a lesbian and the other is gay, and we do get couple of same sex scenes, which, at least for me, was a first in this genre, and I am all for it! Actually, I am not a big fan of sex in any of my Epic or Grim Fantasy books, because usually the better the Fantasy author is, the worst the romance and sex are, but hey, why not, right? 👍😎.

I liked the characters, probably because of their weaknesses, not despite them. I am very interested to see where the story goes and how the author is planning to wrap it up. As with most of these stories, I don't foresee many happy endings for our heroes, but I am hoping they at least get to punish some of their enemies in the manner they deserve! In this book there was some reconning, but not enough, not nearly enough!!! Maybe I am a bit too bloodthirsty in my old age, but what can I say, I need for them to pay!!! 🪓🪓🪓

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid middle instalment of the A Land Fit for Heroes trilogy. This series does not match up to Morgan's Altered Carbon books in terms of quality but despite that this is still a good, old school, dark fantasy series. Morgan has a very engaging writing style so it is always easy to get sucked into the stories he creates!

In terms of plot this just picked up were the last book finished. We followed the exact same three POV characters.

Ringil - He may have saved his cousin and brought news of the return of the old gods to the Empire and the League but his time being lauded as a hero is short lived due to all his other actions. We find him having managed to get exiled from his home, disowned by his family, and lumbered with a large price put on his head by the angry slave guilds!

Archeth - She was still in the employ of the Emperor. The arrival of a new Helmsmen with an ominous message warning of the rise of a dark lord gives her a bit of direction.

Egar - After getting ousted as clan leader in the last book Egar Dragonbane has pitched up back in the big city as bodyguard to Archeth. As well as clashing with Archeth's church enemies, a slightly bored Egar also finds time to clash with pretty much anyone who annoys him during his drinking binges!

The story was a bit more slow paced and this definitely suffered a little from middle book syndrome. A lot of the happenings in this one felt more like they were just setting up larger things for the final instalment. Nothing significant really happened until near the end of the book. Despite that the story was still pretty engaging and readable. The various adventures of Ringil, Egar, and even Archeth are interesting even when they are just blundering their way through their daily lives!

This is a dark fantasy, and I do feel like this second book was a bit darker and more brutal than the first instalment, but I still feel like Morgan gets the balance of the story right. There are some brutal and dark happenings in the story but this is not misery-porn by any stretch and there is a bit of humour and uplifting moments to balance out the darker moments.

I know a lot of sheltered souls felt the first book was high on sex scenes, not that I did, but it seems like Morgan took that on board as this instalment of the series was notably tamer in that regard. I'm still not sure why people were moaning so much as the sex scenes were tamer than the violence and bad language we got in the story!

All in all I enjoyed this one and think it set things up for a potentially exciting finale.

Rating: 4 stars.

Audio Note: Simon Vance did a decent job with the audio. It is what it is as I'm never going to by Vance's biggest fan.

[Mayim de Vries · Rating 2 out of 5]

”What young man does not dream of bringing his family back to the glory of earlier days? What young man doesn’t want the cold command of steel in its clenched fist? Something sharp and powerful. Something to hold.”

If you remember, upon finishing the previous book in this trilogy, even though I'd enjoyed the ride, I had a very unpleasant feeling I had dabbed with something smelly and not really healthy. The very same impression dominated my reading experience this time. Cold Commands is a book that features a m/m rape in the first chapter and then chewing through someone’s neck in the following one. And so on and so forth.

This kind of book is partly determined by the grimdark worldbuilding (“mud ball slaughterhouse of a world like this, where war and privation harden whole populations to inhuman brutality and ignorance”) and partially by the set of protagonists that make the story happen.

Our protagonists, the three of them, are still jaded and frustrated, and the majority of what takes place on the pages of the Cold Commands is rooted in one of those feelings. What is more, most of the frustration is of sexual character (which is paradoxical because we get more explicit sex scenes in various gender configurations) and the jadedness is as calculated as a teenager’s angst is. In this instalment, Egar is concerned about the fact that he is getting older, Archidi is on detox, and Ringil still fucks around (both figuratively and literally) without any considerable character development.

“Ringil Eskiath. Faggot dragonslayer.”

I think I discovered an ultimate anti-hero. A real anti-hero, a genuine hideous individual; not a hero proper pretending to be a bad boy, also handsome *wink and smile* (like most of Mark Lawrence's protagonists do). And I do acknowledge that it takes a talent to write one, so this is where I give Mr Morgan his dues.

On the surface Ringil might possess this dramatic veneer: “Long black hair, worn pulled back; long white scar scrawled across otherwise finely drawn features. Mouth thinned, drawn down at the corners…the eyes were dead.” But if you look beyond the posturing, the allure of the forbidden fruit, you discover that the said fruit is not so much forbidden as it is rotten. There is nothing noble, nothing altruist, nothing essentially good. Usually, all his supposedly ‘good’ deeds end badly for those involved or are done with entirely ulterior motifs that might have some beneficial by blows.

Generally, the most interesting thing about Ringil is his sword.

“I am Welcomed in the Home of Ravens and Other Scavengers in the Wake of Warriors. I am Friend to Carrion Crows and Wolves. I am Carry Me and Kill with Me, and Die with Me Where the Road Ends. I am not the Honeyed Promise of Length of Life in Years to Come, I am the Iron Promise of Never Being a Slave.”

And how could a sword with such a name not be interesting, right?

Especially that the story itself - is not.

“A destiny is a handy thing to have in your pocket, however worn and unlikely it might be. A mindset destiny, even a shared and shabby secondhand one, provides the blast for each man and the binding for a whole people.”

In the first place what other reviewers dubbed “a genre-busting” tale, for me is essentially a direct and not very sophisticated application of Arthur C. Clarke’s third law (any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic). This wouldn’t be so bad but for the way the story is told.

I read the first instalment in the series dozens of books ago. Consequently, I didn’t remember much and nearly all the details were blurred. You’d expect a writer to give you a helping hand, a quick recap here and there, some roundup of the main developments, perhaps hidden in a dialogue, maybe a quick recount of all the important characters.

And what does Mr Morgan do?

Nothing. He doesn't care. There is no catch-up. No summary. No clues.

So I stumbled lost and aggrieved through the initial chapters and then I just decided I don't care. And you know what? It didn’t inhibit my reading experience that much. But in case you do care and are concerned about all the nuances, heed my warning and re-read the previous book or read the synopsis. Otherwise, you too will feel that “The march of time is broken, the bounds of possibility come adrift around us, the old certainties are in their graves.” And it is not a nice feeling.

Surprisingly, this time His Imperial Shininess seems to be my favourite character (I cannot believe I wrote this) and it has nothing to do with the fact that he has a special chamber where his enemies are eaten alive by the octopi, more with the fact that he owes a boat sporting a poetic name Crockfucker (together with Shaitarn we agree that it’s one of the highlights in this novel).

In general, while I will proceed to be defiled by the final instalment in the series, I cannot say that I am a fan of this trilogy. Like a bad lover, this book got me and lost me a couple of times and only the curiosity to know how things end propels me to continue.

Also in the series:

1. The Steel Remains
3. The Dark Defiles

[Mon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esta será una de esas raras ocasiones en las que no improviso una sinopsis, porque la verdad es que no tengo idea de cómo hacerla, y no porque no haya entendido el libro, sino porque realmente no hay una trama como tal ¿? Podría decir que El gélido mando se trata del viaje moral de tres héroes que intentan encontrar (o retomar) su camino luego de salvar a la humanidad que tanto los odia por segunda vez, pero no va sobre eso. No realmente.

La valoración original era 3.5, pero no estaba segura si redondearlo hacia arriba o hacia abajo, pero luego de repasar mis apuntes sobre esta lectura he llegado a la conclusión de que para mí es un tres.

Aquí volvemos a tener los tres puntos de vista del primer libro: Archeth, Egar y Ringil. Otra vez separados (y no sé porqué).

En este libro Archeth sigue en el mismo espiral de odio y amor hacia la humanidad (especialmente hacia el emperador), pero ahora se enfrenta a la vaga posiblidad de volver a conectar con sus raíces; Egar sigue lamentándose; Ringil sigue siendo gris, aunque de un tono más oscuro esta vez... Y los tres siguen preguntándose qué sentido tiene vivir en un mundo como aquel. Básicamente, las cosas siguen igual que al principio de todo.

Hablando de lo positivo, según mis estándares, los detalles de El gélido mando están tan bien cuidados como en la primera entrega de la trilogía. Hay una escena donde a Ringil le mencionan la marea, pero como en el mundo donde él vive no hay Luna, no sabe lo que es una marea y eso me parece excelente. Por otra parte (y sí, voy a hablar mucho de Ringil), Ringil tiene una entrada fantástica, su primera aparición la vemos desde los ojos de un personaje extra y comenzamos a hacernos teorías locas sobre cómo acabó allí, y su nuevo objetivo es hechizante, conocer lo que quiere lograr te obliga a seguir leyendo para descubrir si logra o no lo que se propone. Esto último para mí es otro punto a favor: nunca tienes la certeza de que los protagonistas se saldrán con la suya. No puedes saber cómo va acabar todo porque el mundo en el que se mueven es cruel y ni los protagonistas se salvan de las desgracias. Además, la referencia a Seregil (la escena de los perros) ha confirmado mi teoría de que Ringil está ligeramente inspirado en él y como fan de Seregil eso me ha encantado. También, Archeth sigue construyendo su propia historia muy aparte de los otros y yo necesito saber qué va pasar con ella.

Hablando de lo negativo, el final hace que todo lo que leímos se convierta en relleno y aunque es entretenido, no justifica tal estafa. Ah, tampoco me ha gustado que de la nada los dos personajes a los que les importaba una mierda el amor estén enamorados y el que estaba enamorado ya no lo esté ¿? Me pareció patético, perdón (tampoco es que esto sea importante). La única razón por la que leeré el tercero es por Archeth, porque el círculo vicioso de Ringil ya me aburrió y Egar nunca me ha caído bien.

Así que, en resumen, las tres estrellas son por entretenimiento y no por calidad. No lo recomiendo a menos que de verdad te interese saber cómo acaban estos tres.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series focused more on character development than on plot. At times, it felt like it wandered around a bit and really had no point. It reminded me of when we used to game when we were younger and we had sessions where we would play side quests and role play with the locals. Everyone enjoyed their characters more and it gave the game depth, but nothing really got done.

I don't mean this in a bad way. Morgan is an experienced, talented author and it shows. The scenes come alive and his characters are rounded, well developed and brutal. It's difficult not to like them in spite of themselves. Ultimately, this was a good book but not a five-star book. it needs more of an overarching plot to drive it for perfection. But it's still really good and I can't wait to finish the series.

A solid four stars.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up! While the story structure resembles The Cold Commands's, I liked this middle book better because the conflict offers more depth&scope, there is a powerful ending and the character-building shines unhindered.

At first I didn’t know what to expect about the plot direction; there is a sense of impending doom and uncertainty as the protagonists go about their business in the aftermath of the events described in the first book, but again, no answers. Then it decidedly took off.
There is still a lot of nasty stuff and some blood-curdling deeds are even sanctioned by “the heroes”, but of course, this is grimdark and everybody acts with the gloves off. I'm not to judge and considering the bleak world this story is set in, it felt very real that even people with some morals become fast inured to violence after a certain point, to retain their sanity or a semblance thereof or simply for some fun payback time.

Not that there are many inhibitions to start with since most of the characters, main and minor alike, range from the calculating bullion hoarders through those coping with PTSD right down to disillusioned psychopaths and all the shades in between.
I really, really liked that the protagonists bear the scars of a lived life anyway, and some ugly emotional baggage is inevitable in their thoughts and actions, not to mention, they are all very well-rounded, Egar the Dragonbane is finally cast in an important role and I was very interested in their motivations.

This book is purely character-driven and I loved to see the protagonists’ development, relationships and harrowing choices…it’s just the source material that it is not your average neighbor. Bottom line, the author has done a superb work with the all-out characterization.

The narrative keeps being complex, pervaded with witty paragraphs (Anasharal, half a star just for you!), masterful phrasing and thought-provoking themes; the world building is still intriguing and I wanted to know more, particularly about the Grey Places.
Central to the plot is a mystery and the author worked hard to lay all the necessary clues as the story unfolds, but he still plays a difficult game of balance to keep the tension high and engage the reader’s focus while avoiding info-dumps or utter frustration - not always successful…If I had not read the series straight through I would have become lost before long; the going was smoother, although the middle chapters meandered enough to sorely try my endurance.

Fortunately the last third of the book is a great roller-coaster ride and the story finally capitalizes on all the previous foreshadowing.
I’m now totally happy with the investment. Onward!


Death was your friend, your confessor, your intimate companion, and though the seduction might be lengthy and sly, you always knew he’d get you in the end.

[Kirstine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The world opens up and swallows you down.
This is not new. You've spent the last decade of your life at least, wondering how it'll burn down in the end. Before that, of course, you were too young and alive to really believe in your own death, but the war took all that away."

So. That looks like it's taken out of a goddamn Siken poem, and isn't that just fitting and heartbreaking all in one?

This book was one hell of a ride and I find it hard to believe I ever doubted whether or not I wanted to continue with this series.
Consider my doubts permanently removed. Richard Morgan, I bow down. Friends, fellow goodreaders, what you're looking at, simply put, is the book that Prince of Thorns wishes it could be. It's the perfect mix of all my favorite fantasy books, it's a delicious mash-up of fantasy and science-fiction, it's bloody and gut wrenching and thrilling and complex. It's all you could ask for, really.

Ringil is back and he's off to a less than sympathetic start.
He's a little rusty, a little incapable of conduction himself in a world turned back on itself after war. And there's an early scene that I think will be a deal-breaker for a few people, where Ringil allows someone to be raped. It's brutal eye for an eye justice, and most likely the most despicable thing Ringil ever has and ever will do, but you can't hate him for it, because you know the feeling - the feeling of wanting, truly, an eye for a fucking eye. He allows it because if you have someone raped, then you deserve to be raped right back, which isn't really a productive way of punishment in general society, but in the darkness of a slave camp with blood on your hands society is suddenly far away and your own warped morals provide the only thing to measure justice by. He improves from this point on, as if we meet him at his absolute lowest and watch him raise himself up (with a little help, perhaps, ahem).

Ringil isn't a good person, but he isn't bad either, he isn't cruel and derives no perverted pleasure from the suffering of others. He's simply an extraordinarily broken man. And he's not alone.

Ringil, Egar, Arceth, they're all broken and on the edge of ruin. You could say they fight for the good in the world, but this is a good they hardly ever catch a glimpse of. Two of them are judged even when they once in a while find it in themselves to love. What are you gonna do in a world like that? Play by the rules? Follow the morals of a world that turned it's back on you?

Fuck no. You fight for the people closest to you, you hold onto that even if it burns you, because there's little else left. And you fight dirty.

War makes men into heroes and peace turns them into men again.
And men are lying, backstabbing bastards, so is it really so odd you'd go to great lengths to save the few you still trust?

The thing is, as brilliant as the world-building is, as kickass the action, as thrilling the plot, this book is a character study. The whole thing builds up to the third book (and goddamn that will be epic), so this story wouldn't have left me in such awe if it wasn't for those three people. What I missed in the last book were these details, I wanted to get to know them better, and I wanted to know their relationships better - and I got my wish. This book works because it's driven forward by a simple a thing as actual love. It's never even spoken aloud, and that's how you know you're holding a quality book. It's written in everything they do and say.

Ringil doesn't charge straight into the lion's mouth because it's "the right thing to do", he does it because it'll save a person he deeply cares about (and maybe a little because he's being prodded and guided by a demon god, but shh)

More than anything you just want them all to find a small cottage and settle down and live peaceful lives, and you think they could do it, that then at last they could leave the war behind and say a permanent fuck you to the Gods who are too lazy to do their own dirty fucking handiwork. But the world is unforgiving and demon gods won't take no for an answer. So off they go to face the agony of battle, to find something new to lose.

Of course, I might be exaggerating this part a little because it gets to me so much. There's much more to the story, and they all have to face their own demons, live through betrayals and all the while prepare to battle something much larger than they can even imagine. Or at least so we're told.

Now, I'll advise you to read The Steel Remains and this book right after each other, because Richard Morgan really doesn't bother to go back and refresh your memory about previous events. A few things had me really confused, because of this, and sometimes the descriptions were a little muddy, so you'll need to focus if you want to keep up.

There were a few other key plot-points that I felt weren't properly explained (like, what the hell does it mean to pass through the Dark Gate? And HOW did it happen and WHEN? TELL ME MORE), and where this book cleared up some of the questions left over from its predecessor, it also raised new ones that hopefully the next one will follow up on - it's either that or some of it was explained in The Steel Remains and I've forgotten all about it. So, yes, please read both books in quick succession, it will make everything easier.

All I can really say to end this lengthy review is that after reading the last line I wanted to pump my fist in the air and scream like a mad-woman, because holy shit that was epic and I want more.

(I also find myself really wishing for a prequel. I'd love to meet them during and right before the war against the Scaled Folk, back when they had hopes for the future and were less broken).

[Jeff Salyards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished The Cold Commands by Richard K. Morgan. I’ve been a fan of his since the first page of Altered Carbon, so I was really interested to see where he took things in a fantasy milieu. The first book in the series, The Steel Remains, wasn’t quite as well-received as his science fiction, but I enjoyed it, and thought The Cold Commands was even better. The second book feels more confident and poised, less like he was out to prove something and more just focused on storytelling. The Kovacs books are a tough act to follow, but I think if readers come into this series and judge it on its own merits, they’ll discover he doesn’t have any real issues stepping into another genre.

Of course, anyone familiar with his previous work won't be shocked to discover there is plenty of violence, gore, profanity, and sex (straight and gay). Not for the faint of heart. You dig it, or you don't, and in this milieu, as in his science fiction, it makes perfect sense, as the place it full of shady, degenerate, and largely irreverent characters/antiheros, a dystopian vibe where rounding every corner seems to promise something uglier and more horrific than the last, and Morgan's trademark fixation on politics and the power that comes with the territory, and there's an underlying dark humor that somehow keeps the whole thing from being overwhelmingly oppressive.

As you might expect, the prose is vigorous, muscular, and brutal at times, but again, perfectly in sync with the storyline and setting. The Steel Remains didn't hook me immediately, but I figured it was Morgan, so I would stick it out, and I'm glad I did, because while that book slowly grew on me, The Cold Commands had me from the start. As I said, it seemed less like posturing and bravado and “See, I’m going to shiv every genre cliché in the kidney and laugh maniacally”, and much more focused on just delivering a top notch story that moves fast and grips you tighter as it goes.

[John McDermott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Richard Morgan's writing style a lot ; tough and uncompromising. This style was used to good effect in The Steel Remains,(the first book in this trilogy),and was very much in evidence here. The problem was that The Cold Commands felt very much like a transitional book, like I had to get through it in order to reach the next part of the story. It's full of incident but nothing much happens in terms of plot to drive the story forward. Also, with it's gritty nature, meddling gods and alternate realms, we are very much in Malazan territory here with this book and ,to be honest, in comparison, Erikson and Esslemont do it much better than The Cold Commands.
However, I did enjoy the book, Ringil ,Egar and Archeth are all great characters ,it's just not as good as The Steel Remains. So, for me, Richard really needs to step up for the final book or the series is in danger of fizzling out. A low three stars.

[Kaora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do not despite the beggar, grizzled and crippled at the corner. For who can tell what households or kingdoms he may once have called his own. Life is a long dream whose end we cannot see and he is perhaps but a premonition, a lucky warning you may yet take.

I can't say that I enjoyed this as much as the first.

Although the first was also slow going at the start, the world building and action quickly pulled me in. That epic opening line helped as well.

Leaving a few months gap between reading these books I think contributed to the dull start in this book as I struggled to remember who the characters were and what they were doing. And while the dark setting and gritty characters are still present and accounted for in this book, some of it seemed over the top.

I don't think this book fully captured my attention until 40% in and even then while it was good it wasn't great.

It seemed more intent on setting things up for the next book, which I am really looking forward to.

[Freakout · Rating 5 out of 5]

even better than the first book ...

[Ranting Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.rantingdragon.com/the-cold...


This review contains minor spoilers for The Steel Remains.

The Cold Commands is the much anticipated sequel to The Steel Remains, the 2008 fantasy debut of now-acclaimed science fiction author Richard Morgan. After a three year hiatus, the second installment of A Land Fit for Heroes has finally arrived—and it will not disappoint. No holds are barred in this fast-paced genre shake-up, its pages veritably bursting with passion, action, intelligence, and pathos.

Set approximately one year after the events of The Steel Remains, The Cold Commands reunites us with forgotten war heroes Ringil, Archeth, and Egar, albeit in somewhat altered circumstances. Exiled from his homeland and endowed with strange abilities from his time in the Grey Places, Ringil has taken to what he refers to as ‘abolishing slavery.’ However, as the slave trade is legal in Trelayne, his actions have marked him as an outlaw with a rather hefty bounty on his head. Hunted from every direction and with nowhere else to go, his last hope may be to seek asylum in Yhelteth with the Kiriath half-breed royal adviser, Archeth Indamaninarmal.

However, not all is well in the southern capital. In addition to dealing with the increasingly fanatic Citadel and serving the whims of her decadent monarch, Archeth is receiving strange warnings of approaching darkness from the Helmsmen. Furthermore, her house-guest Egar the Dragonbane, former steppe nomad, feels stifled by Yhelteth society and grows ever more reckless in his boredom. Tensions reach breaking point, old enemies plot, dark forces stir. And with an insidious plot penetrating Yhelteth society to its very core, never has the danger lurked so close to home.

Anyone for some edgy ‘retro dystopic sci-fi/fantasy noir?’
All in all, The Cold Commands takes everything that made The Steel Remains great and amps it up to the next level. It’s darker, faster, grittier, and more violent than its predecessor while providing the same generous servings of black humor, snappy dialogue, and cynical, razor-sharp wit. The fascinating alien technologies, strange powerful races, and science fiction elements introduced in the previous novel also receive enhanced focus. For instance, the self-aware mechanical constructs, the Helmsmen, play a much greater role throughout The Cold Commands, and we learn more about their abilities and purpose. The origins of their creators—the ebony-skinned, technologically advanced Kiriath—are also explored in further detail, as are those of their enemy, the reality-shifting Dwenda. The strange gods of the Dark Court also play a hand in events, and we see more and learn more of the significance of the Grey Places: the realm between realities full of unrealized possibilities and unchosen paths.

However, there’s more to The Cold Commands than strange creatures and sword fights. Morgan resumes his edgy socio-political satire and re-embarks on his poignant exploration of human nature. Themes of corruption, fanaticism, and bigotry are all addressed throughout the novel, and readers are forced to question their beliefs regarding concepts such as revenge, justice, love and camaraderie. Nevertheless, it’s not all darkness and despair. The Cold Commands also contains more tender, hopeful scenes to offset the bloodshed, providing a peculiar sense of warmth in a world more accustomed to the cold clash of steel. These stand as small reminders that perhaps there is still something worth fighting for in Morgan’s otherwise bleak version of reality.

Hard-hitting characterization
Undeniably, Morgan’s main strength lies in his characters, specifically his ability to make the reader care about them even when their actions verge on the reprehensible and their motivations are morally suspect. Throughout The Cold Commands, we learn more about the damaged, imperfect misfits we first met in The Steel Remains. Ringil, Archeth, and Egar are undeniably and recognizably human and face greater challenges than ever before in the events that unfold both around them and within themselves. They are not infallible and frequently make mistakes or allow their passions to cloud their judgement. Even if we don’t agree with a character’s actions in a given situation at least we can understand them.

Once again, there is no black-and-white morality in this series; everything and everyone is a shade of grey. For instance, we are reminded that Archeth—despite appearing superficially to be the least morally ambiguous of the protagonists—is instrumental in preserving the empire of a rather cruel and self-indulgent Emperor. As a near-immortal, she is able to take ‘the long view’ and overlook immediate corruption if it serves a greater purpose. Yet the answers to various questions are never clear cut. It may be corrupt and imperfect, but if not the Empire, what else? The fanatical Citadel? In some cases, one must be willing to choose the lesser of two evils. Additionally, like the reader, the characters are frequently forced to face that age old question: does the end justify the means? And what do you do if it doesn’t?

A conclusion that will leave you gasping for breath
While still relatively self-contained, The Cold Commands encompasses a much larger scope than its predecessor and is more obviously part of a trilogy. It lays down the foundations for the third and final novel while carefully avoiding the dreaded ‘second book slump’ that has some writers sacrificing the middle book as mere filler before the final installment. Although the plot slows down slightly around the middle to encompass some enhanced character development, all the pieces fall into place soon enough and the story continues on its path to a truly epic and relentless climax. For the last quarter of the novel, I found myself glued to the book, frantically turning pages and unable to look away. Morgan is not averse to killing characters and I must admit this was one of the rare instances in which I had literally no idea whether my favorite characters would even survive the next few pages. To top it off, the conclusion is absolutely stunning and left me feeling shell-shocked and hungry for the next installment.

You haven’t read gritty until you’ve read this
Those who have already read The Steel Remains probably know what to expect; however, any new readers should consider themselves forewarned. Those who pick up The Cold Commands expecting mindless escapism will be in for a rather nasty surprise. Morgan does not shy away from the depiction of graphic sex and violence, drug use or coarse language and although all are used within context, anyone adverse to gritty realism may want to look elsewhere. Some may also detect a rather cynical portrayal of organized religion. While this may alienate certain readers, I personally interpreted it as more disparaging towards blind religious fanaticism in general than an attack on any particular real-world faith. Additionally, those put-off by the homosexual aspects of The Steel Remains will find no respite here, as Morgan brings them back with renewed vigor. Nevertheless, I doubt anyone likely to be scared off by such content will have managed to make it this far into the trilogy.

Why should you read this book?
Richard Morgan is an accomplished author at the top of his game and The Cold Commands stands as a testament to this fact. While new readers should probably start with The Steel Remains in order to experience the books to their fullest, this work surpasses its predecessor on almost every front. While it may not be for everyone, A Land Fit for Heroes will undoubtedly appeal to anyone tired of the old fantasy tropes or just looking for something a little bit different. Sharp, fast, furious, and well written, The Cold Commands is a must read for anyone who likes gritty, edgy fantasy that is unafraid to explore complex or difficult issues. Lastly, it is the second book in what is shaping up to be an absolutely unforgettable trilogy and sets the scene for what should be a truly mind blowing conclusion in the third book. All I can say is this—bring it on!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorooooo Morgan!!!!!

[Emil Söderman · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, this is a book I guess?

Honestly, I was underwhelmed by The Steel Remains, and the Cold Commands isn't that fantastic either. It has vague glimpses of interesting stuff going on, but nothing that really comes together. Mostly it's just a bunch of dicks running around being dicks, laced with extra Grimdark for no particular reason, and it all feels kind of random. Some guy is faffing around and then gets teleoported to where the plot needs him. Large amounts of sex is had (a lot of which is gay, which is nice) and oh, another invasion of magical rape elves is stopped via deus ex machina. (almost literal if I read the thing correctly)

Overall I definitely have to say I like Arctetcht (or however you spell her name) the best, mainly because of her weird relationship with your standard evil emperor. That's vaguely interesting. The Kiriath stuff is also vaguely cool. The rest? Not very interesting.

Oh yeah, and the protagonist orders the gang rape of a minor villain at the beginning of the book. Stay classy Richard K. Morgan.

[Nadya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Наблюдайте целых 600 страниц, как Рингил находит с кем потрахаться абсолютно в любом месте, пока Эгар находит с кем подраться абсолютно в любом месте, а Арчет не может сделать ни то, ни другое.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I am not really bright. I was mad at myself for waiting so long to read Richard Morgan’s first book in this A Land Fit for Heroes series The Steel Remains. Well, here I am again way too late to this amazing party. Morgan continues this series in such an amazing dirty fashion that I know that I will need to read it again. This is the antihero fantasy series that you were looking for….

My friend Kristine here at Goodreads writes an amazing review that I totally agree with and think that you should read too.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I loved everything about this book:
Ringil is the Man…I cannot wait to get more from him and his adventures.
A great example of the action and the writing:
“A combat smile touched the corners of his mouth. The berserker fury stirring now, on the straw-strewn cage floor of his mind.
They circled him, and he stood and watched, turning the minimum he needed to keep them both in view. The lance slanted loosely through his two-handed quarterstaff grip. It was the familiar feel of an old lover under his hands. He was the windmill fulcrum at the heart of the world as it turned, the spindle of a promised and rising rage.
His lips parted over a clenched grin.
“Come on, then. Come on!”
At the edge of his vision, the axman rushed in. Nicely done, it only just missed his blind spot. He jabbed down, hoping to skewer a foot, at a minimum trip the fucker up. Keep the other end of the staff high because—
Skirling shriek, as the other dwenda came leaping at him, above head height.”



““A bloodline in exile,” the dispossessed prince murmured. “What young man does not dream of bringing his family back to the glory of earlier days? What young man doesn’t want the cold command of steel in his clenched fist? Something sharp and powerful. Something to hold.”


My only gripe with this read is that I wish that I read it sooner.

My highest recommendations!!!!

[Daniel Garrido · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta segunda entrega de Tierra de Héroes está ambientada un tiempo después de los sucesos de Sólo el acero (del que también podéis leer mi reseña), y todos los personajes de la trilogía de Richard Morgan ahora tienen que hacer frente al precio de sus decisiones. Aunque la victoria contra los dwenda parece haber detenido momentáneamente sus planes de invasión, en El Gélido Mando el corazón del Imperio de Yhelteth sigue siendo un lugar altamente convulso, donde los creyentes más radicales de la Revelación parecen listos para acabar con todos aquellos que nos comparten sus creencias.
Allí se encuentra ahora Egar el Matadragones, descubriendo que es mucho lo que ha cambiado desde su juventud. Como guardaespaldas y amante de Imrama su situación es del todo menos agradable, sobre todo cuando regresa a casa el esposo de esta... Así que el guerrero majak, en busca de una manera de desfogar su mal humor, no tarda en verse envuelto en una extraña historia donde se mezclan sus compatriotas majak y el poder religioso de la Ciudadela.
Por su parte, la mestiza Archeth ha sido convocada por los timoneles kiriath para cumplir una importante (y misteriosa) misión: reunirse con un mensajero, que parece traer una oscura advertencia para el mismísimo emperador Jhiral. Una vez más la duda es si los timoneles están jugando con los humanos, o la amenaza es real.
En el norte Ringil Eskiath se ha convertido en un despiadado enemigo de todos los esclavistas. Exiliado y rechazado por su propia familia, ahora lidera una banda de mercenarios implacables, y su lucha le lleva a encontrarse de frente con todos los fantasmas de su pasado. Los sucesos del final de Sólo el acero han marcado profundamente al guerrero, despojándole de cualquier rastro de piedad.
Una vez más Morgan maneja de forma muy ágil los tres hilos principales de la historia, alternándolos para mantener enganchado al lector a la trama. Reconozco que tanto la historia de Ringil como la de Egar han logrado mantenerme atrapado, pero con Archeth tengo la sensación de que el autor estira demasiado el chicle de un formar artificial, y creo que se convierte en el arco más superfluo de la novela (aunque es cierto que se intuye que su trama sobre todo sirve de presentación de lo que ocurrirá en la última entrega de la saga, La Impía Oscuridad).
En esta nueva entrega Ringil se vuelve mucho más oscuro todavía, ya que el antiguo héroe de guerra ahora ha sido casi totalmente despojado de su humanidad, convertido en una máquina implacable que solo busca el castigo de sus enemigos. Sin embargo, la huella que los dwenda han dejado en él sigue marcándolo como alguien especial, una pieza clave para la inevitable lucha que los volverá a enfrentar. Durante su viaje empezará a ser consciente de ello, y tendrá que decidir hasta que punto está dispuesto a profundizar en sus nuevas capacidades.
Pero sin duda el personaje que más brilla en esta segunda entrega es Egar el Matadragones. El majak empieza a ser consciente que regresar a la ciudad donde vivió su juventud ha sido una mala idea, y que para él no hay ningún retorno posible. A partir de entonces, su desesperación le lleve a encadenar una serie de malas decisiones que le acabaran metiendo de lleno, sin pretenderlo, en las luchas internas de Yeltheth entre los poderes religiosos de la Ciudadela, el emperador y una amenaza mucho más oscura.
Las tres tramas principales irán acercándose paulatinamente hasta el último tramo de la novela, donde la confluencia de todas ellas en la propia capital de Yhelteth. Una vez más la violencia de las armas será la decidirá el destino de los tres protagonistas principales, además de resolver muchos de los enigmas que rodean a la amenaza aldraina. Aunque el clímax final creo que no llega a tener la misma potencia que el desenlace de Sólo el acero, si que logra mantener el interés del lector por el desenlace, al mismo tiempo que deja la trama en un punto álgido que promete una última entrega repleta de revelaciones.
Con El Gélido Mando Richard Morgan sigue explorando el peso que el pasado causa sobre cada uno de sus dañados y dolidos personajes. Asistimos a como la venganza vuelva cada vez más oscuro e implacable a Ringil mientras descubre la huella que los dwenda han dejado en él; descubrimos como Egar demuestra que no hay nada peor que el orgullo herido de un guerrero veterano y como la mestiza Archeth que tiene que decidir hasta que punto puede confiar en los timoneles creados por su propia raza. Con grandes dosis de acción y realismo sucio en un mundo que no tolera ningún tipo de debilidad, El Gélido Mando se desarrolla a un ritmo ágil gracias al hábil entrelazamiento de los tres arcos argumentales y sienta las bases para un intenso viaje hacia el corazón último de los misterios aldrainos, que con la recién publicada La Impía Oscuridad promete poner fin de una vez por todas a un conflicto ancestral que se ha filtrado a través de la costura misma de la realidad y el tiempo.

http://caballerodelarbolsonriente.blo...

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

«Mi piacete, Ringil Eskiath. Che il Profeta m’inculi se non è così. Siete un arrogante stronzo del Nord, che tira avanti con delle vecchie storie di guerra, l’inclinazione alla violenza e alcune conoscenze di famiglia.» Un sorriso debole e cupo sfiorò le sue labbra. «E da quanto si dice in giro, anche le vostre abitudini in camera da letto non reggerebbero un esame approfondito. Ma è così, mi piacete. Che ci posso fare?»

Il secondo capitolo di questa saga è intenso, violento e forse ancora più bello del primo. A posteriori, dopo aver concluso il terzo, questo resta il mio favorito.

Qui Morgan mi ha fatto persino ridere, le schermaglie tra Gil e Sua Radiosità sono deliziose. La povera Archeth è l'unica a dover fingersi adulta, tra ragazzoni che fanno i bambini e persistono a mettersi nei guai.
Morgan passa da toni cupi e dolenti, ma pieni di poesia, a improvvisi avvitamenti di ritmo che ti fanno sobbalzare e ti sorprendono per certe descrizioni improvvise e ugualmente struggenti.
Non ha mai raccontato niente di diverso: il suo è un mondo brutale, con mostri e presenze oscure, ma dove anche gli uomini, quanto a malvagità, non sono da meno: gli stupri, gli sgozzamenti e le torture sono all’ordine del giorno. E anche gli dei che dovrebbero vegliare sono altrettanto dispotici, maligni e vendicativi.
Yhelteth, il cuore dell’impero, sprofonda inarrestabile in un’oscurità brunita, il fanatismo religioso colpisce a sud, mentre la superstizione aliena corrode il nord. E si avverta una stanca rassegnazione alla morte e alla violenza sullo sfondo.

Anche se tutti e tre i compagni di spade sono personaggi a tutto tondo, ciascuno con le sue (molte) fragilità e debolezze, il mio preferito continua a restare Ringil Eskiath, per questo suo cinismo interiore che lo spinge ad essere un guerriero, anche se forse è l’ultima cosa che vorrebbe, e per questa sua durezza acquisita che, nonostante tutto, non gli lascia spazio per la pietà, i sentimentalismi e tutto ciò che si è lasciato indietro.

E se il primo volume celava la disillusione, questo ti lascia con la frustrazione di non sapere quanto è davvero vicina la minaccia annunciata dai Timonieri.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to review because like the first book, The Steel Remains, the pace was really slow for a large part of the book and I wasn't invested in the characters or the story. I wanted more time spent with Ringil and Egar, rather than Archeth, who I am still not sure if I like or not. There is also not really much plot development in this book but it does set everything up nicely for the final book The Dark Defiles.

[Gerhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning sequel to The Steel Remains throws a swaggering ‘fuck you’ to all those who have not read the initial instalment … or those who have forgotten its plot intricacies. Richard Morgan throws the reader back viscerally into his grimdark world – one of the chief strengths here is the glorious world-building.

I am unsure if this is because Morgan is best known as an SF writer: he brings the same attention to detail and consequence to this ostensible fantasy realm. Though the sequel does show the SF elements bleeding through, in the best way possible, reminding me strongly of the great Gene Wolfe.

From disquisitions on everything from bathing routines in a war campaign, to the necessity of skilled blacksmiths to victory, to the ramifications of court politics, this is a big, ballsy book to wallow in. Central to this is the incisive characterisation, with Ringil Eskiath, “faggot dragonslayer”, being remarkably unlikeable, particularly in such brutal scenes where he presides over the prolonged gang rape of a female captive.

Such inhumanity is balanced carefully against Ringil’s own marginal status as a homosexual, despite the fucking great big sword, forged of alien metal, he carries on his back (like Sisyphus’s Rock). There is a stunning scene, erotic and evocative, where Ringil sleeps with the ragtag leader of a band of thieves and misfits:

Nobody cared. They were too full of their own lives to pass judgement on others. It was an otherness, a magic as staggering as the ikinri’ska.

There is also a wonderfully melancholy strain to the narrative, an elegiac reflection on age, loss and regret:

Is this how it ends, then? Faded glories and memories of a youth growing dim. The cold creep of time as it eats you. Weaker and weary, less and less triumph in your stride, less and less to warm you outside of those recollections of another, brighter, harder, younger man...

Morgan’s contribution to grimdark fantasy is equally as pivotal as his Kovacs novels have been to cyberpunk SF. Perhaps most importantly of all, he breathes new life and vision into both genres, upholding all the old genre clichés, while at the same time making them uniquely his own, in a fantastic fusion of blood and magic. Extraordinary.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am left vacant as a weed covered gravel pad. I've watched the downfall of a friend in a moment that seems heroic on its face but is the birth of his own terrible fate, and there is nothing I can do because my friend is a character on a page. All I can do is wait for his final descent and watch as he falls.

Richard K. Morgan is special. When I read these stories of Ringil, Archeth and Egar, I am captivated in a way I haven't felt since Lord of the Rings in my teens. He's speaking to me now, me and all my cynicism, in a way Tolkien spoke to my simpler idealism and teen imagination. Morgan is the writer of my current moment, and I place A Land Fit for Heroes on par with Lord of the Rings. It is a story that should -- though it probably will not -- take its place amongst the truly great works of fantasy.

And for that, and my sadness, and the fact that I must wait for the final chapter, I will now curl up in a ball and imagine that Morgan isn't trying to tell us something deep & telling about our ugly humanity, that he is just spinning an adventure tale to entertain. But that is a lie, as anyone who has read these books must know.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

After just about three years Richard Morgan’s The Cold Commands has been released. Picking up more or less where The Steel Remains leaves this dark fantasy (I almost want to say science fantasy) novel is a bit slower than the previous volume, forgoing major strides in plot advancement in favor of maneuvering characters and events so as they are positioned for further adventures, and likely more action, in the next volume(s). While this makes for a more intense study of our three main leads; Ringil, Arceth, and Egar; it does lend the novel a more meandering feel.


As the novel opens Ringil is working to disrupt the slave, more as an act vengeance for a lost relative rather than any sense of true altruism on his part. This early plot point offers one of the more troubling scenes of the novel in which Ringil allows for the gang rape of a slaver (Poppy Snarl) as an act of vengeance in an effort to break her spirit. I raise that point, and minor spoiler, here to remind you that Morgan’s fantasy novel is not one for the squeamish. There is no flinching away from violence at all. It should also be noted that while Ringil allows for that rape to occur there is no sense of victory in it, no sense of fulfillment on his part. Furthermore, once the rape is stopped Poppy goes on to explain to Ringil something about the reality of growing up as a poor female on the streets revealing that he couldn’t take from her what has already been taken. It is an uncomfortable scene and one that continues to unveil the troubling sexual politics of fantasy world that Morgan has created. That being said this scene was almost enough to make me stop reading.

While Ringil’s homosexuality in The Cold Commands is often shown in a much more positive light than Arceth’s homosexuality. Ringil’s sexual encounters are perhaps the only times we get to see him for who he really is rather than the mask he is constantly forced to wear. Meanwhile Arceth’s position as an inhuman, female, outsider places her in a more precarious position than Ringil. There is a palpable loneliness to her not just because she is last member of a vanished race constantly surrounded by the relics of her kind whose longevity dooms her to watch the people around her age and die, but also because she is a gay female in a society that places both women and homosexuality on the very bottom of the social rung. She walks a delicate line between her need to honor the legacy of her people, the Empire they helped create, while being constantly close to being rejected (and sometimes despising) that same creation. There is a tragic quality to her characterization that is powerful and difficult to ignore.

Egar the Dragonbane, the last of our major characters, is a sort of middle-of-the-road character. In one way he is a relic of the past growing nostalgic as he advances in years. He remembers with perhaps misplaced fondness the social ties of the Steppes where he comes from while at the same time struggling to navigate through apparently civilized society. Egar’s role in the story is one that helps illuminate the thin, nigh non-existing, line between civilized and uncivilized society. Like Arceth’s story it illuminates some of the difficulties women face in namely the fact that a husband with a mistress is an acceptable part of society but a woman having sex outside the marriage bed is an offense punishable by death. There is a bit a disparity there.

All three characters follow separate threads of the plot only converging towards the conclusion of the novel. In many ways Ringil, who for all intents and purposes is our “hero” character struggles against stepping into the role. His “square peg round hole” characterization reminds me of the willfully divergent character from Peter David’s Sir Appropos of Nothing (though certainly with less humor). Through Arceth and the Kirith Morgan introduces a strong “science fantatsy” vibe to the story that was definitely present in the last novel but comes far more to forefront here. The sort of divergent roles both Arceth and Ringil play leaves Egar as sort of foil to both characters as his characterization follows more along the line traditional barbarian trope (think Logen Ninefingers rather than Conan).

Ultimately while there was some strong character work throughout The Cold Commands I still felt a bit disappointed by the novel. It is a both the novel’s blessing and bane that I really just want more. More action, more detail, and more of the fascinating and often disturbing world that Richard Morgan has created. A Land Fit For Heroes is not a series for the faint of heart. It may not scratch your itch for classic epic fantasy. It is a series painted in shades of gray with a liberal spray of crimson further diluting the lines between good, bad, right, and wrong. If you liked The Steel Remains you’re going to like The Cold Commands but those on the fence after the first novel are going to have a difficult time with what felt like a increase in violence and sex across the novel.

[Francesca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Scrivo questa recensione un po’ incacchiata così, a caldo, appena finito il libro.

Partiamo dalle cose positive: le ultime cento pagine mi hanno catturata. Adrenaliniche, epicità al massimo, la posta in gioco è altissima. Secondariamente, essendo questo un grimdark, devo concederglielo: si sente che è un grimdark. Apro a caso una pagina di questo libro, lo faccio leggere a un passante e questo schiatta.
Ma ora passiamo a tutto il resto.

Soggettivamente, questa non è stata un’esperienza di lettura piacevole. Non solo per le tematiche trattate, per le continue scene di violenza, sesso, bestemmie e tutto il resto. Questo ovviamente me lo aspettavo. Ma uniamo queste caratteristiche a un sistema magico e un worldbuilding complicatissimi, densi, “spiegati” per enigmi e personaggi che ti viene voglia di prendere a sassate. Ringil lo avevo sopportato nel primo libro, qua a malapena. Egar è quello che mi ha sorpreso di più, ma the bar was in hell. Ogni capitolo incentrato su Archeth è stata una boccata di aria fresca, ma ripeto, the bar was in hell. Se Archeth fosse stata inserita in un altro libro, in mezzo ad un altro cast di personaggi, dubito che sarebbe spiccata particolarmente.
Nel primo libro avevo apprezzato anche solo il piccolo accenno alla loro amicizia, che speravo di vedere più approfondita qui. Purtroppo così non è stato. Ho l’impressione che ci venga solo detto quanto questi tre siano amici e tutte le cose che hanno passato, ma mai mostrato. Io questa grande amicizia non la sento. E non fatemi neanche parlare delle relazioni amorose. O il loro sviluppo è relegato a un passato che non ci è mostrato, o è tutto legato all’attrazione sessuale (mi sembrava di vivere un déjà vu ogni volta che leggevo un capitolo di Ringil, per favore sedatelo), o troppo repentine (“ora aveva qualcosa da perdere” Ma dove? Quando? In 600 pagine avrete avuto una scena e mezza insieme?)

E ora parliamo della trama. Sincera. Mi sembra di aver fatto solo un immenso giro in cerchio. Mi sembra di essere tornata al punto di partenza o molto più indietro, nel caso di alcuni personaggi. Ovvio, non è che non sia successo niente, ma le cose importanti di questo libro potevano essere riassunte in 200 pagine.

Non so, è una grossa delusione perché il primo libro mi era piaciuto tanto, ma forse per gusto personale questo per me è stato troppo. Ma anche da un punto di vista oggettivo di una struttura della storia, questo libro mi ha frustrato. Pity.

[Roberto Vaquero · Rating 5 out of 5]

"El Gélido Mando" continúa de forma magistral "Solo el Acero" y profundiza en la historia de los tres personajes principales: Ringil, Egar y Archet.
Ringil se embarcará se nuevo en las zonas grises con sorprendentes consecuencias, el personaje sufrirá una transformación que resolverá incógnitas que quedaron sin solucionar en el último volumen. La magia y la esencia del personaje cobrarán peso, acercándonos a la realidad del guerrero. ¿El Gélido Mando será su destino?
En este volumen se desarrollará más cómo es el Imperio, su naturaleza y el tipo de régimen que tiene. El emperador Jhiral y su crueldad llaman la atención, especialmente en lo que a liquidación de sus enemigos se refiere. Es muy creativo. Gran parte de la historia gira en torno a la disputa interna entre el Palacio y la Ciudadela. La crítica a la cuestión religiosa es intensa y continua a lo largo de todo el libro. Por supuesto, la crítica social, a la que nos tiene acostumbrados Morgan, también.
EL conflicto pasado entre los Kiriath y los Dwenda sigue sin desarrollarse del todo, aunque queda claro que los primeros eran una sociedad más tecnológica y que los segundos usaban más la magia. Los lugares grises siguen desarrollándose.
A través del desarrollo de la historia de Archeth se nos dará a conocer de forma más profunda la naturaleza de los timoneles, esos seres metálicos y deformes de gran sabiduría. En este libro se desarrolla más la cuestión Kiriath que la Dwenda.
Egar y su relación con otros mayak mostrarán la naturaleza de los mercenarios nómadas al servicio imperial. Gran parte de la acción violenta del libro se lleva a cabo a través de la historia del guerrero nómada. Sus acciones tendrán como fruto un descubrimiento que lo cambiará todo.
El papel de los dioses/ demonios se intensifica, aunque no queda claro el motivo real por el que interaccionan con los protagonistas.
El libro, como todos los de Morgan, es de lectura ágil. Se conecta rápido con la historia y con los protagonistas. En los últimos capítulos el autor juega con varios altibajos argumentales que hacen que la historia y la atención sobre la misma se aceleren e intensifiquen.
Es un libro más que recomendable para aquellos que nos gusta la fantasía, los antihéroes, la crítica y la acción.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review from Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2014/0...

What I can’t get over with this book is just how beautifully written eviscerations can be done. Seriously, Morgan’s prose is just wonderfully written with a beautiful and poetic feel. This carries through for every part of his book, including the dark and gritty, violent sections like when the prose is describing disembowelment. Yes, this book, like the first one has graphic sex and violence. This series is not for the faint of heart. And just like I said in my review for The Steel Remains, I don’t think the sex scenes in this are any more graphic than many books with heterosexual sex scenes, but I feel they get more attention because they are homosexual. There are some reviewers that will always complain about this level of graphic sex scenes regardless of the genders of the participants, but I think the fact they are homosexual is beyond some readers comfort levels which is just sad. People are people and sex is sex. These characters and the sex scenes are very real and down to earth and I see absolutely no reason to complain.

The Cold Commands has 3 story arcs, each following a familiar character from The Steel Remains. Ringil, of course we get more Ringil. His story line starts with an encounter with an escaped slave and follows him trying to find asylum after being exiled. One thing I found interesting is I felt more interested in Archeth’s storyline for this one than I did in The Steel Remains. The Helmsman is warning her of dark things to come and is following orders of the Emperor she now serves as an advisor to. And Egar’s storyline. Umm…. maybe he didn’t have a major storyline. I mainly remember him drinking, fighting and getting laid. There may have been more to it, but that’s what I remember, which brings me to my one criticism about the book.

I loved reading this, but sometimes I couldn’t quite tell what the overall conflict goal was. If that makes sense, I’m not sure. Every minute of the prose is amazing to read, and maybe even more amazing to listen to Simon Vance narrate. But somehow I felt like if someone were to ask me exactly what was going on at points in the book, I would have been at a loss. I could tell you the latest events, but I also felt like I was missing something from the bigger picture and felt it moved just a little bit slower because of that. Maybe it was just me and my listening comprehensions skills that were lacking, but it did detract just a teeny tiny bit.

If you read the first one, definitely continue reading. Morgan’s prose is every bit as wonderful. And there world is both fascinating and relevant. As per many fantasy novels, there are many themes riding in this that can translate to modern day life, and I absolutely love that. And all of the characters are well done, believable characters with honest emotions and realistic reactions and motivations. This is not a black and white book, but one with much moral ambiguity, which I think is a closer representation of real life. Things are often not clearly right or wrong when you look at all sides.

[Fabiano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione per tutta la trilogia.

Oggi vi parlo della trilogia “Cosa resta degli eroi” scritta da Richard K. Morgan tra il 2008 e il 2014. È una serie che ho letto due anni fa e che, tra pregi e difetti, mi è rimasta nel cuore. Incarna l’essenza più pura e oscura di quello che per me significa Grimdark.

Il mondo in cui prende vita la storia è il classico mondo Grimdark: feroce, marcio nella sua opulenza, corrotto, decadente, sempre sul filo della guerra. Richard K. Morgan lo approfondisce e lo presenta in tutto il suo violento splendore, inserendo con maestria degli elementi di Science Fiction nelle vesti di una razza aliena tecnologicamente e culturalmente avanzata.

L'autore racconta le vicende da una prospettiva interessante ovvero quella degli eroi al termine del conflitto. Un punto di vista ancora oggi originale, approfondito alla perfezione da Richard K. Morgan grazie a tre personaggi iconici. Tre eroi grigi le cui gesta sono state dimenticate, il cui ricordo è scomparso dalla memoria degli uomini. Non sono altro che vestigia di un passato sanguinario, presto caduto nell’oblio. Hanno salvato il mondo, ora sono reietti, disprezzati, isolati, privi di identità e scopo, in preda ai sensi di colpa del rimpianto. Egar Rovina del Drago, capo tribù, incapace di guidare il suo popolo, incapace di ricostruirsi dopo la guerra che ha vissuto da protagonista. Archet è l’ultima superstite della sua specie, non ha più una famiglia, annega la solitudine nei fumi delle droghe. Ringil Eskiath è un rampollo in esilio, discriminato per la sua omosessualità, divorato da una furia rossa che sfoga nella violenza.

Non è un'opera perfetta, sia chiaro. L’omosessualità di Ringil viene sviluppata a dovere per quanto riguarda la discriminazione e le sue conseguenze sociali e psichiche, mentre l’aspetto sentimentale non mi ha convinto in quanto si limita a sessualizzare la cosa. Infine, la narrazione mi è parsa a tratti eccessivamente confusionaria, astratta, onirica e quasi allucinogena. Questo dettaglio può risultare pesante e rallentare la lettura. Nonostante ciò, non posso non riconoscere e sottolineare l'importanza che questa trilogia ha avuto e tuttora ha nel panorama Grimdark. Fondamentale

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I'm one of the biggest Richard K. Morgan fans ever, so having to knock this down a little in my rating is painful, but I had to do it. I still love the style and the characters, but for the vast majority of the book nothing really happens. If it was a 1000 page Brandon Sanderson book, that would be cool, because it's pretty much all fun to read, but when nothing has happened yet by page 400 and then the book is suddenly over after one big action scene at the end, then it's a bit disappointing. It's just oddly unfocused, there isn't a bad guy, and the characters spend a lot of time wandering around with no action or sense of purpose. As much as I love just reading about them and being in this world (as dark and grim as this world is), I still want more of a journey and destination than I got in this book. I know it's a middle book in a series, and I'm still very much looking forward to the next one, but I hope it has a bit more substance to go with the style.

In addition, there was one scene that was just needlessly brutal. All of Morgan's books have a lot of violence and usually it makes sense for the characters and the story. But there's a scene in the beginning that just didn't make sense for Ringel's character. He'll slit a person's throat to get a job done or even for revenge, but letting a woman be gang raped isn't his style, especially not when the same thing had been done to him. I get that Morgan was trying to make the point that Ringel isn't an ordinary hero, but it didn't feel consistent with the rest of the character, especially because I'd just re-read the first book and seen how upset Ringel was with his brother for abandoning him to being gang raped when he was in school. It felt like Morgan was trying too hard to be shocking with that part.