The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms, #4) in Q&A with Cinda Williams Chima

Mar 06, 2012 hpboy13 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-of-ya, books-i-own, best-of-fantasy, best-of-2012, perfect-finale, tetralogy

This book. Oh my God, you guys, THIS BOOK!!! It is absolute literary perfection. The Seven Realms series is second only to Harry Potter in my opinion (and I do NOT say that lightly!), and the Crimson Crown is the perfect conclusion to such a stupendous series.

By this point, the characters are all familiar to us - I think the only new character of note who is introduced is Char Dunedain, and her role is nothing life-changing. But the amazing thing is that the entire multitude of characters - and This book. Oh my God, you guys, THIS BOOK!!! It is absolute literary perfection. The Seven Realms series is second only to Harry Potter in my opinion (and I do NOT say that lightly!), and the Crimson Crown is the perfect conclusion to such a stupendous series.

By this point, the characters are all familiar to us - I think the only new character of note who is introduced is Char Dunedain, and her role is nothing life-changing. But the amazing thing is that the entire multitude of characters - and there are a lot! - get their due in this book. They are always squabbling and plotting, but they all have a role to play. Admittedly, some more than others - Amon's role is unfortunately way reduced in this book, and Sarie is absent entirely.

There are so many layers of betrayal in this book, you have to read it with the utmost attention. Everyone has so many schemes going on at once, it's incredible anyone can keep their lies straight. The romantic question is resolved quite early on, but the whodunnit from GWT's epilogue waits until the end. Though I guessed right on the wizard killer's identity, that was through a lot of hard work - Cinda's writing is never obvious.

There are two fantastic scenes in the series - one at the halfway point, the other at the climax - both dealing with fire. These scenes are magnificent. I wrote an essay analyzing all the intricacies there (link: https://sites.google.com/site/hpboy13...), but with two scenes Cinda brings the entire series full circle so beautifully, it's mind-boggling.

The death toll in this book mounts quite high. (Will not actually spoil who dies, but just in case...) Just like Deathly Hallows, the (view spoiler)

The ending of this series is more perfect than anything I could have come up with. It's exquisitely elegant - all the characters get together for a joyous occasion. Plenty of them are unhappy, many are still single, and they dislike each other. Not everything is tied up in a nice little bow. But there is enough closure to leave the reader thoroughly satisfied.

Most of all, I love the message here: that a new generation, willing to try new things, really can affect change and build a brighter future. There is no excuse of "they're young and stupid." There is no "adults know better." Speaker Jemson says that this current crop of teenagers will build a bright future together, and we see that they do. This is empowering, and I love this message.

As usual, Cinda's writing is superb - the detailed descriptions, the unexpected humor, believable love and tension. Cinda's books have long ago achieved "must-read" status on my list, and after such a thrilling conclusion to such a great series, I am quivering with anticipation of her next treat for us. Her books have the gift of having an awful lot happen, but of never feeling long. And, I hope to one day return to the Seven Realms, because I am in love with this world and it's crazy characters. ...more

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May 04, 2012 Neal Simmons rated it really liked it

Shelves: owned

As a fan of the previous three books in this series, I was mildly disappointed in the final volume of this story arc. That is not to say that the book is not well-written, just that it does not live up to the standard of the previous books.

To be completely honest, I am usually harder on the final book of a series as they are the culmination of the character and world development established in past novels, and that is the only reason I was able to talk myself into a four-star review.

Why am I so As a fan of the previous three books in this series, I was mildly disappointed in the final volume of this story arc. That is not to say that the book is not well-written, just that it does not live up to the standard of the previous books.

To be completely honest, I am usually harder on the final book of a series as they are the culmination of the character and world development established in past novels, and that is the only reason I was able to talk myself into a four-star review.

Why am I so critical of a book that I consider well-written? It is because I know that Chima could have done better. I have two major examples of how this could volume could have been greatly improved.

First, Chima spent the first three books talking about an ancient law that affected the relations between the Clans, Wizards, and the Queens. In this volume, the solution to this problem just feels too contrived. A law that has been set in stone for a thousand years is done away with in mere minutes?

Second, the outcome of the election of the High Wizard, while anticipated, just didn't seem to involve the suspense or action that it should have.

As a minor point, Raisa just does not seem herself at points in this volume. I know that she is still a very young woman as this point, but scenes in this one have her breaking down for stuff that she would have just shrugged off in previous books. As a result, she appears to be a much weaker queen than she should be at this point. She also seems eager to bedhop, but is rebuffed by the guy she is interested in at that point. Nothing ever happens, but I do not think this is a good example for the age group this series is supposedly focused towards. These scenes could have easily been scrapped without affecting the overall plot in the slightest, and Raisa would have been a much better role model for the young women reading the work.

I know this sounds like I am being overly critical of this work. I actually did enjoy it very much. I ordered it before release, but was unable to get to it until several months later due to othe works having priority. This work is well written and thoughtout. My main beef with it is that it could have been much better. I was expecting an easy five star review, but I had to force myself to give it four stars.

Will I continue to read Chima's works as they come out? Definately.
Do I want to read more about Raisa, Han, Micah, Dancer, and Amon? Definately
Will my expectations be as high the next time around? Definately not. ...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Anthony rated it it was amazing

I have finally read the last book in the Seven Realms series! I am slightly mad right now, though, because of two things: I really want to read another one of Chima's books right now, and...my dumb computer just deleted the detailed review I was typing for the last ten minutes! Why does technology hate me?

Anyway I was not disappointed with the series conclusion. I kind of wanted to see more happen with Amon (since he used to be such an important part of the series) but it all worked out.

Somehow, ...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Kristy Hunter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favortites, fantasy

Great book. I read it in a day and a half. It was so good I forgot to eat dinner. I am never tired of reading anything from Cinda Williams Chima, she is an amazing author. I loved the Seven Realms novels and I really hope she will write something else about this place.

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