Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera, #1) in Building a SciFi/Fantasy Library

May 05, 2011 Walt O'Hara rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction, fantasy

I have read novels by Jim Butcher before, specifically in the Harry Dresden series. I like Harry Dresden, but the magic realism thing kind of wears thin for me after a while, or at least I get a sense of repetition.. maybe it's me. I've only read a few and don't have a huge desire to read more. I like Butcher's prose style, which is lean, yet descriptive, but after a dozen some odd Dresden novels there just isn't much more you can do with the character.

So I really had no preconceptions starting I have read novels by Jim Butcher before, specifically in the Harry Dresden series. I like Harry Dresden, but the magic realism thing kind of wears thin for me after a while, or at least I get a sense of repetition.. maybe it's me. I've only read a few and don't have a huge desire to read more. I like Butcher's prose style, which is lean, yet descriptive, but after a dozen some odd Dresden novels there just isn't much more you can do with the character.

So I really had no preconceptions starting the Codex Alera series. There was one available at the library and I wanted to read a fantasy story, that was that. I'm glad I did. I like Butcher's world building in the Codex Alera-- not much is stated but many background bits are inferred about the foundations of the world "Carna", including how Alerans (humans) arrived into it (the old Lost Roman Legion saw). Humans, in this world, have an inherent grasp of elemental magic-- earth, fire, water, metal, etc. The magic usually takes the form of a semi-sentient named spirit creature called a "Fury". In Alera, EVERYONE has the Fury ability in some measure, save one person, the primary POV character, Tavi, a young boy of 13 at the time of the first book. Predictably Tavi is an outcast and outsider as a non-practitioner of "Furycraft" in a world where everyone is a crafter in some way.

The outsider status is what makes Tavi stand out, and in great measure be likeable and sympathetic. In a world where people can solve problems by commanding their magical spirits to do just about anything, Tavi has to work harder, think, and observe. I won't dwell to much on the plot for the sake of preventing spoilers. Tavi and various relatives, friends and chance acquaintances uncover a plot to foment a revolution, encounter an invasion by one of the aboriginal peoples of the planet Carna (the Marat, think pale elfy-North American Indian people with close ties to animal totems). Things happen, big battle, satisfying ending.. that ought to be sufficient description.

Codex Alara is good fun, not great literature, but it is most definitely worth reading as a beach or commuting read. I found myself enjoying the world and the characters once I got my head around the setting and the "science" of fury crafting. I liked that the most sympathetic powerless character manages to outwit the overpowered denizens of the setting constantly. It's fun storytelling. I recommend it.

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May 17, 2015 Allison rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

So many twists and turns. I admit I saw one major plot point early on, but I never felt jerked around in such a good way at the end. Very satisfying

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Feb 14, 2012 Steve rated it really liked it

Just started this last night. I have high hopes for this series as I quite enjoyed the first novel in the Dresden Files (the others are on my list). I'm digging the pseudo-Roman fantasy setting. ...more

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