Release Date: 02/02/12
SYNOPSIS:
The third book in the critically acclaimed Seven Realms epic fantasy series from Cinda Williams Chima Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana'Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he's concerned, the princess's family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen. Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it--he's saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive--and even that might not be enough. The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.
REVIEW:
If you love a fantasy tale that takes you to a whole new world that not only gives the reader a whole new perspective but also helps to introduce them to the wonderful world of the more adult fantasy then this is the series to get. It has the politics and double dealing from GRRM, the scope of Erikson and of course all wrapped up by one author then this series by Cinda is definitely the one for you.
The authors unique writing style never leave the reader feeling like they’ve been talked down to, the prose is decent and of course the pace alongside the arc is something that really still isn’t explored to the max in this the third outing. Its clever, the characters have grown emotionally as well as physically and overall it’s a title that really doesn’t let up from the start until the last page. Great stuff.
Release Date: 03/02/11
SYNOPSIS:
The second book in an epic fantasy series from Cinda Williams Chima. Adventure, magic, war and ambition conspire to throw together an unlikely group of companions in a struggle to save their world. You can't always run from danger! Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden's Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery -- but the bargain they make is one Han may soon regret. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen. The Exiled Queen is an epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.
REVIEW:
Having really enjoyed the first title in the Seven Realms series I’d been looking forward to the next one, although I have to admit, that when it landed I’d forgotten lot of what happened in the original (The Demon King.) Thus confused a quick reread was in order (and I’d like to suggest to the publisher that for the third part that they include a quick round up of what’s happened in the first two.)
As with the original, the characters are solid, the authors writing style similar to early David Eddings and above all else the story moves on to allow the characters to grow. Whilst parts of the trek feel a little slow, the overall distance has built the story up for quite a few available paths in the next release. Add to that some decent scripting, a reasonable sense of pace and the reader has a book that will, if not blow them away as much as the original, at least give them a journey to enjoy that sets up the next for something quite interesting.
BOOK BLURB:
The first book in an epic fantasy series from debut author Cinda Williams Chima. Adventure, magic, war and ambition conspire to throw together an unlikely group of companions in a struggle to save their world. When 16-year-old Han Alister and his Clan friend Dancer encounter three underage wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea, he has no idea that this event will precipitate a cascade of disasters that will threaten everything he cares about. Han takes an amulet from one of the wizards, Micah Bayar, to prevent him from using it against them. Only later does he learn that it has an evil history-it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. And the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna, the heir to the Gray Wolf throne of the Fells, has just spent three years of relative freedom with her father's family at Demonai Camp-riding, hunting, and working the famous Clan markets. Now court life in Fellsmarch pinches like a pair of too-small shoes. Wars are raging to the south, and threaten to spread into the high country. After a long period of quiet, the power of the Wizard Council is once again growing. The people of the Fells are starving and close to rebellion. Now more than ever, there's a need for a strong queen. But Raisa's mother Queen Marianna is weak and distracted by the handsome Gavan Bayar, High Wizard of the Fells. Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea-the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. With the help of her friend, the cadet Amon Byrne, she navigates the treacherous Gray Wolf Court, hoping she can unravel the conspiracy coalescing around her before it's too late.
REVIEW:
I started this offering not really expecting much and was not only blown away by the authors writing style but found it to be a great bridge between the Young Adult world of fiction and the Adult Fantasy in general. It’s got touches of Eddings, backed up with a touch of GRR Martin and its an offering that carries not only a great pace but solid characterisation with emotional hooks and ties. Readers off all ages will love this offering and if you’re looking for a title to encourage a reluctant young reader then this is going to be it. A real gem and I really can’t wait for the subsequent releases.
Release Date: 02/02/12
