Release Date: 12/03/13
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
THE WAR HAS NOT BEEN LOST The countries of Cython and Hightspall are at war, with centuries of resentment and evil magic fuelling the flames. Rix has lost everything to traitors on his own side - his family, his reputation, even his right hand. Even so, he must fight. If he can reach his family's mountain fortress, perhaps he can save the refugees who follow him, and begin his own resistance. Tali has been imprisoned by those who wish to use her healing blood, but they may take even more than that. Her life will be forfeit if her captors discover her secret - that she holds the key to winning the war itself. But Rix's fortress holds secrets too, and his arrival sets off a chain of events that will bring old powers and figures out of myths back to the land ...
REVIEW:
Having sat back and enjoyed the first title, I really couldn’t wait to see what Ian would bring to the table in the second outing. As with the original it’s a solid paced, hard action book where regardless of the side that the individuals have taken you can fully admire the depth to which they’re committed to follow their convictions.
As with the first the prose is sharp, the characters a joy to be around and when added to an author who plays not only for keeps but also gives the reader some cracking twists which make the journey harder for the heroes all round gives you a book that is hard to put down. All round a top notch second book and whilst a reread of the original will be in order, it is something that was a pure joy to do. Great stuff.
Release Date: 05/04/12
SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago, two children witnessed a murder. Tali saw two people kill her mother, and though she is only a slave in underground Cython, she has sworn revenge. She may be nothing to those who live above ground, but she will bring the killers to justice.
Rix, heir to Hightspall's greatest fortune, watched as two masked figures murdered a woman for reasons he still doesn't understand. Even now, he is haunted by the killing.
Tali's escape from slavery leads to war with Hightspall and, when she is rescued by Rix, they're hunted through a land in chaos. As Tali and Rix set out to unravel the mystery behind her mother's death, Rix is tormented by sickening premonitions that he too will commit murder - Tali's murder.
Within days, Hightspall is close to defeat. The only way to save the realm is to unmask and defeat the killer. But how can Tali avenge herself on a sorcerer who died two thousand years ago?
REVIEW:
Ian Irvine is an author that is similar to marmite, either you love him or you don’t. Personally I love his writing style, its clean, he builds up characters well and allows them to grow from the situations that life has presented. Add to this a complex world with rules that take some time to get used to and you know that it’s a book that is going further into the realm of epic fantasy than many authors fear to tread .
Throw into the mix a distrustful lead character situation where they both have to learn how to survive together and a whole host of satisfying dialogue and the reader is in for a treat. Finally add a screwy world system and a mission for vengeance and you know that the characters within are going to change. A wonderful read all round and I really can’t wait to see where the Tainted Realm goes next.
BOOK BLURB:
Nish and his few remaining allies are trapped on the Range of Ruin, surrounded by the relentless army of his father, the God-Emperor. Nish's only choices are a humiliating surrender, or a suicidal fight to the death. Yet Nish has to fight, and somehow he has to win, for the world of Santhenar faces a colossal threat - and Nish is a fighter in a land whose spirit was broken long ago. A shape-shifting being by the name of Stilkeen has broken out of the void, and is preparing to wreak devastation. It has come to reclaim the stolen chthonic power that once bound its physical and spirit aspects together - and its fury is infinite. But chthonic fire has already been released into Santhenar, and is eating its way through the Antarctic territories. Even if Nish can win the battle with his father, there may be no way to stop the fire, or Stilkeen, before everything is consumed.
REVIEW:
Ian’s is a name that you can pretty much guarantee a good quality book by. With this, his 11th offering in the “Three World’s” series you know that its going to be something special when you see the confrontation that he has lined up. Whilst it’s a pretty descent thick book, Ian’s writing style makes it feel pretty light and his masterful understanding of pace as well as tender hooking moments will more than keep the reader glued to early morning as “Just one more page” becomes the mantra of choice.
A great offering in the series and one that will definitely keep the fans more than happy. However, if you’re a novice start at the beginning as otherwise you’d lose a lot of not only the build up but the character development alongside descent plot outlines.
Release Date: 12/03/13
