The circle is closing. The stakes are high. And old truths will live again . . .
The Emperor has been murdered, leaving the Annurian Empire in turmoil. Now his progeny must bury their grief and prepare to unmask a conspiracy.
His son Valyn, training for the empire’s deadliest fighting force, hears the news an ocean away. He expected a challenge, but after several ‘accidents’ and a dying soldier’s warning, he realizes his life is also in danger. Yet before Valyn can take action, he must survive the mercenaries’ brutal final initiation.
Meanwhile, the Emperor’s daughter, Minister Adare, hunts her father’s murderer in the capital itself. Court politics can be fatal, but she needs justice. And Kaden, heir to an empire, studies in a remote monastery. Here, the Blank God’s disciples teach their harsh ways – which Kaden must master to unlock their ancient powers. When an imperial delegation arrives, he’s learnt enough to perceive evil intent. But will this keep him alive, as long-hidden powers make their move?
My thoughts:
I did feel it started of a bit shaky, not shaky bad, just not..awesome. Ok that sounds weird, but you know it's when someone tells you the book is gonna be awesome and you expect it from the start. But as I got to know the characters the book got better and better.
But, honestly was is necessary to use the swear word kent-kissing on every page?! I have nothing against swear words but it was overkill. Moving on.
There are 3 main characters, but the sister, Adare only got a few pages, so I do not know her at all. Disappointing.
Valyn, the 2nd son has been training for 8 years. A tough shitty life with some mean ass soldiers. And now he wonders if someone is after him. He seemed a bit dumb at times but he grows, I liked him.
The heir to the throne Kaden was sent to the mountains to train with some crazy ass monks who had him working hard. He was smart, he thought about things, I liked him.
The best part though was the first 2 pages, intriguing stuff right there. The whole world building is interesting, I do want to learn more.
Conclusion:
And at the end, yes I want to read book 2
Cover
ok
Hardcover, 480 pages
Published January 14th 2014 by Tor Books
Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne #1
Fantasy
Library
Adare does get a larger role to play in the second book, and the world building gets even bigger.
ReplyDeleteI am glad cos now she felt so secondary and I did not learn who she really was
DeleteIs it Friday yet?!?!?!?
ReplyDeleteSadly not yet
Deletei understand the high expectations.
ReplyDeleteThey are often there
DeleteI'm not much of a fantasy reader. Boo me, yes. At least you stuck to it and that you're willing to move on to the next one. :)
ReplyDeleteBoo you ;) I adore fantasy, hehe, always will
DeleteThere are some hitches in this one, but I liked it. I enjoyed it enough to continue with book 2 and I'm so glad I did. I got to read the ARC of the sequel Providence of Fire and it is AMAZING!!!!
ReplyDelete~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
*jealous*
DeleteI can get over glitches as long as it is good, and good it was
Sounds like a good read overall. Hm... might have to check this one out.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteLOL.Sometimes it takes me a few chapters to slip into the world.
ReplyDeleteAs long as I am not bored all is good
DeleteSounds good! I'm planning on binge reading a couple of epic fantasies next week, since following your blog I've been craving for some and the calling is too loud for me to ignore now. Thanks for the drop of diversity :P
ReplyDeleteWohoo! More to come ;)
DeleteI hate when they go overboard on swearing. I swear a lot myself, but sometimes I feel they get carried away
ReplyDeleteI swear a lot too..a LOT. But on every page? The same boring word
DeleteI said I wanted to read the second book when I reviewed the first. Yet I have not felt the urge to pick it up so far, so maybe not.
ReplyDeleteI do want to read it, I am just not rushing out to do so
DeleteI keep hearing that about the sister - that she really didn't get enough time spent on her.
ReplyDeleteShe had no screen time at all, I mean at all. You can't say it's about 3 people if she has like 5 pages out of 500
DeleteWell yay for it ending on a stronger note :) Not quite the genre for me I don't think.
ReplyDelete;)
Deletesorry it wasn"t as good as you thought it was. Hope book 2 is awesome.
ReplyDeleteIt was good, just not as good as the prologue
DeleteI dunno, still sounds pretty awesome to me! ha ha, maybe I'll give this one a shot.
ReplyDeleteIt was still good :)
Deletei'm glad that you enjoyed this overall. I'm not sure if it sounds like my kind of thing, to be honest. Nice review! :D
ReplyDeleteThey can't all be :)
DeleteI swear a lot but it stands out in a book much easier than if someone is speaking.
ReplyDeleteAt least spice it up then and use a lot of words so I do not grow bored
DeleteGlad the swearing overkill didn't keep you from wanting to continue with this series!
ReplyDeleteIt's like me *beep* saying a *beep* in every other *beep*
DeleteI've wanted to read this book! I understand what you mean, some books just don't start with the wow-ness factor I expect.
ReplyDeleteI guess they all can't ;) But at least it was not bad, by no means
DeleteI hope you give it a go, and enjoys it :)
ReplyDeleteGlad it turned into a good read despite the lackluster beginning. I love when characters grow, especially if they seem a bit dim to start. :-)
ReplyDeleteHe was not the smartest cookie in the jar ;)
DeleteI was wondering if buying this one from Book Outlet since there was the whole Boxing Day sale, but ended up not buying it. Because, hey, I got 19 books this Christmas. There must be a limit, right?? So now I'm glad I didn't!! Because I was looking very forward to a strong female main character and if she only appears in so few pages, what is the point?? Thanks for the review. I guess I'll read this someday, just won't be buying it :P
ReplyDelete19!!!!! I only got 8 ;) wait 10...
DeleteOh not a strong woman in sight, maybe in book 2, will tell ya