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The Age of Discovery #1
A Secret Atlas
In Nalenyr, the family of the Royal Cartographer not only draw the maps, they also explore uncharted territories, expanding the existing knowledge of the world. Their talent has yielded them enormous power - and dangerous enemies. Now a younger generation of the Anturasi clan embarks on an expedition that may cost them their lives. Keles and Jorim have been sent on a mission to explore the darkest corners of the unknown. As one charts the seas, looking for new lands, the other braves a region torn apart by ancient magics. Meanwhile, back at home, their sister, Nirati, struggles to protect her brothers from the lethal plots of their rivals. For what Keles and Jorim discover threatens the fragile peace maintained since the near-apocalyptic. Cataclysm and provokes a murderous act that sets off a chain of events shaking the world - both discovered and undiscovered - to its core....
604 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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April 17, 2010Many, many years ago, I attended a lecture by Michael Stackpole, in which he advanced a theory that any book in a series should form an essentially self-contained novel, so that one could pick it up, read it, and enjoy it without necessarily having to read the whole thing. (His particular example involved being stuck in an airport with nothing but the second book of various trilogies available to him).
The example stuck with me for a long time, but oddly, I never read any of the man's work itself. Partly that was because he wrote a lot of Battletech and Star Wars fiction, and I never liked the former, and burned out on the latter as a callow teenager. At some point, I stumbled across this one, thought it looked interesting, and, after having it occupy space for a little bit, decided to give it a shot.
The book had me concerned even before I started the story. The dedication is to Senator John McCain, and for a brief moment, I worried that the book was some kind of political screed in disguise (something which sci-fi/fantasy authors are occasionally guilty of...see also, brain-eater). But it was to the Senator, not the presidential candidate, and it was focused mostly on McCain's triumph over horrific circumstances. Like McCain or not, he went through some rough stuff, and I think he deserves admiration for that. So, okay. Moving on.
My concerns deepened when I saw that Stackpole was crediting/referencing the team behind Gavin Menzies's "controversial" book 1421: The Year China Discovered America. By "controversial" I mean that it's largely BS, as near as I've ever been able to determine. But,I told myself, this is a fantasy book, and Stackpole says he's using them as reference for ship dimensions. That shouldn't mess anything up, and besides, this is fantasy. I cannot criticize the historical validity of something set in a made-up world.
On to the book itself.
Stackpole builds an interesting setting, which is an odd mixture of Medieval Italy and Imperial China set in a world recovering from a magical apocalypse. There are a lot of odd, made up words here. I don't know if Stackpole went to the same lengths that Professor Tolkien did in his world building, but he definitely has a lot of words here. Sometimes, they get a bit confusing, but for the most part, they're manageable.
The story itself follows a number of different characters, but primarily revolves around Jorim and Keles Anturasi, grandsons of Qiro Anturasi, the chief cartographer of the particular kingdom in which they live. Their family skill at cartography is what has enabled the kingdom they live in to rise to prominence, and they are considered extremely valuable by the Prince of that particular realm. Through a series of intrigues, Jorim and Keles end up being tasked with two different exploratory missions. Jorim sails west to look for a route around the world (sound familiar?), while Keles is sent to explore the post-apocalyptic wasteland to the north. A number of other sundry characters get tangled up along the way. And there are intrigues in the capital city back home.
There's some really interesting stuff in here; the jaedunto, for example, are those who are so skilled as to effectively be doing magic with their craft (this is Kung Fu in it's more literal sense, as opposed to what most of us here in the States think of as Kung Fu). The characters, for the most part, are engaging, particularly the two brothers. I found some of the courtly stuff actually a bit dull, but there you go. There SEEMS to be an evolving plot about the power of people to define their world, and how the role of mapmakers plays into that, but I haven't gotten far enough to know if that's the case.
On the downside, there's some problems. There are a LOT of weird names, and I had trouble keeping track of all of the places, players, and characters. Worse, there were a few characters I just didn't care about, including one whose rather gruesome murder seems completely out of left field, and rather pointless. I suppose I should have felt sympathy for the character, but I just never clicked with her, and then she was dead. It seemed like gruesome violence for gruesome violence's sake, as though the book didn't have enough Hannibal Lector, and was running out of time.
Problems aside, however, I did enjoy this book. So much that I ignored some of my other current readings just to finish it. And I want to read the next one. So that's a good sign.
On the downside, it's not one complete story.
The example stuck with me for a long time, but oddly, I never read any of the man's work itself. Partly that was because he wrote a lot of Battletech and Star Wars fiction, and I never liked the former, and burned out on the latter as a callow teenager. At some point, I stumbled across this one, thought it looked interesting, and, after having it occupy space for a little bit, decided to give it a shot.
The book had me concerned even before I started the story. The dedication is to Senator John McCain, and for a brief moment, I worried that the book was some kind of political screed in disguise (something which sci-fi/fantasy authors are occasionally guilty of...see also, brain-eater). But it was to the Senator, not the presidential candidate, and it was focused mostly on McCain's triumph over horrific circumstances. Like McCain or not, he went through some rough stuff, and I think he deserves admiration for that. So, okay. Moving on.
My concerns deepened when I saw that Stackpole was crediting/referencing the team behind Gavin Menzies's "controversial" book 1421: The Year China Discovered America. By "controversial" I mean that it's largely BS, as near as I've ever been able to determine. But,I told myself, this is a fantasy book, and Stackpole says he's using them as reference for ship dimensions. That shouldn't mess anything up, and besides, this is fantasy. I cannot criticize the historical validity of something set in a made-up world.
On to the book itself.
Stackpole builds an interesting setting, which is an odd mixture of Medieval Italy and Imperial China set in a world recovering from a magical apocalypse. There are a lot of odd, made up words here. I don't know if Stackpole went to the same lengths that Professor Tolkien did in his world building, but he definitely has a lot of words here. Sometimes, they get a bit confusing, but for the most part, they're manageable.
The story itself follows a number of different characters, but primarily revolves around Jorim and Keles Anturasi, grandsons of Qiro Anturasi, the chief cartographer of the particular kingdom in which they live. Their family skill at cartography is what has enabled the kingdom they live in to rise to prominence, and they are considered extremely valuable by the Prince of that particular realm. Through a series of intrigues, Jorim and Keles end up being tasked with two different exploratory missions. Jorim sails west to look for a route around the world (sound familiar?), while Keles is sent to explore the post-apocalyptic wasteland to the north. A number of other sundry characters get tangled up along the way. And there are intrigues in the capital city back home.
There's some really interesting stuff in here; the jaedunto, for example, are those who are so skilled as to effectively be doing magic with their craft (this is Kung Fu in it's more literal sense, as opposed to what most of us here in the States think of as Kung Fu). The characters, for the most part, are engaging, particularly the two brothers. I found some of the courtly stuff actually a bit dull, but there you go. There SEEMS to be an evolving plot about the power of people to define their world, and how the role of mapmakers plays into that, but I haven't gotten far enough to know if that's the case.
On the downside, there's some problems. There are a LOT of weird names, and I had trouble keeping track of all of the places, players, and characters. Worse, there were a few characters I just didn't care about, including one whose rather gruesome murder seems completely out of left field, and rather pointless. I suppose I should have felt sympathy for the character, but I just never clicked with her, and then she was dead. It seemed like gruesome violence for gruesome violence's sake, as though the book didn't have enough Hannibal Lector, and was running out of time.
Problems aside, however, I did enjoy this book. So much that I ignored some of my other current readings just to finish it. And I want to read the next one. So that's a good sign.
On the downside, it's not one complete story.
January 28, 2012
Sometimes, you want red wine, sometimes you want white, and sometimes you just want beer, or a nice glass of brandy. Or maybe you want water, coffee, etc.
Sometimes you want hamburger, sometimes steak, and naturally all manner of options are available for styles and such to fit all appetites.
I don't have a particular culinary comparison for this book, but what I found was that it happened to be exactly what I was looking for. It's a little more relaxed in pace, which some could argue as slow. It's more focused on intrigue than action, which some may not like.
It has what I can only describe as a mature tone and a relatively serious world. This of course, I read coming off the heels of A Spell for Chameleon, just about anything is mature/serious in comparison.
One potential downside is it's very "namey." Everything's got a name, and people, places, concepts, occupations, and so on get a little bit tricky to keep track of after a while. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but some people don't like this sort of thing.
The other problem I had was that in a couple of sequences, especially towards the end, the plot seemed to lurch forward, and I honestly wondered if I'd accidentally skipped a chapter somewhere. The bouncing back and forth between characters can contribute to something like this, (again, not bad to have shifting viewpoints) but neither was the case.
However, I found the characterization and relationships to be good, the political intrigue to be interesting, and most other facets rather compelling. Given a different frame of mind, it's entirely possible I would have disliked the book.
If you're looking for an interesting fantasy universe that is more focused on intrigue and political shadow games, give this one a shot. It's well-written, well-characterized, and solidly entertaining.
Sometimes you want hamburger, sometimes steak, and naturally all manner of options are available for styles and such to fit all appetites.
I don't have a particular culinary comparison for this book, but what I found was that it happened to be exactly what I was looking for. It's a little more relaxed in pace, which some could argue as slow. It's more focused on intrigue than action, which some may not like.
It has what I can only describe as a mature tone and a relatively serious world. This of course, I read coming off the heels of A Spell for Chameleon, just about anything is mature/serious in comparison.
One potential downside is it's very "namey." Everything's got a name, and people, places, concepts, occupations, and so on get a little bit tricky to keep track of after a while. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but some people don't like this sort of thing.
The other problem I had was that in a couple of sequences, especially towards the end, the plot seemed to lurch forward, and I honestly wondered if I'd accidentally skipped a chapter somewhere. The bouncing back and forth between characters can contribute to something like this, (again, not bad to have shifting viewpoints) but neither was the case.
However, I found the characterization and relationships to be good, the political intrigue to be interesting, and most other facets rather compelling. Given a different frame of mind, it's entirely possible I would have disliked the book.
If you're looking for an interesting fantasy universe that is more focused on intrigue and political shadow games, give this one a shot. It's well-written, well-characterized, and solidly entertaining.
February 6, 2017
Atlasul secret este primul volum din trilogia Marile Descoperiri și o carte fantasy ce promite multă aventură, intrigi, situații neprevăzute, lupte interne și externe, conflicte sângeroase, personaje îndrăznețe, complexe și impunătoare, o doză bună de magie și știință, monștrii ciudați cu denumiri greu de pronunțat și călătorii impresionante pe tărâmuri necunoscute, greu de imaginat.
Recenzia completa, doar aici: http://twistinmysobriety-alexa.blogsp...
Recenzia completa, doar aici: http://twistinmysobriety-alexa.blogsp...
May 5, 2021
Deși n-am avut prea mari așteptări de la cartea asta, pot spune, totuși, că m-a surprins plăcut universul ficțional creat de Stackpole. Un fantasy imaginat pe calapodul marilor descoperiri geografice, călătorii în necunoscut, tarâmuri și creaturi pline de culoare, intrigă cât cuprinde. O lectură de vacanță. Mi-am comandat și continuarea având în vedere că scriitorul a continuat povestea cartografilor Anturasi rotunjind-o într-o trilogie.
September 30, 2017
Two and a half stars. While Stackpole has created a detailed world full of political tensions, strange creatures, magic systems, and diverse characters, he neglects to actually make the reader care about said characters. Of the lot, only Moraven got an introduction that actually made me want to root for him, while the introductions for the Andrustrai clan made me actively dislike them, despite them apparently being the main characters. The case is not helped by the massive cast of viewpoint characters, most of whom are in completely separate places and following completely different plotlines. A master writer could, of course, weave these threads into a soaring epic, but Stackpole's no Tolkien or even a Brandon Sanderson.
Instead, what we're left with are these jarring fragments. Every chapter seems to either begin with something interesting just having happened, and the viewpoint character expositing and reacting to it, (as opposed to letting the reader actually experience said interesting thing) or end on a cliffhanger/dramatic reveal, which will get picked up as something that happened weeks ago when the story returns to said viewpoint. Not only is this style of writing frustrating as all get out, but combined with all the characters and plotlines, it can make the story quite difficult to follow. Additionally, as each segment is relatively short, it's hard to build any empathy for the characters, which means there's little pay-off when they are in peril or when genuinely bad things happen to them.
Over all, too much going on in what could have been a nice, straightforward sword-and-sorcery adventure, but tried to be East Asian Renaissance Game of Thrones instead.
Instead, what we're left with are these jarring fragments. Every chapter seems to either begin with something interesting just having happened, and the viewpoint character expositing and reacting to it, (as opposed to letting the reader actually experience said interesting thing) or end on a cliffhanger/dramatic reveal, which will get picked up as something that happened weeks ago when the story returns to said viewpoint. Not only is this style of writing frustrating as all get out, but combined with all the characters and plotlines, it can make the story quite difficult to follow. Additionally, as each segment is relatively short, it's hard to build any empathy for the characters, which means there's little pay-off when they are in peril or when genuinely bad things happen to them.
Over all, too much going on in what could have been a nice, straightforward sword-and-sorcery adventure, but tried to be East Asian Renaissance Game of Thrones instead.
February 21, 2014
Bleh, no. Didn't finish. The descriptions are slapped on with a trowel, rather than painted on with a fine brush; in the first two chapters there are two very similar beautiful evil women, blahblahblah. It didn't really seem to bring anything new to the the genre, and with that start I don't trust him with female characters. Even Keles' sister seems spiteful and vindictive, despite supposedly being a positive character.
June 3, 2021
TW:
I did enjoy this book, but there are some writing choices that are not for everyone. Most I liked, some I did not.
First of all, if you expect a fast-paced action-packed adventure, you will be disappointed. It takes more than a third of the book for the quests to even start, and there is little action.
Both quests are scientific research missions, and while both discover mysterious territories, they are treated very scholarly. A lot of it reads like journal entries from someone on an expedition. The chapters from Moraven's POV can get very philosophical at times (those are my favourites, btw).
In the set-up (basically the first 250 pages) and at a few later points, the world-building is anything but subtle. In almost every chapter, especially Nirati and Keles chapters, you get at least one info dump. They are worded good enough, but it does get boring after some time. And it makes the Moraven chapters stand out, since they are the only ones where that does not happen.
As I've said, you have to like that, or at least be fine with it.
What I did not like however is how the chapters start. Almost all the time we get one or two sentences saying where the characters are now, and then a massive, multiple pages long flashback describing how they got there and what had happened since the last time we saw that character. It is so annoying, especially since it couldn't have been too hard to just start with the "flashback", but as active action, and then lead up to the "current" events naturally in a linear way.
Doing that once or twice is okay, but every time we skipped a couple days on the journey? Please!
Women are also severly underrepresented. While there are quite a few women in important roles, they're mostly side characters with little page time. Out of the six main POVs, only one is a female character, and her role is almost minor compared to all the over POVs. Her chapters are focused on her relationships with her brothers, her grandfather, her brother's ex-fiancée, and her lover. Thinking back while writing this review, she's mostly there to give background information for other characters.
Anyway, I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series (they will have to wait though).
I also really like this cover. It fits the book wonderfully.
I did enjoy this book, but there are some writing choices that are not for everyone. Most I liked, some I did not.
First of all, if you expect a fast-paced action-packed adventure, you will be disappointed. It takes more than a third of the book for the quests to even start, and there is little action.
Both quests are scientific research missions, and while both discover mysterious territories, they are treated very scholarly. A lot of it reads like journal entries from someone on an expedition. The chapters from Moraven's POV can get very philosophical at times (those are my favourites, btw).
In the set-up (basically the first 250 pages) and at a few later points, the world-building is anything but subtle. In almost every chapter, especially Nirati and Keles chapters, you get at least one info dump. They are worded good enough, but it does get boring after some time. And it makes the Moraven chapters stand out, since they are the only ones where that does not happen.
As I've said, you have to like that, or at least be fine with it.
What I did not like however is how the chapters start. Almost all the time we get one or two sentences saying where the characters are now, and then a massive, multiple pages long flashback describing how they got there and what had happened since the last time we saw that character. It is so annoying, especially since it couldn't have been too hard to just start with the "flashback", but as active action, and then lead up to the "current" events naturally in a linear way.
Doing that once or twice is okay, but every time we skipped a couple days on the journey? Please!
Women are also severly underrepresented. While there are quite a few women in important roles, they're mostly side characters with little page time. Out of the six main POVs, only one is a female character, and her role is almost minor compared to all the over POVs. Her chapters are focused on her relationships with her brothers, her grandfather, her brother's ex-fiancée, and her lover. Thinking back while writing this review, she's mostly there to give background information for other characters.
Anyway, I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series (they will have to wait though).
I also really like this cover. It fits the book wonderfully.
December 31, 2013
My very favorite works by Michael A. Stackpole (outside of his seminal work on the old EA role-playing game, Wasteland, not only based on his Mercenaries, Spies, and Private Eyes tabletop role-playing game but also served as the spiritual ancestor to the Fallout series of computer games) are trilogies. I loved the Warrior: En Garde series in the Battletech universe and I loved the Fiddleback trilogy in the Dark Conspiracy universe. Other people love his Shadowrun stories and his Star Wars novels (particularly those in the New Jedi Order). I liked the two trilogies because of the intricate conspiracies that formed the warp and woof of their worlds/universes. I relished much of Once a Hero, but this Age of Discovery trilogy, beginning with A Secret Atlas may become my favorite. It has all the things I love about Stack at the top of his game—unexpected betrayals, secret motives, character flaws, dazzling action sequences (which would require sophisticated CGI to film), rivalries, political machinations, and mysterious secrets to be unveiled. Plus, the richly textured fantasy universe which seems to blend the best of Chinese and Korean culture (with occasional Japanese adornments) with fantastic elements just really floats my dhow (or, should that be Tao?).
These fantastic elements can mesmerize. A barbarian’s tattoo isn’t “inked,” it is fletched—feathers embedded in his body in a magical ceremony (p. 196). The Vrilxingnaridin (say that twice, fast) desecrate the graves of heroes, grind their bones into dust, and either sell or inhale the powder (much like Keith Richards’ alleged and probably apocryphal snorting of his father’s ashes) in order that the skill and courage of the dead heroes would be endowed to others (much as primitives drink the blood of slain animals and enemies to gain speed, strength, skill, and vitality—p. 207). The Wavewolf, a ship missing for a generation, appears out of nowhere with tattered sails and alligator-esque humanoids “crewing” it (p. 398). Later, during the aftermath of a magical storm, a person is transformed into a human-shaped community of beetles and functions as such for a number of hours before dissipating (p. 536). These are fascinating elements of a richly architected world.
The Chinese accents are spot-on. Some of the novel’s mysticism is tied to pseudo-Confucian sayings like, “The just sip from the river of Reward, the greedy drown in it.” (p. 149) Another might be, “The dog awaits his Master’s pleasure and is rewarded. Impotent barks breed only displeasure.” (p. 331) “The danger of dreams comes when one acts on them as if they are prophecy.” (p. 428) The quotation just cited is just one of the many with a familiar ring and just enough difference to be interesting. Plus, the descriptions of embroidered robes and significance of colors (including white as the color of mourning) gives it that Old World Chinese or Korean atmosphere. Plus, there is a race called the Fenn which, in spite of sounding Irish, seems much more akin to Chinese and Korean legend where human-like figures transforms into beasts, “…never quite looking like a dog, wolf, mountain cat, bear, or badger, but a mongrel mix of any two.” (p. 310). Yet, there are also Aztec influences to be seen in pyramids and a god named “Tetcomchoa” with its feathered serpent symbol in one of the freshly discovered civilizations (p. 524). So, Stackpole is definitely creating a diverse global feel for his fantasy world.
The humor and insults aren’t bad, either. On one occasion, a younger brother says to his older brother, “You’re so bad with a blade that an apple doesn’t get worried when you approach it with a paring knife.” (p. 227) Early in the book, there is a marvelous rhyme about religious giving: “Loud in prayer, but in offerings spare.” (p. 4) I also loved the incident where excessive alcohol saved a village of teetotalers (pp. 315-17). At another point, a worried character’s expression of “Oh, my! Oh, my!” becomes an onomatopoeic expression voiced by a creature as “Omaiamaia!” (p. 466)
I also liked the emphasis on “wargaming.” All sides have a tradition of using miniatures both to plan and magically conceive the plans of the enemy (for example, on p. 217 and p. 235). Of course, they can also lead to overconfidence as they do for one ill-prepared ruler (p. 384). There are even miniatures cast to honor various heroes and miniatures which provide transitional foci for plots and scenes. One would almost think that Stack had a television mini-series in mind because these little vignettes are so…well…focused!
Underneath the epic of exploration of desolate wastes where wild magic has transformed and continues to transform the land, there are rather more human considerations. For example, I rather enjoyed the discussion of technological advancement on p. 379 where the apprentice xidantzu (essentially a samurai) complains: “…it confers on the untrained skills that ordinarily require years of study. It will erode respect for those who have developed skills. Hard work will become a thing of the past.” The apprentice could just as easily be describing computers or the world-wide web. And, of course, the debate sets up a marvelous action sequence some 100 pages later when a humanoid challenges one of the magical machines the xidantzu apprentice was complaining about (p. 485). Again, there is a time when Prince Cyron reflects upon the ruthlessness of his father and grandfather as a virtue, but “For him, with his father’s program of exploration, he saw the world as one of expanding resources, not a limited supply that necessitated rationing.” (p. 416) Does one sense Hyekian optimism here as opposed to Keynesian pessimism? I also rather enjoy that Stackpole posits one of the civilizations discovered to be a meritocracy (p. 500).
There are only, in my opinion (for whatever that’s worth), two weaknesses in A Secret Atlas. The first is that there is a significant death late in the work that is worthy of a George R. R. Martin effort in that it brutally and sadistically kills a character with which one has a certain emotional attachment. In fact, it is done in such a way that much of the groundwork in said character seems rather wasted. That seemed gratuitous and imitative rather than masterful, as is much of Stack’s work. The second is that this volume is not, as I personally believe should be the case, self-contained as the first volume in a trilogy. Too much is left open-ended and, again in something of a George R. R. Martin style, the ending feels abruptly cut off. A Secret Atlas would quickly have generated an additional star from me (and the sequel, Cartomancy, may well do so) if it hadn’t been for these two weaknesses.
These fantastic elements can mesmerize. A barbarian’s tattoo isn’t “inked,” it is fletched—feathers embedded in his body in a magical ceremony (p. 196). The Vrilxingnaridin (say that twice, fast) desecrate the graves of heroes, grind their bones into dust, and either sell or inhale the powder (much like Keith Richards’ alleged and probably apocryphal snorting of his father’s ashes) in order that the skill and courage of the dead heroes would be endowed to others (much as primitives drink the blood of slain animals and enemies to gain speed, strength, skill, and vitality—p. 207). The Wavewolf, a ship missing for a generation, appears out of nowhere with tattered sails and alligator-esque humanoids “crewing” it (p. 398). Later, during the aftermath of a magical storm, a person is transformed into a human-shaped community of beetles and functions as such for a number of hours before dissipating (p. 536). These are fascinating elements of a richly architected world.
The Chinese accents are spot-on. Some of the novel’s mysticism is tied to pseudo-Confucian sayings like, “The just sip from the river of Reward, the greedy drown in it.” (p. 149) Another might be, “The dog awaits his Master’s pleasure and is rewarded. Impotent barks breed only displeasure.” (p. 331) “The danger of dreams comes when one acts on them as if they are prophecy.” (p. 428) The quotation just cited is just one of the many with a familiar ring and just enough difference to be interesting. Plus, the descriptions of embroidered robes and significance of colors (including white as the color of mourning) gives it that Old World Chinese or Korean atmosphere. Plus, there is a race called the Fenn which, in spite of sounding Irish, seems much more akin to Chinese and Korean legend where human-like figures transforms into beasts, “…never quite looking like a dog, wolf, mountain cat, bear, or badger, but a mongrel mix of any two.” (p. 310). Yet, there are also Aztec influences to be seen in pyramids and a god named “Tetcomchoa” with its feathered serpent symbol in one of the freshly discovered civilizations (p. 524). So, Stackpole is definitely creating a diverse global feel for his fantasy world.
The humor and insults aren’t bad, either. On one occasion, a younger brother says to his older brother, “You’re so bad with a blade that an apple doesn’t get worried when you approach it with a paring knife.” (p. 227) Early in the book, there is a marvelous rhyme about religious giving: “Loud in prayer, but in offerings spare.” (p. 4) I also loved the incident where excessive alcohol saved a village of teetotalers (pp. 315-17). At another point, a worried character’s expression of “Oh, my! Oh, my!” becomes an onomatopoeic expression voiced by a creature as “Omaiamaia!” (p. 466)
I also liked the emphasis on “wargaming.” All sides have a tradition of using miniatures both to plan and magically conceive the plans of the enemy (for example, on p. 217 and p. 235). Of course, they can also lead to overconfidence as they do for one ill-prepared ruler (p. 384). There are even miniatures cast to honor various heroes and miniatures which provide transitional foci for plots and scenes. One would almost think that Stack had a television mini-series in mind because these little vignettes are so…well…focused!
Underneath the epic of exploration of desolate wastes where wild magic has transformed and continues to transform the land, there are rather more human considerations. For example, I rather enjoyed the discussion of technological advancement on p. 379 where the apprentice xidantzu (essentially a samurai) complains: “…it confers on the untrained skills that ordinarily require years of study. It will erode respect for those who have developed skills. Hard work will become a thing of the past.” The apprentice could just as easily be describing computers or the world-wide web. And, of course, the debate sets up a marvelous action sequence some 100 pages later when a humanoid challenges one of the magical machines the xidantzu apprentice was complaining about (p. 485). Again, there is a time when Prince Cyron reflects upon the ruthlessness of his father and grandfather as a virtue, but “For him, with his father’s program of exploration, he saw the world as one of expanding resources, not a limited supply that necessitated rationing.” (p. 416) Does one sense Hyekian optimism here as opposed to Keynesian pessimism? I also rather enjoy that Stackpole posits one of the civilizations discovered to be a meritocracy (p. 500).
There are only, in my opinion (for whatever that’s worth), two weaknesses in A Secret Atlas. The first is that there is a significant death late in the work that is worthy of a George R. R. Martin effort in that it brutally and sadistically kills a character with which one has a certain emotional attachment. In fact, it is done in such a way that much of the groundwork in said character seems rather wasted. That seemed gratuitous and imitative rather than masterful, as is much of Stack’s work. The second is that this volume is not, as I personally believe should be the case, self-contained as the first volume in a trilogy. Too much is left open-ended and, again in something of a George R. R. Martin style, the ending feels abruptly cut off. A Secret Atlas would quickly have generated an additional star from me (and the sequel, Cartomancy, may well do so) if it hadn’t been for these two weaknesses.
February 4, 2018
A pretty easy read. The dialogue is kind of weak but it doesn't make the book unreadable. The characters don't really come to life and I found all of them unremarkable. The action scenes are nicely written.
As far as high fantasy novels go it's a pretty easy read. Kind of like an airport novel. There are enough twists and cliff hangers that make me want to read the next book.
As far as high fantasy novels go it's a pretty easy read. Kind of like an airport novel. There are enough twists and cliff hangers that make me want to read the next book.
March 18, 2013
I kind of want to rate this higher, because there is a ton of interesting worldbuilding going on in here, but this book did take me two whole years to finish - after every single chapter I would fall asleep, reading before bed. It just did not have any sort of momentum, and for all that it was a big fantasy work, it was very very dry. It definitely suffered from this problem:
Also, I felt like there was a lot of interesting stuff going on in the first 3/4 of the book, and then at the end, the author just ran out of steam and cribbed from the Aztecs. Down to the spelling of the made up words. And then, bizarrely, some sort drama involving a serial killer? There is just TOO MUCH going on in this book. I know it's meant to set up a longer series, but if there was ever an example of an infodump, this is it.
As a reader, I could never really get into each character, because the POV changed every single chapter. Not just between one or two characters, but between 4-5 of them. It was just way too fragmented. That, and the made up words - it was way too much effort on the part of the reader.
Also, I felt like there was a lot of interesting stuff going on in the first 3/4 of the book, and then at the end, the author just ran out of steam and cribbed from the Aztecs. Down to the spelling of the made up words. And then, bizarrely, some sort drama involving a serial killer? There is just TOO MUCH going on in this book. I know it's meant to set up a longer series, but if there was ever an example of an infodump, this is it.
As a reader, I could never really get into each character, because the POV changed every single chapter. Not just between one or two characters, but between 4-5 of them. It was just way too fragmented. That, and the made up words - it was way too much effort on the part of the reader.
January 24, 2023
I picked up this book and the third one at a used bookstore(that way if I liked it I'd have at least two of three). The cover caught my eye(and my sister's too but I'm more prone to buy random books), it looked 'map-y'.
I like the idea of the "Age of Discovery", people going out and mapping the world via sailing ships and overland. And whilst I'm a fantasy fan, in this case, there was a bit too much fantasy in it for me. I'd rather have had a good old fashioned adventure to explore the world where there happens to be a bit of magic evolved also.
I'll eventually look to check out the second book, since I have the third one already, but it's not at the top of my list.
I like the idea of the "Age of Discovery", people going out and mapping the world via sailing ships and overland. And whilst I'm a fantasy fan, in this case, there was a bit too much fantasy in it for me. I'd rather have had a good old fashioned adventure to explore the world where there happens to be a bit of magic evolved also.
I'll eventually look to check out the second book, since I have the third one already, but it's not at the top of my list.
April 2, 2016
I had high hopes for this book and I gave it my best shot, I really did. But after nearly three weeks of forcing myself to read almost 300 pages and waiting for the story to actually get moving, I give up. I know I'm close to the end, but frankly nothing I've read so far makes me care enough to finish this book, let alone read the next two in the trilogy.
Life is too short and there are too many good books out there waiting to be read to spend any more time on this one.
Life is too short and there are too many good books out there waiting to be read to spend any more time on this one.
November 21, 2017
Thrilling political fantasy. If you're looking for a book loaded with action, then this isn't for you. It does have action, but it's threaded into various political schemes and rumors of wars. I loved getting to know the factions and understanding their dynamics.
July 2, 2018
High Fantasy, deren Protagonisten fast alle aus einer Familie von Kartographen stammen, Helden- und Entdeckungsreisen, die ohne großartig stereotypische Prophezeiungen auskommen, sondern sehr viel Sinn ergeben, noch dazu eine gut ausgearbeitete Welt, die ohne viele der oft verwendeten Wesen auskommen: Was könnte man daran nicht mögen?
Auf dem Klappentext werden Namen wie Jordan oder George Martin verteilt, mich hat es jedoch eher an Richard Schwartz erinnert. Da die Askir-Reihe zu einer meiner Lieblinge gehört, ist das nicht negativ, im Gegenteil! Ich liebe Kartographie und Entdecker und war schon vom Titel angetan, dann erst recht vom Klappentext. Er verspricht auch nicht zu viel, es gibt nur kleinere Mankos, die den einen Stern für die Höchstbewertung gekostet haben.
Zum einen finde ich es ausnehmend schade, dass ein Buch, das sich um Kartographen dreht und deren Entdeckungsreisen einen großen Teil des Plots ausmachen, nur eine einzige Karte beinhaltet und diese dann nur die bekannte Welt darstellt. Natürlich könnte alles andere zu viel verraten, aber ich habe schon mal in die Nachfolgebände geblättert und auch da gibt es keine neuen. So viele legendäre Karten im Text und dann nur eine einzige im Buch! Verschenktes Potential, finde ich.
Es hätte vielleicht auch geholfen, die Vielzahl an Begriffen abzumildern, die gerade am Anfang des Buches geballt hingeworfen werden. Die ersten 100 Seiten vergehen damit, lauter Titel und Namen und Orte einander zuzuordnen, wobei es einzig die erwähnte Karte gibt, die ungefähr die Hälfte der Orte dann auch zeigt - in Band 2 kommt immerhin ein Glossar hinzu, was in Band 1 einfach fehlt. Entweder, man hält die Sprache einfach genug, dass die Leser auch mitkommen, oder es ist auch hier schon ein Muss! (Wobei ich ja zu ersterer Lösung tendiere. Noch dazu würde ich auch niemals dazu raten, so viele unaussprechliche Wörter für den Weltenbau zu verwenden. Die besten Namen sind immer noch die, die einen an reale Dinge erinnern; wie Winterfell, Königsmund (egal was man da von der Übersetzung hält) von Martin.)
Das andere Manko betrifft den Plot. Eigentlich enthält er alles, was man braucht: Intrigen am Hofe, Gefahren und Angriffe in der Hauptstadt und auf den Reisen, Geschwister, die auch mal romantische Verwicklungen haben, aber zusammenhalten, Legenden, mystische Kämpfer (und hier tatsächlich als Mystiker, die solch eine Kunstfertigkeit erlangt haben, dass sie kaum noch altern - ein sehr interessantes Konzept) und fremdartige Wesen wie die Viruk, die nicht menschlich, aber doch verständlich sind und nicht so ausgelutscht wie Orks und Elben. ALLERDINGS hat der Plot ein paar - Löcher wäre falsch gesagt - Sprünge. Mehrmals habe ich vor und zurückgeblättert, mit einem großen Fragezeichen im Gesicht, und das Kapitel gesucht, was ich aus Versehen übersprungen hatte. Es war nicht da. Überraschende Wendungen schön und gut, aber es ist keine Wendung, wenn ein Nebencharakter zwischen den Kapiteln ermordet wird und es in dem folgenden dann schon allen bekannt ist! Ich habe wirklich lange danach gesucht, wo ich das hätte kommen sehen sollen oder wo es erwähnt wurde, aber nein, völlig unvorbereitet beginnt das eine Kapitel dann damit, dass sie trauern und darüber reden, wie grausam der Mord war.
Während die Hauptstadt für mich daher etwas fad war, haben mich die Entdeckungsreisen umso mehr begeistert und ich konnte kaum erwarten, dass sie beginnen. Sowohl Jorims als auch Keles' Reise endeten anders, als ich erwartet hatte. Nun bin ich sehr gespannt darauf, wie es weitergeht und wünsche mir, dass die Kartographie nicht eine untergeordnete Rolle spielen wird hinter den Intrigen und Legenden.
Auf dem Klappentext werden Namen wie Jordan oder George Martin verteilt, mich hat es jedoch eher an Richard Schwartz erinnert. Da die Askir-Reihe zu einer meiner Lieblinge gehört, ist das nicht negativ, im Gegenteil! Ich liebe Kartographie und Entdecker und war schon vom Titel angetan, dann erst recht vom Klappentext. Er verspricht auch nicht zu viel, es gibt nur kleinere Mankos, die den einen Stern für die Höchstbewertung gekostet haben.
Zum einen finde ich es ausnehmend schade, dass ein Buch, das sich um Kartographen dreht und deren Entdeckungsreisen einen großen Teil des Plots ausmachen, nur eine einzige Karte beinhaltet und diese dann nur die bekannte Welt darstellt. Natürlich könnte alles andere zu viel verraten, aber ich habe schon mal in die Nachfolgebände geblättert und auch da gibt es keine neuen. So viele legendäre Karten im Text und dann nur eine einzige im Buch! Verschenktes Potential, finde ich.
Es hätte vielleicht auch geholfen, die Vielzahl an Begriffen abzumildern, die gerade am Anfang des Buches geballt hingeworfen werden. Die ersten 100 Seiten vergehen damit, lauter Titel und Namen und Orte einander zuzuordnen, wobei es einzig die erwähnte Karte gibt, die ungefähr die Hälfte der Orte dann auch zeigt - in Band 2 kommt immerhin ein Glossar hinzu, was in Band 1 einfach fehlt. Entweder, man hält die Sprache einfach genug, dass die Leser auch mitkommen, oder es ist auch hier schon ein Muss! (Wobei ich ja zu ersterer Lösung tendiere. Noch dazu würde ich auch niemals dazu raten, so viele unaussprechliche Wörter für den Weltenbau zu verwenden. Die besten Namen sind immer noch die, die einen an reale Dinge erinnern; wie Winterfell, Königsmund (egal was man da von der Übersetzung hält) von Martin.)
Das andere Manko betrifft den Plot. Eigentlich enthält er alles, was man braucht: Intrigen am Hofe, Gefahren und Angriffe in der Hauptstadt und auf den Reisen, Geschwister, die auch mal romantische Verwicklungen haben, aber zusammenhalten, Legenden, mystische Kämpfer (und hier tatsächlich als Mystiker, die solch eine Kunstfertigkeit erlangt haben, dass sie kaum noch altern - ein sehr interessantes Konzept) und fremdartige Wesen wie die Viruk, die nicht menschlich, aber doch verständlich sind und nicht so ausgelutscht wie Orks und Elben. ALLERDINGS hat der Plot ein paar - Löcher wäre falsch gesagt - Sprünge. Mehrmals habe ich vor und zurückgeblättert, mit einem großen Fragezeichen im Gesicht, und das Kapitel gesucht, was ich aus Versehen übersprungen hatte. Es war nicht da. Überraschende Wendungen schön und gut, aber es ist keine Wendung, wenn ein Nebencharakter zwischen den Kapiteln ermordet wird und es in dem folgenden dann schon allen bekannt ist! Ich habe wirklich lange danach gesucht, wo ich das hätte kommen sehen sollen oder wo es erwähnt wurde, aber nein, völlig unvorbereitet beginnt das eine Kapitel dann damit, dass sie trauern und darüber reden, wie grausam der Mord war.
Während die Hauptstadt für mich daher etwas fad war, haben mich die Entdeckungsreisen umso mehr begeistert und ich konnte kaum erwarten, dass sie beginnen. Sowohl Jorims als auch Keles' Reise endeten anders, als ich erwartet hatte. Nun bin ich sehr gespannt darauf, wie es weitergeht und wünsche mir, dass die Kartographie nicht eine untergeordnete Rolle spielen wird hinter den Intrigen und Legenden.
April 24, 2025
There were points early on in this story when I was thinking “so good!” but that reaction subsided and then was soured by the end of the story. This book follows Jorim and Keles, map-making brothers from the family of mapmakers. Keles twin sister, Nirati, also has a supporting role, as does Moroven, a magical swordsman of mysterious origin. We also see things from the perspective of Princes of two rival territories from time to time. All of this lends to the epic feel of the narrative.
So the good things. Stackpole is a master of world building and creates a unique blend of 15th century China mixed with magic and other races. The portrait of a stratified society where both power and abilities are nurtured and the ruling elite have control over much is precise and interesting. Jorim and Keles feel like people one might know and they are a pleasure to travel with. The chapters are short episodes that pull one along through each of their adventures.
I had slight misgivings about the novel when at pg three Moroven and travelers joke about the “pleasures” of the festival in a very laddish way. But then they immediately are confronted with bandits, the most skilled of whom is a female. Other strong female characters are introduced, including the captain of the massive ship that Jorim is taking to the East, and Nirati was introduced as a more major character. The intrigue at court, the international politics of the world, and the exploration of the brothers quickly becomes a delicious ride. I remember pausing at this point and thinking that this was a five star book, but then the action slowed and I started to feel like I was in one of those middle books that consist of an interminable journey with not much happening. Stackpole doesn’t linger on the journey terribly, but it still felt like things were getting bogged down.
Then the ending. Really? Nirati’s role in the plot ends up being to tolerate having a toxic boyfriend who drugs her repeatedly, but whom she still goes back to, only to be horribly murdered as he turns out to be the 15th century equivalent of a serial killer (and foreign spy). Um why? I understand but object to the fact that the killing of women is often used as a goad, a catalyst to the narrative, that seems to happen almost exclusively in male-centric stories. But I was particularly disappointed because this just felt out of keeping with both the intelligence of that character and the story up to that point.
So the good things. Stackpole is a master of world building and creates a unique blend of 15th century China mixed with magic and other races. The portrait of a stratified society where both power and abilities are nurtured and the ruling elite have control over much is precise and interesting. Jorim and Keles feel like people one might know and they are a pleasure to travel with. The chapters are short episodes that pull one along through each of their adventures.
I had slight misgivings about the novel when at pg three Moroven and travelers joke about the “pleasures” of the festival in a very laddish way. But then they immediately are confronted with bandits, the most skilled of whom is a female. Other strong female characters are introduced, including the captain of the massive ship that Jorim is taking to the East, and Nirati was introduced as a more major character. The intrigue at court, the international politics of the world, and the exploration of the brothers quickly becomes a delicious ride. I remember pausing at this point and thinking that this was a five star book, but then the action slowed and I started to feel like I was in one of those middle books that consist of an interminable journey with not much happening. Stackpole doesn’t linger on the journey terribly, but it still felt like things were getting bogged down.
Then the ending. Really? Nirati’s role in the plot ends up being to tolerate having a toxic boyfriend who drugs her repeatedly, but whom she still goes back to, only to be horribly murdered as he turns out to be the 15th century equivalent of a serial killer (and foreign spy). Um why? I understand but object to the fact that the killing of women is often used as a goad, a catalyst to the narrative, that seems to happen almost exclusively in male-centric stories. But I was particularly disappointed because this just felt out of keeping with both the intelligence of that character and the story up to that point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
I’ll confess, if I’d realized this was part of another series to get sucked into, I wouldn’t have picked it up at the used book store. I’ve seen the title and wondered about if for years, and just didn’t do the smart thing (looking it up on GR) before I bought it.
That said, it’s an entertaining (if dense) set-up for a fantasy twist on the discovery of the New World, but through the lens of a culture that’s very much based on dynastic China. There’s a pretty detailed history of this world of the Nine Principalities, once a massive Empire blown apart by a war that unleashed world-wrecking magic. The cast of characters is fairly massive, but I didn’t find a lot to like in many of them. They aren’t bad or even badly rendered…just a little bland. Beyond the Anturasi family, the political maneuvering and infighting is mostly just setting the stage here for what I can only presume is going to become wide scale war in the next installment or two.
The exploration plot lines, following one brother overland through magically-shifting wastelands and dangerous border towns while the other brother sails out with a fleet to map the world (and master the mystery of longitude), are both great fun. The flashing back to the petty bickering and princes jockeying for position or preparing for war…less so. The third sibling (a sister) is of course left at home, makes very predictable mistakes, and basically serves to move the plot forward at the end of book one.
I like Stackpole’s writing, and his descriptive passages of both the scenery and its inhabitants is terrifically evocative. I will at some point seek out the other two installments just to see how the whole thing plays out, but I didn’t immediately scramble to grab it from Amazon when this one was finished.
That said, it’s an entertaining (if dense) set-up for a fantasy twist on the discovery of the New World, but through the lens of a culture that’s very much based on dynastic China. There’s a pretty detailed history of this world of the Nine Principalities, once a massive Empire blown apart by a war that unleashed world-wrecking magic. The cast of characters is fairly massive, but I didn’t find a lot to like in many of them. They aren’t bad or even badly rendered…just a little bland. Beyond the Anturasi family, the political maneuvering and infighting is mostly just setting the stage here for what I can only presume is going to become wide scale war in the next installment or two.
The exploration plot lines, following one brother overland through magically-shifting wastelands and dangerous border towns while the other brother sails out with a fleet to map the world (and master the mystery of longitude), are both great fun. The flashing back to the petty bickering and princes jockeying for position or preparing for war…less so. The third sibling (a sister) is of course left at home, makes very predictable mistakes, and basically serves to move the plot forward at the end of book one.
I like Stackpole’s writing, and his descriptive passages of both the scenery and its inhabitants is terrifically evocative. I will at some point seek out the other two installments just to see how the whole thing plays out, but I didn’t immediately scramble to grab it from Amazon when this one was finished.
July 12, 2023
I'd had this book on my to read list for a long time (back when I looked up this guy I hadn't heard of before that was writing Star Wars novels. A book with a focus on exploring and making maps sounded pretty different.
This year's summer reading challenge at the library required a book with a map on the cover, so this one sprung to mind again. It's very ambitious.. tell the story of 5 different main characters in turn. I think it was too much.. things did not progress very far, and while each part was pretty interesting, the whole was a slog.
Just when things started to be interesting, it fell apart. First, he makes the only female lead a sex fiend and Fridges her (though by the descriptions of the other books she might come back some how), and then in the last 40 pages everything falls completely apart.
That's not the sort of cliffhanger that makes me want to read the next book, it makes me write off the series.. and probably just as well, since the rest sounds like pretty standard fare.
The interesting bits about how good maps and knowledge of the land was powerful were quickly glossed over and taken for granted, when that was the part that I was hoping to see explored. Instead, we got to very standard quests and some misogyny that was hard to read.
The concept of becoming so skilled at something you become essentially a Jedi and live almost forever was pretty fun too.. but again, wasn't nearly explored enough for my liking, as the swordsman and his apprentice that introduced the concept turned out to be minor characters.
Overall, it's probably better than I'm rating it, but it loses extra points on missed potential.
This year's summer reading challenge at the library required a book with a map on the cover, so this one sprung to mind again. It's very ambitious.. tell the story of 5 different main characters in turn. I think it was too much.. things did not progress very far, and while each part was pretty interesting, the whole was a slog.
Just when things started to be interesting, it fell apart. First, he makes the only female lead a sex fiend and Fridges her (though by the descriptions of the other books she might come back some how), and then in the last 40 pages everything falls completely apart.
That's not the sort of cliffhanger that makes me want to read the next book, it makes me write off the series.. and probably just as well, since the rest sounds like pretty standard fare.
The interesting bits about how good maps and knowledge of the land was powerful were quickly glossed over and taken for granted, when that was the part that I was hoping to see explored. Instead, we got to very standard quests and some misogyny that was hard to read.
The concept of becoming so skilled at something you become essentially a Jedi and live almost forever was pretty fun too.. but again, wasn't nearly explored enough for my liking, as the swordsman and his apprentice that introduced the concept turned out to be minor characters.
Overall, it's probably better than I'm rating it, but it loses extra points on missed potential.
May 2, 2022
Nu seamănă cu alte carti fantasy pe care le am citit. Multe conflicte și o lume plina de magie și creaturi ciudate. Mi a plăcut cum povestește de a lungul cartii din mai multe perspective. Nu cred ca poți sa te plictisești citind-o ,dar simt ca m a lăsat în ceata in tot timpul cartii in legatura cu Urgia. Se poate ca ideea sa fie ca afli pe parcurs ce s a întâmplat înainte, dar nici personajele nu par sigure de evenimente.
Prima data aflam despre spadasinul Moraven, si chiar sunt curioasa daca o sa mai pomenească de Dunos , si despre clanul Anturasi care are o mare importanta pentru imperiu. Expedițiile lui Keles si ale lui Jorim sunt interesante si in paralel o urmărim pe sora lor ,Nirati , si conflictul dintre Helosunde si Deseirion . In sine ,simt ca totul se leagă cu puterea Nalenyrului, expedițiile sunt în folosul ei si întrebarea e dacă o sa reușească Cyron sa il învingă pe Pyrust.
Finalul ma face sa vreau sa citesc următoarea carte. Keles e in pericol , Jorim afla de un pericol care amenință Nalenyr, dar ,pentru ca e considerat zeu de amenutzeli , trebuie sa învețe sa folosească magia . Si cartea se termina cu moartea lui Nirati si dispariția lui Qiro ,dar nu mi dau seama ce ar trebui sa însemne ultima scena cu Cyron .
Cartea a fost bună, dar m am simțit in ceata din cauza cuvintelor create de autor și unele aspecte mi se par confuze . Deja aștept sa citesc următoarea carte !!
Prima data aflam despre spadasinul Moraven, si chiar sunt curioasa daca o sa mai pomenească de Dunos , si despre clanul Anturasi care are o mare importanta pentru imperiu. Expedițiile lui Keles si ale lui Jorim sunt interesante si in paralel o urmărim pe sora lor ,Nirati , si conflictul dintre Helosunde si Deseirion . In sine ,simt ca totul se leagă cu puterea Nalenyrului, expedițiile sunt în folosul ei si întrebarea e dacă o sa reușească Cyron sa il învingă pe Pyrust.
Finalul ma face sa vreau sa citesc următoarea carte. Keles e in pericol , Jorim afla de un pericol care amenință Nalenyr, dar ,pentru ca e considerat zeu de amenutzeli , trebuie sa învețe sa folosească magia . Si cartea se termina cu moartea lui Nirati si dispariția lui Qiro ,dar nu mi dau seama ce ar trebui sa însemne ultima scena cu Cyron .
Cartea a fost bună, dar m am simțit in ceata din cauza cuvintelor create de autor și unele aspecte mi se par confuze . Deja aștept sa citesc următoarea carte !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
Three and a half stars. The characters are developed well enough and there is enough intrigue for me to want to read the next book in the series.
Seven hundred years after the Black Ice, the family Anturasai are preeminent mapmakers. Jorim and Keles are the heirs apparent but their grandfather can be mean, spiteful and slow in forgiving. Both young men are sent on separate explorations in the name of furthering the knowledge of their world. Behind the scenes, other powers are at work that covet the Anturasai map making monopoly, that want to rejoin the 9 into one Empire, and others who want to find the sleeping Empress so she can save the world she created. The one thing no-one can control though, is the wild magic.
Seven hundred years after the Black Ice, the family Anturasai are preeminent mapmakers. Jorim and Keles are the heirs apparent but their grandfather can be mean, spiteful and slow in forgiving. Both young men are sent on separate explorations in the name of furthering the knowledge of their world. Behind the scenes, other powers are at work that covet the Anturasai map making monopoly, that want to rejoin the 9 into one Empire, and others who want to find the sleeping Empress so she can save the world she created. The one thing no-one can control though, is the wild magic.
November 4, 2017
I like Michael Stackpole. I think that he has great thoughts on writing and the craft.
This, I do not like. I have tried. I have read and continued but I do not like nor do I care for a single character in this story. 192 pages in, and 2 action scenes. One in the first chapter, which hooked me in, and a minor one later. Everything else is talking, politics, and anything not magic.
This is supposed to be a book about some sort of new magic known as Cartomancy, but there is no mention or sign of it and I am over one-quarter of the way into the novel.
Nothing keeping my attention and I no longer care to try. I am done with this one.
This, I do not like. I have tried. I have read and continued but I do not like nor do I care for a single character in this story. 192 pages in, and 2 action scenes. One in the first chapter, which hooked me in, and a minor one later. Everything else is talking, politics, and anything not magic.
This is supposed to be a book about some sort of new magic known as Cartomancy, but there is no mention or sign of it and I am over one-quarter of the way into the novel.
Nothing keeping my attention and I no longer care to try. I am done with this one.
October 17, 2024
Wir begleiten in diesem Buch gleich mehrere Personen. Politik und Erkundung stehen hier bei dieser Geschichte sehr im Vordergrund. Dieser erste Teil baut eine komplexe und faszinierende Welt auf. Dabei fand ich alle Sichtweisen gleichermaßen spannend. Ein paar blutige und detaillierte Szenen sorgen dafür das dass Buch auch einen schrecklichen Anteil bekommt.
Die Geschichte macht manchmal Sprünge. Dies macht es zunächst, am Anfang der Kapitel, etwas schwierig die Sachen einzuordnen. Die schwierigen Namen machen es einem da nicht einfach. Obwohl wenig passiert (für die Anzahl der Seiten) kam es mir nicht langgezogen vor.
Die Geschichte macht manchmal Sprünge. Dies macht es zunächst, am Anfang der Kapitel, etwas schwierig die Sachen einzuordnen. Die schwierigen Namen machen es einem da nicht einfach. Obwohl wenig passiert (für die Anzahl der Seiten) kam es mir nicht langgezogen vor.
July 23, 2019
Normally I love Stackpole; however, this book had way too many cumbersome names (people, places, titles, etc) to pronounce. Once I find myself substituting names with easier to pronounce versions I start to loose interest. I didn't even get out of chapter three before I started doing that. For example Ummummorar? Jaecaiserr? I get the need to create a unique world, but adapting common words, or using easier to pronounce words. (Mamoria, Jascar)
October 24, 2020
Twists and turns of politics, mystery, magic and human relations in this clever fantasy tale similar to so many from this period. Efforts by the author to weave his own interpretation of the genre are successful for the most part. But so many such tales all seem to blend together and follow a like pattern. And as with so many, the story is stretched to make a trilogy. Some work and some do not. At least Stackpole has the skill and history of multiple interrelated books so we shall see.
October 13, 2022
I loved it. I have never had world building like this nor the twisting history and political intrigue. This book is not for everyone; its much more dense than you average novel. Many chapters are spent on political machinations and interactions between characters. The blurred lines between good and bad characters and who is trustworthy is superb. Do not read this if you want action all the time; it's a mix of about every genre possible.
July 15, 2022
3.5 stars
It did take me a while to get into this one, but once I got into it, I was pretty damn well into it. Starts off in a way that makes me more annoyed than anything, but I did get to really like some of the side characters and man, the worldbuilding was pretty interesting, and I am not a worldbuilding kind of person.
It did take me a while to get into this one, but once I got into it, I was pretty damn well into it. Starts off in a way that makes me more annoyed than anything, but I did get to really like some of the side characters and man, the worldbuilding was pretty interesting, and I am not a worldbuilding kind of person.
September 4, 2018
It was interesting read and since the premise + themes revolved around trading, the actual trade routes and the goods gained, there was great emphasizes on the description and imagery around such items and concepts which was a rich in detail experience to enjoy.
January 18, 2020
fantasy trash. the first of a trilogy, I was completely done when they
September 4, 2021
Recent Reads: A Secret Atlas. Michael Stackpole's geographical fantasy of a post-magical apocalypse world mixes Marco Polo's journey on the Silk Road with what can only be a Chinese contact with the Aztecs. Too much tell, too little show. A pity, the ideas had promise.
October 23, 2017
Writing style is a bit weird.. but once you get used to it you can enjoy the story.
April 1, 2010
The Anturasi family have been mapmakers for generations. This puts them in a unique position of power, since without maps trade and travel suffer. It has been almost 800 years since The Cataclysm, a magical holocaust which both literally and figuratively changed the face of the world, and everyone is still getting things sorted out. This is (more or less) the story of three of the Anturasi children: studious Keles, adventurous Jorim, and soul-searching Nirati. Keles is sent west to survey the lands where dangerous wild magic still has a great hold. Jorim is sent east in a ship to find a new route to the west (and his voyage is similar to Columbus's in many ways). Nirati, concerned that she still does not exhibit a Talent, gets tangled up in local politics. Of course, this is barely scratching the surface. Like many fantasy epics, the characters and subplots are numerous. It is clear that a lot of world-building went into this book, and much time is spent explaining customs, fashions, and history. This doesn't seem distracting at first, but I did find I lost the thread of the plot on several occasions. Nirati's tale in particular confused me; I feel like I somehow skipped a chapter or something. Keles and Jorim's adventures, on the other hand, were great - once they finally got started. I was especially fascinated by the effects of wild magic, how it moves in storms with unpredictable results. It's unfortunate that this is the first book of a trilogy, which meant the ending was unsatisfying and things cut off just as the plot had at last begun to move along well. It simply does not stand on its own. I would probably read the other books were I to come across them, but I'm not sure I'll seek them out. While this was certainly not a boring read and I had no problem churning through many chapters in a sitting, it is not something I thought about when I wasn't reading. It was simply something to pass the time. So while I really enjoyed the world it was set in, I would have appreciated a tighter story.
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