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Saga of the Skolian Empire #14
Carnelians
The leaders of the Eubian empire and Skolian Imperialate have survived political intrigue, military coups and murder attempts as they worked to forge a peace treaty between their two empires. Now comes the hard part--making the treaty a reality.
Assassins are poised on both sides. Their mission: eliminate the leaders for the "crime" of striving to end half a millennia of hatred between empires. And as the main players in the peace process attempt to navigate the Byzantine convolutions surrounding the negotiations, an explosive pop anthem, Carnelians Finale, sweeps across three civilizations, its message inflaming passions. The violence escalates and militaries on both sides are called forth. The hope: to keep both empires alive long enough so that their rulers might somehow achieve peace at last.
About Catherine Asaro’s Skolia saga:
“Entertaining mix of hard SF and romance.”—Publishers Weekly
“Asaro’s Skolian saga is now nearly as long and in many ways as compelling as Dune, if not more so, featuring a multitude of stronger female characters.”—Booklist
“Rapid pacing and gripping suspense.”—Publisher’s Weekly
ebook
First published October 1, 2011
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About the author
Catherine Asaro
93 books699 followersThe author of more than twenty-five books, Catherine Asaro is acclaimed for her Ruby Dynasty series, which combines adventure, science, romance and fast-paced action. Her novel The Quantum Rose won the Nebula® Award, as did her novella “The Spacetime Pool.” Among her many other distinctions, she is a multiple winner of the AnLab from Analog magazine and a three time recipient of the RT BOOKClub Award for “Best Science Fiction Novel.” Her most recent novel, Carnelians, came out in October, 2011. An anthology of her short fiction titled Aurora in Four Voices is available from ISFiC Press in hardcover, and her multiple award-winning novella “The City of Cries” is also available as an eBook for Kindle and Nook.
Catherine has two music CD’s out and she is currently working on her third. The first, Diamond Star, is the soundtrack for her novel of the same name, performed with the rock band, Point Valid. She appears as a vocalist at cons, clubs, and other venues in the US and abroad, including recently as the Guest of Honor at the Denmark and New Zealand National Science Fiction Conventions. She performs selections from her work in a multimedia project that mixes literature, dance, and music with Greg Adams as her accompanist. She is also a theoretical physicist with a PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard, and a jazz and ballet dancer. Visit her at www.facebook.com/Catherine.Asaro
Catherine has two music CD’s out and she is currently working on her third. The first, Diamond Star, is the soundtrack for her novel of the same name, performed with the rock band, Point Valid. She appears as a vocalist at cons, clubs, and other venues in the US and abroad, including recently as the Guest of Honor at the Denmark and New Zealand National Science Fiction Conventions. She performs selections from her work in a multimedia project that mixes literature, dance, and music with Greg Adams as her accompanist. She is also a theoretical physicist with a PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard, and a jazz and ballet dancer. Visit her at www.facebook.com/Catherine.Asaro
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 28, 2011
‘Carnelians’ is the fourteenth novel in Catherine Asaro’s popular Skolian Saga. The saga and the characters populating this unique universe have evolved substantially since Catherine Asaro published the first novelette in 1994. The two warring empires, however, the Skolians and the Eubians, still have a lot more story to explore.
That being said, the ending of this novel satisfied in a way many of the entries into this series have not. Perhaps, after reading my way through a good portion of the saga, I know the characters well enough to have felt a sense of pieces finally falling into place at the end of ‘Carnelians’. The Skolians, under the rule their pharaoh, Deyha, and imperator, Kelric, and the Eubians, under the rule of the emperor and empress, Jaibriol and Tarquine, still have a battle ahead of them. Peace is not in the best interest of their respective empires. But, for the first time, we feel there is an accord of sorts between the leaders, between the individuals behind the titles. They want peace, for various reasons, and have started making significant personal sacrifices to achieve it.
‘Carnelians’ also represents a culmination of several of the ideas Catherine Asaro has developed and presented throughout the course of her series, namely a dice game named Quis and the power of music.
Quis was introduced in the novel, ‘The Last Hawk’, which tells the story of Kelric’s imprisonment on the planet Coba. To call Quis a game is a bit of an understatement. It actually encompasses several functions, serving as a philosophy, means of planning strategy, predicting trends and communication. In the hands of someone who fully understands the implications of what the dice can do, it is a powerful tool. When Kelric escapes Coba, he takes his dice and his understanding of the game with him.
Kelric introduces Quis to Jaibriol in the novel, ‘The Ruby Dice’. ‘The Ruby Dice’ is, by far, my favourite novel in the Skolian Saga. Kelric and Jaibriol, the respective leaders of two warring empires, find themselves alone together in a remote part of Earth. For the first time in history, the two leaders get a chance to put aside politics and talk as men. Secrets and agendas are revealed and Kelric teaches Jaibriol how to play Quis. it’s a powerful story.
The dice game takes on more meaning in ‘Carnelians’ and at the end is poised to become an important part of universal culture. Though I can use my imagination to explore the possibilities and though I can hope for peace, another novel exploring the next step would be more than welcome.
Music is a recurring theme throughout Catherine Asaro’s novels. It is something that is obviously close to the author’s heart. A former professional dancer, she has incorporated her love of music into the Skolian Saga by giving several characters musical careers. ‘Diamond Star’ traces the path of one such career, that of Skolian prince, Del. It is his song, Carnelians Finale, that the novel ‘Carnelians’ is named for. The prince wrote the song after being captures and tortured by a Eubian trader and the lyrics are inflammatory. In ‘Carnelians’, as the two empires begin negotiating a summit for peace, the song, which has been repressed, is released once more. Not only does it endanger the treaty, it covers another, more surreptitious act of war.
As always, ‘Carnelians’ is a dense novel and well plotted. New psions and possible heirs to both dynasties are introduced, romance blossoms and relationships are deepened. There are assassination attempts and kidnappings. Though the story is a logical reflection of events, of the progression of the saga, it did feel a little formulaic in places, however, particularly in regards to the discovery of Aliana, who is obviously a ruby heir. Once again, we are introduced to a character who appears to be beautiful, a magnificent psion and nearly faultless, and, she is unaware of her potential. I would like to see the author explore a character who was less perfect at some point.
To this end, I will say that I did really enjoy getting to know the Empress Tarquine better in this novel. She is a character that fascinates me because, despite her physical perfection and her obvious superiority in every field, she does appear to be evolving as a person. She is not innately ‘good’ or completely evil. I look forward to following her development as (hopefully) the mother of the Eubian heir and one of the arbiters of universal peace.
All in all, ‘Carnelians’ is a solid and worthwhile entry into the saga. While it can be read as a standalone novel, the story has developed to the point where having read other Skolian novels will increase a reader’s appreciation and understanding of events. A list of the novels, in published order, can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherin...
Review written for and published at: sfcrowsnest.com
That being said, the ending of this novel satisfied in a way many of the entries into this series have not. Perhaps, after reading my way through a good portion of the saga, I know the characters well enough to have felt a sense of pieces finally falling into place at the end of ‘Carnelians’. The Skolians, under the rule their pharaoh, Deyha, and imperator, Kelric, and the Eubians, under the rule of the emperor and empress, Jaibriol and Tarquine, still have a battle ahead of them. Peace is not in the best interest of their respective empires. But, for the first time, we feel there is an accord of sorts between the leaders, between the individuals behind the titles. They want peace, for various reasons, and have started making significant personal sacrifices to achieve it.
‘Carnelians’ also represents a culmination of several of the ideas Catherine Asaro has developed and presented throughout the course of her series, namely a dice game named Quis and the power of music.
Quis was introduced in the novel, ‘The Last Hawk’, which tells the story of Kelric’s imprisonment on the planet Coba. To call Quis a game is a bit of an understatement. It actually encompasses several functions, serving as a philosophy, means of planning strategy, predicting trends and communication. In the hands of someone who fully understands the implications of what the dice can do, it is a powerful tool. When Kelric escapes Coba, he takes his dice and his understanding of the game with him.
Kelric introduces Quis to Jaibriol in the novel, ‘The Ruby Dice’. ‘The Ruby Dice’ is, by far, my favourite novel in the Skolian Saga. Kelric and Jaibriol, the respective leaders of two warring empires, find themselves alone together in a remote part of Earth. For the first time in history, the two leaders get a chance to put aside politics and talk as men. Secrets and agendas are revealed and Kelric teaches Jaibriol how to play Quis. it’s a powerful story.
The dice game takes on more meaning in ‘Carnelians’ and at the end is poised to become an important part of universal culture. Though I can use my imagination to explore the possibilities and though I can hope for peace, another novel exploring the next step would be more than welcome.
Music is a recurring theme throughout Catherine Asaro’s novels. It is something that is obviously close to the author’s heart. A former professional dancer, she has incorporated her love of music into the Skolian Saga by giving several characters musical careers. ‘Diamond Star’ traces the path of one such career, that of Skolian prince, Del. It is his song, Carnelians Finale, that the novel ‘Carnelians’ is named for. The prince wrote the song after being captures and tortured by a Eubian trader and the lyrics are inflammatory. In ‘Carnelians’, as the two empires begin negotiating a summit for peace, the song, which has been repressed, is released once more. Not only does it endanger the treaty, it covers another, more surreptitious act of war.
As always, ‘Carnelians’ is a dense novel and well plotted. New psions and possible heirs to both dynasties are introduced, romance blossoms and relationships are deepened. There are assassination attempts and kidnappings. Though the story is a logical reflection of events, of the progression of the saga, it did feel a little formulaic in places, however, particularly in regards to the discovery of Aliana, who is obviously a ruby heir. Once again, we are introduced to a character who appears to be beautiful, a magnificent psion and nearly faultless, and, she is unaware of her potential. I would like to see the author explore a character who was less perfect at some point.
To this end, I will say that I did really enjoy getting to know the Empress Tarquine better in this novel. She is a character that fascinates me because, despite her physical perfection and her obvious superiority in every field, she does appear to be evolving as a person. She is not innately ‘good’ or completely evil. I look forward to following her development as (hopefully) the mother of the Eubian heir and one of the arbiters of universal peace.
All in all, ‘Carnelians’ is a solid and worthwhile entry into the saga. While it can be read as a standalone novel, the story has developed to the point where having read other Skolian novels will increase a reader’s appreciation and understanding of events. A list of the novels, in published order, can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherin...
Review written for and published at: sfcrowsnest.com
October 27, 2011
I think I may have finally realised why these books scare me, as much as I love them. I fall in them so far it's hard to get out again.
This was an excellent addition to the series, if not one to start with.
It was SO nice to see Jaibriol have to chance to actually connect with his family, even if for such a short time. And it kind of feels like the pieces are in place now; there's an end of the story in view in a way there hasn't been before.
I'm delighted Roca knows about Soz now, even if everyone still thinks she's dead. (There are hints the next book might be about Soz etc on Prism. I so hope so. Please.) Yes, more people know about Jaibriol's secret as a result, but I think that's okay.
Aliana is a lovely addition to the family and I shall enjoy seeing more of her.
And using Quis as the secret weapon. That was very clever. We know how much it affected Coba, and it really is Jaibriol and Kelric's best chance actually to affect change. I hope it works. It so makes me want to be able to reread Catch the Lightning knowing the truth of the world around the characters, rather than the one we were tricked into believing it was on the first read. (That was every so cunning, Catherine.)
So far, Catherine has slowly let out the secrets, first to us and now to the characters, so I hope she'll keep doing it and by the time the story is done, all the piees will fit.
Now I want to rush out and reread the whole series (as I always do when I finish one), but instead I shall line it up for after my Liaden reread and if that takes me as long as I suspect it might, I may even have another Skolian book by then (Soz and Prism, please?). At the very least, I should have the new Soz story due out next May.
I loved it. More please.
This was an excellent addition to the series, if not one to start with.
It was SO nice to see Jaibriol have to chance to actually connect with his family, even if for such a short time. And it kind of feels like the pieces are in place now; there's an end of the story in view in a way there hasn't been before.
I'm delighted Roca knows about Soz now, even if everyone still thinks she's dead. (There are hints the next book might be about Soz etc on Prism. I so hope so. Please.) Yes, more people know about Jaibriol's secret as a result, but I think that's okay.
Aliana is a lovely addition to the family and I shall enjoy seeing more of her.
And using Quis as the secret weapon. That was very clever. We know how much it affected Coba, and it really is Jaibriol and Kelric's best chance actually to affect change. I hope it works. It so makes me want to be able to reread Catch the Lightning knowing the truth of the world around the characters, rather than the one we were tricked into believing it was on the first read. (That was every so cunning, Catherine.)
So far, Catherine has slowly let out the secrets, first to us and now to the characters, so I hope she'll keep doing it and by the time the story is done, all the piees will fit.
Now I want to rush out and reread the whole series (as I always do when I finish one), but instead I shall line it up for after my Liaden reread and if that takes me as long as I suspect it might, I may even have another Skolian book by then (Soz and Prism, please?). At the very least, I should have the new Soz story due out next May.
I loved it. More please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2018
This is repetitive and has too much overlap with the last 2 books. I'm sick of hearing about Del's song, yawn and the durn quis game.
Only saving grace is gorgeous scene towards end, won't spoil. Otherwise this is mostly a really long and repetitive short story.
Finish the series and stop dragging this nonsense out.
Only saving grace is gorgeous scene towards end, won't spoil. Otherwise this is mostly a really long and repetitive short story.
Finish the series and stop dragging this nonsense out.
December 25, 2015
(Currently) last book in the series finds pretty decent end to conflict between 3 different human factions, same time leaving us in the dark of small hidden colony which consist of people presumed dead. Only downside is that this pattern of self-doubting abused brilliant people who finds his/her counterpart in the hardest moment in life is (over)used in every book in the series. And if you read/listen them in one row this repetition annoys.
I would suggest the series to people who want to read scifi, but find it usually hard as it is too much rocket science and not enough human interaction - these books are different
I would suggest the series to people who want to read scifi, but find it usually hard as it is too much rocket science and not enough human interaction - these books are different
November 14, 2011
Another good entry in the series, best read immediately after The Ruby Dice and Diamond Star, as it is really a continuation of that story arc, rather than a stand-alone novel as many of the other Skolian series books are.
October 13, 2011
I can't believe it took me this long to figure out that Quis is the Glass Bead Game. All honor again to Asaro.
November 6, 2011
3.5 enjoyed it, but too many POVs to feel strongly invested in any of them
October 18, 2017
Riveting interweaving of three space cultures and the people who lead them.
Read 3 times
Read 3 times
July 5, 2019
Eleven years after the events of The Moon's Shadow Asaro returns her Saga of the Skolian Empire to the imperial courts of the rival empires of Skolia and their arch-enemies the Eubian “Traders,” the sadistic slave owners, who, unknown to all but a few, have an emperor that is not truly one of their own. Their emperor Jabriol is the son of their former emperor and of the former leader of the Skolian military. He is the nephew of Kelric, the current leader of the Skolian military. Together, the emperors have proposed a peace treaty.
Needless to say, there are factions on both sides that have no interest in peace, and they will make every attempt they can to scuttle the peace process, including releasing provocative songs, kidnapping, and assassinations. An additional complication initially unknown to the emperors, is the presence of another member of the Skolian royal family living within the Eubian empire.
Needless to say, there are factions on both sides that have no interest in peace, and they will make every attempt they can to scuttle the peace process, including releasing provocative songs, kidnapping, and assassinations. An additional complication initially unknown to the emperors, is the presence of another member of the Skolian royal family living within the Eubian empire.
December 2, 2017
I really enjoyed listening to the latest book in the Skolian series. I hope Catherine will be publishing another one soon. I love the Ruby Dynasty and look forward to reading more about them and their worlds.
October 24, 2018
Catching up on the Skolian Empire
I don’t know how I missed this book on my first pass through this series, but I’m so pleased to have caught up. While it jumps over many worlds, it is a terrific read. Grab it and enjoy!!
I don’t know how I missed this book on my first pass through this series, but I’m so pleased to have caught up. While it jumps over many worlds, it is a terrific read. Grab it and enjoy!!
March 9, 2021
As the Skolian Empire and the Trader Worlds attempt to negotiate a peace treaty, renegade military leaders and fanatic revolutionaries make separate plots to kidnap and/or assassinate members of the royal families.
March 14, 2024
This saga has grown on me. This installment was good, though I can't say it was a great ending to the saga. I read them in publication order and was disappointed it didn't connect a little better to Catch the Lightning (which takes place later chronologically).
August 20, 2025
Excellent tale of the space opera type--complex but so well laid out that it is not confusing (only after did I learn that it is a 14 volume saga). The characters are deeply developed and display all sorts of human foibles, really a great read.
September 28, 2017
It was very hard for me to put this book down.
June 21, 2019
Great story, much like the others in the Skolian Saga. It is ready for a sequel.
March 6, 2021
Typical Asaro Skolian Empire book. Read pre pandemic, but didn't log, so I don't remember specifics.
December 26, 2022
This was great! I really wish she kept writing more.
April 4, 2025
Quite an ending. Seeds set in place for galaxic change. Who will be masters in the game? It all you imagine.
October 7, 2016
I didn't enjoy the turn book and Diamond Star took in the series.
February 26, 2019
This book again felt like a continuation of The Moon’s Shadow and The Ruby Dice. The one aspect I really enjoyed was the political power of a song becoming a driving force at the start of the plot. However, I was really disappointed by the ending, which did not seem to resolve anything. The side-plot introduced extremely interesting characters, but by the end those characters become passive to the actions of everyone around them.
July 4, 2012
Carnelians is the 14th books in the Skolian Saga by Catherine Asaro, but not the last in chronological order. Not that it matters any more. What I really liked about this series was that each book was pretty self contained (with the exception of Skyfall and Schism which had to be read together), meaning you could read whatever books in any order without feeling left out. Unfortunately that self-containment of the books is gone. It's gone from an interconnected set of stories to mere chapters in a larger story.
I could not recommend reading Carnelians before reading the preceding two stories. And since I have an abhorrence for the last book (Diamond Star) it hurts me to say that that particular has to be read.
The book is miles better than Diamond Star, it gives forward movement to the relationship between the two empires (but is unfortunately, all about that). Instead of focusing on just one main character, Dehya, Kelric, Jaibriol III, Del-Kurj (ugh), and a new character, Aliana are all followed. It broke the story up. And there were a lot of loose ends tied up, but I know I'd be happier if she found a way to bring Jaibriol II and Soz back from Prism in their self-inflicted exile just to throw everything into complete chaos.
It's a good addition. It's more like a 3.5 star for me. The writing felt off to me, not as polished as before, and there was a lot less of the physics/hard science in this one. The prevalence of quis helped make up for that, since I really enjoy that system of influence/predictions/modelling/communication/etc.
I did like it. I more than liked it, but I didn't *really* like it. Although if I had read it right after Diamond Star I would have probably given it 5 stars.
I'll leave you with the most ridiculous snipped from the book. I nearly put it down after this, it just seemed so corny for the book.
I could not recommend reading Carnelians before reading the preceding two stories. And since I have an abhorrence for the last book (Diamond Star) it hurts me to say that that particular has to be read.
The book is miles better than Diamond Star, it gives forward movement to the relationship between the two empires (but is unfortunately, all about that). Instead of focusing on just one main character, Dehya, Kelric, Jaibriol III, Del-Kurj (ugh), and a new character, Aliana are all followed. It broke the story up. And there were a lot of loose ends tied up, but I know I'd be happier if she found a way to bring Jaibriol II and Soz back from Prism in their self-inflicted exile just to throw everything into complete chaos.
It's a good addition. It's more like a 3.5 star for me. The writing felt off to me, not as polished as before, and there was a lot less of the physics/hard science in this one. The prevalence of quis helped make up for that, since I really enjoy that system of influence/predictions/modelling/communication/etc.
I did like it. I more than liked it, but I didn't *really* like it. Although if I had read it right after Diamond Star I would have probably given it 5 stars.
I'll leave you with the most ridiculous snipped from the book. I nearly put it down after this, it just seemed so corny for the book.
December 25, 2019
You know when you have a favorite author/series/family that you follow, and you have a pile of books to get to, but you just pick up that old favorite and re-read it instead? That's how I am about this entire Ruby dynasty family invented by Ms. Asaro.
I just reread this book after reading Diamond Star for the first time this past weekend.
I actually teared up this time over some of the mental and emotional suffering that Jabriol Qox III goes through, and how he reconnects with his true family for the briefest of instants for the first and perhaps only time ever.
It's not just the family threads holding this book (and ALL the other books in this sprawling saga) together that appeals to me. There is richly drawn political intrique, very clearly drawn civilizations (one earth, two others that are similar to but much different from actual human beings), and fascinating science (physics, biology and a bit of chemistry). Oh, and music (less so than in Diamond Star, but still).
Don't let the cover dissuade you, seriously.
SPOILER ALERT:
I really really loved the inventive solution of using the game Quis as a story-telling and culture-shaping way of infiltrating all levels of society in two major civilizations and slowly, slowly bringing about change in even the major tenets of those civilizations.
I am left sad and hopeful and wondering if there will be another chapter in the life of this Trader Emperor. Oh, I hope Jabriol reconnects with the other Ruby members again in some universe. Oh, I so hope that he gets to know one day of the true fate of his mother, father and siblings. How I long for some happiness (beyond that which he's found with his empress), true friendship and healing for this powerful, unique, creative and lonely psion.
It's such an enjoyable read.
I just reread this book after reading Diamond Star for the first time this past weekend.
I actually teared up this time over some of the mental and emotional suffering that Jabriol Qox III goes through, and how he reconnects with his true family for the briefest of instants for the first and perhaps only time ever.
It's not just the family threads holding this book (and ALL the other books in this sprawling saga) together that appeals to me. There is richly drawn political intrique, very clearly drawn civilizations (one earth, two others that are similar to but much different from actual human beings), and fascinating science (physics, biology and a bit of chemistry). Oh, and music (less so than in Diamond Star, but still).
Don't let the cover dissuade you, seriously.
SPOILER ALERT:
I really really loved the inventive solution of using the game Quis as a story-telling and culture-shaping way of infiltrating all levels of society in two major civilizations and slowly, slowly bringing about change in even the major tenets of those civilizations.
I am left sad and hopeful and wondering if there will be another chapter in the life of this Trader Emperor. Oh, I hope Jabriol reconnects with the other Ruby members again in some universe. Oh, I so hope that he gets to know one day of the true fate of his mother, father and siblings. How I long for some happiness (beyond that which he's found with his empress), true friendship and healing for this powerful, unique, creative and lonely psion.
It's such an enjoyable read.
April 7, 2015
Carnelians (2011) 524 pages by Catherine Asaro.
Another fantastic Skolian novel. This is a sequel to The Ruby Dice and Diamond Star. At the end of ruby dice Eube and Skolia have signed a peace treaty. Diamond Star occurs nine years earlier and focuses on Del's singing career on Earth culminating with the inflammatory song Carnelians which is immediately erased from the psiberweb.
Jaibriol got the treaty signed, but it made him more hated that he already was. An assassination attempt in the near future is almost a given. Add in that he doesn't have any one to trust, even his wife Tarquine has her own schemes. In Skolia Kelric hasn't earned many friends either. He has a bit more support but there are some that want to ruin the treaty.
There are a few incidents, an unprovoked Skolian raid into Eube. The re-release of the song Carnellians Finale. An assassination attempt against Jaibriol and Tarquine which kills their unborn child. Kelric and Dehya are attacked while in Kyle space. Del makes a statement that he didn't release Carnelians, and that although the lyrics are true, there has to come a time to stop seeking revenge and extend a hand in peace, and is taken hostage immediately after.
Another story line focuses on Aliana. A girl from a slum on the world of Muzeopolis.
The story lines are all interesting and they weave together at the climax. The whole series of books is awesome, and Carnelians is no exception.
Another fantastic Skolian novel. This is a sequel to The Ruby Dice and Diamond Star. At the end of ruby dice Eube and Skolia have signed a peace treaty. Diamond Star occurs nine years earlier and focuses on Del's singing career on Earth culminating with the inflammatory song Carnelians which is immediately erased from the psiberweb.
Jaibriol got the treaty signed, but it made him more hated that he already was. An assassination attempt in the near future is almost a given. Add in that he doesn't have any one to trust, even his wife Tarquine has her own schemes. In Skolia Kelric hasn't earned many friends either. He has a bit more support but there are some that want to ruin the treaty.
There are a few incidents, an unprovoked Skolian raid into Eube. The re-release of the song Carnellians Finale. An assassination attempt against Jaibriol and Tarquine which kills their unborn child. Kelric and Dehya are attacked while in Kyle space. Del makes a statement that he didn't release Carnelians, and that although the lyrics are true, there has to come a time to stop seeking revenge and extend a hand in peace, and is taken hostage immediately after.
Another story line focuses on Aliana. A girl from a slum on the world of Muzeopolis.
The story lines are all interesting and they weave together at the climax. The whole series of books is awesome, and Carnelians is no exception.
January 3, 2012
Excellent as always. Recommend readers new to this series start with Primary Inversion and read the rest of the series first, otherwise it will be difficult to follow.
Be prepared to wait way to long in between future books as the author is an anomaly in that she actually has a life other than that as an author. Damn her! Doesn't she know that is illegal? I started this series in college, and I will not at all be surprised if my kids are the ones in college before it is done. No joke.
As a Kindle owner I was anxiously awaiting this books release back in October '11. Unfortunately, it *gasp* wasn't available in anything other than a hardbound book for twenty some odd dollars. After three months of requesting that it be released for Kindle, I got frustrated enough to try and figure out why Baen was being so lame. Silly me! Turns out Baen isn't lame at all. They actually have an awesome Ebook selection on their website, including free books! Alas, this one wasn't free. However, I did pick it up for a very cool $6 as an ePub file.
Be prepared to wait way to long in between future books as the author is an anomaly in that she actually has a life other than that as an author. Damn her! Doesn't she know that is illegal? I started this series in college, and I will not at all be surprised if my kids are the ones in college before it is done. No joke.
As a Kindle owner I was anxiously awaiting this books release back in October '11. Unfortunately, it *gasp* wasn't available in anything other than a hardbound book for twenty some odd dollars. After three months of requesting that it be released for Kindle, I got frustrated enough to try and figure out why Baen was being so lame. Silly me! Turns out Baen isn't lame at all. They actually have an awesome Ebook selection on their website, including free books! Alas, this one wasn't free. However, I did pick it up for a very cool $6 as an ePub file.
October 29, 2011
I both loved this book and was disappointed in it. As a long time fan, this book was everything I want from a Skolian Empire book: characters I love, filling in the bigger story, adventure, romance. However, Asaro has drifted away from her pattern of writing complete stories of no more than 1 or 2 books. The way the stories jumped around in time have always kept these books from feeling like a tedious series in pattern of Jorden or Martin. You could read one book, get a complete story and never needed to go further, except you wanted to because you loved the Universe so much.
The last 3 books however, have been quite linear. I can't recommend anyone read Carnelians unless they have already read the previous 2 books for sure, and probably a few more than that. It is disappointing that the new books in this long running series are no longer acceptable entry points and are just chapters in a longer story. I'm now wondering if I'm reading yet another never ending Jordan-like series. Though admittedly, it is far better edited, written and exciting that the later books in Wheel of Time!
The last 3 books however, have been quite linear. I can't recommend anyone read Carnelians unless they have already read the previous 2 books for sure, and probably a few more than that. It is disappointing that the new books in this long running series are no longer acceptable entry points and are just chapters in a longer story. I'm now wondering if I'm reading yet another never ending Jordan-like series. Though admittedly, it is far better edited, written and exciting that the later books in Wheel of Time!
November 8, 2011
Carnelians is about the attempt at a piece treaty between the imperator Kel and Jaibriol, emperor of the Eubian Concord. Both are dealing with dissidents who wish to hijack the treaty, but Jaibriol's is more personal. In this story we see more of the relationship between Jaibriol and his older and very strong wife, Dehya. The insight into their relationship is fascinating, he married her in a political maneuver and yet adores her, and although he is unsure, Dehya appears to be loyal to him (or at least to their future son). Dehya's abilities to be underhanded (very very sneakily) make her a very interesting character, and I'm sure she deserves her own book! Part of the political problems are related to the re-release of the song Carnelians by Del-Kurj, he is kidnapped and uses the web without a console-an interesting feat which will be interesting to see how this develops in the future.
June 10, 2012
It's a good thing I read this straight after finishing the previous book, Diamond Star. It's definitely not one for readers new to the series, and without a knowledge of the story so far, I think the key moments would lack impact somewhat.
I loved this book - I stayed up very late to finish it, and it totally delivered on the satisfaction front. It's not a technically perfect book, but that emotional impact thing? A million times yes. .
This book wraps up one of the main arcs in the series - all I can say is when is the next book coming out?
I loved this book - I stayed up very late to finish it, and it totally delivered on the satisfaction front. It's not a technically perfect book, but that emotional impact thing? A million times yes. .
This book wraps up one of the main arcs in the series - all I can say is when is the next book coming out?
October 8, 2011
Another brilliant entry into the Skolian series! Asaro deftly weaves the story of interstellar politics and family politics into an entertaining read.
Although early stories in the stories can be read in almost any order, Carnelians needs to be read after Ruby Dice and Diamond Star at least, and the contents of most of the earlier novels are referenced in some way. The book brings together important pieces from both Ruby Dice and Carnelians and moves forward the history of the Skolian and Eubian empires, while still leaving plenty of room within the arc for another book or two.
The only bad thing about finishing the book right after it was published is that now I have another year or two to wait for the next one.
Although early stories in the stories can be read in almost any order, Carnelians needs to be read after Ruby Dice and Diamond Star at least, and the contents of most of the earlier novels are referenced in some way. The book brings together important pieces from both Ruby Dice and Carnelians and moves forward the history of the Skolian and Eubian empires, while still leaving plenty of room within the arc for another book or two.
The only bad thing about finishing the book right after it was published is that now I have another year or two to wait for the next one.
May 16, 2012
This latest installment in the Skolian Empire series is just as gripping as the previous books in this exciting saga. What does Jaibriol, Emperor of Eube, have in common with his arch enemy, the Imperator of Skolia? Jaibriol holds a secret deep in his heart that would ruin him if discovered. Can he move forward with his plans for peace when he can’t trust the Aristos in his court? Only his powerful wife knows the truth, and she has her own agenda. Meanwhile, Kelric the Imperator has problems of his own when an attempt is made on his life in Kyle space. Is the assassin someone close to him? Both leaders struggle to overcome the odds against them to hold a summit together in neutral territory. Will they succeed, or will the forces clamoring for war prevail?
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