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Enduring Flame #1
The Phoenix Unchained
New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory first teamed up to write The Obsidian Trilogy, set in a wondrous world filled with magical beings, competing magic systems, and a titanic struggle between good and evil. That world proved so popular with the creators and readers alike that Lackey and Mallory have returned to it with The Phoenix Unchained , Book One of The Enduring Flame, the opening volume of a new epic fantasy trilogy. After a thousand years of peace, much Magick has faded from the world. The Elves live far from humankind. There are no High Mages, and Wild Mages are seen only rarely. Bisochim, a powerful Wild Mage, is determined to reintroduce Darkness to the world, believing that it is out of Balance. Tiercel, a young Armethalian nobleman, is convinced that High Magic is not just philosophy. He attempts a spell-and draws the unwelcome attention of Bisochim. Tiercel survives Bisochim's attack and begins trying to turn himself into a High Mage. Next in line to be Harbormaster of Armethalieh, Harrier instead finds himself regularly saving Tyr's life and meeting magickal people and creatures. To Harrier's dismay, it seems that he must become a hero. In The Phoenix Unchained , Harrier and Tiercel begin a marvelous journey to uncover their destinies. Along the way, they meet a charming female centaur, several snooty Elves, and the most powerful dragon their world has ever known.
382 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 16, 2007
156 people are currently reading
2582 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Lackey
441 books9,532 followersMercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music.
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job'. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill' -- they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular crucial moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of the kind of novels I am writing: that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; bards are the chief newsbringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not.
"I began writing out of boredom; I continue out of addiction. I can't 'not' write, and as a result I have no social life! I began writing fantasy because I love it, but I try to construct my fantasy worlds with all the care of a 'high-tech' science fiction writer. I apply the principle of TANSTAAFL ['There ain't no such thing as free lunch', credited to Robert Heinlein) to magic, for instance; in my worlds, magic is paid for, and the cost to the magician is frequently a high one. I try to keep my world as solid and real as possible; people deal with stubborn pumps, bugs in the porridge, and love-lives that refuse to become untangled, right along with invading armies and evil magicians. And I try to make all of my characters, even the 'evil magicians,' something more than flat stereotypes. Even evil magicians get up in the night and look for cookies, sometimes.
"I suppose that in everything I write I try to expound the creed I gave my character Diana Tregarde in Burning Water:
"There's no such thing as 'one, true way'; the only answers worth having are the ones you find for yourself; leave the world better than you found it. Love, freedom, and the chance to do some good -- they're the things worth living and dying for, and if you aren't willing to die for the things worth living for, you might as well turn in your membership in the human race."
Also writes as Misty Lackey
Author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
September 13, 2023
Another winner from Lackey and Mallory
Mercedes Lackey is one of the sci-fi/fantasy greats. I don't know anything about James Mallory but he co-authors with her so I suspect he too must be or has potential to be one of the greats. This first book in the Enduring Flame trilogy is the sort of thing I expected from literary legends. It is a story of the eternal battle between darkness and light. But it is also a coming of age tale. The two main characters are late teens, childhood friends, on the cusp of adulthood thrust into world shaking events. They are also quite likeable. There are wild mages, elf mages, high mages, knight mages and magical creatures though some such as the elves are more wise than magical. There are also dragons, unicorns, brownies, centaurs, selkies, krakens, and more. A fast entertaining read with some words and thoughts of wisdom.
Mercedes Lackey is one of the sci-fi/fantasy greats. I don't know anything about James Mallory but he co-authors with her so I suspect he too must be or has potential to be one of the greats. This first book in the Enduring Flame trilogy is the sort of thing I expected from literary legends. It is a story of the eternal battle between darkness and light. But it is also a coming of age tale. The two main characters are late teens, childhood friends, on the cusp of adulthood thrust into world shaking events. They are also quite likeable. There are wild mages, elf mages, high mages, knight mages and magical creatures though some such as the elves are more wise than magical. There are also dragons, unicorns, brownies, centaurs, selkies, krakens, and more. A fast entertaining read with some words and thoughts of wisdom.
March 12, 2017
After thirty-seven minutes, it's still somehow Weasel Stomping Day. Don't explain the Famn Damily tree until I need to know that Uncle Fester can light a bulb by placing it in his pie hole. I need a main character and someone for them to talk to, or at. Now they do stuff. That's called plot. It moves the story forward. Dullards are dull.
February 18, 2012
Spoilers ahead. Well, not in my opinion, but I figure I’ll hedge my bets just in case.
I recently picked up an audiobook copy of The Phoenix Unchained by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory from my local library. I’d never heard of either author, but my friend Ruben asked me to read and review more fantasy, and who am I to turn down such a request? After all, some of my first reading loves were Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms fantasy schtick. Sure, I thought. It’ll be fun—an opportunity to get back to my literary roots. What could go wrong?
A lot, it turns out. It only took a few chapters for me to remember why I stopped reading formulaic fantasy bullcrap in the first place. Not to say all fantasy is formulaic bullcrap. I don’t think that at all (and for proof you can see my review of The Chronicles of the Black Company). It’s just that… well, why don’t I tell you a little bit about the plot first and you can see for yourself.
The Phoenix Unchained is the first book of The Enduring Flame trilogy, a sequel to Lackey’s earlier series, The Obsidian Trilogy, which is set roughly a millennium prior to the events in The Phoenix Unchained. Back in the original trilogy a band of heroes vanquished a race of evil creatures known as the Endarkened (this world’s version of the big bad evildoers), ushering in “The Great Flowering” which created an era of peace and prosperity that has lasted for centuries. Since that time the heroes and their exploits have become myths to themselves. Their stories have been told and retold until they have become interwoven with the fabric of the land’s cultural identity.
Enter Tiercel and Harrier, a pair of teenage friends who live the port city of Armathalea. Harrier is the portmaster’s son. Tiercel is the son of an assistant magistrate and a bookworm of the first order. Tiercel accidentally learns that he has the ability to perform “High Magic,” a form of magic that has been dead since the events in The Obsidian Trilogy, but he can’t control it and almost burns his house down as a result. He also becomes sick, and, in order get him better again, the two boys decide to head off on an overland trek to the next city over in order to find a “Wild Mage” to cure him.
Sounds reasonable enough, right? Sure! But then I listened to the last 3/4 of the book, and I wanted to beat my head against the steering wheel until I couldn’t hear anything for all the blood streaming out of my ears. I didn’t do that, though. I persevered. After all, how could I write an accurate review without experiencing the horror to its fullest effect? It’s my sworn duty, you know.
So in the course of their trip the boys meet several personalities who point further and further along an increasingly arduous path. Eventually they learn that there really isn’t a way for Tiercel to be cured of the High Magic after all. He has to learn to use the magic, but since everyone who knew how to use High Magic has been dead for a thousand years, the only place he can go to learn it is the Elven Lands (where the elves withdrew to shortly after the great flowering—helloooooo Tolkein!). They also learn that the Endarkened are coming back thanks to the efforts of a corrupted Wild Mage out in the desert somewhere. So off they go to the Elven Lands, helped along by a magic portal and a dragon (who just so happens to be the same dragon that populates their heroic myths) where they learn that the elves know what’s going on but they won’t help because they don’t want to “point him in the wrong direction.” Whatever that means. Then a couple great Elven heroes sacrifice their lives to allow Tiercel to bond with a dragon and get access to awesome high mage powers, and then it’s time to go to the desert to confront the evil brewing there. Oh yeah, and along the way, Harrier finds out that he’s a Knight Mage (whatever the hell that is) so that he doesn’t feel left out of the magical power circle jerk.
Ugh. Even regurgitating that mess was exhausting. So where do I begin? Well, my main gripe is that, except for a brief battle with some goblins in an abandoned town, the main characters do absolutely nothing. I mean, yeah, they do stuff, but none of it is of consequence, they never solve their own problems, and they just plod along the path that has been laid out for them, collecting new and wonderful powers along the way. They’re passive characters. They don’t do anything; everything is done to them (and even that is few and far between). It’s kinda like Bella Swan from Twilight, and it’s enough to make me wanna puke.
The story is also a repackaged version of the Hero’s Journey. You know, the archetypal pattern that’s been used for hero stories for time immemorial? Star Wars follows the Hero’s Journey model. So do Ender’s Game and Eragon and much older myths like that of Osiris and Prometheus. Hell, scholars have even argued that the story of Christ is a form of the Hero’s Journey. That said, it’s not an inherently bad thing to tell a story in this model. It’s survived for so long because there’s something in our chemical makeup that resonates to that tune across the centuries. But if you’re going to go that route, for God’s sake, mix it up a little bit. Change some details. Don’t make it so bleeding obvious. Don’t have your main characters realize they are the heirs to long-dead magical powers (a la the Force) or have mages get their powers from bonding with dragons (screw you, Eragon!). And for the love of Pete, do elves always have to be better than everyone else in every imaginable way possible? Argh!
Lastly, there’s the whole premise of the setting in general. There’s been a thousand year pax romana ever since the Endarkened were sent to hell, and during that time there hasn’t been one war or rebellion or breakaway republic or, hell, anything. Technology has remained static, and the system of government hasn’t changed one iota. Come on! Really? Everybody just decided to get along and live in peace and harmony because the big-bads were sent packing? That’s just asinine.
On the flip side of the coin, the writing was pretty decent. It wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was at least more competent than most. Lackey and Mallory also did an admirable job developing the characters of Tiercel and Harrier. Of course, they should have, seeing as how the character interactions between the two of them had to carry the book (since nothing else of happened most the time). There were also a few instances in which they made some interesting changes to the typical fantasy tropes, such as with their brand of goblins and the crunchy bits of the magic system they used.
In the end, though, it wasn’t enough to save the book for me. Like I said, I only persevered because… well, that’s what I do. The Phoenix Unchained was lackluster, reheated fantasy, and I give it two stars. Some people might enjoy it, but I didn’t.
I recently picked up an audiobook copy of The Phoenix Unchained by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory from my local library. I’d never heard of either author, but my friend Ruben asked me to read and review more fantasy, and who am I to turn down such a request? After all, some of my first reading loves were Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms fantasy schtick. Sure, I thought. It’ll be fun—an opportunity to get back to my literary roots. What could go wrong?
A lot, it turns out. It only took a few chapters for me to remember why I stopped reading formulaic fantasy bullcrap in the first place. Not to say all fantasy is formulaic bullcrap. I don’t think that at all (and for proof you can see my review of The Chronicles of the Black Company). It’s just that… well, why don’t I tell you a little bit about the plot first and you can see for yourself.
The Phoenix Unchained is the first book of The Enduring Flame trilogy, a sequel to Lackey’s earlier series, The Obsidian Trilogy, which is set roughly a millennium prior to the events in The Phoenix Unchained. Back in the original trilogy a band of heroes vanquished a race of evil creatures known as the Endarkened (this world’s version of the big bad evildoers), ushering in “The Great Flowering” which created an era of peace and prosperity that has lasted for centuries. Since that time the heroes and their exploits have become myths to themselves. Their stories have been told and retold until they have become interwoven with the fabric of the land’s cultural identity.
Enter Tiercel and Harrier, a pair of teenage friends who live the port city of Armathalea. Harrier is the portmaster’s son. Tiercel is the son of an assistant magistrate and a bookworm of the first order. Tiercel accidentally learns that he has the ability to perform “High Magic,” a form of magic that has been dead since the events in The Obsidian Trilogy, but he can’t control it and almost burns his house down as a result. He also becomes sick, and, in order get him better again, the two boys decide to head off on an overland trek to the next city over in order to find a “Wild Mage” to cure him.
Sounds reasonable enough, right? Sure! But then I listened to the last 3/4 of the book, and I wanted to beat my head against the steering wheel until I couldn’t hear anything for all the blood streaming out of my ears. I didn’t do that, though. I persevered. After all, how could I write an accurate review without experiencing the horror to its fullest effect? It’s my sworn duty, you know.
So in the course of their trip the boys meet several personalities who point further and further along an increasingly arduous path. Eventually they learn that there really isn’t a way for Tiercel to be cured of the High Magic after all. He has to learn to use the magic, but since everyone who knew how to use High Magic has been dead for a thousand years, the only place he can go to learn it is the Elven Lands (where the elves withdrew to shortly after the great flowering—helloooooo Tolkein!). They also learn that the Endarkened are coming back thanks to the efforts of a corrupted Wild Mage out in the desert somewhere. So off they go to the Elven Lands, helped along by a magic portal and a dragon (who just so happens to be the same dragon that populates their heroic myths) where they learn that the elves know what’s going on but they won’t help because they don’t want to “point him in the wrong direction.” Whatever that means. Then a couple great Elven heroes sacrifice their lives to allow Tiercel to bond with a dragon and get access to awesome high mage powers, and then it’s time to go to the desert to confront the evil brewing there. Oh yeah, and along the way, Harrier finds out that he’s a Knight Mage (whatever the hell that is) so that he doesn’t feel left out of the magical power circle jerk.
Ugh. Even regurgitating that mess was exhausting. So where do I begin? Well, my main gripe is that, except for a brief battle with some goblins in an abandoned town, the main characters do absolutely nothing. I mean, yeah, they do stuff, but none of it is of consequence, they never solve their own problems, and they just plod along the path that has been laid out for them, collecting new and wonderful powers along the way. They’re passive characters. They don’t do anything; everything is done to them (and even that is few and far between). It’s kinda like Bella Swan from Twilight, and it’s enough to make me wanna puke.
The story is also a repackaged version of the Hero’s Journey. You know, the archetypal pattern that’s been used for hero stories for time immemorial? Star Wars follows the Hero’s Journey model. So do Ender’s Game and Eragon and much older myths like that of Osiris and Prometheus. Hell, scholars have even argued that the story of Christ is a form of the Hero’s Journey. That said, it’s not an inherently bad thing to tell a story in this model. It’s survived for so long because there’s something in our chemical makeup that resonates to that tune across the centuries. But if you’re going to go that route, for God’s sake, mix it up a little bit. Change some details. Don’t make it so bleeding obvious. Don’t have your main characters realize they are the heirs to long-dead magical powers (a la the Force) or have mages get their powers from bonding with dragons (screw you, Eragon!). And for the love of Pete, do elves always have to be better than everyone else in every imaginable way possible? Argh!
Lastly, there’s the whole premise of the setting in general. There’s been a thousand year pax romana ever since the Endarkened were sent to hell, and during that time there hasn’t been one war or rebellion or breakaway republic or, hell, anything. Technology has remained static, and the system of government hasn’t changed one iota. Come on! Really? Everybody just decided to get along and live in peace and harmony because the big-bads were sent packing? That’s just asinine.
On the flip side of the coin, the writing was pretty decent. It wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was at least more competent than most. Lackey and Mallory also did an admirable job developing the characters of Tiercel and Harrier. Of course, they should have, seeing as how the character interactions between the two of them had to carry the book (since nothing else of happened most the time). There were also a few instances in which they made some interesting changes to the typical fantasy tropes, such as with their brand of goblins and the crunchy bits of the magic system they used.
In the end, though, it wasn’t enough to save the book for me. Like I said, I only persevered because… well, that’s what I do. The Phoenix Unchained was lackluster, reheated fantasy, and I give it two stars. Some people might enjoy it, but I didn’t.
September 10, 2009
After five books of second rate horror, sci fi, and romance my to-read pile finally yielded a worthwhile fantasy. My lack of net access has promoted me to read more. My writing is still puttering along at a slow pace. Considering the condition of this book I believe I got it clearance at Borders. This book is fun, quirky, scary evil monsters, and pulls off the long quest style tale without getting boring. Lovers of fantasy will find this tale a treat. =)
January 10, 2021
Notes:
A good adventure story for kids. Though, it may move a bit slow for kids to stay interested. Then again, there are dragons, elves, centaurs, goblins and more in the story. Plenty of things to keep a child glued to the pages. =)
A good adventure story for kids. Though, it may move a bit slow for kids to stay interested. Then again, there are dragons, elves, centaurs, goblins and more in the story. Plenty of things to keep a child glued to the pages. =)
March 29, 2017
A wee bit slow to start but that is ok because I ended up loving it and am hooked. Finishing this book has me scrambling to start book 2. As soon as I can get it downloaded I shall begin!
December 13, 2015
WARNING: This review was written by a very angry reader shortly after reading a disappointing novel. She can not be held responsible for her actions/revealing major spoilers.
This was the worst type of spinoff! Not only is it not that great of a novel (I could have lived with that) but it spoils the happy endings of some of the more memorable characters of the Obsidian Trilogy. If you read my previous reviews you'll note that in my humble opinion the Obsidian Trilogy had a lot of problems, but overall the characters and the general gist of the story allowed you to forgive many of them. This one has all the life and magic of the original sucked out and more problems added... and it frustrated me immensely!
In order to fully understand my frutration, allow me to sum up the ending of the Obsidian Trilogy (Avoiding spoilers? Avert your eyes!). The demon queen is killed effectively saving the world. Kellen and Vestakia wind up together and happy (or at least kissing). Idalia is reborn as an elf allowing her to live a long happy life with Jermayan and Cilarnen returns to Armethalieh as the head honcho with the dream of making major changes so elves, centaurs, and humans can all live together happily. Not a bad ending.
1,000 years later the elves have ditched all of their cities and apart from a few centaurs and brownies humans have more or less taken over their abandoned cities, even though the unique cultures and settings of the different cities made the other books awesome.
There are two other big problems for me in this novel. Both of them have to do with characters. The two main characters, Harrier and Tyr are the most irritating combination of bland, whiny and incompetent that I have ever seen. I admit that Kellen wasn't the most novel character, but at least he was courageous and plucky. These guys are mostly poor little rich boys who don't develop a whole lot of personality. The other problem is that Sandalon, Jermayan and Idalia from the previous novels have to make major sacrifices to help these idiots against an enemy that may or may not show up.
This book had so little action and no real clear villain that it really dragged. Plus all of the good parts of the previous novels was stripped away. There are no high mages in Armathalieh or elves in in Sentarshadeen. UGH!! Idalia and Jermayan who were really cool characters also are severely underused and even though Idalia is considerably older I thought she would have retained some more of her spunk.
Unfortunately, I spent money on this trilogy and my goal for this year is to read ALL of the books that have been sitting on my bookshelf. So two more books to go. This had better improve, that's all I can say.
This was the worst type of spinoff! Not only is it not that great of a novel (I could have lived with that) but it spoils the happy endings of some of the more memorable characters of the Obsidian Trilogy. If you read my previous reviews you'll note that in my humble opinion the Obsidian Trilogy had a lot of problems, but overall the characters and the general gist of the story allowed you to forgive many of them. This one has all the life and magic of the original sucked out and more problems added... and it frustrated me immensely!
In order to fully understand my frutration, allow me to sum up the ending of the Obsidian Trilogy (Avoiding spoilers? Avert your eyes!). The demon queen is killed effectively saving the world. Kellen and Vestakia wind up together and happy (or at least kissing). Idalia is reborn as an elf allowing her to live a long happy life with Jermayan and Cilarnen returns to Armethalieh as the head honcho with the dream of making major changes so elves, centaurs, and humans can all live together happily. Not a bad ending.
1,000 years later the elves have ditched all of their cities and apart from a few centaurs and brownies humans have more or less taken over their abandoned cities, even though the unique cultures and settings of the different cities made the other books awesome.
There are two other big problems for me in this novel. Both of them have to do with characters. The two main characters, Harrier and Tyr are the most irritating combination of bland, whiny and incompetent that I have ever seen. I admit that Kellen wasn't the most novel character, but at least he was courageous and plucky. These guys are mostly poor little rich boys who don't develop a whole lot of personality. The other problem is that Sandalon, Jermayan and Idalia from the previous novels have to make major sacrifices to help these idiots against an enemy that may or may not show up.
This book had so little action and no real clear villain that it really dragged. Plus all of the good parts of the previous novels was stripped away. There are no high mages in Armathalieh or elves in in Sentarshadeen. UGH!! Idalia and Jermayan who were really cool characters also are severely underused and even though Idalia is considerably older I thought she would have retained some more of her spunk.
Unfortunately, I spent money on this trilogy and my goal for this year is to read ALL of the books that have been sitting on my bookshelf. So two more books to go. This had better improve, that's all I can say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2016
I loved this book!
Yes, it's been more than ten years since the last time I read a book from Mercedes Lackey, and I certainly haven't read anywhere near all of them that had come out by that time, but I've always remembered her books fondly. So when I realised that my library had this series on file, I thought, What the hell? and dove straight back into it.
In a certain way, just like every other fantasy novel I guess, this book is like a condensed version of The Fellowship of the Ring. Two childhood friends are starting to grow apart as they come into adulthood. But just on the cusp, Tiercel finds he is a High Mage, the kind of mage that has not been heard of for centuries since the last war against the Endarkened. Unfortunately, this means he must go on a journey to find out more about what it is to be a High Mage and why, after all this time without them, it's possible to even be a High Mage again.
Of course his dear, childhood friend Harrier can't let Tyr go on these travels alone. The usual fantasy creatures are met along the way, some die, some don't, and at the end there are dragons.
It wasn't necessarily the fantasy story structure that grabbed me in so much as the vividness of the world's descriptions and the ease with which the writing flowed. Both main characters are incredibly troubled young men in their own ways, but that's what makes them real, and interesting. I think that the much older, much powerful, dragon is going to be a good grounding influence on them both in the books to come.
Yes, it's been more than ten years since the last time I read a book from Mercedes Lackey, and I certainly haven't read anywhere near all of them that had come out by that time, but I've always remembered her books fondly. So when I realised that my library had this series on file, I thought, What the hell? and dove straight back into it.
In a certain way, just like every other fantasy novel I guess, this book is like a condensed version of The Fellowship of the Ring. Two childhood friends are starting to grow apart as they come into adulthood. But just on the cusp, Tiercel finds he is a High Mage, the kind of mage that has not been heard of for centuries since the last war against the Endarkened. Unfortunately, this means he must go on a journey to find out more about what it is to be a High Mage and why, after all this time without them, it's possible to even be a High Mage again.
Of course his dear, childhood friend Harrier can't let Tyr go on these travels alone. The usual fantasy creatures are met along the way, some die, some don't, and at the end there are dragons.
It wasn't necessarily the fantasy story structure that grabbed me in so much as the vividness of the world's descriptions and the ease with which the writing flowed. Both main characters are incredibly troubled young men in their own ways, but that's what makes them real, and interesting. I think that the much older, much powerful, dragon is going to be a good grounding influence on them both in the books to come.
February 8, 2018
A great book with enjoyable characters and a straightforward plot. Our protagonists have an easily relatable friendship that feels truely genuine.
They bicker, fight, and even get on each others nerves. No matter what may come, however, they remain true to eachother. Friends that can trust and rely on one another no matter the circumstance.
Beyond our main characters, what really makes this book enjoyable to me is the antagonist. He isn't a force of pure evil that we see so many times now. He is just a man with good intentions that starts believing in a convenient 'truth' that allows him to justify selfish actions. I think it's an easy trap for anyone to fall into. He just happens to wield an unseemly amount of power and that allows him to be capable of a great many horrible things in the name of 'balance.'
Overall the book is perhaps a bit slow when it comes to action. Sometimes it feels as if there isn't much going on except two friends annoying one another, but there is a realism to it that I find enjoyable. The book doesnt have a traditional beginning, rising action, climax and ending. After finishing, I feel as if the entire first book was just the rising action to push you into the next book. So I'm hoping that in the next book we will get to see what has only been eluded to so far.
They bicker, fight, and even get on each others nerves. No matter what may come, however, they remain true to eachother. Friends that can trust and rely on one another no matter the circumstance.
Beyond our main characters, what really makes this book enjoyable to me is the antagonist. He isn't a force of pure evil that we see so many times now. He is just a man with good intentions that starts believing in a convenient 'truth' that allows him to justify selfish actions. I think it's an easy trap for anyone to fall into. He just happens to wield an unseemly amount of power and that allows him to be capable of a great many horrible things in the name of 'balance.'
Overall the book is perhaps a bit slow when it comes to action. Sometimes it feels as if there isn't much going on except two friends annoying one another, but there is a realism to it that I find enjoyable. The book doesnt have a traditional beginning, rising action, climax and ending. After finishing, I feel as if the entire first book was just the rising action to push you into the next book. So I'm hoping that in the next book we will get to see what has only been eluded to so far.
June 4, 2010
I got really excited when I read the back of this book,as it appeared to address one of my personal pet peeves - that "restoring the balance of the universe" always seems to mean "good slaughters evil." (Don't get me started about Star Wars.) This is the first book in the trilogy, so I'm not disappointed yet, but I may yet be. Philosophical points aside, this is a solid fantasy in the fairly traditional mages-dragons-elves-oh-my vein.
January 19, 2017
Even though this took me awhile to read, I've go to say it's probably one of the best books I've read in awhile. I came to really love these characters and can't wait to read more about them! I like the concept of magic in the book, especially Wild Magic. I'll be starting book two soon even though with school starting back soon that one will be an even slower read.
February 15, 2008
First book in a new trilogy set in the same world as the Obsidian trilogy (1,000 years later.) I loved how the main characters of the Obsidian trilogy became mythologicalized (is that a word?) in this story. Lackey shows why she is my favorite fantasy author with this book.
April 16, 2018
There's always someone willing to believe a beautiful easy lie over a painful ugly truth.
The world has been in balance, and at peace for a thousand years, but suddenly things begin to change. Heroes are appointed, and where the world creates heroes, there are villains for them to fight. A decent start to an adventure, more set up than anything else. Some parts dragged a little, but good world building, and some genuinely funny or touching moments along the way.
The world has been in balance, and at peace for a thousand years, but suddenly things begin to change. Heroes are appointed, and where the world creates heroes, there are villains for them to fight. A decent start to an adventure, more set up than anything else. Some parts dragged a little, but good world building, and some genuinely funny or touching moments along the way.
March 9, 2019
not my favorite of the seried so far. felt a bit rushed and while the journey of harrier and tyr was fun and it was really fun to see.the characters from the first trilogy turned into legend. It was also a vreat surprise to see ancaladar, jermayan, idalia and even sandolan again even if briefly.for the elves. over all though the story felt rushed and ended a nit too abruptly for my tastes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2023
Got about 70 pages in and just could not get myself to care about it. Moving on to things i actually want to read
November 3, 2023
A slow beginning but a fun read with a fantastic final act.
Dragons, centaurs, and unicorns oh my. 😊
Dragons, centaurs, and unicorns oh my. 😊
September 30, 2025
Good story. I’m going to get the next one.
December 5, 2018
I found this book a little lackluster for a fantasy book, but overall quite engaging. Looking forward to continuing the series.
July 3, 2021
It's high fantasy with all the pomp and ceremony you love when it comes to Elves, Dragons, Demons and more. With Lackey's trademarked eye for flow, along with Mallory's obvious input on action and characters - this is everything you'd need in a comforting fantasy, one that leads to a well rounded trilogy that almost, though not quite, lives up to the first trilogy in this world.
August 27, 2018
This book was such a pleasure to read! It's a story about two unlikely teenagers from a Port Town who find themselves on an adventure of a lifetime. Along they way they will learn more about their land which has been peaceful for over one thousand years, realize all is not what it seems, the dangers of magic, make friends with a variety of people and races and realize that life is about to get quite complicated. Also there's elves, dragons, unicorns and many other mythical creatures to be had!
I can't wait to see what more is in store and hopefully read about more mythical creatures!
I can't wait to see what more is in store and hopefully read about more mythical creatures!
January 30, 2015
I've been a Mercedes Lackey fan for over 20 years. I have a row of her books lined up on my shelf. And I'm an admitted sucker for a good ol' sword-and-sorcery hero-goes-on-a-quest story. When you combine a beloved fantasy author, a classic quest with a couple of kids running off to learn magic, and a supporting cast filled with dragons, centaurs, elves and unicorns, it MUST be a total lark, right? So I figured choosing this book was a no-brainer.
Unfortunately I've had to give this book what may be my lowest rating ever for a Lackey book. It probably really deserves to be 2 stars, maximum, but it gained an extra star out of sheer sentimentality. I blame co-author James Mallory for this insipid, extra-formulaic wreck.
For a Lackey book, there is a shocking lack of important female characters. The story fails the Bechdel test in a major way. Even the female dragon-- a nice touch since dragons are almost universally male in fantasy stories-- was essentially a passive character.
Lackey's archetypical main character, the persecuted victim, often female, often someone who has suffered abuse and been an outcast of one type of another, but who is hell-bent on not only surviving but thriving in a hostile world, is nowhere to be found (not that those stories can't also be formulaic). Instead we have Tiercel and Harrier (named after hawks in a clear Lackey touch), two lads of wealth and good family whose existence is surprisingly bourgeois for a pre-industrial fantasy world that presumably has no equivalent of a modern middle class.
As dull as it starts out, it doesn't get much better, and I won't bore you with the details except to say an ancient evil is brewing, a couple of callow lads have apparently been selected by the gods (or something) to lead the fight against it, and their path seems absurdly pre-destined, even planned.
The story did have a few interesting touches-- for example, there's a villain who's totally convinced he's doing the right thing, a major character will die in a shocking way, the elves are more annoying than superior, and it turns out unicorns have a rather unkind sense of humor. Perhaps it would have been better played as a Terry Pratchett-style slapstick, but for something so absurd and silly, it takes itself far too seriously.
Added to all these flaws, I was burdened with an audio narrator who was adequate I guess, but flat and uninspiring and really did not help make the story more enjoyable. When I finished the book, I downloaded book two of the series, probably for the same reason I inflated the rating. As bad as it was, I'm a hopeless addict of stories featuring dragons, unicorns, and magic. Or at least, I thought I was. But I found that upon cracking book two and listening to the first 10 minutes, I really couldn't stand it anymore.
Unfortunately I've had to give this book what may be my lowest rating ever for a Lackey book. It probably really deserves to be 2 stars, maximum, but it gained an extra star out of sheer sentimentality. I blame co-author James Mallory for this insipid, extra-formulaic wreck.
For a Lackey book, there is a shocking lack of important female characters. The story fails the Bechdel test in a major way. Even the female dragon-- a nice touch since dragons are almost universally male in fantasy stories-- was essentially a passive character.
Lackey's archetypical main character, the persecuted victim, often female, often someone who has suffered abuse and been an outcast of one type of another, but who is hell-bent on not only surviving but thriving in a hostile world, is nowhere to be found (not that those stories can't also be formulaic). Instead we have Tiercel and Harrier (named after hawks in a clear Lackey touch), two lads of wealth and good family whose existence is surprisingly bourgeois for a pre-industrial fantasy world that presumably has no equivalent of a modern middle class.
As dull as it starts out, it doesn't get much better, and I won't bore you with the details except to say an ancient evil is brewing, a couple of callow lads have apparently been selected by the gods (or something) to lead the fight against it, and their path seems absurdly pre-destined, even planned.
The story did have a few interesting touches-- for example, there's a villain who's totally convinced he's doing the right thing, a major character will die in a shocking way, the elves are more annoying than superior, and it turns out unicorns have a rather unkind sense of humor. Perhaps it would have been better played as a Terry Pratchett-style slapstick, but for something so absurd and silly, it takes itself far too seriously.
Added to all these flaws, I was burdened with an audio narrator who was adequate I guess, but flat and uninspiring and really did not help make the story more enjoyable. When I finished the book, I downloaded book two of the series, probably for the same reason I inflated the rating. As bad as it was, I'm a hopeless addict of stories featuring dragons, unicorns, and magic. Or at least, I thought I was. But I found that upon cracking book two and listening to the first 10 minutes, I really couldn't stand it anymore.
July 18, 2011
First off, I did not finish this book. I COULD NOT finish this book. Even on audio. I grabbed this randomly at the library when I was looking for an audiobook to make the daily commute a little more bearable. Unfortunately, this had the opposite effect.
I guess my main problem wasn't so much that the novel was poorly written, it was mostly that it was just so bland. The characters were one-dimensional, the fantasy cliches tripped over each other, and the plot was unoriginal. The bottom line is that I listened to about 80% of the novel and I felt like I had heard it all before. There was nothing unique about the characters, plot, or world to really keep me interested.
The characters were a huge problem. Two well-off, teenage boys. If they got into trouble, somebody else bailed them out. If they ran out of money, they went to the bank and got more. There was no teeth to the story, no hardship and the characters were dull and uninteresting because of it. They had no reason to grow into heroes.
Of course, that's not entirely true. There was one instance of when the story grew some teeth, but it felt so out of place that it was completely absurd. I almost stopped listening at that point, but I'm not a quitter. If I start something, I finish it.
What got me to break my rule was the elves. I've read many stories with elves, but I've never considered myself to be an elf fan in particular. However, the elves in this book when so frustratingly stupid, I just couldn't take it anymore. The fact that they were more concerned about manners than the fate of the world was just too much for me.
So, even though I didn't actually finish this, I think 1 star is appropriate for me. Now, that's not to say that it was completely terrible. I think younger readers might find the novel entertaining, though I doubt even children would revere it as a classic.
I guess my main problem wasn't so much that the novel was poorly written, it was mostly that it was just so bland. The characters were one-dimensional, the fantasy cliches tripped over each other, and the plot was unoriginal. The bottom line is that I listened to about 80% of the novel and I felt like I had heard it all before. There was nothing unique about the characters, plot, or world to really keep me interested.
The characters were a huge problem. Two well-off, teenage boys. If they got into trouble, somebody else bailed them out. If they ran out of money, they went to the bank and got more. There was no teeth to the story, no hardship and the characters were dull and uninteresting because of it. They had no reason to grow into heroes.
Of course, that's not entirely true. There was one instance of when the story grew some teeth, but it felt so out of place that it was completely absurd. I almost stopped listening at that point, but I'm not a quitter. If I start something, I finish it.
What got me to break my rule was the elves. I've read many stories with elves, but I've never considered myself to be an elf fan in particular. However, the elves in this book when so frustratingly stupid, I just couldn't take it anymore. The fact that they were more concerned about manners than the fate of the world was just too much for me.
So, even though I didn't actually finish this, I think 1 star is appropriate for me. Now, that's not to say that it was completely terrible. I think younger readers might find the novel entertaining, though I doubt even children would revere it as a classic.
January 4, 2017
It is always so difficult for me to rate Mercedes Lackey books. Perhaps it is because I see so much of her style and inspiration drawn from other authors I love. More likely, its the easy reading style that sometimes makes it easy for the reader to pass right over some of the best parts of her writing.
This novel is the first in a new series in the world of Kellen Tavadon, and in many ways mirrors the first novel of that series. Instead of a singular main character in this tale we get two boys, close as brothers. One of the boys is beset with terrible nightmares, and we quickly find out that the Endarkened are back in play (maybe. Kind of.) High Magic is back in play, tales of Wild Mages but non in the immediate vicinity, and a lot of studying. This feels familiar :-)
This novel isn't going to blow your mind or tread on some brand new fantasy territory that changes the genre. If you like your standard fare fantasy, and want something enjoyable to read that isn't too heavy weight but isn't YA fluff (I'm looking at you, most fantasy books being pushed by publishers!!!) this is the start of a good tale that pulls you in, pulls you along, and sets you down gently at the end with a smile.
This novel is the first in a new series in the world of Kellen Tavadon, and in many ways mirrors the first novel of that series. Instead of a singular main character in this tale we get two boys, close as brothers. One of the boys is beset with terrible nightmares, and we quickly find out that the Endarkened are back in play (maybe. Kind of.) High Magic is back in play, tales of Wild Mages but non in the immediate vicinity, and a lot of studying. This feels familiar :-)
This novel isn't going to blow your mind or tread on some brand new fantasy territory that changes the genre. If you like your standard fare fantasy, and want something enjoyable to read that isn't too heavy weight but isn't YA fluff (I'm looking at you, most fantasy books being pushed by publishers!!!) this is the start of a good tale that pulls you in, pulls you along, and sets you down gently at the end with a smile.
March 8, 2014
There are some books that leave you amazed, knowing full well that you could never create a work so beautiful, profound, exciting, or awe-inspiring.
The Phoenix Unchained, unfortunately, has the opposite effect.
Through and through this is a very likeable fantasy, but highly clichéd and simple. In many instances, I felt as though even I could do better. The hilariously long place names, background info-dumping, the sometimes awkward dialogue (especially when forcing background information that NO ONE would say, since it's assumed the other person would already know in that world), times of overt telling vs. showing, and mysterious characters that refuse to tell the main character what they know just for the sake of mystery all work together to create a feeling of immaturity and ultra-simplicity that I just would not have expected from an author that I've heard praised so much in the fantasy world.
If you can look past the "fantasy 101 - basics" style of writing and just enjoy a nice and simple fantasy tale, this is certainly not a bad choice. I liked it for what it is and recommend it to younger readers of fantasy for sure. 3 stars!
The Phoenix Unchained, unfortunately, has the opposite effect.
Through and through this is a very likeable fantasy, but highly clichéd and simple. In many instances, I felt as though even I could do better. The hilariously long place names, background info-dumping, the sometimes awkward dialogue (especially when forcing background information that NO ONE would say, since it's assumed the other person would already know in that world), times of overt telling vs. showing, and mysterious characters that refuse to tell the main character what they know just for the sake of mystery all work together to create a feeling of immaturity and ultra-simplicity that I just would not have expected from an author that I've heard praised so much in the fantasy world.
If you can look past the "fantasy 101 - basics" style of writing and just enjoy a nice and simple fantasy tale, this is certainly not a bad choice. I liked it for what it is and recommend it to younger readers of fantasy for sure. 3 stars!
October 5, 2017
Wow, it has been over 7 years since I've read anything from Mercedes Lackey. She continues to pleasantly surprise and astound me with her skill.
Things don't get any good until Tiercel and Harrier leave Armethalieh in search of a Wild Mage. The two teens are guided by a lovely centaur. Meanwhile in the far desert lands, Bisochim is presented with the 3 books.
Both parties face life and death dangers. Tiercel will be tested by the Light. Ultimately both will meet a dragon and this experience will change their lives totally in different ways for both Mages.
I am with Tiercel all the way, because I still don't like trying to have a conversation with an elf and forced to not ask a question. Infuriating.
What has stuck with me from this amazing book are two things. First is when it is said that "prayers are for the living". I agree. Prayers are helpful, but thoughtful action is so much more effective. The second is (...to be completed later...)
I have immediately started the second book in the trilogy. The pair of author's writing has re-ignited the passion and everything that I love about the fantasy genre. This is fantasy at it's very best!
Things don't get any good until Tiercel and Harrier leave Armethalieh in search of a Wild Mage. The two teens are guided by a lovely centaur. Meanwhile in the far desert lands, Bisochim is presented with the 3 books.
Both parties face life and death dangers. Tiercel will be tested by the Light. Ultimately both will meet a dragon and this experience will change their lives totally in different ways for both Mages.
I am with Tiercel all the way, because I still don't like trying to have a conversation with an elf and forced to not ask a question. Infuriating.
What has stuck with me from this amazing book are two things. First is when it is said that "prayers are for the living". I agree. Prayers are helpful, but thoughtful action is so much more effective. The second is (...to be completed later...)
I have immediately started the second book in the trilogy. The pair of author's writing has re-ignited the passion and everything that I love about the fantasy genre. This is fantasy at it's very best!
October 7, 2017
Wow, it has been over 7 years since I've read anything from Mercedes Lackey. She continues to pleasantly surprise and astound me with her skill.
Things don't get any good until Tiercel and Harrier leave Armethalieh in search of a Wild Mage. The two teens are guided by a lovely centaur. Meanwhile in the far desert lands, Bisochim is presented with the 3 books.
Both parties face life and death dangers. Tiercel will be tested by the Light. Ultimately both will meet a dragon and this experience will change their lives totally in different ways for both Mages.
I am with Tiercel all the way, because I still don't like trying to have a conversation with an elf and forced to not ask a question. Infuriating.
What has stuck with me from this amazing book are two things. First is when Harrier tells Tiercel "prayers are for the living". I agree. Prayers are helpful, but thoughtful action is so much more effective. The second is (...to be completed later...)
I have immediately started the second book in the trilogy. The pair of author's writing has re-ignited the passion and everything that I love about the fantasy genre. This is fantasy at it's very best!
Things don't get any good until Tiercel and Harrier leave Armethalieh in search of a Wild Mage. The two teens are guided by a lovely centaur. Meanwhile in the far desert lands, Bisochim is presented with the 3 books.
Both parties face life and death dangers. Tiercel will be tested by the Light. Ultimately both will meet a dragon and this experience will change their lives totally in different ways for both Mages.
I am with Tiercel all the way, because I still don't like trying to have a conversation with an elf and forced to not ask a question. Infuriating.
What has stuck with me from this amazing book are two things. First is when Harrier tells Tiercel "prayers are for the living". I agree. Prayers are helpful, but thoughtful action is so much more effective. The second is (...to be completed later...)
I have immediately started the second book in the trilogy. The pair of author's writing has re-ignited the passion and everything that I love about the fantasy genre. This is fantasy at it's very best!
July 17, 2009
Despite the fact that I generally enjoy Mercedes Lackey, I found this one did not grab me. I am not sure about the division of labor here between Lackey and her co-author James Mallory, but I found that the characters didn't really have "real" challenges. They are always blessed with all the resources they need, and whenever you think they might not be quite so neat then they come across things like a magical doorway to the land of the elves. Seriously?
Even the basis of the story strikes me overly convienent. Boy is "mage-born" not seen for hundreds of years. Unlike wild-mages they *must* be taught (not just book learning) or they will *die*. Only he doesn't get taught, and the wild mages and elves don't help either. He just seems able to muddle it out by himself mostly through trial and error (though possibly continued in the series).
Even the basis of the story strikes me overly convienent. Boy is "mage-born" not seen for hundreds of years. Unlike wild-mages they *must* be taught (not just book learning) or they will *die*. Only he doesn't get taught, and the wild mages and elves don't help either. He just seems able to muddle it out by himself mostly through trial and error (though possibly continued in the series).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2012
Well, it's possible I would have enjoyed this better had I read it rather than listened to it b/c the reader made the naked fire woman sound like an old man, the unicorn sound like an idiot valley girl, and one of the main characters (pictured on the cover with muscles and such) sound like a wimpy girl, and the main dragon and his bonded's voices sometimes intermingling and sounding similar....The way it was read really made the book cheesy. Yet still, the story line had just enough that I could still listen to it yet lacked enough that I couldn't wait til it was through so I could get a better book lol. The end did get a little better, but sheesh, who wants to go through an entire book/9 CDS or so before it really gets okay. So this book was "eh" in my opinion. It did leave me slightly interested in what happens next, although I think I'd be satisfied to find out through another reader just to know and that be that!
March 23, 2015
The real rating I give this book is 3.5 but you know Goodreads does not allow for 1/2 ratings!!!
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a high fantasy book that isn't too crazy and off the wall. So, if your looking for something that has themes of good and evil but at the same time is light and heartwarming, you definitely should read this one.
I really liked the ending of this book. So I cannot wait to read book 2; The Phoenix Endangered.
Side Note: There are both dragons and unicorns in this book, which both happen to be my favorite types of "mythological" creatures.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a high fantasy book that isn't too crazy and off the wall. So, if your looking for something that has themes of good and evil but at the same time is light and heartwarming, you definitely should read this one.
I really liked the ending of this book. So I cannot wait to read book 2; The Phoenix Endangered.
Side Note: There are both dragons and unicorns in this book, which both happen to be my favorite types of "mythological" creatures.
October 5, 2008
This book was actually a fairly quick read, although it felt like it took a long time to get the story moving. It was very interesting to see Kellen's world 1000 years after his actions, to see how distorted things have become! I look forward to reading the 2nd book!
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