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Kencyrath #6
Honor's Paradox
The sequel to Bound in Blood and exciting sixth entry in the Godstalker Chronicles by epic fantasy world-builder extraordinaire, P.C. Hodgell. A droll heroine born to one day battle a world-destroying god fights her way through deadly plots and challenges at a warrior’s academy to graduate and move forward to her destiny.
The sequel to Bound in Blood and exciting sixth entry in the Godstalker Chronicles by epic fantasy world-builder extraordinaire, P.C. Hodgell.
Jame is one of the last of the Kencyrath line, born to battle a world-destroying Lord of Darkness and resuscitate her ancestral heritage. Jame’s youth was spent hard and low in a desert wasteland. Now she has discovered her past and her heritage as Highborn—and, with it, the power to call souls out of their bodies and slay the occasional god or two (as well as to resurrect them).
First, though, Jame must survive the politics and dangers of haunted Tentir College, a school for warriors where she’s a student. At Tentir, Jame saves a young protégé from possession by a powerful, evil soul in search of a body, while combating jealous students who see her as a danger to their ambition for power and want her expelled—and blinded and dead, in the bargain! Then, just as graduation approaches, Jame’s exemption from the sacred laws of the tribe of her youth expires and she is expected to wed immediately , plus take on a family. To make matters worse, she’s challenged to a mounted combat duel to decide who is Tentir “top gun”—a competition she must win to graduate. It’s trial by fire, as Jame moves closer to a magnificent destiny she both fears—and knows she must face.
About P.C. Hodgell’s Kyncyrath
"P.C. Hodgell writes the most strikingly weird and wonderful stories in epic fantasy today."—Charles Stross
"Hodgell has crafted an…intricate fantasy with humor, tragedy, and a capable and charming female hero.”— Library Journal
The sequel to Bound in Blood and exciting sixth entry in the Godstalker Chronicles by epic fantasy world-builder extraordinaire, P.C. Hodgell.
Jame is one of the last of the Kencyrath line, born to battle a world-destroying Lord of Darkness and resuscitate her ancestral heritage. Jame’s youth was spent hard and low in a desert wasteland. Now she has discovered her past and her heritage as Highborn—and, with it, the power to call souls out of their bodies and slay the occasional god or two (as well as to resurrect them).
First, though, Jame must survive the politics and dangers of haunted Tentir College, a school for warriors where she’s a student. At Tentir, Jame saves a young protégé from possession by a powerful, evil soul in search of a body, while combating jealous students who see her as a danger to their ambition for power and want her expelled—and blinded and dead, in the bargain! Then, just as graduation approaches, Jame’s exemption from the sacred laws of the tribe of her youth expires and she is expected to wed immediately , plus take on a family. To make matters worse, she’s challenged to a mounted combat duel to decide who is Tentir “top gun”—a competition she must win to graduate. It’s trial by fire, as Jame moves closer to a magnificent destiny she both fears—and knows she must face.
About P.C. Hodgell’s Kyncyrath
"P.C. Hodgell writes the most strikingly weird and wonderful stories in epic fantasy today."—Charles Stross
"Hodgell has crafted an…intricate fantasy with humor, tragedy, and a capable and charming female hero.”— Library Journal
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 22, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 16, 2011
(I have the ARC!!!)
Still working up to an actual review, but two quick points:
1. YAY.
Okay, wait, two points besides that. So, three points.
2. This feels more like the second half of the previous book than its own novel -- which is good, in a way, because the previous book really needed a second half, but it's not an entirely encouraging trend for future books.
3. Seriously, WTF with the cover art. Does anyone remember book 1, when Jame was mistaken for a boy while topless? Where the hell is this cleavage coming from?
Still working up to an actual review, but two quick points:
1. YAY.
Okay, wait, two points besides that. So, three points.
2. This feels more like the second half of the previous book than its own novel -- which is good, in a way, because the previous book really needed a second half, but it's not an entirely encouraging trend for future books.
3. Seriously, WTF with the cover art. Does anyone remember book 1, when Jame was mistaken for a boy while topless? Where the hell is this cleavage coming from?
February 27, 2013
4/5; 4 stars; A-
This was a very satisfying read. The story brings to a close Jame's time at Tentir college and concludes a chapter in her complex entanglement with the Merikit people. I really enjoy the various chaotic disturbances that Jame always finds herself in the middle of. I particularly enjoy watching her confound everyone, not only with her astonishing array of skills, but with her ability to build relationships out of apparently nothing. She is a wonderful character.
I am looking forward to the continuation of this story.
I must say, the only thing that I found strange about this book was the cover art. In this book, and previous ones, the artist portrays Jame with a rather daring cleavage. In the story, I don't think she'd be caught dead in something that revealed so much skin, I hope that wasn't a cheap attempt on the publishers part to catch the eye of male readers. Tacky.
This was a very satisfying read. The story brings to a close Jame's time at Tentir college and concludes a chapter in her complex entanglement with the Merikit people. I really enjoy the various chaotic disturbances that Jame always finds herself in the middle of. I particularly enjoy watching her confound everyone, not only with her astonishing array of skills, but with her ability to build relationships out of apparently nothing. She is a wonderful character.
I am looking forward to the continuation of this story.
I must say, the only thing that I found strange about this book was the cover art. In this book, and previous ones, the artist portrays Jame with a rather daring cleavage. In the story, I don't think she'd be caught dead in something that revealed so much skin, I hope that wasn't a cheap attempt on the publishers part to catch the eye of male readers. Tacky.
January 26, 2020
Not a lot to say here except that I'm continuing to very much enjoy Jame's adventures; and this seems to be the end of her stay at Tentir.
February 6, 2020
I'm working my way through this entire series and I *think* I read this one before, but I'm not seeing it on my lists. At any rate, it you're already engaged with the series, then you should read this one, but start with "God Stalk" if you're new to this series. Paradox builds a bit on the last book but as other reviewers have noted, it looks like one book was split into two so we have more Tentir hijinks, which are pretty similar to the ones in "Bound in Blood," but there's more about the Merikit, one of Rathilien's indigenous people. Jame is beginning to think of herself as the Regonereth, That-Which-Destroys, which is both understandable and tragic. In this volume, Jame ends up with a Merikit wife; Jame became the favorite of Ragga, the Earth Mother, in a previous volume and this is traditionally a male role, so Jame gets a wife, who in turn moves in with a male lover. This is the first volume in which Hodgell suggests that Jame is bi, which is awesome and suits her. One of the things that I love about how Jame is processing colonialism and invasion by her own people and how it's disrupted the Merikit's element-based magic and the planet itself. Lots of interesting things to chew on here!
November 1, 2018
I've recently decided to re-read this excellent epic fantasy cycle, and review as I go.
What to Expect
Honor's Paradox details Jame's second half of the year as a randon cadet. Expect more adventures, more native forces and power struggles, and further advancement of the overall story arc. It's great to see Torisen and Kindrie rising into their own as well. By now both Hodgell and fans have settled into a good pace, and if you've read so far than rest assured Hodgell consistently delivers high-quality fantasy that makes the whole series very well worth the read.
What I liked
Hodgell's story-telling and world-building are top-notch, her story pacing is excellent, and she balances light and dark themes perfectly. I love the tantalising glimpses into Jame's past, and the slowly-building tension around her. One can't help but feel immersed in the story, love Jame's vibrancy, and wish to learn more.
What to be aware of
This is book 6 of a long running series (over 35 years, so far). You really need to start at God Stalk if you're to have any chance of understanding what is going on. The series, as I understand it, is still not complete (though I imagine that wouldn't stop any GRRM fans).
Summary
A highly recommended series. This is epic fantasy done right, with perfect balance of light and dark, and excellent, slowly-building pacing. If you love fantasy, I strongly suggest you add God Stalk to your TBR pile.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Honor's Paradox details Jame's second half of the year as a randon cadet. Expect more adventures, more native forces and power struggles, and further advancement of the overall story arc. It's great to see Torisen and Kindrie rising into their own as well. By now both Hodgell and fans have settled into a good pace, and if you've read so far than rest assured Hodgell consistently delivers high-quality fantasy that makes the whole series very well worth the read.
What I liked
Hodgell's story-telling and world-building are top-notch, her story pacing is excellent, and she balances light and dark themes perfectly. I love the tantalising glimpses into Jame's past, and the slowly-building tension around her. One can't help but feel immersed in the story, love Jame's vibrancy, and wish to learn more.
What to be aware of
This is book 6 of a long running series (over 35 years, so far). You really need to start at God Stalk if you're to have any chance of understanding what is going on. The series, as I understand it, is still not complete (though I imagine that wouldn't stop any GRRM fans).
Summary
A highly recommended series. This is epic fantasy done right, with perfect balance of light and dark, and excellent, slowly-building pacing. If you love fantasy, I strongly suggest you add God Stalk to your TBR pile.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
January 10, 2012
Of the last book, I said: "...it wraps up the Tentir storylines and advances the series arcs.... We have strong hints that Jame will be off to the north in the next story." Turns out I was *completely wrong*. All of that applies to *this* book. (Except south, not north.) So, no points for pacing. It remains true that "Jame hits Tentir" works better as a single (enormous) novel than as three, and it might have been better if it were edited that way, too. As it stands, it feels like a quarter of this book's wordcount is spent explaining what happened in previous books. Actual events are packed in like eggs, off-kilter; either their setups have been hanging too long (since _To Ride a Rathorn_), or the setup and event come on the same page. Hodgell is best when she can work a few strange details around from "quirky background" to "oh god the plot" at leisure, and this book lacks enough leisure.
All that said -- still a great story.
All that said -- still a great story.
February 16, 2013
My biggest problem with the series is that it's come to a screeching halt ever since Tentir. The pace of events seems to have just stopped dead and while we can see where the series is heading it feels like it's going to take forever to get there. This is book 6 of a series started in 1982. I enjoy the series, setting and characters but I would really like some kind of conclusion one day. At the very least I want out of this soldier academy arc because it's boring as anything. We all know she'll succeed. We all know her friends will love her, her enemies will sabotage her. The series was far more interesting when we had one book for one major location and then moved on. It gave us some kind of momentum that felt like things were happening.
I also think Tori deserves more time though I realise the books are primarily about Jame, I still want to spend more time with him and Kithrie.
I also think Tori deserves more time though I realise the books are primarily about Jame, I still want to spend more time with him and Kithrie.
December 12, 2011
It seems a good and a bad thing that Ms Hodgell continues on at her glacial pace. I really enjoy this world and like seeing more stories in it; but I also wish that there would be some more resolution to the ongoing plots. I hope she has an idea of where we are going. In the meantime, this book spends much time in my second favorite place in her world, the war college. I guess I like montage scenes of people learning to trust each other and fight together. Another half year passes, Tori and Kindrie continue their slow interior growth, more bad people get chopped. The question comes up of honor, if you owe more honor to your house or to yourself. Jame as usual tromps around cheerfully destroying things, setting dark things free, and causing mayhem.
July 29, 2016
One of my all time favorite writers. Original, dark, deep, and addictive, read it to experience it is all I gotta say.
May 23, 2022
This was a wonderful addition to the Kencyrath series that was desperately needed. The past two or so books have been mostly set up, with vague writing and confusing sub-plots that left the reader more bemused than entertained. This addition to the series finally begins to tie together a lot of these seemingly unrelated subplots into something more concrete, resolving many of the mysteries of the series while creating some new ones that will doubtlessly be explored in future novels. Still, it's a bit of a shame that it took this long to get to what feels like the main part of the series, but I'm glad we're finally there. I look forward to the next one, and at this rate I'll go ahead and finish the series, if only eventually.
September 13, 2023
Jame is the best at two things: feinting, and fainting. This was cool because it feels like it finishes a lot of drawn out arcs, but it does feel a bit redundant. My favourite opening to the series, probably, but yeah, hoping a change of scenery will do good for the plot, letting Hodgell do that excellent world-building I love her for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2018
Finally! Catching up on my favorite character and a worthy author.
Love the characters and the story setting. Glad to have it on ebooks. Bought the lot after my first paperback fell to shreds. Something to reread at my leisure.
Love the characters and the story setting. Glad to have it on ebooks. Bought the lot after my first paperback fell to shreds. Something to reread at my leisure.
August 9, 2018
8- #6 > #5
August 11, 2020
I cant stop reading this series. So fun!
Read
September 29, 20203 and a half stars.
August 11, 2020
In Honor’s Paradox, Jame completes her training at Tentir despite continuing attempts by other houses to get her kicked out. The general operation of the plot tends to revolve around Jame being a catalyst of sorts for correcting problems that she comes across. (This could be said to be the case for all of the books, but in this case, the beneficial results outweigh the usual negative and catastrophic ones.) Various secrets are revealed, Tori shows a lot of progress in learning to accept Shanir in general and his sister in specific, and Kindrie continues to develop a spine. (As a special bonus, Graykin also seems to be developing a sense of perspective.)
The book begins with Ashe retelling the story about how Gerridon decided to make a deal with Perimal Darkling. (This story has been told many times during the series, but it never really gets old and it underlines that the Kencyr as a culture have so many issues it is clear that they have a lifetime subscription.) Then we shift to Jame juggling her role as Earth Mother’s Favorite with her role as student at Tentir and her brother’s heir. (There are several points where she must choose one over the other; she generally chooses the former because doing otherwise makes Bad Things Happen, except for the one time the reverse is true.) As a result of this juggling of responsibilities she occasionally stumbles, which for Jame usually has epic consequences.
There were quite a few interesting character developments during the story. A lot of the book was focused on Timmon’s continuing efforts to woo Jame (and his repeatedly getting knocked for a loop by Jame’s dreamscape). This slowly progresses to a revelation about Timmon’s father that’s been waiting in the wings now since Dark of the Moon. Timmon slowly comes to the realization that his father is not the role model he’s been told, and Jame manages to keep this information from breaking the kid. (His own mistakes almost do that for him, however.) Gorbel is less of a fixture in this book, though he’s a continuing and often helpful presence, even when he’s directly ordered to go against Jame.
Another recurring presence is the Dark Judge who is determined to find a reason to convict Jame (and anyone else he can get his claws on). There is also Beauty, the darkling wyrm who undergoes a final metamorphosis.One of the scenes that I particularly enjoyed was an official presentation of the heirs of all the houses, which was occasionally interrupted by toddler. (Tori’s cousin Holly’s son and heir. It was ridiculously cute and funny and did interesting things with the more serious parts of the sequence.) We also finally discover what sort of creature Drie, Timmon’s half-brother and servant is bound to. (It was not exactly a surprise; I had guessed that it had to be something very, very unusual, and it was. How we find out is somewhat traumatic, but weirdly satisfying in the end.)I really liked this book, and the conclusion. (I am so happy the entire Tentir arc was spread out to three novels. Seeker’s Mask and Dark of the Moon went by in the blink of an eye for me, and I really enjoyed the character interactions.)
The book begins with Ashe retelling the story about how Gerridon decided to make a deal with Perimal Darkling. (This story has been told many times during the series, but it never really gets old and it underlines that the Kencyr as a culture have so many issues it is clear that they have a lifetime subscription.) Then we shift to Jame juggling her role as Earth Mother’s Favorite with her role as student at Tentir and her brother’s heir. (There are several points where she must choose one over the other; she generally chooses the former because doing otherwise makes Bad Things Happen, except for the one time the reverse is true.) As a result of this juggling of responsibilities she occasionally stumbles, which for Jame usually has epic consequences.
There were quite a few interesting character developments during the story. A lot of the book was focused on Timmon’s continuing efforts to woo Jame (and his repeatedly getting knocked for a loop by Jame’s dreamscape). This slowly progresses to a revelation about Timmon’s father that’s been waiting in the wings now since Dark of the Moon. Timmon slowly comes to the realization that his father is not the role model he’s been told, and Jame manages to keep this information from breaking the kid. (His own mistakes almost do that for him, however.) Gorbel is less of a fixture in this book, though he’s a continuing and often helpful presence, even when he’s directly ordered to go against Jame.
Another recurring presence is the Dark Judge who is determined to find a reason to convict Jame (and anyone else he can get his claws on). There is also Beauty, the darkling wyrm who undergoes a final metamorphosis.One of the scenes that I particularly enjoyed was an official presentation of the heirs of all the houses, which was occasionally interrupted by toddler. (Tori’s cousin Holly’s son and heir. It was ridiculously cute and funny and did interesting things with the more serious parts of the sequence.) We also finally discover what sort of creature Drie, Timmon’s half-brother and servant is bound to. (It was not exactly a surprise; I had guessed that it had to be something very, very unusual, and it was. How we find out is somewhat traumatic, but weirdly satisfying in the end.)I really liked this book, and the conclusion. (I am so happy the entire Tentir arc was spread out to three novels. Seeker’s Mask and Dark of the Moon went by in the blink of an eye for me, and I really enjoyed the character interactions.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2011
This book finishes Jame's time in Tentir with a bang: There is the fact that her role as the Earth-Wife's favourite means that she has to play her role during the Merikit rites, because it has become clear that these are also to keep out Perimal Darkling .
She has to succeed in all the testing up to the end of the year, she has to deal with the fact that her unorthodox role AND her Nemesis powers make all kinds of theoretically-neutral Randon try and assassinate her/make her life hell/seduce her/want to help her, etc. And she - as well as various other characters - have to deal with Honor's Paradox as not just a concept but a dangerous decision to make.
Various fragmented thoughts:
Kindrie gets a bit of a spotlight, but what with all the strong strands already weaving between Torisen and Jame (from the previous books and the whole plot), we don't get to see much of his maturation, we only see it in action (and a very scary view indeed at where he grew up).
Gothregor's surroundings keep getting pounded - it's probably the Knorth influence acting up. I hope they have more luck after the borders are made more secure by the Merikit.
Torisen continues to show more common sense and trust in Jame (as well as more awareness of her overall competence) - however he hasn't dealt with the voice behind the door in his soulscape yet (nor does he know that he is Shanir, one likely aspect of the Tyr-Ridan and that Jame has grown up in Perimal Darkling).
I liked the solution of the situation with the Burnt Man and the Dark Judge Arrin-ken, as well as more of the general Merikit society. I was very relieved Jame was able to rehabilitate Shade, Gorbel and Timmon (it was very sad to see Adric basically turn senile, especially considering he had such a horror of it before).
The final testing between Torisen and Jame was awesome and frightening, as was the eventual evolution of the changer wyrm Beauty.
I so hope that now Jame is losing Seth and Bear as supports they won't get completely taken down by Caldane...
It's 4.5 stars for a strong start and end, with a bit of a wobbly middle, and the fact that I love this series.
She has to succeed in all the testing up to the end of the year, she has to deal with the fact that her unorthodox role AND her Nemesis powers make all kinds of theoretically-neutral Randon try and assassinate her/make her life hell/seduce her/want to help her, etc. And she - as well as various other characters - have to deal with Honor's Paradox as not just a concept but a dangerous decision to make.
Various fragmented thoughts:
Kindrie gets a bit of a spotlight, but what with all the strong strands already weaving between Torisen and Jame (from the previous books and the whole plot), we don't get to see much of his maturation, we only see it in action (and a very scary view indeed at where he grew up).
Gothregor's surroundings keep getting pounded - it's probably the Knorth influence acting up. I hope they have more luck after the borders are made more secure by the Merikit.
Torisen continues to show more common sense and trust in Jame (as well as more awareness of her overall competence) - however he hasn't dealt with the voice behind the door in his soulscape yet (nor does he know that he is Shanir, one likely aspect of the Tyr-Ridan and that Jame has grown up in Perimal Darkling).
I liked the solution of the situation with the Burnt Man and the Dark Judge Arrin-ken, as well as more of the general Merikit society. I was very relieved Jame was able to rehabilitate Shade, Gorbel and Timmon (it was very sad to see Adric basically turn senile, especially considering he had such a horror of it before).
The final testing between Torisen and Jame was awesome and frightening, as was the eventual evolution of the changer wyrm Beauty.
I so hope that now Jame is losing Seth and Bear as supports they won't get completely taken down by Caldane...
It's 4.5 stars for a strong start and end, with a bit of a wobbly middle, and the fact that I love this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2020
After finishing the (penultimate?) book in this series, By Demons Possessed, I decided to go back and re-read from the beginning. I never wrote a review for this and the coronavirus quarantine has left me with extra time on my hands so here goes.
The world of the Kencyrath is one of the more complex ones, even for the fantasy genre. Hodgell never info dumps and in fact does the complete opposite. Critical information is revealed much like it is in real life--without preamble, and often interrupted by more urgent concerns. As a result, it can be hard to keep track of who knew what and when. This isn't a bad book, but it is completely occupied with a problem that is resolved in two quick chapters (less than 10 pages in my print edition of the book) and the greater mysteries are given just the barest recognition. It feels more like a continuation of the last book and doesn't quite stand on its own.
The world of the Kencyrath is one of the more complex ones, even for the fantasy genre. Hodgell never info dumps and in fact does the complete opposite. Critical information is revealed much like it is in real life--without preamble, and often interrupted by more urgent concerns. As a result, it can be hard to keep track of who knew what and when. This isn't a bad book, but it is completely occupied with a problem that is resolved in two quick chapters (less than 10 pages in my print edition of the book) and the greater mysteries are given just the barest recognition. It feels more like a continuation of the last book and doesn't quite stand on its own.
August 15, 2014
I have to be honest: God Stalk will always be the best of the series to me. The intricacy of the world presented, the deep history of the Kencyrath, the mythology created, and the philosophical questions posed have not been matched by Hodgell since.
That said, this one certainly stands up to books 3-5. It's a fast-paced story that takes you on a fair bit of a ride, and still leaves the reader interested to see what comes next.
My one quibble is something I usually do not comment on: the cover. I don't know who is responsible, but trying to wrap this book up to look like a bodice-ripper is just not fair. Throughout the series (including this entry), Jame and her brother Torisen are mistaken for each other - something that simply could not happen with the bosom depicted! And I assume that the pointy-eared lion is supposed to be an Arrin-ken... which makes little sense when one is familiar with the book.
Anyhow - ignore the cover, read the book!
That said, this one certainly stands up to books 3-5. It's a fast-paced story that takes you on a fair bit of a ride, and still leaves the reader interested to see what comes next.
My one quibble is something I usually do not comment on: the cover. I don't know who is responsible, but trying to wrap this book up to look like a bodice-ripper is just not fair. Throughout the series (including this entry), Jame and her brother Torisen are mistaken for each other - something that simply could not happen with the bosom depicted! And I assume that the pointy-eared lion is supposed to be an Arrin-ken... which makes little sense when one is familiar with the book.
Anyhow - ignore the cover, read the book!
July 22, 2014
Can it be? I think this is actually the first time I've read this one. I was amazed and delighted. How Ms. Hodgell can keep such continuity and energy in a series that was started at least twenty-five years ago shows true mastery of her craft. Through the six books I have just read in order, not once did I notice a thread dropped or turned wrong. Even while I'm wishing something nice would happen to my favorite, Jame, I recognize every instance of calamity remains true to her nature. I love seeing the way she flows past the pitfalls, though thankfully not unscathed. This book and the entire series is so delightfully unpredictable.
I wouldn't want to visit such a rich and treacherous universe, but I absolutely love peering into it.
I wouldn't want to visit such a rich and treacherous universe, but I absolutely love peering into it.
June 11, 2012
Another enjoyable Jamethiel book, but I wish the story had left Tentir behind already.
And this is minor in the way of things, but I hate -hate hate hate- the cover art Baen had done for these books. It doesn't encapsulate the series well at all, and I actually feel a little alienated by it. If I were new to the series, I wouldn't have picked up this book.
Honestly I would rather have her run around on the cover naked, since that would at least be in character for her. It would be awesome if she could actually be mistaken for her slender, cis-bodied brother, which is a recurring plot point throughout the books.
And this is minor in the way of things, but I hate -hate hate hate- the cover art Baen had done for these books. It doesn't encapsulate the series well at all, and I actually feel a little alienated by it. If I were new to the series, I wouldn't have picked up this book.
Honestly I would rather have her run around on the cover naked, since that would at least be in character for her. It would be awesome if she could actually be mistaken for her slender, cis-bodied brother, which is a recurring plot point throughout the books.
March 4, 2012
Oof. Finally the end of the Tentir arc (or so I call it in my head) and it was a fantastic ride. Lots of intrigue, fighting, scuffles, and, well, everything that makes this world its own. The characters are as delightful as ever, and it makes me really happy to see Tori finally begin to accept some of the things that he has been ignoring for so long. And talking! Talking! I can't wait until that actually happens in the next book, haha.
I'm not sure what else to say, other than a gush of happiness (and a smidgen of sadness that I'm done until the next book comes out). I love this series by a ridiculous amount and I think it shows rather clearly what I think about it. 5 stars.
I'm not sure what else to say, other than a gush of happiness (and a smidgen of sadness that I'm done until the next book comes out). I love this series by a ridiculous amount and I think it shows rather clearly what I think about it. 5 stars.
July 2, 2014
Oops - I missed one!
I got this through interlibrary loan, and thought it was #5 - but it's #6. However, I didn't actually notice that I missed one until I was done. (Yes, there were a few mystifying bits - but Hodgell's writing tends toward those.) Jame is still a randon cadet, establishing her leadership and demanding respect in a difficult situation. I actually thought this one flowed a lot more smoothly than 'To Ride a Rathorn.'
The main theme here is the one referred to in the title: is it more honorable to show loyalty, upholding your vows and your position - or is it more honorable to do what one believes is the correct thing?
I got this through interlibrary loan, and thought it was #5 - but it's #6. However, I didn't actually notice that I missed one until I was done. (Yes, there were a few mystifying bits - but Hodgell's writing tends toward those.) Jame is still a randon cadet, establishing her leadership and demanding respect in a difficult situation. I actually thought this one flowed a lot more smoothly than 'To Ride a Rathorn.'
The main theme here is the one referred to in the title: is it more honorable to show loyalty, upholding your vows and your position - or is it more honorable to do what one believes is the correct thing?
May 31, 2016
Jame's story continues. As usual, the imagery and character development were amazing. If I had any gripe, it's that the author seems to be getting into a pattern of presenting an obstacle, and Jame overcomes it. I get that this is how stories work, but it seemed a little more compartmentalized than the others, and a character who can do no wrong is at risk of becoming a boring character. But there's still a lot of big story arcs that are headed somewhere- where is not really clear, and that's fascinating. I mean, I think I know where this is going, but still don't know how she's gonna get there and I am happy to keep reading to find out.
November 7, 2014
Continuing the saga that began in God stalker Chronicles, Honor’s Paradox explores the tension between traditions and truth, between expectations and actual experience, between keeping promises and doing right. Jame navigates unfair instructors, duels, and doubting supporters to complete her training while also fending off disasters that the rest of her people can’t conceive of. This epic fantasy novel is a great read that makes your blood pound with can’t-put-it-down excitement on a first read and then entices you back for contemplation of its deep thoughts.
September 28, 2014
Actual review later. Gush of YAY now.
Alright, so I wasn't convinced by that episode with Kindrie and the Randir (too easy). And the climactic battle between Jame and the Caineron was a bit of an anticlimax.
But the Merikit culture was cool and so was the subplot with Bear and the Commandant. And the end scene makes everything okay!!! OMG, FINALLY, progress on this front!!!!! Where's the rest of it? Do I have to wait a whole 'nother year for it? Augh!!! *breaks down sobbing*
Alright, so I wasn't convinced by that episode with Kindrie and the Randir (too easy). And the climactic battle between Jame and the Caineron was a bit of an anticlimax.
But the Merikit culture was cool and so was the subplot with Bear and the Commandant. And the end scene makes everything okay!!! OMG, FINALLY, progress on this front!!!!! Where's the rest of it? Do I have to wait a whole 'nother year for it? Augh!!! *breaks down sobbing*
January 4, 2012
I read Bound in Blood and this one in the last couple of days. Hodgell's opus is remarkable world-building, like Gormenghast and Dune, and now that Tor has picked up the series, I think the readability is increasing. Some readers may not appreciate the complexity, but like Peake and Herbert, oops, forgot Silverberg's Majipoor, this is really an attempt at a truly alien world, psychology, world that does not fit into a standard fantasy or sci-fi mold. And unlike them, we have a female lead. always on my must-keep-uo list.
February 10, 2012
Jame continues to survive assassination attempts at Knight School, and to hobnob with various gods and magical creatures. I'm a big fan of GODSTALK, but all of the sequels have been so full of references to past events and name dropping (the cast has swollen exponentially with each successive volume, and many of the characters sport pet names to boot) that I've been unable to keep track of who's who or what happened when. Enjoyable, but more of a slice of life than an episode that significantly advances any story arc.
April 16, 2013
This is the third book of Jame's adventures at Tentir, and while it was really enjoyable, I can't help hoping that it's the last. As always, lots of awesome here. But for Jame, Tentir is as restrictive, in its own way, as the Women's World. I'd like to see Jame go somewhere else and progress in different ways. I'd also like to see more of Kindrie. Most of all, I'd like to see Tori move further toward having to accept his destiny, if only by experiencing his Shanir powers in a way he can't deny.
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