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Winds of the Forelands #3
Bonds of Vengeance
To the Brink of War
After nine hundred years of peace, unrest among the magical Qirsi people has blossomed into a conspiracy against their Eandi rulers. Led by a mysterious Qirsi "Weaver" who can reach into the minds of others even in their sleep, the rebellion is now turning Qirsi against Qirsi, as it weakens alliances among the Eandi.
Some Qirsi ministers are torn by their loyalty to their lords; others are ready to join the increasingly violent rebellion. Even some Qirsi who oppose the rebellion take sides against their lords, as one Eandi lord prepares for war against his peers.
Yet as the world tilts toward terrible upheaval, some stand firm against the chaos. Grinsa, a Qirsi gleaner, dreads a war he knows would spell disaster for Qirsi and Eandi alike.. Grinsa may be the only person who can halt the slide into full-scale war. Along with his sister, archminister to their peaceloving king, he risks death to save the realm. But as the fragile peace unravels, their efforts may be too late, as realms plunge toward war, goaded by traitors within their gates.
After nine hundred years of peace, unrest among the magical Qirsi people has blossomed into a conspiracy against their Eandi rulers. Led by a mysterious Qirsi "Weaver" who can reach into the minds of others even in their sleep, the rebellion is now turning Qirsi against Qirsi, as it weakens alliances among the Eandi.
Some Qirsi ministers are torn by their loyalty to their lords; others are ready to join the increasingly violent rebellion. Even some Qirsi who oppose the rebellion take sides against their lords, as one Eandi lord prepares for war against his peers.
Yet as the world tilts toward terrible upheaval, some stand firm against the chaos. Grinsa, a Qirsi gleaner, dreads a war he knows would spell disaster for Qirsi and Eandi alike.. Grinsa may be the only person who can halt the slide into full-scale war. Along with his sister, archminister to their peaceloving king, he risks death to save the realm. But as the fragile peace unravels, their efforts may be too late, as realms plunge toward war, goaded by traitors within their gates.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
6 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
David B. Coe
66 books260 followersDavid B. Coe is an author of fantasy novels and short stories. He lives with his wife, Nancy Berner, and their two daughters on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
He has begun writing a new historical fantasy series under the pen name D.B. Jackson. The first one is titled Thieftaker, published in 2012.
He has begun writing a new historical fantasy series under the pen name D.B. Jackson. The first one is titled Thieftaker, published in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 27, 2022
Coe's third installment of the Winds of the Forelands saga functions as a long segue/placeholder for the series. This saga has an interesting premise for sure, but Coe's pacing of the story makes GRRM seem fast paced. The Qirsi rebellion in the Forelands is led by a weaver, or a Qirsi that is able to utilize the magic of other Qirsi, including entering their dreams. We know who the Weaver is now, and he also is behind the string of assassinations that have roiled the Forelands. Now, acting as the head minister of one of the kingdoms, has been urging the king to make war in the Forelands hoping to spread disunity and weaken the kingdoms before he makes his final move.
Unlike the first two volumes, BoV has very little action and _lots_ of political intrigue. Coe rotates POVs repeatedly, giving an exhaustive account of the all the various kingdoms involved, as well as the 'lesser houses'. Mistrust of Qirsi advisors has been spreading even though most are not part of the 'movement'. The 'othering' of the Qirsi proceeds apace and the loyal Qirsi are having a hard time of it. Lots of tears and fears, but not much else. Finally, however, toward the end it seems the war will begin soon. Coe presents a very detailed world here, perhaps too detailed, and he seems to get lost in the minutiae. Still, I might check out the next volume. 2.5 stars, rounding down because this really got boring at times.
Unlike the first two volumes, BoV has very little action and _lots_ of political intrigue. Coe rotates POVs repeatedly, giving an exhaustive account of the all the various kingdoms involved, as well as the 'lesser houses'. Mistrust of Qirsi advisors has been spreading even though most are not part of the 'movement'. The 'othering' of the Qirsi proceeds apace and the loyal Qirsi are having a hard time of it. Lots of tears and fears, but not much else. Finally, however, toward the end it seems the war will begin soon. Coe presents a very detailed world here, perhaps too detailed, and he seems to get lost in the minutiae. Still, I might check out the next volume. 2.5 stars, rounding down because this really got boring at times.
October 17, 2014
Rating based on my entertainment: 3 stars
Actual rating: 2 stars
(I really need half stars in these cases)
Bonds of Vengeance is a well-written book and a solid continuation of the story. The characters are still interesting and very realistic and the general story is quite nice. The problem I had was that the book doesn't really move the story forward. As I have already written in the review of the second book, I believe books 2 and 3 are a copy of the first book. Nothing really important happens and we just get to see the same concept of intrigue in different kingdoms. I think that the author could have skipped these two books or made then into one.
Nevertheless, I find the general story entertaining and I'm going to finish this series. I hope that the next book will be faster and the story will move forward.
Actual rating: 2 stars
(I really need half stars in these cases)
Bonds of Vengeance is a well-written book and a solid continuation of the story. The characters are still interesting and very realistic and the general story is quite nice. The problem I had was that the book doesn't really move the story forward. As I have already written in the review of the second book, I believe books 2 and 3 are a copy of the first book. Nothing really important happens and we just get to see the same concept of intrigue in different kingdoms. I think that the author could have skipped these two books or made then into one.
Nevertheless, I find the general story entertaining and I'm going to finish this series. I hope that the next book will be faster and the story will move forward.
June 24, 2019
This continues to be a solidly written and developed series. The introduction of yet more characters (and another realm) threw a wrench in the pace of the story earlier on, but the show quickly returned to its regularly schedule program of political intrigue and plotting galore.
I appreciated that the author didn't draw out some of the story lines that were previously left unresolved. The pacing that he set really worked for me in this installment. Looking forward to the fourth book after a quick break. The paperback I read might be tiny, but so is the print. Haha.
I appreciated that the author didn't draw out some of the story lines that were previously left unresolved. The pacing that he set really worked for me in this installment. Looking forward to the fourth book after a quick break. The paperback I read might be tiny, but so is the print. Haha.
August 7, 2020
Les intrigues continuent de s'approfondir dans ce 3e volume de l'intégrale de la série. Découvrant le matriarcat de Sanbiri ainsi que développant les histoires politiques de Braedon, Ebithar et Aneira, on laisse un peu de côté le destin de certains des personnages des premiers livres, qui, bien que présents, se laissent désirer vu l'attachement à eux s'étant développés préalablement. Toutes les mailles étant tissées par l'auteur laissent prévoir de nombreux coups de théâtres encore.
March 24, 2008
This series started out slowly for me, but mostly because I am used to fantasy/sci-fi getting right to the action and being pretty black/white with regards to character development. Coe has done a great job painting a more complex picture of the characters in this series, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
October 28, 2022
I don’t know if book 3 is actually better than book 2 or if I’m just fully invested now. Some folks have said books 1 - 3 are the same, but to me book 1 had more of an arc of its own and books 2 and 3 are the ones that are similar. But not in a way that bothers me - different things happen, new complications arise. The plot is just kinda slow, but I’m enjoying it.
There are still *far* too many characters, especially since we are not provided with a chart. There are times when Coe explores the POV of a character for a blip and it really doesn’t seem necessary (like Tihod). It’s just an opportunity to get more confused.
But having said that, since I’ve now gotten through 3 books, I’m getting the hang of most characters.
The ending, like in book 2, is strong. I didn’t know what to expect, and I enjoyed what I got. I am also really enjoying Aindreas’ predicament. All of the characters who are being pushed to extremes are my favorites. The book would just be so much stronger if it focused more on fewer storylines. Some of the storylines could have been standalone books attached to this series, like maybe Cadel’s POV.
There are still *far* too many characters, especially since we are not provided with a chart. There are times when Coe explores the POV of a character for a blip and it really doesn’t seem necessary (like Tihod). It’s just an opportunity to get more confused.
But having said that, since I’ve now gotten through 3 books, I’m getting the hang of most characters.
The ending, like in book 2, is strong. I didn’t know what to expect, and I enjoyed what I got. I am also really enjoying Aindreas’ predicament. All of the characters who are being pushed to extremes are my favorites. The book would just be so much stronger if it focused more on fewer storylines. Some of the storylines could have been standalone books attached to this series, like maybe Cadel’s POV.
July 16, 2018
This story was a bit drawn out and some of the viewpoints overlapped quite a bit (I had actually commented that I enjoyed the fact that he didn't do that on previous books). The story ends of being retold even though the reader knows what has happened. Finally, there are some points where Coe delves deeply into details that really do not pertain to the story, adding to the length of the book unnecessarily and making the storyline seem slow.
However, I enjoy the dynamics between the characters and the personal development.
However, I enjoy the dynamics between the characters and the personal development.
February 19, 2022
Un tome dans lequel je suis rentrée plus facilement que le précédent. J'ai bien aimé cette tension diplomatique croissante, l'évolution de certains personnages, le sort réservé à d'autres. Une chouette lecture ( même si je continue de me perdre entre les noms des ducs, premiers ministres, ministres et maisons !)
December 30, 2023
This series has really started to pick up! These books badly need a Dramatis Personae to keep track of all of the people and in which countries they are in! I hope to see this in the next book along with the maps. Still, it was an enjoyable, though complex read, with lots of moving parts that have finally started to come together in this book. I look forward to seeing what happens next!
April 21, 2018
Holy shit this book is just another recycle of the previous 2 books.
June 3, 2018
The series is starting to pick up.
November 10, 2019
Excellent!!! One of the best of the series so far!!! Loved it!!!
August 16, 2025
Very good twists and turns but didn't have any opening skirmishes of the coming war it kept building up to. I can't wait to see the conflict between Eibithar and Braedon kick off.
December 14, 2015
Bonds of Vengeance by David B. Coe is the third book in the Winds of Forelands series.I'll be upfront with everyone right now. I'm disappointed. I expected things to ramp up now that we're three books in but instead, I got pretty much the same 'ol same from the previous two books. Mind you, while I don't consider this a deal breaker as if you're reading book three by now, you should have already known that Bonds of Vengeance will be another slow burner. In fact, that's what I loved about this series. However, I did expect things to get more heated, if not action wise then at the very least story wise. Because this didn't happen, at least in my opinion, my disappointment set in for the first time in this series.
By now, readers are well aware of what is happening between the Qirsi and the Eandi people of the Forelands. A war is slowly brewing and it's only a matter of time before the Weaver begins the next phase of his plan in wresting control from the Eandi nobles throughout the land. While I expected for things to pick up in this regard, what I got was much the same as I did previously. The nobles are still divided, some believe the conspiracy and some don't, a betrayal here and there, another noble gets mysteriously killed or injured etc, etc. We know of who the Weaver leading the movement is by now and it saddens to say that although there were some portion of the story that focuses on him, I would have liked for a longer exposure time.
With that being said though, I won't consider Bonds of Vengeance a filler. It still had some important events that will most likely play a larger role in the series. I still love the author's writing ability although I feel like his creativity level has waned just a bit and it showed here in book three. With how the story have progressed in Bonds of Vengeance, I feel that there is absolutely no way I can be disappointed in book four, Shapers of Darkness. Things have just got to pick up then. With all that having said, I find myself still looking forward to the political intrigue and court drama aspect of the series as this is what I like best when I first started!
By now, readers are well aware of what is happening between the Qirsi and the Eandi people of the Forelands. A war is slowly brewing and it's only a matter of time before the Weaver begins the next phase of his plan in wresting control from the Eandi nobles throughout the land. While I expected for things to pick up in this regard, what I got was much the same as I did previously. The nobles are still divided, some believe the conspiracy and some don't, a betrayal here and there, another noble gets mysteriously killed or injured etc, etc. We know of who the Weaver leading the movement is by now and it saddens to say that although there were some portion of the story that focuses on him, I would have liked for a longer exposure time.
With that being said though, I won't consider Bonds of Vengeance a filler. It still had some important events that will most likely play a larger role in the series. I still love the author's writing ability although I feel like his creativity level has waned just a bit and it showed here in book three. With how the story have progressed in Bonds of Vengeance, I feel that there is absolutely no way I can be disappointed in book four, Shapers of Darkness. Things have just got to pick up then. With all that having said, I find myself still looking forward to the political intrigue and court drama aspect of the series as this is what I like best when I first started!
February 13, 2014
I can honestly say after reading the Winds of the Forelands series that David B. Coe is one great writer. He's as good if not better than the top writers in the field. Mr. Coe has a real knack for characters and nothing ever feels faked or forced. There's a huge cast in these books which is usually hard to pull of but he manages to do it well. You have your action, adventure, mystery along with political intrigue. There's really very little black and white in these books. Even the vilest characters have shades of grey and because of that they are very lifelike. I'm not a fan of what I consider High Fantasy. Basically High Fantasy is when authors include magic with no boundaries or limits. I just don't care for all powerful sorcerers who draw on their magic from "who knows where" and it's just unlimited. The Qirsi are born with their powers and they are very limited. Yes they can be dangerous and yes the Weavers are very powerful but there are limits. Even a weaver without a whole group of Qirsi gets tired after using his magic a few times and each use wears him out more and makes the magic weaker. A normal Qirsi shaper can shatter a few blades before he's too worn out for any more. And even a Weaver with a small army of Qirsi can be beaten. A weaver is a Qirsi who can weave together the magic of other Qirsi and combine their powers making them greater as a whole.
I could go on all day but will just say if you love fantasy, a large cast of interesting and unique characters who feel and act real then do yourself a favor and read this series. An Excellent read!
I could go on all day but will just say if you love fantasy, a large cast of interesting and unique characters who feel and act real then do yourself a favor and read this series. An Excellent read!
November 25, 2016
Bonds of Vengeance is the long-awaited third volume in David Coe's Winds of the Forelands series.
This volume focuses almost entirely on the political intrigue, which was hinted at in Rules of Ascension: Book One of Winds of the Forelands and dramatically increased in Seeds of Betrayal (Winds of the Forelands, Book 2). Coe reveals just how entangled the Qirsi Conspiracy is in the events of every major house and kingdom in the land. Some of the plots and characters introduced in Seeds of Betrayal are fleshed out here, but the sheer volume of characters and various intrigues makes it hard to keep track of exactly who is betraying who. You really need to re-read both previous novels before attempting Bonds of Vengeance, and even then it gets a bit confusing.
You can't help but admire Coe's ambition. In just three installments he has created enough characters and sub-plots to make Robert Jordan blush. I just hope he can bring them all to a satisfying conclusion in (far) fewer volumes than the aforementioned Mr. Jordan!
Despite the relatively slow pace, Bonds of Vengeance isn't as focused on character development as I expected. The only characters we really get a better knowledge of are the assassin Cadel and the Weaver, who sadly remains somewhat two-dimensional.
It's not quite as compelling as Seeds of Betrayal, but Bonds of Vengeance is still a fine chapter in a very engaging series that should appeal to most fantasy fiction fans. Expect to be entertained, and you will not be disappointed.
This volume focuses almost entirely on the political intrigue, which was hinted at in Rules of Ascension: Book One of Winds of the Forelands and dramatically increased in Seeds of Betrayal (Winds of the Forelands, Book 2). Coe reveals just how entangled the Qirsi Conspiracy is in the events of every major house and kingdom in the land. Some of the plots and characters introduced in Seeds of Betrayal are fleshed out here, but the sheer volume of characters and various intrigues makes it hard to keep track of exactly who is betraying who. You really need to re-read both previous novels before attempting Bonds of Vengeance, and even then it gets a bit confusing.
You can't help but admire Coe's ambition. In just three installments he has created enough characters and sub-plots to make Robert Jordan blush. I just hope he can bring them all to a satisfying conclusion in (far) fewer volumes than the aforementioned Mr. Jordan!
Despite the relatively slow pace, Bonds of Vengeance isn't as focused on character development as I expected. The only characters we really get a better knowledge of are the assassin Cadel and the Weaver, who sadly remains somewhat two-dimensional.
It's not quite as compelling as Seeds of Betrayal, but Bonds of Vengeance is still a fine chapter in a very engaging series that should appeal to most fantasy fiction fans. Expect to be entertained, and you will not be disappointed.
October 2, 2013
Bonds of Vengeance seems to serve as the bridge between the first two books in the series in the last two. Having just finished this book I can't say for sure, but I can say that this book tidies up a lot of plotlines from the first two while still leaving a couple major ones to be addressed, and ends in a way that suggests that it will serve as a turning point for the series. The two books prior to this one focus on building up to the coming conflicts, and while Bonds of Vengeance does that as well, the characters now seem to have a sense of urgency that pushes them towards the inevitable war.
In addition to Eibithar and Aneira, Bonds of Vengeance begins focusing on and developing the realm of Sanbira as well. The author does a really good job of incorporating the new characters and tying them into the plot without sacrificing his description of already developed characters. I did notice that some characters now have fewer chapters, but this is understandable. Unlike some other series that focus on various viewpoints, both from the good guys and bad guys, Winds of the Forelands does seem to have some clear protagonists. That being the case, it is natural to predominantly focus on them.
So far, this is the best book in the series. More so than the previous two books, Bonds of Vengeance presents scenarios that I found myself emotionally invested in, which I think is a testament to the narration and character development presented in the book.
On to book four!
In addition to Eibithar and Aneira, Bonds of Vengeance begins focusing on and developing the realm of Sanbira as well. The author does a really good job of incorporating the new characters and tying them into the plot without sacrificing his description of already developed characters. I did notice that some characters now have fewer chapters, but this is understandable. Unlike some other series that focus on various viewpoints, both from the good guys and bad guys, Winds of the Forelands does seem to have some clear protagonists. That being the case, it is natural to predominantly focus on them.
So far, this is the best book in the series. More so than the previous two books, Bonds of Vengeance presents scenarios that I found myself emotionally invested in, which I think is a testament to the narration and character development presented in the book.
On to book four!
November 23, 2013
Meh... I really don't have much to say besides that.. For years, I've been telling folks about Coe... I think his foreland books are great and recommend them whenever I can.. I waiting awhile for this last book to come out and was excited to read it. IN fact, I read the previous 2 books again so I could have a fresh story in my mind - but I must say... I was kinda disappointed in this one. The restart of the Blood Wars.. wow - great idea.. ambitious folks on the both sides... good and bad in every character (where have we heard THAT before?!?) and a crazy magical battle to rage.... but instead.. we get a fizzle battle that ends with retreat!?! That goes against everything the Falborna stand for... WHY? And what a silly ending... really...? That's the best you can come up with? Geeshh.
Sorry David... you lost me with this book... hope you can get your Mojo back with another series.. but I can't recommend these books any longer.
Sorry David... you lost me with this book... hope you can get your Mojo back with another series.. but I can't recommend these books any longer.
December 28, 2007
After just reviewing Charlie Bone, this book seems like a lot of paper for not so much story. And admittedly it does drag at certain points but not to the point of being unbearable. I'm not sure if the conspiracy just lacks subtlety or if it has disregarded it in the process or the fact of the book presenting Dusaan in several chapters diminish it. Being taken to these other nations outside of the main story line is getting to be distracting especially as it has contributed so little to advance the plot.
June 26, 2013
If you prefer a lot of action, battle scenes, a magic system that is actually used more than once or twice per book...
Then this series is definitely not for you.
I usually need these things in a book myself. In fact, it must be a testament to this writer's ability that I continue reading this series. There is just barely enough interesting intrigue and subtle character development to keep me going despite the fact that very little actually happens throughout the story. (At least very little happens in this book)
Then this series is definitely not for you.
I usually need these things in a book myself. In fact, it must be a testament to this writer's ability that I continue reading this series. There is just barely enough interesting intrigue and subtle character development to keep me going despite the fact that very little actually happens throughout the story. (At least very little happens in this book)
June 9, 2013
Solid but unspectacular fantasy novel. A good read, but not quite up there with George R.R. Martin or Tad Williams. I like Coe's basic premise and the intrigue is interesting. However, he incorporates the POV's of dozens of characters. Unfortunately, Coe's characters seem too similar to each other, making it hard to keep track of who is who. I think Coe would have been better off focusing on the Grinsa-Tavis-Keziah-Cresenne storyline, and relegating some of the others to the background.
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July 27, 2011En este tercer libro, profundiza sobre la conspiración de los quirsi. Vemos como el plan para conquistar a los Eandi va tomando forma. Pero tambien vemos lo que va sucediendo en los diferentes reinos y como afecta a los planes de los quirsi. La saga va ganando conforme avanza la historia, Saga muy recomendable, aunque lamentablemente no este en español.
July 5, 2015
Grinsa and the young Lord are close on the heels of the Assassin, but then a old lover comes in and complicates their lives. Between the Weaver and war these two may never clear the young Lords name before someone kills them. Great story line and characters, looking forward to read Book 4 of Winds of the Forelands.
January 28, 2016
The first three of this series are all excellent, because it is all focused on creeping plotting and intense character development highlighted with brutal action. It goes downhill from here, unfortunately.
October 3, 2010
See first book for series review =)
March 31, 2012
Better than the first book. It's hopeful and hopeless at the same time. However, learned to cringe at the word "suckling".
May 3, 2013
The series is speeding up. Sometimes middle books bog down. I couldn't put this one down.
May 15, 2017
Glad I made myself read this one, it's enjoyable, but not my favorite from Coe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews