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Chronicles of Sirkara #1
In Legend Born
For a thousand years, Sileria has toiled under the yoke of foreign conquerors, Savage Moorlanders, sorcerous Kints, and now the hedonistic Valdani have forced the Silerian mountain clans into harsh slavery. Villages have been razed, and the innocent populace dragged to the mines, there to toil until death with no hope of escape.
But there is hope. Five disparate people have been brought reluctantly together by the prophesy of a young Guardian--a prophesy that promises the coming of a savior. These five must put aside ages-old blood feuds before the conquerors force all to bend to their vicious will...
But there is hope. Five disparate people have been brought reluctantly together by the prophesy of a young Guardian--a prophesy that promises the coming of a savior. These five must put aside ages-old blood feuds before the conquerors force all to bend to their vicious will...
724 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
52 people are currently reading
1803 people want to read
About the author
Laura Resnick
109 books271 followersLaura Resnick is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author, the daughter of prolific science fiction author Mike Resnick. She was the winner of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction for 1993. She also writes romance novels under the pseudonym Laura Leone
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 31, 2023
What a wonderful surprise. This is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I literally just picked it up at a bookstore because the cover intrigued me.
Miramar, a sorcerer who can control fire and talk to dead people who tell her prophecies (no she’s not Haley Joel Osment from The Sixth Sense)
Josarian, an elite elite warrior who is prophesied to be his country’s savior
Tansen, also an elite warrior who is best friends with Josarian and will protect him at all costs
Elelar, a calculated prostitute. Only she’s not bumping nasties for money, she’s doing it for information to help her cause to pull a coup on the tyrannical government.
The cast bands together to send their conquerors back to the homeland but is their losses worth what they’re getting or are they trading tyranny for tyranny?
Melanie Rawn’s blurb says, “ you can’t wait to find out what the next revelation will be… A remarkable tale.”
This is the short and sweet version of exactly how I feel. So many crazy revelations and I can’t wait to read the next books.All the characters are fun to read and all the deaths are very dramatic no matter who it is. I urge any 90’s fantasy fan to pick this up.
Miramar, a sorcerer who can control fire and talk to dead people who tell her prophecies (no she’s not Haley Joel Osment from The Sixth Sense)
Josarian, an elite elite warrior who is prophesied to be his country’s savior
Tansen, also an elite warrior who is best friends with Josarian and will protect him at all costs
Elelar, a calculated prostitute. Only she’s not bumping nasties for money, she’s doing it for information to help her cause to pull a coup on the tyrannical government.
The cast bands together to send their conquerors back to the homeland but is their losses worth what they’re getting or are they trading tyranny for tyranny?
Melanie Rawn’s blurb says, “ you can’t wait to find out what the next revelation will be… A remarkable tale.”
This is the short and sweet version of exactly how I feel. So many crazy revelations and I can’t wait to read the next books.All the characters are fun to read and all the deaths are very dramatic no matter who it is. I urge any 90’s fantasy fan to pick this up.
April 13, 2012
[9/10] I've been hunting for a solid fantasy epic that is finished so I don't have to wait years to find out how it ends. I'm glad this Silerian trilogy was pointed out to me, because I didn't know much about Laura Resnick and suspected she was writing mostly modern urban fantasy/romance - a genre I'm lukewarm about.
In Legend Born is a good bridge between what I would call classic fantasy in the style of Tolkien, Jordan, Brooks, Feist and modern "grit" from Abercrombie, Ruckley, Lynch or Morgan. It liked the way it avoids the fellowship on a quest cliche, and builds a strong plot with numerous factions fighting for control of an island kingdom with a strong Sicilian flavor. We have here an imposing volcano gnerating a whole religion around its temper, vendetta like bloodfeuds spanning generations and an omerta type of tradition for punishing blabbermouths. Another plus of the series is the magic intensive setting and the rich history of the land, covering successive invasions by powerful neighboring kingdoms.
A good fantasy epic needs not only a good worldbuilding and an interesting magic system, but most of all powerful characters that feel real and not some cardboard heroes with magic swords or fireballs. There are swords and fireballs in Sileria, but this is where I think Laura Resnick hit the right notes, by making her major characters humanly fallible, prone to jealousy, rage, naivete, insecurity. They are not static placeholders, they react to the shifting political situation, make mistakes and evolve over time.
The pacing is fast, with plenty of confrontations although I would note that most of the fighting is one on one duels and the larger battles in the war happen out of the frame. This is typical of the guerilla type of warfare described in this first volume, where a small group of rebels attacks a powerful imperial occupying force and has to rely on ambushes, assassinations or hit and run attacks.
So why not give this a full 5 star review? The story had a few moments where it felt padded, making the same point about a character motivation five times instead of once. I'm also a bit unsure about the use of prophecy and the Firebringer sequence - if it was needed or not for one of the main characters (I'm trying to avoid spoilers here). I will probably find out in the next book.
So: I think I'm on to a good thing, and I would rate this series close to favorites like Rai-Kirah by Carol Berg, Second Sons by Jennifer Fallon or Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon.
In Legend Born is a good bridge between what I would call classic fantasy in the style of Tolkien, Jordan, Brooks, Feist and modern "grit" from Abercrombie, Ruckley, Lynch or Morgan. It liked the way it avoids the fellowship on a quest cliche, and builds a strong plot with numerous factions fighting for control of an island kingdom with a strong Sicilian flavor. We have here an imposing volcano gnerating a whole religion around its temper, vendetta like bloodfeuds spanning generations and an omerta type of tradition for punishing blabbermouths. Another plus of the series is the magic intensive setting and the rich history of the land, covering successive invasions by powerful neighboring kingdoms.
A good fantasy epic needs not only a good worldbuilding and an interesting magic system, but most of all powerful characters that feel real and not some cardboard heroes with magic swords or fireballs. There are swords and fireballs in Sileria, but this is where I think Laura Resnick hit the right notes, by making her major characters humanly fallible, prone to jealousy, rage, naivete, insecurity. They are not static placeholders, they react to the shifting political situation, make mistakes and evolve over time.
The pacing is fast, with plenty of confrontations although I would note that most of the fighting is one on one duels and the larger battles in the war happen out of the frame. This is typical of the guerilla type of warfare described in this first volume, where a small group of rebels attacks a powerful imperial occupying force and has to rely on ambushes, assassinations or hit and run attacks.
So why not give this a full 5 star review? The story had a few moments where it felt padded, making the same point about a character motivation five times instead of once. I'm also a bit unsure about the use of prophecy and the Firebringer sequence - if it was needed or not for one of the main characters (I'm trying to avoid spoilers here). I will probably find out in the next book.
So: I think I'm on to a good thing, and I would rate this series close to favorites like Rai-Kirah by Carol Berg, Second Sons by Jennifer Fallon or Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon.
February 24, 2013
This, and the two-part sequel IN FIRES FORGED, are amazingly good. I am furious with Laura Resnick for not giving us more of her Epic Fantasy brilliance. Instead she seems perfectly content with her Urban Fantasy series, the Esther Diamond books--which is unacceptable!
Pinky
Pinky
March 27, 2008
A totally sweet fight-for-freedom/RobinHood style type of fantasy. Loved it.
September 29, 2021
I can just say that I loved it. The ending gave me goosebumps and I'm so excited for the next book. I think I'll be thinking of this book for a while.
December 21, 2017
I found this book hard to read, not because the plot was uninteresting, but because its characters made me cringe.
...At one point in the tale, two of the male protagonists explain to a woman (effectively a powerful, divinely blessed fire sorcerer) that it's 'too dangerous' for her to go on their quest to fight the water wizard. ...when she was the only chance against him.
Because a half-dead swordsman can take down a wizard who, with a flick of a finger, can drown him. Right?
In another part of the story, two male characters constantly interrupted one of the more powerful female characters to explain why she was wrong at every turn. They let eachother speak just fine. She was almost never let finish a sentence.
Assertive behavior by any female character gets referred to in phrases such as 'sharp-tongued' and disparaged, and any 'praise' was often done in a sideways manner. While I get that the sexism of the male characters was a real thing...
This was done even in the narrative tone, outside of comments by actual characters.
At yet another point, the male characters alternate between blaming a specific female character for the potential death of his brother, and then disparaging her for her gender and general abilities. Then of course, there's a hug/comfort scene, where he reassures her that she's okay, etc. Pat pat pat.
Then there's the tired old cliche of a female character using sex for power. Been done. Been overdone. It's trite.
...I could go on. I may even be blurring some of these scenes in my mind, because there are so many examples.
I found myself wanting to skip entire sections of the book. It had an interesting, underlying story. Yet, in so many places, it was cringe-inducing to read.
From a female author especially, these aspects of the book were stomach-turning. I'm concerned to read her father's books, now. He is a well-trod author, and I wonder if these cliches are an unintended consequence of advice from an older era.
...At one point in the tale, two of the male protagonists explain to a woman (effectively a powerful, divinely blessed fire sorcerer) that it's 'too dangerous' for her to go on their quest to fight the water wizard. ...when she was the only chance against him.
Because a half-dead swordsman can take down a wizard who, with a flick of a finger, can drown him. Right?
In another part of the story, two male characters constantly interrupted one of the more powerful female characters to explain why she was wrong at every turn. They let eachother speak just fine. She was almost never let finish a sentence.
Assertive behavior by any female character gets referred to in phrases such as 'sharp-tongued' and disparaged, and any 'praise' was often done in a sideways manner. While I get that the sexism of the male characters was a real thing...
This was done even in the narrative tone, outside of comments by actual characters.
At yet another point, the male characters alternate between blaming a specific female character for the potential death of his brother, and then disparaging her for her gender and general abilities. Then of course, there's a hug/comfort scene, where he reassures her that she's okay, etc. Pat pat pat.
Then there's the tired old cliche of a female character using sex for power. Been done. Been overdone. It's trite.
...I could go on. I may even be blurring some of these scenes in my mind, because there are so many examples.
I found myself wanting to skip entire sections of the book. It had an interesting, underlying story. Yet, in so many places, it was cringe-inducing to read.
From a female author especially, these aspects of the book were stomach-turning. I'm concerned to read her father's books, now. He is a well-trod author, and I wonder if these cliches are an unintended consequence of advice from an older era.
July 27, 2011
A truly fantastic epic fantasy! Don't know how this one escaped my notice all these years. An intricate plot with very intriguing, believably flawed characters against a very interesting background. Sort of the epic fantasy version of Braveheart. (bands of somewhat "uncivilized" rebels fighting desperately to overthrow a vastly larger, more powerful empire and gain their freedom. The Valdani empire is very reminiscent of Rome instead of England, though)Very good story. Got to read the rest of the series.
April 25, 2008
This has got to be one of my favourite books ever. My mom chose it for me because it was thick, and in the fantasy section of Chapters, and what luck! I've read it so many times over the past 6 years I could probably recite half the dialogue. It's an epic fantasy novel, full of fascinating characters and well thought out action. The two sequels are almost as good, but this one is still the best. The world that Resnick has created is just beautiful, and I wish she would write more!
September 16, 2012
This would have been a better read if the back had been a little more accurate. It sounded like a standard quest novel but in reality was a complicated political type fantasy novel. The main characters don't really come together to fight the foreign invaders, except for on an intellectual level where they all realise that this is a good time to deal with this issue.
This book is more about a pride in society and trying to overcome some of the traditions that are in the way of being effective in order to defeat a common enemy and putting aside tribal issues to fight for a common good. It could have been very interesting but instead I found it dragged somewhat. I didn't find it thoroughly bad but there were times that if I had something else to read it might have been abandoned.
It would appeal to people who like the more political fantasy rather than the more magic oriented or quest fantasy. While there is magic in the story and it is pretty pervasive in the society, it does change things suddenly. There's a lot of complicated politics and people who change allegiances and are willing to sacrifice others quite quickly.
Overall not bad, would probably appeal to people who enjoy complicated political novels.
This book is more about a pride in society and trying to overcome some of the traditions that are in the way of being effective in order to defeat a common enemy and putting aside tribal issues to fight for a common good. It could have been very interesting but instead I found it dragged somewhat. I didn't find it thoroughly bad but there were times that if I had something else to read it might have been abandoned.
It would appeal to people who like the more political fantasy rather than the more magic oriented or quest fantasy. While there is magic in the story and it is pretty pervasive in the society, it does change things suddenly. There's a lot of complicated politics and people who change allegiances and are willing to sacrifice others quite quickly.
Overall not bad, would probably appeal to people who enjoy complicated political novels.
June 22, 2012
Good read! Engaging characters in a very-believable fantasy realm. Magic/sorcery that works and doesn't stretch your willing suspension of disbelief. Solid, strong female characters make fantasy novels better for me, and Sileria has a good mix, while again Resnick maintains believability in that women have their "place" in the society. Fire-versus-water magic is often oversimplified, but this is good stuff.
Throughout the novel, I couldn't but help wonder if the setting was a real-world idea turned into a fantasy realm, and I was right. I won't mention what it is, since that might be close to spoilers, but it's a technique that I like and works. David Drake used to do this with his "Hammer's Slammers" stories--take classic battles from other ages and turn them into fusion-tank epics. It's easier to establish geopolitical relationships that are believable when they did indeed happen at one point or another in real-world history.
On now to book 2 of the trilogy, The White Dragon
Throughout the novel, I couldn't but help wonder if the setting was a real-world idea turned into a fantasy realm, and I was right. I won't mention what it is, since that might be close to spoilers, but it's a technique that I like and works. David Drake used to do this with his "Hammer's Slammers" stories--take classic battles from other ages and turn them into fusion-tank epics. It's easier to establish geopolitical relationships that are believable when they did indeed happen at one point or another in real-world history.
On now to book 2 of the trilogy, The White Dragon
February 5, 2023
A bit slow at the beginning but very suspenseful and dynamic once the principal characters and conflicts have been introduced, "In Legend born" is a solid epic fantasy adventure with very complex and detailed world-building and interesting characters. Not as over-the-top funny as Resnick's "Esther Diamond" series, but with some humourous moments nonetheless. There's even a little glimpse of romance on the horizon (probably important for the other books of the trilogy which I haven't read yet), but the main focus is on political intrigue, prophecy and military strategy.
Re-reading this after ten years it holds up very well - I even changed my original rating of four starts to five. The story is nothing new in epic fantasy ( I mean, they all resemble each other, it's genre fiction after all) but the characters make it special. Resnick found ways to give this a few twists that set this (and the two-part sequel) apart.
Re-reading this after ten years it holds up very well - I even changed my original rating of four starts to five. The story is nothing new in epic fantasy ( I mean, they all resemble each other, it's genre fiction after all) but the characters make it special. Resnick found ways to give this a few twists that set this (and the two-part sequel) apart.
April 12, 2008
Overall, I would say that I enjoyed this book. When I try to think about what it is that I liked about it, however, it's in spite of a lot of things that usually irritate me about fantasy novels: It's far too long, there are too many characters that are given plotlines without any reason for us to care about them, and the ending of it was rather unsatisfying.
At the same time, however, the world that Resnick's created is deeply interesting - the book is set in the island nation of Sileria, a poor backwater holding that has traded hands between several different kingdoms over the centuries without ever truly being free. Within this framework, a young rebel named Josarian starts a revolution that sweeps over the island. In addition to that, you have warring groups of wizards, a ronin-style warrior searching for redemption, prophecy, sex, and politics.
At the same time, however, the world that Resnick's created is deeply interesting - the book is set in the island nation of Sileria, a poor backwater holding that has traded hands between several different kingdoms over the centuries without ever truly being free. Within this framework, a young rebel named Josarian starts a revolution that sweeps over the island. In addition to that, you have warring groups of wizards, a ronin-style warrior searching for redemption, prophecy, sex, and politics.
December 25, 2012
This is one of those books I read as a teen. I'm also pretty sure that the German translation that was cancelled after two books were relased only covered "In Legend born". Because I remember roughly what happend during this book, but everything after that aka "The White Dragon" is absolutely new to me. And I remember that I went all WTF after the cliffhanger of "In Legend Born ("Feuerbringer" and "Flammenherz" in German), especially when I realised that there wouldn't be a conclusion. My English wasn't worth much back then.
Maybe I'll give it 5 stars when I'm done with the serie, I don't know, because I'm absolutely and completely and utterly in love with this and also with the follow-up which I'm halfway through. The characters, the setting, the magic system, I'm loving it to bits.
Maybe I'll give it 5 stars when I'm done with the serie, I don't know, because I'm absolutely and completely and utterly in love with this and also with the follow-up which I'm halfway through. The characters, the setting, the magic system, I'm loving it to bits.
January 11, 2013
Though the series isn’t perfect, The Chronicles of Sirkara is an epic fantasy trilogy that has flown below way too many people’s radars. This is one of those true gems that is sure to please most readers. The world building is stunning, the relationships and culture are believable, the battles and hardships are intense and easy to get lost in. While there are some characterization and pacing issues, they don’t bog down the series. The Chronicles of Sirkara will suck you in, pull you under, and leave you gaping. Resnick shows her stunning ability to write incredible epic fantasy. This series will stick with you and make you beg for more.
Read my full review of this trilogy here:
http://www.bookwormblues.net/2013/01/...
Read my full review of this trilogy here:
http://www.bookwormblues.net/2013/01/...
May 8, 2012
overall a pretty good read. there were some parts that i felt were slow but they were few in number. the remainder of the book more than made up for those sections i found tedious. i definitely will be reading the other 2 books; i just have to know what happens to Mira and Tan. And then, i think i'll check out some of Ms. Resnick's other books. i really enjoyed her style of writing and her treatment of the characters.
March 4, 2017
A fantastic book with really lovable characters and a well developed setting. I was so upset when I reached the end and then there was no more. But life was good again when I discovered the sequel :)
June 18, 2008
Woonderful imagination - quite rare in fantasy knovels
February 9, 2016
I'm a little irritated because I'd forgotten it was the first book in a series.. that I don't currently own the rest of.
May 16, 2010
I loved this book. The story caught me up in it.
December 1, 2009
Sehr gute Charaktere plus Arschlochgötter, was viel zu selten vorkommt. Empfehlenswert.
September 23, 2019
In Legend Born: Book Review
Laura Resnick has created a wonderful plot in a believable world. Contains elemental magic, water lords and fire mages. It brings you to the face of mankind's failings from hatred and greed, to lust and drunkenness. A book about the fight for freedom. A people oppressed by another for over a 1000 years and at last the one, the profits have foretold has arrived to break the yoke! "In Legend Born" is a good read it builds well and adds some mystery. The network of spies and assassins backdoor deals and side switchers keep you guessing what is going to happen soon. The book continues to ask the same question in a dark sad hearted way. The characters action in the story is the weakness in the book, while they are likable they are never real. They never seem to grasp the world around them. It got a bit frustrating at times but the book will bring you through. The books ending felt tossed in, the foreshadowing of the coming monster made its arrival to obvious. Although the creative and unique creature was well done and made a bit of a twist in the end. If you like Fantasy this book is for you.
Laura Resnick has created a wonderful plot in a believable world. Contains elemental magic, water lords and fire mages. It brings you to the face of mankind's failings from hatred and greed, to lust and drunkenness. A book about the fight for freedom. A people oppressed by another for over a 1000 years and at last the one, the profits have foretold has arrived to break the yoke! "In Legend Born" is a good read it builds well and adds some mystery. The network of spies and assassins backdoor deals and side switchers keep you guessing what is going to happen soon. The book continues to ask the same question in a dark sad hearted way. The characters action in the story is the weakness in the book, while they are likable they are never real. They never seem to grasp the world around them. It got a bit frustrating at times but the book will bring you through. The books ending felt tossed in, the foreshadowing of the coming monster made its arrival to obvious. Although the creative and unique creature was well done and made a bit of a twist in the end. If you like Fantasy this book is for you.
January 13, 2019
I know I’ve read this before.
I know I’ve read it because I remembered the names Mirabar and Josarian, and I never remember names, even immediately after reading a book. I remember reading the place Khandahar when Kandahar had been in the news.
I know I’ve read it because I recognized one sentence in about chapter 3.
I know I’ve read it because I recognized the shir and the Firebringer and a certain staircase and a certain early scene, and I’ve always wondered what book they were from.
But that’s all I’d remembered.
There are lots of interesting characters and concepts and society.
But overall, the story dragged. I didn’t really care about what happened to them (other than maybe Mirabar and Tansen). There were some compelling scenes, then lots and lots of info dump. So I don’t think I’m going to re-read the rest of the books. I know I read them before, but they weren’t memorable enough for them to have had lasting impact.
I know I’ve read it because I remembered the names Mirabar and Josarian, and I never remember names, even immediately after reading a book. I remember reading the place Khandahar when Kandahar had been in the news.
I know I’ve read it because I recognized one sentence in about chapter 3.
I know I’ve read it because I recognized the shir and the Firebringer and a certain staircase and a certain early scene, and I’ve always wondered what book they were from.
But that’s all I’d remembered.
There are lots of interesting characters and concepts and society.
But overall, the story dragged. I didn’t really care about what happened to them (other than maybe Mirabar and Tansen). There were some compelling scenes, then lots and lots of info dump. So I don’t think I’m going to re-read the rest of the books. I know I read them before, but they weren’t memorable enough for them to have had lasting impact.
February 6, 2020
I am conflicted about this book. I truly enjoyed the political machinations, the lapped grey characters, and the harsh follow through on threats, but I found the writing so tedious. This book is long, and the author liberally sprinkles her invented words through out, and sometimes the editing is not up to the task of differentiating a place-name from a person. Confusion abounds.
I wish it had been written a bit more streamlined. I was engrossed in the story, but I'd read for what seemed like a while, only to find I hadn't made as much progress as I'd thought. I'm interested to read the continuing books, but not just yet; I need something lighter and easier to read now.
I wish it had been written a bit more streamlined. I was engrossed in the story, but I'd read for what seemed like a while, only to find I hadn't made as much progress as I'd thought. I'm interested to read the continuing books, but not just yet; I need something lighter and easier to read now.
February 8, 2023
The island of Sileria is occupied by the Vandani, one of the most powerful empires in this world. the Silerians less advanced and factional wish to overthrow their occupiers. The key players are Jossarian, a thief turned rebel leader, Tansen, a master swordsman who has returned home, Mirbar, one of the mystical Guardians. It is interesting seeing the Vandani intrigues in holding on to Sileria. The ending is a setup for a sequel. As good as the characters were I will pass on the sequel. Too much sword and sorcery for me.
June 18, 2018
A solid, well-designed world with plenty of political intrigue and complex subplots. However, I got a bit annoyed by the end with how almost everything was told in contemplative retrospect (whole chapters would pass where characters did nothing but muse over what had happened in preceding weeks, rather than showing the action first-hand). What should have been a dramatic finale dragged on due to this method of storytelling.
January 14, 2019
This book is a really interesting story of political rebellion and betrayal, with a unique fantasy perspective. There is no major magic system, there's no map of the world to give you any idea and you are dropped into the story right away - no awkward exposition. My favorite part of the book is that the action is quick - when characters must move from one city to another, they just pick up the story instead of spending 500 pages following them.
August 14, 2017
Read this sometime in my middle school years. Somehow I look for this in the library every two years and I never remember the name of the book. Here it is for my later self. (Remember it was pretty good - politically intricate, well-written characters, and a cool world. But naturally my memories are a bit vague.)
October 24, 2022
A vivid and exciting story. Most of the characters are interesting and world and cultures are colourful and exotic. The story flows well and you can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens.
It's just a bit too long and Resnick elaborates too much on each person's thoughts while also repeating their motivations and thinking. But otherwise it's a very enjoyable book.
It's just a bit too long and Resnick elaborates too much on each person's thoughts while also repeating their motivations and thinking. But otherwise it's a very enjoyable book.
April 19, 2019
Mostly entertaining although overall it seems like it would have benefited from more thorough editing. Despite an atrocious number of stupid fantasy words littering the first few chapters the writing does generally improve!
December 1, 2017
Interesting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews