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Fallen Blade #5
Drawn Blades
Once one of the world’s greatest assassins, Aral Kingslayer has finally reclaimed his swords and his soul. But the forces that destroyed his patron Namara twelve years ago are still there, waiting, and his past as a Blade is never more than a shadow’s breadth away.
In the days before the fall of his goddess, only one other rivaled Aral’s skills, Siri the Mythkiller—a woman who ruthlessly earned the title First Blade. As a friend, Aral owes her his loyalty. As a former lover, he owes her part of his heart. As a Blade, he owes her anything she asks, including his life.
When Siri seeks Aral’s aid, he knows he must go. But as they journey towards the ancient Sylvani Empire, only time will reveal whether Aral can save the former First Blade, or if he will simply fall with her…
In the days before the fall of his goddess, only one other rivaled Aral’s skills, Siri the Mythkiller—a woman who ruthlessly earned the title First Blade. As a friend, Aral owes her his loyalty. As a former lover, he owes her part of his heart. As a Blade, he owes her anything she asks, including his life.
When Siri seeks Aral’s aid, he knows he must go. But as they journey towards the ancient Sylvani Empire, only time will reveal whether Aral can save the former First Blade, or if he will simply fall with her…
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
38 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Kelly McCullough
39 books370 followersKelly McCullough was raised and educated by free-range hippies. Later he received a degree in theater and worked in improv. That combination was the perfect preparation for his current career as author and cat herder. He lives and writes in the Midwest with his physics-professor wife, Laura. He enjoys hiking and biking and his role as self-heating cat furniture. He is the author of the WebMage and Fallen Blade series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 3, 2022
This was not a particularly strong 5th instalment of the Fallen Blade series. On the whole the series is a fun old school action fantasy with some intrigue and mystery thrown in to keep things interesting. The scale is small but the characters are fine and the magic is pretty fun.
This 5th book ended up being the weakest of the series. It was not the fault of the characters or the magic as that stuff was as solid as ever but I felt the story was a bit disjointed and dull in places in this book. Which was a pity as Aral battling a dead God while on a road trip should have been way more fun!
There was not much mystery or intrigue in this one and the stuff we did get was more confusing than enjoyable on that front. Which hurt the book. There was also too many throwaway action scenes. Usually the action has more at stake!
All in all this was the weakest entry in the series. I’ll read the final book for sure. This series can be a bit episodic in feel so there is every chance the story will be better the next time around.
Rating: 2.5 stars. I’ll round up to 3 stars as this has some good moments.
Audio Note: This was a Graphic Audio production. As always it was very good.
This 5th book ended up being the weakest of the series. It was not the fault of the characters or the magic as that stuff was as solid as ever but I felt the story was a bit disjointed and dull in places in this book. Which was a pity as Aral battling a dead God while on a road trip should have been way more fun!
There was not much mystery or intrigue in this one and the stuff we did get was more confusing than enjoyable on that front. Which hurt the book. There was also too many throwaway action scenes. Usually the action has more at stake!
All in all this was the weakest entry in the series. I’ll read the final book for sure. This series can be a bit episodic in feel so there is every chance the story will be better the next time around.
Rating: 2.5 stars. I’ll round up to 3 stars as this has some good moments.
Audio Note: This was a Graphic Audio production. As always it was very good.
December 3, 2021
Poor Aural can't get a break. His past refuses to let him go and after an exposure to one of his drugs of choice in the last novel he is struggling to hold onto his commitment to avoid alcohol and effick. A simple attempt to visit an old friend results in a frightening manifestation of Siri the former First Blade of Namara. Unsure of the messages validity Aural sets off with his apprentice blade Faran to investigate the reasons for the presumed Siris desperate call for help.
Aural is quickly drawn into an empire spanning conflict exposing more and more of the worlds history, makeup, and magic system. The brief exposures we've had previously with the First races has is expounded upon when we learn the history of the Godwar that resulted in the First races being largely confined to certain areas and we get the first look at their gods.
Ultimately it all comes down to the use of power and what role justice might play in the exercise of that power when the goddess of Justice is dead. Even more of Aurals past comes back to haunt him setting things up for the final book.
I think I would have given this book five stars instead of four except for the ending felt more like the end of a chapter than the book. I wonder if that is unfair to the author. I'm sorry Kelly if it was. There are multiple dangling threads which are teased at but the final conflict of justice and/or Justice verses the power seekers of the world is yet to come. The good part is that I'm eager to read the final story, but the bad part is I feel unsatisfied by the books finale.
Aural and Triss continue to be absolutely lovable characters as they struggle to do what they feel is right and just without the guidance of his goddess. It is hinted that the goddess may not be completely gone because of how much of herself she has put into the weapons of the blades, but that is cold comfort compared to the surety he used to feel. Faran is also a lovely character, full of vim and fire, probably a lot like Aural was as a youngster too, but she doesn't have the same level of training he had because of the fall of the temple. Other figures from Aurals past also appear and add to the complexity and flavor of the story.
All in all it's a wonderful book. I'll read the next one eagerly.
Aural is quickly drawn into an empire spanning conflict exposing more and more of the worlds history, makeup, and magic system. The brief exposures we've had previously with the First races has is expounded upon when we learn the history of the Godwar that resulted in the First races being largely confined to certain areas and we get the first look at their gods.
Ultimately it all comes down to the use of power and what role justice might play in the exercise of that power when the goddess of Justice is dead. Even more of Aurals past comes back to haunt him setting things up for the final book.
I think I would have given this book five stars instead of four except for the ending felt more like the end of a chapter than the book. I wonder if that is unfair to the author. I'm sorry Kelly if it was. There are multiple dangling threads which are teased at but the final conflict of justice and/or Justice verses the power seekers of the world is yet to come. The good part is that I'm eager to read the final story, but the bad part is I feel unsatisfied by the books finale.
Aural and Triss continue to be absolutely lovable characters as they struggle to do what they feel is right and just without the guidance of his goddess. It is hinted that the goddess may not be completely gone because of how much of herself she has put into the weapons of the blades, but that is cold comfort compared to the surety he used to feel. Faran is also a lovely character, full of vim and fire, probably a lot like Aural was as a youngster too, but she doesn't have the same level of training he had because of the fall of the temple. Other figures from Aurals past also appear and add to the complexity and flavor of the story.
All in all it's a wonderful book. I'll read the next one eagerly.
October 26, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
November 3, 2014
I really look forward to another addition in a series of books , and this has been one of my favorite world's filled with magic, very interesting character driven story and a world that I personally have enjoyed in the previous novels a certain freedom to explore myself, as well as the story that I was told.
This "freedom" does have a draw-back as well, so much in this addition to the series, we are taken away from the main city where most of the previous novels have taken place, introduced to many new character's some are continuing the journey with us , but much was just thrown in front of me and really from the prologue to the up-coming novel seems to be just left behind.
While I enjoyed the novel and the visit with my favorite characters I hope the author get's back to what the previous novels where about. We have everything there , assassins who kill in justices name, familiars who have their own hierarchy as well as the shadow ability that fits the assassin perfectly,bags of magical trick's that need to be played with and a city full of some people that are in need of killing... lets get on with the show!
I feel as though I have been playing a friend a game of chess and I make my moves rather quickly and spend most the game waiting for my next turn but finally the game gets too the point that it really gets moving, I think that is what is going to happen with the next novel.
Frustrated a bit I guess as reading what I have written just really makes no sense.
This series has so much there and I want to explore the world but I feel a bit let down with this novel, though i look forward for the next book'
This "freedom" does have a draw-back as well, so much in this addition to the series, we are taken away from the main city where most of the previous novels have taken place, introduced to many new character's some are continuing the journey with us , but much was just thrown in front of me and really from the prologue to the up-coming novel seems to be just left behind.
While I enjoyed the novel and the visit with my favorite characters I hope the author get's back to what the previous novels where about. We have everything there , assassins who kill in justices name, familiars who have their own hierarchy as well as the shadow ability that fits the assassin perfectly,bags of magical trick's that need to be played with and a city full of some people that are in need of killing... lets get on with the show!
I feel as though I have been playing a friend a game of chess and I make my moves rather quickly and spend most the game waiting for my next turn but finally the game gets too the point that it really gets moving, I think that is what is going to happen with the next novel.
Frustrated a bit I guess as reading what I have written just really makes no sense.
This series has so much there and I want to explore the world but I feel a bit let down with this novel, though i look forward for the next book'
November 23, 2014
3.5 stars
I love the series and enjoyed this installment, but it felt more like an interlude than a significant part of the plot arc. At the end, I felt like we were pretty much back where we started. I'm really looking forward to the next book. Based on the blurb, it sounds like an epic showdown is in the works!
P.S. Am I the only one who would love to read a prequel featuring Ash and Kayla?
I love the series and enjoyed this installment, but it felt more like an interlude than a significant part of the plot arc. At the end, I felt like we were pretty much back where we started. I'm really looking forward to the next book. Based on the blurb, it sounds like an epic showdown is in the works!
P.S. Am I the only one who would love to read a prequel featuring Ash and Kayla?
July 20, 2017
I picked up this series a while ago and am really glad I finally dug into it. I'd classify it as one of those fast and fun reads. This review is for the series (I've finished the series.)
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. By now, I feel like I've bonded with the characters and have learned more about Aral's world. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. By now, I feel like I've bonded with the characters and have learned more about Aral's world. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
October 22, 2023
Another fun entry. At the end of the last book, I was wondering where things would go from here--it felt like the major conflict had been wrapped up, what was left? I wasn't left wondering for long--this book pulls back the veil a little on the gods, and why some of them are better off dead or sleeping. We actually get a lot of nice explanations for events in the previous books.
This book also introduces yet another disposable romance. A little sick of those, but it is true to the formula of this series. Fortunately, the return of Faran to the main story helped smooth off those edges. She and her snarky quips were my favorite part of the story, though there continues to be a lot of great action and I enjoyed the expansion of the world in general.
This book also introduces yet another disposable romance. A little sick of those, but it is true to the formula of this series. Fortunately, the return of Faran to the main story helped smooth off those edges. She and her snarky quips were my favorite part of the story, though there continues to be a lot of great action and I enjoyed the expansion of the world in general.
December 3, 2022
5.5 out of 10 stars
This book has been my least favorite in the series so far. At this point each book is just too similar in structure, they all follow the same pattern of new bad guy to tackle and Aral slowly becomes more like what he was before as a little bit more backstory is released.
I felt the pacing in this one was worse than the rest, just not a lot happened in this book.
With only one book left I'm going to finish the series, but I'm not too hopeful that the last book will be much of a jump in quality for me.
This book has been my least favorite in the series so far. At this point each book is just too similar in structure, they all follow the same pattern of new bad guy to tackle and Aral slowly becomes more like what he was before as a little bit more backstory is released.
I felt the pacing in this one was worse than the rest, just not a lot happened in this book.
With only one book left I'm going to finish the series, but I'm not too hopeful that the last book will be much of a jump in quality for me.
February 13, 2021
Out of the first 5 books of the series, this was my least favorite. There was just too much back story, not a lot of action, and really no development to the series. I hope Faran's character is used more. There is one book left. Maybe this book will play a big role in that and I needed to know the backstories. Hard to say till I read it. What I do love is the relationship between Aral and Triss.
March 18, 2017
This is a wonderful series. I had my expectations of what might happen in this book dashed. The surprises and moments of suspense kept me guessing. I enjoyed the continuation of character development of those that made it through this series. This was a good read.
Mr. Joe
Mr. Joe
August 16, 2017
I was a little disappointed with the lack of magical explanation and interplotting. Things just happen that are convenient for plot but no real explanations are given
January 18, 2018
Another solid tale from the series.
October 17, 2021
4 stars. Good continuation, but series seems to be getting a bit drawn out as what little advancement of the story arc could probably have been added as a few chapters in a prior book.
December 11, 2021
Side quest story that adds up later in the final book.
March 12, 2015
If you enjoyed the previous books, you'll probably enjoy this one as well. One of the biggest problems I had with the previous books in this series is the way the author would constantly repeat certain phrases. For example, it seemed that at least three times in each book he had to mention the people that cut their arms to rub efik in their wounds for a quicker/stronger high. The way the author would repeat these phrases were pretty much copy-paste two to three times a book across the first four books. I understand that a major aspect of the series is that Aral is a struggling addict and so that is an important aspect of the books, but up until this book the way the author would bring it up I felt detracted from the story more than added to it. Finally in this book I felt the author actually incorporated that aspect in a way that flowed with the story rather than stopped the action/flow dead in its tracks as he deadpans an over-recycled phrase.
I really like the concept of the story and - without revealing to much - I think this book did a good job of building the story more about the Goddess and finally revealing more back story.
One thing that this author does a little too much for me is using narrative between characters to info dump in a way that doesn't feel natural. That happens again in this book quite a bit and the book even pretty much ends on one of these. The story ends in a way that is kind of annoying and the author uses a narrative between Triss and Aral to pretty much talk directly to the audience and explain the ending.
Other than that, I still feel that this is the best book of the series so I am happy to finally see some growth in the writing style and story so I am excited for the next book to hopefully continue this trend.
I really like the concept of the story and - without revealing to much - I think this book did a good job of building the story more about the Goddess and finally revealing more back story.
One thing that this author does a little too much for me is using narrative between characters to info dump in a way that doesn't feel natural. That happens again in this book quite a bit and the book even pretty much ends on one of these. The story ends in a way that is kind of annoying and the author uses a narrative between Triss and Aral to pretty much talk directly to the audience and explain the ending.
Other than that, I still feel that this is the best book of the series so I am happy to finally see some growth in the writing style and story so I am excited for the next book to hopefully continue this trend.
December 28, 2014
I really wanted to like this book. The quality of the writing was as good as previous books but the story was a huge let-down. This book felt like a placeholder, something to placate the reader until the next book was released. We're introduced to a couple of new characters but as interesting as they were, they disappeared after a few chapters. We also see the same arguments hashed out that we've seen in previous books.
My main complaint involves specific spoilers, so please don't click unless you don't mind.
I will still read the next book when it comes out, but I'll wait for a library copy instead of buying it the day of release.
My main complaint involves specific spoilers, so please don't click unless you don't mind.
I will still read the next book when it comes out, but I'll wait for a library copy instead of buying it the day of release.
December 7, 2016
Zunächst vorweg: Es ist Jammern auf hohem Niveau. Auch im 5. Band nimmt uns Kelly McCullough mit in die mittelalterlich geprägte Welt Tien. Für mich immer noch genial ist das Duo Aral, der Assassine, der gegen viele innere Dämonen ankämpfen muss, und sein Schatten Triss. Sehr schön finde ich, wie die Entwicklung von Aral weitergeführt wurde. Zu Beginn der Serie war Aral ein Wrack, dem Alkohol verfallen. »Kennt man doch« wird mir jetzt sicher entgegengehalten. Aber in diesem Fall muss ich sagen, ist die Umsetzung wirklich sehr gut gelungen. Denn in diesem Band geht es um die Frage: Was ist Gerechtigkeit? Was bin ich bereit, dafür zu leisten? Denn genau diese Frage müssen Aral und Triss für sich beantworten. Sehr gut gefallen hat mir die (Wieder-)Einführung von Siri, die »Hochzeit« ist super beschrieben. Auch die Durkoth haben ein Gastspiel, Figuren, die ich besonders gelungen halte. Leider gibt es in meinen Augen einen Minuspunkt: Die Sache mit den schlafenden Göttern, die trotzdem Einfluss haben auf die wache Welt, konnte mich nicht überzeugen. Dementsprechend fiel es mir schwer, die Handlungen von Aral, Triss und Siri nachzuvollziehen. Aber wie schon zu Beginn gesagt: Das ist Jammern auf hohem Niveau, denn insgesamt bietet »Die erste Klinge« High Fantasy von solider Qualität. Fazit: Kaufempfehlung, vor allem für alle, die wie ich bereits die vorherigen 4 Bände gelesen haben. Im nächsten und letzten Band wird eine »Schlacht von epischem Ausmaß« angekündigt - ich bin gespannt!
May 2, 2025
2025 Update: If you like the sorcery aspect of this series this is definitely for you. I definitely like how Faran develops in this book.
***********
This one rolls into a bit of a different direction, as another one of Aral’s former fellow assassin-priests pops after a very long absence needing help. That’s not so new, but where it takes Aral and Faran is somewhere very different as they head out of Tien for this world version of Faerie.
It’s a nice expansion of the world and just like when Devin or Kelos or Jax or even the Kitsune pop up, Siri Mythkiller’s arrival on the scene adds some additional perspective and reflection on who the blades were when Namara still lived, and the perspective of both the Buried Gods and their former worshippers adds a very interesting shade to Namara and the rest of her fellow “gods” as well.
It’s also very interesting to see Aral’s revised attitude and renewed purpose in life and how it both clashes and dovetails in with Siri’s return. When Namara was killed, Siri was First Blade, which clearly put her in a leadership position that Aral still instinctively responds to...but at the same time, he’s still making his own choices, something he had both been struggling to find his way on and resisting having to do.
I just like the magic and attitude of these books. The shades are great, the assassin tradecraft is fascinating , the combat is excellent, and trying to sort your way through everyone’s games is a lot of fun.
***********
This one rolls into a bit of a different direction, as another one of Aral’s former fellow assassin-priests pops after a very long absence needing help. That’s not so new, but where it takes Aral and Faran is somewhere very different as they head out of Tien for this world version of Faerie.
It’s a nice expansion of the world and just like when Devin or Kelos or Jax or even the Kitsune pop up, Siri Mythkiller’s arrival on the scene adds some additional perspective and reflection on who the blades were when Namara still lived, and the perspective of both the Buried Gods and their former worshippers adds a very interesting shade to Namara and the rest of her fellow “gods” as well.
It’s also very interesting to see Aral’s revised attitude and renewed purpose in life and how it both clashes and dovetails in with Siri’s return. When Namara was killed, Siri was First Blade, which clearly put her in a leadership position that Aral still instinctively responds to...but at the same time, he’s still making his own choices, something he had both been struggling to find his way on and resisting having to do.
I just like the magic and attitude of these books. The shades are great, the assassin tradecraft is fascinating , the combat is excellent, and trying to sort your way through everyone’s games is a lot of fun.
May 26, 2016
Aral Kingslayer is one of my favourite sword&sorcery heroes of the past ten years... and that is saying something.
An assassin/mage with a shadow/dragon familiar and an apprentice who is arguably more lethal than himself, Aral is a well-rounded character who achieved greatness at a young age and then had it all crash down around him when the god of justice who he served was murdered. Think of him as the child-actor of sword&sorcery... he's a Gray Mouser who's addiction have brought him low and is slowly recovering.
In this book, Aral must save a former lover from the influence of a 'dark god' and discover more about the death of his god. Over the series, Mr. McCullough has added a number of interesting supporting characters to this series and he does so again. I like the two "Elves" that help Aral and McCullough's "Dwarves" are among the most interesting take on that race ever.
Negatives: in every book McCullough reveals more of his world. However, I once again get the feeling that he is making up the world as he goes on rather than just revealing stuff that he has already created (don't know if it is true, its just how it feels to me). This makes it difficult for me to get the feel for his world. Having said that, who the BLEEP cares - it is, as always, a fun ride.
An assassin/mage with a shadow/dragon familiar and an apprentice who is arguably more lethal than himself, Aral is a well-rounded character who achieved greatness at a young age and then had it all crash down around him when the god of justice who he served was murdered. Think of him as the child-actor of sword&sorcery... he's a Gray Mouser who's addiction have brought him low and is slowly recovering.
In this book, Aral must save a former lover from the influence of a 'dark god' and discover more about the death of his god. Over the series, Mr. McCullough has added a number of interesting supporting characters to this series and he does so again. I like the two "Elves" that help Aral and McCullough's "Dwarves" are among the most interesting take on that race ever.
Negatives: in every book McCullough reveals more of his world. However, I once again get the feeling that he is making up the world as he goes on rather than just revealing stuff that he has already created (don't know if it is true, its just how it feels to me). This makes it difficult for me to get the feel for his world. Having said that, who the BLEEP cares - it is, as always, a fun ride.
June 1, 2016
Kelly McCullough continues his Fallen Blade series in his fifth installment, Drawn Blades. Here, we once again meet up with Aral and Triss as they experience one of their wildest adventures yet. Aral's old flame and former First Blade of Namara, Siri, is back, and needs his help. Without hesitation, he gathers his things, as well as his unruly apprentice Faran, and together they travel to the veiled Sylvani Empire. There, they learn that Siri has been possessed by an ancient evil, and that that very same entity is starting to awake! Their only hope is to join with new allies and old adversaries in order to find a way to put a god back to sleep and, if possible, locate an item of extraordinary magical properties, said to be able to revive even a god, or goddess, from death itself.
The Fallen Blade series is a saga the whole family can enjoy, and Drawn Blades is no exception. The action, magic, and wit we come across while riding along with our favorite assassin-familiar team is sure to have you engrossed to the extreme. While I do feel the series is starting to lose some of it's steam and that the ending did seem a little chaotic, I can't wait to see what trails our heroes will have to overcome next.
The Fallen Blade series is a saga the whole family can enjoy, and Drawn Blades is no exception. The action, magic, and wit we come across while riding along with our favorite assassin-familiar team is sure to have you engrossed to the extreme. While I do feel the series is starting to lose some of it's steam and that the ending did seem a little chaotic, I can't wait to see what trails our heroes will have to overcome next.
February 18, 2015
Reminds me of one of the later Harry Dresden books, in that it all takes place in settings and with a cast that have been carved and polished to a high shine in previous episodes. Also, whatever vision the author has of his overarching storyline the climax seems to be SO far away that individual adventures are practically interchangeable. Still, I didn't catch any signs of staleness and the author does know how to keep an action-oriented story trotting right along. Might read some others, but don't feel a lot of urgency since I pretty much know what I'll be getting (that's why I stopped reading "Song of Ice and Fire" with CLASH OF KINGS).
Memorable lines:
"I have watched your people for two thousand years, and yet this magic is a new thing for me. When such takes up residence on your hand, you can bet that trouble will follow."
Now what? Normally when I beheaded something, it stopped coming after me.
There are eight major elements: light, shadow, earth, air, water, fire, death, and life.
"...an especially fancy way to commit suicide by stupid."
Memorable lines:
"I have watched your people for two thousand years, and yet this magic is a new thing for me. When such takes up residence on your hand, you can bet that trouble will follow."
Now what? Normally when I beheaded something, it stopped coming after me.
There are eight major elements: light, shadow, earth, air, water, fire, death, and life.
"...an especially fancy way to commit suicide by stupid."
December 29, 2014
Drawn Blades is the fifth book in Kelly McCullough’s FALLEN BLADE series. This review will contain spoilers for the previous books.
Aral Kingslayer has finally emerged from his mental paralysis after the death of his Goddess, Namara. It has taken eight years, a lot of alcohol and the death of some friends for Aral to reach this point. With a new-found set of ideals, Aral is ready to start making a difference.
Siri Mythkiller was the First Blade of the order of Namara before its fall. Her talents in the arts of the assassin were top shelf, but her ability in magic had taken her to pinnacles others could match. After she is assigned the task to kill a powerful quasi God who has been imprisoned for many years, she finds herself gradually being possessed more and more by The Smoldering Flame. When Siri reaches out from distant Sylvani to ask ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Aral Kingslayer has finally emerged from his mental paralysis after the death of his Goddess, Namara. It has taken eight years, a lot of alcohol and the death of some friends for Aral to reach this point. With a new-found set of ideals, Aral is ready to start making a difference.
Siri Mythkiller was the First Blade of the order of Namara before its fall. Her talents in the arts of the assassin were top shelf, but her ability in magic had taken her to pinnacles others could match. After she is assigned the task to kill a powerful quasi God who has been imprisoned for many years, she finds herself gradually being possessed more and more by The Smoldering Flame. When Siri reaches out from distant Sylvani to ask ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
February 9, 2015
There's always something with the Blades books, something that makes me say, "This would be a fantastic book, except...." Of course, the prose isn't exactly polished, and there's always awkward, repetitive, angsty conversations about Aral's drinking, but those are true of every Blade book and once you know to expect that, it's not so bad. Beyond that, each individual Blade book has something that bugs me, something uniquely wrong with it that makes me say, "The last one was better" even though that's not true because the last one had its own unique flaw, too.
This time, it was Aral's marriage. Improbably, unbelievable, kind of awkward, unexpected in a bad sort of way, contributing in no way to anyone's character development, ultimately meaningless to the plot... I was very frustrated by Aral's marriage.
But otherwise, it's a fantastic book.
This time, it was Aral's marriage. Improbably, unbelievable, kind of awkward, unexpected in a bad sort of way, contributing in no way to anyone's character development, ultimately meaningless to the plot... I was very frustrated by Aral's marriage.
But otherwise, it's a fantastic book.
October 5, 2015
I really love this series. Actually, I love all of McCullough's books that I've read. Plot, characters, setting, world-building -- this book is another example of McCullough's excellent writing.
This book continues the story of Aral the Blade. Most of the action takes place in the Sylvani Empire and shines light on more of the non-human folks in this world. The world is rich in detail and is very much its own entity. It's very good fantasy, but it doesn't fall into being Yet Another Generic Pseudo-Medieval/Celtic Fantasy. I can't quantify the reasons, but this world feels to me like it has a strong Asian flavor to it.
I highly this series. Don't start with this book, you really need to start at the beginning. This isn't the best book in the series, but it's still very good.
This book continues the story of Aral the Blade. Most of the action takes place in the Sylvani Empire and shines light on more of the non-human folks in this world. The world is rich in detail and is very much its own entity. It's very good fantasy, but it doesn't fall into being Yet Another Generic Pseudo-Medieval/Celtic Fantasy. I can't quantify the reasons, but this world feels to me like it has a strong Asian flavor to it.
I highly this series. Don't start with this book, you really need to start at the beginning. This isn't the best book in the series, but it's still very good.
May 8, 2015
a very satisfying next step
I really liked this one. It's deliciously complicated in places, and the mission isn't the whole point of the story. Here McCullough gives us much more history of all sorts-- the gods, the First, Namara, The Son of Heaven, Siri, Kelos and his betrayals-- and it really deepens the reader's understanding of the world itself and the events and choices that have led up to the present. Aral is healing, too, and that's a very good thing, even if I still don't understand why he enjoys what he does so much... Fast, fun and informative.
I really liked this one. It's deliciously complicated in places, and the mission isn't the whole point of the story. Here McCullough gives us much more history of all sorts-- the gods, the First, Namara, The Son of Heaven, Siri, Kelos and his betrayals-- and it really deepens the reader's understanding of the world itself and the events and choices that have led up to the present. Aral is healing, too, and that's a very good thing, even if I still don't understand why he enjoys what he does so much... Fast, fun and informative.
July 12, 2015
I admit it, I'm hooked
Every time the author brings up Aral's fight with addiction, it's like the blade it cutting small chunks of my overall reading enjoyment. I really like this series, but find this re-re-re-visited topic unnecessary & annoying. Yes, by book 2, we all knew of the heroes inner battles..by reminding the reader ad nauseum detracts from the story. Yes, I am soon to start book 6, because overall, it's a fun read with great action and well conceived plot lines.
Every time the author brings up Aral's fight with addiction, it's like the blade it cutting small chunks of my overall reading enjoyment. I really like this series, but find this re-re-re-visited topic unnecessary & annoying. Yes, by book 2, we all knew of the heroes inner battles..by reminding the reader ad nauseum detracts from the story. Yes, I am soon to start book 6, because overall, it's a fun read with great action and well conceived plot lines.
November 21, 2014
I very much enjoyed Aral's latest adventure. The only reason I've given it four instead of five stars is that there were a couple of spots where things were just too convenient and they felt like easy outs.
I love how he wrestles with his own personal demons, his personal philosophy, his view of enemies and friends - just like we all do on a daily basis. It makes him feel much more real to me.
I love how he wrestles with his own personal demons, his personal philosophy, his view of enemies and friends - just like we all do on a daily basis. It makes him feel much more real to me.
August 8, 2016
Interesting how the last two (three?) books have also (besides complicated plots and conflicted feelings) been dealing with Aral and the women in his life. Does no one besides me notice that Faran is at least a little in love with him? And beyond feeling protective and affection for his...apprentice he is totally oblivious?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2016
Book five of six and a good continuation of the series. There are some returning characters but mostly its new characters. The book can be read without reading the earlier books but you will get more from it if you have read the rest of the series. This book is more reliant on you having read the rest of the series as more baggage is collected with each book. A good quick high fantasy read.
December 22, 2016
I'm writing this review for the 5 books I read back to back. Overall it took a while to get into the characters but as they developed it was a really engrossing world she built. I would recommend the series as an interesting read but only after some major series have already been checked off the bucket list.
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