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The Seven Eyes #1
Exile
He lost his wife, his homeland, and his name, only to find a destiny that would shake the gods.
Draken vae Khellian, bastard cousin of the Monoean King, had risen far from his ignominious origins, becoming both a Bowrank Commander and a member of the Crown’s Black Guard. But when he is falsely condemned for the grisly murder of his beloved wife, he is banished from the kingdom and cast upon the distant shore of Akrasia, at the arse-end of the world.
Compared to civilized Monoea, Akrasia is a forbidding land of Moonlings, magic, and restless spirits. It is also a realm on the brink of a bloody revolution, as a sinister conspiracy plots against Akrasia’s embattled young queen and malevolent banes possess the bodies of the living.
Consumed by grief, and branded a murderer, Draken lives only to clear his name and avenge his wife’s murder. But the fates may have bigger plans for him. Alone in a strange land, he soon finds himself sharing the bed of an enigmatic necromancer and a half-breed servant girl, while pressed into the service of a foreign queen whose life and land may well depend on the divided loyalties of an exiled warrior . . .
Exile is the beginning of an ambitious fantasy saga by an acclaimed new author.
The Dread Empire, a gritty world of larger-than-life plots, nation-shattering conflict, maddening magic, strange creatures, and raw, flawed heroes, all shown through the filter of Glen Cook's inimitable war-correspondent prose. The Dread Empire, spanning from the highest peaks of the Dragon's Teeth to the endless desert lands of Hammad al Nakir, from besieged Kavelin to mighty Shinshan, the Empire Unacquainted with Defeat, with its fearless, masked soldiers, known as the Demon Guard... An Empire Unacquainted with Defeat collects all of Glen Cook's short fiction set in the vast world of the Dread Empire, from "The Nights of Dreadful Silence", featuring the first appearance of Bragi Ragnarson, Mocker, and Haroun bin Yousif, to the culture-clashing novella "Soldier of an Empire Unacquainted with Defeat"; from "Silverheels", Cook's first published work of fiction, to "Hell's Forge", a haunting tale of cursed pirates and strange lands, appearing here for the first time. Also including a detailed introduction and extensive story notes by Glen Cook, An Empire Unacquainted with Defeat charts the development of this influential American author and the massive, multifaceted world that he created.
Skyhorse Publishing, under our Night Shade and Talos imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of titles for readers interested in science fiction (space opera, time travel, hard SF, alien invasion, near-future dystopia), fantasy (grimdark, sword and sorcery, contemporary urban fantasy, steampunk, alternative history), and horror (zombies, vampires, and the occult and supernatural), and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller, a national bestseller, or a Hugo or Nebula award-winner, we are committed to publishing quality books from a diverse group of authors.
Draken vae Khellian, bastard cousin of the Monoean King, had risen far from his ignominious origins, becoming both a Bowrank Commander and a member of the Crown’s Black Guard. But when he is falsely condemned for the grisly murder of his beloved wife, he is banished from the kingdom and cast upon the distant shore of Akrasia, at the arse-end of the world.
Compared to civilized Monoea, Akrasia is a forbidding land of Moonlings, magic, and restless spirits. It is also a realm on the brink of a bloody revolution, as a sinister conspiracy plots against Akrasia’s embattled young queen and malevolent banes possess the bodies of the living.
Consumed by grief, and branded a murderer, Draken lives only to clear his name and avenge his wife’s murder. But the fates may have bigger plans for him. Alone in a strange land, he soon finds himself sharing the bed of an enigmatic necromancer and a half-breed servant girl, while pressed into the service of a foreign queen whose life and land may well depend on the divided loyalties of an exiled warrior . . .
Exile is the beginning of an ambitious fantasy saga by an acclaimed new author.
The Dread Empire, a gritty world of larger-than-life plots, nation-shattering conflict, maddening magic, strange creatures, and raw, flawed heroes, all shown through the filter of Glen Cook's inimitable war-correspondent prose. The Dread Empire, spanning from the highest peaks of the Dragon's Teeth to the endless desert lands of Hammad al Nakir, from besieged Kavelin to mighty Shinshan, the Empire Unacquainted with Defeat, with its fearless, masked soldiers, known as the Demon Guard... An Empire Unacquainted with Defeat collects all of Glen Cook's short fiction set in the vast world of the Dread Empire, from "The Nights of Dreadful Silence", featuring the first appearance of Bragi Ragnarson, Mocker, and Haroun bin Yousif, to the culture-clashing novella "Soldier of an Empire Unacquainted with Defeat"; from "Silverheels", Cook's first published work of fiction, to "Hell's Forge", a haunting tale of cursed pirates and strange lands, appearing here for the first time. Also including a detailed introduction and extensive story notes by Glen Cook, An Empire Unacquainted with Defeat charts the development of this influential American author and the massive, multifaceted world that he created.
Skyhorse Publishing, under our Night Shade and Talos imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of titles for readers interested in science fiction (space opera, time travel, hard SF, alien invasion, near-future dystopia), fantasy (grimdark, sword and sorcery, contemporary urban fantasy, steampunk, alternative history), and horror (zombies, vampires, and the occult and supernatural), and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller, a national bestseller, or a Hugo or Nebula award-winner, we are committed to publishing quality books from a diverse group of authors.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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804 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 3, 2015
This was an enjoyable enough fantasy read. It had a decent mix of intrigue, action, romance, and magic.
Draken vae Khellian, bastard cousin of the Monoean King, has just been falsely convicted of the brutal murder of his wife and banished to the far flung kingdom of Akrasia. He soon finds that his father, once a lowly slave in Monea, has history of his own in Akrasia. Akrasia itelf is a bit of a shock to Draken as unlike Monea it is a place rife with magic. Akrasia is also kingdom on the verge of civil war and before too long Draken finds himself making new enemies and friends in this strange land.
The story was engaging enough to keep my attention without being anything especially memorable. Draken was a likable character who was easy to root for. He hunts the murderer of his wife while also becoming caught up in service to the Queen of Akrasia, who is struggling to keep her kingdom from civil war while also fending off assassination attempts and the machinations of a mysterious necromancer. The secondary characters were also pretty interesting and likable.
Akrasia was an interesting enough setting. It was a land rife with magic and a few non-human creatures in the form of the Mances, the mysterious necromancer mages, and the Moonlings.
I enjoyed this story and will definitely read the sequel Emissary.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: This was narrated by Nick Sullivan. I took an hour or two to warm to his performance and get used to his reading style, but once I did I enjoyed his performance. He dealt especially well with voicing the characters.
Draken vae Khellian, bastard cousin of the Monoean King, has just been falsely convicted of the brutal murder of his wife and banished to the far flung kingdom of Akrasia. He soon finds that his father, once a lowly slave in Monea, has history of his own in Akrasia. Akrasia itelf is a bit of a shock to Draken as unlike Monea it is a place rife with magic. Akrasia is also kingdom on the verge of civil war and before too long Draken finds himself making new enemies and friends in this strange land.
The story was engaging enough to keep my attention without being anything especially memorable. Draken was a likable character who was easy to root for. He hunts the murderer of his wife while also becoming caught up in service to the Queen of Akrasia, who is struggling to keep her kingdom from civil war while also fending off assassination attempts and the machinations of a mysterious necromancer. The secondary characters were also pretty interesting and likable.
Akrasia was an interesting enough setting. It was a land rife with magic and a few non-human creatures in the form of the Mances, the mysterious necromancer mages, and the Moonlings.
I enjoyed this story and will definitely read the sequel Emissary.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: This was narrated by Nick Sullivan. I took an hour or two to warm to his performance and get used to his reading style, but once I did I enjoyed his performance. He dealt especially well with voicing the characters.
June 13, 2015
3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/06/12/b...
I’ve been wanting to read Exile by Betsy Dornbusch for a while, so I’m glad I was able to finally tick this off my list. Something tells me I might have enjoyed this more if I had read this a few years ago though, before I’ve had more experience reading fantasy fiction under my belt, because then some of its shortcomings might not have been as noticeable for me. It is a good book, but like many reviewers have pointed out, it is not without its flaws.
Exile introduces us to its protagonist Draken Vae Khellian, the bastard cousin of the king and a former guard commander, fallen far from grace and now chained up on a prisoner ship’s hold. Draken’s wife was found brutally murdered and he has been falsely accused for the crime, even though the circumstances around her death stinks of dark sorcery. Draken is summarily banished to Akrasia, a land of magic and wildness, a far cry from his homeland of Monoea. Grieving and alone, all he can think about is clearing his name and getting revenge on his wife’s true killer.
In a stroke of extraordinary luck, very early into his exile Draken encounters a sorcerer of death magic named Osias along with his half-Moonling servant girl Setia, who save him from possession by a malicious spirit called a Bane. He accompanies them both to the palace where he learns of the Akrasian queen’s plight – her land is in turmoil and on the brink of revolution, and no doubt even now her detractors are planning conspiracies and assassination attempts against her…
In fact, one was going down right that instant, putting Draken in the perfect position to rescue her and gain her trust. She subsequently grants him the prestigious post to guard her safety, and Draken swears to track down the assassin who attempted to kill her.
Has the issue become apparent yet? Draken seems to have the extraordinary ability to be in the right place at exactly the right time, despite starting out his exile with nothing but the clothes on his back – no food, no money, no friends, no nothing. Within what feels like mere moments of his landing on the shores of Akrasia, he’s found himself in the personal service of its monarch.
In spite of this, I found the beginning of the book very interesting. The world building is strong, with its myriad peoples, cultures and religions. The “arse-end of the world” that is Akrasia really isn’t so bad, and the strange land was actually a wonder for me to explore with its Moonlings and spirits. I was a big fan of the magic and its mysteries, and necromancers like Osias captured my curiosity with the dark nature of his powers. My first impression is that the world of Seven Eyes, named for its seven moons, sounds like a very beautiful and magical place for a fantasy setting. There’s also a lot of depth to its history and political landscape.
The story and characters admittedly pale a bit compared to the world building, but I was nonetheless satisfied. The sequence of events in this book aren’t so much predictable as they are much too convenient to be believable, but even though that skepticism kept me from engaging with the story fully, it was still an enjoyable read. I liked Draken’s characterization, though I found his healthy sexual appetite to be quite a turnoff, considering the all-consuming grief he’s supposedly feeling for his wife. For all his sadness, it was a short mourning period, apparently.
All told, Exile is a decent book, and with its in-depth world building but simplistic plot, I’d say it’s probably more suited for new-ish readers to the fantasy genre. There are a lot of punches you have to roll with, but nothing major that would be a deal breaker. A light, entertaining fantasy novel that has all the right stuff, just in imperfect amounts, but still quite good.
I’ve been wanting to read Exile by Betsy Dornbusch for a while, so I’m glad I was able to finally tick this off my list. Something tells me I might have enjoyed this more if I had read this a few years ago though, before I’ve had more experience reading fantasy fiction under my belt, because then some of its shortcomings might not have been as noticeable for me. It is a good book, but like many reviewers have pointed out, it is not without its flaws.
Exile introduces us to its protagonist Draken Vae Khellian, the bastard cousin of the king and a former guard commander, fallen far from grace and now chained up on a prisoner ship’s hold. Draken’s wife was found brutally murdered and he has been falsely accused for the crime, even though the circumstances around her death stinks of dark sorcery. Draken is summarily banished to Akrasia, a land of magic and wildness, a far cry from his homeland of Monoea. Grieving and alone, all he can think about is clearing his name and getting revenge on his wife’s true killer.
In a stroke of extraordinary luck, very early into his exile Draken encounters a sorcerer of death magic named Osias along with his half-Moonling servant girl Setia, who save him from possession by a malicious spirit called a Bane. He accompanies them both to the palace where he learns of the Akrasian queen’s plight – her land is in turmoil and on the brink of revolution, and no doubt even now her detractors are planning conspiracies and assassination attempts against her…
In fact, one was going down right that instant, putting Draken in the perfect position to rescue her and gain her trust. She subsequently grants him the prestigious post to guard her safety, and Draken swears to track down the assassin who attempted to kill her.
Has the issue become apparent yet? Draken seems to have the extraordinary ability to be in the right place at exactly the right time, despite starting out his exile with nothing but the clothes on his back – no food, no money, no friends, no nothing. Within what feels like mere moments of his landing on the shores of Akrasia, he’s found himself in the personal service of its monarch.
In spite of this, I found the beginning of the book very interesting. The world building is strong, with its myriad peoples, cultures and religions. The “arse-end of the world” that is Akrasia really isn’t so bad, and the strange land was actually a wonder for me to explore with its Moonlings and spirits. I was a big fan of the magic and its mysteries, and necromancers like Osias captured my curiosity with the dark nature of his powers. My first impression is that the world of Seven Eyes, named for its seven moons, sounds like a very beautiful and magical place for a fantasy setting. There’s also a lot of depth to its history and political landscape.
The story and characters admittedly pale a bit compared to the world building, but I was nonetheless satisfied. The sequence of events in this book aren’t so much predictable as they are much too convenient to be believable, but even though that skepticism kept me from engaging with the story fully, it was still an enjoyable read. I liked Draken’s characterization, though I found his healthy sexual appetite to be quite a turnoff, considering the all-consuming grief he’s supposedly feeling for his wife. For all his sadness, it was a short mourning period, apparently.
All told, Exile is a decent book, and with its in-depth world building but simplistic plot, I’d say it’s probably more suited for new-ish readers to the fantasy genre. There are a lot of punches you have to roll with, but nothing major that would be a deal breaker. A light, entertaining fantasy novel that has all the right stuff, just in imperfect amounts, but still quite good.
February 23, 2013
Fantasy Review Barn
I gladly took this submission when the author suggested it. The blurb offered me a hope for a unique setting, and I was hoping the book offered something a little different as well. I also fully admit I was intrigued knowing the author was from my home state, which shouldn’t affect which books I pick but did.
A strong hook pulled me in early. Protagonist Draken is wrongly accused of the murder of his wife, and we first meet him on a ship “walking the plank” into a new land; a forced exile because his homeland of Monoea believe in letting the god’s decide criminals fate. Akrasia is a land of magic, and Draken quickly finds himself in trouble. Saved by a Mance (necromancer) who has plans of his own, Draken finds himself entangled in politics and a possible war.
The book was fairly strong through the first third. The magic shown has a since of wonder, a touch of the unknown rather than being explained in detail. After accidentally saving the queen from an assignation attempt, Draken is placed in charge of the investigation despite being a stranger in the land. And working with the Mance and his female companion as investigators showed the protagonist has the potential to be a smart and able character. Osais, the Mance, is intriguing as well; is he helping or using Draken?
Sadly, after the first third I struggled through the rest of the book. It is hard to explain, but it basically comes down to this; too much in this book happens because the author decided to make it happen, rather than letting the narrative work to make it happen. For example, you know that trope in which a character in major peril is knocked unconscious, and when he wakes he is safe and has friends explain what happened? This happened multiple times in ‘Exile.”
Draken can’t even be described as Gary Stu, as he doesn’t really have control of what is happening. Despite that the entire world starts revolving around him. He can’t sleep so he gets lucky and stops an assassination. Despite being a complete stranger to the land, he becomes the queen’s most trusted adviser and is given an army. Despite not doing much of anything he quickly becomes the best known person in all the land, and beloved by all the people in the land (more so than the queen even!)
The plot becomes a travelogue where the world continues to revolve around Draken. The bad guys entirely unbelievable plan comes to fruition, but of course fails to take into account Draken finding his secret ability (which is tied to a famous, highly desired magic sword that was just given to him). A fairly confusing, and entirely uninteresting, final battle puts Draken in a position to have even more power. Every new passage found Draken gaining power and prestige in this land, without it ever really making sense.
I hate to pile on, but going through my notes I have to add a few things. Draken acts like a horny teenager for most the book, mentally lusting after every female he meets. Lucky for him he is apparently irresistible, and the girls throw themselves at him. The only interesting character in the book was Osais, but for all the mystery behind him he turns out pretty unremarkable.
2 stars. A shame, because the beginning of the book had some real promise.
Review copy of this book was provided by the author.
I gladly took this submission when the author suggested it. The blurb offered me a hope for a unique setting, and I was hoping the book offered something a little different as well. I also fully admit I was intrigued knowing the author was from my home state, which shouldn’t affect which books I pick but did.
A strong hook pulled me in early. Protagonist Draken is wrongly accused of the murder of his wife, and we first meet him on a ship “walking the plank” into a new land; a forced exile because his homeland of Monoea believe in letting the god’s decide criminals fate. Akrasia is a land of magic, and Draken quickly finds himself in trouble. Saved by a Mance (necromancer) who has plans of his own, Draken finds himself entangled in politics and a possible war.
The book was fairly strong through the first third. The magic shown has a since of wonder, a touch of the unknown rather than being explained in detail. After accidentally saving the queen from an assignation attempt, Draken is placed in charge of the investigation despite being a stranger in the land. And working with the Mance and his female companion as investigators showed the protagonist has the potential to be a smart and able character. Osais, the Mance, is intriguing as well; is he helping or using Draken?
Sadly, after the first third I struggled through the rest of the book. It is hard to explain, but it basically comes down to this; too much in this book happens because the author decided to make it happen, rather than letting the narrative work to make it happen. For example, you know that trope in which a character in major peril is knocked unconscious, and when he wakes he is safe and has friends explain what happened? This happened multiple times in ‘Exile.”
Draken can’t even be described as Gary Stu, as he doesn’t really have control of what is happening. Despite that the entire world starts revolving around him. He can’t sleep so he gets lucky and stops an assassination. Despite being a complete stranger to the land, he becomes the queen’s most trusted adviser and is given an army. Despite not doing much of anything he quickly becomes the best known person in all the land, and beloved by all the people in the land (more so than the queen even!)
The plot becomes a travelogue where the world continues to revolve around Draken. The bad guys entirely unbelievable plan comes to fruition, but of course fails to take into account Draken finding his secret ability (which is tied to a famous, highly desired magic sword that was just given to him). A fairly confusing, and entirely uninteresting, final battle puts Draken in a position to have even more power. Every new passage found Draken gaining power and prestige in this land, without it ever really making sense.
I hate to pile on, but going through my notes I have to add a few things. Draken acts like a horny teenager for most the book, mentally lusting after every female he meets. Lucky for him he is apparently irresistible, and the girls throw themselves at him. The only interesting character in the book was Osais, but for all the mystery behind him he turns out pretty unremarkable.
2 stars. A shame, because the beginning of the book had some real promise.
Review copy of this book was provided by the author.
March 2, 2013
I'm a little over half way into this book and read more of it every chance I get. I love the world Dornbusch has created, as well as the characters. The story just gets deeper and deeper with twists and turns that leave me wanting to read more to find out what happens next and what the main characters are going to do!
A thrilling, fast pace read. I can't wait to see more from Ms. Dornbusch.
A thrilling, fast pace read. I can't wait to see more from Ms. Dornbusch.
May 27, 2016
This book frustrated the heck out of me. I wanted to like it, because it sounded like a great idea, but after the first few chapters, the writing just became so oblique. It was like the editor went through and chopped out everything but the bare bones of the story -- every iota of context that would explain why everyone suddenly trusted Draken and was giving him things he never even asked for.
I kept reading the book because I was hoping the author would pull the threads together and explain some of this. I suppose it was worthwhile, because the pieces did finally fall into place. However, at the end, I just...couldn't bring myself to care. After the major villain revelations, I admit I just skimmed the final fight, and the way everything wrapped up so neatly set my teeth on edge.
There were ample opportunities for this story to become something more, but it was so thin on detail and the outcome so generic that I rather wish I hadn't read it. Never has 270 pages been so difficult to get through. I don't mean to say that the writing is bad; the author has a knack for conveying a lot in a few thin lines. I mean I spent the whole time thinking 'why? Why? WHYYYYY?' and that just got exhausting.
I kept reading the book because I was hoping the author would pull the threads together and explain some of this. I suppose it was worthwhile, because the pieces did finally fall into place. However, at the end, I just...couldn't bring myself to care. After the major villain revelations, I admit I just skimmed the final fight, and the way everything wrapped up so neatly set my teeth on edge.
There were ample opportunities for this story to become something more, but it was so thin on detail and the outcome so generic that I rather wish I hadn't read it. Never has 270 pages been so difficult to get through. I don't mean to say that the writing is bad; the author has a knack for conveying a lot in a few thin lines. I mean I spent the whole time thinking 'why? Why? WHYYYYY?' and that just got exhausting.
June 3, 2013
I give this 3.5 stars.
I won't give a summary. The one given by Goodreads is accurate.
I enjoyed the story. Good characters and story. Some interesting magic and action. Some nice twists and turns. Kept me up at night reading.
My main complaint is that some things came too easy for the main character, Draken, that shouldn't have. He's dropped in a new land with nothing, and suddenly he just gains assistance instead of suffering and earning the help. People just seem to like him and trust him at times when they have no reason to... A few things were just too neat and pat for my taste.
That said, I did enjoy the book and would read more from the author.
I won't give a summary. The one given by Goodreads is accurate.
I enjoyed the story. Good characters and story. Some interesting magic and action. Some nice twists and turns. Kept me up at night reading.
My main complaint is that some things came too easy for the main character, Draken, that shouldn't have. He's dropped in a new land with nothing, and suddenly he just gains assistance instead of suffering and earning the help. People just seem to like him and trust him at times when they have no reason to... A few things were just too neat and pat for my taste.
That said, I did enjoy the book and would read more from the author.
February 10, 2013
I Am only on page 15 out of 286, but i love it ...it will be one of the books that i can't stop reading. :)
Oh ye! I couldn't stop reading it.
Oh ye! I couldn't stop reading it.
April 16, 2020
Exile tells the story of Draken, illegitimate child of royalty and cousin to the King of Monoea, framed for the murder of his wife and exiled from his homeland. Hence the name of the novel. He gets caught up in a plot between the lands of Akrasia and Brin, a plot involving the gods, ancient weapons, and necromancy, and it seems up to Drake to get to the bottom of not only the threat hanging over multiple countries, but also the truth behind the murder of his wife.
Exile is full of tropes and commonly-used ideas for fantasy fiction, but what’s interesting is that it often doesn’t feel that way as the story progresses. You’ve got the illegitimate child of royalty who has a great manipulated destiny unfolding before him, a magic sword, multiple kingdoms who all believe in the same gods and all hate halfbloods. The list goes on. But you tend to get so caught up in the story that a lot of it goes unnoticed for a long time, until you’re invested in what’s happening and you want to keep reading. It doesn’t feel cheesy or overdone. It feels familiar and comfortable while still being new, something good to read for a fantasy fan looking for some solid comfort reading but also something that haven’t read before. It fits the bill quite nicely.
The book fell down in two main areas for me, things that I couldn’t overlook or that stood out so glaringly at the end that it was difficult to reconcile them with the rest of the story. The first is the transparency of the characters, particularly when it comes to their opinion of Draken. People either immediately dislike him, which isn’t that notable given the few examples in the text, or else like him and trust him right from the get-go, often for reasons that make little sense and seem largely contrived. It made sense with a few people, like Osias and Setia, and Tyrolean once he got to know Draken, but Elena? Va Khlar? A few tenuous reasons are provided, but they don’t hold up well to close examination.
Which leads right into my second problem, the idea of all the events surrounding Draken being orchestrated. Yes, orchestrated by someone who has a fair bit of power and influence, the idea that the whole plan went off essentially without a hitch? It could have all been undone by Draken drowning before he made it to shore after being kicked off the prison ship. It could have been undone by him getting pneumonia and dying on the prison ship! So many things lined up so perfectly to have Draken exactly where someone else needed him to be, not just with time and place but also people’s reactions to him, that it stretches credulity. So, a very detailed tapestry of events, but just don’t poke too hard at the image or else you’ll find that many of the threads are pretty weak.
The world-building was sufficient, though not particularly detailed. There’s the usual feuding over borders, politics, some cultural difference between nations, but most of it goes unaddressed, and what I noticed most was the similarities between them all. The biggest difference between most represented cultures in Exile are skin colour and general attitudes toward sex. Other than that, they all worship the same pantheon, all value pure blood and despise those of mixed race, and believe in similar fairy tales. Which isn’t outside the realm of possibility, given evidence of pervasive and widespread similar beliefs in the real world, but there didn’t even seem to be slight variations in myths or dialect. Not much is seen of the Monoeans, except to say that they have tanned skin and also don’t like those of mixed race, so perhaps this is something more related to the similarities between Akrasia and Brin and the reader’s perspective is simply too narrow to draw any broader conclusions.
Still, I have to applaud Dornbusch’s ability to take familiar and largely overused plot elements and turn them into something that feels original, to pad the bare bones of the story with enough unique elements that it stands out from the rest. I rated the book 3 cups, but really it’s more like 3.5, somewhere comfortably between a 3 and a 4. It may not have been perfect, but it was still quite good, and I’d be interested in continuing with Draken’s story if given half the chance. (And not just because I have a slightly unhealthy obsession with Osias. Seriously, he’s probably the most fascinating character in the whole book!)
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
Exile is full of tropes and commonly-used ideas for fantasy fiction, but what’s interesting is that it often doesn’t feel that way as the story progresses. You’ve got the illegitimate child of royalty who has a great manipulated destiny unfolding before him, a magic sword, multiple kingdoms who all believe in the same gods and all hate halfbloods. The list goes on. But you tend to get so caught up in the story that a lot of it goes unnoticed for a long time, until you’re invested in what’s happening and you want to keep reading. It doesn’t feel cheesy or overdone. It feels familiar and comfortable while still being new, something good to read for a fantasy fan looking for some solid comfort reading but also something that haven’t read before. It fits the bill quite nicely.
The book fell down in two main areas for me, things that I couldn’t overlook or that stood out so glaringly at the end that it was difficult to reconcile them with the rest of the story. The first is the transparency of the characters, particularly when it comes to their opinion of Draken. People either immediately dislike him, which isn’t that notable given the few examples in the text, or else like him and trust him right from the get-go, often for reasons that make little sense and seem largely contrived. It made sense with a few people, like Osias and Setia, and Tyrolean once he got to know Draken, but Elena? Va Khlar? A few tenuous reasons are provided, but they don’t hold up well to close examination.
Which leads right into my second problem, the idea of all the events surrounding Draken being orchestrated. Yes, orchestrated by someone who has a fair bit of power and influence, the idea that the whole plan went off essentially without a hitch? It could have all been undone by Draken drowning before he made it to shore after being kicked off the prison ship. It could have been undone by him getting pneumonia and dying on the prison ship! So many things lined up so perfectly to have Draken exactly where someone else needed him to be, not just with time and place but also people’s reactions to him, that it stretches credulity. So, a very detailed tapestry of events, but just don’t poke too hard at the image or else you’ll find that many of the threads are pretty weak.
The world-building was sufficient, though not particularly detailed. There’s the usual feuding over borders, politics, some cultural difference between nations, but most of it goes unaddressed, and what I noticed most was the similarities between them all. The biggest difference between most represented cultures in Exile are skin colour and general attitudes toward sex. Other than that, they all worship the same pantheon, all value pure blood and despise those of mixed race, and believe in similar fairy tales. Which isn’t outside the realm of possibility, given evidence of pervasive and widespread similar beliefs in the real world, but there didn’t even seem to be slight variations in myths or dialect. Not much is seen of the Monoeans, except to say that they have tanned skin and also don’t like those of mixed race, so perhaps this is something more related to the similarities between Akrasia and Brin and the reader’s perspective is simply too narrow to draw any broader conclusions.
Still, I have to applaud Dornbusch’s ability to take familiar and largely overused plot elements and turn them into something that feels original, to pad the bare bones of the story with enough unique elements that it stands out from the rest. I rated the book 3 cups, but really it’s more like 3.5, somewhere comfortably between a 3 and a 4. It may not have been perfect, but it was still quite good, and I’d be interested in continuing with Draken’s story if given half the chance. (And not just because I have a slightly unhealthy obsession with Osias. Seriously, he’s probably the most fascinating character in the whole book!)
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
March 9, 2013
My experience with this book was a little different, as my Dad had an emergency that sent him into the hospital, so I started and read most of this book in one long day in waiting rooms. I then finished the book in the next day or so in a hospital room. It was an odd way to read a book, as I usually take around a week to read an average book, instead of ingesting it in one day when my psyche was probably a little messed up. Still, however my experience affected it, I really loved this book. There's nothing absolutely amazing about it, it's far from a masterpiece, but I just found it to be a very enjoyable light fantasy book.
The world of Exile seems to be very different from our world, as there are seven moons (Eyes) and the culture doesn't have anything too similar to our past. There are Gods in this book, and they do play a part in the story, but as a whole they don't seem to have too much influence on the world other than telling their chosen representatives what to do (specifically the main character). There is magic, but it's not too well described. Although there may be more of it in the world, all that we see derives its power from death. One of the main characters is essentially a version of a Necromancer, where many spirits of the dead inhabit him and they can control them. Also, they can apparently separate various objects out of thin air, and the more powerful ones can throw out some basic destructive magic. There's also two other magical species, one of which controls nature (and can stop time) and the other seems to focus on healing magic. If I'm being honest, the world building was probably the weakest part of the book, it's all very light, and when it drys to go deeper it wasn't very believable. Still, the setting allowed the author to write about some entertaining characters and a good story.
I liked all of the characters, especially the main viewpoint character Draken. He is a Royal Bastard and honored general for his cousin the King. However, before the beginning of the book his wife is brutally murdered and the only suspect is Draken, resulting in him being Exiled for a crime he didn't commit. When he arrives at the new continent, the home of the people he'd spent much of his life warring against, he immediately meets up with a Necromancer Prince and his half faery-ish (I forget what they're called) assistant. The relationship between the three of them is very different, but I really liked it, possibly because I haven't read anything quite like it. There is a love interest with the Queen of the new country he's exiled too, and while I liked her character a lot, how the author put them together felt a little forced (though some of that is explained near the end). Her character, even though she's off-stage for most of the book is very complex, and I really liked her combination of strength and vulnerability. I loved the bit where Draken is linked up with the soul/ghost of a dead master swordsman because his skill with the sword is lacking. The interplay between the two of them in the main character's head, fighting for control of the body at times, was just really interesting and actually believable (even though it's so unbelievable in theory), I just love how the author pulled it off. There's also another character that starts off antagonistic to Draken, but by the end they were essentially best friends. That's really my favorite part of the book, all of the characters greatly evolve within the story, and all of the growth is very well done, it seems real and not forced. The villains are also very well done in this book, but I won't go into too much depth on them as there are some big plot twists involving them. I will say that the ultimate enemy's back-story and motive for his actions was a little forced and not fully explained, but it was interesting and provided for a very interesting (if predictable) climax for the story.
The story of Exile is very enjoyable, but my biggest problem with it was that it seemed too random and perfect. To me, it came off like the author heavily outlined the story and wrote around it to fill all of the plot-points out. It really resembled books that rely a lot on prophecy/destiny, yet the story didn't have much of either, even when the Gods were involved, it seemed more like they just had a plan that they wanted Draken to follow if possible. All of the seemingly random events are essentially explained at the climax of the story, but I still found it a bit unbelievable. There were multiple different plans going on throughout the story that were all designed and implemented by different people, yet they all interacted perfectly with each other until they crashed together at the end. There are a lot of plot twists in the book, but I personally figured out all of them (if not perfectly) most likely earlier than I was supposed to. A lot of the things were predictable to me, but when the twists actually occurred, I really enjoyed the impacts they had. Overall, the story wasn't perfect, but I did really like it, as long as I didn't spend too much time ruminating on all of the random coincidences that filled the pages.
So in the end, while Exile isn't ever going to be a critic darling or a bestseller, it's a really fun and entertaining light fantasy romp that I would definitely recommend.
The world of Exile seems to be very different from our world, as there are seven moons (Eyes) and the culture doesn't have anything too similar to our past. There are Gods in this book, and they do play a part in the story, but as a whole they don't seem to have too much influence on the world other than telling their chosen representatives what to do (specifically the main character). There is magic, but it's not too well described. Although there may be more of it in the world, all that we see derives its power from death. One of the main characters is essentially a version of a Necromancer, where many spirits of the dead inhabit him and they can control them. Also, they can apparently separate various objects out of thin air, and the more powerful ones can throw out some basic destructive magic. There's also two other magical species, one of which controls nature (and can stop time) and the other seems to focus on healing magic. If I'm being honest, the world building was probably the weakest part of the book, it's all very light, and when it drys to go deeper it wasn't very believable. Still, the setting allowed the author to write about some entertaining characters and a good story.
I liked all of the characters, especially the main viewpoint character Draken. He is a Royal Bastard and honored general for his cousin the King. However, before the beginning of the book his wife is brutally murdered and the only suspect is Draken, resulting in him being Exiled for a crime he didn't commit. When he arrives at the new continent, the home of the people he'd spent much of his life warring against, he immediately meets up with a Necromancer Prince and his half faery-ish (I forget what they're called) assistant. The relationship between the three of them is very different, but I really liked it, possibly because I haven't read anything quite like it. There is a love interest with the Queen of the new country he's exiled too, and while I liked her character a lot, how the author put them together felt a little forced (though some of that is explained near the end). Her character, even though she's off-stage for most of the book is very complex, and I really liked her combination of strength and vulnerability. I loved the bit where Draken is linked up with the soul/ghost of a dead master swordsman because his skill with the sword is lacking. The interplay between the two of them in the main character's head, fighting for control of the body at times, was just really interesting and actually believable (even though it's so unbelievable in theory), I just love how the author pulled it off. There's also another character that starts off antagonistic to Draken, but by the end they were essentially best friends. That's really my favorite part of the book, all of the characters greatly evolve within the story, and all of the growth is very well done, it seems real and not forced. The villains are also very well done in this book, but I won't go into too much depth on them as there are some big plot twists involving them. I will say that the ultimate enemy's back-story and motive for his actions was a little forced and not fully explained, but it was interesting and provided for a very interesting (if predictable) climax for the story.
The story of Exile is very enjoyable, but my biggest problem with it was that it seemed too random and perfect. To me, it came off like the author heavily outlined the story and wrote around it to fill all of the plot-points out. It really resembled books that rely a lot on prophecy/destiny, yet the story didn't have much of either, even when the Gods were involved, it seemed more like they just had a plan that they wanted Draken to follow if possible. All of the seemingly random events are essentially explained at the climax of the story, but I still found it a bit unbelievable. There were multiple different plans going on throughout the story that were all designed and implemented by different people, yet they all interacted perfectly with each other until they crashed together at the end. There are a lot of plot twists in the book, but I personally figured out all of them (if not perfectly) most likely earlier than I was supposed to. A lot of the things were predictable to me, but when the twists actually occurred, I really enjoyed the impacts they had. Overall, the story wasn't perfect, but I did really like it, as long as I didn't spend too much time ruminating on all of the random coincidences that filled the pages.
So in the end, while Exile isn't ever going to be a critic darling or a bestseller, it's a really fun and entertaining light fantasy romp that I would definitely recommend.
July 11, 2014
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Betsy Dornbusch's Exile is the first part of The Seven Eyes fantasy series. The sequel, Emissary, will be published next year.
Before I write more about this novel, I'll have to mention that writing this review is difficult for me, because Exile is both a good and flawed fantasy novel. I'm a bit torn between liking and criticizing this novel. (I'll also briefly mention that I mostly agree with many other reviewers who have reviewed this novel and have pointed out the flaws in the story.)
This novel has all the necessary ingredients and elements that are needed to create an excellent fantasy novel, and it's definitely an entertaining and intriguing read, but - in my opinion - it lacks a bit of depth and style. The lack of depth and style isn't exactly a bad thing, because this novel is pure entertainment, but experienced adult fantasy readers will easily notice what's missing from the story. Readers who are looking for an entertaining and light story, will most likely enjoy this novel very much, because it's an exciting novel and a good start to a new fantasy series that differs from other series.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
- Draken vae Khellian is locked up in a ship's hold. He's half-breed - both royal blood and Brinian blood courses through his veins. The ship he's on is headed towards Akrasia, "the arse-end of the world". Draken has been in Black Guard and knows a few things about the world. He gained information about the world by interrogating Brinian soldiers. His wife has died in the hands of Akrasian magickers, and he is falsely condemned and banished to Akrasia for the murder of his wife. Draken is driven forward by his will to avenge his wife's death.
- Osias is a necromancer who saves Draken from spirit possession. He warns people of the banes (spirits). Osias takes Draken to meet Queen Elena, because he wants Draken to testify about the dangers of the banes. Setia is Osias' companion and half-Moonling.
- When Draken and Osias go to meet Queen Elena, the queen is almost killed, but is saved by Osias. Soon Draken tries to find the person who tried assassinate her...
Here's a few words about the good things in this novel:
- The best thing about this novel is that the fantasy world is genuinely interesting. For example, there are seven moons (Seven Eyes) at the sky that are worshipped as gods. There are also different races in the world.
- I also enjoyed reading about how Draken was torn between his desire for revenge and his duty to a foreign queen. To be honest, this made me read the whole novel as fast as possible, because I had to find out what happens to Draken and how he handles matters.
- There's intriguing magic in the world and it was interesting to read about it, but the magic system isn't fully explored in this novel. I hope that more things about the magic system will be revealed in the sequels, because reading about magic is always fun.
And here's a few words about the flaws in this novel:
- There's one very easily noticeable flaw in this novel. In my opinion things are too easy for the protagonist and he seems to overcome obstacles too easily. His situation improves too fast for my taste, because it feels unrealistic (when he's cast upon the shores of Akrasia, he almost immediately gets out of trouble and finds himself in a foreign court).
- The other noticeable flaw is that the characterization isn't as good as it could be. The characters are interesting, but there's not much depth in them. This bothered me, because in this kind of darker fantasy novels I expect to read about characters that have plenty of depth in them. Because Draken and Osias are interesting characters, it would've been nice to read more about their feelings, traits and flaws.
I have to mention that I found it interesting that the author refered to such difficult things as bisexuality and racial differences. Because these references added both originality and freshness to the story, it would've been nice if the author had written more about them.
Despite a few noticeable flaws Betsy Dornbusch definitely does have ambition and shows talent for writing adult fantasy that differs nicely from the new novels that other authors have written during the last couple of years. I'm sure that when she develops her writing style a bit further, she will become an author to watch for in the near future.
Rating this novel is a bit difficult for me, because despite its flaws I found myself liking it and look forward to reading the sequel. After careful consideration I decided to give Exile 3.5 stars, because it's good and harmless entertainment.
My final words are:
Although Exile does have flaws, it's a good, exciting and entertaining fantasy novel for adults, because it's something a bit different. I think that readers who get caught up in this novel's world will be thrilled to read what happens to Draken, because the story is a nice combination of familiar elements and a touch of originality and freshness. It's an excellent summer read.
Betsy Dornbusch's Exile is the first part of The Seven Eyes fantasy series. The sequel, Emissary, will be published next year.
Before I write more about this novel, I'll have to mention that writing this review is difficult for me, because Exile is both a good and flawed fantasy novel. I'm a bit torn between liking and criticizing this novel. (I'll also briefly mention that I mostly agree with many other reviewers who have reviewed this novel and have pointed out the flaws in the story.)
This novel has all the necessary ingredients and elements that are needed to create an excellent fantasy novel, and it's definitely an entertaining and intriguing read, but - in my opinion - it lacks a bit of depth and style. The lack of depth and style isn't exactly a bad thing, because this novel is pure entertainment, but experienced adult fantasy readers will easily notice what's missing from the story. Readers who are looking for an entertaining and light story, will most likely enjoy this novel very much, because it's an exciting novel and a good start to a new fantasy series that differs from other series.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
- Draken vae Khellian is locked up in a ship's hold. He's half-breed - both royal blood and Brinian blood courses through his veins. The ship he's on is headed towards Akrasia, "the arse-end of the world". Draken has been in Black Guard and knows a few things about the world. He gained information about the world by interrogating Brinian soldiers. His wife has died in the hands of Akrasian magickers, and he is falsely condemned and banished to Akrasia for the murder of his wife. Draken is driven forward by his will to avenge his wife's death.
- Osias is a necromancer who saves Draken from spirit possession. He warns people of the banes (spirits). Osias takes Draken to meet Queen Elena, because he wants Draken to testify about the dangers of the banes. Setia is Osias' companion and half-Moonling.
- When Draken and Osias go to meet Queen Elena, the queen is almost killed, but is saved by Osias. Soon Draken tries to find the person who tried assassinate her...
Here's a few words about the good things in this novel:
- The best thing about this novel is that the fantasy world is genuinely interesting. For example, there are seven moons (Seven Eyes) at the sky that are worshipped as gods. There are also different races in the world.
- I also enjoyed reading about how Draken was torn between his desire for revenge and his duty to a foreign queen. To be honest, this made me read the whole novel as fast as possible, because I had to find out what happens to Draken and how he handles matters.
- There's intriguing magic in the world and it was interesting to read about it, but the magic system isn't fully explored in this novel. I hope that more things about the magic system will be revealed in the sequels, because reading about magic is always fun.
And here's a few words about the flaws in this novel:
- There's one very easily noticeable flaw in this novel. In my opinion things are too easy for the protagonist and he seems to overcome obstacles too easily. His situation improves too fast for my taste, because it feels unrealistic (when he's cast upon the shores of Akrasia, he almost immediately gets out of trouble and finds himself in a foreign court).
- The other noticeable flaw is that the characterization isn't as good as it could be. The characters are interesting, but there's not much depth in them. This bothered me, because in this kind of darker fantasy novels I expect to read about characters that have plenty of depth in them. Because Draken and Osias are interesting characters, it would've been nice to read more about their feelings, traits and flaws.
I have to mention that I found it interesting that the author refered to such difficult things as bisexuality and racial differences. Because these references added both originality and freshness to the story, it would've been nice if the author had written more about them.
Despite a few noticeable flaws Betsy Dornbusch definitely does have ambition and shows talent for writing adult fantasy that differs nicely from the new novels that other authors have written during the last couple of years. I'm sure that when she develops her writing style a bit further, she will become an author to watch for in the near future.
Rating this novel is a bit difficult for me, because despite its flaws I found myself liking it and look forward to reading the sequel. After careful consideration I decided to give Exile 3.5 stars, because it's good and harmless entertainment.
My final words are:
Although Exile does have flaws, it's a good, exciting and entertaining fantasy novel for adults, because it's something a bit different. I think that readers who get caught up in this novel's world will be thrilled to read what happens to Draken, because the story is a nice combination of familiar elements and a touch of originality and freshness. It's an excellent summer read.
November 25, 2018
It started off a little slow for me but I'm glad I kept reading.
December 19, 2018
Overall, I enjoyed this novel, although it seemed uneven in places. Sometimes the motivations of the characters were vague. But I find myself wanting to know what happens next...
June 1, 2013
Exile by Betsy Dornbusch tells the story of Draken, a half breed of royal and slave blood who is exiled from his kingdom after being accused of the murder of his own wife by the king who happens to be his cousin. The book revolves around Draken’s quest to return back home and avenge the death of his wife and prove himself innocent. Along the way be meets many characters who are of importance to him as they help him come closer and closer to finding out the murderer. After arriving at Akrasia with the help of a few wizards, Draken begins to gain power in the kingdom by befriending the queen after saving her life, and with the power he is given by the queen he is to return to his Homeland Monoea where he will prosecute an escaped convict and hopefully solve the case of his murdered wife.
What I loved about this book is the whole idea of a fantasy book and the use of magic and politics to create the storyline. The fact that the King of Monoea is the cousin of Draken really gives the reader the knowledge from the start that there will be some sort of contention between the two. I loved the magic portion to this book because the little detailed use of magic really makes for a great theme in the book and it helps Draken along his journey as he travels through no man’s land and needs the help of mances (wizards) to get through. The great use of politics in this books made me love the book more because it makes for a great story to see an enemy cousin come to power in a foreign land and return to his homeland for revenge.
What I didn’t like about this book was the flaws the characters had. Although the characters had certain characteristics about them such as being a mance or a half bred slave, the characters need a little work on them and need to have more of their own story in depth. The characters need to be worked on in regards to the way they act and their personalities need a fine tuning. Also, I didn’t like the ending because you could infer from the beginning who exactly the murderer was going to be and this book tended to be recurring in its events and the magic seemed predictable.
If I were to choose whether to recommend this book to someone or not I would definitely make it a yes to pick this one up. This book has the fantasy lover’s shelves stacked with stuff to love. It takes place in a distant land where the everyday life there is different than in a non-fiction book and it has a great deal of magic use and the guidance or a mentor of a person. It seems to follow the normal storyline of a hero’s journey and it makes the book more enjoyable to read when you know you are going to see all the components of any book revolved around a hero because you know you are going to see some action and you know there will be great obstacles that are somehow overcome. Definitely pick this book up. The best part is that it is only the first of a seven book series, how awesome is that?
What I loved about this book is the whole idea of a fantasy book and the use of magic and politics to create the storyline. The fact that the King of Monoea is the cousin of Draken really gives the reader the knowledge from the start that there will be some sort of contention between the two. I loved the magic portion to this book because the little detailed use of magic really makes for a great theme in the book and it helps Draken along his journey as he travels through no man’s land and needs the help of mances (wizards) to get through. The great use of politics in this books made me love the book more because it makes for a great story to see an enemy cousin come to power in a foreign land and return to his homeland for revenge.
What I didn’t like about this book was the flaws the characters had. Although the characters had certain characteristics about them such as being a mance or a half bred slave, the characters need a little work on them and need to have more of their own story in depth. The characters need to be worked on in regards to the way they act and their personalities need a fine tuning. Also, I didn’t like the ending because you could infer from the beginning who exactly the murderer was going to be and this book tended to be recurring in its events and the magic seemed predictable.
If I were to choose whether to recommend this book to someone or not I would definitely make it a yes to pick this one up. This book has the fantasy lover’s shelves stacked with stuff to love. It takes place in a distant land where the everyday life there is different than in a non-fiction book and it has a great deal of magic use and the guidance or a mentor of a person. It seems to follow the normal storyline of a hero’s journey and it makes the book more enjoyable to read when you know you are going to see all the components of any book revolved around a hero because you know you are going to see some action and you know there will be great obstacles that are somehow overcome. Definitely pick this book up. The best part is that it is only the first of a seven book series, how awesome is that?
March 14, 2013
Full disclosure: I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
It's very, very rare to come across a truly original entry in the epic fantasy world, these days. Though in some ways I'm not even sure fantasy describes this book. Yes, it's obviously fantasy with magic and different races and such things, but at the same time it doesn't seem to focus on those things. It doesn't have the 'feel' of a typical fantasy book, and to me that's a good thing. Perhaps because it lacks some of the heaviness that many serious fantasy novels have. I did find that to be a good thing, though. It let the story move fairly quickly without getting bogged down on small details.
The world itself is very well laid out, especially because the reader is discovering it as the main character does. Rather clever of the author, there. Didn't even occur to me as I was reading, but in retrospect it worked and was very entertaining.
Characters...complex, interesting, well-rounded. I could go on, but you get the idea. At no point did I get the feeling I was dealing with cut outs or your typical fantasy cliches. Though I'll admit I'm a sucker for an anti-hero, which the main character definitely is. The relationships throughout the story are just as interesting, and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
I found the story itself to be very compelling and very original. It was one of those books that I couldn't wait to pick up when I had to set it down to go do something else. Halfway through I found myself lamenting the fact that there aren't any other books in the series written yet. I'm not going to talk much about it because there really is a lot to give away. I, for one, did not see the twists coming.
I really look forward to the next book in the series and finding out more about these characters, as well as the world they live in. Unlike so many books, these days, there's a very satisfying ending to this tale. Yes, it's apparently part of a larger story arc, but the author has not neglected the necessary resolution in each smaller part.
It's very, very rare to come across a truly original entry in the epic fantasy world, these days. Though in some ways I'm not even sure fantasy describes this book. Yes, it's obviously fantasy with magic and different races and such things, but at the same time it doesn't seem to focus on those things. It doesn't have the 'feel' of a typical fantasy book, and to me that's a good thing. Perhaps because it lacks some of the heaviness that many serious fantasy novels have. I did find that to be a good thing, though. It let the story move fairly quickly without getting bogged down on small details.
The world itself is very well laid out, especially because the reader is discovering it as the main character does. Rather clever of the author, there. Didn't even occur to me as I was reading, but in retrospect it worked and was very entertaining.
Characters...complex, interesting, well-rounded. I could go on, but you get the idea. At no point did I get the feeling I was dealing with cut outs or your typical fantasy cliches. Though I'll admit I'm a sucker for an anti-hero, which the main character definitely is. The relationships throughout the story are just as interesting, and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
I found the story itself to be very compelling and very original. It was one of those books that I couldn't wait to pick up when I had to set it down to go do something else. Halfway through I found myself lamenting the fact that there aren't any other books in the series written yet. I'm not going to talk much about it because there really is a lot to give away. I, for one, did not see the twists coming.
I really look forward to the next book in the series and finding out more about these characters, as well as the world they live in. Unlike so many books, these days, there's a very satisfying ending to this tale. Yes, it's apparently part of a larger story arc, but the author has not neglected the necessary resolution in each smaller part.
March 21, 2015
I love reading fantasy novels, everything from LOTR (yes, I'm a Silmarillion reader) to light reading teen fantasy. I have a lot of room for appreciation of fantasy books, and I can appreciate a book even for just the parts that excite me. There were quite a few in this book that did it for me.
There are some reviews of this book that point out some flaws: things are too easy for the protagonist (I agree), and lack of characterization depth, for example. These flaws are real, but they are only parts of the book, and they did not detract from my enjoyment of the entire story. And I really, really enjoyed it.
The pacing was great; I was hooked immediately. The first third of the book was high intensity, action and intrigue, and I really couldn't put it down. There was a bit of a slump in the middle, but honestly, the hooks it placed in me during the first part carried me through. The last part of the book picked up to a running pace, and the challenge was to keep up with all of the developments.
I feared (from the cover) that the book may have been one of those "fantasy romance" novels. That's just not my thing, and thankfully, it didn't turn out that way, which I appreciate very much. There was certainly some sexual tension (and not all of it heterosexual), which made it more interesting.
I loved the world that the author created. It was different enough (from seven moons to various acknowledged races) that I couldn't compare it to anything exactly, making it a unique setting. The magic system wasn't completely explained, and I LIKE that! There's no reason not to keep a little mystery in the setting, and that leaves the sequels open to exploring this more. And I must say, I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
There are some reviews of this book that point out some flaws: things are too easy for the protagonist (I agree), and lack of characterization depth, for example. These flaws are real, but they are only parts of the book, and they did not detract from my enjoyment of the entire story. And I really, really enjoyed it.
The pacing was great; I was hooked immediately. The first third of the book was high intensity, action and intrigue, and I really couldn't put it down. There was a bit of a slump in the middle, but honestly, the hooks it placed in me during the first part carried me through. The last part of the book picked up to a running pace, and the challenge was to keep up with all of the developments.
I feared (from the cover) that the book may have been one of those "fantasy romance" novels. That's just not my thing, and thankfully, it didn't turn out that way, which I appreciate very much. There was certainly some sexual tension (and not all of it heterosexual), which made it more interesting.
I loved the world that the author created. It was different enough (from seven moons to various acknowledged races) that I couldn't compare it to anything exactly, making it a unique setting. The magic system wasn't completely explained, and I LIKE that! There's no reason not to keep a little mystery in the setting, and that leaves the sequels open to exploring this more. And I must say, I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 5, 2016
I found this a bit confusing in the very beginning getting used to the world of magic the author has created, but once I figured out what everything was and who everyone was, then I was more comfortable with it all. It's an excellent world she's created with totally new creatures and magics. It kept things surprising as you discovered all this new stuff and how it all worked, dead or alive or both! The characters were really great, too! Other than the fact that Draken gets over his wife's brutal death a bit too fast for my liking (needs of the story) he's really a solid character trying his best in a land he's trying really hard to understand and survive in. Royalty abounds in this book, some of it in surprising places. Draken makes friends in high places and low places as he goes. He also makes enemies all over the place. But in the end, it all seems to work out for him. I'm not sure I'm going to read the next book. I've got some very mixed feelings about the write-up. I guess the only way to know is to read it. If I do, I'll link it to this review.
I acquired this book from BookBub (Amazon) for nothing. The opinions voiced are fully my own. I am not being compensated for this review.
Judi E. Easley
I acquired this book from BookBub (Amazon) for nothing. The opinions voiced are fully my own. I am not being compensated for this review.
Judi E. Easley
July 14, 2013
The book starts right in on the action, with the main character, Draken, being tossed off a ship into exile in the land of the country he has been fighting against for years. He anticipates his survival rate to be pretty low. His crime was apparently killing his wife, but he knows the truth.
Of course, he doesn't die, and along the way he makes friends and allies with a variety of interesting characters. There are banes loose, which are powerful supernatural creatures, and they may have been loosed by the person who killed is wife, a powerful wizard, or mance.
It's an interesting read. The world building is fairly solid with some nice twists on things I've read elsewhere. Everything comes a bit too easy for Draken along the way, and he seems to fall into the right situations just when he needs to. This didn't really bother me until the end. The writing is good and it kept me turning pages. I'm interested in seeing where the series goes, especially since so much happened in the first book.
Of course, he doesn't die, and along the way he makes friends and allies with a variety of interesting characters. There are banes loose, which are powerful supernatural creatures, and they may have been loosed by the person who killed is wife, a powerful wizard, or mance.
It's an interesting read. The world building is fairly solid with some nice twists on things I've read elsewhere. Everything comes a bit too easy for Draken along the way, and he seems to fall into the right situations just when he needs to. This didn't really bother me until the end. The writing is good and it kept me turning pages. I'm interested in seeing where the series goes, especially since so much happened in the first book.
April 30, 2013
I'll admit that I don't read much epic fantasy, but this story was absorbing and intriguing right form the start. The world is vast and complex, but is revealed gradually as the hero, Draken, travels through the kingdom of Akrasia, neatly named 'the arse-end of the world'. Lots of magic, action and great characters - and although I'm not a big fan of politics and military maneuvering, it was well woven into the story and even my simple brain managed to master it. Fast moving and exciting all the way through, with plenty of twists and turns. A couple of times I was a little confused about motivations, but the story cracked on with so much excitement that this wasn't a big issue - I was happy to go along for the ride. I will definitely follow this series to the end.
August 15, 2013
truth: I picked this up off the library shelf because the guy on the cover looks like Tom Hiddleston in Loki make-up.
Once I read the back cover blurb, I decided to go ahead and check it out.
Exile is really well written. It takes place in a compelling and completely fleshed out fantasy world. Having said that, it was a struggle to get through. I just felt like the story should have picked up more, or that I was going to connect more to Draken. I don't quit books though, and am glad to have finished this one. The last 75 pages or so were worth it! it was just hard to get there.
Once I read the back cover blurb, I decided to go ahead and check it out.
Exile is really well written. It takes place in a compelling and completely fleshed out fantasy world. Having said that, it was a struggle to get through. I just felt like the story should have picked up more, or that I was going to connect more to Draken. I don't quit books though, and am glad to have finished this one. The last 75 pages or so were worth it! it was just hard to get there.
May 10, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It introduced new elements of fantasy rather than the same old elves, dwarves, dragons and orcs. I liked the way magic worked and the world was very well developed. I was a little disappointed that one particular element of Manse magic wasn't explored more thoroughly in the novel, but after all, this is only the First Book of the Seven Eyes. So I anxiously await the sequel.
April 3, 2013
I received this book as an ARC from Goodreads Firstreads. The story had a lot going on but I really, really enjoyed this book. The plot had substance without overdoing it. The main characters were strong and flawed at the same time which made it more believable for me. Definitely recommend this one as must read!
June 13, 2013
Loved the mix of characters, especially the Moonlings; love the little folk :) Great interaction between Elena and Drakken and the rest of this crazy cast. Some parts were a little slow due to some complex plotting, but overall a nice first book in the series.
June 5, 2015
If you want a book with complicated plots, cast of thousands, or nuanced heroes, look elsewhere. However if you want a very fun adventure yearn with some solid world-building and likeable protagonist, look no further. This was a fun, fun, fun read!
April 22, 2022
This book was TERRIBLE. I thought it sounded like something I would like, but the MC is a total Gary Stu and the plot only ever moves forward because he just happens to be in the right place at the right time. I regret reading it.
started_finish_later
November 12, 2012very fast moving, kept my interest for 100 pages or so but then it became just too pulpy and without anything special (impressive characters, narrative power) to continue
March 2, 2013
Just didn't work for me.
http://www.staffersbookreview.com/201...
http://www.staffersbookreview.com/201...
January 11, 2013
A little rough in places, but fair. Characters need a little work, too...
August 14, 2013
Decent enough book. Not to my liking however.
January 22, 2015
Couldn't get into this one. Hated the cover art.
April 24, 2013
A perfect example of how not to write a sword and sorcery novel.
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