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Echoes of Empire #3
The Pillars of Sand
The epic conclusion of the Echoes of Empire trilogy.
Prophecy declared that corrupt politician Corajidin would rule the Shrīanese Federation, even become its new Emperor—and sinister magic has helped him defy death in order to do it. But his victory is not assured, thanks to clashing rival factions that hinder any attempts to unify the nation. Though he has taken increasingly brutal measures to eliminate all obstacles in his path, the dark forces supporting him grow dangerously impatient. And the harder they press, the more drastic Corajidin’s actions become.
Soon, only his most powerful adversaries will stand in his way: Indris, the peerless swordsman and sorcerer who has long fought to end the Federation’s bloody turmoil; and the warrior-poet Mari, Corajidin’s own daughter and the woman Indris loves. Fate has torn them apart, forcing them into terrifying personal trials. But if Indris can bring to bear the devastating knowledge of the Pillars of Sand, and Mari can rise up as a rebel leader, Corajidin’s enemies will rally—and the decisive battle for the soul and future of the Shrīanese will begin.
This epic tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal, painted in the blood of allies and enemies by Mark T. Barnes, concludes the Echo of Empire trilogy that began with The Garden of Stones and The Obsidian Heart.
Prophecy declared that corrupt politician Corajidin would rule the Shrīanese Federation, even become its new Emperor—and sinister magic has helped him defy death in order to do it. But his victory is not assured, thanks to clashing rival factions that hinder any attempts to unify the nation. Though he has taken increasingly brutal measures to eliminate all obstacles in his path, the dark forces supporting him grow dangerously impatient. And the harder they press, the more drastic Corajidin’s actions become.
Soon, only his most powerful adversaries will stand in his way: Indris, the peerless swordsman and sorcerer who has long fought to end the Federation’s bloody turmoil; and the warrior-poet Mari, Corajidin’s own daughter and the woman Indris loves. Fate has torn them apart, forcing them into terrifying personal trials. But if Indris can bring to bear the devastating knowledge of the Pillars of Sand, and Mari can rise up as a rebel leader, Corajidin’s enemies will rally—and the decisive battle for the soul and future of the Shrīanese will begin.
This epic tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal, painted in the blood of allies and enemies by Mark T. Barnes, concludes the Echo of Empire trilogy that began with The Garden of Stones and The Obsidian Heart.
488 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
33 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Mark T. Barnes
6 books100 followersMark Barnes was born in Sydney, Australia, in September of 1966. A strong athlete, he was also drawn to the arts at a young age, penning his first short story as a seven-year-old. He worked in finance and advertising before establishing himself in IT services management. Currently he owns and operates a freelance organizational change consultancy.
In 2005, when Mark was selected to attend the Clarion South residential short story workshop, he began to write with the intention of making it more than a hobby. Since that time, Mark has published a number of short stories, worked as a freelance script editor, and has driven creative consultancy for a television series.
Mark is the author of the Echoes of Empire series, published by 47 North. The series includes The Garden of Stones, and The Obsidian Heart. The Pillars of Sand is book three of the series. In 2014 the Garden of Stones made the Top 20 novels for the David Gemmell Legend Award for best novel, and was a finalist for the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut/Newcomer.
You can find out more at www.marktbarnes.com, his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/marktbarnes.author, or follow Mark on Twitter @MarkTBarnes.
In 2005, when Mark was selected to attend the Clarion South residential short story workshop, he began to write with the intention of making it more than a hobby. Since that time, Mark has published a number of short stories, worked as a freelance script editor, and has driven creative consultancy for a television series.
Mark is the author of the Echoes of Empire series, published by 47 North. The series includes The Garden of Stones, and The Obsidian Heart. The Pillars of Sand is book three of the series. In 2014 the Garden of Stones made the Top 20 novels for the David Gemmell Legend Award for best novel, and was a finalist for the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut/Newcomer.
You can find out more at www.marktbarnes.com, his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/marktbarnes.author, or follow Mark on Twitter @MarkTBarnes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 19, 2014
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
The Pillars of Sand is a fitting ending to the Echoes of Empire fantasy series. It is filled with intense action, revelations of ancient secrets, and the continued development of one of the most interesting and fully developed fantasy worlds on the shelves today. If you are a fantasy aficionado who adores world building, voluminous lore and ancient history, then you will be hooked on Echoes of Empire from the first chapter of book one, and very quickly, Mark T. Barnes will become one of your must read authors.
As for the story in Pillars, it continues to explore the political and social upheaval of the Shrīanese Federation, as Corajidin leads his land down a road to recover its ancient greatness at any price. Standing against him are his own daughter Mari, warrior-poet of renown, and Dragon-Eyed Indris. These two are now lovers but have been torn apart by circumstances and are forced to walk different roads – even though those roads are not theirs by choice and might not lead them back together. And as these three people’s story progress, the very future of Shrīan and the world itself begin to subtly take shape before a reader’s eyes.
The hero of this tale is, without a doubt, Indris. He is the mysterious sorcerer, whose power is only rivaled by his absolute dedication to not acquiring too much of it. For Indris has learned wisdom during his troubled life, and that wisdom teaches him too much power leads one to become addicted to it, wanting more and more until eventually you are the tyrant that you once abhorred. A fate that Indris realizes he is not immune from. So while he is forced by circumstances to travel down paths to acquire power, Indris fears to embrace it, ever struggling to find the correct balance between what he must have to save his nation and what other people are trying to force him to take in order to fulfill their own selfish and mysterious designs.
Standing directly opposite the decency of Indris Dragon-Eyed is the vile evilness as represented by Corajidin. Throughout the series, Mr. Barnes has showed this powerful ruler slipping into insanity, forging pacts with evil beyond his conception, and doing horrid deeds to fulfill his destiny and bring greatness to his people. However, Corajidin has also become a three dimensional character, waxing sentimental about his love for family one minute before committing his next horrendous act the next. Few villains in fantasy have as many well intentioned reasons for their actions as Corajidin, and fewer still have as well developed humanity as he does. And Mr. Barnes does an excellent job of not just telling his readers this but showing them, as Corajidin casts aside his own honor to save his son, is willing to pay any price to aid his wife, and then looks the other way to help aid his beloved daughter Mari. When coupled with the revelation that Corajidin’s descent into insanity was not an accident, I found myself almost feeling sorry for this villain, wishing that fate had allowed Corajidin to be the decent person that he could have been in a different life.
As for Corajidin’s beloved daughter, Mari, she starts out this book by reaching her full potential as a kick-ass character. Throughout the series, Mari has fallen in love with Indris, tried to juggle both her personal convictions and her devotion to her family, and attempted to find a way to save her father and brother from their ambitions and sever their pacts with evil beings, but in this book, her circumstances have finally forced her to accept the fact that she is a woman on her own. Her family has abandoned her. Indris has been taken from her. She is a woman confined to the camp of her enemies, and only she can save herself. So Mari must forge her own destiny; a destiny which she has determined is to stop her family and its shadowy allies from destroying Shrian, no matter the cost! So while her love for Indris remains and her desire to find him again is still paramount, it is past time that she assumed the mantle of true warrior-poet!
Before I read The Pillars of Sand, I was desperate to discover what happened next in Mr. Barnes intriguing trilogy, and this story did not let me down. It roared out the gate at full speed, delivering twists and turns that I had not expected. At the halfway point, I could hardly put my e-reader down for fear of missing something. Unfortunately, around the halfway point, the story slowed down considerably. The plot continued to progress, but the pace began to crawl somewhat. Thankfully, the mid-book swoon did not continue for long, for soon Indris, Mari, and Corajidin’s stories converged and merged into a satisfactory ending that tied up many of the loose ends in this trilogy and surprised me in many ways. (Okay, some of it was surprising and some of it wasn’t.) However, what this ending did a spectacular job of doing was setting up the next series of books about Indris and Mari.
Mr. Barnes is already working on the sequel, right? :)
So if you love epic fantasy and have not tried out this series, you need to pick up The Garden of Stones and give Echoes of Empire a try, because this is a series that is only going to get better and better as Mr. Barnes expands upon it.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank both of them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
The Pillars of Sand is a fitting ending to the Echoes of Empire fantasy series. It is filled with intense action, revelations of ancient secrets, and the continued development of one of the most interesting and fully developed fantasy worlds on the shelves today. If you are a fantasy aficionado who adores world building, voluminous lore and ancient history, then you will be hooked on Echoes of Empire from the first chapter of book one, and very quickly, Mark T. Barnes will become one of your must read authors.
As for the story in Pillars, it continues to explore the political and social upheaval of the Shrīanese Federation, as Corajidin leads his land down a road to recover its ancient greatness at any price. Standing against him are his own daughter Mari, warrior-poet of renown, and Dragon-Eyed Indris. These two are now lovers but have been torn apart by circumstances and are forced to walk different roads – even though those roads are not theirs by choice and might not lead them back together. And as these three people’s story progress, the very future of Shrīan and the world itself begin to subtly take shape before a reader’s eyes.
The hero of this tale is, without a doubt, Indris. He is the mysterious sorcerer, whose power is only rivaled by his absolute dedication to not acquiring too much of it. For Indris has learned wisdom during his troubled life, and that wisdom teaches him too much power leads one to become addicted to it, wanting more and more until eventually you are the tyrant that you once abhorred. A fate that Indris realizes he is not immune from. So while he is forced by circumstances to travel down paths to acquire power, Indris fears to embrace it, ever struggling to find the correct balance between what he must have to save his nation and what other people are trying to force him to take in order to fulfill their own selfish and mysterious designs.
Standing directly opposite the decency of Indris Dragon-Eyed is the vile evilness as represented by Corajidin. Throughout the series, Mr. Barnes has showed this powerful ruler slipping into insanity, forging pacts with evil beyond his conception, and doing horrid deeds to fulfill his destiny and bring greatness to his people. However, Corajidin has also become a three dimensional character, waxing sentimental about his love for family one minute before committing his next horrendous act the next. Few villains in fantasy have as many well intentioned reasons for their actions as Corajidin, and fewer still have as well developed humanity as he does. And Mr. Barnes does an excellent job of not just telling his readers this but showing them, as Corajidin casts aside his own honor to save his son, is willing to pay any price to aid his wife, and then looks the other way to help aid his beloved daughter Mari. When coupled with the revelation that Corajidin’s descent into insanity was not an accident, I found myself almost feeling sorry for this villain, wishing that fate had allowed Corajidin to be the decent person that he could have been in a different life.
As for Corajidin’s beloved daughter, Mari, she starts out this book by reaching her full potential as a kick-ass character. Throughout the series, Mari has fallen in love with Indris, tried to juggle both her personal convictions and her devotion to her family, and attempted to find a way to save her father and brother from their ambitions and sever their pacts with evil beings, but in this book, her circumstances have finally forced her to accept the fact that she is a woman on her own. Her family has abandoned her. Indris has been taken from her. She is a woman confined to the camp of her enemies, and only she can save herself. So Mari must forge her own destiny; a destiny which she has determined is to stop her family and its shadowy allies from destroying Shrian, no matter the cost! So while her love for Indris remains and her desire to find him again is still paramount, it is past time that she assumed the mantle of true warrior-poet!
Before I read The Pillars of Sand, I was desperate to discover what happened next in Mr. Barnes intriguing trilogy, and this story did not let me down. It roared out the gate at full speed, delivering twists and turns that I had not expected. At the halfway point, I could hardly put my e-reader down for fear of missing something. Unfortunately, around the halfway point, the story slowed down considerably. The plot continued to progress, but the pace began to crawl somewhat. Thankfully, the mid-book swoon did not continue for long, for soon Indris, Mari, and Corajidin’s stories converged and merged into a satisfactory ending that tied up many of the loose ends in this trilogy and surprised me in many ways. (Okay, some of it was surprising and some of it wasn’t.) However, what this ending did a spectacular job of doing was setting up the next series of books about Indris and Mari.
Mr. Barnes is already working on the sequel, right? :)
So if you love epic fantasy and have not tried out this series, you need to pick up The Garden of Stones and give Echoes of Empire a try, because this is a series that is only going to get better and better as Mr. Barnes expands upon it.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank both of them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
July 24, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
November 21, 2017
The land within and around Shrian was littered with the detritus of past empires, echoes of glory and the high watermark of civilizations lost to time, internecine war, and blind ambition.
The author deserves full praise (and probably a much higher rating than my lukewarm three stars) for the grandiose concept and for keeping a tight control over plot and pacing in his debut epic fantasy series. The final (for now) entry is worthy of the previous set-up and ramps up both the action and the plot twists considerably. . . leaving the door open for a follow up series in a fictional world that still promises more adventures, more danger, more secret societies and more history, mythology, politics and monsters.
I think I've said it before in one of my previous two reviews that the plot and the characters, even the narration style, are reminiscent of Dune and of Malazan. Both Herbert and Erikson are probably among the favorite authors of mr. Barnes, but I must also underline that this debut series is much more than a simple fan-fiction project , and that my (relatively) poor rating comes from personal peeves and nitpicking. I know for sure I might have enjoyed the series a lot more ten or twenty years ago, but today it was a bit of a struggle to keep a straight face and to get emotionally involved in the fate of overpowered and slightly pastiche characters :
Indris dropped his metapsychic vision and called upon his psychokinesis to gently lower the Skylark to ground.
I am not planning to write any sort of plot synopsis or to go into the heroes motivations. It's basically a civil war in the former empire of Shrian, with a lot of magic thrown into the mix, and with the numerous factions involved ultimately boiling down to a fight between the two leaders : the evil overlord Corajidin of the Great House Erebus versus the rogue knight AmonIndris . There are fireworks, some humorous banter, some romance and a lot of gnomic utterances from sages of the past empires:
The Pillars of Sand, Indris. For all things we make, all the things we dream, and all the things we learn are based upon foundations that can shift, and disappear from under our feet.
My recommendation: give the series a try if you are into epic fantasy and make up your own mind.
June 1, 2014
For those who came in late
This is High Fantasy which draws inspiration from the likes of Frank Herbert's Dune and the Star Wars franchise - but without the space or scifi elements.
If you haven't started the series yet or if you've read up to book 2 and want to know if it gets better as it goes - it does. There is an initial learning curve with a lot of weird sounding names and cultures, but this is compensated by a glossary of names and cultures and terms that is in itself a delight for those who love complex and structured world building.
I think readers who persist through the initial orientation will find the effort rewarded from book one and more so in the subsequent books with this final book being the best, bringing the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. My only other advice from experience would be it is maybe best not to leave too much time gap between books to maintain continuity. Oh, and I wasn't a fan of Nick Podehl's audio narration in book one. Sticking to the print/e-ink version also gives you easy access to the glossary.
My Review of Book 1
My Review of Book 2
Review
Amon-Indris - Dragon-Eyed Indris - Badass Indris. This book we continue with the three main POV's of Indris, Mari and Corajidin - but really, Indris is the star of the show.
This book Indris must travel to the dreaded Pillars of Sand to find a key to unlocking his memories buried inside the Anamnesis Maze erected within his mind. Mari is sent into exile to be tormented by her insane grand mother - and Corajidin descends further into the Drear and continues his transformation into Darth Vader (sorry, couldn't resist at least one Star Wars reference)
I might have said it before, but I really like how the magic is described in this series - ie in terms of algorithms and equations and formulae and puzzles. Even the names just sound cool. Like Anamnesic Maze. And Disentropy - what better word to describe magic than as the opposite of Entropy.
I also really appreciate how Barnes really works at ensuring Indris, with all the levelling up he does this book doesn't become a Deus Ex Machina. I think Indris must have read Herbert's God Emperor of Dune and taken heed of what a "Man as God" would look like. Within his grasp is almost limitless power - but what is the cost of taking it to oneself? In this, both Indris' and Corajidin face the same struggle. Both know and fear the cost of absolute power. While Indris seeks to delay and resist his Awakening, Corajidin is seduced by the idea that regardless of the cost now, he will be able to put the brakes on later and make things right once he has won all.
The series ends well and there's plenty of room for more stories set in the same universe. I'm giving this book...
4.25 stars
This is High Fantasy which draws inspiration from the likes of Frank Herbert's Dune and the Star Wars franchise - but without the space or scifi elements.
If you haven't started the series yet or if you've read up to book 2 and want to know if it gets better as it goes - it does. There is an initial learning curve with a lot of weird sounding names and cultures, but this is compensated by a glossary of names and cultures and terms that is in itself a delight for those who love complex and structured world building.
I think readers who persist through the initial orientation will find the effort rewarded from book one and more so in the subsequent books with this final book being the best, bringing the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. My only other advice from experience would be it is maybe best not to leave too much time gap between books to maintain continuity. Oh, and I wasn't a fan of Nick Podehl's audio narration in book one. Sticking to the print/e-ink version also gives you easy access to the glossary.
My Review of Book 1
My Review of Book 2
Review
Amon-Indris - Dragon-Eyed Indris - Badass Indris. This book we continue with the three main POV's of Indris, Mari and Corajidin - but really, Indris is the star of the show.
This book Indris must travel to the dreaded Pillars of Sand to find a key to unlocking his memories buried inside the Anamnesis Maze erected within his mind. Mari is sent into exile to be tormented by her insane grand mother - and Corajidin descends further into the Drear and continues his transformation into Darth Vader (sorry, couldn't resist at least one Star Wars reference)
I might have said it before, but I really like how the magic is described in this series - ie in terms of algorithms and equations and formulae and puzzles. Even the names just sound cool. Like Anamnesic Maze. And Disentropy - what better word to describe magic than as the opposite of Entropy.
I also really appreciate how Barnes really works at ensuring Indris, with all the levelling up he does this book doesn't become a Deus Ex Machina. I think Indris must have read Herbert's God Emperor of Dune and taken heed of what a "Man as God" would look like. Within his grasp is almost limitless power - but what is the cost of taking it to oneself? In this, both Indris' and Corajidin face the same struggle. Both know and fear the cost of absolute power. While Indris seeks to delay and resist his Awakening, Corajidin is seduced by the idea that regardless of the cost now, he will be able to put the brakes on later and make things right once he has won all.
The series ends well and there's plenty of room for more stories set in the same universe. I'm giving this book...
4.25 stars
July 10, 2024
Such an incredible series and I think if you want a very dark unique story with great characters and prose then this is the series for you.
July 14, 2018
Book 1: 3*
Book 2: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
The series was OK. There are better series of a similar nature such as Moontide Quartet, Sorcery Ascendant, Dagger & Coin and others which have many of the same themes but were more complete stories.
The first problem is the author went for Epic. He should have kept it simple and not included hundreds of different names that were never explained in more than a cursory manner. If you take as an example Lord of the Rings when Tolkien explains the myths of the age before with all of the names of Elves and Dwarves he gives them content through stories that bring them to life and they visit these places and they become Epic through generations who have dealt with them. The Misty Mountains, Moria, Mordor and on and on they have context larger than life. I can't give context to so many of the ancient races, places and events in this series.
The second problem is the old axiom show don't tell. The perspective of the view is always one of two camera views. One is a 20,000 foot narration telling us what's happening. The second is through the eyes of the character in direct action. The second is better than the first which is what made the series readable. However great writers are able to shift the views so you get a view from how did it feel from an casual observer, how did the perspective change as the lead protagonist advanced through the battle scene, how did the doom change when the chief antagonist descended upon the army.
In short it just fell short on a lot of levels. If I hadn't bought all of the books on a one day sale I don't know that I would have finished it off. Glad I did but still there are better options.
Book 2: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
The series was OK. There are better series of a similar nature such as Moontide Quartet, Sorcery Ascendant, Dagger & Coin and others which have many of the same themes but were more complete stories.
The first problem is the author went for Epic. He should have kept it simple and not included hundreds of different names that were never explained in more than a cursory manner. If you take as an example Lord of the Rings when Tolkien explains the myths of the age before with all of the names of Elves and Dwarves he gives them content through stories that bring them to life and they visit these places and they become Epic through generations who have dealt with them. The Misty Mountains, Moria, Mordor and on and on they have context larger than life. I can't give context to so many of the ancient races, places and events in this series.
The second problem is the old axiom show don't tell. The perspective of the view is always one of two camera views. One is a 20,000 foot narration telling us what's happening. The second is through the eyes of the character in direct action. The second is better than the first which is what made the series readable. However great writers are able to shift the views so you get a view from how did it feel from an casual observer, how did the perspective change as the lead protagonist advanced through the battle scene, how did the doom change when the chief antagonist descended upon the army.
In short it just fell short on a lot of levels. If I hadn't bought all of the books on a one day sale I don't know that I would have finished it off. Glad I did but still there are better options.
May 23, 2014
I'd read some reviews of people who'd seen the ARC of this and I will admit to being somewhat jealous. The Garden of Stones was excellent, and challenged many of the fantasy genre tropes. A brave move for a debut author but one that might see this series as a high watermark of the genre. The Obsidian Heart took what Barnes had given and ramped it up: he was obviously more comfortable as a writer, with his innovative world, and the characters that inhabit it.
Though all three books were released in just under a year, I had to WAIT for The Pillars of Sand. And then like the Mark T Barnes fangirl I admit I've become, and due mostly to this man's incredible talent to paint a scene, do dialogue, and develop characters and story, I read the entire thing in a couple of days. Part of me wanted to pace myself, but I needed to know what was going to happen next as Barnes took me on a journey through the light and darkness and wonder of his final instalment of the Echoes of Empire trilogy.
In the space of three books Barnes has become one of my go to writers. I will read everything this man publishes. Not only does The Pillars of Sand have the same amazing world building, the character and story development is breathtaking. All the characters are committed to their causes, and the cost for all of them throughout the book is very real and personal. I loved that Barnes showed us the epic struggle of a nation in the way it impacted characters I came to respect greatly. Even Corajidin, mongrel that he is, showed glimmers of redemption and the occasional crack in the mask that showed that once he may have been other than what he became.
Indris is one of the best heroes I've read in epic fantasy. He's a man a reader can understand, admire, and like. He's not a typical fantasy protagonist, but a real classic hero who while powerful and compelling, is wonderfully flawed. Mari goes up again in my estimation of epic female characters in the genre: I loved her before and adore the character even more now as she has shrugged off the last tethers to her old life and is a vibrant force for change. She's strong, determined, smart, a leader, and not once did she need to sacrifice being a woman to do it. 10/10 points to Barnes on his female characters across the board. Corajidin is still driven and clearly doesn't have the best grip on reality, but the way Barnes shows his personal relationships and the dynamic of the Great House of Erebus puts everything in context, and I did feel for the villain at times. The supporting cast are likewise compelling, with some new characters that I instantly took a liking to.
I read that The Garden of Stones is a finalist for the best debut of 2013, and I threw my vote his way. Barnes' follow up books just get better. Part of me is sorry I didn't savour the book and take longer, part of me couldn't help herself. I've no idea when there'll be more books from this author, but until then I will certainly be reading The Echoes of Empire again.
Though all three books were released in just under a year, I had to WAIT for The Pillars of Sand. And then like the Mark T Barnes fangirl I admit I've become, and due mostly to this man's incredible talent to paint a scene, do dialogue, and develop characters and story, I read the entire thing in a couple of days. Part of me wanted to pace myself, but I needed to know what was going to happen next as Barnes took me on a journey through the light and darkness and wonder of his final instalment of the Echoes of Empire trilogy.
In the space of three books Barnes has become one of my go to writers. I will read everything this man publishes. Not only does The Pillars of Sand have the same amazing world building, the character and story development is breathtaking. All the characters are committed to their causes, and the cost for all of them throughout the book is very real and personal. I loved that Barnes showed us the epic struggle of a nation in the way it impacted characters I came to respect greatly. Even Corajidin, mongrel that he is, showed glimmers of redemption and the occasional crack in the mask that showed that once he may have been other than what he became.
Indris is one of the best heroes I've read in epic fantasy. He's a man a reader can understand, admire, and like. He's not a typical fantasy protagonist, but a real classic hero who while powerful and compelling, is wonderfully flawed. Mari goes up again in my estimation of epic female characters in the genre: I loved her before and adore the character even more now as she has shrugged off the last tethers to her old life and is a vibrant force for change. She's strong, determined, smart, a leader, and not once did she need to sacrifice being a woman to do it. 10/10 points to Barnes on his female characters across the board. Corajidin is still driven and clearly doesn't have the best grip on reality, but the way Barnes shows his personal relationships and the dynamic of the Great House of Erebus puts everything in context, and I did feel for the villain at times. The supporting cast are likewise compelling, with some new characters that I instantly took a liking to.
I read that The Garden of Stones is a finalist for the best debut of 2013, and I threw my vote his way. Barnes' follow up books just get better. Part of me is sorry I didn't savour the book and take longer, part of me couldn't help herself. I've no idea when there'll be more books from this author, but until then I will certainly be reading The Echoes of Empire again.
January 3, 2017
8/10
The third book in the Echoes of Empire series continues even more powerfully than its predecessors with Barnes bringing us this time in a more epic scale story full with betrayals, unexpected twists, lots of mystery and some incredible ideas; and with the characters having to face a great war, while the addition of a few sci-fi elements brings a completely different taste to the story, and making it even better.
A disease has broken out in Shrīan; a disease that threatens to kill the Rahns and, with the machinations of Corajidin for the power continuing to grow, it could bring chaos to the world, and also a great war like never before if nobody finds a solution before it’s too late.
Indris and his friends will decide to take this mission and find a solution to the Rahns’ disease, but it may prove something more difficult than they expected when in their way gets the mystery of his forgotten past, which only he can discover, and will put them on an even greater adventure and on a journey through unknown worlds and dimensions.
On the other side, Corajidin will try, through the machinations and help of his mysterious allies -which the only thing they want is to get the power of Shrīan in their hands and also of the entire Īa-, to stop them with any way he can. Only along the way he will find that the risk is probably higher than he thought and it may cost him more than he expected. Meanwhile Mari, as she will find herself captive in a place that she would have never believed to be, she will have to face her own adventures for her freedom; and it will only bring her against her family and a old, and cunning, enemy that the only thing that wants is to destroy her.
In this book Barnes continues to surprise even more than before as, with his writing seeming to flow much better, and showing now to be a bit more comfortable, he manages to bring a much stronger story with lots of action and many twists; but also handling the characters, and their points of view, even better than the previous books.
However, what I particularly liked in this book is that, besides from his incredible ideas and his world-building, he manages to add and a taste of sci-fi elements, which, along with the mysteries of the Emissaries and Indris’s past, brings a much different flavour to this world and gives it even greater dimensions than before. While in the finale Barnes closes his first trilogy very strong, and clever, without hesitating to show his hard side on some characters, but also changing entirely their future and that of the world.
Overall, this trilogy certainly had many problems but Barnes proved with each book that, besides his strong ideas and the high expectations of this world, he can also bring and some powerful stories and closing this trilogy very strong in a world that, I believe, can bring many, many more books. Definitely an author that deserves to look out more in the future.
The third book in the Echoes of Empire series continues even more powerfully than its predecessors with Barnes bringing us this time in a more epic scale story full with betrayals, unexpected twists, lots of mystery and some incredible ideas; and with the characters having to face a great war, while the addition of a few sci-fi elements brings a completely different taste to the story, and making it even better.
A disease has broken out in Shrīan; a disease that threatens to kill the Rahns and, with the machinations of Corajidin for the power continuing to grow, it could bring chaos to the world, and also a great war like never before if nobody finds a solution before it’s too late.
Indris and his friends will decide to take this mission and find a solution to the Rahns’ disease, but it may prove something more difficult than they expected when in their way gets the mystery of his forgotten past, which only he can discover, and will put them on an even greater adventure and on a journey through unknown worlds and dimensions.
On the other side, Corajidin will try, through the machinations and help of his mysterious allies -which the only thing they want is to get the power of Shrīan in their hands and also of the entire Īa-, to stop them with any way he can. Only along the way he will find that the risk is probably higher than he thought and it may cost him more than he expected. Meanwhile Mari, as she will find herself captive in a place that she would have never believed to be, she will have to face her own adventures for her freedom; and it will only bring her against her family and a old, and cunning, enemy that the only thing that wants is to destroy her.
In this book Barnes continues to surprise even more than before as, with his writing seeming to flow much better, and showing now to be a bit more comfortable, he manages to bring a much stronger story with lots of action and many twists; but also handling the characters, and their points of view, even better than the previous books.
However, what I particularly liked in this book is that, besides from his incredible ideas and his world-building, he manages to add and a taste of sci-fi elements, which, along with the mysteries of the Emissaries and Indris’s past, brings a much different flavour to this world and gives it even greater dimensions than before. While in the finale Barnes closes his first trilogy very strong, and clever, without hesitating to show his hard side on some characters, but also changing entirely their future and that of the world.
Overall, this trilogy certainly had many problems but Barnes proved with each book that, besides his strong ideas and the high expectations of this world, he can also bring and some powerful stories and closing this trilogy very strong in a world that, I believe, can bring many, many more books. Definitely an author that deserves to look out more in the future.
February 26, 2021
Die Geschichte knüpfte fast nahtlos an das Ende des zweiten Bandes an und ließ nichts zu wünschen übrig.
Indris hadert mit seinem ehemaligen Orden und deren Versprechungen ihm endlich Antworten auf seine Fragen zu geben. Mari kämpft um ihre Freiheit und Corajidin verstrickt sich in immer üblere Machenschaften. Die komplette Gesellschaft geht den Bach runter, die daraus entstandenen Spannungen in diesem Band sind fast greifbar.
Die doch überraschenden Tode aus dem zweiten Band, die große Lücken hinterlassen hatten, wurden mit neuen und sympathischen Charakteren gefüllt. Die gekonnt eingesetzten LGBTQ-Elemente haben mich positiv überrascht und wirkten nicht aufgesetzt oder platziert.
Schon zum Ende des ersten Bandes hatte ich gehofft, dass eine Person zu den Föderalisten übergehen und auf deren Seite kämpfen würde, nun in der zweiten Hälfte des letzten Bandes hat sich meine Hoffnung endlich erfüllt. Auch einige andere Vertraute Corajidins verloren langsam das Verständnis und fingen an an ihrem Herrscher zu zweifeln, was mir sehr gefiel, da nun die Verzweiflung seiner Handlungen noch deutlicher zum Vorschein kamen.
Zum Ende hin hatte ich kurzzeitig die Befürchtung, dass einige Fragen nicht mehr geklärt werden und ich mir selbst einen Reim darauf machen muss, aber weit gefehlt, es wird so gut wie alles aufgeklärt, auch wenn einiges nicht sehr ausführlich beantwortet wird. Dies hat mich jedoch kaum gestört.
Diese einzigartige Mischung der Charaktere, der sich nun zuspitzenden, spannenden Handlung und der bildgewaltigen Sprache, brachten mich dazu, dass Buch fast gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen zu wollen.
Indris hadert mit seinem ehemaligen Orden und deren Versprechungen ihm endlich Antworten auf seine Fragen zu geben. Mari kämpft um ihre Freiheit und Corajidin verstrickt sich in immer üblere Machenschaften. Die komplette Gesellschaft geht den Bach runter, die daraus entstandenen Spannungen in diesem Band sind fast greifbar.
Die doch überraschenden Tode aus dem zweiten Band, die große Lücken hinterlassen hatten, wurden mit neuen und sympathischen Charakteren gefüllt. Die gekonnt eingesetzten LGBTQ-Elemente haben mich positiv überrascht und wirkten nicht aufgesetzt oder platziert.
Schon zum Ende des ersten Bandes hatte ich gehofft, dass eine Person zu den Föderalisten übergehen und auf deren Seite kämpfen würde, nun in der zweiten Hälfte des letzten Bandes hat sich meine Hoffnung endlich erfüllt. Auch einige andere Vertraute Corajidins verloren langsam das Verständnis und fingen an an ihrem Herrscher zu zweifeln, was mir sehr gefiel, da nun die Verzweiflung seiner Handlungen noch deutlicher zum Vorschein kamen.
Zum Ende hin hatte ich kurzzeitig die Befürchtung, dass einige Fragen nicht mehr geklärt werden und ich mir selbst einen Reim darauf machen muss, aber weit gefehlt, es wird so gut wie alles aufgeklärt, auch wenn einiges nicht sehr ausführlich beantwortet wird. Dies hat mich jedoch kaum gestört.
Diese einzigartige Mischung der Charaktere, der sich nun zuspitzenden, spannenden Handlung und der bildgewaltigen Sprache, brachten mich dazu, dass Buch fast gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen zu wollen.
September 23, 2018
Action packed and easy to read. As with all the previous books in the series, extremely rich and complex world building that never hinders and actually only adds to the story.
Eventually, too many loose ends to my liking and an underwhelming ending.
Nevertheless, it was very good, almost up to the very end.
Will definitely read other books by the author.
Eventually, too many loose ends to my liking and an underwhelming ending.
Nevertheless, it was very good, almost up to the very end.
Will definitely read other books by the author.
May 30, 2015
Awesome book! I loved all of the characters (well, the ones you were supposed to anyway) and liked that the majority of the characters were not human. I guess because Mr. Barnes made them all have human feelings, emotions, and goals. (like survival, love, power, loyalty, etc) - one one hand, I liked the characters, but if they are going to be non-human, why not ascribe non-human goals and emotions to them? In spite of that, it was a great read, and I'll buy (or borrow) any future books that Mr. Barnes puts out. I was happy to find out after reading the 1st book that the trilogy was complete - I hate getting 2 books into a series I am reading and find out the 3rd book has not been written yet, and it might literally be years before the next one comes out. (Here that all you Rothfuss fans? I'm never buying the 3rd kingkiller book!)
Good read, happy I found it!
Good read, happy I found it!
May 20, 2014
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
“The Pillars of Sand” is an amazing addition to the “Echoes of Empire” series. Out of the three books this one is my favorite.
There are 3 points of view used in book 3, Indris, his lover Mariam and the greatest warrior-poet Corajidin. Corajidin is also Mariam’s father and the one man who will lead Shrian to greatness.
Corajidin is similar to Macbeth in his absolute belief that he is the true ruler of Shrian and he does all he can to realize his destiny. Having descended into the depths of dark magic and madness to bring about his destiny he willingly ignores the prophecy that also predicts he will not be able to hold on to anything or anyone he conquers.
Mariam is the lover of Indris and was raised to think for herself and have her own purpose in life. She believes in the reason Shrian was founded and a force not to be taken lightly.
Indris, continues to be a ruler that doesn’t seem to do much about anything though he continues to always be on the winning side. He appears to be afraid of the power he holds within himself and it is eventually shown that it is for the best that he is afraid for it will take control of him.
I sincerely expected this story to end differently, but in the end the author did it just the right way. The whole series is about the good and the evil of men and women and how far people are willing to go to achieve their desires.
The author has an amazing ability at storytelling and setting the stage to draw the reader in and keep them fascinated to the very last word. This is truly an epic story and one I would love to see on the big screen. It would make for an amazing movie. Move over Dune…
“The Pillars of Sand” is an amazing addition to the “Echoes of Empire” series. Out of the three books this one is my favorite.
There are 3 points of view used in book 3, Indris, his lover Mariam and the greatest warrior-poet Corajidin. Corajidin is also Mariam’s father and the one man who will lead Shrian to greatness.
Corajidin is similar to Macbeth in his absolute belief that he is the true ruler of Shrian and he does all he can to realize his destiny. Having descended into the depths of dark magic and madness to bring about his destiny he willingly ignores the prophecy that also predicts he will not be able to hold on to anything or anyone he conquers.
Mariam is the lover of Indris and was raised to think for herself and have her own purpose in life. She believes in the reason Shrian was founded and a force not to be taken lightly.
Indris, continues to be a ruler that doesn’t seem to do much about anything though he continues to always be on the winning side. He appears to be afraid of the power he holds within himself and it is eventually shown that it is for the best that he is afraid for it will take control of him.
I sincerely expected this story to end differently, but in the end the author did it just the right way. The whole series is about the good and the evil of men and women and how far people are willing to go to achieve their desires.
The author has an amazing ability at storytelling and setting the stage to draw the reader in and keep them fascinated to the very last word. This is truly an epic story and one I would love to see on the big screen. It would make for an amazing movie. Move over Dune…
July 21, 2023
I liked this one a lot better than Book 2, I think mostly due to the fact that the POV time is evenly split between Mari, Indris, and Corajidin rather than focusing on Corajidin so much.
Overall, this was a good series, but there were a number of loose threads at the end that left it feeling unfinished to me. There were some things I didn't like, but they barely scuffed what was a really well-done MacBeth-ian tale of a rise and fall under the pretense of prophecy.
Indris' origin was a bit of a surprise, and though some friends are lost along the way, it's interesting to see how everything played out. There were a few important events that took place off stage and were summarized after the fact, and overall, I felt some of the reconciliations were a bit of a stretch, but that's as likely a product of "that's not how I would write it" as "this couldn't possibly work out this way."
Certainly well worth the read, and I'd be interested to see if Mr. Barnes returns to this fantasy world of his to expand it if and when he gets the rights back from the publisher. I don't think this should have stopped at 3 books, and that's both a "complaint" and high praise.
Overall, this was a good series, but there were a number of loose threads at the end that left it feeling unfinished to me. There were some things I didn't like, but they barely scuffed what was a really well-done MacBeth-ian tale of a rise and fall under the pretense of prophecy.
Indris' origin was a bit of a surprise, and though some friends are lost along the way, it's interesting to see how everything played out. There were a few important events that took place off stage and were summarized after the fact, and overall, I felt some of the reconciliations were a bit of a stretch, but that's as likely a product of "that's not how I would write it" as "this couldn't possibly work out this way."
Certainly well worth the read, and I'd be interested to see if Mr. Barnes returns to this fantasy world of his to expand it if and when he gets the rights back from the publisher. I don't think this should have stopped at 3 books, and that's both a "complaint" and high praise.
July 27, 2015
The epic conclusion of the series Echoes of an Empire. Thrilling plot, very nice characters and perfect World building. This book contains schemes , twisting plots and fascinating character development that give the book and the series as a whole a very exciting flavour from different genres ( drama, sci-fi, paranormal and a very light taste of romance). I have spoken with the author of the series via email and he told me that there are going to be more than the three already published books. In my opinion this is a very good decision because this book as a kind of conclusion has many gaps and threads that should be more exploited. As for the writing style of the author you should be informed about the fact that many new readers may find it a bit difficult to read, BUT I think because of the author's passion and technique we can bypass this small problem.
April 11, 2014
Have you read any of the Echoes of Empire trilogy by Mark Barnes? Then go NO further, hit your library, Amazon, your bookstore, your neighbor, that weird scifi kid down the street, go READ them.
One of the most incredible, intriguing worlds I have ever read about in recent memory, great action, and again I use the word INTRIGUE, but great story and tension and I cared what happened. Lots of time you read something and can't wait for it to be over, all I wanted at the end of The Pillars of Sand was MORE BOOKS.
check this out, I know I say that alot, but THIS you won't regret, that I promise.
8 stars out of 5, 27 stars for the whole series. (out of 15)
One of the most incredible, intriguing worlds I have ever read about in recent memory, great action, and again I use the word INTRIGUE, but great story and tension and I cared what happened. Lots of time you read something and can't wait for it to be over, all I wanted at the end of The Pillars of Sand was MORE BOOKS.
check this out, I know I say that alot, but THIS you won't regret, that I promise.
8 stars out of 5, 27 stars for the whole series. (out of 15)
August 11, 2016
Having read the first two books I have become accustomed to Barnes style of writing and I must say, I like it more so now. The writing is very well done, very detailed and informative, and well edited. The characters have evolved, developed and have a very real feel to them. This is carried on through the three books in a fluid manner. The plot flow is nicely done. I like how the threads are brought to conclusion. This author is one to watch. I received an evaluation copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. No compensation has been or will be received beyond the evaluation copy.
November 15, 2014
Wow, I finished this yesterday and I am already waiting for the next one! What an incredible ride! The Author does a great job of tying up loose plot threads, while leaving some open for future installments. Leaders fall, new leaders rise and conspiracies are revealed for what they are. Some epic magic and some epic battles really top it all off. There is so much character growth, and the revelations about some characters actual just leave you breathless, wanting more. I can't wait for the next book. Read this!!
August 10, 2014
Phenomenal! Watch out GRR Martin!!
Absolutely riveting, breathtaking and prosaic.
Stunning world within a world. This new author has the makings of becoming the next GRRM or possibly even my favorite, Erickson. With time, growth and patience I think he may challenge them both.
Bravo,bravo bravo!
one thing though, don't say it's a complete series when the story isn't complete. lots of us HATE cliffhanger! LOL
otherwise great job. Keep up the good work!
Absolutely riveting, breathtaking and prosaic.
Stunning world within a world. This new author has the makings of becoming the next GRRM or possibly even my favorite, Erickson. With time, growth and patience I think he may challenge them both.
Bravo,bravo bravo!
one thing though, don't say it's a complete series when the story isn't complete. lots of us HATE cliffhanger! LOL
otherwise great job. Keep up the good work!
January 13, 2015
A phenomenal conclusion to a very interesting trilogy. On the whole, I enjoyed the world building and revelation in the third book a lot. I can't wait to see further what Barnes writes in this fun and exotic world.
As with the other novels in the series, I didn't find Mark's writing style easy to work through, but don't let that dissuade you. It is well written and very, very good. The series is worth a read, even if you find the first book to be a little over your head.
As with the other novels in the series, I didn't find Mark's writing style easy to work through, but don't let that dissuade you. It is well written and very, very good. The series is worth a read, even if you find the first book to be a little over your head.
March 31, 2015
spectacular end to a great trilogy
Hard to do this without spoilers but let's say everything gets resolved and in the resolution more questions get asked. I would compare this with the best of The malazan books without the long monologues. Action driven and if I may...there maybe dragons!
Hard to do this without spoilers but let's say everything gets resolved and in the resolution more questions get asked. I would compare this with the best of The malazan books without the long monologues. Action driven and if I may...there maybe dragons!
November 5, 2015
Amazing chapter of this series
This was, by far, my favorite of the series. I was amazed at how many twists and plot turns one book can have and still be readable. Indris and Mari have an amazing tale between them that has transcended all three novels. Bravo Mr. Barnes!!!
This was, by far, my favorite of the series. I was amazed at how many twists and plot turns one book can have and still be readable. Indris and Mari have an amazing tale between them that has transcended all three novels. Bravo Mr. Barnes!!!
May 18, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
The Pillars of Sand is an absolute stunner from beginning to end. Even the opening synopsis that recaps the events of the previous two books reads like an awesome story being told around a campfire, reciting the tales of the legends that have gone before.
But don’t rely on that summary if you haven’t read the first two books in the Echoes of Empire series, get yourself a copy of the utterly fantastic first book, The Garden of Stones and then continue breathlessly through the heroes' valley of the shadow in The Obsidian Heart. You’ll be panting to read The Pillars of Sand just to find out how our heroes, their country, and their world get out of the horrible fix that they are in.
The story is again told from three different points of view, Dragon-Eyed Indris, for whom every faction seems to have a different destiny, none of which he remotely desires; his lover Mariam of the House of Erebus, one of the greatest warrior-poets that Shrian has ever produced, and her father Corajidin, the man who would lead Shrian to horrific greatness at incalculable cost.
Corajidin’s story is much like Macbeth’s; he believes that he has a destiny to rule Shrian, so he brings that destiny about no matter what dark powers he needs to consort with or how deep the madness into which he must descend. He never seems to understand that destiny is a two-edged sword, and that the prophecy he follows also predicts that he will not be able to hold onto anything, or anyone he conquers.
In our terms, he has sold his soul to the devil, but it turns out that he is dealing with beings even more fell than our version of Satan.
Mariam is Corajidin’s daughter, but she was raised to have her own mind and her own purpose. She believes in the ethics and morals that founded Shrian, and not the depths to which her father would sink them. And so she becomes a force for good, or at least better.
Indris is the great puzzle. He has acquired so much power, but he fears, with good reason, to use it. He knows that if he lets what is inside him loose, the power will use him. And so will entirely too many people who have been hiding the truth from him for far too long.
But they were right, some truths are too unbelievable to know. And yet, they must be revealed in order to save what can be saved. However little that might be.
Escape Rating A+: Mark Barnes did it again. I stood at the bus stop with my mouth gaping open, completely overwhelmed by the ending. Also terribly, terribly sad that I will not get to return to Shrian.
I expected a slightly different ending. I’m much happier with the one I got, but I was expecting something darker. Not that the butcher’s bill in the end wasn’t high, but it wasn’t outrageously high. Sadly, just enough and not too much.
One of the things that fascinates about the story and it’s entire construction; The Echoes of Empire, as a whole, is about the evil that men (and women) do to each other. It is a battle between good and evil, but all the players are some variation of people, not deities or demons. (In some cases they may be dead people, but still people).
Humans and their equivalents do not need any help in finding the path to damnation and destruction. We’re quite good at getting there all on our own.
The Pillars of Sand brings the Echoes of Empire to a beautiful, and shattering conclusion. If you love epic fantasy and have not started this series, I envy you the joy of discovering this marvelous series for the first time.
The Pillars of Sand is an absolute stunner from beginning to end. Even the opening synopsis that recaps the events of the previous two books reads like an awesome story being told around a campfire, reciting the tales of the legends that have gone before.
But don’t rely on that summary if you haven’t read the first two books in the Echoes of Empire series, get yourself a copy of the utterly fantastic first book, The Garden of Stones and then continue breathlessly through the heroes' valley of the shadow in The Obsidian Heart. You’ll be panting to read The Pillars of Sand just to find out how our heroes, their country, and their world get out of the horrible fix that they are in.
The story is again told from three different points of view, Dragon-Eyed Indris, for whom every faction seems to have a different destiny, none of which he remotely desires; his lover Mariam of the House of Erebus, one of the greatest warrior-poets that Shrian has ever produced, and her father Corajidin, the man who would lead Shrian to horrific greatness at incalculable cost.
Corajidin’s story is much like Macbeth’s; he believes that he has a destiny to rule Shrian, so he brings that destiny about no matter what dark powers he needs to consort with or how deep the madness into which he must descend. He never seems to understand that destiny is a two-edged sword, and that the prophecy he follows also predicts that he will not be able to hold onto anything, or anyone he conquers.
In our terms, he has sold his soul to the devil, but it turns out that he is dealing with beings even more fell than our version of Satan.
Mariam is Corajidin’s daughter, but she was raised to have her own mind and her own purpose. She believes in the ethics and morals that founded Shrian, and not the depths to which her father would sink them. And so she becomes a force for good, or at least better.
Indris is the great puzzle. He has acquired so much power, but he fears, with good reason, to use it. He knows that if he lets what is inside him loose, the power will use him. And so will entirely too many people who have been hiding the truth from him for far too long.
But they were right, some truths are too unbelievable to know. And yet, they must be revealed in order to save what can be saved. However little that might be.
Escape Rating A+: Mark Barnes did it again. I stood at the bus stop with my mouth gaping open, completely overwhelmed by the ending. Also terribly, terribly sad that I will not get to return to Shrian.
I expected a slightly different ending. I’m much happier with the one I got, but I was expecting something darker. Not that the butcher’s bill in the end wasn’t high, but it wasn’t outrageously high. Sadly, just enough and not too much.
One of the things that fascinates about the story and it’s entire construction; The Echoes of Empire, as a whole, is about the evil that men (and women) do to each other. It is a battle between good and evil, but all the players are some variation of people, not deities or demons. (In some cases they may be dead people, but still people).
Humans and their equivalents do not need any help in finding the path to damnation and destruction. We’re quite good at getting there all on our own.
The Pillars of Sand brings the Echoes of Empire to a beautiful, and shattering conclusion. If you love epic fantasy and have not started this series, I envy you the joy of discovering this marvelous series for the first time.
June 30, 2014
47North is an offshoot company of Amazon, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it. This is the finale to the Echoes of Empire trilogy that began with The Garden of Stones and The Obsidian Heart. While this is the end of this trilogy, it still leaves many unanswered questions that I hope will create enough interest for the author to carry the series forward, perhaps from a different character’s storyline. I did like how this story arc ended and there was much to learn about the history of the world and of Indris and the families, but it was very nicely spread out over the 450 pages. The battle at the end was, somewhat, a foregone conclusion, but it was fascinating how Indris, Mari and their companions brought it all together. The worldbuilding was unique and intense and kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. As soon as I got each book, it went right to the top of my to-be-read pile as I couldn’t wait to find out what happens. Once you start, you’ll see what I mean; this is epic fantasy at its most epic, yet still tightly plotted with few wasted words and great character development.
May 29, 2015
Exemplary! A Joy to Read...
Three novels, this being the third, which tell a fabulously rich and varied story of the best cast of characters I have read about in years.
Think Dune, or Shadow of the Torturer by Wolfe for the depth of philosophy, or the layers of political and military complexity (early Dune, any of Wolfe's Old Sun, New Sun novels). Needless to say, this trilogy has classic written all over it.
Corajidin, as an evil antagonist, is the most human evil dude I have ever read about. Driven by a deep-seated love for his family, as well as a burning need for world domination, Corajidin wants to rule the world, with all the power, money and military might, as long as his family is by his side, agreeing with him, and is physically and mentally alright. Corajidin is also the most devious ruler in a fantasy epic that I have read in the last decade while being blind to to his people's requirement's,
Three novels, this being the third, which tell a fabulously rich and varied story of the best cast of characters I have read about in years.
Think Dune, or Shadow of the Torturer by Wolfe for the depth of philosophy, or the layers of political and military complexity (early Dune, any of Wolfe's Old Sun, New Sun novels). Needless to say, this trilogy has classic written all over it.
Corajidin, as an evil antagonist, is the most human evil dude I have ever read about. Driven by a deep-seated love for his family, as well as a burning need for world domination, Corajidin wants to rule the world, with all the power, money and military might, as long as his family is by his side, agreeing with him, and is physically and mentally alright. Corajidin is also the most devious ruler in a fantasy epic that I have read in the last decade while being blind to to his people's requirement's,
August 1, 2014
An excellent ending. A few more solid twists, and continued excellent world building. The books have gotten better and better, with a deep and complex world. I look forward to seeing what the author does in the future, with either this world or another. Putting this series on my all times shelf.
Additionally, the use of "foreign" language was very skilled in this series. Words "fit" without feeling like they were thrown in for "oh look, this is a foreign land, here's a new name for coffee!" effect. You could group them by sound, hinting at linguistic etymological links, something often not done. Excellent.
Oh, and in this one there's a couple of adorable gay couples in the wings. Something I like to see.
Additionally, the use of "foreign" language was very skilled in this series. Words "fit" without feeling like they were thrown in for "oh look, this is a foreign land, here's a new name for coffee!" effect. You could group them by sound, hinting at linguistic etymological links, something often not done. Excellent.
Oh, and in this one there's a couple of adorable gay couples in the wings. Something I like to see.
June 28, 2014
I'm torn on what to say about this one, because it closes an awesome trilogy set in a fantastically original and complex world, that this really only scratches the surface of. (If you want to know more detail, read my reviews of the first two.) I know it's not perfect, and it's probably not as good as the previous two (concluding books often have trouble), but just for the excitement it brought I've got to give 5 stars. This was the first time in...well, a long time, since I've craved the next book in a series and known I had to read to the end. And I'm also hoping it's not the end, for all that. New books please, Mr Barnes!
September 3, 2016
Readers of my blog know that I am a near-fanatic aficionado of author Mark T. Barnes, the writer who reignited an affection for Fantasy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to.read all three installments of his ECHOES OF EMPIRE trilogy in quick succession; and now, for those of you who have held your breath waiting for it---here is THE PILLARS OF SAND, today!
Readers of Fantasy: Drop everything! You owe it to yourself to read THE PILLARS OF SAND immediately!
Aspiring Writers: Get over here and learn how real World-Building is done!
All the rest of us: READ THIS SERIES!!
Readers of Fantasy: Drop everything! You owe it to yourself to read THE PILLARS OF SAND immediately!
Aspiring Writers: Get over here and learn how real World-Building is done!
All the rest of us: READ THIS SERIES!!
Read
June 16, 2015Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
To be safe, I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
To be safe, I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
May 7, 2014
Wow. This has to be my favorite works by an Aussie author ever. Mark T. Barnes has become one of my top 5 go-to authors. A review will be forthcoming - once I have finished basking in the afterglow and can say something more than itsamazingyouhavetogobuyitnow!!!
August 2, 2015
This is by far the best one in the Tril. Lose ends are tied up and I got a better understand as to what the author was going for. I loves that the description of things were so detailed that I could picture it in my head.
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