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Kencyrath #3–4
Seeker's Bane
Two epic novels of fantasy adventure in one volume:
Seeker's Mask: After an epic adventure that will become the stuff of legend, Jame has been reunited with her older brother Torisen and with her people, the Kencyrath. But when she is placed in the Women's Halls and expected to become a normal, quiet Kencyr lady, normal and quiet are not what the Women's Halls are going to get. Shadow Guild Assassins, ghosts, and other strange beings are soon after her, sprung not only from her own adventurous past but from the tragic, mysterious events that nearly annihilated her family in her father's time.
To Ride a Rathorn: Jame's adventures continue as she arrives at the randon military college Tentir to face cut-throat competition and find even more buried, poisonous family secrets. The Kencyr have a phrase, ''to ride a rathorn,'' referring to a task too dangerous either to accomplish or to give up. This is true for Jame both figuratively, given her military career in a college which no Highborn girl has ever attended before, and literally, in that she is being stalked by one of these murderous, ivory-clad creatures whose mother she killed and who is now after her blood. All in all, Jame's school days are shaping up to be anything but golden.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (DRM Rights Management).
Seeker's Mask: After an epic adventure that will become the stuff of legend, Jame has been reunited with her older brother Torisen and with her people, the Kencyrath. But when she is placed in the Women's Halls and expected to become a normal, quiet Kencyr lady, normal and quiet are not what the Women's Halls are going to get. Shadow Guild Assassins, ghosts, and other strange beings are soon after her, sprung not only from her own adventurous past but from the tragic, mysterious events that nearly annihilated her family in her father's time.
To Ride a Rathorn: Jame's adventures continue as she arrives at the randon military college Tentir to face cut-throat competition and find even more buried, poisonous family secrets. The Kencyr have a phrase, ''to ride a rathorn,'' referring to a task too dangerous either to accomplish or to give up. This is true for Jame both figuratively, given her military career in a college which no Highborn girl has ever attended before, and literally, in that she is being stalked by one of these murderous, ivory-clad creatures whose mother she killed and who is now after her blood. All in all, Jame's school days are shaping up to be anything but golden.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (DRM Rights Management).
1139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
22 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 17, 2024
First, a bit of historical context.
In the early 1980s, P.C. Hodgell published two pretty great fantasy novels about (well, mostly) one Jame of the Kencyrath -- God Stalk, in which Jame found herself in the god-haunted city of Tai-Tastigon, and Dark of the Moon, in which Jame left the city and went looking for her twin brother Tori, and we started to see more of the larger picture. And that one did end on, well, not a cliffhanger per se, but clearly with more story to come.
And then ... nothing.
Myself, I didn't discover the books until I found used copies at Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore (Minneapolis, MN) sometime in the early to mid-1990s. And I read them and thought they were great, and was lamenting to the clerk (on a subsequent visit) about there not being any more, and he told me, "Oh, yes, there's a third book."
Wait, WHAT?!?!?
Come to find out, in 1994, a small press (Hypatia Press) had published a third book in the series, Seeker's Mask.
(And it was a lovely, jacketless hardcover:
And then Hypatia Press went out of business, and rights to the series were picked up by Meisha Merlin, who republished the first three novels and published a fourth novel, To Ride a Rathorn
(also with a nice cover)). And then Meisha Merlin also went belly-up. Sigh.
But as it happens, this is a story that has a happy ending, because after Meisha Merlin folded, Baen picked up the rights to the series, republished the existing four books (as two two-volume omnibi), and has now put out a further five books (bringing the total to nine).
Anyhoo, so this review is Seeker's Bane, an omnibus of the third & fourth books. In book 3 (Seeker's Mask), Jame, having been reunited with her long-lost twin brother Tori (well, technically, she's the long-lost one -- he's been the high lord of the Kencyrath while she's been gallivanting around; he's also (for Reasons that have to do with her lostness) now about ten years older than she is), is dumped unceremoniously into the highborn women's quarters; this is a … poor fit for her, for one thing because she's been off learning to be a knife fighter and a thief; and for another thing, the sorts of poisonous intrigues one finds in the women's quarter are not what she's used to, and she does tend to take a bull-in-a-china-shop approach to things.
In book 4 (To Ride a Rathorn), having been booted from the women's quarters, she's now sent to a sort of military training academy for young noble types; and the intrigues here are different, but no less poisonous.
And looming over everything, the shadow of Perimal Darkling, against whom the Kencyrath have fought a worlds-spanning, kind of losing battle for the past 30,000 years.
Two more great books in the series, with plots and adventures and magic and the occasional note of whimsy.
In the early 1980s, P.C. Hodgell published two pretty great fantasy novels about (well, mostly) one Jame of the Kencyrath -- God Stalk, in which Jame found herself in the god-haunted city of Tai-Tastigon, and Dark of the Moon, in which Jame left the city and went looking for her twin brother Tori, and we started to see more of the larger picture. And that one did end on, well, not a cliffhanger per se, but clearly with more story to come.
And then ... nothing.
Myself, I didn't discover the books until I found used copies at Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore (Minneapolis, MN) sometime in the early to mid-1990s. And I read them and thought they were great, and was lamenting to the clerk (on a subsequent visit) about there not being any more, and he told me, "Oh, yes, there's a third book."
Wait, WHAT?!?!?
Come to find out, in 1994, a small press (Hypatia Press) had published a third book in the series, Seeker's Mask.
(And it was a lovely, jacketless hardcover:
And then Hypatia Press went out of business, and rights to the series were picked up by Meisha Merlin, who republished the first three novels and published a fourth novel, To Ride a Rathorn
(also with a nice cover)). And then Meisha Merlin also went belly-up. Sigh.
But as it happens, this is a story that has a happy ending, because after Meisha Merlin folded, Baen picked up the rights to the series, republished the existing four books (as two two-volume omnibi), and has now put out a further five books (bringing the total to nine).
Anyhoo, so this review is Seeker's Bane, an omnibus of the third & fourth books. In book 3 (Seeker's Mask), Jame, having been reunited with her long-lost twin brother Tori (well, technically, she's the long-lost one -- he's been the high lord of the Kencyrath while she's been gallivanting around; he's also (for Reasons that have to do with her lostness) now about ten years older than she is), is dumped unceremoniously into the highborn women's quarters; this is a … poor fit for her, for one thing because she's been off learning to be a knife fighter and a thief; and for another thing, the sorts of poisonous intrigues one finds in the women's quarter are not what she's used to, and she does tend to take a bull-in-a-china-shop approach to things.
In book 4 (To Ride a Rathorn), having been booted from the women's quarters, she's now sent to a sort of military training academy for young noble types; and the intrigues here are different, but no less poisonous.
And looming over everything, the shadow of Perimal Darkling, against whom the Kencyrath have fought a worlds-spanning, kind of losing battle for the past 30,000 years.
Two more great books in the series, with plots and adventures and magic and the occasional note of whimsy.
Read
January 12, 2018Somewhere, there is a person who bought this based on the cleavage shown in the cover art, and was later very disappointed.
July 7, 2014
Includes Seeker's Mask and To Ride a Rathorn:
Seeker's Mask:
A sequel to "God Stalk" and "Dark of the Moon," "Seeker's Mask" is definitely the best of the three - one can definitely see Hodgell really finding her stride, and moving ahead with both characterization and plot.
At the outset of this book, Jame has finally found her brother, Torisen, but unfortunately, he really doesn't know what to do with her. Having grown up partly in the sinister realm of Perimal Darkling and then as apprentice thief and tavern dancer, Jame is far from the typical meek and obedient highborn Kencyr lady. Regardless, Tori has her escorted to the women's quarters – and tries to forget about her. Unfortunately, not only does Jame not fit in socially, the women's quarters are also home to her brother's consort, noblewoman of an enemy house. But the jealous and bitter Kallistyne may be one of the more minor dangers awaiting Jame, as old blood feuds awaken. Soon Jame is on the run, in a danger-filled quest of self-discovery and family reconciliation, where, of course, the fate of worlds may hang in the balance.
To Ride a Rathorn:
Fourth in the series... got motivated to read this by picking up the seventh. But I'm still missing two...
In this segment of the tale, Jamethiel has been named by her brother, the Highlord Torisen, as his heir. She's also escaped the halls of highborn women, and enrolled in the demanding randon college of Tentir, to be trained in martial arts.
However, although she's achieved these goals, things are still hard for her. She has enemies at the school, and many do not take her unusual position seriously, mostly because she's a woman, but also because of who she is, and her family history.
In addition, she seems to be pursued by an enigmatic rathorn colt (a carnivorous, armored horse), and strange visions and supernatural visitations follow her...
I felt that this book has passages of true beauty and brilliance. However, as whole, it feels a bit unfocused. It does read more like a segment of a larger tale, rather than a self-contained story. And often, what was 'real' and what was supposed to be a vision or nightmare got a bit hazy and confusing - intentionally so, but I still felt that it detracted from my reading experience. The pacing was sometimes slow and uneven. However, when it honed in on Jamethiel's experiences at the school, I quite enjoyed it.
Seeker's Mask:
A sequel to "God Stalk" and "Dark of the Moon," "Seeker's Mask" is definitely the best of the three - one can definitely see Hodgell really finding her stride, and moving ahead with both characterization and plot.
At the outset of this book, Jame has finally found her brother, Torisen, but unfortunately, he really doesn't know what to do with her. Having grown up partly in the sinister realm of Perimal Darkling and then as apprentice thief and tavern dancer, Jame is far from the typical meek and obedient highborn Kencyr lady. Regardless, Tori has her escorted to the women's quarters – and tries to forget about her. Unfortunately, not only does Jame not fit in socially, the women's quarters are also home to her brother's consort, noblewoman of an enemy house. But the jealous and bitter Kallistyne may be one of the more minor dangers awaiting Jame, as old blood feuds awaken. Soon Jame is on the run, in a danger-filled quest of self-discovery and family reconciliation, where, of course, the fate of worlds may hang in the balance.
To Ride a Rathorn:
Fourth in the series... got motivated to read this by picking up the seventh. But I'm still missing two...
In this segment of the tale, Jamethiel has been named by her brother, the Highlord Torisen, as his heir. She's also escaped the halls of highborn women, and enrolled in the demanding randon college of Tentir, to be trained in martial arts.
However, although she's achieved these goals, things are still hard for her. She has enemies at the school, and many do not take her unusual position seriously, mostly because she's a woman, but also because of who she is, and her family history.
In addition, she seems to be pursued by an enigmatic rathorn colt (a carnivorous, armored horse), and strange visions and supernatural visitations follow her...
I felt that this book has passages of true beauty and brilliance. However, as whole, it feels a bit unfocused. It does read more like a segment of a larger tale, rather than a self-contained story. And often, what was 'real' and what was supposed to be a vision or nightmare got a bit hazy and confusing - intentionally so, but I still felt that it detracted from my reading experience. The pacing was sometimes slow and uneven. However, when it honed in on Jamethiel's experiences at the school, I quite enjoyed it.
October 15, 2009
Darkling, Original Fantasy
This is an omnibus collection of Books 3 & 4; Godstalker Chronicles contains Books 1 & 2
Patrica Hodgell is my favorite author, one of the most creative, inspired writers of fantasy today. With her tales of the Kencyrath, Hodgell has created a darkly brilliant, sensuously intriguing, heart-poundingly exciting, amazingly original worldscape, with deeply fascinating, utterly human yet definitely NOT human characters who have the most entertaining flaws, as well as the most captivating strengths.
Jame, Hodgell's female protagonist, is THE anti-hero, her people's anticipated (and equally feared) avatar of destruction, and yet one who strives with the rigid honor of her people to undo what havoc her mere presence unfailing creates. A darkling, a thief, a dancer, a Senethar fighter, a Shanir gifted (or cursed) with some of her race's most feared psychic abilities, Jame is everything a Highborn girl should NOT be, and yet she is, amazingly and unrepentantly so. Disarmingly self-deprecating, surprisingly down-to-earth (for someone of the purest blood), and frighteningly capable, Jame is the hub and her people's destiny revolves around her, wheeling all of creation toward a fate that no one, not even Jame or her twin brother Tori, can imagine.
I wait (impatiently) patient for each new installment in Jame's story because it's absolutely worth it. I revisit Hodgell's works every year because they collectively serve as a reminder, year after year, of what criteria I should follow for seeking out the best in literary fantasy. And because I love it so damn much.
You won't go wrong doing to same.
This is an omnibus collection of Books 3 & 4; Godstalker Chronicles contains Books 1 & 2
Patrica Hodgell is my favorite author, one of the most creative, inspired writers of fantasy today. With her tales of the Kencyrath, Hodgell has created a darkly brilliant, sensuously intriguing, heart-poundingly exciting, amazingly original worldscape, with deeply fascinating, utterly human yet definitely NOT human characters who have the most entertaining flaws, as well as the most captivating strengths.
Jame, Hodgell's female protagonist, is THE anti-hero, her people's anticipated (and equally feared) avatar of destruction, and yet one who strives with the rigid honor of her people to undo what havoc her mere presence unfailing creates. A darkling, a thief, a dancer, a Senethar fighter, a Shanir gifted (or cursed) with some of her race's most feared psychic abilities, Jame is everything a Highborn girl should NOT be, and yet she is, amazingly and unrepentantly so. Disarmingly self-deprecating, surprisingly down-to-earth (for someone of the purest blood), and frighteningly capable, Jame is the hub and her people's destiny revolves around her, wheeling all of creation toward a fate that no one, not even Jame or her twin brother Tori, can imagine.
I wait (impatiently) patient for each new installment in Jame's story because it's absolutely worth it. I revisit Hodgell's works every year because they collectively serve as a reminder, year after year, of what criteria I should follow for seeking out the best in literary fantasy. And because I love it so damn much.
You won't go wrong doing to same.
July 10, 2018
Another great book from hodgell. Worst cover award. What was the publisher thinking.
October 16, 2018
I think on a whole these two books are better than the first two in the series, and I liked the first two as well. The last half of the fourth book I had a very hard time putting down. Onwards to the next.
April 2, 2018
Catching up
Love the characters. Glad to find all on ebooks. Very enjoyable reading on my days off. I am looking forward the next instalment.
Love the characters. Glad to find all on ebooks. Very enjoyable reading on my days off. I am looking forward the next instalment.
June 27, 2018
Hate the cover as it sexualizes the main character in such as way to minimize her abilities and true powers.
November 17, 2018
Another excellent book in the series. I love these books. I first found them in 1982. Then nothing for many years. I was thrilled when I saw that Baen was releasing them again.
Read
August 16, 20203 and a half stars
July 18, 2014
Such a rich, complex world, a tapestry of concepts and imagery so tightly woven the mind boggles at the skill and focus it took to write it. No matter how many years have passed between readings (because yes these are books well worth returning to over and over again) the story still resonates with the reader in me while the writer in me stands in open-mouthed awe. If you love epic fantasy and want to experience a truly unique and often unforgiving world full of action, adventure, and intrigue, this is the series you must read. Eight books in all and I can swear without reserve that at least the first seven are worth both your time and your dime. The only reason I don't include the eighth in that is because I haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet.
February 19, 2013
4/5; 4 stars; A-
This is the Omnibus edition containing Seeker's Mask and To Ride a Rathorn. I reviewed them separately:
Seeker's Mask
To Ride a Rathorn
This is the Omnibus edition containing Seeker's Mask and To Ride a Rathorn. I reviewed them separately:
Seeker's Mask
To Ride a Rathorn
Read
October 7, 2009Not finishing this one. Just not my thing.
May 3, 2010
Books 3 & 4.
So much mystery left to finish in only one more book.
Great story.
So much mystery left to finish in only one more book.
Great story.
December 5, 2010
The more Hodgell I read, the more I like it. She's a very interesting writer with different but enjoyable fantasy.
September 28, 2012
Not as exciting as the tai tastigon set section but overall well written characters and a fascinating world.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews