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The Forsaken Lands #2
The Dagger's Path
The second in a new fantasy series from acclaimed Australian author Glenda Larke.
It should have been easy -- return the stolen feather and restore Ardhi back to his rightful place. But when Saker, Ardhi, Sorrel, and Piper arrive to find the island in chaos, returning just the one feather will not help -- not when the other three have mysteriously disappeared as well.
As Saker and Ardhi work to mend the distrust caused by Ardhi's betrayal and attempt to retrieve the other feathers, they slowly find a sort of peace with the islanders. That is, until Saker realizes they unintentionally led the Spice traders straight to the sacred island they were hoping to protect. Now Saker must fight with both the Va witchery and Chenderawasi magic to defend everything that Ardhi holds dear. But Saker's powers are very new, and their enemies have them surrounded.
It should have been easy -- return the stolen feather and restore Ardhi back to his rightful place. But when Saker, Ardhi, Sorrel, and Piper arrive to find the island in chaos, returning just the one feather will not help -- not when the other three have mysteriously disappeared as well.
As Saker and Ardhi work to mend the distrust caused by Ardhi's betrayal and attempt to retrieve the other feathers, they slowly find a sort of peace with the islanders. That is, until Saker realizes they unintentionally led the Spice traders straight to the sacred island they were hoping to protect. Now Saker must fight with both the Va witchery and Chenderawasi magic to defend everything that Ardhi holds dear. But Saker's powers are very new, and their enemies have them surrounded.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
18 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Glenda Larke
26 books377 followersGlenda was born in Western Australia, the daughter of a farmer. She was educated at government state schools and the University of Western Australia, where she obtained a degree in history and a diploma in education. Married to a Malaysian scientist, she has grown-up children, and now lives in Malaysia, where she is actively involved in rainforest conservation.
Author of The Isles of Glory trilogy (The Aware, Gilfeather, The Tainted); The Mirage Makers trilogy (Heart of the Mirage, The Shadow of Tyr, Song of the Shiver Barrens) and, writing as Glenda Noramly, a stand-alone book Havenstar.
Author of The Isles of Glory trilogy (The Aware, Gilfeather, The Tainted); The Mirage Makers trilogy (Heart of the Mirage, The Shadow of Tyr, Song of the Shiver Barrens) and, writing as Glenda Noramly, a stand-alone book Havenstar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 28, 2016
4,5 stars, leaning towards 5 stars.
This book has all that I look for in traditional fantasy.
This book has all that I look for in traditional fantasy.
January 30, 2015
Saker, Sorrel, Ardhi, and Piper are onboard a Lowmeer ship when the ship’s captain hands over the feathers that Saker used to let them set sail to another and decides to have the majority of the main party killed. Through misadventure our team finds a different ship to take them to Ardhi’s home islands. Meanwhile the dark secrets of Lowmeer are coming out. As an enemy army is growing our heroes are just discovering what is amiss.
The Dagger’s Path is the second novel in Larke’s The Forsaken Lands trilogy. The story mainly sticks with Saker, Sorrel, and Ardhi as the main characters. We do get to see more of Mathilda’s cunning and spend a good amount of time with Gerelda, a lawyer to Fritillary Reeding. While this sounds like a lot of characters and a lot to keep up with, it isn’t. Larke does an amazing job showing readers her world in a way that feels seamless.
Saker and Sorrel get to experience Ardhi’s land for the first time, as do readers. I was very excited about this trip, and enjoyed the vibrant lush setting. I don’t love quest story fantasy, instead I stick to intrigue and wars, but this really worked for me. Even with the inclusion of Juster, a kind of pirate that is delightful, even if a little bit of a predictable character. Saker, Sorrel, and Ardhi’s experience seems to push their friendship further as both men end up experiencing romantic feelings for Sorrel.
Mathilda, the lady sold to Lowmeer’s court, I used to feel frustrated for. In this she takes control in a way that seems believable, but it harsh. She’s coming into her own in the midst of a ton of secrets. Some of her actions are shocking and horrifying, but in ways that I still find intriguing.
Gerelda has a special place in my heart. From finding a boy pushed down a cliff side, to discovering how she can help the kingdoms, she is all over the place. She is both practical and easy to like. As the plot thickens she finds herself in the thick of it.
I felt as if The Dagger’s Path was more accessible than the previous novel, The Lascar’s Dagger. I’d forgotten a lot of the story from last year, but as I read I started to remember more and more. Larke navigates waters that other authors might make too complicated.
I didn’t mention the antagonist, mainly because while his army becomes important he is rarely on the page in this book. That shadow organization, the Dire Sweepers let loose some of their secrets and give up information instead.
If I was going to recommend this series it would be to someone who wants to read a fantasy novel but doesn’t want the weapons, war, and intrigue details to move to the forefront. The focus is set on the characters and their relationships which makes it an easy story to slip into.
- Elizabeth
The Dagger’s Path is the second novel in Larke’s The Forsaken Lands trilogy. The story mainly sticks with Saker, Sorrel, and Ardhi as the main characters. We do get to see more of Mathilda’s cunning and spend a good amount of time with Gerelda, a lawyer to Fritillary Reeding. While this sounds like a lot of characters and a lot to keep up with, it isn’t. Larke does an amazing job showing readers her world in a way that feels seamless.
Saker and Sorrel get to experience Ardhi’s land for the first time, as do readers. I was very excited about this trip, and enjoyed the vibrant lush setting. I don’t love quest story fantasy, instead I stick to intrigue and wars, but this really worked for me. Even with the inclusion of Juster, a kind of pirate that is delightful, even if a little bit of a predictable character. Saker, Sorrel, and Ardhi’s experience seems to push their friendship further as both men end up experiencing romantic feelings for Sorrel.
Mathilda, the lady sold to Lowmeer’s court, I used to feel frustrated for. In this she takes control in a way that seems believable, but it harsh. She’s coming into her own in the midst of a ton of secrets. Some of her actions are shocking and horrifying, but in ways that I still find intriguing.
Gerelda has a special place in my heart. From finding a boy pushed down a cliff side, to discovering how she can help the kingdoms, she is all over the place. She is both practical and easy to like. As the plot thickens she finds herself in the thick of it.
I felt as if The Dagger’s Path was more accessible than the previous novel, The Lascar’s Dagger. I’d forgotten a lot of the story from last year, but as I read I started to remember more and more. Larke navigates waters that other authors might make too complicated.
I didn’t mention the antagonist, mainly because while his army becomes important he is rarely on the page in this book. That shadow organization, the Dire Sweepers let loose some of their secrets and give up information instead.
If I was going to recommend this series it would be to someone who wants to read a fantasy novel but doesn’t want the weapons, war, and intrigue details to move to the forefront. The focus is set on the characters and their relationships which makes it an easy story to slip into.
- Elizabeth
June 9, 2015
Follow up to “The Lascar’s Dagger” and part of an on-going series. You do need to read the previous book before this, it can’t be read in isolation.
Author Glenda Larke brings us up to speed on the quest to return stolen magical feathers to their islands of origin but also introduces a new character and switches the perspective from the trip to the Islands, back to the investigations into the growing evil and its origin and also to the Royal shenanigans where the Regina plots her survival and ways to increase power….
While this does feel like a ‘middle’ book of a trilogy there is still quite a lot to enjoy. Our characters develop and the plot thickens with some pretty unexpected reveals which puts the next book in a very interesting place. I like the author’s style and these are very enjoyable fantasy romps.
Author Glenda Larke brings us up to speed on the quest to return stolen magical feathers to their islands of origin but also introduces a new character and switches the perspective from the trip to the Islands, back to the investigations into the growing evil and its origin and also to the Royal shenanigans where the Regina plots her survival and ways to increase power….
While this does feel like a ‘middle’ book of a trilogy there is still quite a lot to enjoy. Our characters develop and the plot thickens with some pretty unexpected reveals which puts the next book in a very interesting place. I like the author’s style and these are very enjoyable fantasy romps.
March 29, 2015
Second book syndrome.
Feel like nothing happened. It felt like an in-between book.
It was either too short or too long.
Too long for the small amount of story that happened, too short for the sheer amount of characters.
Characters are underdeveloped. They appear randomly to show us important information or elements of the story.
Would have been much better if they only had Saker and maybe 2 more characters in a duology-- not a trilogy.
The only thing this book really had was information-- it answered to most of our questions from book 1. But this information would have been just fine if it was found at the end of book 1 and book 3.
Feel like nothing happened. It felt like an in-between book.
It was either too short or too long.
Too long for the small amount of story that happened, too short for the sheer amount of characters.
Characters are underdeveloped. They appear randomly to show us important information or elements of the story.
Would have been much better if they only had Saker and maybe 2 more characters in a duology-- not a trilogy.
The only thing this book really had was information-- it answered to most of our questions from book 1. But this information would have been just fine if it was found at the end of book 1 and book 3.
June 6, 2015
The Dagger's Path by Glenda Larke is the sequel to The Lascar's Dagger, and book two in the trilogy. I enjoyed the first book a lot and was not disappointed by this continuation. Note that this isn't the kind of series that you can read out of order; if you haven't read book one, start there.
It should have been easy -- return the stolen feather and restore Ardhi back to his rightful place. But when Saker, Ardhi, Sorrel, and Piper arrive to find the island in chaos, returning just the one feather will not help -- not when the other three have mysteriously disappeared as well.
As Saker and Ardhi work to mend the distrust caused by Ardhi's betrayal and attempt to retrieve the other feathers, they slowly find a sort of peace with the islanders. That is, until Saker realizes they unintentionally led the Spice traders straight to the sacred island they were hoping to protect. Now Saker must fight with both the Va witchery and Chenderawasi magic to defend everything that Ardhi holds dear. But Saker's powers are very new, and their enemies have them surrounded.
Obviously, The Dagger's Path continues the story started in The Lascar's Dagger, following Saker, Sorrel and Ardhi on their journey to the Va-forsaken hemisphere (not a spoiler because did any of us really think the magic would let Sorrel do anything other than keep travelling with the other protagonists?). In the first half of the book, however, we are also introduced to two new characters who I also rather liked.
The new characters are a lawyer working for the clergy and a young boy who crosses her path. I was surprised at how much of the early part of the book focused on them, but I also really enjoyed it. As well as letting us know what's happening "back home" (though there are also the royal points of view there) they have their own part to play in the whole "saving the world" narrative. The stakes for which, by the way, are significantly higher than it seemed in the first book.
Where in the first book a lot of the focus was on Ardhi's quest, in The Dagger's Path it starts to take a back seat to greater goings-on (although obviously it's still very important to Ardhi). We learn more about the Horned Death plague and why the bad guy is so dangerous and evil. As always, Larke presents a compelling world, all the more so now that we get to see more of it. The Va-forsaken hemisphere is partly what we expected from the first book, but also Ardhi's home country was more surprising than expected. So that was cool. And I like how the quest segued into the set up for the last volume of the series.
I really love all of Glenda Larke's books, and this latest instalment in her latest series is absolutely no exception. If you enjoyed The Lascar's Dagger, why haven't you read it yet? And if you haven't, then go pick it up and start this wonderful series. Especially if you want something other than yet another medieval European-set fantasy in your life. Larke's fantasy worlds are some of the best I've come across.
4.5 / 5 stars
Read more reviews on my blog.
It should have been easy -- return the stolen feather and restore Ardhi back to his rightful place. But when Saker, Ardhi, Sorrel, and Piper arrive to find the island in chaos, returning just the one feather will not help -- not when the other three have mysteriously disappeared as well.
As Saker and Ardhi work to mend the distrust caused by Ardhi's betrayal and attempt to retrieve the other feathers, they slowly find a sort of peace with the islanders. That is, until Saker realizes they unintentionally led the Spice traders straight to the sacred island they were hoping to protect. Now Saker must fight with both the Va witchery and Chenderawasi magic to defend everything that Ardhi holds dear. But Saker's powers are very new, and their enemies have them surrounded.
Obviously, The Dagger's Path continues the story started in The Lascar's Dagger, following Saker, Sorrel and Ardhi on their journey to the Va-forsaken hemisphere (not a spoiler because did any of us really think the magic would let Sorrel do anything other than keep travelling with the other protagonists?). In the first half of the book, however, we are also introduced to two new characters who I also rather liked.
The new characters are a lawyer working for the clergy and a young boy who crosses her path. I was surprised at how much of the early part of the book focused on them, but I also really enjoyed it. As well as letting us know what's happening "back home" (though there are also the royal points of view there) they have their own part to play in the whole "saving the world" narrative. The stakes for which, by the way, are significantly higher than it seemed in the first book.
Where in the first book a lot of the focus was on Ardhi's quest, in The Dagger's Path it starts to take a back seat to greater goings-on (although obviously it's still very important to Ardhi). We learn more about the Horned Death plague and why the bad guy is so dangerous and evil. As always, Larke presents a compelling world, all the more so now that we get to see more of it. The Va-forsaken hemisphere is partly what we expected from the first book, but also Ardhi's home country was more surprising than expected. So that was cool. And I like how the quest segued into the set up for the last volume of the series.
I really love all of Glenda Larke's books, and this latest instalment in her latest series is absolutely no exception. If you enjoyed The Lascar's Dagger, why haven't you read it yet? And if you haven't, then go pick it up and start this wonderful series. Especially if you want something other than yet another medieval European-set fantasy in your life. Larke's fantasy worlds are some of the best I've come across.
4.5 / 5 stars
Read more reviews on my blog.
August 11, 2015
Go read book one of this series. Then read this one. Then, like me, wait with your heart in your mouth for the next however many months it is until the next book comes out, because, like me, you'll be desperate to find out what happens next, because it's SO GOOD. Larke writes powerful characters, fascinating landscapes, culturally diverse settings, surprising plots and flat out awesome prose that has you gasping as you fervently turn the pages. Do yourself a favour and get hooked!
May 13, 2019
In the finale of the first book, our heroes Saker, Ardhi, and Sorrel boarded a ship that traveled to the Spicery. Therefore, two new viewpoint characters are added in order to tell how Fox’s plans are progressing. Gerelda, Saker’s lawyer friend from the first book, and a young boy called Peregrine.
The first half mostly focuses on the happenings in Ardonne and Lowmeer. You learn more about Fox and how the Regals of Lowmeer came into power. This part was really interesting and sometimes left you speechless because of the ruthlessness. Basically, the Fox family played a long con on the Lowmeer Regals. If Valerian hadn’t gotten ambitious they could have gone on with this plan for all eternity. I really liked that part.
The Spicery storyline became better in later on, once they reached their destination and we are treated to a new setting. The revelation about the Rajas was very well done. I also liked how the author handles the subject of prejudices.
My one gripe is the character of Saker. Not that I don’t like him, but he is a fumbling bumbling idiot. He keeps making stupid decisions that put himself and others at risk. In the last book, he was almost executed because of it. If the unseen guardian hadn’t intervened by giving him his witchery, control over birds, then he would have died. In this one he almost keelhauled and Sorrel barely escapes herself, after the captain sends to sailors out to kill her and Piper. If he was your typical young boy with a great destiny hero this wouldn’t be as much of a problem. While Saker is still in his early twenties, he used to be a spy. So I expected him to be more experienced and better at his job. Mostly her survives by sheer dumb luck.
This is, however, my only gripe. Other than that I really like this series.
Now, this is conjecture on my part in regards to Saker‘s origin, which we still haven’t been told. Based on the prologue of the book and the fact that Saker was able to receive a witchery. I think that the woman in the prologue was his mother. However, she lied to Fox and he wasn’t actually the father, even though he desperately wanted to be, apparently because of her bloodline. I think the real father is the leader of the Dire Sweepers.
The first half mostly focuses on the happenings in Ardonne and Lowmeer. You learn more about Fox and how the Regals of Lowmeer came into power. This part was really interesting and sometimes left you speechless because of the ruthlessness. Basically, the Fox family played a long con on the Lowmeer Regals. If Valerian hadn’t gotten ambitious they could have gone on with this plan for all eternity. I really liked that part.
The Spicery storyline became better in later on, once they reached their destination and we are treated to a new setting. The revelation about the Rajas was very well done. I also liked how the author handles the subject of prejudices.
My one gripe is the character of Saker. Not that I don’t like him, but he is a fumbling bumbling idiot. He keeps making stupid decisions that put himself and others at risk. In the last book, he was almost executed because of it. If the unseen guardian hadn’t intervened by giving him his witchery, control over birds, then he would have died. In this one he almost keelhauled and Sorrel barely escapes herself, after the captain sends to sailors out to kill her and Piper. If he was your typical young boy with a great destiny hero this wouldn’t be as much of a problem. While Saker is still in his early twenties, he used to be a spy. So I expected him to be more experienced and better at his job. Mostly her survives by sheer dumb luck.
This is, however, my only gripe. Other than that I really like this series.
Now, this is conjecture on my part in regards to Saker‘s origin, which we still haven’t been told. Based on the prologue of the book and the fact that Saker was able to receive a witchery. I think that the woman in the prologue was his mother. However, she lied to Fox and he wasn’t actually the father, even though he desperately wanted to be, apparently because of her bloodline. I think the real father is the leader of the Dire Sweepers.
March 17, 2024
A fun continuation of the first book in the series. There was quite a bit more plot progression in this one now that the world was established in the first and sets up nicely for the conflict in the third book.
May 14, 2025
I didn’t love the first book, and I didn’t love this one. I was intrigued enough with the last one that I continued, but quite frankly I’m just not interested in finishing the story. I love the world building, which is a major strength! Saker was less annoying, but Sorrel became more annoying. I had more respect for Mathilda in this one. And Ardhi…my boy…why do we need to shove ANOTHER love triangle in, just to cause him pain later down the road??
This could have been an excellent series, but I just feel like the characters need work.
This could have been an excellent series, but I just feel like the characters need work.
February 19, 2020
I feel like this book could have been a good wrap up to the story if it had chosen to be. Instead it seems a bit lost. Sorrel is a little clueless about the feelings of men to a point I disbelieve it. And I think this book really needed a decent editor to read it over just one last time for the amount of silly mistakes I found.
Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the book but I was expecting more.
Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the book but I was expecting more.
July 23, 2021
The adventure continues. Am really enjoying this trilogy. All the main characters are so well developed and the story has a good pace; not drawn out for the sake of it and not too rushed.
Am looking forward to starting the last book.
Am looking forward to starting the last book.
June 28, 2017
Ooh, interesting, where is this going to go? I want to know!
September 20, 2017
Not as good as the first book, but still an interesting story. I loved the last stormlord series, but this one seems to have less developed characters somehow.
May 22, 2019
Awesome Book, can't wait to dig into the third.
October 18, 2020
Addictive to read I finished this book immediately and moved to the next in the trilogy. Great pacing, immersive storyline.
January 29, 2015
Previously Published at TheQwillery.com
Last year's The Lascar's Dagger was my favorite fantasy book of 2014, so, I'll be honest, I had some pretty high hopes for the second book. Thankfully, The Dagger's Path delivers. It progresses the overall plot of the series, keeps you invested in the characters and introduces new struggles.
Glenda Larke shows great skill at creating engaging characters and perfectly timing their entrance. In the first book, I assumed that Saker Rampion was the protagonist of the series and wondered why Larke spent so much time with Ardhi and Sorrel Redwing. But after reading the second book, I'm convinced this series is more of an ensemble cast of protagonists with seven key players with vital roles that will probably follow into the third book of the series. Despite the large group with varying storylines, I never felt disconnected from them, even when each story was several chapters apart.
At the end of the first book, we left off with Saker, Sorrel and Ardhi on a ship sailing south to the Va-Forsaken Lands. In the second book, we see them struggle to return the golden feathers safely home, while in the Kingdom of Ardrone, Gerelda Brantheld and Peregrine, a 12-year-old boy, are on a mission to discover how the Pitch-men are connected to the Horned Death and Prime Fox. Prince Ryce attempts to free his father from Prime Fox's influence. In the Regality of Lowmeer, Regala Mathilda plots to save her infant son from inheriting his father's family curse.
By spreading her characters out in three different parts of the world, Larke is able to create a fully fleshed-out world. The world continues to grow as we spend time traveling to different locations. We learn more about Ardhi's island home, Chenderawasi, and its unique race; we explore the different factions of the religion of Va and A'Va and their role in the upcoming chaos; and we delve into the character of Prime Fox, his sorcery, and what it might mean for the world at large.
I want to talk for a moment about Larke's pacing and how it differs from traditional fantasy stories. In most cases if an author needs to quicken the pace, we see our heroes battle a monster or some other fast-burning event that makes you rush through the pages. This series is more of a slow burn. It doesn't feel slow while reading it, but there aren't as many battles or monumental events. Instead, Larke creates character struggles that draw you in and your desire to see them resolved makes you continue to read even after you tell yourself you're going to stop for the night.
I'm not saying there aren't battles and action in the book, but I think it's fair to say it's not to the same degree as what most fantasy readers expect. Being a reader that loves a lot of action and battles, I have to say I found just as much enjoyment in this book. So, for any of you who prefer to stick with the ax-wielding dwarves and master swordsmen, give this book a chance.
The Dagger's Path is a wonderful second book in one of the best new series I've read in a while. Larke has created unforgettable characters and an enticing story. The violence is minimal as well as the use of adult language and sexual situations. I would recommend it to older young adults and adults. I'd also recommend it to anyone who likes a page-turner with well-developed characters.
Last year's The Lascar's Dagger was my favorite fantasy book of 2014, so, I'll be honest, I had some pretty high hopes for the second book. Thankfully, The Dagger's Path delivers. It progresses the overall plot of the series, keeps you invested in the characters and introduces new struggles.
Glenda Larke shows great skill at creating engaging characters and perfectly timing their entrance. In the first book, I assumed that Saker Rampion was the protagonist of the series and wondered why Larke spent so much time with Ardhi and Sorrel Redwing. But after reading the second book, I'm convinced this series is more of an ensemble cast of protagonists with seven key players with vital roles that will probably follow into the third book of the series. Despite the large group with varying storylines, I never felt disconnected from them, even when each story was several chapters apart.
At the end of the first book, we left off with Saker, Sorrel and Ardhi on a ship sailing south to the Va-Forsaken Lands. In the second book, we see them struggle to return the golden feathers safely home, while in the Kingdom of Ardrone, Gerelda Brantheld and Peregrine, a 12-year-old boy, are on a mission to discover how the Pitch-men are connected to the Horned Death and Prime Fox. Prince Ryce attempts to free his father from Prime Fox's influence. In the Regality of Lowmeer, Regala Mathilda plots to save her infant son from inheriting his father's family curse.
By spreading her characters out in three different parts of the world, Larke is able to create a fully fleshed-out world. The world continues to grow as we spend time traveling to different locations. We learn more about Ardhi's island home, Chenderawasi, and its unique race; we explore the different factions of the religion of Va and A'Va and their role in the upcoming chaos; and we delve into the character of Prime Fox, his sorcery, and what it might mean for the world at large.
I want to talk for a moment about Larke's pacing and how it differs from traditional fantasy stories. In most cases if an author needs to quicken the pace, we see our heroes battle a monster or some other fast-burning event that makes you rush through the pages. This series is more of a slow burn. It doesn't feel slow while reading it, but there aren't as many battles or monumental events. Instead, Larke creates character struggles that draw you in and your desire to see them resolved makes you continue to read even after you tell yourself you're going to stop for the night.
I'm not saying there aren't battles and action in the book, but I think it's fair to say it's not to the same degree as what most fantasy readers expect. Being a reader that loves a lot of action and battles, I have to say I found just as much enjoyment in this book. So, for any of you who prefer to stick with the ax-wielding dwarves and master swordsmen, give this book a chance.
The Dagger's Path is a wonderful second book in one of the best new series I've read in a while. Larke has created unforgettable characters and an enticing story. The violence is minimal as well as the use of adult language and sexual situations. I would recommend it to older young adults and adults. I'd also recommend it to anyone who likes a page-turner with well-developed characters.
June 13, 2015
This review forms part of my contribution to the Australian Women Writers 2015 Reading Challenge. All my 2015 AWWC reviews can be found here.
The Dagger's Path by Glenda Larke is the second in her The Forsaken Lands series. I reviewed the award winning first volume The Lascar's Dagger earlier in the year.
The Dagger's Path continues on pretty much straight after the end of the events of the first book. Without giving too much away for fear of spoiling the first book, the primary thread is about the main characters attempting to return something to the Va Forsaken hemisphere, which is an archipelago in warm climes. We also find out a lot more about the plotting in the Va-loved hemisphere.
Most of my general comments about the setting of the first book apply here too. The spice trade with sailing ships in tropical islands is a different setting from many other fantasy series, and remained fresh throughout this second book.
This is not a stand alone book, and I would imagine it wouldn't make much sense if you haven't read the first one. Like many second books in trilogies, it also serves to set up some big confrontations for the third book.
But despite that, the book moves smoothly. Tension is executed well, the book has its own incidents to deal with and there is more than enough action to go around. The characters evolve over the course of the book, although I still struggle to reconcile the behaviour of the main character (Saker) with the description he was given when he was first introduced. However, his competency develops through this book and the original introduction of the character was long enough ago that I wasn't as bothered by it this time around.
The scene is being set for a good conclusion, which I guess is most of the job of a second book. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it is released.
Recommended.
I also reviewed this book on my website.
The Dagger's Path by Glenda Larke is the second in her The Forsaken Lands series. I reviewed the award winning first volume The Lascar's Dagger earlier in the year.
The Dagger's Path continues on pretty much straight after the end of the events of the first book. Without giving too much away for fear of spoiling the first book, the primary thread is about the main characters attempting to return something to the Va Forsaken hemisphere, which is an archipelago in warm climes. We also find out a lot more about the plotting in the Va-loved hemisphere.
Most of my general comments about the setting of the first book apply here too. The spice trade with sailing ships in tropical islands is a different setting from many other fantasy series, and remained fresh throughout this second book.
This is not a stand alone book, and I would imagine it wouldn't make much sense if you haven't read the first one. Like many second books in trilogies, it also serves to set up some big confrontations for the third book.
But despite that, the book moves smoothly. Tension is executed well, the book has its own incidents to deal with and there is more than enough action to go around. The characters evolve over the course of the book, although I still struggle to reconcile the behaviour of the main character (Saker) with the description he was given when he was first introduced. However, his competency develops through this book and the original introduction of the character was long enough ago that I wasn't as bothered by it this time around.
The scene is being set for a good conclusion, which I guess is most of the job of a second book. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it is released.
Recommended.
I also reviewed this book on my website.
August 3, 2015
I love Glenda Larke's writing. I think it would probably be impossible to dislike one of her books. I hesitate to say this series isn't as good as her other books. It is more like they are shallow compared to Mirage Makers and Watergivers. The world-building is still first rate, but it is hard to get a sense of the characters, particularly Saker. He is supposedly an amazing spy, but much of the story has seen him being caught or generally failing. There is, in fact, a lot of telling rather than showing (Lascar's Dagger was worse for this, being very exposition heavy). I do love the inclusion of Southeast Asian cultures in a fantasy setting, as well aboriginal people (as I assume the Shenat are). Larke is great for creating fantasy worlds that expand beyond boring, cliche, medieval Europe. The time period being 17th century-ish is also an exciting element, as are the East India Company/Spice trade aspects (although again, explaining trade disputes is not the most exciting thing, and only accomplished through exposition).
In general Larke does supremely well with her female characters, but I do have some issues with them in this series. I liked Sorrel more when she was a foil for Mathilda than her new position as baby-sitter and love-triangle object. Motherhood has always been a part of Sorrel's character since her introduction, but I would hate to see that becoming all the character is about (same for Mathilda). Also the false-rape accusations made by Mathilda in the first book hit a sour note for me, although there may be more to that story with Fox's involvement. I love Gerelda the lawyer though, and hope the next book features more from her and Fritillary, as they are up to Larke's usual standard for excellent ladies.
Both of the books have much more interesting plots than characters at this point, but this makes them very readable. I can't help but find them "light" despite all the baby-murdering. I definitely look forward to the next book.
(The books get bonus points for Lord Juster, bisexual pirate. I am going to assume Gerelda is also bisexual until told otherwise).
In general Larke does supremely well with her female characters, but I do have some issues with them in this series. I liked Sorrel more when she was a foil for Mathilda than her new position as baby-sitter and love-triangle object. Motherhood has always been a part of Sorrel's character since her introduction, but I would hate to see that becoming all the character is about (same for Mathilda). Also the false-rape accusations made by Mathilda in the first book hit a sour note for me, although there may be more to that story with Fox's involvement. I love Gerelda the lawyer though, and hope the next book features more from her and Fritillary, as they are up to Larke's usual standard for excellent ladies.
Both of the books have much more interesting plots than characters at this point, but this makes them very readable. I can't help but find them "light" despite all the baby-murdering. I definitely look forward to the next book.
(The books get bonus points for Lord Juster, bisexual pirate. I am going to assume Gerelda is also bisexual until told otherwise).
August 28, 2015
[3.5]
A lot of interesting elements of the world were added in this book as well as a few turns for the overall line of the story. For the most part a large portion of the book felt like filler, I didn't even start to really like it until I was halfway through the book. The first book was a great start to the story and terrific world building. In this one it expanded on the world and broadened your views on some of the other characters, but it definitely wasn't an overtly gripping read. The set up for the third book shows some great promise though.
A lot of interesting elements of the world were added in this book as well as a few turns for the overall line of the story. For the most part a large portion of the book felt like filler, I didn't even start to really like it until I was halfway through the book. The first book was a great start to the story and terrific world building. In this one it expanded on the world and broadened your views on some of the other characters, but it definitely wasn't an overtly gripping read. The set up for the third book shows some great promise though.
February 16, 2015
c2015:FWFTB: feather, islander, ship, Pontifect, Guardian. Not much to say on this one really. I don't think that it was good as the first book and, well, I kinda got bored with it hen I was about 50% in. Recommended for those of the normal crew that have read the first one, for those who haven't - well perhaps don't start this particular series. "A woman using glamour is overlooked and hears much that was not meant for her ears."
May 23, 2016
re-read May 2016 in prep for book 3.
Enjoyed the second read thru as much as the first. Usually I find the middle book in a trilogy weak, as the world building and characters are all introduced in the first book. The middle book is the "bridge", but this one has some great stuff, and some really really important stuff (stuff that I thought wouldn't happen until book 3). Can't wait to start the next one!
Enjoyed the second read thru as much as the first. Usually I find the middle book in a trilogy weak, as the world building and characters are all introduced in the first book. The middle book is the "bridge", but this one has some great stuff, and some really really important stuff (stuff that I thought wouldn't happen until book 3). Can't wait to start the next one!
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October 19, 2016Interesting second part of this trilogy. It merely continues the story from the first volume, adding a few new characters but mainly dealing with Saker, Sorrel and Ardhi travelling to Ardhi's island to return the feathers. The plot thickens and revelations are made which are surprising and enlightening.
Enjoyable and engaging, this is worth a read but only if you read the first volume (The Lascar's Dagger) otherwise it will not make sense.
Enjoyable and engaging, this is worth a read but only if you read the first volume (The Lascar's Dagger) otherwise it will not make sense.
August 21, 2018
Another wonderful series from Glenda Larke (no relation). More medieval and less fantastical than some of her previous trilogies, but no less in-depth and just as beautifully written. The main protagonist is male in this series, and perhaps a little weaker than in past, but the fragility of her characters is partly what sets Larke's writing apart nonetheless. There are no dull moments and this is another set of books I'll be returning to again and again.
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January 3, 2016I am a judge for the 2015 Aurealis Awards. This review is my personal opinion 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 Aurealis Awards are over.
May 18, 2016
Glenda Larke is my favourite Australian fantasy author; she never disappoints.
The attention to detail and the variety of the fantasy aspects of her stories are just brilliant and in this book she is drawing on her strengths as a bird-watching fanatic and her years spent in a real tropical country to bring verisimilitude to her writing and believability to her magic.
Big fan boy here.
The attention to detail and the variety of the fantasy aspects of her stories are just brilliant and in this book she is drawing on her strengths as a bird-watching fanatic and her years spent in a real tropical country to bring verisimilitude to her writing and believability to her magic.
Big fan boy here.
November 22, 2016
I actually can't continue with this series, even after having already bought the book. While the plot is only reasonably mundane it is the infantile characters which make it impossible to continue. I think I will have to go and read one of the author's earlier books to get the taste out of my mouth.
April 28, 2016
This series just gets better and better! Only one problem, the third book isn't out yet :)
Update, got the new book after re-reading, looking forward to seeing how it's all resolved. Great characters, wonderful worldbuilding and a really imaginative fantasy story.
Update, got the new book after re-reading, looking forward to seeing how it's all resolved. Great characters, wonderful worldbuilding and a really imaginative fantasy story.
February 8, 2015
Fabulous world building, intriguing characters and full of surprises. The tension and intrigue of this tale intensify, as the characters on all sides are faced with even bigger battles ahead. I'm looking forward to Book 3 very much.
March 3, 2015
I was disappointed by this. Not much happened. Don't get me wrong - I love Glenda Larke's writing and I am enjoying the story- but it felt like it was just setting up for the real action which I'm looking forward to reading in the next book.
July 14, 2016
This book was another great find by Glenda Larke. I really LOVED the book The Last Stormlord series by Glenda Larke and this series proves to be just as wonderful. I would highly recommend this series as well as the Stormlord series!
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