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Irona 700
Fantasy at its most enchanting: An original and absorbing tale from a master storyteller about the profound effects of a single life on the battle against ultimate evil
It is Midsummer Day, the beginning of the year 700, in the city of Benign. All the children born in the year 684 celebrate their joint sixteenth birthday by passing in front of the statue of the blind goddess Caprice—but only one will become the Chosen and join the Seventy who govern and guide the city.
Much to her surprise, Irona Matrinko, one of the many children of an impoverished fisherman, is chosen. Irona 700 moves into the palace and, with the help of a new mentor, recognizes and cultivates her great talent for guiding wars: strategy and tactics, leadership and inspiration.
As Irona gives her life to the city, an ancient enemy, Maleficence, attacks again and again, corrupting Irona’s friends, destroying her lover, and continually defeating her grandest plans for peace and harmony. Along the way, Irona becomes a masterful politician, a shrewd judge of character, and, even at great cost to her personal happiness, a true heroine.
It is Midsummer Day, the beginning of the year 700, in the city of Benign. All the children born in the year 684 celebrate their joint sixteenth birthday by passing in front of the statue of the blind goddess Caprice—but only one will become the Chosen and join the Seventy who govern and guide the city.
Much to her surprise, Irona Matrinko, one of the many children of an impoverished fisherman, is chosen. Irona 700 moves into the palace and, with the help of a new mentor, recognizes and cultivates her great talent for guiding wars: strategy and tactics, leadership and inspiration.
As Irona gives her life to the city, an ancient enemy, Maleficence, attacks again and again, corrupting Irona’s friends, destroying her lover, and continually defeating her grandest plans for peace and harmony. Along the way, Irona becomes a masterful politician, a shrewd judge of character, and, even at great cost to her personal happiness, a true heroine.
402 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2015
6 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Dave Duncan
140 books591 followersOriginally from Scotland, Dave Duncan lived all his adult life in Western Canada, having enjoyed a long career as a petroleum geologist before taking up writing. Since discovering that imaginary worlds were more satisfying than the real one, he published more than 60 novels, mostly in the fantasy genre, but also young adult, science fiction, and historical.
He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")
His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.
He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.
He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.
He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")
His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.
He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.
He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 26, 2015
I read Dave Duncan's The King's Blades series when I was younger and he largely influenced my love of fantasy. So when I saw this book on Netgalley I had to give it a shot and see if it was all I remembered as a young adult.
The city of Benign is ruled by a group of those Chosen by the goddess Caprice, and each year those who have turned 16 all vie for a chance to join the Chosen by throwing a coin into a bowl. If the coin does not tumble out the person is accepted and begins to train in all they need to help run the city. In the year 700 Irona is Chosen becoming Irona 700. The book largely follows her rise in the ranks of the Chosen.
The character of Irona I genuinely liked, and I felt was very well fleshed out. She is a strong and ruthless leader and I felt very realistic. I enjoyed seeing the reason behind her actions. However the storyline was a bit dry. It involves a lot of politics and doesn't flow well as a story. It tends to jump from year to year, showing her major achievements and highlights as it follows her life. There is no real continuing story developing. It is exactly as it is titled - the life of Irona 700.
Dave Duncan is a wonderful writer. I just wish that his storyline in this one was as strong as his writing.
The city of Benign is ruled by a group of those Chosen by the goddess Caprice, and each year those who have turned 16 all vie for a chance to join the Chosen by throwing a coin into a bowl. If the coin does not tumble out the person is accepted and begins to train in all they need to help run the city. In the year 700 Irona is Chosen becoming Irona 700. The book largely follows her rise in the ranks of the Chosen.
The character of Irona I genuinely liked, and I felt was very well fleshed out. She is a strong and ruthless leader and I felt very realistic. I enjoyed seeing the reason behind her actions. However the storyline was a bit dry. It involves a lot of politics and doesn't flow well as a story. It tends to jump from year to year, showing her major achievements and highlights as it follows her life. There is no real continuing story developing. It is exactly as it is titled - the life of Irona 700.
Dave Duncan is a wonderful writer. I just wish that his storyline in this one was as strong as his writing.
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August 19, 2015Copy provided by NetGalley.
I've thoroughly enjoyed some of Dave Duncan's previous books, so I looked forward to this one. And the opening met my high expectations, as Irona joins a host of other teens through a long ritual during which a goddess is to select one person. That person will join the government, guaranteeing future wealth and power.
Those early chapters are compelling in emotion, detail, world building. Once Irona is selected (becoming Irona 700) at first her new life is equally compelling, but around the time she gains a house, servants, and a lover with ease, my interest began gradually flagging. And I was maybe 15% in.
Unfortunately, my interest never picked up again, except through occasional scenes. I put the book down numerous times, picking it up again because I feel obliged to finish books I get for free, unless they turn out to be emphatically not for me.
But this one veered on the edge, and I had to ponder why it wasn't working. It finally occurred to me that it read like a five book series smashed into a single volume. So much of what should have been action-packed, tense, colorful and dramatic scenes were reported on, or summarized, after the fact. In fact, a great deal of the story seemed to take place off-stage, with scenes confined to political wheeling and dealing.
Finally, a great many questions raised at the beginning were summarily answered in a "That's it? Really? That's all there is?" manner, or left dangling entirely. The grand antagonist seemed arbitrarily stuck in to keep the plot moving.
Some of the narrative summations are necessary as the story takes place over Irona's long life, requiring a great deal of skipping over time. When it finally ended I was glad it was one volume--others might disagree, but I found the close so dreary and pointless that it would have chapped my chitlins if I'd plowed through five books to get there.
I've thoroughly enjoyed some of Dave Duncan's previous books, so I looked forward to this one. And the opening met my high expectations, as Irona joins a host of other teens through a long ritual during which a goddess is to select one person. That person will join the government, guaranteeing future wealth and power.
Those early chapters are compelling in emotion, detail, world building. Once Irona is selected (becoming Irona 700) at first her new life is equally compelling, but around the time she gains a house, servants, and a lover with ease, my interest began gradually flagging. And I was maybe 15% in.
Unfortunately, my interest never picked up again, except through occasional scenes. I put the book down numerous times, picking it up again because I feel obliged to finish books I get for free, unless they turn out to be emphatically not for me.
But this one veered on the edge, and I had to ponder why it wasn't working. It finally occurred to me that it read like a five book series smashed into a single volume. So much of what should have been action-packed, tense, colorful and dramatic scenes were reported on, or summarized, after the fact. In fact, a great deal of the story seemed to take place off-stage, with scenes confined to political wheeling and dealing.
Finally, a great many questions raised at the beginning were summarily answered in a "That's it? Really? That's all there is?" manner, or left dangling entirely. The grand antagonist seemed arbitrarily stuck in to keep the plot moving.
Some of the narrative summations are necessary as the story takes place over Irona's long life, requiring a great deal of skipping over time. When it finally ended I was glad it was one volume--others might disagree, but I found the close so dreary and pointless that it would have chapped my chitlins if I'd plowed through five books to get there.
April 16, 2015
reviews.metaphorosis.com
3 stars
Every year, the goddess Caprice selects one newly adult young person to join the Seventy - the ruling council of Benign. Irona, selected by what seems more like accident than divine will, must learn the complex politics of the Seventy, and quickly.
I've noted previously that Dave Duncan is a usually reliable author (distinguished from predictable in that he generally offers an innovative concept), but that a previous book from Open Road felt like a lesser effort freshened up for sale. Unfortunately, all of that is true again for Irona 700.
Duncan again brings an interesting concept to the novel - mandatory government service via divine selection. His characters are as strong as ever - interesting, exemplary, and human all at once. The flow of the book is smooth (though in the first few chapters, the story lacks spirit). There's much more sex than is Duncan's norm - at times verging dangerously close to Piers Anthony levels of innuendo. Some of Irona's actions simply don't make sense in any context.
I could quibble that the book centers very much on in-world politics, but the fact is that Duncan handles it well, managing to make it interesting by keeping it personal. The problem is in the plot - there simply isn't very much of it. Instead, the book is essentially an interesting character of Irona - of the effect on her of politics and power. We've seen this many times before, but Duncan's skill with characterization makes the story both intimate and credible. What he misses is any real sense of purpose. The story starts, things happen, and the story stops. There's no sense of closure, and there are a host of loose ends and unanswered questions. It's interesting, but not satisfying.
A key question in the book is the mechanism of Irona's selection as one of the Seventy. We eventually learn more about it. And that's it. There's no further development, no action, no consequences. The same is true of Maleficence - an unspecified but evil adversary. There's a certain (disappointing) climax, but any number of issues left unaddressed, and one or two simple inconsistencies. It's conceivable that this is Duncan's intent - that he planned a stripped-down story focused on one individual. The placeholder naming (Benign, Maleficence, Irona) hints at that. If so, he turned too far toward toward subtlety. I suspect that the truth lies more in lack of polish than excess of purpose.
All in all, enjoyable, but not up to Duncan's past standards. If you're looking for an interesting slice-of-life exploration of the ways of power, pick this up. If you're hoping for wide scale world-building, try Brandon Sanderson instead.
There seem to be a few potential covers floating around for this book. I've linked to the one on Duncan's website, which is a bit basic, but better suited to the story than the others.
NB: Received free copy from Net Galley.
May 14, 2015
Fantasy at its most enchanting? Enchanting is not a word that comes to mind after slogging through this book. Irona, possibly the most boring heroine I've come across in years has all the personality of a wet noodle. A randomly brilliant politician who literally never makes a single mistake is so devoid of any character traits she might as well be a mannequin. Action, such as it is, merely happens around her and the reader never has any sense how she actually feels about what's going on. She's given love interests but we never learn if she even cares about them. How does she feel about the world she lives in? Does she agree with the political system she's apparently destined to rule or does it disgust her? How are we supposed to feel about it for that matter?
The book is populated by an equally bland cast of supporting players who's only distinguishing features are their bizarre names. Everyone is scheming against everyone else and I guess it's meant to be very intriguing and shocking when things don't go as planned but since I had no sense of this world or its people beyond what everyone looked like I couldn't have cared less.
When you're creating an epic fantasy you have to go beyond merely naming your big bad after a Disney villain and just declaring that everyone is ambiguously "holding it back." What does that even mean? What is this evil? You can't just name a bunch of gods and then just walk away. Are they symbolic or real? When the entire system of government of a society is apparently based on these gods can we at least get some history on them? Maybe a creation myth or something?
This book is basically a smorgasbord of bits pulled from other epics without any substance. Everyone has amazing fantasy names and there's some random magical stuff in the background but nothing really happens that has any kind of emotional impact on the reader because we're given nothing and no one to care about.
I'm especially disappointed because this started off relatively strong. Though the girl pulled from obscurity to a position of wealth and political importance is more or less trope in fantasy and dystopian fiction by now I thought Irona had the makings of a cool character. But as soon she's chosen which happens in the first ten pages it's all over.
I'm giving an extra star for the relatively strong writing which is honestly the only I made it through this.
The book is populated by an equally bland cast of supporting players who's only distinguishing features are their bizarre names. Everyone is scheming against everyone else and I guess it's meant to be very intriguing and shocking when things don't go as planned but since I had no sense of this world or its people beyond what everyone looked like I couldn't have cared less.
When you're creating an epic fantasy you have to go beyond merely naming your big bad after a Disney villain and just declaring that everyone is ambiguously "holding it back." What does that even mean? What is this evil? You can't just name a bunch of gods and then just walk away. Are they symbolic or real? When the entire system of government of a society is apparently based on these gods can we at least get some history on them? Maybe a creation myth or something?
This book is basically a smorgasbord of bits pulled from other epics without any substance. Everyone has amazing fantasy names and there's some random magical stuff in the background but nothing really happens that has any kind of emotional impact on the reader because we're given nothing and no one to care about.
I'm especially disappointed because this started off relatively strong. Though the girl pulled from obscurity to a position of wealth and political importance is more or less trope in fantasy and dystopian fiction by now I thought Irona had the makings of a cool character. But as soon she's chosen which happens in the first ten pages it's all over.
I'm giving an extra star for the relatively strong writing which is honestly the only I made it through this.
November 24, 2021
"There were more hints and clues floating around this conversation than gulls around a fishing port."
A stand-alone fantasy by one of the twentieth century’s master of fantasy series. Chronicles the life and times of the titular character. World building draws from this world’s seafaring nations.
“The secret is to choose the course of action that does the least amount of harm.”
While everything Irona touches turns to gold in politics, her personal life is marked by feet of clay and an intractable son. Adds depth to an otherwise too easy conflict resolution.
“Sometimes I think you’re crazy.” She sighed. “Most times I know I am.”
Unfortunately, even though Duncan writes believable female characters he edges toward treating them—and having them treat themselves—as sexual commodities. Cost him a star.
“Chaos is our ally and our reward.”
A stand-alone fantasy by one of the twentieth century’s master of fantasy series. Chronicles the life and times of the titular character. World building draws from this world’s seafaring nations.
“The secret is to choose the course of action that does the least amount of harm.”
While everything Irona touches turns to gold in politics, her personal life is marked by feet of clay and an intractable son. Adds depth to an otherwise too easy conflict resolution.
“Sometimes I think you’re crazy.” She sighed. “Most times I know I am.”
Unfortunately, even though Duncan writes believable female characters he edges toward treating them—and having them treat themselves—as sexual commodities. Cost him a star.
“Chaos is our ally and our reward.”
September 2, 2015
Interesting!
In some ways the storyline's premise becomes more intriguing as the plot continues. The charting of Irona 700's life is filled with flashes of brilliance, personal disappointments, hard slog, politicking and degenerate wars.
Irona Matrinko, daughter of a fisherman, is chosen at an annual ceremony at the city of Benign, by the blind goddess Caprice. She becomes Chosen, Irona 700.
A major question must be what part do the gods really play? Where does freedom of choice enter the equation? Is Irona chosen by the goddess or by chance and in this case can the two be really separated? After all look at the goddess' name!
'Caprice was patron of the city, goddess of the sea, of chance, and the only divinity ever shown in human form. Caprice was worshiped. Most of the others were feared. Maleficence [is] God of evil.'
Fitting into what turns out to be the top strata of society that is adept at politicking, moving up the rung of success by bribery, favours and sometimes villainy, it soon becomes apparent that to just survive Irona must learn the rules fast.
Challenges are thrown in front of Irona and it seems Caprice (if one holds to her influence) just might have something in store for Irona.
The disappearance of Irona's lover and father of her child is a dark mystery, one that certainly made Irona and made me wonder what really happened at Vult. The more I read, the more questions surround the presence of the enemy Maleficence. The suppositions become reality. Vult is a fortress, all that stands between the minions of Maleficience, 'the shapeless', and the Empire.
Irona constantly sacrifices compassion for expediency it seems, all the time for the benefit of the governing of the Empire and inherent with that, her own path. She makes hard choices, impossible choices and they eat away at her.
Irona brings to being a Chosen her childhood knowledge of a life outside the Empire, of the way of the sea, a life that knows about hardship and struggles and the ability to fight.
Again was her being Chosen the work of the goddess Caprice, blind luck, or the more prosaic explanation of a bribe gone wrong--an accident of the moment?
The repugnance of the creatures that surround Vult and the chaos of Maleficence is not to be disregarded. This made for unpleasant responses being as it were, drawn into that level of degenerateness. It definitely was not enchanting.
I am unsure as to whether I actually enjoyed Irona 700 it but it certainly was in many aspects, food for thought.
A NetGalley ARC
In some ways the storyline's premise becomes more intriguing as the plot continues. The charting of Irona 700's life is filled with flashes of brilliance, personal disappointments, hard slog, politicking and degenerate wars.
Irona Matrinko, daughter of a fisherman, is chosen at an annual ceremony at the city of Benign, by the blind goddess Caprice. She becomes Chosen, Irona 700.
A major question must be what part do the gods really play? Where does freedom of choice enter the equation? Is Irona chosen by the goddess or by chance and in this case can the two be really separated? After all look at the goddess' name!
'Caprice was patron of the city, goddess of the sea, of chance, and the only divinity ever shown in human form. Caprice was worshiped. Most of the others were feared. Maleficence [is] God of evil.'
Fitting into what turns out to be the top strata of society that is adept at politicking, moving up the rung of success by bribery, favours and sometimes villainy, it soon becomes apparent that to just survive Irona must learn the rules fast.
Challenges are thrown in front of Irona and it seems Caprice (if one holds to her influence) just might have something in store for Irona.
The disappearance of Irona's lover and father of her child is a dark mystery, one that certainly made Irona and made me wonder what really happened at Vult. The more I read, the more questions surround the presence of the enemy Maleficence. The suppositions become reality. Vult is a fortress, all that stands between the minions of Maleficience, 'the shapeless', and the Empire.
Irona constantly sacrifices compassion for expediency it seems, all the time for the benefit of the governing of the Empire and inherent with that, her own path. She makes hard choices, impossible choices and they eat away at her.
Irona brings to being a Chosen her childhood knowledge of a life outside the Empire, of the way of the sea, a life that knows about hardship and struggles and the ability to fight.
Again was her being Chosen the work of the goddess Caprice, blind luck, or the more prosaic explanation of a bribe gone wrong--an accident of the moment?
The repugnance of the creatures that surround Vult and the chaos of Maleficence is not to be disregarded. This made for unpleasant responses being as it were, drawn into that level of degenerateness. It definitely was not enchanting.
I am unsure as to whether I actually enjoyed Irona 700 it but it certainly was in many aspects, food for thought.
A NetGalley ARC
January 13, 2016
I tried very hard to like this book. It has many things I should like - strong female protagonist, medieval type era, romance (ish), battle, etc. But these were undone by the amount of things I didn't like. The third-person limited POV is so intimate it feels as if it should be first person (which I despise) but at the same time, there are moments where it is so limited, it feels more like a biography of Irona than a story being told as it happens. I hate that. The book is long and I hesitate to say "too much happens" because it is really a nice long spun tale in that way, but yes - too much happens. Too much time is spent on some boring things and not enough on some interesting things, all that sort of pitfall when you try to capture so many years' worth of events. I also found myself struggling very hard to like Irona herself. At the beginning, I was sure I would l0ve her - as she went on, I grew less and less enamored and more exasperated. I don't know if Duncan found himself going in a different direction as he wrote, or if he just wrote about a different girl at the start entirely. She starts out strong, opinionated, motivated - and (perhaps intentionally) slowly becomes the thing she hates in a complacent politically motivated pawn. However much she is cast as a heroine by the characters and by Duncan himself, I don't buy it. I don't like it. The magic, if you can really call it that, is poorly explored, and under utilized as a plot device. It crops up here and there but is such a mess that you really never gain any understanding or appreciation of this - perhaps that was intentional. I'm not sure if Duncan's writing style contributed to my dislike of this - some of the characters I knew I would like best seemed to be given unfairly poor treatment by him, whereas others who I disliked (not even villains or antagonists, just boring or otherwise useless entities) were given hugely disproportionate amounts of text.
December 20, 2015
This starts reasonably strong, with an interesting setting and strong characters (and Duncan's excellent writing), but loses steam as it goes along. The early scenes are detailed and compelling, but as the book progresses, Duncan starts skipping years at a time between these scenes, and glossing over what happened in the interim with a couple of brief paragraphs. It felt like Duncan got tired of the story as he was writing it, and ended up with a fairly pedantic and obvious condemnation of how power corrupts. If the concept had been developed over the course of a longer series, with the same care lavished on the early part of the story, I think it might have been more successful.
May 17, 2017
if this story had a twenty something heroine who did not age much and a plot that progressed from coming of age thru trials and tribulations to happily ever after would we all jump for joy and up our ratings to five stars ? maybe we should ?
bcs if you are looking for a fantasy action novel with a female protagonist who does ALL the normal hero stuff like fight and lead and intrigue and bide her time and politic AND all the normal fantasy heroine stuff like travel by land and sea and obtain the trapppings of wealth, and fall in love (twice) and dance and make love and bear children and see them grow and overcome terrible odds and show bravery it's all here - and that's actually quite a life for one woman to experience - but duncan doesn't stop there - this woman will also age and not always gracefully, she will rage and not always politely, she will feel not just a mother's protectiveness toward her child but also a mother's fears, despairs, disappointments. And who wants to read a book that ends with an old woman looking back on a less than fairy tale life amidst imperfect people ? even in (especially in ?) a fantasy story ? it's like a romantic tragedy version of glory road but with a girl in the driver's seat - i'm upping my star rating right now just for 1) young woman ages and old woman leads 2) female head of household with a mature fulfilled love relationship 3)no authority without politics accompanying 4) no violence without victims 5)no sea without drowning 6) no food without the starving 7) no sure thing !
bcs if you are looking for a fantasy action novel with a female protagonist who does ALL the normal hero stuff like fight and lead and intrigue and bide her time and politic AND all the normal fantasy heroine stuff like travel by land and sea and obtain the trapppings of wealth, and fall in love (twice) and dance and make love and bear children and see them grow and overcome terrible odds and show bravery it's all here - and that's actually quite a life for one woman to experience - but duncan doesn't stop there - this woman will also age and not always gracefully, she will rage and not always politely, she will feel not just a mother's protectiveness toward her child but also a mother's fears, despairs, disappointments. And who wants to read a book that ends with an old woman looking back on a less than fairy tale life amidst imperfect people ? even in (especially in ?) a fantasy story ? it's like a romantic tragedy version of glory road but with a girl in the driver's seat - i'm upping my star rating right now just for 1) young woman ages and old woman leads 2) female head of household with a mature fulfilled love relationship 3)no authority without politics accompanying 4) no violence without victims 5)no sea without drowning 6) no food without the starving 7) no sure thing !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2015
“Irona 700” introduces its readers to the wonderfully imagined empire of Benign. The empire resembles the ancient empires of Rome, Delos and Persia in its conquering and assimilation of neighbours into a greater empire of allied and vassal states, but is set apart by the way in which it chooses it rulers. At age 16, all the Benish citizens must present themselves for “Choosing”, and one teenager a year is elevated, supposedly by divine intervention by the brilliantly named Goddess Caprice, to the ruling elite – the 70. Being part of the Chosen 70 is a job for life – riches and good health come as standard – but the Chosen are forever separated from normal life, and the stark inequality between the Chosen and the rest creates its own problems.
Once in the 70, the teenager receives 2 year tutelage, and then moves up through the ranks of the 70, advancing through adjudged service to the empire, but really through playing politics more adroitly than any one else. The politics of Benign is not as bloody as that of “Game of Thrones”, but is no less intricate and devious.
As you may guess from the title, Irona is chosen early in the book – in the year 700 – and the book follows her life for the next 40 years. She begins by seeing the 70 as corrupt and her choosing as a disaster, but soon becomes a willing and very effective member of the 70, being lauded as a saviour of the empire on several occasions. However, all does not go smoothly. Due to her intelligence and diplomacy, her public life goes from success to success, but she finds it increasingly difficult to reconcile her roles as politician and as mother, and by the end of the book those two worlds collide dramatically.
Maleficence, or pure evil, has many faces in the book, and while one might expect it in the subhuman Gren and Trogs, it is when it corrupts the human characters that is has its most devastating effects.
This book is a wonderful read from start to finish. The characters are very well drawn and develop throughout the book. Apart from Irona becoming Chosen, there are not too many predictable moments in the story. She is the heroine, so you expect her to succeed, but there are always twists, and you need to read right to the end. I was particularly enthralled by the politics of the Benign empire and the machinations of the 70. The only downside to this book was the names. Caprice and Benign are excellent – Caprice because she is capricious, and Benign because it is not benign. But most of the names (apart from Irona, and a few others) are unpronounceable and do not stick in the mind, which makes the reading sometimes a chore. However, that is minor compared to the wonderful story, and I would highly recommend this book.
Once in the 70, the teenager receives 2 year tutelage, and then moves up through the ranks of the 70, advancing through adjudged service to the empire, but really through playing politics more adroitly than any one else. The politics of Benign is not as bloody as that of “Game of Thrones”, but is no less intricate and devious.
As you may guess from the title, Irona is chosen early in the book – in the year 700 – and the book follows her life for the next 40 years. She begins by seeing the 70 as corrupt and her choosing as a disaster, but soon becomes a willing and very effective member of the 70, being lauded as a saviour of the empire on several occasions. However, all does not go smoothly. Due to her intelligence and diplomacy, her public life goes from success to success, but she finds it increasingly difficult to reconcile her roles as politician and as mother, and by the end of the book those two worlds collide dramatically.
Maleficence, or pure evil, has many faces in the book, and while one might expect it in the subhuman Gren and Trogs, it is when it corrupts the human characters that is has its most devastating effects.
This book is a wonderful read from start to finish. The characters are very well drawn and develop throughout the book. Apart from Irona becoming Chosen, there are not too many predictable moments in the story. She is the heroine, so you expect her to succeed, but there are always twists, and you need to read right to the end. I was particularly enthralled by the politics of the Benign empire and the machinations of the 70. The only downside to this book was the names. Caprice and Benign are excellent – Caprice because she is capricious, and Benign because it is not benign. But most of the names (apart from Irona, and a few others) are unpronounceable and do not stick in the mind, which makes the reading sometimes a chore. However, that is minor compared to the wonderful story, and I would highly recommend this book.
August 31, 2015
Irona 700 was an interesting book. There was a lot of political intrigue with a dose of fantasy thrown in... it reminded me of The Hunger Games and Katniss, and also a bit of Eona. It was a weird POV! It was all about Irona and everything she experienced, but it rarely told what she was thinking, and even less what she was feeling. It gave it an oddly detached feeling.
Likes: It was an interesting read to see Irona develop from an ignorant child to one of the most powerful women in government. There was many interesting, well developed characters. I was surprised to notice at some point that the author was a guy; it seems kind of unique that a man would write a story about a woman, it would be difficult to get the voice right, maybe... that's probably why the voice was so strangely detached? I'm not sure. Anyway, the world building was also interesting, as well as the magical realism. There was a lot that is left to the reader; Irona wasn't magical, but at times she thought she felt the "touch of the goddess," and other time she doubted her entire belief system. Her internal and external conflicts make the book hard to put down.
Dislikes: As the author foreshadowed, everything in Irona's life went downhill after her stint in Vult. It was bleak and not a lot of fun to read about, especially the growing dread about her son. It's not much of a problem with the writing or the story, but due to it's dark tone and bleak outlook, I don't know that I would pick this up again. However, I would probably read a sequel!
Likes: It was an interesting read to see Irona develop from an ignorant child to one of the most powerful women in government. There was many interesting, well developed characters. I was surprised to notice at some point that the author was a guy; it seems kind of unique that a man would write a story about a woman, it would be difficult to get the voice right, maybe... that's probably why the voice was so strangely detached? I'm not sure. Anyway, the world building was also interesting, as well as the magical realism. There was a lot that is left to the reader; Irona wasn't magical, but at times she thought she felt the "touch of the goddess," and other time she doubted her entire belief system. Her internal and external conflicts make the book hard to put down.
Dislikes: As the author foreshadowed, everything in Irona's life went downhill after her stint in Vult. It was bleak and not a lot of fun to read about, especially the growing dread about her son. It's not much of a problem with the writing or the story, but due to it's dark tone and bleak outlook, I don't know that I would pick this up again. However, I would probably read a sequel!
July 27, 2015
Disclaimer: ARC copy from Netgalley.
Irona 700, by Dave Duncan, is a great book! I was actually surprised by how well this book was written. Initially, I was expecting a tawdry story of aliens and cowboys, but instead I found a well-written space opera that spanned the centuries and explored the common duality of spirit between all men when faced against impossible odds. It tells the story of an alien race that used an artificial intelligence to save their civilization from a nonstop rampage of alien monsters called the Horde. The machine pulled warriors from time and space to give them the best chance of survival.
The description of the alien Horde was fascinating, as was their description of the problems involved with defeating and then interacting with them - something the initial aliens had never tried. The weapons used in this book range from antique swords and claymores to modern laser and plasma guns. The thing I found most fascinating about this book was even separated by time, these soldiers still found a way to work together and explore their roots to use everything at their disposal to stop the advance of the Horde, but not in the way most people would expect.
I would highly recommend this book to those who like intergalactic time travel or those who like science fiction, or even those who like wars in space.
Irona 700, by Dave Duncan, is a great book! I was actually surprised by how well this book was written. Initially, I was expecting a tawdry story of aliens and cowboys, but instead I found a well-written space opera that spanned the centuries and explored the common duality of spirit between all men when faced against impossible odds. It tells the story of an alien race that used an artificial intelligence to save their civilization from a nonstop rampage of alien monsters called the Horde. The machine pulled warriors from time and space to give them the best chance of survival.
The description of the alien Horde was fascinating, as was their description of the problems involved with defeating and then interacting with them - something the initial aliens had never tried. The weapons used in this book range from antique swords and claymores to modern laser and plasma guns. The thing I found most fascinating about this book was even separated by time, these soldiers still found a way to work together and explore their roots to use everything at their disposal to stop the advance of the Horde, but not in the way most people would expect.
I would highly recommend this book to those who like intergalactic time travel or those who like science fiction, or even those who like wars in space.
December 18, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read anything by Dave Duncan, and thought I'd give him a try with this book. I have a feeling that Irona 700 isn't a fair representation of what Duncan is capable of. The book reads more like a really, really long plot summary than an actual book. It could have been a character study of an exceptional female leader, but lacks the nuance and psychological complexity to succeed.
Irona is chosen (randomly?by the gods?) to be one of the Seventy, the leaders of the city of Benign. Most of the names in the book really feel like placeholders for names to be assigned later as opposed to actual names. The book skips through the years, showing vignettes of Irona's growth as a politician and leader. She briefly takes a lover ( in one of the worst sex scenes I have ever read) and eventually has a son. There is a malign influence that she battles.
Because of the surface-level treatment of all these events, I was never really invested in the characters or the plot. I have a feeling I'll need to read an earlier book by Dave Duncan to see what he's really like as an author.
I haven't read anything by Dave Duncan, and thought I'd give him a try with this book. I have a feeling that Irona 700 isn't a fair representation of what Duncan is capable of. The book reads more like a really, really long plot summary than an actual book. It could have been a character study of an exceptional female leader, but lacks the nuance and psychological complexity to succeed.
Irona is chosen (randomly?by the gods?) to be one of the Seventy, the leaders of the city of Benign. Most of the names in the book really feel like placeholders for names to be assigned later as opposed to actual names. The book skips through the years, showing vignettes of Irona's growth as a politician and leader. She briefly takes a lover ( in one of the worst sex scenes I have ever read) and eventually has a son. There is a malign influence that she battles.
Because of the surface-level treatment of all these events, I was never really invested in the characters or the plot. I have a feeling I'll need to read an earlier book by Dave Duncan to see what he's really like as an author.
August 20, 2015
David Duncan, one a major force in fantasy, has a new tale about an Island empire, the island of Benign with a truly unique governing system. The seventy are randomly chosen by the Priests of the goddess Caprice. One of the sixteen-year olds of that year who become citizens become one of the rulers, supported in luxury till they die. They can leave nothing to their heirs. Irona 700 (paper from Open Road Media) faces a time of great danger to Benign as an evil grows out of the main continent in the form of shapeless beings and lizard people. Over and over Erona has to command the navy and marines to fight not only their enemies, but their allies. Along the way she has a son, losing his father on the day of conception. Another lover is a major artist who paints her portrait when she becomes one of the ruling seven. I found myself fascinated by the picture of a woman driven by duty, even at the expense of mothering her son. Excellant.Review printed by Philadelphia Weekly Press
July 8, 2018
No real plot, only a point-by-point historical recounting. Little world building, just a roaming focus on what's happening at a particular place at a particular time. No character development, even the main character remains characterless. Why the hell did I read (almost) the whole thing?
April 7, 2020
Well in the beginning it looked like a boring book: politics, bah. But in the middle it actually got good. But the end ruined it for me, though as a story I can see where he was going. But as a reader it felt flat, it just ended. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT! We are left to our imagination and no spoilers so I won't say anything.
So what is this book about? Well it's a rags to riches story of a young girl brought up in the humblest of homes (squalor) and by chance elevated to The Seventy, the reigning political structure of the land. Each year every boy and girl aged 16 comes to the temple of their goddess (whose name I have forgotten) , the goddess of chance, and they progress along a platform and throw a disc into a bowl as if at a carnival game. All but one will fall out but the one's token that stays and does not fall becomes one of the Seventy. Rich, spoiled politicians. Where you have to have a sponsor and your sponsor has a sponsor so you all vote the same way. So everyone scrambles for votes for their cause or their favored candidate for a job. That's the part I say "Bah!" about.
Irona is called Irona 700 because it was in the year 700 that she became one of the Seventy. THere are also The Seven who are of the Seventy but above them and one guy above that. Those top dogs are the real rulers and decision makers.
THe good parts are when Irona starts getting things done the right way after sloth has ruled in certain areas. Also she has some great ideas due to her upbringing. Eventually she is hailed as a savior and her star rises. So when the next crisis occurs who goes out to handle it? Irona of course!
I don't want to say too much more without getting into spoiler territory. Just keep in mind what I said about the ending. THe world is saved, but at what cost.
So what is this book about? Well it's a rags to riches story of a young girl brought up in the humblest of homes (squalor) and by chance elevated to The Seventy, the reigning political structure of the land. Each year every boy and girl aged 16 comes to the temple of their goddess (whose name I have forgotten) , the goddess of chance, and they progress along a platform and throw a disc into a bowl as if at a carnival game. All but one will fall out but the one's token that stays and does not fall becomes one of the Seventy. Rich, spoiled politicians. Where you have to have a sponsor and your sponsor has a sponsor so you all vote the same way. So everyone scrambles for votes for their cause or their favored candidate for a job. That's the part I say "Bah!" about.
Irona is called Irona 700 because it was in the year 700 that she became one of the Seventy. THere are also The Seven who are of the Seventy but above them and one guy above that. Those top dogs are the real rulers and decision makers.
THe good parts are when Irona starts getting things done the right way after sloth has ruled in certain areas. Also she has some great ideas due to her upbringing. Eventually she is hailed as a savior and her star rises. So when the next crisis occurs who goes out to handle it? Irona of course!
I don't want to say too much more without getting into spoiler territory. Just keep in mind what I said about the ending. THe world is saved, but at what cost.
August 28, 2015
This story is advertised as a fantasy, but its very Greco-Roman cultural in its feel (even though the end of Greek antiquity was 600 BC). In fact, it seems like this book was categorized as a fantasy so the author did not have to do a lot of research. There are so many terms out of place for the type of civilization and the time period Duncan is writing about. The cover as well as Duncan’s society in Benign all scream ancient history. By definition, “fantasy” is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary plot element, theme, or setting. Nope, none of that is in this book. It’s not a fantasy. The author basically shortcut the research and is using the category “fantasy” as an excuse for it.
The first term that caught me was how the people in a big group were “set like cement.” Perhaps this is part of the “fantasy aspect” and the society uses cement? Alas, cement is never mentioned again in the book, so the characters do not walk on cement sidewalks or inhabit cement buildings. So why would Irona reference cement? Secondly, they did not have “cement” materials that “set” back in the 700s. The Babylonians and Assyrians used bitumen to bind alabaster slabs together. In Egypt, stone blocks were bound together with mortar, a combination of sand and roughly burnt gypsum, and dried in the sun. While these are examples of ancient equivalents of cement, this term and method of “setting” is inappropriate, especially since the author never establishes that the cities use cement as a form of building/road construction.
The second term that is completely out of date for a time period as this would be gigolo. The word gigolo was first coined during the 1920s as a back-formation from a French word, gigolette, a woman hired as a dancing partner. What part of the Roaring 20’s has the book gone through to produce this term? And third, the term majordomo is also not appropriate. This was a term coined in the 16th century. The author needs to find ways to name types of roles (gigolo, majordomo)without using words that are completely out of place.
The narrative itself is rather dry. While I understand I was reading a NetGalley copy, some of the language used was jarring. I was never wrapped up in the narrative or felt the setting come to life for me. One example of the bland writing style is during Irona’s first sexual encounter: “…that a man without fuzz on his arms might have fur on his chest, that rough and tumble reverted to gentle, even delicate, when they got to the tricky part requiring insertion of part of the second party into part of the first party…” I do not want erotica, but what the heck was that? Irona earlier noted her love interest’s “erection,” so I would think her terminology would be greater than “the part.” Plus there are way too many commas in the sentence which breaks things up into an awkward jumbled stutter. This happened so often in the book. The author is not fluid throughout the writing.
In terms of characters, our main character Irona is completely flat. She has no personality, and her motivations are never clear. From the dialogue, it seems that the governing body which Irona finds herself initiated into is not well liked in her town. But her own distrust for the system is never firmly established. Its brought up occasionally in the narrative, but the author never spends time building up her beliefs or personality traits. Thus, she also never has her beliefs or ways of thinking challenged, which would create growth in the character. Duncan simply references things Irona likes or does not like when its convenient. What are the examples of the governing structure ruling people poorly? Where has Irona seen it first hand? Why was the hand-grabbing-hers-in-the-coin-box moment dropped so easily? Irona never follows a train of thought to conclusion. Plus, quite often and suddenly, *surprise!* Irona is well versed in something be it shipping routes or sea faring or meting out laws as a judge in a courtroom, etc. There is no time spent establishing Irona and her knowledge base before we are thrust into her role as an active government participant. So basically we never get to know her.
Even Irona’s manner irritates me. When she is addressing other people, she will call people “darling” every now and then. No other characters spoke in that manner before, and suddenly the uneducated girl from a backwater town is speaking “darling” to her superiors. Its odd. There is also the issue of her quickly developing love life. She’s attracted to a man in her service. Then they’re having sex and expressing their deep love for each other. Where did that come from? Again, the author spends no time with his characters. He needs to establish their wants and needs and take time developing them (outside of being “sexually violated” to make someone feel better about the stress of her job – I stopped reading at that comment).
The author spends time with Irona as she tries to establish herself. However, it seems Duncan only establishes her by using her in very indecent ways. To incite courage in a crew traveling through the sea’s choppy waters in the winter, Irona cuts off her skirt and stands at the front of her ship which incites “lewd cheers and whistles.” The author even calls Irona an “exhibitionist hussy” in the scene. So he’s calling his own character a hussy, but then he’s using her as some kind of woman breaking down barriers? I’m extremely offended. Respect your characters especially your main characters! Is Duncan promoting female equality or making fun of it?
This book frustrated me and offended me. I do not like that the character never uses intelligence to incite inspiration. As stated above, she likes to take the easy route and thus uses a short skirt. There is no time spent on character growth. There is only time spent on Irona noticing a man’s hairy arms. Just FYI to the author, women notice other body parts than the arms. Eyes are a feature we admire a lot. The book, basically, does not have a plot. Irona has no clear goals. She is not a protagonist; she is simply a character, and its all the Duncan’s book focuses on. Sorry, but I just could not get past 26% - DNF.
The first term that caught me was how the people in a big group were “set like cement.” Perhaps this is part of the “fantasy aspect” and the society uses cement? Alas, cement is never mentioned again in the book, so the characters do not walk on cement sidewalks or inhabit cement buildings. So why would Irona reference cement? Secondly, they did not have “cement” materials that “set” back in the 700s. The Babylonians and Assyrians used bitumen to bind alabaster slabs together. In Egypt, stone blocks were bound together with mortar, a combination of sand and roughly burnt gypsum, and dried in the sun. While these are examples of ancient equivalents of cement, this term and method of “setting” is inappropriate, especially since the author never establishes that the cities use cement as a form of building/road construction.
The second term that is completely out of date for a time period as this would be gigolo. The word gigolo was first coined during the 1920s as a back-formation from a French word, gigolette, a woman hired as a dancing partner. What part of the Roaring 20’s has the book gone through to produce this term? And third, the term majordomo is also not appropriate. This was a term coined in the 16th century. The author needs to find ways to name types of roles (gigolo, majordomo)without using words that are completely out of place.
The narrative itself is rather dry. While I understand I was reading a NetGalley copy, some of the language used was jarring. I was never wrapped up in the narrative or felt the setting come to life for me. One example of the bland writing style is during Irona’s first sexual encounter: “…that a man without fuzz on his arms might have fur on his chest, that rough and tumble reverted to gentle, even delicate, when they got to the tricky part requiring insertion of part of the second party into part of the first party…” I do not want erotica, but what the heck was that? Irona earlier noted her love interest’s “erection,” so I would think her terminology would be greater than “the part.” Plus there are way too many commas in the sentence which breaks things up into an awkward jumbled stutter. This happened so often in the book. The author is not fluid throughout the writing.
In terms of characters, our main character Irona is completely flat. She has no personality, and her motivations are never clear. From the dialogue, it seems that the governing body which Irona finds herself initiated into is not well liked in her town. But her own distrust for the system is never firmly established. Its brought up occasionally in the narrative, but the author never spends time building up her beliefs or personality traits. Thus, she also never has her beliefs or ways of thinking challenged, which would create growth in the character. Duncan simply references things Irona likes or does not like when its convenient. What are the examples of the governing structure ruling people poorly? Where has Irona seen it first hand? Why was the hand-grabbing-hers-in-the-coin-box moment dropped so easily? Irona never follows a train of thought to conclusion. Plus, quite often and suddenly, *surprise!* Irona is well versed in something be it shipping routes or sea faring or meting out laws as a judge in a courtroom, etc. There is no time spent establishing Irona and her knowledge base before we are thrust into her role as an active government participant. So basically we never get to know her.
Even Irona’s manner irritates me. When she is addressing other people, she will call people “darling” every now and then. No other characters spoke in that manner before, and suddenly the uneducated girl from a backwater town is speaking “darling” to her superiors. Its odd. There is also the issue of her quickly developing love life. She’s attracted to a man in her service. Then they’re having sex and expressing their deep love for each other. Where did that come from? Again, the author spends no time with his characters. He needs to establish their wants and needs and take time developing them (outside of being “sexually violated” to make someone feel better about the stress of her job – I stopped reading at that comment).
The author spends time with Irona as she tries to establish herself. However, it seems Duncan only establishes her by using her in very indecent ways. To incite courage in a crew traveling through the sea’s choppy waters in the winter, Irona cuts off her skirt and stands at the front of her ship which incites “lewd cheers and whistles.” The author even calls Irona an “exhibitionist hussy” in the scene. So he’s calling his own character a hussy, but then he’s using her as some kind of woman breaking down barriers? I’m extremely offended. Respect your characters especially your main characters! Is Duncan promoting female equality or making fun of it?
This book frustrated me and offended me. I do not like that the character never uses intelligence to incite inspiration. As stated above, she likes to take the easy route and thus uses a short skirt. There is no time spent on character growth. There is only time spent on Irona noticing a man’s hairy arms. Just FYI to the author, women notice other body parts than the arms. Eyes are a feature we admire a lot. The book, basically, does not have a plot. Irona has no clear goals. She is not a protagonist; she is simply a character, and its all the Duncan’s book focuses on. Sorry, but I just could not get past 26% - DNF.
September 10, 2017
Loved the concept. But while reading this book I kept thinking to myself, the interesting plot is just around the corner. I was wrong. Got to the end of the book, and it never came along.
This read more like a diary of a retired person you never heard of, nor were interested in knowing anything about. Somehow I got through it. That's not to say it was bad, but I can't cite a single memorable plot complication from this book.
This read more like a diary of a retired person you never heard of, nor were interested in knowing anything about. Somehow I got through it. That's not to say it was bad, but I can't cite a single memorable plot complication from this book.
October 3, 2023
I absolutely love the A Man of His Word and the Handful of Men series'. I just finished The Great Game series that was enjoyable as well. This book was too dry to get past the first 150 pages. I was enthusiastic because the female is a protagonist I just didn't feel the magic I usually do with Duncan.
October 20, 2023
As I first read Irona, I thought it was mediocre, but after I finished reading it, I realized that it was a good reflection of our times and government. Whether the Goddess was real or not was not as important as whether the spirit of the Goddess was reflected in Irona's heart, which it was, and because it was, Irona was obedient, merciful, and just, she was good and tried to do no harm. Her goodness cost her everything, but yielded her ultimate power to do more good.
June 18, 2021
Duncan has written better but this novel succeeded in creating a world I'd like to revisit. R.i.P. sir and thanks for A Man of his Word.
April 12, 2023
dnf’f boring
September 13, 2015
English
An anti-cliché fantasy where the chosen heroine is not the usual happy and naïve young lady, and the selection by the goddess is not the magic ticket to a pure and sheltered life, but the entrance to the powerful, vicious and corrupted government of a vast empire. A strong fantasy story with a peculiar development.
Portuguese
Aqui está um livro que, infelizmente, demorei a pegar. A minha cópia (ARC) não tem capa, razão pela qual estranhei o título – será Irona 700 o nome de um robô? Não. Irona é o nome da personagem principal e a história pouco tem de científico. Enquadrado no género fantástico, é um dos mais recentes lançamentos da Open Road Media e um dos melhores do género que li recentemente, ainda que não esteja, a meu ver, a ter a devida atenção. E sejamos sinceros, a capa também não ajuda, um entardecer de barcos que, ainda que esteja relacionado com a história, pouco reflecte do que realmente interessa.
Ainda que tenha como personagem principal a jovem Irona, tem como principal fio condutor o rumo de um imenso Império corrupto e autoritário, que se vai degradando lentamente aos olhos dos seus habitantes. Apesar de jovem, Irona apercebe-se destas opiniões sussuradas, tendo origem numa das ilhas mais pobres do Império, mas a sua vida dá uma reviravolta com uma ocorrência cliché – entre os milhares de jovens há-de ser a escolhida pela Deusa para integrar o Governo, apesar de não ser rica.
Desconfiada de um erro (uma jovem à sua frente terá desmaiado desfazando a contagem) Irona é levada para iniciar dois anos de formação, durante os quais não poderá contactar com a família. Lentamente, desaparece, nestes dois anos, a vontade de fugir, fortalecendo-se o sonho de trazer a família para aproveitar as riquezas a que agora tem acesso – perspectiva romanceada que irá cair por terra com a notícia da morte do pai, e o afastamento da mãe com a restante família.
De origens pobres, Irona afirma-se pela ausência de jóias e vai-se adaptando lentamente à nova realidade – o governo é, assumidamente, uma teia de favores e cumplicidades onde se ganham e cedem votos de acordo com alianças ténues sob falsos pretextos. Desde cedo a protectora designada de Irona lhe ensina que nunca deve abertamente demonstrar preferências ou expressar opiniões adversas se quiser, ela própria, construir uma boa carreira com o apoio dos restantes.
Até agora, pouco parece diferir de uma típica história fantástica em torno de uma escolhida, mas é aqui que a história se aproveita do cliché para algo mais – Irona tem efectivamente um percurso carregado de sucessos por conta das suas origens náuticas, mas tudo aquilo em que investe pessoalmente acaba por definhar – os relacionamentos amorosos, os amigos e a família. Tudo aquilo em que acredita (ou em que se deixou iludir) acaba por se desvanecer num círculo frustrante e vicioso.
Vão existindo, ao longo da história, pequenas referências à maleficência, mas, ainda assim, não existe, expressamente, uma luta contra o mal – os governantes corruptos estão demasiado ocupados em acumular funções e honras ou em atingir determinados cargos auspiciosos. Enquanto isso, o Império vai-se deteriorando e a impressão de grandeza vai-se desvanecendo.
Partindo de uma premissa bastante naive e talvez, pouco original, acaba por transcender os lugares comuns do género ao se centrar numa personagem feminina capaz e lutadora, sem a menosprezar num papel de coitadinha, nem a elevar a heroína máxima, salvadora da pátria, mas construindo uma personagem com um percurso de vida irónico apesar da posição que ocupa. Por tudo isto, é uma história de destaque que não está a ter, na minha opinião, a devida atenção no género fantástico.
An anti-cliché fantasy where the chosen heroine is not the usual happy and naïve young lady, and the selection by the goddess is not the magic ticket to a pure and sheltered life, but the entrance to the powerful, vicious and corrupted government of a vast empire. A strong fantasy story with a peculiar development.
Portuguese
Aqui está um livro que, infelizmente, demorei a pegar. A minha cópia (ARC) não tem capa, razão pela qual estranhei o título – será Irona 700 o nome de um robô? Não. Irona é o nome da personagem principal e a história pouco tem de científico. Enquadrado no género fantástico, é um dos mais recentes lançamentos da Open Road Media e um dos melhores do género que li recentemente, ainda que não esteja, a meu ver, a ter a devida atenção. E sejamos sinceros, a capa também não ajuda, um entardecer de barcos que, ainda que esteja relacionado com a história, pouco reflecte do que realmente interessa.
Ainda que tenha como personagem principal a jovem Irona, tem como principal fio condutor o rumo de um imenso Império corrupto e autoritário, que se vai degradando lentamente aos olhos dos seus habitantes. Apesar de jovem, Irona apercebe-se destas opiniões sussuradas, tendo origem numa das ilhas mais pobres do Império, mas a sua vida dá uma reviravolta com uma ocorrência cliché – entre os milhares de jovens há-de ser a escolhida pela Deusa para integrar o Governo, apesar de não ser rica.
Desconfiada de um erro (uma jovem à sua frente terá desmaiado desfazando a contagem) Irona é levada para iniciar dois anos de formação, durante os quais não poderá contactar com a família. Lentamente, desaparece, nestes dois anos, a vontade de fugir, fortalecendo-se o sonho de trazer a família para aproveitar as riquezas a que agora tem acesso – perspectiva romanceada que irá cair por terra com a notícia da morte do pai, e o afastamento da mãe com a restante família.
De origens pobres, Irona afirma-se pela ausência de jóias e vai-se adaptando lentamente à nova realidade – o governo é, assumidamente, uma teia de favores e cumplicidades onde se ganham e cedem votos de acordo com alianças ténues sob falsos pretextos. Desde cedo a protectora designada de Irona lhe ensina que nunca deve abertamente demonstrar preferências ou expressar opiniões adversas se quiser, ela própria, construir uma boa carreira com o apoio dos restantes.
Até agora, pouco parece diferir de uma típica história fantástica em torno de uma escolhida, mas é aqui que a história se aproveita do cliché para algo mais – Irona tem efectivamente um percurso carregado de sucessos por conta das suas origens náuticas, mas tudo aquilo em que investe pessoalmente acaba por definhar – os relacionamentos amorosos, os amigos e a família. Tudo aquilo em que acredita (ou em que se deixou iludir) acaba por se desvanecer num círculo frustrante e vicioso.
Vão existindo, ao longo da história, pequenas referências à maleficência, mas, ainda assim, não existe, expressamente, uma luta contra o mal – os governantes corruptos estão demasiado ocupados em acumular funções e honras ou em atingir determinados cargos auspiciosos. Enquanto isso, o Império vai-se deteriorando e a impressão de grandeza vai-se desvanecendo.
Partindo de uma premissa bastante naive e talvez, pouco original, acaba por transcender os lugares comuns do género ao se centrar numa personagem feminina capaz e lutadora, sem a menosprezar num papel de coitadinha, nem a elevar a heroína máxima, salvadora da pátria, mas construindo uma personagem com um percurso de vida irónico apesar da posição que ocupa. Por tudo isto, é uma história de destaque que não está a ter, na minha opinião, a devida atenção no género fantástico.
December 11, 2015
Check out my other reviews, discussions and link ups at Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was the first time I've read a book by Dave Duncan, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But the synopsis sounded good, so I requested it. In some very small ways, it reminded me a bit of Priestess of the White by Trudi Canavan.
I really liked reading about Irona and her life, the little bits we saw before she was chosen, as well as after. She had realistic strengths and flaws, and while I didn't always agree with some of the things she did, it made sense for the character to do them. I loved Vly, didn't care for Veer at all, and the little boy (you'll know whom I mean when you read it) made me wish he had died as a child.
The world was really well written and fleshed out. Almost all the things that happened, were believable. One thing seemed too easy, but explaining would be a fairly major spoiler so I'll leave it at that.
The ending of the book was a bit disappointing, it ended with a lot of loose threads left. I wanted to know what would happen to Irona next. If Maleficence was finally defeated or if it would come back again. Would she ever make it to become the First? The end felt more like the end of a first book in a series end, instead of a stand-alone book end. But I don't think a sequel is planned, nor do I know how there could be enough plot left to make a decent sequel.
Most of the book revolves around politics and intrigue, and maneuvering for the best status in said politics. So if that kind of thing bothers you, I wouldn't recommend reading this. It was written in such a way that for me at least, it didn't bother me at all. It just made me want to know what Irona would come up with next, and how she would stay on top or at least one of the top.
If you like fantasy with a bit of historical and military feel, and lots of plot twists and intrigue, I would recommend this book.This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was the first time I've read a book by Dave Duncan, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But the synopsis sounded good, so I requested it. In some very small ways, it reminded me a bit of Priestess of the White by Trudi Canavan.
I really liked reading about Irona and her life, the little bits we saw before she was chosen, as well as after. She had realistic strengths and flaws, and while I didn't always agree with some of the things she did, it made sense for the character to do them. I loved Vly, didn't care for Veer at all, and the little boy (you'll know whom I mean when you read it) made me wish he had died as a child.
The world was really well written and fleshed out. Almost all the things that happened, were believable. One thing seemed too easy, but explaining would be a fairly major spoiler so I'll leave it at that.
The ending of the book was a bit disappointing, it ended with a lot of loose threads left. I wanted to know what would happen to Irona next. If Maleficence was finally defeated or if it would come back again. Would she ever make it to become the First? The end felt more like the end of a first book in a series end, instead of a stand-alone book end. But I don't think a sequel is planned, nor do I know how there could be enough plot left to make a decent sequel.
Most of the book revolves around politics and intrigue, and maneuvering for the best status in said politics. So if that kind of thing bothers you, I wouldn't recommend reading this. It was written in such a way that for me at least, it didn't bother me at all. It just made me want to know what Irona would come up with next, and how she would stay on top or at least one of the top.
If you like fantasy with a bit of historical and military feel, and lots of plot twists and intrigue, I would recommend this book.This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
December 16, 2015
"Irona 700" was not quite the story I expected. It is far more political than I expected from a fantasy story that also has some hint of "historical" tones and religious underpinnings. In many ways this felt like a reflection onto a Athenian-like world (called Benign) but one that lasted centuries not merely decades. A great deal of time is also spent on military situations but not actual combat but that pleased me because personally I find descriptions of combat tedious in most cases.
Irona is a very complex character but I wish we'd spent more time on her first two years in service to the goddess as a leader of Benign. This would have allowed us to see how she got from poor eldest child from the outlands to future leader of the empire. What happened to make her character so savvy about some matters so beyond her childhood? I felt like that wasn't explained, we were just supposed to accept it. Similarly, while she seems to have a good sense of motive and character that fails her in her personal life in contradiction to everything we are told is acceptable for people of her station -- part of a council who make decisions for everyone and on every matter in the empire.
There is violence and sex in this book though not nearly as explicit as in many epic fantasies these days. The violence and sex is both personal and institutional in nature. The world crafting was fairly believable but the introduction of magic and monsters threw me at times when it really feels more more like a "historical" novel or a least the history of another planet. Who has magic in this world? This was confusing to me at times especially when Benign is supposed to be the height of power in the world.
Chapters are really years within the 39 years over which this novel happens. Some years are given more time than others and some, not all, are preceded by italicized text that seems to be a future history text or story that is never fully revealed. The novel ends with Irona still one of the elite and it makes me wonder if there will be a second book though I'm not sure how that will work... revelation of this future historian who is really telling us the story of Irona 700?
Irona is a very complex character but I wish we'd spent more time on her first two years in service to the goddess as a leader of Benign. This would have allowed us to see how she got from poor eldest child from the outlands to future leader of the empire. What happened to make her character so savvy about some matters so beyond her childhood? I felt like that wasn't explained, we were just supposed to accept it. Similarly, while she seems to have a good sense of motive and character that fails her in her personal life in contradiction to everything we are told is acceptable for people of her station -- part of a council who make decisions for everyone and on every matter in the empire.
There is violence and sex in this book though not nearly as explicit as in many epic fantasies these days. The violence and sex is both personal and institutional in nature. The world crafting was fairly believable but the introduction of magic and monsters threw me at times when it really feels more more like a "historical" novel or a least the history of another planet. Who has magic in this world? This was confusing to me at times especially when Benign is supposed to be the height of power in the world.
Chapters are really years within the 39 years over which this novel happens. Some years are given more time than others and some, not all, are preceded by italicized text that seems to be a future history text or story that is never fully revealed. The novel ends with Irona still one of the elite and it makes me wonder if there will be a second book though I'm not sure how that will work... revelation of this future historian who is really telling us the story of Irona 700?
April 5, 2016
Ahoy there me mateys . . . This book was a random pick off the new fiction bookshelf at a local library because of its name on the spine. The name made me pick it up. The cover had a strong-looking woman on the front, a sword, and best of all: ships. Arrrrr!
That made me flip it over. The back of the novel had a wonderful description and so it got added to the stack of reading material already piled high that day. I had never heard of the author but I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy novel. This book is the story of Irona 700 who is plucked from obscurity and lands in the ruling class of the kingdom of Benign.
As a side note the word “benign” means:
1: of a gentle disposition: gracious
2a: showing kindness and gentleness
2b: favorable, wholesome
3a: of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life; especially: not becoming cancerous
3b: having no significant effect: harmless.
Ahem. Well the city in this novel does not match what we think it should mean. Benign as the capital of the Empire is hardly gentle and is certainly prejudicial about its own status and importance. So the city name made me smile.
The main character Irona 700 however, is awesome, intelligent yet flawed, and just wonderful to read about. The plot follows the main character through the years and showcases the politics of Benign, the choices Irona 700 makes along the way, and the personal cost of making those choices.
The first half of the book was certainly more interesting to me than the second half because it showcases Irona 700’s personal growth and the establishment of her standing in the ruling governmental body. Other readers may find the second half to be slower and even perhaps boring because it details the changing of the political status quo. It is less about the character herself evolving but more about the world changing around her. The ending was just distressing, if somewhat predictable, and may disgruntle some readers. I loved the political structure and the character so the book worked for me overall.
If you want to read more of my reviews and other musings visit https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
That made me flip it over. The back of the novel had a wonderful description and so it got added to the stack of reading material already piled high that day. I had never heard of the author but I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy novel. This book is the story of Irona 700 who is plucked from obscurity and lands in the ruling class of the kingdom of Benign.
As a side note the word “benign” means:
1: of a gentle disposition: gracious
2a: showing kindness and gentleness
2b: favorable, wholesome
3a: of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life; especially: not becoming cancerous
3b: having no significant effect: harmless.
Ahem. Well the city in this novel does not match what we think it should mean. Benign as the capital of the Empire is hardly gentle and is certainly prejudicial about its own status and importance. So the city name made me smile.
The main character Irona 700 however, is awesome, intelligent yet flawed, and just wonderful to read about. The plot follows the main character through the years and showcases the politics of Benign, the choices Irona 700 makes along the way, and the personal cost of making those choices.
The first half of the book was certainly more interesting to me than the second half because it showcases Irona 700’s personal growth and the establishment of her standing in the ruling governmental body. Other readers may find the second half to be slower and even perhaps boring because it details the changing of the political status quo. It is less about the character herself evolving but more about the world changing around her. The ending was just distressing, if somewhat predictable, and may disgruntle some readers. I loved the political structure and the character so the book worked for me overall.
If you want to read more of my reviews and other musings visit https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
October 19, 2015
I received this for an honest review.
A stand-alone fantasy novel set in a world similar to ancient Phoenician, Mycenaean, an Babylonian periods. To me at least. A place where men fight with swords, servants carry their masters in litters, and Maleficence is tucked away in the corners of the world. The novel follows the political life of Irona 700, one of the Chosen of Caprice to lead the Empire of Benign. Every year all the 16 year-olds of Benign are paraded to the old city to throw a disk into a basin at the temple to see who will become the next Chosen for the goddess Caprice. These Chosen comprise of The Seventy who rule of Benign and the surrounding Empire. They then elect Seven of themselves as head officers and one First who outweighs all in political procedures. There are no royal lineages and women are treated equally.
Irona is one of the few morally adept of the Seventy to understand the Empire has flaws in its policies and how it treats other tribes. One thing I enjoyed about this novel is that it has a strong female protagonist who succeeds politically and doesn't preoccupy herself too much with love. While I liked the main character, the character development itself wasn't extraordinary. I didn't feel much empathy for the characters even though I followed them throughout most of their lives. Always lurking is an fantastical element that is referred to as Maleficence that the people of the Empires have fought against and feared. The world itself is interesting. There are elements that remind you to ancient Mediterranean civilizations and those of more arid areas like the Levant area. The story in some parts didn't really seem to go anywhere and felt like it was just a compilation of Irona's successes and failures. Each chapter covers a certain year(s) that were the major points of her career as a Chosen. I was more interested to see how the author created this world and if Irona would advance politically.
Key points: Strong female protagonist, little romance, war, politics, if you like ancient history you might like this!
A stand-alone fantasy novel set in a world similar to ancient Phoenician, Mycenaean, an Babylonian periods. To me at least. A place where men fight with swords, servants carry their masters in litters, and Maleficence is tucked away in the corners of the world. The novel follows the political life of Irona 700, one of the Chosen of Caprice to lead the Empire of Benign. Every year all the 16 year-olds of Benign are paraded to the old city to throw a disk into a basin at the temple to see who will become the next Chosen for the goddess Caprice. These Chosen comprise of The Seventy who rule of Benign and the surrounding Empire. They then elect Seven of themselves as head officers and one First who outweighs all in political procedures. There are no royal lineages and women are treated equally.
Irona is one of the few morally adept of the Seventy to understand the Empire has flaws in its policies and how it treats other tribes. One thing I enjoyed about this novel is that it has a strong female protagonist who succeeds politically and doesn't preoccupy herself too much with love. While I liked the main character, the character development itself wasn't extraordinary. I didn't feel much empathy for the characters even though I followed them throughout most of their lives. Always lurking is an fantastical element that is referred to as Maleficence that the people of the Empires have fought against and feared. The world itself is interesting. There are elements that remind you to ancient Mediterranean civilizations and those of more arid areas like the Levant area. The story in some parts didn't really seem to go anywhere and felt like it was just a compilation of Irona's successes and failures. Each chapter covers a certain year(s) that were the major points of her career as a Chosen. I was more interested to see how the author created this world and if Irona would advance politically.
Key points: Strong female protagonist, little romance, war, politics, if you like ancient history you might like this!
June 23, 2015
Synopsis: "Fantasy at its most enchanting: An original and absorbing tale from a master storyteller about the profound effects of a single life on the battle against ultimate evil
It is Midsummer Day, the beginning of the year 700, in the city of Benign. All the children born in the year 684 celebrate their joint sixteenth birthday by passing in front of the statue of the blind goddess Caprice—but only one will become the Chosen and join the Seventy who govern and guide the city.
Much to her surprise, Irona Matrinko, one of the many children of an impoverished fisherman, is chosen. Irona 700 moves into the palace and, with the help of a new mentor, recognizes and cultivates her great talent for guiding wars: strategy and tactics, leadership and inspiration.
As Irona gives her life to the city, an ancient enemy, Maleficence, attacks again and again, corrupting Irona’s friends, destroying her lover, and continually defeating her grandest plans for peace and harmony. Along the way, Irona becomes a masterful politician, a shrewd judge of character, and, even at great cost to her personal happiness, a true heroine."
My Review: This was a review I received from NetGalley. I have really been into fantasy lately and this looked like an interesting read. I must admit I wanted to start it a few times but the page count was a little daunting. Once I did start it though it was just as intriguing as the synopsis is, I was instantly drawn into the world. I really enjoyed Irona's character, she has so many different aspects and she has a strength from within as opposed to what is normally common of fantasy novels. The story does have rather slow pacing and sometimes you really wonder exactly where the story is going or what the point is but then it will draw you back in with another interesting tidbit thrown into the plot line. It all seems rather new and refreshing in a genre that can get a little cliché.
It is Midsummer Day, the beginning of the year 700, in the city of Benign. All the children born in the year 684 celebrate their joint sixteenth birthday by passing in front of the statue of the blind goddess Caprice—but only one will become the Chosen and join the Seventy who govern and guide the city.
Much to her surprise, Irona Matrinko, one of the many children of an impoverished fisherman, is chosen. Irona 700 moves into the palace and, with the help of a new mentor, recognizes and cultivates her great talent for guiding wars: strategy and tactics, leadership and inspiration.
As Irona gives her life to the city, an ancient enemy, Maleficence, attacks again and again, corrupting Irona’s friends, destroying her lover, and continually defeating her grandest plans for peace and harmony. Along the way, Irona becomes a masterful politician, a shrewd judge of character, and, even at great cost to her personal happiness, a true heroine."
My Review: This was a review I received from NetGalley. I have really been into fantasy lately and this looked like an interesting read. I must admit I wanted to start it a few times but the page count was a little daunting. Once I did start it though it was just as intriguing as the synopsis is, I was instantly drawn into the world. I really enjoyed Irona's character, she has so many different aspects and she has a strength from within as opposed to what is normally common of fantasy novels. The story does have rather slow pacing and sometimes you really wonder exactly where the story is going or what the point is but then it will draw you back in with another interesting tidbit thrown into the plot line. It all seems rather new and refreshing in a genre that can get a little cliché.
August 30, 2015
This is the first Open Road Media book I didn't care for. When I started reading, I thought it would be yet another Dystopian novel and Irona would overthrow the empire somehow. In a way, Irona believes this of herself as well, but that's not what happens at all. Perhaps that's the point of the story; not everyone is capable or even wants to start a revolution. The problem with that is it makes for a yawn of a story.
I was interested in how Irona began working within the system she had hated all her life, but I continually wondered where the story was going and why I should care. By the 75% mark, I began to dislike Irona, and by 80%, I was thoroughly bored but determined to finish the book. It wasn't until I had only about 5% left that I finally found out where Irona fit in the grand scheme of things. She is the hero of the story, just not in the way you would think, and getting there made the book seem much longer than it is. On top of that, the author uses rape as a signifier of true evilness, and I'm a firm believer that there are better ways to write evil without having to resort to sexual assault. While the one rape scene wasn't exactly disturbing to me, it may trigger others, and it certainly wasn't necessary.
Until today, the lowest rating I've given to an Open Road Media book was three stars (The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson). This one gets two stars. It just didn't have enough good storytelling for me to give it three. If you enjoy epic Greek or Roman style settings or political stories, and you don't take issue with sexual violence, maybe check Irona 700 out from the library and give it a chance. I wouldn't pay money for this book, though.
I was interested in how Irona began working within the system she had hated all her life, but I continually wondered where the story was going and why I should care. By the 75% mark, I began to dislike Irona, and by 80%, I was thoroughly bored but determined to finish the book. It wasn't until I had only about 5% left that I finally found out where Irona fit in the grand scheme of things. She is the hero of the story, just not in the way you would think, and getting there made the book seem much longer than it is. On top of that, the author uses rape as a signifier of true evilness, and I'm a firm believer that there are better ways to write evil without having to resort to sexual assault. While the one rape scene wasn't exactly disturbing to me, it may trigger others, and it certainly wasn't necessary.
Until today, the lowest rating I've given to an Open Road Media book was three stars (The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson). This one gets two stars. It just didn't have enough good storytelling for me to give it three. If you enjoy epic Greek or Roman style settings or political stories, and you don't take issue with sexual violence, maybe check Irona 700 out from the library and give it a chance. I wouldn't pay money for this book, though.
April 10, 2015
I got this ARC from Open Road Integrated Media in return for an honest review
Overall I give it a whooping 3.5
This book was good. the world building was amazing...honestly, the world building blew my mind.
Every year the Goddess Caprice chooses a boy or a girl who will stand on her behalf to be her voice to her people.
These chosen are revered and loved.
They have the ability to do great good.
Or great evil.
In the year 700
A simple girl named Irona is chosen.
No one was ready for her.
The start of that book blew my mind. I was honestly in awe at Duncan's amazing world building. seriously, i had that Alice sensation of falling into another world.
Then as the book proceeded it got highly political. Now don't get me wrong, I love political Fantasy books. However this is such a big book that I began to feel mentally tired after reading 1 chapter.
The characters were superbly depicted, from the evil and creepy ones to the heroes.
Man one kid in here (you'll immediately know who I'm talking about after you read it) but they made me shudder in horror SO.MANY.TIMES!
This was a brilliant fantasy, but i think it'll appeal to a certain type of reader. It won't be everyone's cup of tea.
So like i said, if you're not into a fantasy revolving around moves and countermoves and deep- political intrigue then reconsider reading.
If that is something you love, then you have found your next favourite book!
Stay awesome lovelies!
-The Book Herald
tweet me @thebookherald
Overall I give it a whooping 3.5
This book was good. the world building was amazing...honestly, the world building blew my mind.
Every year the Goddess Caprice chooses a boy or a girl who will stand on her behalf to be her voice to her people.
These chosen are revered and loved.
They have the ability to do great good.
Or great evil.
In the year 700
A simple girl named Irona is chosen.
No one was ready for her.
The start of that book blew my mind. I was honestly in awe at Duncan's amazing world building. seriously, i had that Alice sensation of falling into another world.
Then as the book proceeded it got highly political. Now don't get me wrong, I love political Fantasy books. However this is such a big book that I began to feel mentally tired after reading 1 chapter.
The characters were superbly depicted, from the evil and creepy ones to the heroes.
Man one kid in here (you'll immediately know who I'm talking about after you read it) but they made me shudder in horror SO.MANY.TIMES!
This was a brilliant fantasy, but i think it'll appeal to a certain type of reader. It won't be everyone's cup of tea.
So like i said, if you're not into a fantasy revolving around moves and countermoves and deep- political intrigue then reconsider reading.
If that is something you love, then you have found your next favourite book!
Stay awesome lovelies!
-The Book Herald
tweet me @thebookherald
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews