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The City #2
The Immortal Throne
No one is safe, and no one is to be trusted as the bloody war that began in Stella Gemmell’s The City continues...
The dreaded emperor is dead. The successor to the throne is his nemesis, Archange. Many hope her reign will usher in a new era of freedom and stability. Soon however, word arises of a massive army gathering in the shadows of the north. They are eager to lay waste to the City and annihilate anyone—man, woman, or child—within it.
Yet just as the swords clang in fields wet with the blood of warriors, family feuds, ancient rivalries, and political battles rage on within the cold stone walls of the City. A hero must rise up and restore the peace before anything left to fight for is consumed by the madness.
The dreaded emperor is dead. The successor to the throne is his nemesis, Archange. Many hope her reign will usher in a new era of freedom and stability. Soon however, word arises of a massive army gathering in the shadows of the north. They are eager to lay waste to the City and annihilate anyone—man, woman, or child—within it.
Yet just as the swords clang in fields wet with the blood of warriors, family feuds, ancient rivalries, and political battles rage on within the cold stone walls of the City. A hero must rise up and restore the peace before anything left to fight for is consumed by the madness.
560 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2016
51 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Stella Gemmell
10 books137 followersStella Gemmell has a degree in politics and is a journalist. She was married to the internationally acclaimed and bestselling fantasy novelist David Gemmell and worked with him on his three Troy novels, completing the final book, Troy: Fall of Kings, following his death in 2006. She lives in East Sussex. The City is her first solo novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 7, 2021
De Onsterfelijke Troon heeft dezelfde sterke en zwakke punten als De Stad. Het grootste punt is dat beide boeken eigenlijk pas na een pagina of 300 op gang komen. Ze zijn goed geschreven, maar missing richting en bondigheid.
June 17, 2020
Follow up to The City which you must read first. Stella Gemmell was always involved in her late husband’s writing so there is an obvious link and influence to David Gemmell. But she has a more intense and deeper style where David was (to me) all about big, tortured and noble heroic characters.
The city is recovering from the bloodshed and consequences of the rebellion and now face a new crisis. A vast army is on its way to wipe everyone out, and this is not a city or environment that will easily pull together against a common foe.
It’s a theme (but with more intrigue and politics than usual) that we have seen many times but this is blessed with intelligent writing and complex characters.
The city is recovering from the bloodshed and consequences of the rebellion and now face a new crisis. A vast army is on its way to wipe everyone out, and this is not a city or environment that will easily pull together against a common foe.
It’s a theme (but with more intrigue and politics than usual) that we have seen many times but this is blessed with intelligent writing and complex characters.
June 9, 2016
I received a copy of The Immortal Throne from Penguin Random House New Zealand to review. This is the sequel to The City which I read and reviewed last month. You can read my review here.
This book picks up during the events of The City, just before the rebellion. This time there are new characters, some that were mentioned in the first book but now have their own
perspective, and they’re on the other side of the rebellion. After 175 pages the characters that were still alive at the end of the first book, and are still in the City, are back and I think it picks up a little over six months later.. But don’t quote me on that.
I had mixed feeling while I read about the other side of the rebellion. I still wanted the emperor dead but I found myself backing these characters as they fought to save their home. I think if I still had a copy of The City I would have compared some of the scenes but I took it back to the library a while ago.
Just like the first book, The Immortal Throne had so much going on that I had to take notes to remind myself what happened for this review. I don’t put spoilers in any of my reviews, or I try not to, but I needed to remind myself of all the twists, betrayals, and deaths (not as much death as the first book though). I like the fact that Gemmell kills off a character while we’re still reading in their perspective. There have been a handful of characters who have been telling their stories and have been randomly killed off while doing it.
I have enjoyed both books, even though they both felt like they took forever to read. They didn’t. I couldn’t put them down. I did think The Immortal Throne was better than The City but that’s probably because I was familiar with the world and some characters. I didn’t need that much of an introduction into this world like I did while I read The City.
I don’t know if they’ll be a third book. There were a few storylines left hanging which makes me think that there might be another book. And the epilogue completely confused me. I didn’t understand that at all. I’m hoping there will be another book because I want to know what happened to the characters that didn’t get an ending and just vanished before the book was finished.
This book picks up during the events of The City, just before the rebellion. This time there are new characters, some that were mentioned in the first book but now have their own
perspective, and they’re on the other side of the rebellion. After 175 pages the characters that were still alive at the end of the first book, and are still in the City, are back and I think it picks up a little over six months later.. But don’t quote me on that.
I had mixed feeling while I read about the other side of the rebellion. I still wanted the emperor dead but I found myself backing these characters as they fought to save their home. I think if I still had a copy of The City I would have compared some of the scenes but I took it back to the library a while ago.
Just like the first book, The Immortal Throne had so much going on that I had to take notes to remind myself what happened for this review. I don’t put spoilers in any of my reviews, or I try not to, but I needed to remind myself of all the twists, betrayals, and deaths (not as much death as the first book though). I like the fact that Gemmell kills off a character while we’re still reading in their perspective. There have been a handful of characters who have been telling their stories and have been randomly killed off while doing it.
I have enjoyed both books, even though they both felt like they took forever to read. They didn’t. I couldn’t put them down. I did think The Immortal Throne was better than The City but that’s probably because I was familiar with the world and some characters. I didn’t need that much of an introduction into this world like I did while I read The City.
I don’t know if they’ll be a third book. There were a few storylines left hanging which makes me think that there might be another book. And the epilogue completely confused me. I didn’t understand that at all. I’m hoping there will be another book because I want to know what happened to the characters that didn’t get an ending and just vanished before the book was finished.
April 24, 2016
Just amazing. This was great fantasy, beautifully written and what a tale it told. I read like 80% in one day, I could not put it down. I was immersed in it.
In the last book the Emperor was killed and the aftermath left the City weak. This is a messed up place and I like it for that. They are fighting on many fronts and they are sending out every man and woman they can. Which in turn is stupid because their numbers are dwindling. It's a City on its last legs. Constant warfare, a blockade at sea. And Immortals fighting among themselves.
My favorite POV was Rubin, a son of the 7 families, spy, loyal to Marcellus, and sent on missions that will probably get him killed.
Then there was Em and Evan. The orphan and the soldier. She had something others wanted, and he was loyal to the bone.
And yes so many others. Valla who becomes a bodyguard. Members of the 7 families; the Immortals. All playing their part in defending the city, and the city's destruction.
The book is really about the City and those who live there, and I also found out why they live there. Why it was created and at the end, was this the end? Yes, everything fell into place *coughs* in one way or another. But the aftermath, there are still stories to tell, and I would love to read more, but I am happy with the ending I got. Still, I need more.
It was masterfully crafted. And a tale I could not stop reading. I recommend it, but you really should read The City first. Lots happened in that one. This is fantasy after all.
Did I say it was great!? It was great.
In the last book the Emperor was killed and the aftermath left the City weak. This is a messed up place and I like it for that. They are fighting on many fronts and they are sending out every man and woman they can. Which in turn is stupid because their numbers are dwindling. It's a City on its last legs. Constant warfare, a blockade at sea. And Immortals fighting among themselves.
My favorite POV was Rubin, a son of the 7 families, spy, loyal to Marcellus, and sent on missions that will probably get him killed.
Then there was Em and Evan. The orphan and the soldier. She had something others wanted, and he was loyal to the bone.
And yes so many others. Valla who becomes a bodyguard. Members of the 7 families; the Immortals. All playing their part in defending the city, and the city's destruction.
The book is really about the City and those who live there, and I also found out why they live there. Why it was created and at the end, was this the end? Yes, everything fell into place *coughs* in one way or another. But the aftermath, there are still stories to tell, and I would love to read more, but I am happy with the ending I got. Still, I need more.
It was masterfully crafted. And a tale I could not stop reading. I recommend it, but you really should read The City first. Lots happened in that one. This is fantasy after all.
Did I say it was great!? It was great.
July 9, 2023
(english version below)
Wer die Drenai-Saga von David Gemmell schätzt, wird ziemlich wahrscheinlich auch Gefallen an diesem Buch finden.
Ich mochte es sehr gerne.
----------------------------
If you appreciate the Drenai saga by David Gemmell, you will probably also enjoy this book.
I liked this book series by Stella Gemmell very much.
Wer die Drenai-Saga von David Gemmell schätzt, wird ziemlich wahrscheinlich auch Gefallen an diesem Buch finden.
Ich mochte es sehr gerne.
----------------------------
If you appreciate the Drenai saga by David Gemmell, you will probably also enjoy this book.
I liked this book series by Stella Gemmell very much.
March 15, 2017
took me a damn long time, but I finally managed to make it through :)
awesome read, thrilling conclusion, and it wasnt clear until very near the end how stuff would end up... might have felt rushed to some, but it was nice I think
what IMO separates this novel from a multitude of other fantasy novels is the honey-smooth writing, the language, it just reads so damn nice... and what I thought it excelled in was in depicting the horrors of war/fighting... especially scenes where soldiers died in multitudes and viscera was flying all over the place, the smell of **** and urine and all that smells around a battlefield filled with corpses, ditches filled with bodies and their comrades stepping on their co-fighters corpses to get across
a nice read, and here's hoping that Mrs Gemmell writes more novels set in this world... maybe in the past, or in the future, it sure has the potential :)
awesome read, thrilling conclusion, and it wasnt clear until very near the end how stuff would end up... might have felt rushed to some, but it was nice I think
what IMO separates this novel from a multitude of other fantasy novels is the honey-smooth writing, the language, it just reads so damn nice... and what I thought it excelled in was in depicting the horrors of war/fighting... especially scenes where soldiers died in multitudes and viscera was flying all over the place, the smell of **** and urine and all that smells around a battlefield filled with corpses, ditches filled with bodies and their comrades stepping on their co-fighters corpses to get across
a nice read, and here's hoping that Mrs Gemmell writes more novels set in this world... maybe in the past, or in the future, it sure has the potential :)
June 27, 2016
c2016: FWFB: Damn, I lost the review that i was writing and can't be asked to do it again. Short but sweet - I enjoyed the book, would have preferred a better recap and hopefully there is another book or two to go. "Don't think about the past. The past is gone and there is nothing you can do about it. Don't worry about the future, for you can't know what it will bring. Just stay strong and keep your sword sharp. And always be ready."
August 18, 2017
Spannend, goed geschreven en een waardig vervolg op De stad. Een 9 maar hier een 8.
May 3, 2016
Uh...what? The continuation of the story of The City. But more confusing, more odd, more not sure it quite worked.
Lots of people die. Often for no apparent reason. Lots of people kill lots of other people. Also for no apparent reason. Well, okay, there are reasons. Just some of them seem a bit unnecessary.
Oh, and everyone seems to change the side they are on every few chapters. Again, don't really understand what motivates some of these.
Also, the weird time travel subplot that wasn't really explored all seemed a bit needless.
Like it, but feels a bit forced some of the decisions and things that are happening and at the end you're still baffled about the baby and what it is going to be, where Rubin's father disappeared to, what was/is going on with Selene and her Vorago, where all of these people have come from to fight in all the battles given how many people seem to be dying all the time...glad I read it, but probably wouldn't pick it up for a second reading.
Lots of people die. Often for no apparent reason. Lots of people kill lots of other people. Also for no apparent reason. Well, okay, there are reasons. Just some of them seem a bit unnecessary.
Oh, and everyone seems to change the side they are on every few chapters. Again, don't really understand what motivates some of these.
Also, the weird time travel subplot that wasn't really explored all seemed a bit needless.
Like it, but feels a bit forced some of the decisions and things that are happening and at the end you're still baffled about the baby and what it is going to be, where Rubin's father disappeared to, what was/is going on with Selene and her Vorago, where all of these people have come from to fight in all the battles given how many people seem to be dying all the time...glad I read it, but probably wouldn't pick it up for a second reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2018
Extremely well done! Definitely want to read more from Mrs. Gemmell
April 13, 2021
We're back in the City... I was, quite frankly, astonished by the audacity of this book. It's not often that an author decides to repeat the entirety of their first book in the second one, but that's exactly what happens here—though actually, in this book, we go beyond merely the first one.
This gimmick allowed Ms Gemmell to continuously use her favoured device of tell the reader what is coming (don't foreshadow, *tell*), and then introduce the event slowly across numerous chapters, always revealing just a little bit more. The device was a bit old by now, and of course the reader knows what's happening for half of this volume, but the story still worked—and the reader was able to finally figure out how exactly many events came to pass.
I liked the story, in general. I liked the characters as well. These were a more varied bunch than in the first installment, especially with people like Hayden and Stern now participating in the story. Ms Gemmell's pen seemed more certain in writing these guys than it had been with the Elijah & Emly centered first book. Nevertheless, Emly featured heavily in this story as well, but the character didn't quite jive: something was off though the author really wanted us to like her.
There are also numerous history lessons present in the book, with the reader finally getting a more elaborate understanding of the City, its authors, and who Marcellus & Co. really are. This was both interesting as well as disappointing: I wasn't expecting exactly that kind of a backstory, but I also could have got by without the angelic references that come by the dozen (not that they were entirely absent previously).
However, what annoys me most about this is the author's complete inability to understand numbers. At one point, Marcellus claimed that an army of five hundred thousand would have been only one amongst many in the city's glory days, a vanguard for the rest of the forces, leading us to estimate the population of the city at least as highly as 25 million which is ridiculous. Even in its final days, we are dealing with City and hostile armies of tens of thousands that get wiped out without a trace (not to mention that some hostile armies are without any sort of logistical base and yet comprise upwards of forty thousand men). The final enemy hordes that participate in the story are hundreds of thousands of men from a barren mountainous wasteland. Of course, these hundreds of thousands of undisciplined savage warriors don't face any logistical problems except for knowing how to cross a river.
These contradictions took away quite a bit from enjoying this book despite it solving many problems that the previous volume left up in the air. This is also despite many of the characters here (especially Stalker & Valla who I didn't mention above) making for very enjoyable storylines.
This review was originally posted on my blog.
This gimmick allowed Ms Gemmell to continuously use her favoured device of tell the reader what is coming (don't foreshadow, *tell*), and then introduce the event slowly across numerous chapters, always revealing just a little bit more. The device was a bit old by now, and of course the reader knows what's happening for half of this volume, but the story still worked—and the reader was able to finally figure out how exactly many events came to pass.
I liked the story, in general. I liked the characters as well. These were a more varied bunch than in the first installment, especially with people like Hayden and Stern now participating in the story. Ms Gemmell's pen seemed more certain in writing these guys than it had been with the Elijah & Emly centered first book. Nevertheless, Emly featured heavily in this story as well, but the character didn't quite jive: something was off though the author really wanted us to like her.
There are also numerous history lessons present in the book, with the reader finally getting a more elaborate understanding of the City, its authors, and who Marcellus & Co. really are. This was both interesting as well as disappointing: I wasn't expecting exactly that kind of a backstory, but I also could have got by without the angelic references that come by the dozen (not that they were entirely absent previously).
However, what annoys me most about this is the author's complete inability to understand numbers. At one point, Marcellus claimed that an army of five hundred thousand would have been only one amongst many in the city's glory days, a vanguard for the rest of the forces, leading us to estimate the population of the city at least as highly as 25 million which is ridiculous. Even in its final days, we are dealing with City and hostile armies of tens of thousands that get wiped out without a trace (not to mention that some hostile armies are without any sort of logistical base and yet comprise upwards of forty thousand men). The final enemy hordes that participate in the story are hundreds of thousands of men from a barren mountainous wasteland. Of course, these hundreds of thousands of undisciplined savage warriors don't face any logistical problems except for knowing how to cross a river.
These contradictions took away quite a bit from enjoying this book despite it solving many problems that the previous volume left up in the air. This is also despite many of the characters here (especially Stalker & Valla who I didn't mention above) making for very enjoyable storylines.
This review was originally posted on my blog.
October 12, 2025
Author: Stella Gemmell
Title: The Immortal Throne
Series: The City
Cover Rating:
Silver Star
Book Rating:
3 Stars
About the Book:
The emperor is dead…long live the emperor!
The fervent hope of the victorious rebels and the survivors of the uprising that liberated the City from tyranny is that the accession of Archange to the imperial throne will usher in a new era of freedom, peace and stability. If only that were so...
As the the City struggles to return to something resembling normal life after the devastation brought on by the rebellion, word arises of a massive army gathering to the north. No one knows where it has come from or who leads it, but it soon becomes apparent that its sole purpose is to destroy the City and annihilate all - man, woman and child - who live within its battered walls.
And while warriors go forth to fight and die on the battlefield in defense of their homeland and all that they believe in, bitter family feuds and ancient rivalries, political and personal betrayals, and mindless murder surface within the palaces and corridors of power: it seems the City is under siege - from both without and within .
My Thoughts:
The low rating is my fault I came in without reading the previous book and The Immortal Throne is a serious book. From what I could tell it picked up from where the previous book left off almost directly it seems.
I didn't understand a lot of what was happening or who the players were or what side they were on however I'm curious enough that I want to pick up the first book so that I can see what I'm missing out on.
The biggest thing is that this is not a quick read this is a big time investment read with nearly 600 pages of intensely detailed scenes. There is a lot of political upheaval and emotional turmoil in this book.
Its written well, I liked Gemmell's voice that came with her writing, and I liked the cover of this book. Totally worth the investment if you haven't read it yet.
I have another author to enjoy in the near future.
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Title: The Immortal Throne
Series: The City
Cover Rating:
Silver Star
Book Rating:
3 Stars
About the Book:
The emperor is dead…long live the emperor!
The fervent hope of the victorious rebels and the survivors of the uprising that liberated the City from tyranny is that the accession of Archange to the imperial throne will usher in a new era of freedom, peace and stability. If only that were so...
As the the City struggles to return to something resembling normal life after the devastation brought on by the rebellion, word arises of a massive army gathering to the north. No one knows where it has come from or who leads it, but it soon becomes apparent that its sole purpose is to destroy the City and annihilate all - man, woman and child - who live within its battered walls.
And while warriors go forth to fight and die on the battlefield in defense of their homeland and all that they believe in, bitter family feuds and ancient rivalries, political and personal betrayals, and mindless murder surface within the palaces and corridors of power: it seems the City is under siege - from both without and within .
My Thoughts:
The low rating is my fault I came in without reading the previous book and The Immortal Throne is a serious book. From what I could tell it picked up from where the previous book left off almost directly it seems.
I didn't understand a lot of what was happening or who the players were or what side they were on however I'm curious enough that I want to pick up the first book so that I can see what I'm missing out on.
The biggest thing is that this is not a quick read this is a big time investment read with nearly 600 pages of intensely detailed scenes. There is a lot of political upheaval and emotional turmoil in this book.
Its written well, I liked Gemmell's voice that came with her writing, and I liked the cover of this book. Totally worth the investment if you haven't read it yet.
I have another author to enjoy in the near future.
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
November 17, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
The emperor is dead…long live the emperor!
The fervent hope of the victorious rebels and the survivors of the uprising that liberated the City from tyranny is that the accession of Archange to the imperial throne will usher in a new era of freedom, peace and stability. If only that were so...
As the City struggles to return to something resembling normal life after the devastation brought on by the rebellion, word arises of a massive army gathering to the north. No one knows where it has come from or who leads it, but it soon becomes apparent that its sole purpose is to destroy the City and annihilate all - man, woman and child - who live within its battered walls. And while warriors go forth to fight and die on the battlefield in defence of their homeland and all that they believe in, bitter family feuds and ancient rivalries, political and personal betrayals, and mindless murder surface within the palaces and corridors of power: it seems the City is under siege - from both without and within...
*3.5 stars*
It has been a while since I read the first book in this series, The City. And, as it turns out, that was a bit of a problem for me.
But let's look at what was good about this book. This is probably a better book than the first - the magic, the battles, the dialogue - all far superior than the first book. But what I really did love about both books was the prose itself. Like honey on the tip of your tongue, it is sweet and slides down your throat easily and is extremely tasty. Stella Gemmell is an absolute wordsmith.
On the downside, this book was written like the reader had just finished book 1 and knew exactly who everyone was, where everything is etc. And I didn't. Some kind of refresher for a few pages would have been useful - not too much to ask for in a near-600 page book...
Also, the timelines were weird. Some parts of this book took place BEFORE or at the same time as the previous book. And that was seriously hard work. That really took away any sense of continuity, breaking any suspense that had been built.
I do, however, recommend this series, if for nothing more than Gemmell's beautiful prose. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Paul
ARH
The emperor is dead…long live the emperor!
The fervent hope of the victorious rebels and the survivors of the uprising that liberated the City from tyranny is that the accession of Archange to the imperial throne will usher in a new era of freedom, peace and stability. If only that were so...
As the City struggles to return to something resembling normal life after the devastation brought on by the rebellion, word arises of a massive army gathering to the north. No one knows where it has come from or who leads it, but it soon becomes apparent that its sole purpose is to destroy the City and annihilate all - man, woman and child - who live within its battered walls. And while warriors go forth to fight and die on the battlefield in defence of their homeland and all that they believe in, bitter family feuds and ancient rivalries, political and personal betrayals, and mindless murder surface within the palaces and corridors of power: it seems the City is under siege - from both without and within...
*3.5 stars*
It has been a while since I read the first book in this series, The City. And, as it turns out, that was a bit of a problem for me.
But let's look at what was good about this book. This is probably a better book than the first - the magic, the battles, the dialogue - all far superior than the first book. But what I really did love about both books was the prose itself. Like honey on the tip of your tongue, it is sweet and slides down your throat easily and is extremely tasty. Stella Gemmell is an absolute wordsmith.
On the downside, this book was written like the reader had just finished book 1 and knew exactly who everyone was, where everything is etc. And I didn't. Some kind of refresher for a few pages would have been useful - not too much to ask for in a near-600 page book...
Also, the timelines were weird. Some parts of this book took place BEFORE or at the same time as the previous book. And that was seriously hard work. That really took away any sense of continuity, breaking any suspense that had been built.
I do, however, recommend this series, if for nothing more than Gemmell's beautiful prose. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Paul
ARH
April 26, 2025
---ENGLISH REVIEW BELOW---
Een drie-sterren boek voor mij. Wat goede dingen, wat slechte dingen. Ik zal beginnen met de slechte dingen: Allereerst voelde het alsof dit boek in gepland was in het eerste boek, en de schrijver moest het doen met de gebeurtenissen in het eerste boek en eromheen moest werken om dit boek te laten plaatsvinden. Niet per se een slecht iets, maar het was wel wat storend. Ten tweede werd een van de plotlijnen niet mooi afgemaakt naar mijn mening. Ten derde, het te veel uitleggen aan het einde. Ik hou van uitleg en de puzzelstukjes te kunnen leggen, maar hier was het alsof er plotseling nieuwe puzzelstukjes waren en het was niet mogelijk voor een lezer om de puzzel al eerder te hebben kunnen leggen. Ondanks deze punten vond ik het een leuk boek om te lezen. Ik vind de wereld erg leuk om over te lezen en er waren leuke personages, en de schrijver is niet bang om mensen te doden. Het verhaal is spannend genoeg, met genoeg tinten grijs in plaats van alleen zwart en wit, en de schrijfstijl was prima. Het is een goed fantasieboek. Niet fantastisch, maar zeker ook niet slecht. Een goed boek.
---ENGLISH REVIEW---
A three-star book for me. Some good things, some bad things. I'll start with the bad things: First, it felt like this book was not planned in the first book, and the author had to deal with the events in the first book and had to work around them to make this book happen. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it did feel a bit jarring. Second, a plot line that wasn't properly followed through in my opinion. Third, the overexplaining at the end. I like getting explanations and putting the puzzle pieces together, but here it was like there were suddenly new puzzle pieces and there was no way a reader could've put the puzzle together beforehand. Despite these points, it was an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed reading about this world and there were likeable characters, and the author isn't afraid of killing people off. The story was exciting enough, with enough shades of grey instead of just black and white, and the writing style was fine. It's a good fantasy book. Not fantastic, but definitely not bad either. A good book.
Een drie-sterren boek voor mij. Wat goede dingen, wat slechte dingen. Ik zal beginnen met de slechte dingen: Allereerst voelde het alsof dit boek in gepland was in het eerste boek, en de schrijver moest het doen met de gebeurtenissen in het eerste boek en eromheen moest werken om dit boek te laten plaatsvinden. Niet per se een slecht iets, maar het was wel wat storend. Ten tweede werd een van de plotlijnen niet mooi afgemaakt naar mijn mening. Ten derde, het te veel uitleggen aan het einde. Ik hou van uitleg en de puzzelstukjes te kunnen leggen, maar hier was het alsof er plotseling nieuwe puzzelstukjes waren en het was niet mogelijk voor een lezer om de puzzel al eerder te hebben kunnen leggen. Ondanks deze punten vond ik het een leuk boek om te lezen. Ik vind de wereld erg leuk om over te lezen en er waren leuke personages, en de schrijver is niet bang om mensen te doden. Het verhaal is spannend genoeg, met genoeg tinten grijs in plaats van alleen zwart en wit, en de schrijfstijl was prima. Het is een goed fantasieboek. Niet fantastisch, maar zeker ook niet slecht. Een goed boek.
---ENGLISH REVIEW---
A three-star book for me. Some good things, some bad things. I'll start with the bad things: First, it felt like this book was not planned in the first book, and the author had to deal with the events in the first book and had to work around them to make this book happen. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it did feel a bit jarring. Second, a plot line that wasn't properly followed through in my opinion. Third, the overexplaining at the end. I like getting explanations and putting the puzzle pieces together, but here it was like there were suddenly new puzzle pieces and there was no way a reader could've put the puzzle together beforehand. Despite these points, it was an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed reading about this world and there were likeable characters, and the author isn't afraid of killing people off. The story was exciting enough, with enough shades of grey instead of just black and white, and the writing style was fine. It's a good fantasy book. Not fantastic, but definitely not bad either. A good book.
July 16, 2017
This is the second book about the city. The story here hinges greatly on characters and events of the first book. Some seemingly small details of the first book became very important here.
I liked this book, the writing, the characters and the story. But there were 2 things that bothered me a bit.
1. there is a whole section in the book that is happening at the same time or even before the events of the first book. I found some of these parts a bit boring. I felt that there was not enough tension in those parts. this feeling was also caused a bit by point 2
2. This book assumes that you have recently read and remembered the first book. There are some revelations in here that I did not immediately got because the first book was to hazy in my memory.
Other then these things this is a nice, modern take on low fantasy.
I liked this book, the writing, the characters and the story. But there were 2 things that bothered me a bit.
1. there is a whole section in the book that is happening at the same time or even before the events of the first book. I found some of these parts a bit boring. I felt that there was not enough tension in those parts. this feeling was also caused a bit by point 2
2. This book assumes that you have recently read and remembered the first book. There are some revelations in here that I did not immediately got because the first book was to hazy in my memory.
Other then these things this is a nice, modern take on low fantasy.
March 15, 2020
Not the best written, in my opinion, because it jumped around alot into different sub-stories and had many uncommon names and places to remember.
But.... having said that, I did not lose any of the story because I could not immediately remember who was who.
The book made me reflect on how people today are warring with each other.....not out of any reason, but just because it is what they do, born and bred for generations.
I wish the map was better. This gate and that gate drove me to the map only to find no mention of the city structure.
After reading this, I discovered this was a series book #2, yet it didn't matter because this is a stand alone book. (Not a fan of series books that can not stand alone).
The highlight was the ending, that pulled the story all together with a good meaningful ending.
But.... having said that, I did not lose any of the story because I could not immediately remember who was who.
The book made me reflect on how people today are warring with each other.....not out of any reason, but just because it is what they do, born and bred for generations.
I wish the map was better. This gate and that gate drove me to the map only to find no mention of the city structure.
After reading this, I discovered this was a series book #2, yet it didn't matter because this is a stand alone book. (Not a fan of series books that can not stand alone).
The highlight was the ending, that pulled the story all together with a good meaningful ending.
November 7, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the City, and this sequel picks up the story of some support characters, developing and expanding their background in parallel to the events from the previous volume before reconnecting with some of the previous main protagnists tland taking the story forward to a satisfactory conclusion.
Without the world building and mystery of the first book this is more action oriented, but slightly less compelling.
Nonetheless it is well written and the characters develop in believable and interesting ways. There are surprises, reversals and deaths on the way so it does keep you guessing and the ending, and the big reveal, is worth the wait.
Without the world building and mystery of the first book this is more action oriented, but slightly less compelling.
Nonetheless it is well written and the characters develop in believable and interesting ways. There are surprises, reversals and deaths on the way so it does keep you guessing and the ending, and the big reveal, is worth the wait.
September 1, 2021
Amazing
What a story, this is a brilliant story that has everything in God like beings, mortal humans that live to serve but serve what or who. You also get the mystery and excitement that you expect from a Gemmell whether David or Stella. This book has everything u want from a book. You will love some of the characters but loathe alot more than like. ( I did anyway .) but this won't stop u reading page after page. Loved the twist at the end so all the pieces fall into place . Thanks Stella for a mesmerizing tale that kept me gripped.xx
What a story, this is a brilliant story that has everything in God like beings, mortal humans that live to serve but serve what or who. You also get the mystery and excitement that you expect from a Gemmell whether David or Stella. This book has everything u want from a book. You will love some of the characters but loathe alot more than like. ( I did anyway .) but this won't stop u reading page after page. Loved the twist at the end so all the pieces fall into place . Thanks Stella for a mesmerizing tale that kept me gripped.xx
January 29, 2022
I hate reading peoples reviews, half of them spout what can be read on the cover. The book is good that is all you need to know. I had to re read the City because I first read that back in 2014 so needed to refresh my memory of the story. It is full of plots that at times you wonder who is the good or bad in it. There is a fair but of violence and gore mentioned which I felt could be done with out. The book never concludes how you think it will and I felt I wanted to see what happened after. Makes me wonder if there will be another in a few years. Well worth reading
July 12, 2023
An interesting and absorbing sequel. In some places, the constant switching between places and points of view became hectic and confusing, as did the overlap with events in book one. I found some of this a bit muddled. But, as the book continued, plot lines became much clearer and everything came together in a heart-breaking, fast-paces and exciting final quarter.
Stella Gemmell has terrific talent and I am really looking forward to whatever she decides to offer readers in the future. It will be interesting to see if she returns to this world!
Stella Gemmell has terrific talent and I am really looking forward to whatever she decides to offer readers in the future. It will be interesting to see if she returns to this world!
June 2, 2017
The detail of setting is comprehensive, but more than I enjoy, that said. Gemmell doesn't let you down with plot. She works it like an intricate pattern of lace. Characters find themselves facing a broad array of challenges. Moles, traitors, double spies. Even the innocent play their part. Greed, loyalty, mythic faith and love bind and drive characters to the end, when Gemmell reveals all. It's then readers realize the most hidden motives behind the 'Immortals'.
February 4, 2018
I'm going with 3.5 stars. Whereas the first book was about The City itself, this book was more about the powerful Serafim who built and ruled it. Though satisfying, I thought the ending was a bit heavy-handed. We weren't really told anything we didn't already very strongly suspect, so having things spelled out in a somewhat brusque manner felt a bit odd (and maybe even a tiny bit condescending).
Not all things were wrapped up with a bow, though. There's still room for a future book.
Not all things were wrapped up with a bow, though. There's still room for a future book.
December 11, 2020
All the wonders Ms Gemmell created in the first book of this series (The City) just became mayhem in the second (sequel). I tried to see the sense in the death of so many characters. I tried to see the reasons behind the style. I could not. I thought it a little crass but that could simply be me missing the "Big picture" as I am a little "thick" but sadly I thought this silly, worthless and not a patch on the first book.
April 10, 2021
I have just read #1 and #2 back to back. It was really great. I was afraid because they were on sale and usually such books are not terrific. My doubts were completely unfounded. I somehow was totally ignorant of David Gemmell's books, so have no way to compare, but I can say that I look forward to the next installment that I will definitely buy (sales or not).
November 29, 2025
I love the way she writes, very reminiscent of David. This one definitely struggles with plot and pacing but it’s a well crafted world. I read the two books in this series well over a decade apart so I really didn’t remember any of the characters which detracted from my enjoyment of it but that’s a me problem. It’s a shame this is probably the end for her novels.
August 29, 2017
Well I read the first one, so of course I had to read the second. This was better and really well done with the political issues that surround the story. You get a feel for one or two of the characters and then...
August 11, 2017
3,5 ster. De onsterfelijke troon.
Leuk om andere kant van het verhaal en het vervolg op De Stad te lezen.
Leuk om andere kant van het verhaal en het vervolg op De Stad te lezen.
March 18, 2018
It has been a while since I read The City so the sequel seems fresher than it might otherwise. A very well-done fantasy that takes some interesting turns.
July 16, 2018
The final twist was a bit too corny for me. The Serafin being time travelers from the future to alter the past...but until that point, a very thrilling fantasy story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2018
Great finish. Another Gemmell gem.
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