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The Great Way #2
The Way Into Magic
Having lost the prince to the madness of The Blessing, Tejohn and Cazia are the only people who know of his plan to retrieve a secret spell that might, just might, turn the tide of battle against the grunts.
But Tejohn’s body is broken, and Cazia has been stripped of her magic. Worse, both are being held captive: Tejohn faces charges of treason in the lands where he was born. On the other side of the continent, Cazia is a prisoner of the Tilkilit queen, a creature with a desperate, deadly plan.
While they struggle for their freedom, The Blessing continues to spread across Kal-Maddum, their numbers growing more numerous as the human population shrinks. What had started as a race to restore an empire has quickly become a mission to save humanity from extinction.
Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
But Tejohn’s body is broken, and Cazia has been stripped of her magic. Worse, both are being held captive: Tejohn faces charges of treason in the lands where he was born. On the other side of the continent, Cazia is a prisoner of the Tilkilit queen, a creature with a desperate, deadly plan.
While they struggle for their freedom, The Blessing continues to spread across Kal-Maddum, their numbers growing more numerous as the human population shrinks. What had started as a race to restore an empire has quickly become a mission to save humanity from extinction.
Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
Audible Audio
First published January 13, 2015
28 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 15, 2016
Hate the cliffhanger ending but I already own the third book so it's all good.
August 25, 2015
Nice continuation of The Way into Chaos. This is the second book of a trilogy, and it shows a bit since it’s very focused on preparing the ground for the delivery of the final volume. However, I liked it very much on its own, easily immersing in Catzia’s self-discovery journey and Tejohn's adventures. The pace is somehow slower, but the mystery behind the grunts deepens as the whole of Kal-Maddum, even several factions held too long under the thumb of the royal family and the infamous scholars, is finally realizing that the fall of the Empire may not be such a joyful occasion after all.
People end up suffering in times of upheavals, and the stage is particularly ripe for giving vent to old hatreds or full rein to petty ambitions and grand schemes, or simply for seizing the opportunity to overturn ancient prerogatives. But when, if, realization of the full scope of the peril dawns, it may be too late to influence the outcome. Against all odds, Tejohn and Catzia are determined to find the truth and a way to stop the invasion.
I really enjoyed the separate (yet connected) plotlines and the small, well-tended cast of characters, particularly the two protagonists, a one-time poet warrior and a teenage scholar daughter of a traitor, so different in age, experience, motivations and goals, but both unstintingly applying their talents to find a way forward.
“The best way to deal with a scholar—or wizard, or whatever these things were—was with a piece of sharp metal, expertly applied.”
Tejohn is not one for intrigue and manipulation, he is a great fighter, a commander with inborn authority and an able tactician but he is honest and straightforward. He has faced war and a most dreadful loss, turning his grief and fury into the desire to protect the Empire. Ironically enough, his position as royal tutor at court stems not from his fighting prowess, but from a song, written pouring all of his misery into his creation. With all his being, he’ll do anything to stop tragedy from striking again, and stay true to his prince.
Catzia on the other hand is still searching for her life purpose. She has been fending off for herself in a palace full of scholars and resentful servants, carrying the burden of her surname but also being allowed the opportunities of a privileged upbringing. Always one to treasure her grudges, she has learnt to bide, to hide and protect herself, to think of others as enemies, to lie and deceive. Her only concession is the friendship of the other hostages and that of the prince, the son of the very same rulers her father has once rebelled to. Possessed of a budding talent, she will soon discover that, for a scholar, there is more to going hollow than to just be void of emotions....
If the first book focused more on Tejohn, the second one is much about Catzia, her reactions and personal development.
The story is filled with action too, and I particularly liked that the characters' behavior is very sensible. They see, act, move and question things in a way I understand, and do not plunge headlong into peril just to prove they are invincible or something; of course they face plenty of obstacles and hazards, but I always appreciate characters who take seriously the business of staying alive.
Furthermore, the tale features an original mix of races, peoples and civilizations, with interesting reflections about culture clash and racism which add to the plot and give some clues about the invasion to readers and protagonists alike.
“To be extremely brave, a person ought to have no imagination at all.”
Needless to say, once I finished this book I seamlessly jumped to The Way Into Darkness.
People end up suffering in times of upheavals, and the stage is particularly ripe for giving vent to old hatreds or full rein to petty ambitions and grand schemes, or simply for seizing the opportunity to overturn ancient prerogatives. But when, if, realization of the full scope of the peril dawns, it may be too late to influence the outcome. Against all odds, Tejohn and Catzia are determined to find the truth and a way to stop the invasion.
I really enjoyed the separate (yet connected) plotlines and the small, well-tended cast of characters, particularly the two protagonists, a one-time poet warrior and a teenage scholar daughter of a traitor, so different in age, experience, motivations and goals, but both unstintingly applying their talents to find a way forward.
“The best way to deal with a scholar—or wizard, or whatever these things were—was with a piece of sharp metal, expertly applied.”
Tejohn is not one for intrigue and manipulation, he is a great fighter, a commander with inborn authority and an able tactician but he is honest and straightforward. He has faced war and a most dreadful loss, turning his grief and fury into the desire to protect the Empire. Ironically enough, his position as royal tutor at court stems not from his fighting prowess, but from a song, written pouring all of his misery into his creation. With all his being, he’ll do anything to stop tragedy from striking again, and stay true to his prince.
Catzia on the other hand is still searching for her life purpose. She has been fending off for herself in a palace full of scholars and resentful servants, carrying the burden of her surname but also being allowed the opportunities of a privileged upbringing. Always one to treasure her grudges, she has learnt to bide, to hide and protect herself, to think of others as enemies, to lie and deceive. Her only concession is the friendship of the other hostages and that of the prince, the son of the very same rulers her father has once rebelled to. Possessed of a budding talent, she will soon discover that, for a scholar, there is more to going hollow than to just be void of emotions....
If the first book focused more on Tejohn, the second one is much about Catzia, her reactions and personal development.
The story is filled with action too, and I particularly liked that the characters' behavior is very sensible. They see, act, move and question things in a way I understand, and do not plunge headlong into peril just to prove they are invincible or something; of course they face plenty of obstacles and hazards, but I always appreciate characters who take seriously the business of staying alive.
Furthermore, the tale features an original mix of races, peoples and civilizations, with interesting reflections about culture clash and racism which add to the plot and give some clues about the invasion to readers and protagonists alike.
“To be extremely brave, a person ought to have no imagination at all.”
Needless to say, once I finished this book I seamlessly jumped to The Way Into Darkness.
September 30, 2015
The middle entry of the series, but still a satisfying one.
The first book left both Cazia and her companions and Tejohn in pretty nasty situations but resolves both handily and relatively believably. The menace of the Blessed grows apace, and it's hard to think that anyone is going to be able to do anything to stop them. The Blessed are such an insidious concept for a fantasy villain, and they're only the front end of the threat that the whole of the world is facing.
Tejohn is competent as always, but this one is Cazia's book. All three of the young girls, Ivy, Kinz and Cazia grow immensely throughout the book, but are still written true to their ages. There's lots of naivety on the part of Ivy who is only 12 and Kinz and Cazia bicker like the teenage girls they are even though all three develop deep relationships between them.
Like the last one, the main characters are in major new situations at the end of this one. Looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up.
The first book left both Cazia and her companions and Tejohn in pretty nasty situations but resolves both handily and relatively believably. The menace of the Blessed grows apace, and it's hard to think that anyone is going to be able to do anything to stop them. The Blessed are such an insidious concept for a fantasy villain, and they're only the front end of the threat that the whole of the world is facing.
Tejohn is competent as always, but this one is Cazia's book. All three of the young girls, Ivy, Kinz and Cazia grow immensely throughout the book, but are still written true to their ages. There's lots of naivety on the part of Ivy who is only 12 and Kinz and Cazia bicker like the teenage girls they are even though all three develop deep relationships between them.
Like the last one, the main characters are in major new situations at the end of this one. Looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up.
September 26, 2016
One of the best books i have read this year ; Harry Connolly is an excellent story teller. This is an Awesome epic fantasy.
I have finished reading all the three books and can see endless possibilities for this series to go on and wish to see the author gives us more of that. His fantasy books can be likened to that of Brian Stavely's or even Brandon Sanderson. To end it all Michael Kramer has done a awesome work on the audio books... Loved this series
I have finished reading all the three books and can see endless possibilities for this series to go on and wish to see the author gives us more of that. His fantasy books can be likened to that of Brian Stavely's or even Brandon Sanderson. To end it all Michael Kramer has done a awesome work on the audio books... Loved this series
February 12, 2020
Tejohn and Cazia (along with Ivy and Kinz), our two protagonists, are each separately being held captive. Needless to say (hopefully), each escapes and attempts to continue on their original mission. Along the way, more is found out about the world they inhabit and more is discovered about the plague of monsters that is ravaging that world. One cool bit of world-building business was with the sleepstone magic and how it can't heal old wounds (but I found the workaround for that quite logical). Everything is well positioned for the finale of the trilogy.
As I write this, the coronavirus is big news. The Blessing are very much like an outbreak of an unknown pathogen in our world that could devastate entire populations. The speculation about how "viral" the Blessing could be and how/why they showed up during the Festival was also intriguing and logical. I wonder if some answers to these and many other questions about the origins of the unleashed pandemic will be revealed.
As I write this, the coronavirus is big news. The Blessing are very much like an outbreak of an unknown pathogen in our world that could devastate entire populations. The speculation about how "viral" the Blessing could be and how/why they showed up during the Festival was also intriguing and logical. I wonder if some answers to these and many other questions about the origins of the unleashed pandemic will be revealed.
June 14, 2015
This second in the Way Trilogy picked up where The Way Into Chaos left off, with what happened to Tyr Tejohn and Cazia Freewell. Tejohn is rescued by priests and sets out with a priest/scholar to try to find Prince Lars' uncle who might have a spell to vanquish the grunts that are overrunning the land. Cazia seeks to escape the insect Tillikit who have invaded the Qor valley. Tejohn has a much smaller part than Cazia, which for me was less interesting, because Cazia's part related 50% her efforts with Princess Ivy and Kinz to escape the Tillikit and the giant eagles and make their way west to Ivy's homeland, AND 50% relationship/trust issues among the three young girls (ages 12, 15 and about 18). This book was a bit too sentimental for me (first time I ever found Connolly sentimental). However, I still enjoyed it and need to read the next book to find out how it will all end.
December 31, 2014
Grateful am I to have all three books of The Great Way on hand so I can start the next as soon as the previous finishes. All too often the middle book of a trilogy is filler, but not here. Things happen! Decisions are made! Lessons are learned! There is biting and magic and things I will not spoil. Also, why are you still reading this review instead of reading the book? You could be reading the book right now! I am doing you a terrible disservice by keeping you reading this instead of the book. Please forgive me.
A favorite quote:
"... let out a tiny meep of fear. .... was not brave, she just didn't want to feel humiliated."
A favorite quote:
"... let out a tiny meep of fear. .... was not brave, she just didn't want to feel humiliated."
May 8, 2016
The middle part of this epic fantasy trilogy picks up from a couple of cliffhangers and ends with a few new ones. With Tejohn alone, injured and imprisoned and Cazia and her companions trapped by the Tilkilit queen, none of the characters who survived the first book is in a particularly promising situation at the beginning of this second part of the story, and many dangers lie ahead on the paths their quests take them. While a lot less deadly then the first book, this one is no less engrossing and hard to put down. Looking forward to the finale!
January 10, 2015
Jesus Christ ! Cliff hanger to Cliff hanger ! The book 1 cliff hanger left me craving this one and boy did it deliver. The character growth was awesome ! The pacing was fast. The lines were hilarious - "Can you bring me to visit one of your gods?” killed me. And the cliffhanger ending. Mr. Connolly - you are a cruel cruel man and we love you for it. On to the next one.
April 13, 2015
Well, that was bracing. I suspect that the shortness of this book could have been padded a bit, but it really was an excellent story, so such complaints are a bit petty on my part. I started on the third book right away, so obviously this was not any real issue.
December 25, 2014
These deserve to be made into movies. I'd love for my little half-sister-in-law to be able to watch the adventure and developing friendship of Cazia, Ivy and Kinz that we see here.
January 12, 2015
Continuing on where the first book left off, The Way Into Magic is fun, fast, and complex. It's the first time in years I've finished a book in a single day.
February 14, 2017
Sie kämpfen für ihre Heimat -
doch es geht längst um
das Überleben der Menschheit.
Die magischen Bestien, die das Imperium
um Peradain überrennen, scheinen unaufhaltbar.
Und nun ist auch noch Prinz Lar dem Fluch
erlegen und hat sich ebenfalls in eine Bestie verwandelt
wie schon so viele andere vor ihm. Nur Tejohn
und Cazia wissen von seinem Plan, eine uralte
Magie wiederzuerwecken und so das Blatt im Krieg
gegen die Monster zu wenden. Tejohn ist schwer
verletzt, und Cazia wurde ihre Magie entrissen.
Doch die beiden setzen alles daran, den Kampf um
das Bestehen des Imperiums voranzutreiben -
und verlieren dabei ihr eigentliches Ziel
aus den Augen ...
Besser könnte man den zweiten Band nicht zusammenfassen.
Zuerst möchte ich hier den Cover Designer ein großes Lob aussprechen.
Nach beenden des Buches hat dieses Bild so viel Sinn für mich ergeben,
es passt einfach ganz großartig und das ist eine Kunst!
Der zweite Band ist von der Seitenzahl her schwächer als der erste,
dennoch wird die Geschichte massiv vorangetrieben.
Zuerst das was mich so genervt hatte im ersten Band wird nun im zweiten
auf Seite 31 aufgeklärt "Tyr" steht für "Tyrann" nun ich rätsle immer noch
denke aber das es etwas in der Art ist wie Sir etc.
Gut ansonsten lies sich der Band flüssig weglesen, es gab die ein oder
andere Stelle die recht lang war und den Lesefluss gestört hat. Von der
Stärke her würde ich sagen, ein typischer zweite Band. Schwächer als der
erste, da er die Grundlage für das Finale legt.
Das ist nicht unbedingt negativ gemeint, es gab einiges aus dem ersten
Band das nun aufgeklärt wurde. Doch genau so viel liegt immer noch
im dunkel. Nach wie vor ist nicht bekannt wer denn nun diese Bestien auf
das Imperium gehetzt hat. Von unerwarteter Stelle erhält Cazia da einen
Hinweis der die Sache noch spektakulärer und mysteriöser macht als sie
schon ist.
Es werden einige Details aus der Vergangenheit von Cazia und Tejhon
ans Licht kommen. Auch Kinz und Ivi kommen nicht zu kurz. Die Welt
die Harry Connolly erschaffen hat ist äußerst Komplex und wie in der
"echten" Welt gibt es auch hier verschiedene Völker mit unterschiedlichen
Glauben. Die Mädchen gehören jeweils einem an und so treffen hier
grundlegendes Misstrauen aufeinander und so müssen lernen sich zu
akzeptieren und zu begreifen das sie nicht verantwortlich sind für die
Fehler der Vergangenheit. Dieses wachsen an Zusammenhalt ist toll, man
konnte richtig zusehen wie sie sich zusammen raufen mussten. Von einer
Zweckgemeinschaft zu echten Freunden, die sich gegenseitig Beschützen.
Schade war die es in diesem Band nicht´s über Lar zu lesen gab, er ist
mir richtig ans Herz gewachsen. Auf einmal legt er dieses kindliche ab
und ist König, dass war eine unglaubliche Entwicklung, ich fiebere dem
letzten Band entgegen und hoffe ganz fest das Tejohn und Cazia es
schaffen Lar zurück zu holen und die Welt zu retten :)
Alles in allem, ist es ein gelungener zweiter Band mit den "typischen"
Schwächen. Aber aus Erfahrung weiß ich das der Finale Band nun
ziemlich beeindruckend werden wird :) ich bin da ganz zuversichtlich.
Es gibt noch so viel was aufgeklärt und enträtselt werden muss, da kann
nichts schief gehen.
Diese Reihe ist für Fantasy Fans zu empfehlen, es war für mich eine
Willkommene Abwechslung zu dem Glitzer und Glamour Fantasy ;)
Aber auch nicht so brutal wie man anderes. Es ist eine tolle Reihe mit
liebenswerten Charakteren, die wunderbar schrullige Angewohnheiten
haben. Eben wie richtige Menschen, dass macht es zu etwas besonderem.
doch es geht längst um
das Überleben der Menschheit.
Die magischen Bestien, die das Imperium
um Peradain überrennen, scheinen unaufhaltbar.
Und nun ist auch noch Prinz Lar dem Fluch
erlegen und hat sich ebenfalls in eine Bestie verwandelt
wie schon so viele andere vor ihm. Nur Tejohn
und Cazia wissen von seinem Plan, eine uralte
Magie wiederzuerwecken und so das Blatt im Krieg
gegen die Monster zu wenden. Tejohn ist schwer
verletzt, und Cazia wurde ihre Magie entrissen.
Doch die beiden setzen alles daran, den Kampf um
das Bestehen des Imperiums voranzutreiben -
und verlieren dabei ihr eigentliches Ziel
aus den Augen ...
Besser könnte man den zweiten Band nicht zusammenfassen.
Zuerst möchte ich hier den Cover Designer ein großes Lob aussprechen.
Nach beenden des Buches hat dieses Bild so viel Sinn für mich ergeben,
es passt einfach ganz großartig und das ist eine Kunst!
Der zweite Band ist von der Seitenzahl her schwächer als der erste,
dennoch wird die Geschichte massiv vorangetrieben.
Zuerst das was mich so genervt hatte im ersten Band wird nun im zweiten
auf Seite 31 aufgeklärt "Tyr" steht für "Tyrann" nun ich rätsle immer noch
denke aber das es etwas in der Art ist wie Sir etc.
Gut ansonsten lies sich der Band flüssig weglesen, es gab die ein oder
andere Stelle die recht lang war und den Lesefluss gestört hat. Von der
Stärke her würde ich sagen, ein typischer zweite Band. Schwächer als der
erste, da er die Grundlage für das Finale legt.
Das ist nicht unbedingt negativ gemeint, es gab einiges aus dem ersten
Band das nun aufgeklärt wurde. Doch genau so viel liegt immer noch
im dunkel. Nach wie vor ist nicht bekannt wer denn nun diese Bestien auf
das Imperium gehetzt hat. Von unerwarteter Stelle erhält Cazia da einen
Hinweis der die Sache noch spektakulärer und mysteriöser macht als sie
schon ist.
Es werden einige Details aus der Vergangenheit von Cazia und Tejhon
ans Licht kommen. Auch Kinz und Ivi kommen nicht zu kurz. Die Welt
die Harry Connolly erschaffen hat ist äußerst Komplex und wie in der
"echten" Welt gibt es auch hier verschiedene Völker mit unterschiedlichen
Glauben. Die Mädchen gehören jeweils einem an und so treffen hier
grundlegendes Misstrauen aufeinander und so müssen lernen sich zu
akzeptieren und zu begreifen das sie nicht verantwortlich sind für die
Fehler der Vergangenheit. Dieses wachsen an Zusammenhalt ist toll, man
konnte richtig zusehen wie sie sich zusammen raufen mussten. Von einer
Zweckgemeinschaft zu echten Freunden, die sich gegenseitig Beschützen.
Schade war die es in diesem Band nicht´s über Lar zu lesen gab, er ist
mir richtig ans Herz gewachsen. Auf einmal legt er dieses kindliche ab
und ist König, dass war eine unglaubliche Entwicklung, ich fiebere dem
letzten Band entgegen und hoffe ganz fest das Tejohn und Cazia es
schaffen Lar zurück zu holen und die Welt zu retten :)
Alles in allem, ist es ein gelungener zweiter Band mit den "typischen"
Schwächen. Aber aus Erfahrung weiß ich das der Finale Band nun
ziemlich beeindruckend werden wird :) ich bin da ganz zuversichtlich.
Es gibt noch so viel was aufgeklärt und enträtselt werden muss, da kann
nichts schief gehen.
Diese Reihe ist für Fantasy Fans zu empfehlen, es war für mich eine
Willkommene Abwechslung zu dem Glitzer und Glamour Fantasy ;)
Aber auch nicht so brutal wie man anderes. Es ist eine tolle Reihe mit
liebenswerten Charakteren, die wunderbar schrullige Angewohnheiten
haben. Eben wie richtige Menschen, dass macht es zu etwas besonderem.
August 16, 2019
Вторая часть трилогии. Все, сказанное про первую книгу, применимо и к этой.
Автор поддерживает читательский интерес на трех уровнях: что случится с любимыми героями, каковы истинные цели всех сторон конфликта с их военно-политическими интригами, и наконец, как вообще устроена космология, магия и т.д. в сеттинге (на самом деле все три вопроса довольно ловко взаимоувязаны, но сказать больше будет спойлером).
Добротно, увлекательно. Редактура по-прежнему нулевая.
P.S. Fun fact: Оказывается, Коннолли - независимый автор, не работает с издательствами, собирает деньги напрямую, через краудфандинг. Выходит примерно 15-17 тысяч долларов за роман, что ОЧЕНЬ неплохо для инди.
Автор поддерживает читательский интерес на трех уровнях: что случится с любимыми героями, каковы истинные цели всех сторон конфликта с их военно-политическими интригами, и наконец, как вообще устроена космология, магия и т.д. в сеттинге (на самом деле все три вопроса довольно ловко взаимоувязаны, но сказать больше будет спойлером).
Добротно, увлекательно. Редактура по-прежнему нулевая.
P.S. Fun fact: Оказывается, Коннолли - независимый автор, не работает с издательствами, собирает деньги напрямую, через краудфандинг. Выходит примерно 15-17 тысяч долларов за роман, что ОЧЕНЬ неплохо для инди.
September 6, 2017
Though there was a LOT of violence, the story was clean. The world is really cool, and the main characters are now on the list of some of my favourites. The supporting characters are quite good too. The book is tense and page turning (as far as an audiobook can be called page turning anyway). I really enjoyed the story and can't believe I had never heard of it before, audible recommended it based on other things I had bought. Also what a horrible cliffhanger!!!!
May 15, 2017
Middle of trilogy books always seem to be the weakest, but this one keeps the story going strong. We learn a lot of new things, and I love that a lot of fantastical things happen on cazias side of the story.
June 4, 2019
I'm not even sure why I like this so much, except that Connolly does character so well. Casia is proud, petty, and brave often because she can't bear to look dumb. Tejohn is competent, compassionate, and a sucker for any child he meets. And their worlds are complicated and devastated by the strange magical creatures rampaging about.
August 12, 2017
This book really ramps up the action and mystery built up in the first book (The Way Into Chaos). More characters are introduced, we're given juicy mysteries (and danger) from Cazia's perspective, then Tejohn's perspective brings the thrills and some political corruption.
August 8, 2018
While this is being sold as a trilogy, I think it's quite clear the whole thing was written as one novel and then split.
Well, this is the middle part that drags a bit, still by no means bad but lacking the urgency, energy and pace of the beginning, and hopefully of the end.
Well, this is the middle part that drags a bit, still by no means bad but lacking the urgency, energy and pace of the beginning, and hopefully of the end.
August 27, 2020
One of my favorite authors
I'm enjoying the story. I haven't been as taken with the characters as I am with those in the Twenty Palaces series but I have serious difficulty putting the book down well past time to sleep. Looking forward to the next book.
I'm enjoying the story. I haven't been as taken with the characters as I am with those in the Twenty Palaces series but I have serious difficulty putting the book down well past time to sleep. Looking forward to the next book.
December 31, 2017
Some interesting ideas, but they're mostly all a diversion from the actual plot of the trilogy.
May 4, 2018
The only bad thing I have to say about this book is that it ended.
I really enjoy this world, and I love the magic. Sadly just one more in the series ...
I really enjoy this world, and I love the magic. Sadly just one more in the series ...
November 18, 2022
🇬🇧 English review below ⬇
........................................................................................
Die Pforte der Schatten hatte mich zwar gut unterhalten, aber nicht absolut vom Hocker reißen können. Grund dafür waren vor allem einige zähe Passagen und da bei den meisten Trilogien der zweite Band die schlecht Angewohnheit hat der schwächste zu sein blicke ich mit gemischten Gefühlen auf diese Fortsetzung. Glücklicherweise haben sich meine Befürchtungen nicht bewahrheitet.
Die Saat der Schatten beginnt nahtlos da, wo die Pforte der Schatten aufgehört hat. Das war schon mein erster positiver Eindruck, denn ich kam wieder gut in die Geschichte rein, ohne mit zu viel Wiederholungen genervt zu werden. Conolly schafft es hier genau das richtige Maß zwischen Auffrischung und langweiligen Wiederholungen zu finden.
Auch was die gesamte Handlung angeht, so hat der Autor offenbar hinzu gelernt. Es finden sich diesmal keine langweiligen Passagen, Es wird das erzählt, was relevant ist. Die Geschichte beginnt sehr rasant und hält ihr Tempo auch gut durch, sodass ich von Anfang bis Ende neugierig und interessiert dabei war.
Allerdings muss ich sagen, dass diesmal mir die Cazia Kapitel etwas besser gefallen haben als die von Tejohn. Ich mag ihn als Charakter zwar nach wie vor , aber bei Cazia passiert einfach viel mehr. Ihre abenteuerliche Reise durch das Qorrtal fand ich sehr spannend. Die drei Mädels Cazia, Ivi und Kinz stellen ein sehr dynamisches und interessantes Trio dar, dass sowohl für Spannung und Konflikt, als auch für rührende Momente der Freundschaft sorgt.
Tejohns Reisegefährten fand ich hingegen etwas nichtssagend bisher. Er ist ganz nett, aber nichts was mir im Gedächtnis bleiben würde. Das Gleiche kann ich auch nur von Tejohns bisherige Reise sagen (mal abgesehen von einer sehr berührenden Szene mit Grunzeropfern).
Alles in allem ist die Handlung in diesem zweiten Band aber wesentlich interessanter und ohne die langen Stellen, mit dem sein Vorgänger zu kämpfen hatte.
Was ich auch sehr schön finde ist, dass diesmal die Karte ebenfalls übersetzt wurde. Ich hatte ja meiner Rezension angemerkt, dass ich es doof fand die Ortsnamen im Text zu übersetzten, die Karte aber nicht. Ganz oder gar nicht halt. Ich war sehr erfreut, dass dies nun im zweiten Band behoben wurde.
Fazit:
Der Zweite Band vom Strahlenden Weg hat mir deutlich besser gefallen als sein Vorgänger. Zwar war Tejohns Handlungsstrang diesmal etwas schwächer, aber insgesamt ist die Handlung wesentlich spannender und das Buch auf alle fälle lesenswert.
◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾
❗Important note: English is not my first language. So that English-speaking community members can still read my review, my review has been translated with the help of a translation program (since I don't have the time to translate it myself every time). I therefore apologize for any mistakes and strange phrasing.
The Way Into Chaos entertained me well, but didn't absolutely sweep me off my feet. The main reason for this were some slow passages and since in most trilogies the second volume has the bad habit of being the weakest, I look at this sequel with mixed feelings. Fortunately, my fears did not come true.
The Way Into Magic begins seamlessly where The Way Into Chaos left off. That was already my first positive impression, because I got into the story well again without being annoyed with too much repetition. Conolly manages to find just the right balance here between refreshing and boring repetition.
As far as the overall plot is concerned, the author has obviously learned. There are no boring passages this time, what is relevant is told. The story starts very fast and keeps its pace well, so that I was curious and interested from the beginning to the end.
However, I have to say that this time I liked the Cazia chapters a bit better than the Tejohn ones. I still like him as a character, but with Cazia there is just so much more going on. I found her adventurous journey through the Qorr valley very exciting. The three girls, Cazia, Ivi and Kinz, are a very dynamic and interesting trio, providing tension and conflict as well as touching moments of friendship.
Tejohn's travelling companion, on the other hand, I found a bit meaningless so far. He's quite nice, but nothing that would stick in my mind. I can only say the same about Tejohn's journey so far (apart from one very touching scene with grunt victims).
All in all, though, the plot in this second volume is much more interesting and without the long stretches that its predecessor had to contend with.
What I also find very nice is that this time the map has also been translated. I noted in my review that I found it stupid to translate the place names in the text, but not the map. All or nothing, that is. I was very pleased that this has now been rectified in the second volume.
Conclusion:
I liked the second volume of The Great Way much better than its predecessor. Tejohn's storyline was a little weaker this time, but overall the plot is much more exciting and the book is definitely worth reading.
........................................................................................
Die Pforte der Schatten hatte mich zwar gut unterhalten, aber nicht absolut vom Hocker reißen können. Grund dafür waren vor allem einige zähe Passagen und da bei den meisten Trilogien der zweite Band die schlecht Angewohnheit hat der schwächste zu sein blicke ich mit gemischten Gefühlen auf diese Fortsetzung. Glücklicherweise haben sich meine Befürchtungen nicht bewahrheitet.
Die Saat der Schatten beginnt nahtlos da, wo die Pforte der Schatten aufgehört hat. Das war schon mein erster positiver Eindruck, denn ich kam wieder gut in die Geschichte rein, ohne mit zu viel Wiederholungen genervt zu werden. Conolly schafft es hier genau das richtige Maß zwischen Auffrischung und langweiligen Wiederholungen zu finden.
Auch was die gesamte Handlung angeht, so hat der Autor offenbar hinzu gelernt. Es finden sich diesmal keine langweiligen Passagen, Es wird das erzählt, was relevant ist. Die Geschichte beginnt sehr rasant und hält ihr Tempo auch gut durch, sodass ich von Anfang bis Ende neugierig und interessiert dabei war.
Allerdings muss ich sagen, dass diesmal mir die Cazia Kapitel etwas besser gefallen haben als die von Tejohn. Ich mag ihn als Charakter zwar nach wie vor , aber bei Cazia passiert einfach viel mehr. Ihre abenteuerliche Reise durch das Qorrtal fand ich sehr spannend. Die drei Mädels Cazia, Ivi und Kinz stellen ein sehr dynamisches und interessantes Trio dar, dass sowohl für Spannung und Konflikt, als auch für rührende Momente der Freundschaft sorgt.
Tejohns Reisegefährten fand ich hingegen etwas nichtssagend bisher. Er ist ganz nett, aber nichts was mir im Gedächtnis bleiben würde. Das Gleiche kann ich auch nur von Tejohns bisherige Reise sagen (mal abgesehen von einer sehr berührenden Szene mit Grunzeropfern).
Alles in allem ist die Handlung in diesem zweiten Band aber wesentlich interessanter und ohne die langen Stellen, mit dem sein Vorgänger zu kämpfen hatte.
Was ich auch sehr schön finde ist, dass diesmal die Karte ebenfalls übersetzt wurde. Ich hatte ja meiner Rezension angemerkt, dass ich es doof fand die Ortsnamen im Text zu übersetzten, die Karte aber nicht. Ganz oder gar nicht halt. Ich war sehr erfreut, dass dies nun im zweiten Band behoben wurde.
Fazit:
Der Zweite Band vom Strahlenden Weg hat mir deutlich besser gefallen als sein Vorgänger. Zwar war Tejohns Handlungsstrang diesmal etwas schwächer, aber insgesamt ist die Handlung wesentlich spannender und das Buch auf alle fälle lesenswert.
◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾◾
❗Important note: English is not my first language. So that English-speaking community members can still read my review, my review has been translated with the help of a translation program (since I don't have the time to translate it myself every time). I therefore apologize for any mistakes and strange phrasing.
The Way Into Chaos entertained me well, but didn't absolutely sweep me off my feet. The main reason for this were some slow passages and since in most trilogies the second volume has the bad habit of being the weakest, I look at this sequel with mixed feelings. Fortunately, my fears did not come true.
The Way Into Magic begins seamlessly where The Way Into Chaos left off. That was already my first positive impression, because I got into the story well again without being annoyed with too much repetition. Conolly manages to find just the right balance here between refreshing and boring repetition.
As far as the overall plot is concerned, the author has obviously learned. There are no boring passages this time, what is relevant is told. The story starts very fast and keeps its pace well, so that I was curious and interested from the beginning to the end.
However, I have to say that this time I liked the Cazia chapters a bit better than the Tejohn ones. I still like him as a character, but with Cazia there is just so much more going on. I found her adventurous journey through the Qorr valley very exciting. The three girls, Cazia, Ivi and Kinz, are a very dynamic and interesting trio, providing tension and conflict as well as touching moments of friendship.
Tejohn's travelling companion, on the other hand, I found a bit meaningless so far. He's quite nice, but nothing that would stick in my mind. I can only say the same about Tejohn's journey so far (apart from one very touching scene with grunt victims).
All in all, though, the plot in this second volume is much more interesting and without the long stretches that its predecessor had to contend with.
What I also find very nice is that this time the map has also been translated. I noted in my review that I found it stupid to translate the place names in the text, but not the map. All or nothing, that is. I was very pleased that this has now been rectified in the second volume.
Conclusion:
I liked the second volume of The Great Way much better than its predecessor. Tejohn's storyline was a little weaker this time, but overall the plot is much more exciting and the book is definitely worth reading.
January 30, 2021
3,5
Besser als der erste Teil, dennoch immer noch nicht gut genug.
Besser als der erste Teil, dennoch immer noch nicht gut genug.
May 16, 2022
Great continuation of blockbuster story
December 27, 2020
Dieser Band ist ein wenig kürzer als sein Vorgänger und sein Nachfolger, trotzdem oder auch gerade deswegen aber ein guter "Mittelteil" für die Reihe.
Im 2. Teil ist die Geschichte etwas langatmiger, man merkt dass Storypunkte und mögliche Charakterentwicklungen für den Abschlussband vorbereitet werden und hauptsächlich die Welt wird hier weiter erkundet.
Auch wenn hier vielleicht nicht so viel passiert ist, fand ich den Band angenehm zu lesen da im ersten Teil doch teilweise recht viel recht schnell hintereinander passiert ist und die Welt nicht so ausführlich erklärt wurde wie ich es mir gewünscht hätte. Dies wird hier nun nachgeholt.
Die beiden Hauptcharaktere erleben ein paar ziemlich heftige Dinge, die sie für den weiteren Verlauf der Handlung zeichnen und einen gewaltigen Sprung im Vergleich zu ihrem ersten Auftritt in Band 1 einleiten.
Was mir in diesem Band auch wieder aufgefallen ist, dass man in dieser Welt echt kein Nebencharakter sein möchte....
Im 2. Teil ist die Geschichte etwas langatmiger, man merkt dass Storypunkte und mögliche Charakterentwicklungen für den Abschlussband vorbereitet werden und hauptsächlich die Welt wird hier weiter erkundet.
Auch wenn hier vielleicht nicht so viel passiert ist, fand ich den Band angenehm zu lesen da im ersten Teil doch teilweise recht viel recht schnell hintereinander passiert ist und die Welt nicht so ausführlich erklärt wurde wie ich es mir gewünscht hätte. Dies wird hier nun nachgeholt.
Die beiden Hauptcharaktere erleben ein paar ziemlich heftige Dinge, die sie für den weiteren Verlauf der Handlung zeichnen und einen gewaltigen Sprung im Vergleich zu ihrem ersten Auftritt in Band 1 einleiten.
Was mir in diesem Band auch wieder aufgefallen ist, dass man in dieser Welt echt kein Nebencharakter sein möchte....
Read
January 22, 2015After the twofold cliffhanger
The Way Into Chaos
ended on, I of course had to grab the second volume right away and dig into it. The Way Into Magic continues seamlessly where the previous volume left off – so much so, in fact, that it reads more than the second part of a single novel than the second novel in a trilogy.
Pretty much everything I said about the first installment of The Great Way applies to this second one as well: it ticks all of the important Epic Fantasy boxes while at the same time being unusually lean and taut for that genre, combining a realistic setting with heroic characters. The point of view characters are the same, too: Treygar the soldier and Cazia the mage. I assume that their paths will eventually intersect again, but for the whole of The Way Into Magic they are separate, Treygar attempting to fulfill the promise he gave his king, Cazia trying to find out more about the Blessing that keeps on spreading across the former Empire. None of them are particularly successful, and it has to be said that the plot of the trilogy does not get very much advanced in this novel.
Which does not mean that nothing is happening – in fact, there is quite a lot going on, it’s just that most of it does not appear to be of much consequence in the grand scheme of things (and I should add that of course volume three might still show all of this to have been very relevant). It’s no less gripping for that, however, Cazia’s thread in particular (which takes up most of the novel for a reason) is very exciting, taking her into the far corners of the continent where she (and the reader) discover various new races and new cultures. Connolly is really pulling out all the stops there and I can just imagine cackling with glee while presenting a plethora of new people and places without a single infodump. The readers never get told more than the protagonists know, and they discover the world along with Cazia and Treygar – it’s not quite the level of throw-away world-building you find in Roger Zelazny (who this volume of the novel is dedicated to) or Steven Brust but it’s all very deftly done.
While Cazia and Treygar are travelling, the mystery thickens – what is the Blessing and who is behind it? what happened to the Evening People, and who are they, anyway? and how does magic tie into all of this? Connolly drops a lot of hints and foreshadowing without being too obvious about it – another thing he is quite adept at.
Although the cliffhanger this time is not as bad as the ones a the end of the first volume, I’m actually regretting I did not wait with getting these novels until the third volume of the trilogy has come out so that I could have read them all in one go. Now I have to wait two weeks for The Way Into Darkness …
Pretty much everything I said about the first installment of The Great Way applies to this second one as well: it ticks all of the important Epic Fantasy boxes while at the same time being unusually lean and taut for that genre, combining a realistic setting with heroic characters. The point of view characters are the same, too: Treygar the soldier and Cazia the mage. I assume that their paths will eventually intersect again, but for the whole of The Way Into Magic they are separate, Treygar attempting to fulfill the promise he gave his king, Cazia trying to find out more about the Blessing that keeps on spreading across the former Empire. None of them are particularly successful, and it has to be said that the plot of the trilogy does not get very much advanced in this novel.
Which does not mean that nothing is happening – in fact, there is quite a lot going on, it’s just that most of it does not appear to be of much consequence in the grand scheme of things (and I should add that of course volume three might still show all of this to have been very relevant). It’s no less gripping for that, however, Cazia’s thread in particular (which takes up most of the novel for a reason) is very exciting, taking her into the far corners of the continent where she (and the reader) discover various new races and new cultures. Connolly is really pulling out all the stops there and I can just imagine cackling with glee while presenting a plethora of new people and places without a single infodump. The readers never get told more than the protagonists know, and they discover the world along with Cazia and Treygar – it’s not quite the level of throw-away world-building you find in Roger Zelazny (who this volume of the novel is dedicated to) or Steven Brust but it’s all very deftly done.
While Cazia and Treygar are travelling, the mystery thickens – what is the Blessing and who is behind it? what happened to the Evening People, and who are they, anyway? and how does magic tie into all of this? Connolly drops a lot of hints and foreshadowing without being too obvious about it – another thing he is quite adept at.
Although the cliffhanger this time is not as bad as the ones a the end of the first volume, I’m actually regretting I did not wait with getting these novels until the third volume of the trilogy has come out so that I could have read them all in one go. Now I have to wait two weeks for The Way Into Darkness …
January 6, 2015
This keeps the pace up from The Way into Chaos as things continue to go badly for our protagonists. However, the story isn't just them being buffeted by events: they're starting to take stock of their situations and working towards the solutions they need to rid the world of the Blessing and perhaps keep things degenerating into war.
As the characters deal with the problems thrown at them, we get to see more about their personalities and drives, as well as finding out more about the world around them. The characters show more complexity as we follow them.
The book suffers a bit for being the middle part of the story: we've had the excitement of the setup and haven't yet got to the climax. Despite that, the book rattles along and rates as merely "very good" as opposed to "excellent".
As the characters deal with the problems thrown at them, we get to see more about their personalities and drives, as well as finding out more about the world around them. The characters show more complexity as we follow them.
The book suffers a bit for being the middle part of the story: we've had the excitement of the setup and haven't yet got to the climax. Despite that, the book rattles along and rates as merely "very good" as opposed to "excellent".
February 25, 2015
I LOVED the relationships with the 3 girls! Girl power! How Cazia matures in this one is what really struck me, she still annoyed me a little with her brattiness but she is after all only 15!
Other then that, this is the typical middle book. The plot moves along but not drastically. We learn a lot of details about the world, Cazia and Ivy really delve into what other inhabitants are doing and thinking. Thank goodness for the trusty translation stone!
Again my biggest problem with these books is the fact that Cazia and Tejohn are so different. I really like the world and rules that the author has given but something is just lacking to me.
Still I would recommend for anyone who loves this genre because it is atypical for the quick movement and it was definitely billed correctly as a "fast" epic. He definitely made it as lean as possible but I didn't feel I missed out on the "feel" of a true epic fantasy.
Other then that, this is the typical middle book. The plot moves along but not drastically. We learn a lot of details about the world, Cazia and Ivy really delve into what other inhabitants are doing and thinking. Thank goodness for the trusty translation stone!
Again my biggest problem with these books is the fact that Cazia and Tejohn are so different. I really like the world and rules that the author has given but something is just lacking to me.
Still I would recommend for anyone who loves this genre because it is atypical for the quick movement and it was definitely billed correctly as a "fast" epic. He definitely made it as lean as possible but I didn't feel I missed out on the "feel" of a true epic fantasy.
January 20, 2015
Just as good as The Way Into Chaos. I really like both the continued worldbuilding and the way the characters are interacting.
Cazia is being forced to confront her own privilege. She doesn't think of herself as privileged (I mean, who does): she has lived almost her entire life within the castle, she's a hostage against her father's good behavior, she was treated with disgust by almost everyone around her. At the same time! She was still a noble. She got a noble's education, training in magic, and has led an extremely sheltered existence. It's great to see her being confronted with alternate worldviews.
Speaking of alternate worldviews--I love that they were able to speak with the Tikilit and .
Cazia is being forced to confront her own privilege. She doesn't think of herself as privileged (I mean, who does): she has lived almost her entire life within the castle, she's a hostage against her father's good behavior, she was treated with disgust by almost everyone around her. At the same time! She was still a noble. She got a noble's education, training in magic, and has led an extremely sheltered existence. It's great to see her being confronted with alternate worldviews.
Speaking of alternate worldviews--I love that they were able to speak with the Tikilit and .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews