The adventure continues... Ordained by an ancient goddess of mercy and light, former knight Allystaire Coldbourne has become a paladin, a hero out of legend. But evil stalks him, angry gods align against him, and greedy warlords want him dead. With the help of his friends, each blessed with extraordinary powers by the Goddess, Allystaire must escape the clutches of sorcerers and wicked rulers who will stop at nothing to destroy him as he continues his dangerous quest to bring peace and unity to the fractured and war-torn Baronies. With the Longest Night of mid-winter approaching, the Goddess weakens and armies march – armies determined to bring destruction and horror to the paladin and all who follow him. Allystaire is soon left with only his powers, his handful of friends, and his mission to be a beacon of hope, still and bright, in the encroaching darkness.
Daniel M. Ford was born and raised near Baltimore, Maryland. He holds a B.A. in English from Villanova University, an M.A. in Irish Literature from Boston College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, concentrating in Poetry, from George Mason University. As a poet, his work has appeared most recently in Soundings Review, as well as Phoebe, Floorboard Review, The Cossack, and Vending Machine Press. He teaches English at a college prep high school in North East, Maryland.
This was amazing, I don't know if it's the audiobook performed by Michael Kramer, who does most Sanderson books, but this book really was Sanderson-esque. The fighting scenes where awesome. But the thing is... IT NEEDS A GOOD VILLAIN! I mean the plot is good but to me it seems like just a bunch of guys trying to start a cult, how do they even know that they are following a right path, I mean sure they are saving people and not really forcing anyone to join but still, if there was a force of evil someone to fight them back it would've been perfect.
So...yep, in my opinion the quality holds up here.
This series is (for me) an absorbing tale. The character of the paladin is very well done here as is the relationship with his co-protagonists. We get here the story not only of the growth of a paladin but the growth of the a new church (this is a pretty typical fantasy world with multiple religions). Here we meet a goddess who unlike all the other deities in this world actually cares about "her" people or "all the people". She cares for the weak and poor as well as the powerful and rich (the ones the other deities are interested in). It seems that for some reason she had been lulled to sleep sometime in the past and had been completely forgotten (why was she asleep for a few thousand years? Well we haven't found out anything about that yet...will we??? Don't know, but I tend to doubt it. All stories need some kind of hook. Here its the New/long lost deity).
So, again I like the book, I recommend the book...but of course I recommend you read them in order.
There are a number of good authors that I will cheerfully recommend to anyone, and then there is that short list. The list where the grin falls, and an intensity begins, and it becomes less about reading, and more about experiencing. When that phrase “you *have* to read this” comes out. When comparisons to other “have to” authors appear: Jordon, Butcher, Brust, Rothfuss, Foster, Bujold.
When the story - the crafted words, the characters and their world combined - give you something far more tangible and memorable than “just” a good book. So much so that after closing it, it stays with you for days as a memory of a place you’ve been.
With this series, this author is now in the short list. Do I recommend the series? Absolutely: because you simply *have* to read it.
Yesterday, with about 150 pages to go, I told a friend that I thought book #1 in the series was better. I couldn't put my finger on why, the first book just grabbed me in a way this one wasn't. But oh, then those last 150 pages. Wow. And now, book complete, I look back on the first 2/3 and realize how much I enjoyed it and how important the whole story was. A touch of political intrigue, several well defined villains and an increasingly deep look into the history of Allystaire Coldbourne. I will always appreciate when a story doesn't overstay it's welcome but I have to say I'm a bit sad going into book three knowing that it is the end of the trilogy.
Another great book in this series. We follow the adventures of this engaging rag tag team of reluctant heroes as they fight to defend their city. Looking forward to continuing this series!
I just finished reading book 1 and 2 of this paladin trilogy and am ready and excited to read book 3. I loved the story and development of the characters. There’s all the elements of knights and magic and fantasy characters. It’s about good versus evil and satisfying fight scenes. Read this trilogy! You won’t regret it!!
Well what can I say? this trilogy does not seem to be losing steam, could not put it down. The bond between the characters is ever increasing, strong new character introduced, still tons of kick ass battles, and what? did someone say dogs and cows in the battle? At times I can feel my heart beating loudly in my chest. 5 stars is an honest rating for this book, can't wait to see what the last book has to offer, thank you Mr. Ford.
The Mother's altar gets now all the five ordained, all with their strengths and weaknesses. Allystaire tries a new role of a mentor and there is still lots of work for the familiar role of the Paladin. Mol, Igden Marte and Torvul also get new touches of brush to their portraits. As it is the second book of the trilogy, I expected a cliffhanger (like the one in the first book), but surprisingly the ordeal that the characters deal with is resolved (though it is clear that there will be more trouble with the gods and their servants).
'Stillbright' is both spell-binding and enchanting.
Ford has created an engrossing fantasy novel that explores themes of good vs evil, destiny and freedom of choice. The writing style is effective making this book a very easy read - despite it's length.
Despite being the second in the series, this book works brilliantly as a stand-alone novel and the story is fast paced, relevant and entertaining. Ford has skillfully avoided the pitfalls so common in the second installment of trilogies and has created something masterful.
This is worth 5 stars because 'Stillbright' is an outstanding, compelling read which was far more enjoyable than originally anticipated. Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it to others.
I love this book, the rawness of the characters and their development is outstanding. The action, the hope that it installs in the reader during what seems like a sure loss, is great! I love the multiple POVs and learning more about the others in the world. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series!
Dark times are coming and battle is near, but our Paladin and its Shadow are ready and have Right on their side. This series has a really solid world building, a classic high fantasy feel (which I'm really partial to) and some great characters and if you feel that maybe there is a message somewhere in this book, well, good for you if follow it. And now let's go to the final book.
I've never been sold on the Paladin as an archetype, at least as far as them being more than something on the "lawful" spectrum. So far this series has mitigated the predictability of the Paladin by giving him cooler companions, though everyone seems really nice to each other all the time, even when they're ribbing? The "Deus ex machina" aspects often make me feel like I'm reading with no risk, though. Wondering if the third book will keep me on my toes.
And really, you can't go wrong with Michael Kramer. He could make dissertation abstracts sound intense and epic.
Roaring right back to life where Ordination left off, Stillbright continues to charge forward into its newly established world, much like a certain eponymous (by the end of the book) paladin. As we carry on, the circle completes, and we meet Gideon, the sorcerer's apprentice, last of the Ordained of the Mother, called "the Will". And what an addition he is.
As we drive on through this chapter in the story of the Baronies and their world, the Church of the Mother grows, as does word of their creed and their deeds. The five Ordained are, of course, always where the real action is, and all are so well-drawn that they are all equally compelling regardless if they are together or apart. Everyone probably has their favorites, but all are so magnetic that it's impossible to look away, much less ignore them. A lesser writer would have turned Allystaire into a boring Gary Stu, but he, Igden Marte, Mol, Torvul, and Gideon all have fascinating secrets to unlock, and their interplay is fantastic. Watching them grow together is deeply enjoyable as well - take a look at the somewhat mistrustful "bantering mercenaries" dialogue between Igden Marte and Torvul as they race through Londray trying to spring Allystaire versus how much they all come to care for one another by the time of the Siege of Thornhurst.
It's become fashionable in this age of knee-jerk grimdark to keep the "heroes" emotionally isolated from one another, if not utterly mistrustful. But Master Ford has cheerfully thumbed his nose at that, and it is deeply satisfying to see a group of heroes who clearly love one another and those they fight for. If you're going to uphold a creed like the Mother's, it's going to change who you are, and this is as it should be.
I waited too long to review this one and am now halfway through Crusade, but I will try to bullet-list the things from this one that stick out in my mind, which should be a good testament to their staying power.
- Ally and Gideon's first meeting, and how the Arm of the Mother can kill a sorcerer by literally laying a finger on him.
- The God of the Cave. Enough said. This, and the story of what Gideon is, what he may become, and who he wants to be.
- Mol continues to grow spiritually. Where does the child end and the priestess begin?
- The last apprentice of the Stonesingers brings forth his forgotten art...and the workers of evil remember why they feared the Dwarves.
- Igden Marte gets one of the stories she's been after since she and Ally met. It's sadder than she wanted it to be.
- The Siege of Thornhurst, and the true making of Sir Allystaire Stillbright, Arm of the Mother, Paladin and Prophet.
- The heavily hinted at nature of the relationship between Goddess and Paladin is definitively revealed. I'm still not sure how I feel about this. Is it literal, meaning that the deities of this universe are more Olympian/Asgardian than I initially believed? Or is it figurative, with Allystaire only able to connect the intimacy and love he feels from his divine patroness to more earthly and romantic equivalents? Is it somewhere in between? I'm sure we'll learn more as the trilogy carries on to its end.
- Some other readers have lamented the lack of a truly central villain to struggle against, but I'm not sure all stories need to be that way. The emphasis here is on the growth of the heroes and what their destinies will mean for their world as a whole - I am reminded here of Jeremy Irons' line as Count Raymond III in Kingdom of Heaven : "I pray the world - and Jerusalem - can accommodate such a rarity as a perfect knight." As he predicted, such a man (or woman, or child, or dwarf), will not leave the world the same as they found it. I think that is enough of a tale right there.
Whatever villains have yet to step forth in the world of the Baronies, they would do well to ware the road that runs through Thornhurst, for there is a Paladin loose in the land, and his companions are probably even worse.
Recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really liked the book for several reasons. I appreciate the fact that the hero of the book isn't Superman. I like the fact that he lives in the world and experiences day to day things. To many times I read books where the nuts and bolts of every day living are glossed over.
An excellent continuation of the story. While the first book took a few chapters to get me hooked into the story, at the beginning of this one I am already invested in the characters and am actively rooting for them as I read. I cringe along with Allystaire when he does something he himself finds distasteful, I am excited when the outcome of a situation is good and I feel badly when the bad guys get the upper hand. I am definitely looking forward to the final act and know that I will be sad but satisfied when it is over.
You know that moment when you finish a book...and you go to get its sequel, and find out it's not coming out for another year? Yeah, I had one of those. It's not very often I'm honestly truly disappointed that I can't find out what happens next. It's not that I don't enjoy books, I do, but most of the time, I don't mind waiting for the next year.
This is not one of those times. No middle book syndrome here, no boring moments, I was riveted from start to finish (and a finish which, by the way, surprised me, I had totally predicted the ending of the book and was actually wrong - which is both unusual and pleasing). Some really exciting revelations, especially at the end...but seriously, 2018? Why Ford, why must you do this to me?
Yeah, if you can't tell, I loved it. Essentially, read my first review. More great character moments, several characters grew - particularly the dwarf, who is officially now one of my favorite characters. Fans of grimdark won't love it because you know, there's hope, mercy, and even some goodness in the world, but not in a corny way. Really, can't recommend this series enough to anyone who loves a good fantasy novel.
But really? I have to wait another year now? I can't even pre-order the third one. This makes me sad.
Go buy this one. And the first one. You won't be sorry.
You know that disappointing feeling when you finish a book by an author and after looking you find that there is nothing else for you to read by this person? That's exactly where I am with Daniel M. Ford having just finished the audio book version of Stillbright, the second book in his Paladin Trilogy during my evening commute.
First off, for audio book fans, the fantastic Michael Kramer does the narration for these books, which should tell you just how damn good it's going to be.
The best part of this book was that it picks up right where the first left off and then continues to run you ragged with action and a plot, while still finding a way to build and deepen the story of the main characters right up to the end.
The worst thing I can say about this book is that I have no idea when the third and final chapter will be out, but I do know that if it's half as good as the first two, it'll be well worth the wait!
A fantastic sequel to the first book. It fulfilled everything I had questions about in the first book but left many questions to be answered in the third book. Michael Kramer does a fantastic job reading this on Audible and is really able to make the characters stand out with their own personalities. Daniel M Ford did a fantastic job writing this novel and I can't wait to read this next in the series
## The Book in 1 Sentence The Mother has found her people, but that also means that the world has taken notice, and not in the friendly way.
## Brief Review I have been really impressed with these books and this one I think might be better than the [[Ordination]]. This story is complete with great detail in the story telling without becoming boring. However, the repetition of described actions, "If I have to I will use my mailed fists" gets very old very quick during important scenes.
## Why I Read this book Really interested in finishing the series.
## In-Depth Review (Favorite Quotes) I have always enjoyed the name Alistair since [[Dragon Age Origins - Ultimate Edition]] as it just has the ring of being a paladin's name and that was my favorite class to play in WoW. This book continues to let that character also grow into that role. Thinking about his natural reaction versus what he should be doing as a Paladin.
We also get some story time with "The Shadow" and "The Wit." To be honest I can't spell their names so I am not going to try. The description and additional information that we get about these characters in this book are really well done. I enjoyed learning how The Shadow's power works as we haven't really gotten a detail description other than from Alistair's view point.
There seemed to be some weirdly forced issues that I am not understanding why it happened that way. Specifically I am talking about the lack of song from the Mother. It added some length to the book that I don't think really added much to the book. I never felt that it added anything of issue to the looming threat.
This books final battle is really well told. It also does a wonderful job of describing the tactics of the parties involved and the constant political items that have to be handled during campaigns. People in charge will always have their responses questioned and this does a great way of pushing that forward.
## [Rating](https://epicscreentime.com/rating-rules) I am not a big fan of "Only on Audible" books as they can be like some of the Kindle Unlimited Books which are self-published. However, the audible books appear to have a much higher floor level as this and Ordination, the first in the series, are fantastic. At no time was I bored or confused, but the pacing at times can drag on. I am looking forward to finishing the final book in this series. Happily giving this an 8.
Another fantastic entry by Daniel M. Ford, absolutely thrilling me the entire time. I haven't been this excited about a book, audio or physical, in a very long time. Allystaire's companions share and find out more about one another, the feel of the world, magic, the gods, and the politics of the world and temples are more fleshed out.
Minor characters make forward steps and feel just as three dimensional as the main cast, and the story (Narrated by the excellent Michael Kramer,) had me shouting "YES!" and getting excited, blood pumping, and wanting to play some dungeons and dragons. Mr. Ford has written an excellent Paladin in this character, an arbiter of justice and holy wrath with absolute certainty in his cause and deeds.
This has been a good series thus far. Likeable good guys and despicable bad guys. Good story. A bit too much religious fanaticism for me though. Not a fan of that in real life nor fiction. I'll continue the series though just to find out what happens