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The Seven Towers
They are seven players in a game of deadly magic? Eltiron, Prince of Sevarin; Crystalorn, Princess of Barinash; Ranlyn, the desert rider; Jermain, the outlaw; Vandaris, the soldier; Carachel, the Wizard-King; and Amberglas, the sorceress. Each of them has a secret, and each fights his or her part in the thrilling battle that has put seven kingdoms on the very edge of destruction. Filled with wit, swordplay, humor, and intrigue, this early novel is one of Patricia C. Wrede's best.
264 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1984
30 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Patricia C. Wrede
67 books4,000 followersPatricia Collins Wrede was born in Chicago, Illinois and is the eldest of five children. She started writing in seventh grade. She attended Carleton College in Minnesota, where she majored in Biology and managed to avoid taking any English courses at all. She began work on her first novel, Shadow Magic, just after graduating from college in 1974. She finished it five years later and started her second book at once, having become permanently hooked on writing by this time.
Patricia received her M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1977.
She worked for several years as a financial analyst and accountant, first with the Minnesota Hospital Association, then with B. Dalton Booksellers, and finally at the Dayton Hudson Corporation headquarters.
Patricia finished her first novel in late 1978. In January, 1980, Pamela Dean, Emma Bull, Will Shetterly, Steven Brust, Nate Bucklin, and Patricia Wrede -- all, at that point, hopeful but unpublished -- formed the writer's group that later became known as "The Scribblies." Several years later, they were joined by Kara Dalkey. In April of 1980, Patricia's first novel sold to Ace Books. It came out at last in 1982, which is the year she met Lillian Stewart Carl (who introduced her to Lois McMaster Bujold by mail).
In 1985, shortly before the publication of her fifth book, she left the world of the gainfully employed to try winging it on her own.
Her interests include sewing, embroidery, desultory attempts at gardening, chocolate, not mowing the lawn, High Tea, and, of course, reading.
She is a vegetarian, and currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her cat Karma. She has no children.
Patricia received her M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1977.
She worked for several years as a financial analyst and accountant, first with the Minnesota Hospital Association, then with B. Dalton Booksellers, and finally at the Dayton Hudson Corporation headquarters.
Patricia finished her first novel in late 1978. In January, 1980, Pamela Dean, Emma Bull, Will Shetterly, Steven Brust, Nate Bucklin, and Patricia Wrede -- all, at that point, hopeful but unpublished -- formed the writer's group that later became known as "The Scribblies." Several years later, they were joined by Kara Dalkey. In April of 1980, Patricia's first novel sold to Ace Books. It came out at last in 1982, which is the year she met Lillian Stewart Carl (who introduced her to Lois McMaster Bujold by mail).
In 1985, shortly before the publication of her fifth book, she left the world of the gainfully employed to try winging it on her own.
Her interests include sewing, embroidery, desultory attempts at gardening, chocolate, not mowing the lawn, High Tea, and, of course, reading.
She is a vegetarian, and currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her cat Karma. She has no children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 21, 2009
I really liked Wrede's Enchanted Forest and Lyra books (especially the Raven Ring), but here it feels like Wrede couldn't quite make up her mind whether to make this a humorous fantasy novel, like the Enchanted Forest, or a more somber fantasy novel, like the Lyra books. So, there are these serious murders/betrayals/setups for genocide right next to cutesy insults of "squash head!", and it doesn't quite work for me. Serious evil needs some serious swearing in order to be taken seriously.
I also didn't find the characters as appealing as Wrede's usually are. Amberglas and Vandaris have downright annoying conversational styles. Vandaris can't have a conversation without a silly insult (mush mind! squirrel brain!) or generic fantasy exclamation (dragon's teeth!) . Some of the others wavered between being dynamic interesting characters and being bland genre stereotypes.
The book isn't bad, but I don't see many people choosing it for their favorite Wrede novel. Good for a rainy afternoon, but you don't need to rush out and buy it.
I also didn't find the characters as appealing as Wrede's usually are. Amberglas and Vandaris have downright annoying conversational styles. Vandaris can't have a conversation without a silly insult (mush mind! squirrel brain!) or generic fantasy exclamation (dragon's teeth!) . Some of the others wavered between being dynamic interesting characters and being bland genre stereotypes.
The book isn't bad, but I don't see many people choosing it for their favorite Wrede novel. Good for a rainy afternoon, but you don't need to rush out and buy it.
November 14, 2008
Let's see here. Has it got...
...a worrywart prince investigating political intrigue? Check!
...a new royal advisor whose presence causes the king to act strangely? Check!
...and absent-minded sorceress who is actually extremely powerful? Check!
...a beautiful princess stressing over being betrothed to a man she's never met? Check!
...a tough-talking but soft-hearted soldier? Check!
...an honor-obsessed desert nomad who speaks exclusively in awkward, desert-themed metaphors? Check!
...a nebulous, "undefeatable" enemy that is invariably defeated? Check!
Ah, but if I didn't love fantasy cliches I wouldn't read fantasy. This one was fun, if a bit forced in places. I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way to seek out other Wrede books, but this was a nice light read.
...a worrywart prince investigating political intrigue? Check!
...a new royal advisor whose presence causes the king to act strangely? Check!
...and absent-minded sorceress who is actually extremely powerful? Check!
...a beautiful princess stressing over being betrothed to a man she's never met? Check!
...a tough-talking but soft-hearted soldier? Check!
...an honor-obsessed desert nomad who speaks exclusively in awkward, desert-themed metaphors? Check!
...a nebulous, "undefeatable" enemy that is invariably defeated? Check!
Ah, but if I didn't love fantasy cliches I wouldn't read fantasy. This one was fun, if a bit forced in places. I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way to seek out other Wrede books, but this was a nice light read.
July 4, 2013
Willowy Amberglass is "the Dowager Duchess of Denver .. cross-wired with Chrestomanci .. one of my all-time favorite characters" (author, inner back cover), and mine. Quotes included to enjoy.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51... From her first encounter with the wounded Jermain, sorceress Amberglass encourages him to reveal his innermost secrets. She sounds polite, kind, respectful, caring, skilled, blathery, independent, confident, roundabout, vague, clever, dippy, astute, insightful, wise - all at once.
Jermaine was royal advisor to King Marreth of magic-less Servaine. Terrel disgraced Jermaine, usurped the position, and sent guards across the border to kill the fugitive. Terrel arranges a wedding between under-his-thumb Prince Eltiron and Princess Crystalorn of neighboring Barinash. When Crystalorn invites Amberglass to attend, the reply is affirmative, apparently.
Eltiron's private retreat is a tower identical to the home tower of Amberglass. Five more towers are scattered about the seven kingdoms, built long ago by Galerinth, a sorcerer who tried to fill them only with good power. But since Galerinth was human, and not all good, the towers do not successfully protect their lands. Meanwhile, like centuries before, the Matholych, a Red Plague of dust, surges northward, consuming every living thing on the way.
Eltiron is wimpy, lets himself get pushed around. He waits for aunt Vandaris to solve his troubles. In this world, the females are our strong heroic ideals.
Vandaris is a funny, rebellious, outspoken mercenary. She lovingly insults her nephew: "squirrel brain" p27, "numb wit" p66, "crack skull" p86, and "slow bones" p91. Her curses are unique to this world: "Morada's sword" p56 "Arlayne's crown" p182.
She teaches Eltiron political savvy ettiquette, so he will walk away from Terrel first, instead of permitting the "deliberate attempt to make him look foolish" p67. She is an expert manipulator, admitting "I lied" p87. "I've been causing gossip for more years than you remember, pigeon wit" p91.
Characters are well-developed atypical individuals, difficult with so many important roles. I cannot remember any of the place or people names. This is one of those books I like more in spite of itself than because of itself. Wrede just has a knack for creating people I like and want to follow until they are safe.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51... From her first encounter with the wounded Jermain, sorceress Amberglass encourages him to reveal his innermost secrets. She sounds polite, kind, respectful, caring, skilled, blathery, independent, confident, roundabout, vague, clever, dippy, astute, insightful, wise - all at once.
I'm so glad you're feeling better. That is, if you are. You haven't said anything about it, so perhaps you aren't, which wouldn't be at all surprising, what with losing all that blood and breaking a rib and so on, though possibly you'd rather I didn't go into detail. Still, I do think it's a mistake not to talk about unpleasant things, even if people are sensitive; after all, if one worried all the time about offending people, one would never say anything, which is some cases would be a very good thing." p11
Jermaine was royal advisor to King Marreth of magic-less Servaine. Terrel disgraced Jermaine, usurped the position, and sent guards across the border to kill the fugitive. Terrel arranges a wedding between under-his-thumb Prince Eltiron and Princess Crystalorn of neighboring Barinash. When Crystalorn invites Amberglass to attend, the reply is affirmative, apparently.
"A great many places are closer than people think. Still, I haven't been anywhere in a long time, and perhaps things have changed, though they don't usually, at least not much. That is, I've been here, which is obviously somewhere, but isn't anywhere else. At least I think it isn't. So I shall quite enjoy it, I'm sure."
Eltiron's private retreat is a tower identical to the home tower of Amberglass. Five more towers are scattered about the seven kingdoms, built long ago by Galerinth, a sorcerer who tried to fill them only with good power. But since Galerinth was human, and not all good, the towers do not successfully protect their lands. Meanwhile, like centuries before, the Matholych, a Red Plague of dust, surges northward, consuming every living thing on the way.
Eltiron is wimpy, lets himself get pushed around. He waits for aunt Vandaris to solve his troubles. In this world, the females are our strong heroic ideals.
Vandaris is a funny, rebellious, outspoken mercenary. She lovingly insults her nephew: "squirrel brain" p27, "numb wit" p66, "crack skull" p86, and "slow bones" p91. Her curses are unique to this world: "Morada's sword" p56 "Arlayne's crown" p182.
She teaches Eltiron political savvy ettiquette, so he will walk away from Terrel first, instead of permitting the "deliberate attempt to make him look foolish" p67. She is an expert manipulator, admitting "I lied" p87. "I've been causing gossip for more years than you remember, pigeon wit" p91.
Characters are well-developed atypical individuals, difficult with so many important roles. I cannot remember any of the place or people names. This is one of those books I like more in spite of itself than because of itself. Wrede just has a knack for creating people I like and want to follow until they are safe.
June 4, 2013
Thoughts on the Overall Book: I've been a fan of Patricia C Wrede since I read the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, and this book is just as good as those in my opinion. It had a really awesome story line, one with a bunch of twists I wasn't expecting at all, and also a great cast of characters that I always look for in her books. I really enjoyed this one a lot.
Cover--Yea or Nay: The cover's okay. It's not the best cover in the world, but it's attention-grabbing, and you can tell it's a fantasy. I do like the incorporation of the snake ring on it.
Characters: As I said, this had a fantastic cast of characters. Lets start off with the two lead heroes, Jermain and Eltiron. Jermain was a great, likable hero. Quick-witted, strong, and capable. Eltiron was actually kind of the typical prince who's a genuinely good character but is still young and, though he is smart, he needs guidance occasionally. He is also able to conquer his fears, however, and face them when he is called to do so. They were kind of pretty much like the typical heroes Patricia writes about, but I've always loved her heroes so it didn't bother me at all or take away from the book. The supporting cast was awesome too. Ranlyn was a cool character; he had the grace and loyalty and sense of honor of the Arab races. I kind of kept picturing him like Artith Bay from "The Mummy". As usual in Patricia's books, her female characters were strong, but awesome, and never had an attitude. Vandaris is the kind of character that, if portrayed just a little off, would come across as really unlikable to me, but I loved her. She was sarcastic, and probably what one could call headstrong, but not in an "I'm a sword fighting woman, so don't mess with me" way. Just in the way that makes an awesome character. She got business done without worrying about what anyone thought. Crystalorn was a good character too. She was smart and capable, but still a lady. One of my favorite supporting characters though, was Amberglas. She was awesome, and funny, and I loved her round-about explanations. And despite the fact that she seemed a little crazy at times, you always knew that she was totally capable of anything that needed to be done.
The Romance: Eltiron and Crystalorn are set up to be married by arraignment. At first they are totally against it until they meet each other and decide the other isn't so bad. There really isn't a lot of time for romance in this book at all, it only comes around in the last chapter, kind of typical for Patricia's books, but it's sweet, and of the variety I like. Even if there had been more romance in this book, I wouldn't have minded at all.
Writing Style: As usual, I love Patricia's writing style. This one was actually rather dark in places, something I haven't really read in her books before, but she did it well. I really liked the concept of the Matholych, it was unique, and scary because no one was really sure what it was, and it was still scary when you finally found out. This book really had a lot of twists I wasn't expecting. In fact, about half way through, I thought I had guessed where the story was going, or at least had an idea and then several twists came along and totally changed my ideas all together, actually making the book all the more enjoyable for me.
Problems/What bothered me: The only thing I could really complain about is that the story really kind of ends abruptly. I was kind of sad we never got to see the complete reconciliation between Eltiron and Jermain. This book felt like it should have a sequel, and I could totally see where she could continue this story into another book. Sadly though, it seems that it will remain a standalone.
Conclusion: 4.5 stars. The only reason I knocked off that half star was because of the abrupt ending, but otherwise, the story was 5 stars. One of her better standalone books, definitely.
Recommended Audience: Patricia C Wrede fans who have not read this one should. Readers of high fantasy would like this too. Guy or girl read 15 and up for some moderately graphic violence.
Cover--Yea or Nay: The cover's okay. It's not the best cover in the world, but it's attention-grabbing, and you can tell it's a fantasy. I do like the incorporation of the snake ring on it.
Characters: As I said, this had a fantastic cast of characters. Lets start off with the two lead heroes, Jermain and Eltiron. Jermain was a great, likable hero. Quick-witted, strong, and capable. Eltiron was actually kind of the typical prince who's a genuinely good character but is still young and, though he is smart, he needs guidance occasionally. He is also able to conquer his fears, however, and face them when he is called to do so. They were kind of pretty much like the typical heroes Patricia writes about, but I've always loved her heroes so it didn't bother me at all or take away from the book. The supporting cast was awesome too. Ranlyn was a cool character; he had the grace and loyalty and sense of honor of the Arab races. I kind of kept picturing him like Artith Bay from "The Mummy". As usual in Patricia's books, her female characters were strong, but awesome, and never had an attitude. Vandaris is the kind of character that, if portrayed just a little off, would come across as really unlikable to me, but I loved her. She was sarcastic, and probably what one could call headstrong, but not in an "I'm a sword fighting woman, so don't mess with me" way. Just in the way that makes an awesome character. She got business done without worrying about what anyone thought. Crystalorn was a good character too. She was smart and capable, but still a lady. One of my favorite supporting characters though, was Amberglas. She was awesome, and funny, and I loved her round-about explanations. And despite the fact that she seemed a little crazy at times, you always knew that she was totally capable of anything that needed to be done.
The Romance: Eltiron and Crystalorn are set up to be married by arraignment. At first they are totally against it until they meet each other and decide the other isn't so bad. There really isn't a lot of time for romance in this book at all, it only comes around in the last chapter, kind of typical for Patricia's books, but it's sweet, and of the variety I like. Even if there had been more romance in this book, I wouldn't have minded at all.
Writing Style: As usual, I love Patricia's writing style. This one was actually rather dark in places, something I haven't really read in her books before, but she did it well. I really liked the concept of the Matholych, it was unique, and scary because no one was really sure what it was, and it was still scary when you finally found out. This book really had a lot of twists I wasn't expecting. In fact, about half way through, I thought I had guessed where the story was going, or at least had an idea and then several twists came along and totally changed my ideas all together, actually making the book all the more enjoyable for me.
Problems/What bothered me: The only thing I could really complain about is that the story really kind of ends abruptly. I was kind of sad we never got to see the complete reconciliation between Eltiron and Jermain. This book felt like it should have a sequel, and I could totally see where she could continue this story into another book. Sadly though, it seems that it will remain a standalone.
Conclusion: 4.5 stars. The only reason I knocked off that half star was because of the abrupt ending, but otherwise, the story was 5 stars. One of her better standalone books, definitely.
Recommended Audience: Patricia C Wrede fans who have not read this one should. Readers of high fantasy would like this too. Guy or girl read 15 and up for some moderately graphic violence.
July 25, 2014
Genocide is never the answer. SERIOUSLY.
August 6, 2019
It’s easy to tell that it’s one of Wrede’s earlier books. Lots of potential, but not yet the authorial maturity to quite pull it off
September 14, 2020
I'm a big fan of Patricia Wrede but this book isn't up to the standard of her later work. I'm afraid I didn't enjoy it that much and only skimmed the last third. The POV characters seemed to have no agency whatsoever, which made the book boring and frustrating. All the decisions and action were taken by other characters around them. The politics were baffling and various elements were introduced in a haphazard way as if they'd only just been thought of and thrown into the plot. I'm glad in a way that this shows great writers have to start out with less good work as I love her other books.
February 10, 2017
10.2.2017 - 4,5*
Takový ten okamžik, kdy si chcete přečíst začátek knížky, abyste věděli, jaká je...
A čtete...
A čtete...
A o pár hodin později jste tak nějak... na konci.
Autorka vytvořila kouzelný svět, který mě do sebe vtáhl doslova od první stránky. A nepustil mě, dokud jsem nepřečetla poslední slovo knížky.
Postavy. Úžasné, živé postavy. Mrzí mě, že neměly více místa k prohloubení charakteru a nějaké té historii, jelikož byly nádherně různorodé, ale ne tak dobré, jak mohly být.
Až na Amberglas. Amberglas byla skvělá. Když pominu její unikátní styl řeči, kdy jsem některé její projevy musela číst vícekrát, abych prostě jen neseděla s nepřítomným výrazem v obličeji, ztracená po první větě... ale jelikož většina postav na ni reagovala stejně, necítím se tak zle. :D
A Carachel. Mimo fakt, že byl nejlépe popsanou postavou v knize, přestože, ironicky, se z jeho pohledu příběh myslím nevyprávěl ani jednou, byl to prostě nepochopený umělec a pro ty já mám prostě slabost. :D
Tajemství. A intriky, které nejsou tak back-stabing, jako v hardcore politikaření, ale stále je tam více manipulací a intrikaření, než jsem čekala.
A děj byl tak dobře, umně spletený dohromady, celou dobu držel pozornost, dokud nedošlo k jeho vyvrcholení a krátce na to ke konci příběhu. Možná bylo i dobře, jak rychlé tempo kniha měla, jelikož mi to nedávalo čas přemýšlet nad detaily a místy chybějícími důvody - nebo logickými botami. Plus, jeden ze zvratů jsem vážně nečekala.
Velmi dobře zpracovaná kniha, od stylu psaní, světa a atmosféry, až po ty šarmantní postavy, které se mi dostaly pod kůži.
Dokonce i boj proti Velké Temné Hrozbě se mi líbil, přes očividné fantasy klišé. A čím byl.
Příběh stál na postavách, které byly rozmanité a skvělé. Na atmosféře a svižném ději. Dobrém stylu psaní. A tohle vše dohromady z toho udělal knížku, která mě vtáhla do svého příběhu a nepustila, dokud jsem ji nad ránem nedočetla.
Je to trošku takové fantasy klišé, ale vtáhlo mě to a sedlo mi to do nálady - taky jsem dlouho z žánru nic nečetla, takže jsem prostě spokojená.
Takový ten okamžik, kdy si chcete přečíst začátek knížky, abyste věděli, jaká je...
A čtete...
A čtete...
A o pár hodin později jste tak nějak... na konci.
Autorka vytvořila kouzelný svět, který mě do sebe vtáhl doslova od první stránky. A nepustil mě, dokud jsem nepřečetla poslední slovo knížky.
Postavy. Úžasné, živé postavy. Mrzí mě, že neměly více místa k prohloubení charakteru a nějaké té historii, jelikož byly nádherně různorodé, ale ne tak dobré, jak mohly být.
Až na Amberglas. Amberglas byla skvělá. Když pominu její unikátní styl řeči, kdy jsem některé její projevy musela číst vícekrát, abych prostě jen neseděla s nepřítomným výrazem v obličeji, ztracená po první větě... ale jelikož většina postav na ni reagovala stejně, necítím se tak zle. :D
A Carachel. Mimo fakt, že byl nejlépe popsanou postavou v knize, přestože, ironicky, se z jeho pohledu příběh myslím nevyprávěl ani jednou, byl to prostě nepochopený umělec a pro ty já mám prostě slabost. :D
Tajemství. A intriky, které nejsou tak back-stabing, jako v hardcore politikaření, ale stále je tam více manipulací a intrikaření, než jsem čekala.
A děj byl tak dobře, umně spletený dohromady, celou dobu držel pozornost, dokud nedošlo k jeho vyvrcholení a krátce na to ke konci příběhu. Možná bylo i dobře, jak rychlé tempo kniha měla, jelikož mi to nedávalo čas přemýšlet nad detaily a místy chybějícími důvody - nebo logickými botami. Plus, jeden ze zvratů jsem vážně nečekala.
Velmi dobře zpracovaná kniha, od stylu psaní, světa a atmosféry, až po ty šarmantní postavy, které se mi dostaly pod kůži.
Dokonce i boj proti Velké Temné Hrozbě se mi líbil, přes očividné fantasy klišé. A čím byl.
Příběh stál na postavách, které byly rozmanité a skvělé. Na atmosféře a svižném ději. Dobrém stylu psaní. A tohle vše dohromady z toho udělal knížku, která mě vtáhla do svého příběhu a nepustila, dokud jsem ji nad ránem nedočetla.
Je to trošku takové fantasy klišé, ale vtáhlo mě to a sedlo mi to do nálady - taky jsem dlouho z žánru nic nečetla, takže jsem prostě spokojená.
August 18, 2014
Eltiron is having a rough month. First, one of his best friends, Jermain, was banished by the King, supposedly for treason. And Jermain thinks Prince Eltiron was part of setting him up for treason. Now, King Marreth's new advisor, the slimy Terrel has convinced Marreth to betroth Eltiron to the princess of Barinash sight unseen. Lucky for Eltiron his aunt Vandi shows up to help lend some sanity to a really crazy court. Vandi won't let anyone push her around, and she sees that something weird is going on. She also knows that Jermain is innocent and his claims of an imminent invasion of the Hoven-Thalor are based on good sources. She's determined to help Eltiron figure out what that weasel Terrel is up to and keep the kingdom safe. Meanwhile, the princess of Barinash, Crystalorn is on her way to Sevairn with her friend the possibly addled but definitely useful sorceress Amberglas, and Jermain is recruited by the Wizard-King Carachel to lead a massive army because he claims that the real danger threatening the seven kingdoms is not the Hoven-Thalor moving north, but what comes behind them, an ancient evil known as the Red Plague or Matholych. Some people are not what they seem, others are more than they seem, and all are important in figuring out how to save the seven kingdoms from the Matholych.
Wrede is one of my favorite fantasy authors, particularly her Enchanted Forest Chronicles, so I was quick to snatch up a title of hers I have not read yet. It did not disappoint. The plot wasn't simple, nor overly complicated. I managed to figure out some parts, but not all. The characters were diverse, and though some were predictable, several were not simple or flat and were fun to get to know. I absolutely loved Amberglas (especially reading that she was inspired by Sayer's Dowager Duchess of Denver and Jones' Christomanci), and Vandi wasn't bad either. Overall, it was a fun read with just the right mix between seriousness and humor.
Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. There are no sex scenes. Some innuendo is alluded to but not stated outright, mostly involving wrong conclusions about relationships or obvious conclusions about the King's ever-changing ladies. An affair is also mentioned. There are a couple battles that are serious life/death confrontations and several people die. Some are rather horrible deaths at the hands of twisted magic; these aren't really described but the reactions of others to them give readers the picture they are horribly grotesque and sickening. Other people die via standard weapons or horse hooves or poisoning, none of those is described in very much detail. A couple wounds survivors receive are described, mostly broken ribs and bruises, but one profusely bleeding side wound and another shoulder wound.
Wrede is one of my favorite fantasy authors, particularly her Enchanted Forest Chronicles, so I was quick to snatch up a title of hers I have not read yet. It did not disappoint. The plot wasn't simple, nor overly complicated. I managed to figure out some parts, but not all. The characters were diverse, and though some were predictable, several were not simple or flat and were fun to get to know. I absolutely loved Amberglas (especially reading that she was inspired by Sayer's Dowager Duchess of Denver and Jones' Christomanci), and Vandi wasn't bad either. Overall, it was a fun read with just the right mix between seriousness and humor.
Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. There are no sex scenes. Some innuendo is alluded to but not stated outright, mostly involving wrong conclusions about relationships or obvious conclusions about the King's ever-changing ladies. An affair is also mentioned. There are a couple battles that are serious life/death confrontations and several people die. Some are rather horrible deaths at the hands of twisted magic; these aren't really described but the reactions of others to them give readers the picture they are horribly grotesque and sickening. Other people die via standard weapons or horse hooves or poisoning, none of those is described in very much detail. A couple wounds survivors receive are described, mostly broken ribs and bruises, but one profusely bleeding side wound and another shoulder wound.
January 31, 2010
I had a hard time getting into this book, which was strange for me as I usually enjoy Wrede's work. The story basically follows seven characters, who inhabit seven kingdoms and who are all facing the same poorly understood threat as the nomad tribes of the south prepare to come north and the matholych (some kind of fearsome monster) follows them. I think part of my difficulty came from the fact that there were so many characters, and the point of view switched back and forth every chapter or so between two of the main characters: Eltiron (prince to one of the kingdoms) and Jermain (the man Eltiron's father had wrongly accused of treason). I never really felt like I was connecting with any of the main characters--they seemed pretty thinly drawn to me, each defined primarily by some sort of stereotypical feature: the sorceress Amberglas who mostly rambles in disconnected ways (she drove me crazy until I read on the back of the book that Wrede had modelled her after the Duke of Denver, in Dorothy Sayers novels. Since I actually like the duchess, once I understood the inspiration I found her a little more tolerable); Eltiron, who seems largely ineffective, even for a prince; Jermain, the embittered soldier figure; the princess Crystalorn (who's so unremarkable, for a princess, that I can't think what to say about her); Eltiron's aunt, Vandaris, a professional soldier, who speaks in a bluff, insulting way (which was really annoying after a while).
At any rate, definitely not Wrede's best work. Having just read her most recent novel, it's easy for me to see that her style has matured (and improved!) since she wrote this (in 1984). As an aspiring writer myself, I find this tremendously reassuring.
At any rate, definitely not Wrede's best work. Having just read her most recent novel, it's easy for me to see that her style has matured (and improved!) since she wrote this (in 1984). As an aspiring writer myself, I find this tremendously reassuring.
May 6, 2017
This is a solid effort by Wrede that all-too-often reads as a rehearsal for the Enchanted Forest books. The court intrigue and magical conflicts are all capably handled, and there are a couple of good characters: Amberglas the absent-minded sorceress has some good lines and the wizard-king Carachel is quite effective as a man who thinks he knows the only way to stop an oncoming evil and is willing to do whatever it takes to do so. However, most of the characters don’t make much of an impression, in part because Wrede would write better versions of them later: Crystalorn, for instance, is clearly a first draft of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles’ Cimorene. And many elements of the plot would reappear in new and improved form in later books as well. Wrede’s ability to write fantasy that has a real sense of humor elevates “The Seven Towers”, for me, over a number of similar but less funny books, but there’s no reason for those new to Wrede to start here.
December 21, 2009
This was the last book in my string of Patricia C. Wrede's works. It is classic fantasy, complete with evil wizards, warring countries and a shapeless evil. The plot revolves around seven characters who must either band together or fight to their death. While Eltiron (the prince) and Carachel (the wizard-king) are fully drawn and develop through the work, others are more one-dimensional. Amberglass, as the absent-minded sorceress is a humorous addition but feels over-played at times. The story-line is pleasantly twisty but resolves too quickly and easily in the end. All in all, an enjoyable if not overwhelming read.
August 31, 2017
A decent plane read, but otherwise completely unmemorable--which is unfortunate since I usually love Patricia Wrede's books. I love fantasy tropes and cliches even more than the next person but this one felt *so* generic. I saw shades of Wrede's best characters from other books here, and plenty of threads from stories I've read before (an ancient evil caused by a misunderstanding years ago, wise men being fooled, desert tribes with strict senses of honor, princesses who don't do as they're told, etc), but nothing here was original or fresh enough to excite my interest if I hadn't been trapped in transit.
October 29, 2014
I found a bunch of her old books at the local Goodwill and picked them up. I think I understand why I've never heard of these before. They weren't horrible, but there was nothing different or inspiring about them. I give props for actually having a story about seven towers without making the characters visit each one, but a lot of the history felt rather skimmed over, particularly the nation where everything takes place. Neutral.
June 6, 2011
It's like she took every cliche from fantasy series and threw them together in one book. No heart to it, no connection to the characters, no real excitement.
February 12, 2023
you can tell this is one of her earlier books by the writing style, but it's still so good. a lot of books that switch perspective often really annoy me, especially when they switch on cliffhangers, and in general i think it's an extremely annoying convention that i wish was less frequent in modern fantasy... but in this book it actually works. i think there are a couple things that make it work:
short chapters. when you're waiting to find out what happens next, you don't have to wait too long, you'll be back to those characters in like 5 or 10 minutes of reading time.
pacing. or something. i'm not really sure what the right word for this is, but the level of excitement stays the same. so early on in the book it's a little more chill in all the scenes and the excitement ramps up equally along all the plotlines, so you don't feel cheated by going from a cliffhanger to a boring scene. (unlike some other authors i won't mention)
most of the rest of my compliments for this book are also kind of negatives, like things it *doesn't mess up* that tons of other fantasy novels do. little details that make sense in the world. like the way the characters talk about pushing on through the night on horseback is realistic about the annoyance and dangers of it. that kind of thing. all of patricia c wrede's books are like that though, it's great. anyway overall it's a fun easy-to-read book that's gripping enough to keep you reading but won't keep you up at night, just what i needed right now when im sick. also i like the style of magic. and the characters grow on you
short chapters. when you're waiting to find out what happens next, you don't have to wait too long, you'll be back to those characters in like 5 or 10 minutes of reading time.
pacing. or something. i'm not really sure what the right word for this is, but the level of excitement stays the same. so early on in the book it's a little more chill in all the scenes and the excitement ramps up equally along all the plotlines, so you don't feel cheated by going from a cliffhanger to a boring scene. (unlike some other authors i won't mention)
most of the rest of my compliments for this book are also kind of negatives, like things it *doesn't mess up* that tons of other fantasy novels do. little details that make sense in the world. like the way the characters talk about pushing on through the night on horseback is realistic about the annoyance and dangers of it. that kind of thing. all of patricia c wrede's books are like that though, it's great. anyway overall it's a fun easy-to-read book that's gripping enough to keep you reading but won't keep you up at night, just what i needed right now when im sick. also i like the style of magic. and the characters grow on you
February 11, 2023
It's a high 2 stars, but I have so many books to read, and this one isn't grabbing me (despite my enjoying some of her other work) so I'd rather just move on to something else. Which I will now do, with nary a qualm.
I like the title (ooh, damning with faint praise) and if it were clear that each viewpoint character = a tower, the neatness aspect might encourage me to carry on. But I'm 80 pages in, I've seen quite a lot of the dullest character (former advisor turned disgraced accused traitor, who acts more like a petulant teenager than a king's advisor), I don't think each character will get their own tower (maybe they will), and otherwise I don't really care what happens to them. And I see what she was aiming for with the witch, but it's annoying to read about her conversations as it would be to experience them.
Also, I like it when my books get going. I want them to get going from the start. They can change course, but darn it, they should be going! I'm more than a third through, and I don't feel this one's started.
(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
I like the title (ooh, damning with faint praise) and if it were clear that each viewpoint character = a tower, the neatness aspect might encourage me to carry on. But I'm 80 pages in, I've seen quite a lot of the dullest character (former advisor turned disgraced accused traitor, who acts more like a petulant teenager than a king's advisor), I don't think each character will get their own tower (maybe they will), and otherwise I don't really care what happens to them. And I see what she was aiming for with the witch, but it's annoying to read about her conversations as it would be to experience them.
Also, I like it when my books get going. I want them to get going from the start. They can change course, but darn it, they should be going! I'm more than a third through, and I don't feel this one's started.
(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
September 22, 2020
Very good. I particularly like the women in this story, though the men are okay as well. There's a good balance in personalities, and I especially like the way she wrote the bad guys. I won't say more than that about it.
The entire book is well balanced. None the characters is totally lovable, or completely vile, though a couple get close to those extremes. The story line makes sense, and while there are some coincidences that are probably quite unlikely, thought I'm sure Amberglas would be able to point out several normal occurances that, if one really considered them, are as unlikely as some of the coincidences here. And there aren't all that many, anyway.
So read this. It's a lovely mini-vacation.
The entire book is well balanced. None the characters is totally lovable, or completely vile, though a couple get close to those extremes. The story line makes sense, and while there are some coincidences that are probably quite unlikely, thought I'm sure Amberglas would be able to point out several normal occurances that, if one really considered them, are as unlikely as some of the coincidences here. And there aren't all that many, anyway.
So read this. It's a lovely mini-vacation.
December 19, 2018
Not the first in the series. Not funny...
I love some of Patricia Wrede's series, especially her dragon series. Tongue in cheek, they don't take themselves too seriously. Lighthearted good stories.
I admit that I didn't look too closely when I ordered this on kindle. But there was nothing in the title to suggest that this was part of a series. So I was dropped in the middle of a storyline, and the author didn't introduce what was going on very well.
Ill have to look more closely at the title next time.
Additionally, the book seemed like it was trying to be funny but just fell flat. The characters were ho hum, and the dialogue was confusing.
I love some of Patricia Wrede's series, especially her dragon series. Tongue in cheek, they don't take themselves too seriously. Lighthearted good stories.
I admit that I didn't look too closely when I ordered this on kindle. But there was nothing in the title to suggest that this was part of a series. So I was dropped in the middle of a storyline, and the author didn't introduce what was going on very well.
Ill have to look more closely at the title next time.
Additionally, the book seemed like it was trying to be funny but just fell flat. The characters were ho hum, and the dialogue was confusing.
September 5, 2022
This has been on my TBR pile for YEARS! It finally had its chance and I read it in one sitting. Vandaris is my favorite character--a strong swords woman who pretty much runs the show where ever she is. Amberglas made me impatient with her obfuscating talk, but again, she was instrumental in saving people's skins. And Crystalorn is a typical teen girl, full of questions and enthusiasm while her intended, Eltiron, seems too passive. I don't know why it has become such a trope for desert nomads to speak in such stilted formal sentences, but there it is. While it isn't an outstanding book, it was good for an enjoyable afternoon read.
October 27, 2024
I like how Wrede jumps back and forth between her two protagonists, a young prince who's feeling hemmed in and his exiled former advisor who's recruited into a magician's army against a threatened magical invasion that many kings are denying. Even though she doesn't capture here the whole sweep of the Seven Kingdoms, she shows a larger world than any one perspective could.
She also has a lot of good characters, especially Amberglass the sorceress. Her plot is not great - too many twists depend on sudden revelations that aren't plausibly set up either in foreshadowing or in how the characters could have learned them at that moment. But, her characters carry the story for me.
She also has a lot of good characters, especially Amberglass the sorceress. Her plot is not great - too many twists depend on sudden revelations that aren't plausibly set up either in foreshadowing or in how the characters could have learned them at that moment. But, her characters carry the story for me.
January 1, 2020
The Seven Towers is a bit painful to sit through. Though it has an exiting opening it suffers from not being able to make its politics interesting, keeping the reader in the dark about things it doesn't need to keep from the reader, and most importantly, being interesting. I forgot sentences as I read them unless they were of importance, which speaks to how much fluff this book has in it.
February 26, 2023
This was simply not very engaging. The idea and plot is not bad, but there was a lot of head jumping and I found myself confused about what was going on for a large portion of the book. I didn't find that there was much deep connection with any one character, and I never found myself empathizing with anyone. Despite being a short book, I found it to be rather a slog for me.
August 14, 2018
I didn't like the cuts between perspectives. Also, Eltiron and Crystalorn acted crazy younger than they are. And I found both Vandaris and Amberglas annoying. But I liked the twists and it was a very quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2018
Patricia C Wrede continues to be one of my absolute favorite authors. I especially loved how one of her characters reminded me of Luna Lovegood! It's now my headcanon that that is how JKR Got the idea for that character lol.
August 28, 2017
While I was at Ft. Lewis, one of the other guys in my company had this, and got me to read it.
August 4, 2018
A solid, retro fantasy, full of magic, sorcery, treason, beautiful princesses, & battle but with the tweaks known to readers of Patricia Wrede
August 21, 2018
Good, contained story. I love Wrede's female characters. One of the reasons I am trying to get my hands on as many of her books as I can.
September 4, 2018
An amiable, moderately engaging story.
December 1, 2019
I enjoyed this thoroughly. It's a coming-of-age story, but it has plenty of variations on that theme to keep it fresh. The romantic subplot is absolutely charming.
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