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Lon Tobyn Chronicle #2
The Outlanders
The magical Order of the Children of Amarid is appalled to discover that the terrible attacks on their people are being perpetrated by invaders from the land of Lon-Ser, where magic has been forsaken for technology
409 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 1998
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About the author
David B. Coe
66 books260 followersDavid B. Coe is an author of fantasy novels and short stories. He lives with his wife, Nancy Berner, and their two daughters on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
He has begun writing a new historical fantasy series under the pen name D.B. Jackson. The first one is titled Thieftaker, published in 2012.
He has begun writing a new historical fantasy series under the pen name D.B. Jackson. The first one is titled Thieftaker, published in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 21, 2021
A very different type of fantasy from Coe here, largely taking place in the lands of Lon-Ser rather than Tobyn-Ser like the first installment. While Tobyn-Ser has remained relatively unchanged for a 1000 years, consisting of farmers and such protected from outsiders by the Order, Lon-Ser (divided into 3 'city states' called Nals) has undergone an industrial revolution. This was hinted at in the first volume at the end, as the 'rogue mages' set by one of the Nals to Tobyn used mechanical birds and their staves were some sort of laser/plasma weapons. It also features a new set of protagonists, although Coe keeps us posted on the main leads from the last volume as well.
Orris, who now features as the main protagonist, starts the volume with his travels to Lon-Ser with the last 'rogue mage' as his guide (although he quickly realizes that the man is quite insane). We are also quickly introduced to Melyor, a female 'Nal-lord' who resides in Bragor, one of the largest Nals and also the most ruthless. The Nals are basically huge cities governed by which ever thug rises to the top and manages to stay alive. Melyor is in charge of one the districts in Bragor; she is young and very deadly. She has a Seeing that a Hawk-Mage is coming to Bragor and at first, decides he must die; after that fails, she becomes his ally of a sort. It seems one of the upper level thugs (and Melyor's boss) is intent on sending another mission to Tobyn-Ser and wants Melyor to lead it; it is only after having gone through extensive training that she has a change of heart...
Coe does a nice job world building here, although it is a little hard to grasp how basically mafia bosses manage to run entire huge cities effectively. The Outlanders certainly had a more grim-dark feel to it rather than high fantasy-- almost urban fantasy with the magic possessed only by mages. So, much of this has a very modern feel set in the great, ancient cities of Lon-Ser. There is also a lot of politics in both the cities and in Tobyn-Ser as the Order's factions become deeper...
This was an improvement over the first installment in the trilogy, but still has issues-- too many info dumps and again, the same events narrated from different POVs gets old pretty fast. I found myself skimming some of the 'replays' here. Also, this is clearly a set up for the final volume and feels like it. 3.5 stars, rounding down for the rationale stated above.
Orris, who now features as the main protagonist, starts the volume with his travels to Lon-Ser with the last 'rogue mage' as his guide (although he quickly realizes that the man is quite insane). We are also quickly introduced to Melyor, a female 'Nal-lord' who resides in Bragor, one of the largest Nals and also the most ruthless. The Nals are basically huge cities governed by which ever thug rises to the top and manages to stay alive. Melyor is in charge of one the districts in Bragor; she is young and very deadly. She has a Seeing that a Hawk-Mage is coming to Bragor and at first, decides he must die; after that fails, she becomes his ally of a sort. It seems one of the upper level thugs (and Melyor's boss) is intent on sending another mission to Tobyn-Ser and wants Melyor to lead it; it is only after having gone through extensive training that she has a change of heart...
Coe does a nice job world building here, although it is a little hard to grasp how basically mafia bosses manage to run entire huge cities effectively. The Outlanders certainly had a more grim-dark feel to it rather than high fantasy-- almost urban fantasy with the magic possessed only by mages. So, much of this has a very modern feel set in the great, ancient cities of Lon-Ser. There is also a lot of politics in both the cities and in Tobyn-Ser as the Order's factions become deeper...
This was an improvement over the first installment in the trilogy, but still has issues-- too many info dumps and again, the same events narrated from different POVs gets old pretty fast. I found myself skimming some of the 'replays' here. Also, this is clearly a set up for the final volume and feels like it. 3.5 stars, rounding down for the rationale stated above.
July 9, 2021
The second book in the “Lon Tobyn Chronicles” picks up approximately four years after the events of book one, Children of Amarid. One of the main characters from that first book has spent much of those four years interrogating their only prisoner from the attacks of the neighboring lands of Lon-Ser. He convinces his friends in the Order of Mages that is in their best interest to attempt to form a peaceful coexistence with that land but others within the Order are not inclined to agree. The resulting internal struggle forms the beginning of much drama that unfolds in this second novel.
Once again, the author does an excellent job of world-building, this time concentrating on Lon-Ser which is a much more advanced civilization than the rather typical fantasy setting of Tobyn-Ser introduced in book one. Their use of mechanical and technological advancements would grant them a huge advantage in any conflict. But such advancements of course, do not prevent individuals from craving power and prestige and thus their political leaders often advance by assassinating their predecessors.
This novel does suffer a tiny bit from “middle book” syndrome. While I enjoyed the settings, the characters, and the plot development, I knew there was a final novel still to come. So the climactic moments, while nicely done, were perhaps a little less climactic than what will likely be the case in book three. Having said that though, I greatly look forward to that final novel to see how all these characters interact and whether or not peace will reign.
Once again, the author does an excellent job of world-building, this time concentrating on Lon-Ser which is a much more advanced civilization than the rather typical fantasy setting of Tobyn-Ser introduced in book one. Their use of mechanical and technological advancements would grant them a huge advantage in any conflict. But such advancements of course, do not prevent individuals from craving power and prestige and thus their political leaders often advance by assassinating their predecessors.
This novel does suffer a tiny bit from “middle book” syndrome. While I enjoyed the settings, the characters, and the plot development, I knew there was a final novel still to come. So the climactic moments, while nicely done, were perhaps a little less climactic than what will likely be the case in book three. Having said that though, I greatly look forward to that final novel to see how all these characters interact and whether or not peace will reign.
May 20, 2009
I've just finished this book and I have to say that I loved it. After reading the first book in the series, The Children of Amarid, which is a fantasy, I was surprised to find that this book had many science fiction elements in it, which was unexpected.
It also caused me some concern before I got too far into it. I'll explain.
The series is essentially a juxtaposition of a science fiction society against a fantasy society. The first book dealt with the fantasy society, and the incursion of a group of people from the science fiction society in an attempt to destablize the fantasy society. While the one is based solely on magic, through the use of bonding with hawks and falcons and owls and such, along with focusing crystals, the SF society is of course based on science with a heavy dose of fear for the unexplained magic. The SF society copies the magical devices using their science and then inflitrates the land, causing the conflict in book 1.
In book 2, one of the sorcerers from the fantasy society goes to the SF society with the intent to start talks of peace and instigates numerous changes instead. My fear when I first realized where the second book was headed was that there would be no realistic explanation of why the SF society hasn't already taken over the fantasy world. It's not like they're traveling through gates or some massive void that separates the two lands or anything like that. Instead, the two lands are connected by an isthmus. Trade overseas occurs on a daily basis, not only with the SF society, but a third society as well. As a worldbuilder myself, I found it hard to believe that such societies could live in such close proximity, without some significant barrier between them, and not have one of them overrun the other out of sheer greed. With the trade, they'd have to at least influence each other somehow.
But that isn't really addressed in the book. So there's a big suspension of disbelief required by the reader in order to overlook that close proximity. Some of it can be explained by saying that SF society is so closely ruled by its leaders that its citizens could not venture outside the bounds of the city . . . but that's not quite enough. There's also mention of alot of "fear" of the sorcerers from those in the SF society, including those of high rank . . . but that also doesn't really satisfy me either because there's no real explanation for why they fear it so, especially after they've subjugated their own version of the sorcerers from their own lands.
But guess what? It doesn't matter. If you allow yourself to overlook this flaw, or at least this unexplained setup, and pay attention to the story and the characters, none of the rest of it matters. This was a great book, with characters I cared about and wanted to see succeed. And the story was well told and easy to follow. Having the sorcerer dealing with the SF society, and meeting new characters from the SF society that I grew to love, made up for any of my initial concerns about the worldbuilding. In the end, I turned off my inner writing editor (who brought up the concern in the first place before I'd even really started reading) and simply enjoyed the story as a reader. And it was a good story. In fact, I'd say that I enjoyed the second book more than the first in the series.
Now on to book 3. *grin*
It also caused me some concern before I got too far into it. I'll explain.
The series is essentially a juxtaposition of a science fiction society against a fantasy society. The first book dealt with the fantasy society, and the incursion of a group of people from the science fiction society in an attempt to destablize the fantasy society. While the one is based solely on magic, through the use of bonding with hawks and falcons and owls and such, along with focusing crystals, the SF society is of course based on science with a heavy dose of fear for the unexplained magic. The SF society copies the magical devices using their science and then inflitrates the land, causing the conflict in book 1.
In book 2, one of the sorcerers from the fantasy society goes to the SF society with the intent to start talks of peace and instigates numerous changes instead. My fear when I first realized where the second book was headed was that there would be no realistic explanation of why the SF society hasn't already taken over the fantasy world. It's not like they're traveling through gates or some massive void that separates the two lands or anything like that. Instead, the two lands are connected by an isthmus. Trade overseas occurs on a daily basis, not only with the SF society, but a third society as well. As a worldbuilder myself, I found it hard to believe that such societies could live in such close proximity, without some significant barrier between them, and not have one of them overrun the other out of sheer greed. With the trade, they'd have to at least influence each other somehow.
But that isn't really addressed in the book. So there's a big suspension of disbelief required by the reader in order to overlook that close proximity. Some of it can be explained by saying that SF society is so closely ruled by its leaders that its citizens could not venture outside the bounds of the city . . . but that's not quite enough. There's also mention of alot of "fear" of the sorcerers from those in the SF society, including those of high rank . . . but that also doesn't really satisfy me either because there's no real explanation for why they fear it so, especially after they've subjugated their own version of the sorcerers from their own lands.
But guess what? It doesn't matter. If you allow yourself to overlook this flaw, or at least this unexplained setup, and pay attention to the story and the characters, none of the rest of it matters. This was a great book, with characters I cared about and wanted to see succeed. And the story was well told and easy to follow. Having the sorcerer dealing with the SF society, and meeting new characters from the SF society that I grew to love, made up for any of my initial concerns about the worldbuilding. In the end, I turned off my inner writing editor (who brought up the concern in the first place before I'd even really started reading) and simply enjoyed the story as a reader. And it was a good story. In fact, I'd say that I enjoyed the second book more than the first in the series.
Now on to book 3. *grin*
September 15, 2021
In the first of three books in the Lon Tobyn Chronicle, a wonderful universe in the land of Tobyn-Ser was laid out and I felt myself immersed in a fictional land that I really want to visit. In the second book, we got to visit the Nals, specifically Bragor-Nal, and received a whole new universe that builds upon the first book. It's amazing to me that an author could create two completely different lands and cultures, build out such a grand universe that I actually want to visit, and do it completely within the binds of three books. While The Outlanders isn't my favorite of the three books, it's a close tie with #1 for my second favorite. Eagle Sage is the best IMHO, because the action never stops, and the stakes are huge, but that's a review for another time.
You won't regret reading The Outlanders. It'll suck you in and have you rooting for the enemy.
You won't regret reading The Outlanders. It'll suck you in and have you rooting for the enemy.
July 26, 2021
I found it a bit hard to get into the book, perhaps it was my mindset, perhaps I ought to have found book one and read it first. At any rate, once I did get there, it was a very good read. The author created a very understandable and exciting premis and wove all the elements into it skillfully. I will have to track down the next book, as there are hints to make me wonder what will become of the characters and the countries.
October 10, 2025
Great book, but minus an extra star for the authors unhinged, multi page description of Melyor's physical appearance. Like calm down man I get it, shes hot. Could have communicated that in 1 or 2 paragraphs, not 5 pages.
March 22, 2016
Re-reading this trilogy after many, many years, and I have to admit that although the POV switches to a different set of main characters, it was done fairly smoothly by Mr. Coe and the occasional glimpses of the main characters from the first novel help with this transition.
I also want to mention that I am rarely a fan of combining modern technology with medieval-style fantasy settings. If I wanted to read contemporary or sci-fi novels, I would do so. That being said, I have to admit that Mr. Coe presented the two aspects in a smart way and managed to keep me interested and reading on. He also managed to impress upon me the reluctance of the inhabitants from the "medieval land" to open their minds and borders to the more advanced technology. Very well done.
I also want to mention that I am rarely a fan of combining modern technology with medieval-style fantasy settings. If I wanted to read contemporary or sci-fi novels, I would do so. That being said, I have to admit that Mr. Coe presented the two aspects in a smart way and managed to keep me interested and reading on. He also managed to impress upon me the reluctance of the inhabitants from the "medieval land" to open their minds and borders to the more advanced technology. Very well done.
November 7, 2010
I am glad this book was the second in the series. The political idiocy expressed by half the order would have driven me away before I had a reason to care. As it was I slogged through the politics, muttering about the short-sighted, childish stupidity of half the order, as well as the weak-willed ineffectualness of the other half.
There are some really great, intense moments here, however. I liked the highly unusual and very well done juxtaposition of a futuristic dystopian thriller with a medievalesque epic fantasy-something I have never seen before.
There are some really great, intense moments here, however. I liked the highly unusual and very well done juxtaposition of a futuristic dystopian thriller with a medievalesque epic fantasy-something I have never seen before.
May 13, 2013
Amazing follow up to CHILDREN OF AMARID. The first book was Jaryd's coming of age. In this book, Jaryd takes a smaller role as we get Orris' redemption story and a larger canvass of the conflicts between continents. Well done, compelling, and a great mix of fantasy and scifi elements.
February 18, 2008
I liked this book the story gets better
Want to read
May 3, 2014TBR
December 5, 2008
The series really starts to pick up in the second volume.
September 24, 2010
Series review on the first book of the series =)
December 14, 2010
Not as good as Children of Amarid.
May 15, 2017
Enjoyed this so much. This series is a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre.
November 3, 2011
I didnt' really read this. Total crap. Who recommended this one? Made no sense and lots of stupid stuff about bird mages?. Whatever.
November 4, 2012
Loving the series, on the second book now.
March 27, 2013
Simply amazing!
May 4, 2014
Little deviation from the previous book when writing style is concerned, nonetheless nice 2nd episode
September 12, 2015
Orris has made up his mind to help save Tobyn-Ser and his adventure to Lon-Ser is quite a read. The results are mixed and one will remember.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews