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Tears of Artamon #2
Prisoner of the Iron Tower
A writer of rare imagination, Sarah Ash lends her unique vision to epic fantasy. In this captivating continuation of her saga, the author of Lord of Snow and Shadows revisits a realm filled with spirits and singers, daemons and kings. . . .
Gavril Nagarian has finally cast out the dragon-daemon from within himself. The Drakhaoul is gone—and with it all of Gavril’s fearsome powers. No longer possessed, he is instead being driven mad by the Drakhaoul’s absence. Worse, he has betrayed his blood, his people, and put the ice-bound princedom of Azhkendir at risk—and lost.At the mercy of the victorious Eugene of Tielen, Gavril is sentenced to life in an insane asylum. For the power-hungry Eugene longs to possess a Drakhaoul of his own, and his prisoner seems the best way to achieve that goal. Meanwhile, a shattered empire reunites. But peace is as fragile as a rebel’s whisper—and a captive’s wish to be free. . . .
Praise for Prisoner of the Iron Tower
“A new fantasy series [that] will leave readers drooling to get their hands on the sequel.” — Publishers Weekly
“Solid, wonderful fantasy, sparkling and imaginative!” — Booklist
“Ash takes her large and colorful cast of characters from horror to pathos, from triumph to betrayal, smoothly and convincingly. a roller-coaster ride of events and emotions in the best modern fantasy manner.” — Kirkus Reviews
Gavril Nagarian has finally cast out the dragon-daemon from within himself. The Drakhaoul is gone—and with it all of Gavril’s fearsome powers. No longer possessed, he is instead being driven mad by the Drakhaoul’s absence. Worse, he has betrayed his blood, his people, and put the ice-bound princedom of Azhkendir at risk—and lost.At the mercy of the victorious Eugene of Tielen, Gavril is sentenced to life in an insane asylum. For the power-hungry Eugene longs to possess a Drakhaoul of his own, and his prisoner seems the best way to achieve that goal. Meanwhile, a shattered empire reunites. But peace is as fragile as a rebel’s whisper—and a captive’s wish to be free. . . .
Praise for Prisoner of the Iron Tower
“A new fantasy series [that] will leave readers drooling to get their hands on the sequel.” — Publishers Weekly
“Solid, wonderful fantasy, sparkling and imaginative!” — Booklist
“Ash takes her large and colorful cast of characters from horror to pathos, from triumph to betrayal, smoothly and convincingly. a roller-coaster ride of events and emotions in the best modern fantasy manner.” — Kirkus Reviews
576 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
35 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ash
25 books184 followersSarah Ash was born and brought up in Bath. At university she trained as a musician, but returned to her childhood love of writing as the author of highly-praised novels, including the Tears of Artamon Trilogy. Sarah also writes about her love of anime and manga for Anime UK News. Check out her Guest Blog to read posts by other SFF authors about their fiction!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 15, 2024
A quote on the back of my edition of Prisoner of Ironsea Tower promises that this book is, in terms its complexity, more than your average fantasy "pot-boiler".
Structurally, that statement definitely holds true. The story spans four or five countries, each with its own power structures and shifting political affinities. While this is no War And Peace Ash competently juggles treaties, alliances and rebellions alongside the personal arcs of a considerable cast of characters and interweaving magic into a strongly 19th century European secondary world.
Those characters too are complex. Good and evil are hard to define - and indeed I found myself most invested in a character who could be considered the series' main antagonist. Even the dark magical influences that readers will know from the first book in the series are rendered in an at times sympathetic light.
There are a lot of depths to be explored here, which makes it all the more unfortunate that the book feels so rushed. We hurtle between scenes and perspectives with barely a pause to breathe and no time at all to reflect on the implications of everything that has just happened. Frequent time skips seem the work of a lesser author, as do the scenes that very clearly exist just to move characters into a certain place to enable a plot beat to occur. So little time is spent on each stage of the story that you could miss the titular episode in the space of a long blink.
It's a pity, because there is a huge amount of promise here. If this story were expanded over two or even three books of the same length it could be incredibly absorbing. As it is, I found myself having to actively slow down my reading to appreciate everything that was going on and not skim over the important details that were flashing past me. I wanted more time to feel the emotions, to dig into the details of rebellions and spirit singing and the vitally-important-but-crammed-in-at-the-last-minute serpent gate.
This is definitely not your average fantasy, but it gets an average rating from me. The final book has a lot of work to do to tie in all these ends in a satisfactory manner.
Structurally, that statement definitely holds true. The story spans four or five countries, each with its own power structures and shifting political affinities. While this is no War And Peace Ash competently juggles treaties, alliances and rebellions alongside the personal arcs of a considerable cast of characters and interweaving magic into a strongly 19th century European secondary world.
Those characters too are complex. Good and evil are hard to define - and indeed I found myself most invested in a character who could be considered the series' main antagonist. Even the dark magical influences that readers will know from the first book in the series are rendered in an at times sympathetic light.
There are a lot of depths to be explored here, which makes it all the more unfortunate that the book feels so rushed. We hurtle between scenes and perspectives with barely a pause to breathe and no time at all to reflect on the implications of everything that has just happened. Frequent time skips seem the work of a lesser author, as do the scenes that very clearly exist just to move characters into a certain place to enable a plot beat to occur. So little time is spent on each stage of the story that you could miss the titular episode in the space of a long blink.
It's a pity, because there is a huge amount of promise here. If this story were expanded over two or even three books of the same length it could be incredibly absorbing. As it is, I found myself having to actively slow down my reading to appreciate everything that was going on and not skim over the important details that were flashing past me. I wanted more time to feel the emotions, to dig into the details of rebellions and spirit singing and the vitally-important-but-crammed-in-at-the-last-minute serpent gate.
This is definitely not your average fantasy, but it gets an average rating from me. The final book has a lot of work to do to tie in all these ends in a satisfactory manner.
October 14, 2018
Read in 2006ish. Was my first ever adult fantasy series. Can't really remember the plot. Adding it to goodreads for stats sake.
September 8, 2012
In this enthralling second part of the Tears of Artamon series, we get a little more insight in the actual Tears of Artamon, the rubies that the Great Artamon left behind, and the legend that goes with it. As I said before: I’m a big, big fan of legends, history and voices from the past. I’m thrilled that the story revolves around this fascinating history of the Rossiyan Empire.
And once again, there’s this wonderful building of characters. I’ve said it in the review about the first book and I’ll say it again about this one: some people just keep on surprising you.
For instance: we get to follow Eugene and his life as the newly crowned Emperor of New Rossiya. I have to be honest, I didn’t like Eugene at all in the first book. I just can’t understand what gives certain people the right to say “Oh, won’t you look at that, that piece of land over there, I want it and I’ll take it. Because I can.” But now I’ve seen another side to Eugene. He’s actually quite nice. If he hadn’t had that unbearable urge to power, he would have been a monarch loved by everyone. Throughout the book I always wanted to give Eugene the benefit of the doubt, but he kept on pushing the good man in him aside, ‘because an Emperor has no such feelings’. That’s a shame, really, I think he’ll regret that.
Also, Eugene’s first reaction to Kiukiu’s name made me laugh out loud, because that’s exactly what I thought the first time I heard the name, which I mentioned in my earlier review!
There were some really cruel scenes in this book and I was waiting for someone to rescue the person who was suffering all these horrible things. But there was no rescue and I was positively surprised. In about all the books I’ve read and movies I’ve seen, there’s always something that’s about to happen to the main character and they always get saved at the last moment and they get away with just some cuts and bruises. In reality, there’s no such thing. It’s not likely you’ll get saved at the last minute. That fact gives this book so much more credibility than all the others. A big thumbs up.
Another thing I’d really like to mention is how much I was invested in this story. I really felt like I belonged to the world Ms Ash created, that I was part of this incredible cast of people. When she described the Smarnan revolution, the adrenaline coursed through my body. I was ready to jump up and wave the Smarnan flag while chanting along with the other revolutionaries. I felt for the cause, I wanted them to succeed. I wanted them to be free.
And that’s exactly one of the main things that makes a good book: you have to be sucked into the story and feel like you’re living alongside the characters. These are the stories that stick with you and ten years from now, you’ll still remember that one tale about Gavril, Kiukiu, Eugene and Astasia. About the deamons and the Tears of Artamon. About the gate and the little Karila with the mysterious disease.
I’m completely in love with this series by now. I’d recommend it to everyone who’s into a darker side of fantasy and quality writing.
Visit my Fantasy bookblog http://draumrkpa.blogspot.be/ for more reviews, new releases,...
And once again, there’s this wonderful building of characters. I’ve said it in the review about the first book and I’ll say it again about this one: some people just keep on surprising you.
For instance: we get to follow Eugene and his life as the newly crowned Emperor of New Rossiya. I have to be honest, I didn’t like Eugene at all in the first book. I just can’t understand what gives certain people the right to say “Oh, won’t you look at that, that piece of land over there, I want it and I’ll take it. Because I can.” But now I’ve seen another side to Eugene. He’s actually quite nice. If he hadn’t had that unbearable urge to power, he would have been a monarch loved by everyone. Throughout the book I always wanted to give Eugene the benefit of the doubt, but he kept on pushing the good man in him aside, ‘because an Emperor has no such feelings’. That’s a shame, really, I think he’ll regret that.
Also, Eugene’s first reaction to Kiukiu’s name made me laugh out loud, because that’s exactly what I thought the first time I heard the name, which I mentioned in my earlier review!
There were some really cruel scenes in this book and I was waiting for someone to rescue the person who was suffering all these horrible things. But there was no rescue and I was positively surprised. In about all the books I’ve read and movies I’ve seen, there’s always something that’s about to happen to the main character and they always get saved at the last moment and they get away with just some cuts and bruises. In reality, there’s no such thing. It’s not likely you’ll get saved at the last minute. That fact gives this book so much more credibility than all the others. A big thumbs up.
Another thing I’d really like to mention is how much I was invested in this story. I really felt like I belonged to the world Ms Ash created, that I was part of this incredible cast of people. When she described the Smarnan revolution, the adrenaline coursed through my body. I was ready to jump up and wave the Smarnan flag while chanting along with the other revolutionaries. I felt for the cause, I wanted them to succeed. I wanted them to be free.
And that’s exactly one of the main things that makes a good book: you have to be sucked into the story and feel like you’re living alongside the characters. These are the stories that stick with you and ten years from now, you’ll still remember that one tale about Gavril, Kiukiu, Eugene and Astasia. About the deamons and the Tears of Artamon. About the gate and the little Karila with the mysterious disease.
I’m completely in love with this series by now. I’d recommend it to everyone who’s into a darker side of fantasy and quality writing.
Visit my Fantasy bookblog http://draumrkpa.blogspot.be/ for more reviews, new releases,...
January 9, 2011
Magically second installment is just as good as the first one. I'm pulled into this story and reading it within a day. Well crafted world with intrigue and it doesn't seem as if there are any friends. Everyone can be an enemy. Enjoyed this second one and can't wait for the next.
February 14, 2025
Prisoner of Ironsea Tower is an intriguing sequel to Lord of Snow and Shadows. The story of Gavril continues, a young man who successfully cast out the Drakhaoul in a quest that came with a high price. Having been forced to suffer the daemon’s unnatural lusts and desires, he now has to live with the consequences of his own actions, since the Drakhaoul is a being that binds its way into your will and your consciousness, until you no long know where you begin and the Drakhaoul ends. Ultimately, for the crimes Gavril previously committed against the Rossiyan Empire while bound to the Drakhaoul, Eugene of Tielen enacts punishment, condemning Gavril to spend the rest of his days in an asylum of the insane. The empire is shattered, as is Gavril, and behind it all is Eugene’s corruption, since he is striving to take the power of the Drakhaoul for himself.
It is a story based on powerful concepts of good and evil, and I enjoyed the way it delves deeper into the world and surrounding mysticism, incorporating the origin of the Drakhaoul, which adds depth. I also enjoyed the way the story ventures into areas of grey. Gavril is an interesting anti-hero. Through his character, themes of corruption are explored, with scope for contemplation over the landscape of remorse and regret, as well as responsibility and accountability. How far would we go in order to save ourself, and at what cost? There is interesting interplay between Gavril and his closest allies, three powerful women in their own right, each with loyalty for Gavril, albeit in some cases loyalty is compromised, because this is a world of political intrigue, where duty and free will don’t always coincide. The characters are well-drawn, well-developed and entirely believeable. I enjoyed Kiukiu’s character arc in particular, an unlikely hero, understated in the beginning, but she grows into her boots and fills them as she treds a personal, mystical journey to distant realms. Where Gavril is filled with light and shade, Kiukiu balances that with uncompromising courage both in what she will set out to achieve, and in fearlessly exploring the landscape of her own mind, watched over by her mysterious grandmother still living in the wild with the owls.
It is a well drawn world that unfolds with ease as the story progresses, layered with political intrigue, and a colourful tapestry of fantasy and magic. I felt there was a traditional feel to the storytelling, which worked well and pulled me into a world I didn’t want to leave. It is also unique and inventive, with beautiful descriptions setting out extraordinary and colourful scenes. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable epic fantasy.
It is a story based on powerful concepts of good and evil, and I enjoyed the way it delves deeper into the world and surrounding mysticism, incorporating the origin of the Drakhaoul, which adds depth. I also enjoyed the way the story ventures into areas of grey. Gavril is an interesting anti-hero. Through his character, themes of corruption are explored, with scope for contemplation over the landscape of remorse and regret, as well as responsibility and accountability. How far would we go in order to save ourself, and at what cost? There is interesting interplay between Gavril and his closest allies, three powerful women in their own right, each with loyalty for Gavril, albeit in some cases loyalty is compromised, because this is a world of political intrigue, where duty and free will don’t always coincide. The characters are well-drawn, well-developed and entirely believeable. I enjoyed Kiukiu’s character arc in particular, an unlikely hero, understated in the beginning, but she grows into her boots and fills them as she treds a personal, mystical journey to distant realms. Where Gavril is filled with light and shade, Kiukiu balances that with uncompromising courage both in what she will set out to achieve, and in fearlessly exploring the landscape of her own mind, watched over by her mysterious grandmother still living in the wild with the owls.
It is a well drawn world that unfolds with ease as the story progresses, layered with political intrigue, and a colourful tapestry of fantasy and magic. I felt there was a traditional feel to the storytelling, which worked well and pulled me into a world I didn’t want to leave. It is also unique and inventive, with beautiful descriptions setting out extraordinary and colourful scenes. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable epic fantasy.
October 1, 2025
From the reviews on Amazon: “A new fantasy series [that] will leave readers drooling to get their hands on the sequel.”—Publishers Weekly
“Solid, wonderful fantasy, sparkling and imaginative!”—Booklist
“Ash takes her large and colorful cast of characters from horror to pathos, from triumph to betrayal, smoothly and convincingly. a roller-coaster ride of events and emotions in the best modern fantasy manner.”—Kirkus Reviews
From the synopsis: Gavril Nagarian has finally cast out the dragon-daemon from within himself. The Drakhaoul is gone—and with it all of Gavril’s fearsome powers. No longer possessed, he is instead being driven mad by the Drakhaoul’s absence. Worse, he has betrayed his blood, his people, and put the ice-bound princedom of Azhkendir at risk—and lost.At the mercy of the victorious Eugene of Tielen, Gavril is sentenced to life in an insane asylum. For the power-hungry Eugene longs to possess a Drakhaoul of his own, and his prisoner seems the best way to achieve that goal. Meanwhile, a shattered empire reunites. But peace is as fragile as a rebel’s whisper—and a captive’s wish to be free. . .
This is a book that was hard for me to read. There are some really great passages/sections in it, but some parts were so intense I had to put it aside and then it was difficult to get back into the story. The characters are really well-drawn, but there are so many of them it was hard for me to follow at times and I'm not sure who I should be 'rooting for'. Eugene's not a 'bad' guy, but his ambition kind of reminds me of Putin - trying to put the old Empire back together. Gavril wants to protect his people and if he has to bond with the Drakhaoule again, he will although his hope is to open the Gate and set them both free.
It is getting more interesting, but I know I'm never going to read it again. Loaning to my son and after he reads it, donating to the library.
“Solid, wonderful fantasy, sparkling and imaginative!”—Booklist
“Ash takes her large and colorful cast of characters from horror to pathos, from triumph to betrayal, smoothly and convincingly. a roller-coaster ride of events and emotions in the best modern fantasy manner.”—Kirkus Reviews
From the synopsis: Gavril Nagarian has finally cast out the dragon-daemon from within himself. The Drakhaoul is gone—and with it all of Gavril’s fearsome powers. No longer possessed, he is instead being driven mad by the Drakhaoul’s absence. Worse, he has betrayed his blood, his people, and put the ice-bound princedom of Azhkendir at risk—and lost.At the mercy of the victorious Eugene of Tielen, Gavril is sentenced to life in an insane asylum. For the power-hungry Eugene longs to possess a Drakhaoul of his own, and his prisoner seems the best way to achieve that goal. Meanwhile, a shattered empire reunites. But peace is as fragile as a rebel’s whisper—and a captive’s wish to be free. . .
This is a book that was hard for me to read. There are some really great passages/sections in it, but some parts were so intense I had to put it aside and then it was difficult to get back into the story. The characters are really well-drawn, but there are so many of them it was hard for me to follow at times and I'm not sure who I should be 'rooting for'. Eugene's not a 'bad' guy, but his ambition kind of reminds me of Putin - trying to put the old Empire back together. Gavril wants to protect his people and if he has to bond with the Drakhaoule again, he will although his hope is to open the Gate and set them both free.
It is getting more interesting, but I know I'm never going to read it again. Loaning to my son and after he reads it, donating to the library.
May 9, 2019
Absolutely loved this book. Found the first in a charity shop, but actively hunted this one down.
The writing style and pace really flow well. Sarah Ash as powerful skills of description, the first book was perhaps too descriptive, this one finds a better balance on character development.
Some elements are paint by numbers fantasy, but there's still enough mystery to keep the plot going.
There are parts where the story becomes present tense, usually only for a few paragraphs, but they give a perspective from.a characters point of view, and a sense of immediacy. It highlights strange events and usually snaps the reader back to attention after a bit of a lull.
Can't wait to read the next one and find out how the story ends.
The writing style and pace really flow well. Sarah Ash as powerful skills of description, the first book was perhaps too descriptive, this one finds a better balance on character development.
Some elements are paint by numbers fantasy, but there's still enough mystery to keep the plot going.
There are parts where the story becomes present tense, usually only for a few paragraphs, but they give a perspective from.a characters point of view, and a sense of immediacy. It highlights strange events and usually snaps the reader back to attention after a bit of a lull.
Can't wait to read the next one and find out how the story ends.
October 20, 2019
The author creates an interesting world and plot; it is definitely derivative of certain things but the story does not suffer for it.
I really like her depiction of the cost of power.
Sarah Ash does rush some of the story, though. There are parts that could have been a whole chapter that got four paragraphs.
I really like her depiction of the cost of power.
Sarah Ash does rush some of the story, though. There are parts that could have been a whole chapter that got four paragraphs.
September 20, 2021
I am so glad I continued reading the series!
The first book was so rough and fast-paced that I was tempted to stop altogether. But this book, Ash found her stride! The writing is so much better - much more clear and cohesive and conveys an intriguing fantasy world and story!
Now on to the third book and finale of the story!
The first book was so rough and fast-paced that I was tempted to stop altogether. But this book, Ash found her stride! The writing is so much better - much more clear and cohesive and conveys an intriguing fantasy world and story!
Now on to the third book and finale of the story!
August 13, 2025
Great flowing writing, first book was right on it from the off as was the second book, sadly it just didn't expand or get bigger in the overall theme, is it worth a read yes, but I was just left with oh no extra meat making it worth it, but I did all three & it is good but nothing that stands out and grabs you. Will nor report on the story overall as it may put people off but I did the trilogy.
September 29, 2019
I forgot to make my tea...twice
I was so entranced that I also forgot to rate and review the first book. It’s an enchanting thrill though a landscape of life and death, love and hate, duty and honour...and something more between the veil.
I was so entranced that I also forgot to rate and review the first book. It’s an enchanting thrill though a landscape of life and death, love and hate, duty and honour...and something more between the veil.
February 17, 2021
Ok story, I noticed it was at about page 700 (first book plus part of book #2) before it was hitting a stride; if not for COVID, might have skipped the rest, but being as we are still locked down, onward and upward (dose two of Pfizer on this past Monday, almost back to real life).
April 15, 2022
This, like the first book, was skillfully told. I cared more about the characters, who they were becoming, than the battles, which seemed a little dragged out. But in the end, we were observing the world through their eyes.
December 13, 2023
I like it that the characters are evolving, and the action scenes are pretty good.
One thing I didn't like, was the 'blood of virgins' trope. To me, it feels as if it has already been overused, not to mention become way outdated.
One thing I didn't like, was the 'blood of virgins' trope. To me, it feels as if it has already been overused, not to mention become way outdated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2017
Much better second book, picks up right from the end of the first and really gets moving.
February 7, 2018
Nota Geral: 3.3/5
Escrita: 3
Cenário: 3.5
Originalidade: 3
Personagens: 3.5
Suspense: 3
Humor: 3
Romance: 3
Capa: 4
Aditivo: 4
Previsível: 2.5
Escrita: 3
Cenário: 3.5
Originalidade: 3
Personagens: 3.5
Suspense: 3
Humor: 3
Romance: 3
Capa: 4
Aditivo: 4
Previsível: 2.5
April 18, 2020
Really enjoying this series! Can't wait to see how it continues...
April 24, 2020
To prevent the conquering emperor Eugene of Tielon from releasing more Drakhoul into the world, Gavril Nagarian must invite back into himself his demon symbiote.
Read
November 21, 2021Dnf
December 11, 2010
La couverture de l’ouvrage est magnifique, mais j’ai trouvé dommage qu’il ne soit pas clairement signalé que ce livre fait suite à La traque de l’ombre, premier tome des préquelles. Heureusement ce n’est pas gênant, car l’histoire reste parfaitement compréhensible. Pour preuve, je n’ai eu aucun mal à me glisser dans l’histoire sans avoir lu le premier tome, au contraire, et ce malgré quelques malheureuses coquilles. Voici les deux principaux points négatifs, vous en conviendrez : ils sont insignifiants …
L’histoire en elle-même est très bien menée. Sarah Ash nous fait voyager dans son monde – on a même le droit à une carte partielle, pour une fois – avec brio. Vous y trouverez beaucoup d’aventures et de rebondissements plus ou moins attendus. Divisé en quatre parties, le récit suit séparément deux personnages : Rieuk et Célestine, bien que cette dernière me semble plus présente ! Il y a d’ailleurs un petit saut dans le temps entre la partie I et la partie II, ce qui n’est pas dit explicitement. J’ai donc eu un peu de mal à m’y retrouver au début de la partie II, mais ça c’est très vite arrangé !
Certains moments sont émouvants (j’avais même une petite larme à l’œil !), d’autres sont pleins d’action et de mystère, bref, l’auteure nous fait passer par tout un registre d’émotions.
Les personnages sont exquis. Vraiment travaillés et intéressants. J’ai beaucoup aimé Jagu, le compagnon de mission de Célestine, pour son côté de protecteur tourmenté. On suit également avec plaisir Célestine, une jeune fille qui peut paraitre un peu écervelée aux premiers abords, mais qui n’en est pas moins courageuse. Les princesses Adèle et Astasia, aux rôles vraiment secondaires, m’ont touchée, je ne sais pas pourquoi, mais je les ai vraiment beaucoup appréciées. Peut-être est-ce parce qu’elles se ressemblent tout en étant différentes. Si elles avaient été réelles, j’aurais vraiment voulu les connaitre.
Ce que j’ai beaucoup apprécié dans ma lecture, c’est la réflexion que cette dernière nous pousse à faire. Pour moi, ce livre critique ouvertement les religieux corrompus par le pouvoir et le désastre qui suit quand la religion (dirigée par ces mêmes personnes) est à la tête du pays ou tout du moins au cœur du pouvoir. On y évoque l’oppression et les autodafés pratiqués en masse. Mais également comment la vérité est cachée pour être remplacée par des textes plus « arrangeants ». C’est une situation qui a eu une certaine réalité en Europe il y a quelques siècles de cela. Je trouve donc intéressant de réfléchir dessus. Évidemment, ça ne regarde que moi !
En conclusion, Sarah Ash nous offre une belle aventure émouvante et pleine de rebondissements. Même si certains termes sont inhabituels et très similaires, Drakhaon et Drakaoul par exemple - ce qui oblige donc à une certaine concentration - ce récit est magnifique. Il m’a vraiment transportée et j’ai hâte de lire les autres œuvres de cette auteure. Un vrai coup de cœur, que je recommande vivement !
L’histoire en elle-même est très bien menée. Sarah Ash nous fait voyager dans son monde – on a même le droit à une carte partielle, pour une fois – avec brio. Vous y trouverez beaucoup d’aventures et de rebondissements plus ou moins attendus. Divisé en quatre parties, le récit suit séparément deux personnages : Rieuk et Célestine, bien que cette dernière me semble plus présente ! Il y a d’ailleurs un petit saut dans le temps entre la partie I et la partie II, ce qui n’est pas dit explicitement. J’ai donc eu un peu de mal à m’y retrouver au début de la partie II, mais ça c’est très vite arrangé !
Certains moments sont émouvants (j’avais même une petite larme à l’œil !), d’autres sont pleins d’action et de mystère, bref, l’auteure nous fait passer par tout un registre d’émotions.
Les personnages sont exquis. Vraiment travaillés et intéressants. J’ai beaucoup aimé Jagu, le compagnon de mission de Célestine, pour son côté de protecteur tourmenté. On suit également avec plaisir Célestine, une jeune fille qui peut paraitre un peu écervelée aux premiers abords, mais qui n’en est pas moins courageuse. Les princesses Adèle et Astasia, aux rôles vraiment secondaires, m’ont touchée, je ne sais pas pourquoi, mais je les ai vraiment beaucoup appréciées. Peut-être est-ce parce qu’elles se ressemblent tout en étant différentes. Si elles avaient été réelles, j’aurais vraiment voulu les connaitre.
Ce que j’ai beaucoup apprécié dans ma lecture, c’est la réflexion que cette dernière nous pousse à faire. Pour moi, ce livre critique ouvertement les religieux corrompus par le pouvoir et le désastre qui suit quand la religion (dirigée par ces mêmes personnes) est à la tête du pays ou tout du moins au cœur du pouvoir. On y évoque l’oppression et les autodafés pratiqués en masse. Mais également comment la vérité est cachée pour être remplacée par des textes plus « arrangeants ». C’est une situation qui a eu une certaine réalité en Europe il y a quelques siècles de cela. Je trouve donc intéressant de réfléchir dessus. Évidemment, ça ne regarde que moi !
En conclusion, Sarah Ash nous offre une belle aventure émouvante et pleine de rebondissements. Même si certains termes sont inhabituels et très similaires, Drakhaon et Drakaoul par exemple - ce qui oblige donc à une certaine concentration - ce récit est magnifique. Il m’a vraiment transportée et j’ai hâte de lire les autres œuvres de cette auteure. Un vrai coup de cœur, que je recommande vivement !
August 4, 2012
"I really liked it."
Wow, throughout the first half of this book, I was thinking that I'd be rating it weaker than the first. Two stars, or three. But damn if this didn't all come together beautifully at the end @_@
I was sad to see less of a plot for my former favourite character, Elysia Andar, in this book, but my affection for ALL the other characters, especially Astasia, Karila, Gavril and Eugene, all grew a lot in this book. I think Karila ended up my favourite, though I'm fairly sure THAT is going to end in tears. Astasia is also wonderful.
I was impressed at the juggling of the different sides of the conflict of this book. I think that Ms. Ash does an AMAZING job making you keep changing your mind about whose side you're on. I honestly love Eugene and want him to find happiness but he's undeniably the villain and he's an antagonist to the main cast -- or is he? Astasia really started to fall for him, and he adores his little daughter. Meanwhile, Gavril is a character you can't help but want the best for. He never asked for any of this and I just want him to be able to have a simple, peaceful life so badly, but he strays close to villainy himself and when Eugene and Gavril have their big conclusive battle, it's hard to decide WHO you're rooting for.
Ultimately, Kezhef seems like less of a dick than Belerith, which brings me to the daemons, who are apparently LITERALLY actual demons and Nagar is LITERALLY actually Satan. I ... actually really like this! I got really interested in angel/demon lore while reading the Kushiel books by Jacqueline Carey, and I'm excited to see this series embrace that.
I love the Francians, also. This review sucks it's just me rambling but whatever, I love Celestine, she may be my favourite?? And she's the main character of the prequel series that got me into these books to begin with so I'm very excited. She's fascinating and I am VERY interested in her history with Linnaius.
My biggest complaint with these books and what keeps them from a five star is that I don't feel the book has any sense of scale. Travel times seem to be completely irrelevant and for a country based on Russia, it really shouldn't feel so small. Things just happen at the speed they need to for the plot, which comes across overly convenient. And, again, the focus is very split and it often feels like there are too many things happening at once. To be fair though, this book came together WAY better than the first, and unlike the first, it didn't feel like there were entire plots that felt irrelevant, like Jaromir or the ghost of Volkh.
Ultimately I'm EXTREMELY interested to see where this is going. I really love this setting and I'm looking forward to the last book.
Wow, throughout the first half of this book, I was thinking that I'd be rating it weaker than the first. Two stars, or three. But damn if this didn't all come together beautifully at the end @_@
I was sad to see less of a plot for my former favourite character, Elysia Andar, in this book, but my affection for ALL the other characters, especially Astasia, Karila, Gavril and Eugene, all grew a lot in this book. I think Karila ended up my favourite, though I'm fairly sure THAT is going to end in tears. Astasia is also wonderful.
I was impressed at the juggling of the different sides of the conflict of this book. I think that Ms. Ash does an AMAZING job making you keep changing your mind about whose side you're on. I honestly love Eugene and want him to find happiness but he's undeniably the villain and he's an antagonist to the main cast -- or is he? Astasia really started to fall for him, and he adores his little daughter. Meanwhile, Gavril is a character you can't help but want the best for. He never asked for any of this and I just want him to be able to have a simple, peaceful life so badly, but he strays close to villainy himself and when Eugene and Gavril have their big conclusive battle, it's hard to decide WHO you're rooting for.
Ultimately, Kezhef seems like less of a dick than Belerith, which brings me to the daemons, who are apparently LITERALLY actual demons and Nagar is LITERALLY actually Satan. I ... actually really like this! I got really interested in angel/demon lore while reading the Kushiel books by Jacqueline Carey, and I'm excited to see this series embrace that.
I love the Francians, also. This review sucks it's just me rambling but whatever, I love Celestine, she may be my favourite?? And she's the main character of the prequel series that got me into these books to begin with so I'm very excited. She's fascinating and I am VERY interested in her history with Linnaius.
My biggest complaint with these books and what keeps them from a five star is that I don't feel the book has any sense of scale. Travel times seem to be completely irrelevant and for a country based on Russia, it really shouldn't feel so small. Things just happen at the speed they need to for the plot, which comes across overly convenient. And, again, the focus is very split and it often feels like there are too many things happening at once. To be fair though, this book came together WAY better than the first, and unlike the first, it didn't feel like there were entire plots that felt irrelevant, like Jaromir or the ghost of Volkh.
Ultimately I'm EXTREMELY interested to see where this is going. I really love this setting and I'm looking forward to the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2010
Well, book two is just as plot-driven as book one, Lord of Snow and Shadows. Again, not necessarily a bad thing, but I wish the narrative hadn't move so far from Azhkendir and the ruined house of Arkhel. It might return to it, but it's starting to seem doubtful. I really do hope that Azhkendir, the blood feud between the Arkhels and Nagarians, Jaromir Arkhel, and little Stavyomir turn out to be more than elaborate plot devices used to make Gavril's parentage mysterious, force Gavril into his powers, cause Eugene to invade Azhkendir, and create doubt over the fidelity of the mistress to Gavril's late father, respectively. That would be disappointing.
The characters feel a bit more developed, though their motivations are still a little vague. Gavril and Eugene are, by far, the best characters. They're the most developed and the most interesting. Something that has really started to bother me is the way scenes change after a page or two, often switching to another character's perspective. I'm all for getting the point of view of multiple characters, but it's hard to truly get lost in a story when the narrative is constantly jumping from place to place, head to head. Occasionally, a scene is even told from the point of view of a previously minor character. Annoying. Here are the characters whose points of view I think Ash should have stuck to: Gavril, Eugene, Astasia, Kiukiu, Elysia, and Andrei. Sure, that would make parts of the story hard to reveal, but that's the challenge of writing. You write yourself into a knot and take the easy way out, the reader will know it.
I'm still going to read on to book three, Children of the Serpent Gate, though. Despite it's flaws, I like the story and I'm intrigued by these drakhoul creatures. I couldn't put this book down, just like I couldn't put the last book down. Ash has a gift for writing action and suspense, which can hook you despite yourself.
The characters feel a bit more developed, though their motivations are still a little vague. Gavril and Eugene are, by far, the best characters. They're the most developed and the most interesting. Something that has really started to bother me is the way scenes change after a page or two, often switching to another character's perspective. I'm all for getting the point of view of multiple characters, but it's hard to truly get lost in a story when the narrative is constantly jumping from place to place, head to head. Occasionally, a scene is even told from the point of view of a previously minor character. Annoying. Here are the characters whose points of view I think Ash should have stuck to: Gavril, Eugene, Astasia, Kiukiu, Elysia, and Andrei. Sure, that would make parts of the story hard to reveal, but that's the challenge of writing. You write yourself into a knot and take the easy way out, the reader will know it.
I'm still going to read on to book three, Children of the Serpent Gate, though. Despite it's flaws, I like the story and I'm intrigued by these drakhoul creatures. I couldn't put this book down, just like I couldn't put the last book down. Ash has a gift for writing action and suspense, which can hook you despite yourself.
July 23, 2011
"Not my favourite book. Gavril Nagarian - the hero. Whilst there is supposedly a secret sound track within each of the books I must be really really dense because I didn't pick up on any of it. ""'We've driven Eugene of Tielen out of Azhkendir. Now we must learn to fight without daemonic powers to protect us. To fight like men.' Sarah Ash is sister to Jessica Rydill who also is a fantasy author. This is another fantasy novel in which politics and intrigue are the main plot line. Ash's world is clearly, though loosely, based on Imperial Russia-- but a Russia which is divided by an ocean from the rest of ""Europe"", and in which the empire splintered, generations ago, into five independent Taken from an interview with Sarah Ash ""‘Artamon’ came partly from my love of Eastern European music and legends, and partly from my wish to explore a situation in which in a continent undergoing a period of scientific ‘enlightenment’ (very similar to our own eighteenth century northern Europe) comes face-to-face with raw and elemental magic which it can neither explain nor contain. From this idea grew the two opposing leaders : Eugene of Tielen, the rational, ambitious soldier-prince and Gavril Nagarian, the unwilling ruler of Azhkendir, the remote land of ‘snow and shadows’.
"
"
December 22, 2013
I'm glad I continued with this trilogy. The first book was hard for me to get drawn into, but there was no difficulty in book two. I'm still not a huge fan of Sarah's writing style, but I'm loving her imagination. This book answered a few questions I was wondering about at the end of Lord Of Snow And Shadows. More accurately, I was expecting certain things to happen, and they did. I don't know if the predictability of a story makes some readers get disenchanted, but I actually like it. Of course there were some surprises which were delightful. Sarah Ash's imagination really blooms in this book. Some authors will just fall asleep at the wheel and finish a trilogy like they forgot some of the story lines they began in the books prior to the last one. I'm very curious how she will proceed with the Druzhina, Stavyomir's relationship with Malusha, and a few other things I need to know what the outcome of. I love the turnaround Eugene is getting in Prisoner Of The Iron Tower. By the end of this book I almost feel sorry for him..... Almost! Hoping for a great closer in the last installment of this trilogy!!
December 9, 2016
I picked up a copy of "Lord of Snow and Shadows" at a second-hand bookstore. The cover intrigued me but I'd never heard of her. And... WOW! Sarah Ash is seriously underrated. She far surpasses many of the fantasy giants such as Jordan and Goodkind. Her description leaves you with concrete visions of her world, and what an achingly beautiful world it is! Her pace pulls you into the rapid progression of an intricate, well-thought-out plot full of poignant misunderstandings between characters that drive it forward. The characters have real depth – how refreshing in the fantasy genre – the light and dark of their contradictory desires inextricably intertwined. Her work is magic, I recommend it to any fantasy lover who wants to go deeper into the genre than the summer blockbuster type fantasy littering bookstores around the world. I've just finished book 2, I flew through it in 2 weeks (I'm quite busy so this is unusually fast for me) and can't wait to get started on book 3. Thank you, Sarah Ash, can't wait to read all of your work!
May 15, 2012
Reviewing "Prisoner of the Iron Tower" and "Children of the Serpent Gate" together.
These are #2 and #3 in the trilogy, and I feel much the same way about them as I did about the first book: I really liked them.
Thee aren't books I would recommend to a non-fantasy fan in order to win them over to fantasy - but if you're a fan of long, complex fantasies with lots of plotting and politics as well as action and magic and just a little romance - well, these deliver.
The ante is upped here, as more of the drakhaoul are released, and enter humans - giving their hosts the ability to shapeshift into a dragon of terrifying power. But such power comes with a price - and the dragons may have their own motivations and agenda.
I felt that both books maintained the pacing set by the first in the series, and that the story was drawn to a satisfying conclusion. Enjoyable light reading - I'll be reading more from Ash in the future.
These are #2 and #3 in the trilogy, and I feel much the same way about them as I did about the first book: I really liked them.
Thee aren't books I would recommend to a non-fantasy fan in order to win them over to fantasy - but if you're a fan of long, complex fantasies with lots of plotting and politics as well as action and magic and just a little romance - well, these deliver.
The ante is upped here, as more of the drakhaoul are released, and enter humans - giving their hosts the ability to shapeshift into a dragon of terrifying power. But such power comes with a price - and the dragons may have their own motivations and agenda.
I felt that both books maintained the pacing set by the first in the series, and that the story was drawn to a satisfying conclusion. Enjoyable light reading - I'll be reading more from Ash in the future.
August 28, 2008
It’s not very often that I get really emotionally involved in a book. When I first read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix I remember getting really frustrated with Harry every time he would lose his temper with Umbridge. In this book I had another one of those moments. When Gavril got arrested and the Tielens took him away I was pissed off.
I really enjoyed this book even more then the first one. I think when it comes to a series of books that it’s really important that each book ends in such a way that you are really excited to pick up the next one. I really liked the way this ended and I’m looking forward to reading the final volume.
I really enjoyed this book even more then the first one. I think when it comes to a series of books that it’s really important that each book ends in such a way that you are really excited to pick up the next one. I really liked the way this ended and I’m looking forward to reading the final volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2007
this series still has strong flaws with overall characterization. While the main character has fleshed out a little, and some of the others are interesting, the "villain" is a Jekyll/Hyde style character whom I often feel is just flipped to whichever personality the author needs for that scene. I'm hoping there's some sort of resolution or explanation for this in book 3.
June 25, 2008
Wow! What a great sequel to the first in the Tears of Artamon series. It starts right where it left off in the first book. Gavril is sans daemon dragon and going insane--but he has found love. Yeah! It gets really good with more torture and the political ambitions rise in our rulers of this world. Very good addition.
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