What do you think?
Rate this book
Masters and Mages #3
Bright Steel
A young mage-in-training is unwittingly pulled into a violent political upheaval, in the third book of this epic fantasy trilogy by Miles Cameron, author of the Traitor Son Cycle.
Masters & MagesCold IronDark ForgeBright Steel
For more from Miles Cameron, check out:
The Traitor Son Cycle
The Red Knight
The Fell Sword
The Dread Wyrm
The Plague of Swords
The Fall of Dragons
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2019
355 people are currently reading
1316 people want to read
About the author
Miles Cameron
29 books2,740 followersMiles Cameron is an author, a re-enactor, an outdoors expert and a weapons specialist. He lives, works and writes in Toronto, where he lives with his family. This is his debut fantasy novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
January 28, 2020
Here is the review of Bright Steel, folks. Please check it out on Grimdark Magazine and any other fantastic reviews of books you are interested in.
“Selfishness and tyranny do not make for stable allies.”
“Can I quote you on that?”
Bright Steel. Wow. Masters and Mages is now a finished trilogy, and Bright Steel ramps up every aspect that made Cold Iron and Dark Forge utterly brilliant. Fearsome battles with swords and sorcery, emotional punches, back-alley dealings and one of the best coming-of-age heroes I have read, Bright Steel is a wonderful conclusion to Miles Cameron’s spy-thriller-fantasy Masters and Mages.
To begin with, I am a massive fan of Miles Cameron. His easy going writing style, authentic detail and memorable characters really create fantastic books. And each one is so different. Each book I read of Cameron highlights how he is changing as an author, writing new and unique material that is unexpected and totally welcome, as well as including all of his trademark elements. Bright Steel is the finale to the trilogy that Cold Iron and Dark Forge deserved. These books are so readable because of the incredible variety of scenes, set-pieces, politics and characters that are within them.
‘When trouble didnt stay away, it was routinely punched in the head and thrown in the Great Canal.’
Cold Iron introduced us to Aranthur as he unwittingly began a journey as an Academy student who is on the path to greatness. Dark Forge followed Aranthur and the friends he made as he became someone important. Bright Steel continues with Aranthur, exploring the strange and brilliant arc that he has been through. He is a young man who wants to be the best he can be, for himself and those he loves. And he is painfully aware of how the path he leads can easily turn him into an ill-hearted man. He wants to be loyal and generous, kind, to not kill, but he finds himself in scenarios that push his morality. I loved the scenes that explored his awareness of his actions, and the conversations he had with characters about these situations.
The cast behind Aranthur also make this one of my favourite fantasy books to date. Those who readers have grown to love since Book 1, such as Dahlia, Kallatronis and Drako, each have their individual impacts upon this book. As they assist Aranthur and work through betrayals, dire scenarios and joyful occasions as friends, they only added to the story. Cameron’s knack for dialogue in this book in particular was immensely strong, with witty conversations that had me laughing out loud, and serious moments, adding to the realism of their friendships.
‘What is life but the lust for power?’
The story was engaging, fun and intense, with such a diversity of scenes, action pieces and city-politics that meant I was always on my toes. I have found myself each day longing to get back to reading this story. It captivated me so much that I actually missed my bus stop on TWO occasions. It was worth the extra walking (which I also did whilst reading). I believe I would have enjoyed a refreshment in the specific technical terminology. Maybe my brain had accidentally forgot some obvious terms but there are a lot of unique terms to these stories, all of which add to the detail of Cameron’s world-building! One thing that I am usually not a fan of is magic and magical lore. However, this story portrayed the magic in such a way that it felt authentic and real, and I loved the scenes where magic was explored.
Thank you so much to Gollancz for the opportunity to read this amazing story early, and be involved in the blog tour! If you’ve been waiting for a fantasy tale that is unique and fun, tense and bloody, with the famous Cameron battles and urgent stories, please read these books. You won’t regret it.
‘When you two are struggling to set the measure between you, you can step back all you want - back out of the window if you will. But once your blades touch, you must go forward until you conquer or die.’
5/5 - The cover quote (by my dad!) says that the Masters and Mages trilogy is a masterclass in modern fantasy, and I could not agree more. Bright Steel is a story of friendship, the complications of how simple choices affect your life in ways you could not imagine, and how swords in books will never ever get old or boring. Fantastic storytelling.
“Selfishness and tyranny do not make for stable allies.”
“Can I quote you on that?”
Bright Steel. Wow. Masters and Mages is now a finished trilogy, and Bright Steel ramps up every aspect that made Cold Iron and Dark Forge utterly brilliant. Fearsome battles with swords and sorcery, emotional punches, back-alley dealings and one of the best coming-of-age heroes I have read, Bright Steel is a wonderful conclusion to Miles Cameron’s spy-thriller-fantasy Masters and Mages.
To begin with, I am a massive fan of Miles Cameron. His easy going writing style, authentic detail and memorable characters really create fantastic books. And each one is so different. Each book I read of Cameron highlights how he is changing as an author, writing new and unique material that is unexpected and totally welcome, as well as including all of his trademark elements. Bright Steel is the finale to the trilogy that Cold Iron and Dark Forge deserved. These books are so readable because of the incredible variety of scenes, set-pieces, politics and characters that are within them.
‘When trouble didnt stay away, it was routinely punched in the head and thrown in the Great Canal.’
Cold Iron introduced us to Aranthur as he unwittingly began a journey as an Academy student who is on the path to greatness. Dark Forge followed Aranthur and the friends he made as he became someone important. Bright Steel continues with Aranthur, exploring the strange and brilliant arc that he has been through. He is a young man who wants to be the best he can be, for himself and those he loves. And he is painfully aware of how the path he leads can easily turn him into an ill-hearted man. He wants to be loyal and generous, kind, to not kill, but he finds himself in scenarios that push his morality. I loved the scenes that explored his awareness of his actions, and the conversations he had with characters about these situations.
The cast behind Aranthur also make this one of my favourite fantasy books to date. Those who readers have grown to love since Book 1, such as Dahlia, Kallatronis and Drako, each have their individual impacts upon this book. As they assist Aranthur and work through betrayals, dire scenarios and joyful occasions as friends, they only added to the story. Cameron’s knack for dialogue in this book in particular was immensely strong, with witty conversations that had me laughing out loud, and serious moments, adding to the realism of their friendships.
‘What is life but the lust for power?’
The story was engaging, fun and intense, with such a diversity of scenes, action pieces and city-politics that meant I was always on my toes. I have found myself each day longing to get back to reading this story. It captivated me so much that I actually missed my bus stop on TWO occasions. It was worth the extra walking (which I also did whilst reading). I believe I would have enjoyed a refreshment in the specific technical terminology. Maybe my brain had accidentally forgot some obvious terms but there are a lot of unique terms to these stories, all of which add to the detail of Cameron’s world-building! One thing that I am usually not a fan of is magic and magical lore. However, this story portrayed the magic in such a way that it felt authentic and real, and I loved the scenes where magic was explored.
Thank you so much to Gollancz for the opportunity to read this amazing story early, and be involved in the blog tour! If you’ve been waiting for a fantasy tale that is unique and fun, tense and bloody, with the famous Cameron battles and urgent stories, please read these books. You won’t regret it.
‘When you two are struggling to set the measure between you, you can step back all you want - back out of the window if you will. But once your blades touch, you must go forward until you conquer or die.’
5/5 - The cover quote (by my dad!) says that the Masters and Mages trilogy is a masterclass in modern fantasy, and I could not agree more. Bright Steel is a story of friendship, the complications of how simple choices affect your life in ways you could not imagine, and how swords in books will never ever get old or boring. Fantastic storytelling.
July 23, 2021
A fantastic series, start to finish.
October 27, 2020
I have finished the series! And oh what an ending! Bright Steel continued on from the brilliance of the previous two instalments of Maters and Mages, and then wrapped up in a great manner.
Full RTC
Full RTC
January 6, 2020
Brilliant
Normally I had read only his historical fiction work but this series was amazing, it had everything and shows he is just as good at fantasy as he is in fiction. Looks like I will have to add all his fantasy works to my tbr pile 😏 unusually the kindle is more expensive than the paper but pricing has nothing to do with the author and the book deserves only praise. Bravo Mr Cameron, now get the head down and write us some more
Normally I had read only his historical fiction work but this series was amazing, it had everything and shows he is just as good at fantasy as he is in fiction. Looks like I will have to add all his fantasy works to my tbr pile 😏 unusually the kindle is more expensive than the paper but pricing has nothing to do with the author and the book deserves only praise. Bravo Mr Cameron, now get the head down and write us some more
January 22, 2020
Wow! Miles Cameron has done it again, another stunning series that had me on the edge of my seat and choked up with emotion through the final conclusion. He is a master!
December 10, 2019
Just read the other reviews, it’s great and I’m longing for more.
This trilogy is good, read it. These books make for a great way to escape your head and inhabit another world. The cast of characters is awesome.
I’m buying every future book set in this world, let’s hope there’s more to come.
This trilogy is good, read it. These books make for a great way to escape your head and inhabit another world. The cast of characters is awesome.
I’m buying every future book set in this world, let’s hope there’s more to come.
May 2, 2020
A superb series by Miles Cameron. Plot, pace, world-building, magic system, and most especially the action sequences are all masterfully written.
Ratings:- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ratings:- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 9, 2019
A good if somewhat rushed end to the series.
Again we start pretty much where we left off at the end of the last book. As usual I won't go into too many details this being the final book of the series. This book contained elements of both previous books. The first was Aranthur getting used to the city and the politics, the second was a military campaign. This contains both as the first part of the book is back in the city and dealing with the ambitions of certain factions there. The second part is again back on the front dealing with the campaigns to tackle the Old Ones and the Pure.
All the elements that I enjoyed in the first two books are still present. The fight scenes are astounding with the stakes raised even higher as we start dealing with even stranger situations and beings. Our characters are still growing and maturing until you see they have become truly different.
However I think this is also one of its weaknesses. Being so action packed and over such a short period of time in universe I think it is missing some down time for these changes to feel more earned. There just has not been enough time for reflection. What I loved about the first book was its moments of almost slice of life mixed with action and that has been missing mostly in these later two books. Don't get me wrong I still loved these books but maybe not quite as much as the first.
My other niggle is that the end felt rushed. Things lined up rather too conveniently and I think the whole book could have done with another hundred pages or so to bring in some more character based moments and to expand the end as it just ended far too easily and there was almost no follow on at the end to see where our group ended. I really hope that there are further ideas for this world and these characters as I still have quite a few questions that I would like to see answered.
It might seem I have a lot of complaints but mainly I just really enjoyed this. I loved that there was a reunion moment in the Inn where it all began, those sort of moments are always enjoyable. The history and magic system of this world became a lot clearer and is very interesting. This is a great series and it looks like I'm going to have to get to his previous series at some stage so the TBR mountain continues to grow!
Please see this and other reviews at my blog https://barrysbloodybooks.home.blog/
Again we start pretty much where we left off at the end of the last book. As usual I won't go into too many details this being the final book of the series. This book contained elements of both previous books. The first was Aranthur getting used to the city and the politics, the second was a military campaign. This contains both as the first part of the book is back in the city and dealing with the ambitions of certain factions there. The second part is again back on the front dealing with the campaigns to tackle the Old Ones and the Pure.
All the elements that I enjoyed in the first two books are still present. The fight scenes are astounding with the stakes raised even higher as we start dealing with even stranger situations and beings. Our characters are still growing and maturing until you see they have become truly different.
However I think this is also one of its weaknesses. Being so action packed and over such a short period of time in universe I think it is missing some down time for these changes to feel more earned. There just has not been enough time for reflection. What I loved about the first book was its moments of almost slice of life mixed with action and that has been missing mostly in these later two books. Don't get me wrong I still loved these books but maybe not quite as much as the first.
My other niggle is that the end felt rushed. Things lined up rather too conveniently and I think the whole book could have done with another hundred pages or so to bring in some more character based moments and to expand the end as it just ended far too easily and there was almost no follow on at the end to see where our group ended. I really hope that there are further ideas for this world and these characters as I still have quite a few questions that I would like to see answered.
It might seem I have a lot of complaints but mainly I just really enjoyed this. I loved that there was a reunion moment in the Inn where it all began, those sort of moments are always enjoyable. The history and magic system of this world became a lot clearer and is very interesting. This is a great series and it looks like I'm going to have to get to his previous series at some stage so the TBR mountain continues to grow!
Please see this and other reviews at my blog https://barrysbloodybooks.home.blog/
September 27, 2019
Half the stars for half a book
Rushed and unsatisfying.
The 3rd and final installment of the Cold Iron saga feels more like the synopsis of the book than the actual book. It definitely needed more time in the oven
Rushed and unsatisfying.
The 3rd and final installment of the Cold Iron saga feels more like the synopsis of the book than the actual book. It definitely needed more time in the oven
January 19, 2023
Overall, this series was in the middle for me. It was a single POV story that followed the journey of Aranthur Timos, and covered roughly a year if his life as he went from poor student of a magical academy to a solider that hated killing, and yet was way too good at it, to a spy master and something of a hero in the final book. I personally enjoyed the side characters more then him.
If there was one series that desperately needed a full map and glossary, it's this one. It has so many terms and they're all different based on the culture of the person saying it, and it's always in italics. Half the time the terms weren't explained so I didn't have a clue what they were even saying often. For example, I didn't know Quaveh was just coffee, they drank it literally all the time in this series and I didn't realize until the end. Also, there were elves, and I had no idea as they had a different name and weren't described as such until the final book.
The story was about how the bad guys, The Pure, were trying to end the world. First it seemed like it was only through military might, and part way through the second book, they tear a hole in the sky to release evil gods to wipe out humanity. But wait, there's insane swords too that control people. It just felt like a little too much by the end. Especially since everyone seemed to be useless aside from the 20 year old MC that was the only one to figure everything out. I know that's a common trope, but it really bothered me in this series.
Also the power progression went too quick. It only took Aranthur a year to go from puking if he used too much magic to throwing hands with a dark god. But whatever. I also felt like the ending of the series was way too quick. And the hole in the sky, the Dark Forge was closed with dancing with not much explanation as to why. I was confused there too.
One thing I did love is the way magic was used though, it was pretty cool, and the mages all had magic shields and pre-planned spells they could whip out whenever. Why don't mages in all series not have cool force fields made of magic? I'm stealing that idea for my book.
If there was one series that desperately needed a full map and glossary, it's this one. It has so many terms and they're all different based on the culture of the person saying it, and it's always in italics. Half the time the terms weren't explained so I didn't have a clue what they were even saying often. For example, I didn't know Quaveh was just coffee, they drank it literally all the time in this series and I didn't realize until the end. Also, there were elves, and I had no idea as they had a different name and weren't described as such until the final book.
The story was about how the bad guys, The Pure, were trying to end the world. First it seemed like it was only through military might, and part way through the second book, they tear a hole in the sky to release evil gods to wipe out humanity. But wait, there's insane swords too that control people. It just felt like a little too much by the end. Especially since everyone seemed to be useless aside from the 20 year old MC that was the only one to figure everything out. I know that's a common trope, but it really bothered me in this series.
Also the power progression went too quick. It only took Aranthur a year to go from puking if he used too much magic to throwing hands with a dark god. But whatever. I also felt like the ending of the series was way too quick. And the hole in the sky, the Dark Forge was closed with dancing with not much explanation as to why. I was confused there too.
One thing I did love is the way magic was used though, it was pretty cool, and the mages all had magic shields and pre-planned spells they could whip out whenever. Why don't mages in all series not have cool force fields made of magic? I'm stealing that idea for my book.
October 2, 2023
To be honest when I started this series I didn't have many expectations.
I read some positive reviews from readers I know to have my same taste for fantasy books, and I was just looking for some light entertainment.
I confirm that I found the entertainment and much more.
I can't say the story or the themes are original and innovative, but I really appreciated the writing style and I fell in love with the characters.
Maybe I'm too old fashioned for the modern grim fantasy or more probably I'm too sentimental, but I love positive characters which do their best to fight against evil, without sacrificing friendship, love and compassion.
If you love the same type of characters and you like magic, gods and epic battles, this series will give you all you need.
Not expected, but one of the best series I read so far, and I hope Mr. Cameron would be so kind to give us more stories in this world and with these great characters.
I read some positive reviews from readers I know to have my same taste for fantasy books, and I was just looking for some light entertainment.
I confirm that I found the entertainment and much more.
I can't say the story or the themes are original and innovative, but I really appreciated the writing style and I fell in love with the characters.
Maybe I'm too old fashioned for the modern grim fantasy or more probably I'm too sentimental, but I love positive characters which do their best to fight against evil, without sacrificing friendship, love and compassion.
If you love the same type of characters and you like magic, gods and epic battles, this series will give you all you need.
Not expected, but one of the best series I read so far, and I hope Mr. Cameron would be so kind to give us more stories in this world and with these great characters.
October 27, 2024
The series had a feel very similar to The Traitor Son Cycle by the same author. Even though I liked that series a lot, this had to much the same feel to really enjoy the series for itself.
The general feel is very epic-fantasy, with escalating plots and always another actor behind the current evil. The series does discuss the moral grey of most characters, with doubts and evil guys that are not wholly evil, but the eventual confrontations often feel like a classic good guys - bad guys interaction. It also discusses some more moral topics of our current society, but it is frequently a bit to much on the nose, while not doing anything with it besides mentioning it.
The general feel is very epic-fantasy, with escalating plots and always another actor behind the current evil. The series does discuss the moral grey of most characters, with doubts and evil guys that are not wholly evil, but the eventual confrontations often feel like a classic good guys - bad guys interaction. It also discusses some more moral topics of our current society, but it is frequently a bit to much on the nose, while not doing anything with it besides mentioning it.
November 28, 2019
Really enjoy this author.
Now to finish his other series
Now to finish his other series
January 28, 2020
So this trilogy is finally over. I've been feeling pretty meh about the first two books, and that stays pretty consistent with the last book. There's a lot that happens in this case, so much so that when I thought it was a much longer book and was surprised to see the page count at only 400 pages.
**Warning: Spoilers**
At this point the cast of characters has really grown. Thank goodness I'm reading all three books back-to-back, otherwise I would really struggle with names. As it is, there are some characters I've forgotten who pop up in this book, and no matter how much I scratch my head, I can't seem to recall who they are. Good thing they're not part of the core group, so I don't really care about them.
The scope of this book is quite ambitious. First Aranthur and co have to take care of things at home. Roaris has been taken over by the Master, so they get rid of him and slowly restore the Emperor back to his previous health after being poisoned. Aranthur goes from a wanted criminal to the hero of the day. Then, once things are settled in Megara, the group goes on a quest to restore the sacred artifact (I forgot what they called it since they rarely referred to it by name but I think it was the Black Cube?) back to the Black Pyramid. That stops the rift in the sky from growing but doesn't close it. And then finally, in the last part of the story, Aranthur leads a charge into Safi, where the Master is based, to try and kill him once and for all. Talk about packing everything into a book! Plus the last two items only happen in the second half of the book, so it felt quite rushed. They were constantly on the move from place to place.
My problems with the previous two books still remain. Aranthur and his group of friends have just become too OP. Not too much time has passed in the story since the events of the first book (perhaps just a couple months?), when he was just a clueless first year student at the Studion, but now he is suddenly one of the most powerful mages of his time who constantly discovers or rediscovers new ways to use magic and glyphs. He also faced some pretty big and powerful opponents; I have no idea how he and his core group of friends managed to survive each of these fights.
The epilogue was okay, but I really wanted to see Aranthur back home again and how it feels to visit the peaceful life his family leads. That's where the story starts, with him visiting his family during the school holiday, and that's where I would've liked it to see it end as well, perhaps with his wife and baby in tow.
**Warning: Spoilers**
At this point the cast of characters has really grown. Thank goodness I'm reading all three books back-to-back, otherwise I would really struggle with names. As it is, there are some characters I've forgotten who pop up in this book, and no matter how much I scratch my head, I can't seem to recall who they are. Good thing they're not part of the core group, so I don't really care about them.
The scope of this book is quite ambitious. First Aranthur and co have to take care of things at home. Roaris has been taken over by the Master, so they get rid of him and slowly restore the Emperor back to his previous health after being poisoned. Aranthur goes from a wanted criminal to the hero of the day. Then, once things are settled in Megara, the group goes on a quest to restore the sacred artifact (I forgot what they called it since they rarely referred to it by name but I think it was the Black Cube?) back to the Black Pyramid. That stops the rift in the sky from growing but doesn't close it. And then finally, in the last part of the story, Aranthur leads a charge into Safi, where the Master is based, to try and kill him once and for all. Talk about packing everything into a book! Plus the last two items only happen in the second half of the book, so it felt quite rushed. They were constantly on the move from place to place.
My problems with the previous two books still remain. Aranthur and his group of friends have just become too OP. Not too much time has passed in the story since the events of the first book (perhaps just a couple months?), when he was just a clueless first year student at the Studion, but now he is suddenly one of the most powerful mages of his time who constantly discovers or rediscovers new ways to use magic and glyphs. He also faced some pretty big and powerful opponents; I have no idea how he and his core group of friends managed to survive each of these fights.
The epilogue was okay, but I really wanted to see Aranthur back home again and how it feels to visit the peaceful life his family leads. That's where the story starts, with him visiting his family during the school holiday, and that's where I would've liked it to see it end as well, perhaps with his wife and baby in tow.
September 15, 2019
A good ending to the trilogy. This book blends the best parts of book 1 and book 2, and as such it was highly entertaining. It was thrilling to read this coming-of-age story, filled with grit, humour, action, magic, and camaraderie. Cameron's elegant writing carries the story in an enthusiastic manner, and this 'saving of the world from evil' tale is fastidious, and filled with all the interesting flaws that makes a fantasy story delightful in its own way. There are grim and dark moments juxtaposed with happy and light moments that kept the balance in a nice way.
This entire trilogy is one man's journey. Aranthur, here reveals the best version of himself, with all his doubts, confidence, determination, and the struggle he goes through as a leader. He believes in good, despite all the bad he has seen and come through. His reluctant leadership, his relationships with the people he meets, his friends, and the effect he has on everyone he comes into touch with, him bearing the responsibility to save the world, and keep his loved ones safe marks his full transition to a hero in this book. He doesn't fret about his tasks, but accepts it with a stoic purpose keeping the basic sense of compassion, love, and duty simultaneously.
The ending was beautiful and satisfying. In a manner of speaking, I found it to be aesthetically pleasing in terms of narrative ingenuity. I loved the twist with Aranthur's magical sword at the end. It was awesome. Cameron finished the tale with an archetypal motif of a ritual, a ritual that binds people together to this world, a ritual of love and hope, and that's the most potent of all magics. I hope the author returns to visit this world again, because the end hinted at possibilities of more stories to be told. Meanwhile I will miss Inoques, Dahlia, Iralia, and Aranthur.
This entire trilogy is one man's journey. Aranthur, here reveals the best version of himself, with all his doubts, confidence, determination, and the struggle he goes through as a leader. He believes in good, despite all the bad he has seen and come through. His reluctant leadership, his relationships with the people he meets, his friends, and the effect he has on everyone he comes into touch with, him bearing the responsibility to save the world, and keep his loved ones safe marks his full transition to a hero in this book. He doesn't fret about his tasks, but accepts it with a stoic purpose keeping the basic sense of compassion, love, and duty simultaneously.
The ending was beautiful and satisfying. In a manner of speaking, I found it to be aesthetically pleasing in terms of narrative ingenuity. I loved the twist with Aranthur's magical sword at the end. It was awesome. Cameron finished the tale with an archetypal motif of a ritual, a ritual that binds people together to this world, a ritual of love and hope, and that's the most potent of all magics. I hope the author returns to visit this world again, because the end hinted at possibilities of more stories to be told. Meanwhile I will miss Inoques, Dahlia, Iralia, and Aranthur.
September 12, 2019
Somehow unsatisfying
Felt like the last red Knight book, with an all knowing hero saving the world in very similar circumstances. Left me somehow unsatisfied. There were also a lot of very similar large magical fights, which dragged on after a while. The master/pure conclusion almost felt like an afterthought, which almost betrayed one of the hooks of the first book. This is an odd feeling as it's the first Cameron book I haven't flat out loved.
Felt like the last red Knight book, with an all knowing hero saving the world in very similar circumstances. Left me somehow unsatisfied. There were also a lot of very similar large magical fights, which dragged on after a while. The master/pure conclusion almost felt like an afterthought, which almost betrayed one of the hooks of the first book. This is an odd feeling as it's the first Cameron book I haven't flat out loved.
December 18, 2019
So I had the flu when I decided to read this book. Against every instinct my body was telling me, I crushed this book in one night, about 8 hours of reading, 5am finish. The next day was not very pleasant but I got to find out how the series ended. Good stuff Mr. Cameron.
February 4, 2020
What a great finish to the series! Like the first two books, its paced very well with action and intrigue. All the characters continue to grow individually and have interesting arcs that serve the story well. All the primary characters have really changed and grown, finding themselves with great responsibilities at this stage of the story. Some happily so and others (Aranthur) a little more reluctantly.
Aranthur has turned out to be a very memorable character who is always grappling with the morality of what he is doing, but also accepting of the reality of what is necessary to do as well. Since he was the main POV the whole series, the internal dialog is all the more effective because we are literally in his head the entire time for this journey. Even in the heat of confrontations, Miles often has Aranthur reflect for a moment on what he's doing and why. It doesn't always change what he is doing, but that internal conflict and recognition of his actions is always present. He owns his decisions and always strives to do the right thing.
I enjoy how Miles concludes the story being told, but he doesn't bring a finality to the overall story of the world. Miles doesn't wrap up all the possible threads in a neat bow. Its more of a loose knot. The task at hand is dealt with, but in a manner that makes me all the more curious about what could happen next in the lives of everyone.
I wish there were more than 3 books in this series because I find myself so invested in the characters. I really want to know what happens next. Although much is resolved, there is equally much that's left unresolved. But he does so in a satisfying way and not a frustrating way. You just simply want to keep following Aranthur, which is the sign of a story well told. I sincerely hope Miles revisits this wonderfully rich world and continues the adventures that only seem to have started for Aranthur and company.
Aranthur has turned out to be a very memorable character who is always grappling with the morality of what he is doing, but also accepting of the reality of what is necessary to do as well. Since he was the main POV the whole series, the internal dialog is all the more effective because we are literally in his head the entire time for this journey. Even in the heat of confrontations, Miles often has Aranthur reflect for a moment on what he's doing and why. It doesn't always change what he is doing, but that internal conflict and recognition of his actions is always present. He owns his decisions and always strives to do the right thing.
I enjoy how Miles concludes the story being told, but he doesn't bring a finality to the overall story of the world. Miles doesn't wrap up all the possible threads in a neat bow. Its more of a loose knot. The task at hand is dealt with, but in a manner that makes me all the more curious about what could happen next in the lives of everyone.
I wish there were more than 3 books in this series because I find myself so invested in the characters. I really want to know what happens next. Although much is resolved, there is equally much that's left unresolved. But he does so in a satisfying way and not a frustrating way. You just simply want to keep following Aranthur, which is the sign of a story well told. I sincerely hope Miles revisits this wonderfully rich world and continues the adventures that only seem to have started for Aranthur and company.
August 29, 2024
What a phenomenal ending to such a great series! I had no idea what was going to happen when I jumped into Bright Steel, seeing as Miles Cameron made it impossible to predict in the best way possible. I loved everything about this book and the "Master & Mages" trilogy. Miles Cameron is definitely an auto buy author for me now. John Gwynne said it best in his blurb for the series, "Utterly, utterly brilliant. A masterclass in how to write modern fantasy". 10/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone! This series had everything I want from an epic fantasy, and I can't wait to dive into more of Miles Cameron's other works.
April 13, 2020
Publishing Date: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.6/5
Review: This ending did not disappoint yet also leaves room for more novels in the series. I liked that the novel focused more on the political/spy game while leaving room for sword play and magic to flourish. A real gifted writer that enfolds you into his world.
Sparthos was my favorite character and sadly did not have a big role in the all the novels. The author does a great job of prefacing each chapter with a stanza from the master that relates to the story line intent. Fucking Dhalia survives to be the biggest biotch the fantasy world has ever known. Minus one star.
Starting to read The Red Knight, and it is goooood.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.6/5
Review: This ending did not disappoint yet also leaves room for more novels in the series. I liked that the novel focused more on the political/spy game while leaving room for sword play and magic to flourish. A real gifted writer that enfolds you into his world.
Sparthos was my favorite character and sadly did not have a big role in the all the novels. The author does a great job of prefacing each chapter with a stanza from the master that relates to the story line intent. Fucking Dhalia survives to be the biggest biotch the fantasy world has ever known. Minus one star.
Starting to read The Red Knight, and it is goooood.
September 8, 2019
I finished this book last night! What a great story. Bright Steel is the conclusion of Masters & Mages. I really enjoyed the main character Aranthur and well, all the characters, really. Dahlia is essentially someone who could leap out of an Alexander Dumas swashbuckling tale. Wow! I don’t think anyone can write military action like Miles Cameron (Christian Cameron). Additionally, I really enjoy the magical elements of the story. Reading back over this, I’m not doing this story any justice. I have enjoyed every other story by this author. Seriously, pick up these novels!
December 18, 2019
Fast moving
A lot going on in this book, faced paced with lots of characters. If your a sword lover then this book is for you. Large portions of this book are fencing related and or sword techniques. All the battles scenes and individual fights are heavy with magic, which is enjoyable to a point,sometimes the constant magic use was to much. I very much enjoyed the characters, some of the minor players in this book turned out to be the most interesting. The author definitely knows how to create characters that stick with you. Another fascinating story by Mr. Cameron.
A lot going on in this book, faced paced with lots of characters. If your a sword lover then this book is for you. Large portions of this book are fencing related and or sword techniques. All the battles scenes and individual fights are heavy with magic, which is enjoyable to a point,sometimes the constant magic use was to much. I very much enjoyed the characters, some of the minor players in this book turned out to be the most interesting. The author definitely knows how to create characters that stick with you. Another fascinating story by Mr. Cameron.
November 3, 2019
Better than the second book in the series. In this book things actually happens, and the story progresses. It even tries to go back and touch on some dropped plot points from the first book, but nothing done satisfactory.
The book is just making the main character and his possy more and more Mary Sue & Co, and most tension is lost as our main characters are just the best at everything for reason.
The book is just making the main character and his possy more and more Mary Sue & Co, and most tension is lost as our main characters are just the best at everything for reason.
September 5, 2019
Perfect ending of a great book
What a great book to end on it both beautifully raps up the story but as is fitting doesn't make it perfect or unreal. I do hope there will be more books set in this world.
What a great book to end on it both beautifully raps up the story but as is fitting doesn't make it perfect or unreal. I do hope there will be more books set in this world.
September 16, 2019
Honestly, this is a lackluster ending to an astounding series. It's still well above par for the current fantasy landscape (in my largely irrelevant opinion) but given how intricate and... inventive the first two were, this is a somewhat low ending for me.
September 21, 2019
It feels like the story was originally planned as 4-5 books but has been edited to be finished in 3 books. I cannot help but feel like a lot of things have been fast forwarded or just briefly told.
It was a very enjoyable story nonetheless.
It was a very enjoyable story nonetheless.
September 12, 2019
excellent but the storyline was a bit straightforward
August 11, 2021
An enjoyable end to a really solid series.
Mikes Cameron doesn’t write like anyone else, and for the most part that’s a very good thing. The level of detail and knowledge of the battles, the grounded feel, the clear glimpses of imitations of real world cultures. It’s vastly different from typical fantasy and it’s a lot of fun.
The pace of this book was relentless, there were several times it felt like the climax of the story only for things to get ratcheted up another level. The ending, when it came, felt perhaps a bit too brief but overall the author wrapped things up well.
The only real issue with have is that the writing can be hard to follow. And not in a Malazan there is so much going on kind of way, but more in terms of abrupt shifts in conversation or action that makes me go back and reread to see if I missed something. I noticed the same thing in Cameron’s Traitor Son series (which I very much enjoyed). Maybe I’m just an idiot and my reading comprehension sucks. Always a possibility.
Still, it was a well written series with lots of interesting world building, magic, and characters.
Mikes Cameron doesn’t write like anyone else, and for the most part that’s a very good thing. The level of detail and knowledge of the battles, the grounded feel, the clear glimpses of imitations of real world cultures. It’s vastly different from typical fantasy and it’s a lot of fun.
The pace of this book was relentless, there were several times it felt like the climax of the story only for things to get ratcheted up another level. The ending, when it came, felt perhaps a bit too brief but overall the author wrapped things up well.
The only real issue with have is that the writing can be hard to follow. And not in a Malazan there is so much going on kind of way, but more in terms of abrupt shifts in conversation or action that makes me go back and reread to see if I missed something. I noticed the same thing in Cameron’s Traitor Son series (which I very much enjoyed). Maybe I’m just an idiot and my reading comprehension sucks. Always a possibility.
Still, it was a well written series with lots of interesting world building, magic, and characters.
February 4, 2020
I simply did not vibe with this book. It alternated between moving too fast and not moving at all: not letting the complex segments breathe while spending too much time retreading boring shit. I also felt like we lost connection with the protagonist for most of this one, like I ended up in an adversarial relationship with the guy whose perspective I'm stuck in. Perhaps I only felt that way because I hated his stupid boring demon wife.
However, the climactic sequence was absolutely stupendous and saved the whole book for me. A bit weird how you write such a cool finale and only afterwards remember that you forgot to resolve the main conflict and have to relegate the supposed villain to a tacked-on epilogue-feeling sequence, but whatever. The end was cute and wholesome.
However, the climactic sequence was absolutely stupendous and saved the whole book for me. A bit weird how you write such a cool finale and only afterwards remember that you forgot to resolve the main conflict and have to relegate the supposed villain to a tacked-on epilogue-feeling sequence, but whatever. The end was cute and wholesome.
April 8, 2023
7.1/10
Great close to the series. Best book of the trilogy.
Great close to the series. Best book of the trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews