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Chronicles of the Cheysuli #3
Legacy of the Sword
The third book in the Chronicles of the Cheysuli continues a tale of magical warriors and shapeshifters as they battle the sorcerers that threaten their existence
For decades, the magical race of shapeshifters called the Cheysuli have been feared and hated exiles in their own land, a land they rightfully should rule. Victims of a vengeful monarch's war of annihilation and a usurper king's tyrannical reign, the Cheysuli clans have nearly vanished from the world.
Now, in the aftermath of the revolution which overthrew the hated tyrant, Prince Donal is being trained as the first Cheysuli in generations to assume the throne. But will he be able to overcome the prejudice of a populace afraid of his special magic and succeed in uniting the realm in its life and death battle against enemy armies and evil magicians?
For decades, the magical race of shapeshifters called the Cheysuli have been feared and hated exiles in their own land, a land they rightfully should rule. Victims of a vengeful monarch's war of annihilation and a usurper king's tyrannical reign, the Cheysuli clans have nearly vanished from the world.
Now, in the aftermath of the revolution which overthrew the hated tyrant, Prince Donal is being trained as the first Cheysuli in generations to assume the throne. But will he be able to overcome the prejudice of a populace afraid of his special magic and succeed in uniting the realm in its life and death battle against enemy armies and evil magicians?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1986
30 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Roberson
123 books809 followersOver a 40-year career (so far), Jennifer Roberson has published four fantasy series, including the Sword-Dancer Saga, Chronicles of the Cheysuli, the Karavans universe, and urban fantasy series Blood & Bone. Other novels include historicals LADY OF THE GLEN, plus two Robin Hood novels, LADY OF THE FOREST, and LADY OF SHERWOOD.
New novels are percolating in her always-active imagination.
Hobbies include showing dogs, and creating mosaic and resin artwork and jewelry. She lives in Arizona with a collection of cats and Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
New novels are percolating in her always-active imagination.
Hobbies include showing dogs, and creating mosaic and resin artwork and jewelry. She lives in Arizona with a collection of cats and Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 23, 2016
It's taking me a long time to reread each of these books, but when I do, I remember what I liked about them. However, as an older, hopefully wiser, adult, there are also problems I can see now that I didn't before - most especially in the small roles of female characters.
I remembered them as being about a couple find each other as they forged the next link in a chain of prophecy. Actually, the last two at least, are all about the men having adventures, and ending up with women they don't really want (or who don't want them), who then get used to produce the next desired child in the family tree.
It's a lot less romantic (in a fantasy rather than romance sense) than I remember.
I'm still rather enjoying them and there are some really good moments and great writing in there. The male characters are rounded and fascinating, but the women just... aren't. And that's sad and disappointing because I remembered the books with such affection. I'm still liking them and liking the male character's stories, but that "but" on the end of the statement won't go away. I would say "read them" to anyone interested, but I would have to add that they are books of their time with the appropriate caveats that go with that.
I remembered them as being about a couple find each other as they forged the next link in a chain of prophecy. Actually, the last two at least, are all about the men having adventures, and ending up with women they don't really want (or who don't want them), who then get used to produce the next desired child in the family tree.
It's a lot less romantic (in a fantasy rather than romance sense) than I remember.
I'm still rather enjoying them and there are some really good moments and great writing in there. The male characters are rounded and fascinating, but the women just... aren't. And that's sad and disappointing because I remembered the books with such affection. I'm still liking them and liking the male character's stories, but that "but" on the end of the statement won't go away. I would say "read them" to anyone interested, but I would have to add that they are books of their time with the appropriate caveats that go with that.
August 28, 2014
REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
The Cheysuli series is an epic adventure fantasy series about the Cheysuli, a sort of nature-loving race who can shapeshift, their persecution at the hands of the Ilini and regular humans, and the intertwined destinies of all three races Homanan, Cheysuli and Ilini.
This story continues the tale of Carilon, Finn, and Donal, Ducan’s son.
Donal is not my favorite character, mostly because at the beginning of the story he already has a wife all but name iand children, and Donal doesn’t want the responsibilities of being crown prince and all that entails.
He is rather steadfast in his denial that he has homanan blood at all, and views the world with a Cheysuli eyes. While it is understandable that Donal doesn’t want to be king, doesn’t want the new wife he finds thrust upon him or the trappings of kinghood, this theme continues throughout the book ad became kind of tiresome after a while.
I totally understand the reluctance. It would suck to have to be prince. But, having the character not like his situation for most of the book doesn’t make for interesting reading. Donal is rather well encumbered at the beginning of the story too, and his interests so well established, that I didn’t feel any excitement about his personal life. I like to feel the tug of romance, and interest in the characters, and Donal’s romance with Sorcha was six or seven years established.
There were several difficult elements in the story, that made this a hard book. Number one, I felt it unbelievable that Carilon would allow his own daughter to stay with his murderous wife for TWO years, especially knowing she is the mistress of his worst enemy. That seemed foolish of him, even for a doting dad ad how manipulative/malicious she is.
Second, Carilon orders his heir to rape his daughter by taking away her ‘will’ when Electra enscorcerls her to refuse him sex. . I was shocked… really surprised.
Third. I was kind of repelled that when Donal feels unclean he does a magic ritual and eats a raw wolf heart. Not sure why that bugged me so much, other than that I felt Donal’s mistake was his. Why should a wolf suffer. Guess I’m a softy about animals, but it seemed odd to me that Donal would eat a raw wolf heart, when he had one as a lir.
For some reason I like these books, despite not being too much of a fan of Donal. There is something compelling about the Cheysuli- I like them and their special bond with forest animals. I’m interested in their lives, and history, I just wish Donal was a touch more likeable, and perhaps the Ilini just not quite as despicable.
The Cheysuli series is an epic adventure fantasy series about the Cheysuli, a sort of nature-loving race who can shapeshift, their persecution at the hands of the Ilini and regular humans, and the intertwined destinies of all three races Homanan, Cheysuli and Ilini.
This story continues the tale of Carilon, Finn, and Donal, Ducan’s son.
Donal is not my favorite character, mostly because at the beginning of the story he already has a wife all but name iand children, and Donal doesn’t want the responsibilities of being crown prince and all that entails.
He is rather steadfast in his denial that he has homanan blood at all, and views the world with a Cheysuli eyes. While it is understandable that Donal doesn’t want to be king, doesn’t want the new wife he finds thrust upon him or the trappings of kinghood, this theme continues throughout the book ad became kind of tiresome after a while.
I totally understand the reluctance. It would suck to have to be prince. But, having the character not like his situation for most of the book doesn’t make for interesting reading. Donal is rather well encumbered at the beginning of the story too, and his interests so well established, that I didn’t feel any excitement about his personal life. I like to feel the tug of romance, and interest in the characters, and Donal’s romance with Sorcha was six or seven years established.
There were several difficult elements in the story, that made this a hard book. Number one, I felt it unbelievable that Carilon would allow his own daughter to stay with his murderous wife for TWO years, especially knowing she is the mistress of his worst enemy. That seemed foolish of him, even for a doting dad ad how manipulative/malicious she is.
Second, Carilon orders his heir to rape his daughter by taking away her ‘will’ when Electra enscorcerls her to refuse him sex. . I was shocked… really surprised.
Third. I was kind of repelled that when Donal feels unclean he does a magic ritual and eats a raw wolf heart. Not sure why that bugged me so much, other than that I felt Donal’s mistake was his. Why should a wolf suffer. Guess I’m a softy about animals, but it seemed odd to me that Donal would eat a raw wolf heart, when he had one as a lir.
For some reason I like these books, despite not being too much of a fan of Donal. There is something compelling about the Cheysuli- I like them and their special bond with forest animals. I’m interested in their lives, and history, I just wish Donal was a touch more likeable, and perhaps the Ilini just not quite as despicable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2019
This is where I nope out. I've been trying, and failing, to read this book for weeks and I just can't do it anymore. I read the first in this series when it first came out in the 80s and loved it but never had the rest of the books so I could finish out the story. Then, some years ago, I bought all of the omnibuses at a Borders bookstore, and thought I'd finally finish the saga. When I finally got around to reading the first one, I hated it. It was terrible, completely irredeemable. Even the lir were boring. I forced it down and read the second one, which was worse. I gave them decent ratings based on nostalgia, but they were truly bad. Still, I had the books bought and paid for and I was determined to get through them so I started this one. Then it sat, unread and unopened for weeks as I forced myself to read it but only managing about 30 pages. I finally gave up when I found myself thinking about wasting Audible credits on it just so I could finally finish the series. Because of my long commute, it's easier to listen to bad books than it is to read them. But I just can't chase the wasted money of the physical books with wasted Audible credits. It's time to call it - I'm done.
July 27, 2023
This is more of the telling of a legend than a story that someone has written but one that is more mythic and yet truly unique. This story is truly fascinating because even though there is magic and shapeshifting like some of the more recent fantasy books this series is more like the stories of ancient peoples about Greek, Roman, Indian and Chinese Gods and even stories older than that. I don’t know what I can say without spoiling the whole book because it’s going to make so many twists and turns before the end that all you can do is read it and find out for yourself. I highly recommend you read this book if only because it’s so unexpected that you can’t even imagine how it all turns out.
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October 23, 2025For decades, the magical race of shapeshifters called the Cheysuli have been feared and hated exiles in their own land, a land they rightfully should rule. Victims of a vengeful monarch's war of annihilation and a usurper king's tyrannical reign, the Cheysuli clans have nearly vanished from the world. Now in the aftermath of the revolution which overthrew the hated tyrant, Prince Donal is being trained as the first Cheysuli in generations to assume the throne. But will he be able to overcome the prejudice of a populace afraid of his special magic and succeed in uniting the realm in its life and death battle against enemy armies and evil magicians?
November 30, 2025
3.5 if we’re giving the second book in the series a 3.75. This one was good and action-packed for sure. I don’t know how much I enjoyed Donal as a leading character… definitely like him more than Alix in book one but there was quite a bit of internal strife simply because he is stubborn and prideful that annoyed me at times. LOTS of character deaths and I wish some of them had been given more time considering how integral some of the characters were :’( I liked Evan, he was fun, and I felt betrayed after the whole Sef situation
August 8, 2018
It is nice to revisit the cheysuli books and the characters but in rereading I find I have MANY complaints. (Sad face)
The inconsistencies and contradictions are too much to bear. I've never liked the phrase "show don't tell" often used in reviews but these books have a serious case of it, this one in particular.
The inconsistencies and contradictions are too much to bear. I've never liked the phrase "show don't tell" often used in reviews but these books have a serious case of it, this one in particular.
March 9, 2024
10 This is old school fantasy and I usually love this. It was written a while ago (around 1986) when the protagonists invariably seem to be either coming of age, fulfilling a prophecy and/or have regal intentions. It has all sorts of obvious political comments regarding race and creed but not much censorship for misogyny- and this is a female writer.
June 15, 2018
This is beginning to have a feeling of Dune to it and children of Dune. That prophecies are not so much for those who forge the path but for whom the path was forged. Part 2 of the book went a bit quick but I still enjoyed looking at it more as a prequel than a conclusion.
November 9, 2019
This was a favorite series of mine over 20 years ago and I’m loving it again. This one has so many heartbreaking moments. The loss of so many important people in Donals life starts to shape the man he becomes as king.
February 23, 2020
Jennifer Roberson is bringing her world to life. I still feel some parts get quickly glossed over, but all in all, I like where she is taking us. Long before George R.R. Martin killed off readers favourite protagonists, Jennifer Roberson was unafraid to shake things up.
November 27, 2021
Awesome series!
I’m greatly appreciative and excited to be rereading this series after so many years! It’s a joy! I love the characters and storyline. I can’t wait to read more! Enjoy!
I’m greatly appreciative and excited to be rereading this series after so many years! It’s a joy! I love the characters and storyline. I can’t wait to read more! Enjoy!
October 9, 2019
Uggghhhh, her books are so good.
February 14, 2021
TW for rape..
But why do the main characters always have to suffer so much loss and pain?
But why do the main characters always have to suffer so much loss and pain?
May 20, 2016
Legacy of the Sword is the 3rd book in the continuation of the Chronicles of Cheysuli. This book was written from Donal's perspective who was Alix & Duncan's son. The premise of the book is about Donal accepting his position in the royal family to the Mujhar and the continuation of the Cheysuli Prophecy.
If you have not read the previous books you might be somewhat confused about the all the events that occurred. There are numerous pros & cons to this book. The plot of this book ranged from okay to good. There were just too many moments I had to roll my eyes at all the twists and turns in the subplots. In simple terms some subplots where just totally ridiculous while others were great.
The character development was good but the narrator's perspective (Donal) was just plain annoying at times. Donal complained way too much about who he is and what he was to become. This is what detracted from the story because his whining, complaining, and ridiculous mistakes almost made me want to quit reading the book. In simple terms Donal was like a teenager coming of age and complains about becoming a responsible adult/leader.
The tone/emotion of the book was great in the beginning, okay in the middle, and terrible at the end. Donal was all fun and positive at the start, but in the end it was almost a depressed feeling.
Since this is a series the ending was not conclusive. One will want to know what happens next in the prophecy so it makes you want to read the next book. I personally would only recommend this book if you want to read the complete series. I would not recommend it as a book by itself because it just too annoying and negative at times. It deserves more of a 2.5 rather than 3 but good reads only offers sold stars. I give it three because Jennifer Roberson is a good writer of Tiger & Del and the first Cheysuli Chronicles books.
If you have not read the previous books you might be somewhat confused about the all the events that occurred. There are numerous pros & cons to this book. The plot of this book ranged from okay to good. There were just too many moments I had to roll my eyes at all the twists and turns in the subplots. In simple terms some subplots where just totally ridiculous while others were great.
The character development was good but the narrator's perspective (Donal) was just plain annoying at times. Donal complained way too much about who he is and what he was to become. This is what detracted from the story because his whining, complaining, and ridiculous mistakes almost made me want to quit reading the book. In simple terms Donal was like a teenager coming of age and complains about becoming a responsible adult/leader.
The tone/emotion of the book was great in the beginning, okay in the middle, and terrible at the end. Donal was all fun and positive at the start, but in the end it was almost a depressed feeling.
Since this is a series the ending was not conclusive. One will want to know what happens next in the prophecy so it makes you want to read the next book. I personally would only recommend this book if you want to read the complete series. I would not recommend it as a book by itself because it just too annoying and negative at times. It deserves more of a 2.5 rather than 3 but good reads only offers sold stars. I give it three because Jennifer Roberson is a good writer of Tiger & Del and the first Cheysuli Chronicles books.
March 25, 2013
The third installment in the Cheysuli Chronicles shifts the perspective back to third-person, but completely centers around Donal. His path to kingship is certainly a rough one - with more war and betrayal - which makes this a fast-paced and exciting read. With special powers inherited from his mother, Alix (star of Shapechangers), Donal makes for a strong hero. This series continues to improve with each installment. More complexity continues to be added to Roberson’s unique realm and Donal is a more complicated character than any of his predecessors. Time has passed since the series’ beginning and new characters have replaced both the allies and the enemies. The newer cast of characters is a lot more realistic and developed than the earlier novels. In addition, the political dealing have grown into more complicated affairs. The plot here moves in more unexpected ways (even though I have read this countless times before, it still manages to surprise me!). I am looking forward to continuing on with this uniquely fascinating series!
April 24, 2008
The Chronicles of the Cheysuli series is the first fantasy epic I read. In fact, it's one of the few series I read repeatedly, likely due to my young age and limited literary horizons.
Nevertheless, these books shaped my first views on philosophy, religion, sexuality, racism, and sexism. The responsible way Roberson handles these issues is inspiring and commendable.
On returning to read these books in later years, some of the characters and plot devices appear hackneyed and cliched, and some of themes aren't exactly as I remember them. But still, these stories provided the scaffolding on which I built my literary future.
Nevertheless, these books shaped my first views on philosophy, religion, sexuality, racism, and sexism. The responsible way Roberson handles these issues is inspiring and commendable.
On returning to read these books in later years, some of the characters and plot devices appear hackneyed and cliched, and some of themes aren't exactly as I remember them. But still, these stories provided the scaffolding on which I built my literary future.
March 16, 2014
This one is from the viewpoint of Donal. The grief and turmoil is intense with him. He has to become mujhar, but doesnt want to. He has so many decisions to make, and some are extrememly difficult. This one was very heart-wrenching. And, even though it was paperback, there were several typos that made me have to re-read the sentence. Mostly they were the wrong names, but often enough that it was noticeable. Overall, a very interesting addition to the series. Looking forward to the next!
January 1, 2020
Book 3 in the Chesuli series. This one focusses on Donal, who has been brought up as Chesuli and bonded with his lir as a young boy but has been named heir to the throne of Homana. He is expected to marry the Homanan princess Aislinn to cement his tie to the throne, but would rather continue living as totally Chesuli.
This one bothered me more than the previous two books in the series. There were disturbing scenes of rape and the female characters were not very fleshed out.
This one bothered me more than the previous two books in the series. There were disturbing scenes of rape and the female characters were not very fleshed out.
February 12, 2024
Donal was my least favorite character in all the books I thought perhaps that impression may have changed, I first read these as a child and an rereading well into adulthood. It has not, I found him arrogant and often cruel, and many times high handed. He was so whiny, always running from his destiny, even to the end. I am glad this one is done. I look forward to reading the rest.
July 14, 2018
Legacy of the Sword
Roberson, Jennifer
continuing the tale of the cheysuli family, how do you accept the family legacy that involves magic and physical transformation, there is a cost to everything.
July 2, 2015
Fantasy ist etwas Feines. Vor allem, wenn Magie im Spiel ist, mag ich die Bücher lesen. Für diesen dritten Band der Reihe gebe ich 08/10 Punkte. Meine Meinung könnt ihr hier http://sunsys-blog.blogspot.de/2015/0... nachlesen :)
July 31, 2016
Donal, son of Duncan and Alix and the heir to the throne fight as against his heritage in this book. It takes many trials for him to fully understand what his heritage means to him and the rest of his family.
November 30, 2008
See my review of the first book, Shapechangers.
March 20, 2015
Again, a series I was completely hesitant to take on...specially after having loved the Dragonlance charcters so much...I never thought I would care again...but there you go. Great series.
March 31, 2012
well, that was depressing.
April 24, 2014
Not as good as book 2, but overall a nice conitnuation of the epic.
June 14, 2015
The best fantasy story about shapchangers continues...
July 25, 2016
A harsh book, full of magic, death and sadness
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews