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The Deathless Trilogy #2
The Ruthless
Return to a world of crystal armour, savage wilderness, and corrupt dynasties in book two of The Deathless series from Gemmell award-winning author Peter Newman.
THE REBEL
For years, Vasin Sapphire has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Now, as other Deathless families come under constant assault from the monsters that roam the Wild, that time has come.
THE RUTHLESS
In the floating castle of Rochant Sapphire, loyal subjects await the ceremony to return their ruler to his rightful place. But the child raised to give up his body to Lord Rochant is no ordinary servant. Strange and savage, he will stop at nothing to escape his gilded prison.
AND THE RETURNED…
Far below, another child yearns to see the human world. Raised by a creature of the Wild, he knows their secrets better than any other. As he enters into the struggle between the Deathless houses, he may be the key to protecting their power or destroying it completely.
THE WILD HAS BEGUN TO RISE
THE REBEL
For years, Vasin Sapphire has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Now, as other Deathless families come under constant assault from the monsters that roam the Wild, that time has come.
THE RUTHLESS
In the floating castle of Rochant Sapphire, loyal subjects await the ceremony to return their ruler to his rightful place. But the child raised to give up his body to Lord Rochant is no ordinary servant. Strange and savage, he will stop at nothing to escape his gilded prison.
AND THE RETURNED…
Far below, another child yearns to see the human world. Raised by a creature of the Wild, he knows their secrets better than any other. As he enters into the struggle between the Deathless houses, he may be the key to protecting their power or destroying it completely.
THE WILD HAS BEGUN TO RISE
437 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2019
22 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Peter Newman
9 books1,028 followersPeter Newman co-writes the Hugo and Alfie Award winning Tea and Jeopardy podcast and is also the voice of the butler, Latimer.
His debut novel, THE VAGRANT, was published by Harper Voyager and won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for best newcomer in 2016. It was followed by THE MALICE, and then THE SEVEN.
There are also two shorter stories set in the same world, available as ebooks. THE HAMMER AND THE GOAT (which is set parallel to THE VAGRANT) and THE VAGRANT AND THE CITY, which is set between books 2 and 3.
He has also written for WILDCARDS, and Fantasy MMO ALBION ONLINE.
He's currently working on a new series. Book 1, THE DEATHLESS, is coming out in the UK in June 2018.
His debut novel, THE VAGRANT, was published by Harper Voyager and won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for best newcomer in 2016. It was followed by THE MALICE, and then THE SEVEN.
There are also two shorter stories set in the same world, available as ebooks. THE HAMMER AND THE GOAT (which is set parallel to THE VAGRANT) and THE VAGRANT AND THE CITY, which is set between books 2 and 3.
He has also written for WILDCARDS, and Fantasy MMO ALBION ONLINE.
He's currently working on a new series. Book 1, THE DEATHLESS, is coming out in the UK in June 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 16, 2020
Following my re-read, I still think it's a five-star rating. I'm glad I did this re-read before starting The Boundless. If I hadn't then I don't think I'd have appreciated it anywhere near enough. It was so great to follow these characters again and re-read excellent moments that I'd completely forgotten about until just before, or as they were happening. I know for certain that I will be racing through The Boundless at insane speed as The Ruthless' ending hints at so many cool moments that could happen and directions the story may take and I cannot wait.
I received an advanced copy of The Ruthless in an exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Peter Newman and Harper Voyager for this opportunity. Spoilers for The Deathless.
The Ruthless is set sixteen-years after the finale of The Deathless. During this time Lady Pari Tanzanite has been between lives and the narrative begins with her rebirth into a younger vessel. Throughout this period Mother Chandri has been raising her son Satyendra who is the proposed rebirth vessel for Sapphire Lord Rochant but without Chandri being aware, there is utter evil inside her son and he might not give up his life so easily. The youth Sa-at has been living amongst the trees, the terrors, and his birdkin friend Crowflies in the Wilds. Finally, Lord Vasin has been trying, slowly, to gain support from the other houses in his mission to remove Yadavendra as House Sapphire's High Lord. During this time too, the monstrosities and horrors of the wild have been acting too and Lord Vasin now travels to assist House Ruby who has been attacked frequently by the numerous grotesque beings. Something is different with these attacks from the once thought of as brainless terror-inducing creatures, almost as if they are planned, organised, and have an endgame.
My reading pace was slow initially and this is due to the complexity and depth of the crafted world. In addition, it took me some time to reacquaint myself with the dramatis personae. I was trying to put a jigsaw together in my mind reminding me who certain characters were, who they were affiliated with, who their ex-lovers were, who they were plotting against etc... It took me about five chapters until everything fell back into place. The chapters are approximately 15-20 pages and after the slow beginning, were intensely addictive. The story follows 5-6 point of view perspectives, the majority of which we will be familiar with from the first book, and that of Satyendra.
My favourite sections to read about were those of Sa-at's escapades with him trying to survive in the Wild. As a wildborn, he has affiliations and agreements with the aspects of the dangerous Wilds including pacts with trees, birds and even the notorious Murderkind. His development is one of The Ruthless' standout elements, as are the set-pieces that happen to him throughout. Some of the most grotesque segments happen through his seasoned but still sometimes childlike viewpoint. Crowflies is still an amazingly well-crafted companion who he has a telepathic link with. I adore wildlife companions in fantasy.
The other two real standout perspectives are those of Satyendra and Lord Vasin. Satyendra's inner dark thoughts are intense and chilling but he paints a perfect picture to all those around him. Lord Vasin, the Deathless hunter was my favourite character from the last book, and I loved the progression here. He's up to his neck in complex plots, propositions, and plans with the aim of saving his exiled mother's life and returning House Sapphire to glory.
Like it's predecessor, The Ruthless still very much revolves around the Floating Cities, The Godsroads, The Wilds and The Deathless. The latter being elite almost superhero overpowered hunters who wear winged armour, Paralympian runner-style blades and protect the world from the unspeakable terrors that lurk in the depths of the Wilds. Although more complex, I believe this book exceeds its predecessor in almost every way and I rated that 4.5-stars. Many of the set-pieces blew my mind especially an event that took place in a swamp and another that happened within a throne room. Some of the revelations, twists, and shocks I did not see coming at all. I adore novels that I can't predict and this is definately a novel that ticks that box. One of the most developed, unique, and thrilling fantasy series currently being written. This is highly recommended to all grimdark and dark fantasy readers, and anyone who enjoys political or horror-tinged fantasy drama. Also, there is a moment at the very end I won't discuss, but just wow, it was one of my favourite scenes from anything I've read in a long time.
Finally, I would highly recommend not reading this book unless you have read The Deathless. My review of which can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I received an advanced copy of The Ruthless in an exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Peter Newman and Harper Voyager for this opportunity. Spoilers for The Deathless.
The Ruthless is set sixteen-years after the finale of The Deathless. During this time Lady Pari Tanzanite has been between lives and the narrative begins with her rebirth into a younger vessel. Throughout this period Mother Chandri has been raising her son Satyendra who is the proposed rebirth vessel for Sapphire Lord Rochant but without Chandri being aware, there is utter evil inside her son and he might not give up his life so easily. The youth Sa-at has been living amongst the trees, the terrors, and his birdkin friend Crowflies in the Wilds. Finally, Lord Vasin has been trying, slowly, to gain support from the other houses in his mission to remove Yadavendra as House Sapphire's High Lord. During this time too, the monstrosities and horrors of the wild have been acting too and Lord Vasin now travels to assist House Ruby who has been attacked frequently by the numerous grotesque beings. Something is different with these attacks from the once thought of as brainless terror-inducing creatures, almost as if they are planned, organised, and have an endgame.
My reading pace was slow initially and this is due to the complexity and depth of the crafted world. In addition, it took me some time to reacquaint myself with the dramatis personae. I was trying to put a jigsaw together in my mind reminding me who certain characters were, who they were affiliated with, who their ex-lovers were, who they were plotting against etc... It took me about five chapters until everything fell back into place. The chapters are approximately 15-20 pages and after the slow beginning, were intensely addictive. The story follows 5-6 point of view perspectives, the majority of which we will be familiar with from the first book, and that of Satyendra.
My favourite sections to read about were those of Sa-at's escapades with him trying to survive in the Wild. As a wildborn, he has affiliations and agreements with the aspects of the dangerous Wilds including pacts with trees, birds and even the notorious Murderkind. His development is one of The Ruthless' standout elements, as are the set-pieces that happen to him throughout. Some of the most grotesque segments happen through his seasoned but still sometimes childlike viewpoint. Crowflies is still an amazingly well-crafted companion who he has a telepathic link with. I adore wildlife companions in fantasy.
The other two real standout perspectives are those of Satyendra and Lord Vasin. Satyendra's inner dark thoughts are intense and chilling but he paints a perfect picture to all those around him. Lord Vasin, the Deathless hunter was my favourite character from the last book, and I loved the progression here. He's up to his neck in complex plots, propositions, and plans with the aim of saving his exiled mother's life and returning House Sapphire to glory.
Like it's predecessor, The Ruthless still very much revolves around the Floating Cities, The Godsroads, The Wilds and The Deathless. The latter being elite almost superhero overpowered hunters who wear winged armour, Paralympian runner-style blades and protect the world from the unspeakable terrors that lurk in the depths of the Wilds. Although more complex, I believe this book exceeds its predecessor in almost every way and I rated that 4.5-stars. Many of the set-pieces blew my mind especially an event that took place in a swamp and another that happened within a throne room. Some of the revelations, twists, and shocks I did not see coming at all. I adore novels that I can't predict and this is definately a novel that ticks that box. One of the most developed, unique, and thrilling fantasy series currently being written. This is highly recommended to all grimdark and dark fantasy readers, and anyone who enjoys political or horror-tinged fantasy drama. Also, there is a moment at the very end I won't discuss, but just wow, it was one of my favourite scenes from anything I've read in a long time.
Finally, I would highly recommend not reading this book unless you have read The Deathless. My review of which can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 6, 2020
The Ruthless is a fantastic sequel of epic proportions that promises to delight readers of the first book with its macabre and twisted nature.
Sixteen years have passed, and political scheming still reigns supreme. Escaping death should be enough for these immortals but they only want more: they wish to dominate each other entirely. As such, High Lords resort to tricks and power displays to keep the other Deathless is check, along with petty politics to ensure their house remains strong and everlasting. They weaken themselves when they should be focusing on what is the real threat to their existence, but they are blind to the nature of what lurks in the wilds bellow their floating castles.
To them it is inherent evil, mindless evil that only seeks to destroy and conquer. But as the years have passed that evil has adapted and grown clever; it has started using tactics to lure hunters out into the open and to strike the mighty Deathless themselves. The Lords are too busy fighting with each other to realise what has grown beneath them, and it could threaten to destroy them entirely if they don’t get their act together. Vasin Sapphire seeks to tackle them, but even his actions aren’t entirely altruistic; he only wishes to curry favour with the minor houses so he could become the next High Lord of House Sapphire. Regardless the creatures of the wild are now organised and are testing the waters, prodding the defences of the deathless in order to find a weak spot so they can hit it with a debilitating blow. Bad things are coming.
Lord Rochant is by far the most enigmatic and complex character within the series. He has a shaded past and his own secret motives that are totally separate to the other Deathless. He works in plain sight to bring about his own desires, and very few even suspect him because of his stalwart reputation as the protector of House Sapphire. Nobody really knows what he is up to, and there will be some interesting things coming because of his actions. And I’m looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. The reveals in here about his relationship with the wild complicate things entirely.
Newman is a very careful and subtle writer. He takes his time, weaving intricate layers and complexities into his story telling. He did this brilliantly in The Vagrant Trilogy. The way he can get such depth into his characters is by far the sharpest tool of his arsenal. Nothing is quite as simple as it seems. Simple divides like good and evil are all a matter of perspective, a thin layer that is totally breakable. And I love this element of the writing because it totally leaves the plot open for expansion because it could go anywhere. I suspect there may be a complete reversal coming.
The benchmark was set rather high with The Deathless and it has certainly been matched in book two. I’m excited to see how this will all develop.
Thank you Harper Voyager for sending me this review copy.
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You can connect with me on social media via My Linktree.
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Sixteen years have passed, and political scheming still reigns supreme. Escaping death should be enough for these immortals but they only want more: they wish to dominate each other entirely. As such, High Lords resort to tricks and power displays to keep the other Deathless is check, along with petty politics to ensure their house remains strong and everlasting. They weaken themselves when they should be focusing on what is the real threat to their existence, but they are blind to the nature of what lurks in the wilds bellow their floating castles.
To them it is inherent evil, mindless evil that only seeks to destroy and conquer. But as the years have passed that evil has adapted and grown clever; it has started using tactics to lure hunters out into the open and to strike the mighty Deathless themselves. The Lords are too busy fighting with each other to realise what has grown beneath them, and it could threaten to destroy them entirely if they don’t get their act together. Vasin Sapphire seeks to tackle them, but even his actions aren’t entirely altruistic; he only wishes to curry favour with the minor houses so he could become the next High Lord of House Sapphire. Regardless the creatures of the wild are now organised and are testing the waters, prodding the defences of the deathless in order to find a weak spot so they can hit it with a debilitating blow. Bad things are coming.
Lord Rochant is by far the most enigmatic and complex character within the series. He has a shaded past and his own secret motives that are totally separate to the other Deathless. He works in plain sight to bring about his own desires, and very few even suspect him because of his stalwart reputation as the protector of House Sapphire. Nobody really knows what he is up to, and there will be some interesting things coming because of his actions. And I’m looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. The reveals in here about his relationship with the wild complicate things entirely.
Newman is a very careful and subtle writer. He takes his time, weaving intricate layers and complexities into his story telling. He did this brilliantly in The Vagrant Trilogy. The way he can get such depth into his characters is by far the sharpest tool of his arsenal. Nothing is quite as simple as it seems. Simple divides like good and evil are all a matter of perspective, a thin layer that is totally breakable. And I love this element of the writing because it totally leaves the plot open for expansion because it could go anywhere. I suspect there may be a complete reversal coming.
The benchmark was set rather high with The Deathless and it has certainly been matched in book two. I’m excited to see how this will all develop.
Thank you Harper Voyager for sending me this review copy.
_________________________________
You can connect with me on social media via My Linktree.
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July 1, 2019
I was so very pleased that I could continue the story of The Deathless. It took me a while to remember who was who again but once I did it was such an awesome read...
I love the world and all of it's wonderful places. The Wild is such a weird, scary and beautifully written part of that world. I believe it's my favorite. (Also, floating castles, how cool is that!!!)
This is another fantastic series by Peter Newman with that same Vagrant-vibe I love so much... Cannot wait for book 3!!
I love the world and all of it's wonderful places. The Wild is such a weird, scary and beautifully written part of that world. I believe it's my favorite. (Also, floating castles, how cool is that!!!)
This is another fantastic series by Peter Newman with that same Vagrant-vibe I love so much... Cannot wait for book 3!!
July 1, 2019
Note: I audio-booked this mostly so please excuse spelling mistakes on names, I also really recommend the audio as Emma Newman is excellent :D
This is a superb continuation of the story which began in The Deathless. 16 years has passed and we pick up the story when both lots and not a lot has happened. The houses have been fairly slow addressing the injustices done, and yet Satiendra and Chandri have grown along with Se'at. Parry is newly re-born and coming back frustrated as House Sapphire and Vassim have made small progress.
What I like about this book is that although it's a sequel it does feel like there is enough in this story to standalone as an instalment and not fall into second-book-syndrome. I really liked learning more about Crowflies and Se'at and seeing his adventures in the Wilds which I think is one of the more interesting areas of the world.
I also have to say I liked Parry being back again as she's definitely still one of my favourites, but the return of Rochant was also pretty exciting and seeing him feature as a character and someone who is rather devious and filled with stories about the Corpseman and the Wilds was good.
Overall, a very good story continuation and I look forward to the next chapter in Book 3 as I find the concepts of this world and the characters fascinating. 4*s
This is a superb continuation of the story which began in The Deathless. 16 years has passed and we pick up the story when both lots and not a lot has happened. The houses have been fairly slow addressing the injustices done, and yet Satiendra and Chandri have grown along with Se'at. Parry is newly re-born and coming back frustrated as House Sapphire and Vassim have made small progress.
What I like about this book is that although it's a sequel it does feel like there is enough in this story to standalone as an instalment and not fall into second-book-syndrome. I really liked learning more about Crowflies and Se'at and seeing his adventures in the Wilds which I think is one of the more interesting areas of the world.
I also have to say I liked Parry being back again as she's definitely still one of my favourites, but the return of Rochant was also pretty exciting and seeing him feature as a character and someone who is rather devious and filled with stories about the Corpseman and the Wilds was good.
Overall, a very good story continuation and I look forward to the next chapter in Book 3 as I find the concepts of this world and the characters fascinating. 4*s
December 23, 2019
"The Wild is changing, my friend, and we must change with it."
This was a compelling read (I thought it was even better than its predecessor The Deathless) - 4.5/5 stars.
I love the strange world that Peter Newman has created here - the chapters about young Sa-at, a child raised by a creature of the Wild, were really excellent. I'm so looking forward to the release of book 3!
This was a compelling read (I thought it was even better than its predecessor The Deathless) - 4.5/5 stars.
I love the strange world that Peter Newman has created here - the chapters about young Sa-at, a child raised by a creature of the Wild, were really excellent. I'm so looking forward to the release of book 3!
March 31, 2021
Excellent dark fantasy, character-driven and subtle, with tones of Mervyn Peake and modern epic fantasy mixed with a truly nasty worldbuilding setup that requires the old deathless rulers to sacrifice their children to be reborn in those youthful bodies.
But it's not just the ideas that make these two books good. It's the way they're told. Total immersion and acceptance of the social necessity, the terror of the Wild below these flying castles, the weird and interesting reveals about the Wild itself. It's the writing.
And 16 years after the first book, with new rebirths of old characters and massive changes for the rest, we're lost in multilayered plots of revenge and survival and I can't tell who I ought to be rooting for. It's rather delicious.
And by now it's nearly impossible for me to stop. Thankfully, I have the third book in my greedy little hands and I'm about to crack it open to see who among the undying will make it through to the end, or whether their fates will be as truly horrible as I expect.
*wild grin*
But it's not just the ideas that make these two books good. It's the way they're told. Total immersion and acceptance of the social necessity, the terror of the Wild below these flying castles, the weird and interesting reveals about the Wild itself. It's the writing.
And 16 years after the first book, with new rebirths of old characters and massive changes for the rest, we're lost in multilayered plots of revenge and survival and I can't tell who I ought to be rooting for. It's rather delicious.
And by now it's nearly impossible for me to stop. Thankfully, I have the third book in my greedy little hands and I'm about to crack it open to see who among the undying will make it through to the end, or whether their fates will be as truly horrible as I expect.
*wild grin*
May 23, 2019
The Ruthless by Peter Newman is a fantastic 'Part 2' of what will be a trilogy, charting The Deathless.
The action picks up exactly where it left off, although sixteen years have passed, allowing the babies of the book to be all grown up and therefore more involved in what's happening.
The likeable characters of Book 1 are there, Sa-at, Pari, Vasin, Chandi as well as a few that we didn't like so much.
The world created by Newman continues to be vivid and downright 'weird' and there were a few times when I felt a little 'itchy' so good were the descriptions of The Wild!
All of the characters are set on paths that will see them coming into contact at one point or another, and the end is entirely satisfying, leaving me with many questions still to be answered, and a fear that something really BAD is going to happen in the concluding book of the trilogy.
I read this book in just over 24 hours. It's entirely absorbing, wonderful 'weird' and incredibly rewarding. Newman uses words to great effect and I just 'got' exactly what he was trying to portray. I really can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.
I will be 'singing' about this series whenever I get the opportunity.
This book is fantastic! The paperback for Book 1 is out in May 2019. Read it!
The action picks up exactly where it left off, although sixteen years have passed, allowing the babies of the book to be all grown up and therefore more involved in what's happening.
The likeable characters of Book 1 are there, Sa-at, Pari, Vasin, Chandi as well as a few that we didn't like so much.
The world created by Newman continues to be vivid and downright 'weird' and there were a few times when I felt a little 'itchy' so good were the descriptions of The Wild!
All of the characters are set on paths that will see them coming into contact at one point or another, and the end is entirely satisfying, leaving me with many questions still to be answered, and a fear that something really BAD is going to happen in the concluding book of the trilogy.
I read this book in just over 24 hours. It's entirely absorbing, wonderful 'weird' and incredibly rewarding. Newman uses words to great effect and I just 'got' exactly what he was trying to portray. I really can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.
I will be 'singing' about this series whenever I get the opportunity.
This book is fantastic! The paperback for Book 1 is out in May 2019. Read it!
May 3, 2021
It was good, but long and I have to admit for huge chunks not much seemed to be happening to move it on quickly
May 20, 2021
I really wish I’d read this sooner after finishing The Deathless, because there’s a lot that I know I didn’t get. The more I read the more came back to me, but still I don’t feel like I can really be fair (though I certainly enjoyed this). I’m planning to do a deep review of the entire series after I finish book 3. So … on to book 3!
January 6, 2020
4,4 stars. This sequel was amazing!! The politics, the intrigue, the action, the characters, oh my, they were delicious *chef’s kiss*. I can’t wait to see what will happen. We need the next book ASAP, Mr. Newman 🤓
December 23, 2024
3 stars. A worthy sequel I must say, though not without flaws.
Starting out with the good, I think the writing here is great. Very efficient, very vivid. The gross oddities of the Wild, the brutalities of the hunts, characters’ expressions and emotions, its all very well presented. There’s actually some great horror elements too, some of the creatures in here really made the hair on the back of my neck stand. This is where the book was at its strongest for me, when characters are out there interacting with the world, the Wild, flying up and out above the Godroad.
For me, the political intrigue didn’t land as that, but felt more like a petty family drama. And this segues into a greater issue: the world doesn’t feel developed enough.
The Deathless are meant to be god-like. Rulers of sorts. Greater than life. But a lot of them just end up behaving like teenagers for a good chunk of the plot. I felt their thoughts and dialogue and actions didn’t carry enough weight in any scene where it mattered, given the magnitude of what a Deathless is supposed to be. If I were a three hundred year old being who was given a new body at the end of each lifecycle, I’d expect to have a certain wisdom, a certain quality. This is missing really, and the Deathless are just another mingle of dysfunctional families. The tensions between them could’ve been meatier, more complex. Instead I found a lot of it fell flat.
I would have also liked more depth be given to the world. We don’t see our Deathless interacting with the people they rule in any significant manner. How can we imagine them royal if they don’t really rule anyone? They are portrayed as generally apathetic, and I understand that this is a choice the author has made. But that doesn’t help make these characters any less likeable; I didn’t reaaally root for anyone in this story (except poor innocent Saat). Even Pari who I think is the most charming Deathless, says and thinks some questionable things and doesn’t see any development on those ideas.
On the flip-side, I think Satyendra’s character was marvellously done. A great and disturbing villain with the strongest motivations amongst the cast. His POVs were my favourite by far.
Also there’s many gaps in both the characters’ and the readers’ knowledge about this world, that are wholly brushed aside for rather banal “political” bickering. There’s SO MUCH intriguing about this world that isn’t explored. Who built the Godroad? Why do the castles float (one character actually asks this, and the question is swiftly brushed aside)? Why haven’t the humans rioted against the Deathless’ frankly idiotic rule? Why haven’t more humans sided with the Wild?
Some of the storylines in this book are resolved, while others are left to be resolved in the next book. Ultimately I did come away having enjoyed the book, though I would’ve liked a larger page count if I’d be given more answers. A more thorough experience of this world.
Starting out with the good, I think the writing here is great. Very efficient, very vivid. The gross oddities of the Wild, the brutalities of the hunts, characters’ expressions and emotions, its all very well presented. There’s actually some great horror elements too, some of the creatures in here really made the hair on the back of my neck stand. This is where the book was at its strongest for me, when characters are out there interacting with the world, the Wild, flying up and out above the Godroad.
For me, the political intrigue didn’t land as that, but felt more like a petty family drama. And this segues into a greater issue: the world doesn’t feel developed enough.
The Deathless are meant to be god-like. Rulers of sorts. Greater than life. But a lot of them just end up behaving like teenagers for a good chunk of the plot. I felt their thoughts and dialogue and actions didn’t carry enough weight in any scene where it mattered, given the magnitude of what a Deathless is supposed to be. If I were a three hundred year old being who was given a new body at the end of each lifecycle, I’d expect to have a certain wisdom, a certain quality. This is missing really, and the Deathless are just another mingle of dysfunctional families. The tensions between them could’ve been meatier, more complex. Instead I found a lot of it fell flat.
I would have also liked more depth be given to the world. We don’t see our Deathless interacting with the people they rule in any significant manner. How can we imagine them royal if they don’t really rule anyone? They are portrayed as generally apathetic, and I understand that this is a choice the author has made. But that doesn’t help make these characters any less likeable; I didn’t reaaally root for anyone in this story (except poor innocent Saat). Even Pari who I think is the most charming Deathless, says and thinks some questionable things and doesn’t see any development on those ideas.
On the flip-side, I think Satyendra’s character was marvellously done. A great and disturbing villain with the strongest motivations amongst the cast. His POVs were my favourite by far.
Also there’s many gaps in both the characters’ and the readers’ knowledge about this world, that are wholly brushed aside for rather banal “political” bickering. There’s SO MUCH intriguing about this world that isn’t explored. Who built the Godroad? Why do the castles float (one character actually asks this, and the question is swiftly brushed aside)? Why haven’t the humans rioted against the Deathless’ frankly idiotic rule? Why haven’t more humans sided with the Wild?
Some of the storylines in this book are resolved, while others are left to be resolved in the next book. Ultimately I did come away having enjoyed the book, though I would’ve liked a larger page count if I’d be given more answers. A more thorough experience of this world.
February 20, 2021
I was given a free copy of Ruthless by Peter Newman (author), Harper Voyager (publisher) which was published in 2019, and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Ruthless is the second in the Deathless trilogy. Deathless is the first in the trilogy and was published in 2018. Boundless is the final book in the trilogy and was published in 2020.
Ruthless is the first novel that I have read by Mr. Newman. Even though this is the second book in the series, Mr. Newman wrote the story in such a way that it was not difficult to understand what is happening and why in the story.
I would characterize Ruthless as epic fantasy.
This review will not contain any spoilers.
Mr. Newman created in an interesting setting with the different houses that rule the land while demons and other creatures, known as the Wild, inhabit and roam the forests that are between the houses. Each house controls and protects a portion of the setting from the Wild. Some of the houses are more powerful and have more control than other houses and, at least, one house is having difficulty in protecting its lands from the Wild.
Each house is headed by someone whose soul (for a lack of a better phrase) continues to live even after the body, which houses soul, dies. There is a ceremony where the soul is transferred from the dead body to another person who is alive. The soul is called deathless.
It seems that the deathless can use magic and it appears to be an innate ability. The deathless wears body armor that appears to enhance their magic abilities. Crystals also have an impact on the use of magic.
Ruthless does not have a main character and Mr. Newman uses multiple points-of-view to show the story. I think using multiple points-of-view gives the reader a wider frame of the world along with the events that are happening in different parts of the world.
Mr. Newman creates interesting characters such as the honored mother, the character featured in the forests, the deathless who is a prisoner, and the deathless who is reincarnated in the beginning of the story. After reading the story, I think I would have preferred if each of these characters would have featured more. The other characters featured are not as fully developed and not as interesting and engaging as I would have wanted.
The pace of the story is at a consistent pace and there is no point that I felt the story lagged. Even with the political intrigue and machinations between the houses which is an important aspect of the story, I did not have any difficulty in understanding and following what happened as it happened.
The only shortcoming in this novel – and it is significant – is that there is no story arc or plot that is resolved at the end of the story. Mr. Newman has crafted an interesting story, but I found the conclusion of the story to anti-climactic and not satisfying. The story ends in a cliff-hanger, and I do not like cliff-hangers. The ending of the story negatively impacted my overall enjoyment of Restless.
Even though I have qualms about the conclusion, I would recommend Restless to readers who enjoy a straight-forward epic fantasy story which progresses at a steady clip, has interesting setting, political intrigue and machinations, and a cliff-hanger ending.
I rate Restless 3 stars.
I would like to thank Mr. Newman, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for the free ARC.
Ruthless is the first novel that I have read by Mr. Newman. Even though this is the second book in the series, Mr. Newman wrote the story in such a way that it was not difficult to understand what is happening and why in the story.
I would characterize Ruthless as epic fantasy.
This review will not contain any spoilers.
Mr. Newman created in an interesting setting with the different houses that rule the land while demons and other creatures, known as the Wild, inhabit and roam the forests that are between the houses. Each house controls and protects a portion of the setting from the Wild. Some of the houses are more powerful and have more control than other houses and, at least, one house is having difficulty in protecting its lands from the Wild.
Each house is headed by someone whose soul (for a lack of a better phrase) continues to live even after the body, which houses soul, dies. There is a ceremony where the soul is transferred from the dead body to another person who is alive. The soul is called deathless.
It seems that the deathless can use magic and it appears to be an innate ability. The deathless wears body armor that appears to enhance their magic abilities. Crystals also have an impact on the use of magic.
Ruthless does not have a main character and Mr. Newman uses multiple points-of-view to show the story. I think using multiple points-of-view gives the reader a wider frame of the world along with the events that are happening in different parts of the world.
Mr. Newman creates interesting characters such as the honored mother, the character featured in the forests, the deathless who is a prisoner, and the deathless who is reincarnated in the beginning of the story. After reading the story, I think I would have preferred if each of these characters would have featured more. The other characters featured are not as fully developed and not as interesting and engaging as I would have wanted.
The pace of the story is at a consistent pace and there is no point that I felt the story lagged. Even with the political intrigue and machinations between the houses which is an important aspect of the story, I did not have any difficulty in understanding and following what happened as it happened.
The only shortcoming in this novel – and it is significant – is that there is no story arc or plot that is resolved at the end of the story. Mr. Newman has crafted an interesting story, but I found the conclusion of the story to anti-climactic and not satisfying. The story ends in a cliff-hanger, and I do not like cliff-hangers. The ending of the story negatively impacted my overall enjoyment of Restless.
Even though I have qualms about the conclusion, I would recommend Restless to readers who enjoy a straight-forward epic fantasy story which progresses at a steady clip, has interesting setting, political intrigue and machinations, and a cliff-hanger ending.
I rate Restless 3 stars.
I would like to thank Mr. Newman, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for the free ARC.
August 19, 2019
The Ruthless takes place sixteen years after the events of the first book - The Deathless - as Lady Pari Tanzanite is finally reborn and Lord Vasin Sapphire is almost ready to make his play for power. In the years that Pari has been away, the demons of the Wild have grown bolder while the cracks have widened between the Deathless houses. In the castle of Lord Rochant Sapphire, young Satyendra searches for a way to avoid sacrificing himself for Rochant’s rebirth, while deep in the Wild the semi-feral Sa-at watches the human Gatherers and dreams of belonging.
It’s a classic middle-of-a-trilogy book really, in which some of the individual arcs resolve but many of them are developed to a point at which it’s clear they’re being set up for the conclusion to the overall narrative. As such it’s not really a standalone book in the way The Deathless was, and similarly it doesn’t feature a huge amount of exposition or recapping of what went before, so it very much rewards having read the first book recently. That being said, it’s eminently readable, paced nicely to keep things moving without ever feeling rushed, and offering a deeper, rewarding exploration of this intriguing world and its characters. Readers who enjoyed The Deathless will find plenty to appreciate here, and while on the one hand it’s agonising to have to wait for the next book, on the other hand that’s a clear sign – as if it were needed – that this series continues to entertain.
Many thanks to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for my review.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/08/...
It’s a classic middle-of-a-trilogy book really, in which some of the individual arcs resolve but many of them are developed to a point at which it’s clear they’re being set up for the conclusion to the overall narrative. As such it’s not really a standalone book in the way The Deathless was, and similarly it doesn’t feature a huge amount of exposition or recapping of what went before, so it very much rewards having read the first book recently. That being said, it’s eminently readable, paced nicely to keep things moving without ever feeling rushed, and offering a deeper, rewarding exploration of this intriguing world and its characters. Readers who enjoyed The Deathless will find plenty to appreciate here, and while on the one hand it’s agonising to have to wait for the next book, on the other hand that’s a clear sign – as if it were needed – that this series continues to entertain.
Many thanks to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for my review.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/08/...
March 16, 2025
4/5 stars. The Ruthless capitalizes on all the tedious world building of the first book in this series, making it a better read overall. We are immersed back into a fairly small-scale political intrigue story with solid character-work and very creative world building.
It might sound strange, but this book feels very light and low-stakes, despite the very serious nature of the plot. The result is something which at times feels a bit unsubstantial, but also very much a comfort read. One of the reasons might be Peter Newman's writing style, which prefers to show, not tell. We only ever get to know exactly what our characters are experiencing. There is no godlike narrator hovering over our protagonists, expanding and expounding the on the history of the lands and the minutiae of crystals.
If anything, it made me want to read the last book, because it built up so much momentum that i want to keep going.
Much like in the Vagrant, you can see that Peter does not shy away from telling stories which are slightly different and a bit weirder than the rest. I hope he keeps writing!
It might sound strange, but this book feels very light and low-stakes, despite the very serious nature of the plot. The result is something which at times feels a bit unsubstantial, but also very much a comfort read. One of the reasons might be Peter Newman's writing style, which prefers to show, not tell. We only ever get to know exactly what our characters are experiencing. There is no godlike narrator hovering over our protagonists, expanding and expounding the on the history of the lands and the minutiae of crystals.
If anything, it made me want to read the last book, because it built up so much momentum that i want to keep going.
Much like in the Vagrant, you can see that Peter does not shy away from telling stories which are slightly different and a bit weirder than the rest. I hope he keeps writing!
March 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.
The plot is a proper political thriller with all the shenanigans you would expect added to that is a full on fantasy yarn that is clever and interesting.
The characters have been fattened out from book 1 and the directions some of them are going are surprising (which is a good thing - I always try to guess where characters and plots are going and I LOVE being wrong)
I loved the ending and am properly itching to get my hands on book 3.
The only reason it's not a 5 star is that you do need to have read the first one for it to make sense.
The plot is a proper political thriller with all the shenanigans you would expect added to that is a full on fantasy yarn that is clever and interesting.
The characters have been fattened out from book 1 and the directions some of them are going are surprising (which is a good thing - I always try to guess where characters and plots are going and I LOVE being wrong)
I loved the ending and am properly itching to get my hands on book 3.
The only reason it's not a 5 star is that you do need to have read the first one for it to make sense.
May 21, 2019
Ruthless is book two in the Deathless series and is set 16 years after the first book.This was fabulous, a real page turner. It was good to catch up with Lord Vasin, Lady Pari and Mother Chandri. I loved reading about Sa-at and his life with Crowflies. It's a complex world, with lots of engaging characters. The only downside to this is I'll have to wait ages for the next one. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Book hangover imminent.
July 4, 2021
I liked the writing style a lot. It had a bit more horror than I'm used to in my fantasy reads and the plot moved a bit too slow but I'm continuing this series because I really want to know how this will end.
The Audiobook narration of Emma Newman was awesome, she's one of my favorite audiobook narrators.
The Audiobook narration of Emma Newman was awesome, she's one of my favorite audiobook narrators.
July 25, 2019
The story-line keeps getting stranger, but the read is ever so fantastical!
January 11, 2020
Soooo interesting.
March 30, 2021
This is the second book in Newman's Deathless trilogy and follows the events of the first book with a gap of 16 years. The trilogy follows the lives of the Deathless. Chosen individuals who are gifted eternal life and great power by virtue of their blood. It follows their interactions and struggle against The Wild which is weird and dark and unknown, and like a lot of Newman's work is visceral in how it's described, sometimes disturbing and always compelling.
The Deathless breed vessels as a part of their life cycle, and one of the themes here is about how you deal with the idea of having to become someone else entirely. Is there room for personal identity in such a setting? What are the emotional and psychological impacts of such things? What are the ethics of the people involved, and what do they think they're achieving by their actions? How far will a person go to obtain eternal life? What sacrifices will they make based on the values they hold dear? These questions are posed in a book which is tightly written, fast paced, and draws to a great cliff-hanger conclusion.
One of things I love about this trilogy is how it deals with concepts of identity and decaying structures in society. Structures which don't necessarily work, but which the people who live in those societies hold to regardless. They're themes which seem to me to be really relevant in the world right now.
In conclusion, I'd highly recommend this, it's thought provoking, rich and compelling. Newman is brilliant at crafting plots which shift away from your expectations at the last moment and this book is no different. It's exciting and rewarding to read and I can't wait to start the last part.
The Deathless breed vessels as a part of their life cycle, and one of the themes here is about how you deal with the idea of having to become someone else entirely. Is there room for personal identity in such a setting? What are the emotional and psychological impacts of such things? What are the ethics of the people involved, and what do they think they're achieving by their actions? How far will a person go to obtain eternal life? What sacrifices will they make based on the values they hold dear? These questions are posed in a book which is tightly written, fast paced, and draws to a great cliff-hanger conclusion.
One of things I love about this trilogy is how it deals with concepts of identity and decaying structures in society. Structures which don't necessarily work, but which the people who live in those societies hold to regardless. They're themes which seem to me to be really relevant in the world right now.
In conclusion, I'd highly recommend this, it's thought provoking, rich and compelling. Newman is brilliant at crafting plots which shift away from your expectations at the last moment and this book is no different. It's exciting and rewarding to read and I can't wait to start the last part.
November 8, 2021
My thanks to Harper 360/Voyager, Peter Newman and Netgalley. It's funny, but I really didn't like book #1 in this Deathless Trilogy. Heck, I only rated it at 2 stars! Still I knew that I'd probably have to read more. I'm glad I did. What didn't quite gel for me in the first book, somehow came together and made sense in this story. Now, of course I'll wait a few month's to let this story fade from my memory, and then I'll read the whole trilogy in early 2021! I've read a few Fantasy/Grimdark series that I didn't warm up to, but I've learned to follow some books up. It's led to some fantastic stories! This one took some getting used to. "Floating sky castles!" But, now it's too late. I love this world.
July 12, 2019
A good book! It continues on with the intrigues and scheming of the deathless and gives some tentalising half answers that will make the last book very important.
I felt however that this is the sort of trilogy best read in one go, as the details of who's done what to whom when... Was hard to put my head back into. I enjoyed little Sa-at most and if he ends up sacrificed I will riot!!
I felt however that this is the sort of trilogy best read in one go, as the details of who's done what to whom when... Was hard to put my head back into. I enjoyed little Sa-at most and if he ends up sacrificed I will riot!!
November 29, 2021
I should like this more, but the book fails to capture me. Maybe there is a goat missing.
October 8, 2023
I'm reading this without the benefit of reading the first book. I've not been able to find any satisfactory synopses of the first book, although I did find a blog with detailed insights into the world-building and cultural aspects. This was quite helpful, filling in the gaps in my knowledge.
The Deathless concept is intriguing. It's a form of reincarnation whereby the essence and personality of a being are placed in a new host (known as the vessel). It's a procedure that's part mystical and part sci-fi style surgery/genetic engineering, as far as I can tell. The author doesn't go into much detail so I've had to surmise. The vessel is chosen and prepared for years beforehand to make the transition go smoothly.
Most of the characters are privileged aristocracy living in castles in the sky who all have their own agendas and only pretend to care about others. They purport to protect the ordinary citizens who live on the ground.
A large portion of the plot is centred around a variety of mutant creatures who regularly attack the ordinary citizens. These mutants possess varying degrees of sentience. The sky-dwellers go on hunting parties to cull the mutants.
There's not much in the way of character development. Maybe that's because the privileged sky-dwellers are shallow, vain, materialistic, power-hungry schemers and the author wanted to get the point across that there's nothing more to them than those traits.
The competing factions and the threat posed by the mutants are what carry the plot along. The story is compelling but I can't help feeling a little short-changed. There's no real depth to any of the people or their culture. (Perhaps this is dealt with in more detail in the first book).
It's a pleasantly dark piece of escapism. Although there's a cliffhanger ending, it's not one which leaves me longing for the next instalment.
The Deathless concept is intriguing. It's a form of reincarnation whereby the essence and personality of a being are placed in a new host (known as the vessel). It's a procedure that's part mystical and part sci-fi style surgery/genetic engineering, as far as I can tell. The author doesn't go into much detail so I've had to surmise. The vessel is chosen and prepared for years beforehand to make the transition go smoothly.
Most of the characters are privileged aristocracy living in castles in the sky who all have their own agendas and only pretend to care about others. They purport to protect the ordinary citizens who live on the ground.
A large portion of the plot is centred around a variety of mutant creatures who regularly attack the ordinary citizens. These mutants possess varying degrees of sentience. The sky-dwellers go on hunting parties to cull the mutants.
There's not much in the way of character development. Maybe that's because the privileged sky-dwellers are shallow, vain, materialistic, power-hungry schemers and the author wanted to get the point across that there's nothing more to them than those traits.
The competing factions and the threat posed by the mutants are what carry the plot along. The story is compelling but I can't help feeling a little short-changed. There's no real depth to any of the people or their culture. (Perhaps this is dealt with in more detail in the first book).
It's a pleasantly dark piece of escapism. Although there's a cliffhanger ending, it's not one which leaves me longing for the next instalment.
October 15, 2019
As his characters stagger or soar along the tangled paths and windswept flights of their storylines, Newman surrounds them in a deep and richly inventive world.
His demonic imagination brings us Murderkind, Scuttling Corpseman and Crowflies. We also meet three fearsome brothers, distortions of humanity but much more dangerous and harder to defeat than the trio of trolls Bilbo & co encountered on the road to Rivendell. In their very nature, Newman’s wild creatures are assembled from fragments of things and people, as though the vicious Sid from Toy Story had been given access to a scrapyard of human and other body parts.
Despite this intrinsic horror, we see again the classic Newman misdirection: who is the bad guy here? To be honest nearly all of them at different times could subscribe to the subreddit “Am I the A-hole?” but the fundamentally human motivations that Newman gives to all his characters makes them wonderfully grey (and I mean that in a good way, not a shady way). Nothing and nobody is entirely black and white.
There is plenty of vividly described action and a fair few tense battle scenes, but this is a story where cleverness counts. Not least in a sequence reminiscent of the closing stages of the Princess Bride where Wesley, saved from death and torture by two mismatched rescuers, must in turn help them outwit their common enemies with just the power of his mind – for his body is not his to command. In Newman’s case, this emphasises the value of cunning over raw power – and I’m all for a story where cunning counts.
You can read my full review on the Hive website https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2019/07/th...
His demonic imagination brings us Murderkind, Scuttling Corpseman and Crowflies. We also meet three fearsome brothers, distortions of humanity but much more dangerous and harder to defeat than the trio of trolls Bilbo & co encountered on the road to Rivendell. In their very nature, Newman’s wild creatures are assembled from fragments of things and people, as though the vicious Sid from Toy Story had been given access to a scrapyard of human and other body parts.
Despite this intrinsic horror, we see again the classic Newman misdirection: who is the bad guy here? To be honest nearly all of them at different times could subscribe to the subreddit “Am I the A-hole?” but the fundamentally human motivations that Newman gives to all his characters makes them wonderfully grey (and I mean that in a good way, not a shady way). Nothing and nobody is entirely black and white.
There is plenty of vividly described action and a fair few tense battle scenes, but this is a story where cleverness counts. Not least in a sequence reminiscent of the closing stages of the Princess Bride where Wesley, saved from death and torture by two mismatched rescuers, must in turn help them outwit their common enemies with just the power of his mind – for his body is not his to command. In Newman’s case, this emphasises the value of cunning over raw power – and I’m all for a story where cunning counts.
You can read my full review on the Hive website https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2019/07/th...
August 25, 2020
"Everyone knew that the most dangerous things in the Wild were the pretty ones."The Ruthless is the second installment in The Deathless Trilogy, and starts sixteen years after the first ended. Once again, the descriptions and world-building were faultless.
Lady Pari Tanzanite has been reborn a year later than planned and has discovered that very little has changed. Yadavendra is still ruling House Sapphire, Rochant is still a prisoner and Nidra is still exiled. However, the Wild has changed and with each passing day, the creatures which inhabit it grow in strength and daring.
I don't tend to like time jumps, but I felt in this case, it was needed. Satyendra and Sa-at are now young men, with the former having lived a life of luxury and the latter having grown up in the Wild. I loved Sa-at. His chapters were so heartbreaking and I felt so sorry for him. Compared to his monstrous brother, he seemed so innocent and caring. I also liked Vasin's development and the competitiveness between himself and Quasim was amusing.
However, I felt 'The Ruthless' was a little anti-climatic. I expected more action and twists, like those which we saw in the first book. Instead, it seemed like a filler novel and nothing new was really revealed. I also wanted to see more of Glider and Varg.
Thank you to the publisher HarperVoyager for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2019
This is the second in a fantasy series - and no, you can't start here, go back to book one if you haven't read it already! Run!
The Ruthless follows on from The Deathless, a tale of epic dynasties, where select members of the ruling families can live forever using a 'godpiece' which sort of saves their soul until it can be passed on into a suitable family member at the right time. With this privilege comes politics and subterfuge and Sapphire family is showing its cracks just as book one ends.
The Ruthless begins years later. Lord Rochant's descendant Satyendra - who is not what he seems - is almost of age for Rochant's soul to be imported into his body, but he will do anything to avoid that happening. The Lord might want to live forever, but so does he!
Meanwhile his counterpart Sa-at, alone in the Wild far below the castles and the Deathless, living among the demons and trees, is feeling a pull he doesn't understand to go and explore the human world.
At the same time, Lord Vasin and Lady Pari (now in a new body) are still enmeshed in the Deathless' struggle for power among the houses as anger towards Sapphire increases...
There's a lot going on, and the book moves quickly, but there just isn't enough of it. I wanted more pages! How long until book 3?
I will need to come back to this review and add more details...
The Ruthless follows on from The Deathless, a tale of epic dynasties, where select members of the ruling families can live forever using a 'godpiece' which sort of saves their soul until it can be passed on into a suitable family member at the right time. With this privilege comes politics and subterfuge and Sapphire family is showing its cracks just as book one ends.
The Ruthless begins years later. Lord Rochant's descendant Satyendra - who is not what he seems - is almost of age for Rochant's soul to be imported into his body, but he will do anything to avoid that happening. The Lord might want to live forever, but so does he!
Meanwhile his counterpart Sa-at, alone in the Wild far below the castles and the Deathless, living among the demons and trees, is feeling a pull he doesn't understand to go and explore the human world.
At the same time, Lord Vasin and Lady Pari (now in a new body) are still enmeshed in the Deathless' struggle for power among the houses as anger towards Sapphire increases...
There's a lot going on, and the book moves quickly, but there just isn't enough of it. I wanted more pages! How long until book 3?
I will need to come back to this review and add more details...
April 17, 2021
BLUF: 3.5 stars, but I prefer to round up. It was entertaining and I plan on reading the final book in the trilogy when it's available in the US. I'll continue to read more work by the author as long as it's at least this quality.
I bought this book immediately after finishing its predecessor, The Deathless. Having completed two-thirds of the trilogy, it's starting to feel a little . . . thin. I might be unfairly comparing it to the kind of George R. R. Martin or Robert Jordan door-stoppers that it doesn't pretend to be, but I'd love a little more fleshing out of the world. There was some fleshing out of motivations, though I hope to get a lot more in the third installment. I left it unspoken in hopes that it served more as an introduction to the trilogy, but one of my criticisms with the first novel was how often two of the upper echelon characters thought about how they moved through a world of intrigue but no actual intrigue was demonstrated (slightly fixed at the very end and more so in this novel).
That aside, it was an entertaining, light read. The setting and problems the characters face are novel, and Newman's knack for developing idiosyncratic monsters in a many-sides conflict continues.
I bought this book immediately after finishing its predecessor, The Deathless. Having completed two-thirds of the trilogy, it's starting to feel a little . . . thin. I might be unfairly comparing it to the kind of George R. R. Martin or Robert Jordan door-stoppers that it doesn't pretend to be, but I'd love a little more fleshing out of the world. There was some fleshing out of motivations, though I hope to get a lot more in the third installment. I left it unspoken in hopes that it served more as an introduction to the trilogy, but one of my criticisms with the first novel was how often two of the upper echelon characters thought about how they moved through a world of intrigue but no actual intrigue was demonstrated (slightly fixed at the very end and more so in this novel).
That aside, it was an entertaining, light read. The setting and problems the characters face are novel, and Newman's knack for developing idiosyncratic monsters in a many-sides conflict continues.
February 18, 2020
Newman is as good as they come in terms of building unique and wonderful worlds. I imagine I’ll read anything he ever writes. The imagery here isn’t quite as vivid as in his Vagrant series but it’s still good, and there are a few characters (Sa-at and Lady Paari) that are as compelling as they come. I read this quickly, over the course of just a couple of days. I thought it was better than the first of the series and am looking forward to the third.
Basics: floating castles above, rules by the deathless, whose souls are transferred from one body to another (groomed for fit) at death. Crystals provide power (including near super-power based on wearing a crystal suit). Below is the wild which holds demons of various sorts and the road-born (normal peeps). Some major characters live in the castles and are involved in multi-generational family/house politics and some are down in the wilds. They two worlds cross paths in a lords/serfs sort of way. The demons imagined are awesome, though we mostly just get glimpses.
Basics: floating castles above, rules by the deathless, whose souls are transferred from one body to another (groomed for fit) at death. Crystals provide power (including near super-power based on wearing a crystal suit). Below is the wild which holds demons of various sorts and the road-born (normal peeps). Some major characters live in the castles and are involved in multi-generational family/house politics and some are down in the wilds. They two worlds cross paths in a lords/serfs sort of way. The demons imagined are awesome, though we mostly just get glimpses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2019
Read and loved! Bullet thoughts:
* Good: One of the strongest drawing features of The Deathless and The Ruthless has been a world where, for all its fundamental strangeness, people work together. There's corruption and discord among the Deathless, but despite that they're all working toward the same goal and carry the weight of the people on their shoulders.
* Good: The characterization. Everyone is a little bit good and a little bit bad. Even the greatest evil of evils has a tragic story.
* Bad: The lack of wonder. Focus stays _very_ tightly on some point of view characters. The story is set in a bizarrely fantastical world that barely gets a mention except as a character. How far does the forest go? Where does the Godroad lead? Just how old _are_ the Deathless? This was a real frustration for me during my read.
* Good: One of the strongest drawing features of The Deathless and The Ruthless has been a world where, for all its fundamental strangeness, people work together. There's corruption and discord among the Deathless, but despite that they're all working toward the same goal and carry the weight of the people on their shoulders.
* Good: The characterization. Everyone is a little bit good and a little bit bad. Even the greatest evil of evils has a tragic story.
* Bad: The lack of wonder. Focus stays _very_ tightly on some point of view characters. The story is set in a bizarrely fantastical world that barely gets a mention except as a character. How far does the forest go? Where does the Godroad lead? Just how old _are_ the Deathless? This was a real frustration for me during my read.
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