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Vallon #2
Schwert und Feuer
Nach "Der Thron der Welt" der neue packende historische Abenteuerroman von Robert Lyndon!
1081 n. Chr.: Der fränkische Kommandeur Vallon rettet in der Schlacht bei Durazzo Kaiser Alexios I. vor dem sicheren Tod. Zum Lohn für seine Heldentat wird er zum General ernannt. Sein nächster Auftrag soll ihn und seine Gefolgsleute ins ferne China führen, um die Formel für das sagenhafte Donnerkraut zu stehlen - das Schießpulver, mit dem die Kundigen, so geht die Legende, Feuerschwerter herstellen können.
Aber die Mission ist eher eine Bestrafung denn eine Belohnung: Auf dem Weg über das Schwarze Meer und den Kaukasus, über das Kaspische Meer und durch Tibet werden Vallon und seine Gefährten von Piraten verfolgt, von Banditen angegriffen, als Sklaven gefangen genommen. Und als sie endlich ihr Ziel erreichen, hat die Welt sich verändert, und nichts ist mehr so, wie es einmal war …
"Mit dem ‹Thron der Welt› hat Lyndon ein bemerkenswertes Debüt vorgelegt. Er ist der geborene Erzähler, und hat gründlich recherchiert. Seine Sprache ist mal knapp, mal poetisch und voller Bilder." (NDR Kultur)
1081 n. Chr.: Der fränkische Kommandeur Vallon rettet in der Schlacht bei Durazzo Kaiser Alexios I. vor dem sicheren Tod. Zum Lohn für seine Heldentat wird er zum General ernannt. Sein nächster Auftrag soll ihn und seine Gefolgsleute ins ferne China führen, um die Formel für das sagenhafte Donnerkraut zu stehlen - das Schießpulver, mit dem die Kundigen, so geht die Legende, Feuerschwerter herstellen können.
Aber die Mission ist eher eine Bestrafung denn eine Belohnung: Auf dem Weg über das Schwarze Meer und den Kaukasus, über das Kaspische Meer und durch Tibet werden Vallon und seine Gefährten von Piraten verfolgt, von Banditen angegriffen, als Sklaven gefangen genommen. Und als sie endlich ihr Ziel erreichen, hat die Welt sich verändert, und nichts ist mehr so, wie es einmal war …
"Mit dem ‹Thron der Welt› hat Lyndon ein bemerkenswertes Debüt vorgelegt. Er ist der geborene Erzähler, und hat gründlich recherchiert. Seine Sprache ist mal knapp, mal poetisch und voller Bilder." (NDR Kultur)
702 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
28 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Robert Lyndon
4 books83 followersRobert Lyndon has been a falconer since boyhood. A keen student of history, he was intrigued by accounts of hawks being used as ransoms during the Middle Ages. Some of the scenes in Hawk Quest were inspired by Lyndon's own experiences as a falconer, climber and traveller in remote places. He has written many books and articles on history and exploration. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, he lives in Dorset.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 20, 2016
Nakon mnogo godina od epskog putovanja na Island i potrage za sokolovima, plaćenik Vallon opet će se naći u novoj pustolovini. Po zapovjedi bizantskoga cara i pod izgovorom uspostavljanja diplomatskih odnosa zaputiti će se u Kinu, a sve kako bi otkrio tajne oružja koje je nezamislivo moćno i za kojim car žudi. Na tom putu osim ne gostoljubivih ljudi i krajeva pratiti će ga njegovi stari prijatelji; liječnik Hero, englez Wayland, te tajanstveni novak Lucas, a svaki od njih će imati svoje motive za ovo opasno putovanje....
Nova priča - recept isti, ali nešto manje uspješan. Ovaj nastavak je nakako puno "mirniji" za razliku od prvoga. Nema onoliko krvi kao u prvom djelu i nije toliko naglasak na radnji nego više na unutarnjim borbama likova i njihovim međusobnim odnosima. Ne mogu reći da mi je ovaj nastavak bio nezanimljiv ali mnogi su se elementi i likovi mogli bolje iskoristiti i uklopiti u radnju npr. element "Da Vincijevog koda" koji je isto bio prisutan u prvom nastavku. Iako sam očekivala više akcije, kraj me ipak donekle iznenadio ali nedovoljno za veću ocjenu.
Ocjena: 3
Nova priča - recept isti, ali nešto manje uspješan. Ovaj nastavak je nakako puno "mirniji" za razliku od prvoga. Nema onoliko krvi kao u prvom djelu i nije toliko naglasak na radnji nego više na unutarnjim borbama likova i njihovim međusobnim odnosima. Ne mogu reći da mi je ovaj nastavak bio nezanimljiv ali mnogi su se elementi i likovi mogli bolje iskoristiti i uklopiti u radnju npr. element "Da Vincijevog koda" koji je isto bio prisutan u prvom nastavku. Iako sam očekivala više akcije, kraj me ipak donekle iznenadio ali nedovoljno za veću ocjenu.
Ocjena: 3
May 14, 2014
In his follow on to Hawk Quest, Mr. Lyndon has once again sent Vallon, Hero and Weyland on a trip through the medieval country side. This time they are heading to China. The novel opens with Vallon as a mercenary captain with his own company in the service of the Byzantine Emperor. Following his actions in battle where he is instrumental in saving the Emperor he is rewarded with a promotion and in addition he and his band are given the assignment to escort a diplomatic mission to China. This mission’s goal is to try and arrange an alliance with the Chinese to relieve some to the pressure the Arabs are exerting on the Empire and failing that discover the formula of a rumored powder that explodes – the Imperial Fire of the title. What follows is much like the previous book – a travelogue. Mr. Lyndon gives the reader an excellent look at dangerous trip that was the Silk Road.
Along the way, Vallon and co, encounter all kinds of difficulty, everything from marauding Vikings, political treachery from their own ranks, and the problems of traveling in through a desert – hunger, thirst and bandits. During this section of the book the author does an excellent job of bringing the reader into Vallon’s experience.
The trip to China which covers appox the 2/3rds of the novel I found to be a fascinating read, however about the time the expedition arrives at their destination things seem to slow down and lose focus. It almost seemed as if the author really didn’t know what to do with the characters once they got to China. However, the last battle scene somewhat redeems this section of the book.
In my opinion another problem with the novel is that just before Embassy arrives in China, Mr. Lyndon sends Weyland off on his own trek to the Himalayas. While interesting, I thought this subplot distracted from the main plot line and really bogged down the novel
A note on the main characters – they are somewhat darker in this novel compared to the previous one. Vallon is conflicted about leaving his family for a minimum of 3 yrs., Hero is now a full-fledged doctor with a major physical problem and Weyland who has been living in the Arab Caliphate has his own reasons for accompanying the expedition. Mr. Lyndon introduces two new characters - Vallon's adopted son, who Vallon is supposed to make into a warrior for which the son has no real desire or aptitude and a young Frenchman who actually wants to be a soldier and has a deep secret.
Even with the problems with the Weyland subplot and the ending I enjoyed this and would give it 3.75 stars rounded up to 4 for good reads.
Along the way, Vallon and co, encounter all kinds of difficulty, everything from marauding Vikings, political treachery from their own ranks, and the problems of traveling in through a desert – hunger, thirst and bandits. During this section of the book the author does an excellent job of bringing the reader into Vallon’s experience.
The trip to China which covers appox the 2/3rds of the novel I found to be a fascinating read, however about the time the expedition arrives at their destination things seem to slow down and lose focus. It almost seemed as if the author really didn’t know what to do with the characters once they got to China. However, the last battle scene somewhat redeems this section of the book.
In my opinion another problem with the novel is that just before Embassy arrives in China, Mr. Lyndon sends Weyland off on his own trek to the Himalayas. While interesting, I thought this subplot distracted from the main plot line and really bogged down the novel
A note on the main characters – they are somewhat darker in this novel compared to the previous one. Vallon is conflicted about leaving his family for a minimum of 3 yrs., Hero is now a full-fledged doctor with a major physical problem and Weyland who has been living in the Arab Caliphate has his own reasons for accompanying the expedition. Mr. Lyndon introduces two new characters - Vallon's adopted son, who Vallon is supposed to make into a warrior for which the son has no real desire or aptitude and a young Frenchman who actually wants to be a soldier and has a deep secret.
Even with the problems with the Weyland subplot and the ending I enjoyed this and would give it 3.75 stars rounded up to 4 for good reads.
March 19, 2016
Book 2 of Vallon adventures & a quick return to this saga while its still in the memory banks.
I loved the first book with it’s characters & tales of adventure & this is a continuation which swiftly takes the reader to the same level of writing & all the prominent questers of the first are reunited along with some new ones & some old (very unexpected ones) too.
We get a lay of the land with the state of the Byzantium empire & the emperor & his lackies in particular..... our mission is laid out & without further ado our adventures begin.... taking us across the Black Sea, Georgia, Caspian Sea, Turkestan, a desert or two, Nepal & FINALLY China ...........trials, ambushes, intrigue, betrayal, bonding, treachery, sorrowful parting of the ways....... it’s all there
Maybe not as tight as the first book where characters are not always to the fore, one in particular hardly features now that I think about it as I come to the end? Maybe too the historical fiction element isn’t quite so detailed & the story is more driven by the adventure itself. Enjoyable for the very most part & a solid 4 stars & onto the next book I hope, although as such it’s not listed yet.......
I loved the first book with it’s characters & tales of adventure & this is a continuation which swiftly takes the reader to the same level of writing & all the prominent questers of the first are reunited along with some new ones & some old (very unexpected ones) too.
We get a lay of the land with the state of the Byzantium empire & the emperor & his lackies in particular..... our mission is laid out & without further ado our adventures begin.... taking us across the Black Sea, Georgia, Caspian Sea, Turkestan, a desert or two, Nepal & FINALLY China ...........trials, ambushes, intrigue, betrayal, bonding, treachery, sorrowful parting of the ways....... it’s all there
Maybe not as tight as the first book where characters are not always to the fore, one in particular hardly features now that I think about it as I come to the end? Maybe too the historical fiction element isn’t quite so detailed & the story is more driven by the adventure itself. Enjoyable for the very most part & a solid 4 stars & onto the next book I hope, although as such it’s not listed yet.......
April 9, 2024
Ovaj čovjek je pravi primjer da pisanje knjiga nije za svakoga. S ovom knjigom sam imala iste probleme kao i s prvom. Bila je doduše nešto kraća. Ali opet, stil pisanja loš, dijalozi čudni, Vallon preumišljen, Lucas nesnosan i glupav (stalno sam sebe nepromišljeno uvaljuje u nevolje, vidi se da je sin svog oca), oni Vikinzi koje su sreli na putu... nikakve svrhe nisu imali, samo da se njihov vođa stalno svađa s Vallonom. Jedino su mi dragi bili Hero i Wayland, a opet Wayland je ovaj put po meni napravio nekoliko krivih procjena i odluka. I onaj dio s hramom u planinama, zašto??? Apsolutno nepotreban. Naravno i ovaj put sam naletila na neke izraze koji su apsolutno tipični u srednjem vijeku... jeli su dvopek i prepečenac?!?! (Ovo je naravno bila ironija).
Sama priča mi je bila zanimljiva. Ideja odlična, realizacija not so much. Ovaj put su putovali iz Konstantinopola u Kinu. Pratila sam njihov put na Google Maps i guglala neka mjesta da vidim kako izgledaju (Ushguli – najviše selo u Europi, Garabogazkol laguna u Turkmenistanu, pustinja Taklamakan u Kini...). Putovanje mi je bio najbolji dio knjige. Kad su stigli u Kinu, nekako mi je opalo i zanimanje za priču.
A kraj... doslovno u jednom poglavlju. I to kako je završio knjigu... presjekao. Šokantan kraj. Nedorečen. Nezadovoljavajući. Baš me razbjesnio. Usrao i šefa i stanicu. Ne znam što je želio s time postići. Definitivno mu nedostaje tih još 200-ak stranica koje je imao prvi dio.
Kao što rekoh, čovjek jednostavno ne zna pisati. Nije mi žao što sam ih pročitala, ali isto tako mi je i drago što nema više nastavaka.
Orilium Spring Equinox 2024. – Elemental Studies: source of light on the cover
Buddy Readathon sa Zdravkom 2024. - 3
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
Sama priča mi je bila zanimljiva. Ideja odlična, realizacija not so much. Ovaj put su putovali iz Konstantinopola u Kinu. Pratila sam njihov put na Google Maps i guglala neka mjesta da vidim kako izgledaju (Ushguli – najviše selo u Europi, Garabogazkol laguna u Turkmenistanu, pustinja Taklamakan u Kini...). Putovanje mi je bio najbolji dio knjige. Kad su stigli u Kinu, nekako mi je opalo i zanimanje za priču.
A kraj... doslovno u jednom poglavlju. I to kako je završio knjigu... presjekao. Šokantan kraj. Nedorečen. Nezadovoljavajući. Baš me razbjesnio. Usrao i šefa i stanicu. Ne znam što je želio s time postići. Definitivno mu nedostaje tih još 200-ak stranica koje je imao prvi dio.
Kao što rekoh, čovjek jednostavno ne zna pisati. Nije mi žao što sam ih pročitala, ali isto tako mi je i drago što nema više nastavaka.
Orilium Spring Equinox 2024. – Elemental Studies: source of light on the cover
Buddy Readathon sa Zdravkom 2024. - 3
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
July 3, 2016
I must admit, I’m struggling to grasp what he had in mind with this. If it was a follow up to the first one, Hawk Quest, yes, it does feature several of the same characters (those still alive, at least), but talking the characters and story so long away from the first book, it can’t really be classed as a follow up, more a new one. Maybe he wanted to write about how it was for some of the first travellers/envoys to cross over from Europe to China. What, where and what it looked like on the way. I really wouldn’t know if this is how it was, or if this is how it was in his imagination after doing his research. I’ve got nothing to reference in my reading experience, and I would shoot for that neither have those who bought and enjoyed the first one. Is it about how gunpowder got back to Europe, who knows, as they don’t return! And the culture clash there surely was, as there still is today, well, that’s not done a right lot with. Apart from concubines. Does it do anything apart from travel to China, not really. I can’t see any conclusions, any points being made - apart from the Jesus travelled to India theory/myth (I will allow, I've not seen it put forwards as being before, rather than after, the crucifixion), but even that is tacked on, rather than being an integral part of the story development.
Yes, it’s still nicely written, that is familiar from the first, and I’m guessing it is researched as well as he can to be as authentic as he can make it. The character, the ones that we met previously, don’t really do anything much here. Vallon, ostensibly the lead character, comes out particularly badly I thought. He’s indecisive, insipid, generally lost. Wayland, the bluff north country character seems relatively unscathed and unaffected by his time with the Turks and doesn’t do much, except go off on the tacked on quest after the Christian monk in the Himalayas.
Yeah, I was disappointed as I enjoyed Hawk Quest a lot. I admit I struggled through this one, once it became clear that, for a book about travelling thousands of miles to China, it wasn’t really going anywhere.
Why not see ALL my reviews, in one place! Speesh Reads
Yes, it’s still nicely written, that is familiar from the first, and I’m guessing it is researched as well as he can to be as authentic as he can make it. The character, the ones that we met previously, don’t really do anything much here. Vallon, ostensibly the lead character, comes out particularly badly I thought. He’s indecisive, insipid, generally lost. Wayland, the bluff north country character seems relatively unscathed and unaffected by his time with the Turks and doesn’t do much, except go off on the tacked on quest after the Christian monk in the Himalayas.
Yeah, I was disappointed as I enjoyed Hawk Quest a lot. I admit I struggled through this one, once it became clear that, for a book about travelling thousands of miles to China, it wasn’t really going anywhere.
Why not see ALL my reviews, in one place! Speesh Reads
January 28, 2015
Not as good as the first book, Hawk Quest, but that was as close to perfection as a novel can get, and deserved six stars out of five.
Vallon returns, and rides to the east - in fact, to China. This is a fantastic story, and one of those books that I didn't want to end.
Buy it, but be sure to read Hawk Quest first.
Vallon returns, and rides to the east - in fact, to China. This is a fantastic story, and one of those books that I didn't want to end.
Buy it, but be sure to read Hawk Quest first.
January 3, 2018
A simply wonderful successor to the extraordinary Hawk Quest. Powerful throughout and emotionally raw in places, this is a novel to be lost in. I love how within the grand story there are so many other stories and it's these I loved the most.
April 29, 2014
This a bit disappoint after reading Hawk Quest, the first in the series. A good story, with some good writing in places, but not great. The most disappointing thing was the totally pointless side journey by one of the main characters, it added nothing at all to the story.
June 5, 2018
Odličan nastanak price o Valonu. Upoznaje sina Lukasa. Hero operiše mrenu i smrt najboljeg prijatelja. Nije mi jasno zašto se kineskinja na kraju ubila ali ok. U svakom slučaju bilo je zadovoljstvo pročitati ovu pricu
August 2, 2015
I loved to read Hawk Quest.
With Imperial Fire author Robert Lyndon sends the main characters of the first book - Vallon, Hero and Weyland - on a second trip through the mediaval world. This time China is the target. The reader gets a good impression what it meant to travel the Silk Road during this period of time.
As to expect the travel party face more or less all kinds of difficulty one could expect and the author takes his time to give a good description of the events. In fact the travel itself takes around 2/3rds of the book.
One thing I did not understand why the author sent one of the main characters on an own, seperate travel before the arrival of an important person. This separate journey was not important for the main story.
Finally I must talk about the end without giving away too much details.
I expected that the party would return home after achieving the goal. But that did not happen.
My guess is that the next book will cover the long travel home like the travel of Odysseus.
Will be interesting to see if my guess hit the bull's eye.
The biggest surprise which broke my heart was the death of one of my favorite characters.
All in all a good book if you like to discover the medieval world with interesting characters on a long and dangerous travel.
With Imperial Fire author Robert Lyndon sends the main characters of the first book - Vallon, Hero and Weyland - on a second trip through the mediaval world. This time China is the target. The reader gets a good impression what it meant to travel the Silk Road during this period of time.
As to expect the travel party face more or less all kinds of difficulty one could expect and the author takes his time to give a good description of the events. In fact the travel itself takes around 2/3rds of the book.
One thing I did not understand why the author sent one of the main characters on an own, seperate travel before the arrival of an important person. This separate journey was not important for the main story.
Finally I must talk about the end without giving away too much details.
I expected that the party would return home after achieving the goal. But that did not happen.
My guess is that the next book will cover the long travel home like the travel of Odysseus.
Will be interesting to see if my guess hit the bull's eye.
The biggest surprise which broke my heart was the death of one of my favorite characters.
All in all a good book if you like to discover the medieval world with interesting characters on a long and dangerous travel.
April 21, 2014
Another historical quest with our favorite new friends from Hawk Quest, this time heading east from Byzantium to Imperial China. Keep the map handy; once again there is a great deal of unfamiliar ground and peoples to explore. Great fun. Not quite as emotionally intense as the first book, but always exciting, and the author's research is once again woven seamlessly into the story. Will once again be compared to Cornwell, but I find Lyndon has more involving writing, and less predictable plotting. He's become my new favorite for historical fiction.
March 31, 2019
Imperial Fire is a sumptuous banquet for the discerning Constant Reader. My only regret is that I was not able to tackle it immediately after I read the first book in this series, Hawk Quest. Author Robert Lyndon tells a fantastic story-this novel is just as strong and enjoyable as its' predecessor. This is adventure on a grand scale, and it screams for a third book to be written. No it is not perfect-I have a real problem with part of the ending, for instance, though I certainly won't say more for fear of committing a spoiler. I [promise you will know it when you see it. The overall reading experience was so positive this book still gets awarded five stars.
March 2, 2014
Review
Imperial Fire takes up the tale of Vallon, Hero and Wayland, this time a mission (some might say suicide mission) to China to gain the “fire drug” of the east, a fabulous powder that explodes when lit, Vallon is ordered to lead his small force to China following the rumours to gain this amazing substance.
Having read Hawk quest gives you an intimate knowledge and compassion for the main characters, which means you have more of a stake in the fate of the characters, but it isn’t by any means imperative to have read it to read Imperial Fire.
As in any new book we get to meet new characters (every mission needs its star trek like men with the red jackets… fodder for the writer to …bump off) As usual they have they flair and depth that the author brings to all his characters, even bit part players seem to be fully formed before they leave the play.
The Journey facing our heroes is huge, they will face almost every danger imaginable, pirates, Vikings, hostile tribesmen, bandits and robbers and the ever present threat or betrayal and for men such as these the most dangerous foe of all…women of power and influence.
Once again the authors attention to details is second to none, Hawk Quest being one of the most complete and accomplished tales in recent years in this genre, Imperial Fire was always going to be an uphill battle to meet expectations. Happily for me they are met fully, although I have to say that Imperial Fire is a darker tale, and the writers style that really involves the reader and makes them part of the tale means that the journey is not always pleasant (understatement) .
It is however hugely entertaining, brilliantly absorbing and wonderfully told, painting vivid images of the past, the horrors and the highs.
Very highly recommended
(Parm)
Imperial Fire takes up the tale of Vallon, Hero and Wayland, this time a mission (some might say suicide mission) to China to gain the “fire drug” of the east, a fabulous powder that explodes when lit, Vallon is ordered to lead his small force to China following the rumours to gain this amazing substance.
Having read Hawk quest gives you an intimate knowledge and compassion for the main characters, which means you have more of a stake in the fate of the characters, but it isn’t by any means imperative to have read it to read Imperial Fire.
As in any new book we get to meet new characters (every mission needs its star trek like men with the red jackets… fodder for the writer to …bump off) As usual they have they flair and depth that the author brings to all his characters, even bit part players seem to be fully formed before they leave the play.
The Journey facing our heroes is huge, they will face almost every danger imaginable, pirates, Vikings, hostile tribesmen, bandits and robbers and the ever present threat or betrayal and for men such as these the most dangerous foe of all…women of power and influence.
Once again the authors attention to details is second to none, Hawk Quest being one of the most complete and accomplished tales in recent years in this genre, Imperial Fire was always going to be an uphill battle to meet expectations. Happily for me they are met fully, although I have to say that Imperial Fire is a darker tale, and the writers style that really involves the reader and makes them part of the tale means that the journey is not always pleasant (understatement) .
It is however hugely entertaining, brilliantly absorbing and wonderfully told, painting vivid images of the past, the horrors and the highs.
Very highly recommended
(Parm)
May 12, 2017
sorry people, review in french and i'm too lazy to translate it
written for work in 09.2016
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Le Feu divin est une aventure épique, un voyage sur la dangereuse Route de la Soie. De l'Empire byzantin à la Chine, nos protagonistes font face à tous les dangers ; pirates, bandits, vikins,...
Plus sombre que La Quête, son prédécesseur, nous sommes embarqués dans une histoire de vie, de mort, de loyauté, de trahison et d'amitié. Le roman est captivant et très riche en détail, et devient rapidement difficile à poser.
Fans de fictions médiévales (ou non), ne passez pas à côté !
written for work in 09.2016
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Le Feu divin est une aventure épique, un voyage sur la dangereuse Route de la Soie. De l'Empire byzantin à la Chine, nos protagonistes font face à tous les dangers ; pirates, bandits, vikins,...
Plus sombre que La Quête, son prédécesseur, nous sommes embarqués dans une histoire de vie, de mort, de loyauté, de trahison et d'amitié. Le roman est captivant et très riche en détail, et devient rapidement difficile à poser.
Fans de fictions médiévales (ou non), ne passez pas à côté !
May 25, 2014
I found the premise very interesting -- a delegation from the Byzantine Empire travels to China to try and learn the secrets of gunpowder.
I thought the author displayed a great understanding of both history and geography, given the over-land journey to China.
I'm giving it three stars because I just didn't find anything special or unique in it. I found that the story had a very long build-up, leading to the arrival in China and the meeting with the emperor. But, the conclusion seemed very rushed.
Good, but not great.
I thought the author displayed a great understanding of both history and geography, given the over-land journey to China.
I'm giving it three stars because I just didn't find anything special or unique in it. I found that the story had a very long build-up, leading to the arrival in China and the meeting with the emperor. But, the conclusion seemed very rushed.
Good, but not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2019
Už to bola v podstate stávka na osvedčený model. Cesta do Číny nebol zlý nápad, ale celková dynamika a napätie sa v polovici príbehu stratilo a už to autor nedobehol. Je tam síce otvorený koniec, ale pokračovanie sa zatiaľ nečrtá. Za mňa OK: neurazí ani nespôsobí WOW.
April 11, 2018
A good read but with a disappointing end. I was hoping for more but it wasn't to be.
July 22, 2020
Fraktura
Zagreb, 2015.
Prevela Patricija Vodopija
Nastavak "Potrage za sokolom" u kojem isti likovi kreću na još jedno putovanje,ovaj put u Nebesko Carstvo, do Zmaja Istoka, do Kine.
Vremenski smo time u jedanaestom stoljeću.
Na početku romana ovo izdanje donosi kartu sa svim toponimima koje likovi posjećuju.
Od Drača do Kaifenga (danas Beijing), nakon Kaspijskog jezera kreću Putem svile.
Jezik je na razini tržišnog realizma.
Autor postiže dinamične scene oštrim rečenicama koje svojom kratkošću uprizoruju dinamičnost.
Pripovjedač je sveznajući, cjelokupna radnja je izložena kronološkim redoslijedom, u jednom trenutku pojavljuju se dvije paralelne radnje koje se na kraju stapaju u jedinstvenu naraciju.
Svi ovo faktori su odrednice tržišnog realizma.
Žanrovski govoreći ovaj roman je tipični primjer pustolovnog žanra.
Na razini Dumasa, Maya, Twaina i ostalih klasika navedena žanra.
I u ovom romanu, kao i u "Potrazi za sokolom", u radnji se javlja jedan element kršćanskog teksta koji je pomalo danbrownovski (u lošem smislu).
Zanimljivo je kako je autor utkao Put svile u svoj roman upravo u 2010-ima, desetljeću koje je iznjedrilo novostečenu važnost Puta svile.
Suvremeni Put svile je izmijenjen u tom smislu što mu je okosnica spona Azije i Europe morskim putem, s značajnim produžetkom do Afrike. Geopolitičke trzavice Pakistana i Indije su time dobile još značajniju ulogu u svjetskim zbivanjima.
Upravo je ta činjenicaj još jedna odrednica tržišnog realizma, usklađenost elementa romana sa stvarnim događajima u autorovom vremenu.
Ne postoji jača psihološka karakterizacija likova niti se u jezičnom smislu ovo djelo može smatrati pripadnikom "visoke književnosti".
Očito je, u vidu kraja romana, da će biti trećeg nastavka, koji će se odigrati na Pacifiku, vjerojatno i u Sjevernoj Americi.
¡Hasta luego!
Zagreb, 2015.
Prevela Patricija Vodopija
Nastavak "Potrage za sokolom" u kojem isti likovi kreću na još jedno putovanje,ovaj put u Nebesko Carstvo, do Zmaja Istoka, do Kine.
Vremenski smo time u jedanaestom stoljeću.
Na početku romana ovo izdanje donosi kartu sa svim toponimima koje likovi posjećuju.
Od Drača do Kaifenga (danas Beijing), nakon Kaspijskog jezera kreću Putem svile.
Jezik je na razini tržišnog realizma.
Autor postiže dinamične scene oštrim rečenicama koje svojom kratkošću uprizoruju dinamičnost.
Pripovjedač je sveznajući, cjelokupna radnja je izložena kronološkim redoslijedom, u jednom trenutku pojavljuju se dvije paralelne radnje koje se na kraju stapaju u jedinstvenu naraciju.
Svi ovo faktori su odrednice tržišnog realizma.
Žanrovski govoreći ovaj roman je tipični primjer pustolovnog žanra.
Na razini Dumasa, Maya, Twaina i ostalih klasika navedena žanra.
I u ovom romanu, kao i u "Potrazi za sokolom", u radnji se javlja jedan element kršćanskog teksta koji je pomalo danbrownovski (u lošem smislu).
Zanimljivo je kako je autor utkao Put svile u svoj roman upravo u 2010-ima, desetljeću koje je iznjedrilo novostečenu važnost Puta svile.
Suvremeni Put svile je izmijenjen u tom smislu što mu je okosnica spona Azije i Europe morskim putem, s značajnim produžetkom do Afrike. Geopolitičke trzavice Pakistana i Indije su time dobile još značajniju ulogu u svjetskim zbivanjima.
Upravo je ta činjenicaj još jedna odrednica tržišnog realizma, usklađenost elementa romana sa stvarnim događajima u autorovom vremenu.
Ne postoji jača psihološka karakterizacija likova niti se u jezičnom smislu ovo djelo može smatrati pripadnikom "visoke književnosti".
Očito je, u vidu kraja romana, da će biti trećeg nastavka, koji će se odigrati na Pacifiku, vjerojatno i u Sjevernoj Americi.
¡Hasta luego!
February 10, 2019
I read the first, giant volume Hawk Quest in 3 days because it was too good to put down. Ordered Imperial Fire immediately following, only to be drastically disappointed.
The focus of the first volume was on the growth and development of multiple core characters, showing their natures through painful decisions and explosive encounters with many cultures. The second hinges almost 100% on Vallon, who -- in this novel, anyway -- doesn't deserve the attention. I won't say more because I don't want to include any spoilers; but there was little to redeem this novel.
I didn't really want to finish it. I put it down with 2 chapters left, and finally finished it just to be done. So, so disappointed in the characters, the plot, the final disposition of most of the main characters, and the rushed feel of the work. Lyndon should do a complete rewrite.
The focus of the first volume was on the growth and development of multiple core characters, showing their natures through painful decisions and explosive encounters with many cultures. The second hinges almost 100% on Vallon, who -- in this novel, anyway -- doesn't deserve the attention. I won't say more because I don't want to include any spoilers; but there was little to redeem this novel.
I didn't really want to finish it. I put it down with 2 chapters left, and finally finished it just to be done. So, so disappointed in the characters, the plot, the final disposition of most of the main characters, and the rushed feel of the work. Lyndon should do a complete rewrite.
June 8, 2021
As a stand-alone story, Imperial Fire would have been "okay." However, as a sequel to one of the best historical fiction tales I've ever read -- Hawk's Quest -- it falls fall short.
The tale follows Vallon and a group of his warriors across asia, from Constantinople to the Middle Kingdom. The narrative is a bit woody and the story a bit disjointed. Some parts seem hurried, others seem too elongated. The drama between Vallon and Lucas is overplayed, and some other parts with minor characters do not really add more to the story. More than 2/3rds of the book take place before the Caspian Sea and the time the group spends in China read like it was phoned in. It just didn't seem to be cohesive, nothing as gripping as its prequel.
The tale follows Vallon and a group of his warriors across asia, from Constantinople to the Middle Kingdom. The narrative is a bit woody and the story a bit disjointed. Some parts seem hurried, others seem too elongated. The drama between Vallon and Lucas is overplayed, and some other parts with minor characters do not really add more to the story. More than 2/3rds of the book take place before the Caspian Sea and the time the group spends in China read like it was phoned in. It just didn't seem to be cohesive, nothing as gripping as its prequel.
February 2, 2020
I bought this book as a holiday read in Cyprus as it connected the Byzantine end to China (where I live). I had not read the first book in the series and that didn't matter: it is a complete book in itself. Lyndon displays an encyclopedic knowledge of the era he writes about as well as of the Orient and Middle East. It's an enjoyable yarn based on sufficient history and study that it's easy to forget it is a novel at times. My only minor criticism is that sub-plot in Tibet is a lengthy diversion and that Jesus visited Tibet is a little far fetched. But if you are interested in falconry, the descriptions are superb. Well worth a read.
July 8, 2020
3.5 stars.
This book was action packed and I enjoyed the setting and journey very much. But it lulled her and there. Some scenes were so interesting and some were just outright boring. A good chunk of it felt a little pointless, to be frank. However, I still liked the action. Though, it really rubbed me the wrong way how women were portrayed in this story. Is what back then, so I don’t expect the characters to be progressive. But every girl in this book was some form of a seducer. Just felt annoying and lifeless.
Overall, I found the story of their voyage unique and exciting. But I wasn’t as hooked on the story was I would have liked.
This book was action packed and I enjoyed the setting and journey very much. But it lulled her and there. Some scenes were so interesting and some were just outright boring. A good chunk of it felt a little pointless, to be frank. However, I still liked the action. Though, it really rubbed me the wrong way how women were portrayed in this story. Is what back then, so I don’t expect the characters to be progressive. But every girl in this book was some form of a seducer. Just felt annoying and lifeless.
Overall, I found the story of their voyage unique and exciting. But I wasn’t as hooked on the story was I would have liked.
May 22, 2019
This followup to Hawk Quest is an engrossing historical adventure and worthy of the aforementioned. This tale takes the Hawk Quest characters far to the East. The author places the reader in exotic locales that seem quite real, although the setting is in the 11th century. Few historical novels are being written these days, but this one is a standout. It ought to be the second in a trilogy but I doubt the author has the energy to supply us with a 3rd. Still, pick it up and give it a read.
June 5, 2022
I enjoyed reading this but didn't realise it is a sequel until I was quite far into the book so I missed some of the back story. This book offers an interesting view of the Byzantine empire and exploration into the Far East and interactions between the Byzantine Kingdom with wider Europe, Vikings and beyond. The ending seems sudden and rushed. I will now read Vallon no.1 to find out more about the characters and their backstory.
May 16, 2020
Nakon Potrage za sokolom, nastavak Carska vatra pokušao je kopirati isprobanu formu(lu) o pustolovini, društvu, prilikama i neprilikama na njihovom puti.
Moje mišljenje je da nastavak nije dobar kao prvi dio, a posebno moram istaknuti kraj gdje je sve zbrzano i nekako "ofrlje" objašnjeno. Knjigu u svakom slučaju vrijedi pročitati, ali i sami ćete prepoznati nedostatke koje ona ima.
Moje mišljenje je da nastavak nije dobar kao prvi dio, a posebno moram istaknuti kraj gdje je sve zbrzano i nekako "ofrlje" objašnjeno. Knjigu u svakom slučaju vrijedi pročitati, ali i sami ćete prepoznati nedostatke koje ona ima.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2021
Epické pokračování Cesty sněžných ptáků. Kdybych nečetl tu, tak bych knihu hodnotil více, ale tento díl je horší.
Přijde mi, že autor neumí moc popsat situace a postavy. V prvním díle to nevadilo, když putovala malá skupinka. V tomto díle jde na výpravu malá armáda a to už je horší.
Některé dějové zvraty jsou rovněž přinejmenším nepravděpodobné a ten závěr je prostě hloupý.
Přijde mi, že autor neumí moc popsat situace a postavy. V prvním díle to nevadilo, když putovala malá skupinka. V tomto díle jde na výpravu malá armáda a to už je horší.
Některé dějové zvraty jsou rovněž přinejmenším nepravděpodobné a ten závěr je prostě hloupý.
May 18, 2024
Ovo nije najgluplji način gubljenja vremena. Gluplji je ako imaš vremena za čitanje, a ne čitaš. Ali. Vrlo sam blizu iskrenog popizditisa jer je ovo druga knjiga zaredom koja me ljuti. Da ne gubim vrijeme (ha ha), neću potrošiti ni minute više na Lyndona, Vallona, sokola i glupe načine kako možeš produljiti broj stranica neke knjige, a završiti ju najgluplje ikad.
Reading with Vivone - XVIII
Reading with Vivone - XVIII
June 4, 2017
Entertaining, held my attention all the way through but I thought the ending was abrupt and did not conclude the story. Still worth 4 stars though. I thought there would be another book to continue the tale but I can't find it if there is one.
July 12, 2017
Puno losija od prve autorove knjige. Mozda bas zbog te visoko postavljene letvice ova knjiga od mene ne moze dobiti vise od 2 zvjezdice.
U pocetku je obecavala ali prema kraju mi izgleda sklepana na brzinu.
U pocetku je obecavala ali prema kraju mi izgleda sklepana na brzinu.
August 30, 2018
Way more than 5 stars are needed for this. Though darker than the 1st book, Hawk Quest, it's equally outstanding. I can only hope there will be a third. Two of the best historical novels I've ever read, hands down.
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