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Deverry Cycle #8
Days of Air and Darkness
Acclaimed author of the dazzling cycle of fantasy novels set in Deverry and the Westlands, Katharine Kerr continues her epic saga of humanity as a shift of power on the astral plane brings change to the world of men...
The city of Cengarn is under siege. Armies both astral and physical are massing for and against the goddess Alshandra, who seeks to prevent the birth of one fate-bound child. It falls to the dweomermaster Jill and her allies to protect the child's human mother, Princess Carra--and Deverry's already foretold future--by magic and by might. But as the warrior Rhodry wings toward the battle on dragonback, he cannot know that soon he will face his ancient enemy, Alshandra's high priestess Raena, who will use any means to destroy him. Their confrontation could turn the tide of the siege--and change the fate of Deverry forever.
The city of Cengarn is under siege. Armies both astral and physical are massing for and against the goddess Alshandra, who seeks to prevent the birth of one fate-bound child. It falls to the dweomermaster Jill and her allies to protect the child's human mother, Princess Carra--and Deverry's already foretold future--by magic and by might. But as the warrior Rhodry wings toward the battle on dragonback, he cannot know that soon he will face his ancient enemy, Alshandra's high priestess Raena, who will use any means to destroy him. Their confrontation could turn the tide of the siege--and change the fate of Deverry forever.
406 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
65 people are currently reading
1765 people want to read
About the author
Katharine Kerr
69 books1,634 followersBorn in Ohio, 1944. Moved to San Francisco Bay Area in 1962 and has lived there ever since. Katharine Kerr has read extensively in the fields of classical archeology, and medieval and dark ages history and literature, and these influences are clear in her work. Her epic Deverry series has won widespread praise and millions of fans around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 2, 2019
This is a very odd series, just for the combination of features that the author uses. Celtic history and language used in a rather realistic way, but liberally salted with Magic, the ethereal plain and it’s otherworldly beings, and now Dragons. I have a difficult time knowing what to write about because of this scattering of elements.
I find some of the dialog tiring because of the way that Kerr phrases it. I realize that she has chosen her form of “Bygone-ese” and is sticking with it, but I find it gets in my way while I’m reading. Your mileage may vary.
I must admit, however, that I find Rhodry’s strategy when partnered with his dragon in battle was ingenious (and as realistic as possible regarding dragons). This despite admitting that I don’t really like Rhodry much as a character, which is a bit dismaying since he’ll be continuing on in the next book and Jill won’t be. Not that I was entirely sold on her either, mind you.
I’m not sure why this series makes me a bit cranky, but it does. I’ve already purchased the next two volumes from my used book store, so I’m pretty sure that I’ll read them, but prepare yourself for more whining when I actually do.
Book number 327 in my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project.
I find some of the dialog tiring because of the way that Kerr phrases it. I realize that she has chosen her form of “Bygone-ese” and is sticking with it, but I find it gets in my way while I’m reading. Your mileage may vary.
I must admit, however, that I find Rhodry’s strategy when partnered with his dragon in battle was ingenious (and as realistic as possible regarding dragons). This despite admitting that I don’t really like Rhodry much as a character, which is a bit dismaying since he’ll be continuing on in the next book and Jill won’t be. Not that I was entirely sold on her either, mind you.
I’m not sure why this series makes me a bit cranky, but it does. I’ve already purchased the next two volumes from my used book store, so I’m pretty sure that I’ll read them, but prepare yourself for more whining when I actually do.
Book number 327 in my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project.
June 4, 2020
I can say that the finale of this cycle of the series is very good, maintaining the high level of the whole series, with this narrative style that offers things to the reader without resorting to exaggerations. The end of the previous book left many issues unresolved, many of which the author brings them in a very satisfactory end, very wisely choosing to leave some for later. She may not be doing this in a very impressive way, but she certainly adds a few interesting developments and many intense moments, as she describes the culmination of the battle, with the constant upheavals and the needed sacrifices to achieve victory. , always in a way that emphasizes the non-heroic side of the war but also the necessity that often exists when the issue is the protection of life. Before that, we have the necessary flashback to more carefree times that helps us understand some of the causes of this conflict, and in a way, becomes part of the gradual building of the tension that eventually leads to the various battles that close the accounts that have been opened. After all this follows a more quiet conclusion where an account is made, some necessary explanations are given and we end up at the beginning of good and bad developments that will be the subject of future books. A very interesting and balanced book that beautifully continues this great story.
Το φινάλε αυτού του κύκλου της σειράς μπορώ να πω ότι είναι πολύ καλό, διατηρώντας το υψηλό επίπεδο ολόκληρης της σειράς, με αυτό το στυλ αφήγησης που προσφέρει πράγματα στον αναγνώστη χωρίς να καταφεύγει σε υπερβολές. Το τέλος του προηγούμενου βιβλίου άφηνε πολλά θέματα άλυτα, πολλά από τα οποία η συγγραφέας τα φτάνει σε ένα πολύ ικανοποιητικό τέλος, επιλέγοντας πολύ σοφά να αφήσει μερικά για τη συνέχεια. Μπορεί να μην το κάνει με έναν πολύ εντυπωσιακό τρόπο, σίγουρα, όμως, προσθέτει μερικές ένα πλήθος από ενδιαφέρουσες εξελίξεις και πολλές έντονες στιγμές, καθώς μας περιγράφει την κορύφωση της μάχης, με τις συνεχείς ανατροπές και τις απαραίτητες θυσίες που χρειάζονται για την επίτευξη της νίκης, πάντα με έναν τρόπο που τονίζει την μη ηρωική πλευρά του πολέμου αλλά και την αναγκαιότητα που πολλές φορές υπάρχει όταν το ζήτημα είναι η προστασία της ζωής. Πριν από αυτό έχουμε το απαραίτητο flashback σε πιο ανέμελες εποχές που μας βοηθάει να καταλάβουμε ένα μέρος από τις αιτίες αυτής της σύγκρουσης και με έναν τρόπο γίνεται μέρος από το σταδιακό χτίσιμο της έντασης που οδηγεί στο τέλος στις διάφορες μάχες που κλείνουν τους λογαριασμούς που έχουν ανοίξει. Μετά από όλα αυτά ακολουθεί ένας περισσότερο ήσυχος επίλογος όπου γίνεται ένας απολογισμός, δίνονται μερικές απαραίτητες εξηγήσεις και καταλήγουμε στην αρχή καλών και κακών εξελίξεων που θα αποτελέσουν το αντικείμενο επόμενων βιβλίων. Ένα πολύ ενδιαφέρον και ισορροπημένο βιβλίο που συνεχίζει με όμορφο τρόπο αυτή την εξαιρετική ιστορία.
Το φινάλε αυτού του κύκλου της σειράς μπορώ να πω ότι είναι πολύ καλό, διατηρώντας το υψηλό επίπεδο ολόκληρης της σειράς, με αυτό το στυλ αφήγησης που προσφέρει πράγματα στον αναγνώστη χωρίς να καταφεύγει σε υπερβολές. Το τέλος του προηγούμενου βιβλίου άφηνε πολλά θέματα άλυτα, πολλά από τα οποία η συγγραφέας τα φτάνει σε ένα πολύ ικανοποιητικό τέλος, επιλέγοντας πολύ σοφά να αφήσει μερικά για τη συνέχεια. Μπορεί να μην το κάνει με έναν πολύ εντυπωσιακό τρόπο, σίγουρα, όμως, προσθέτει μερικές ένα πλήθος από ενδιαφέρουσες εξελίξεις και πολλές έντονες στιγμές, καθώς μας περιγράφει την κορύφωση της μάχης, με τις συνεχείς ανατροπές και τις απαραίτητες θυσίες που χρειάζονται για την επίτευξη της νίκης, πάντα με έναν τρόπο που τονίζει την μη ηρωική πλευρά του πολέμου αλλά και την αναγκαιότητα που πολλές φορές υπάρχει όταν το ζήτημα είναι η προστασία της ζωής. Πριν από αυτό έχουμε το απαραίτητο flashback σε πιο ανέμελες εποχές που μας βοηθάει να καταλάβουμε ένα μέρος από τις αιτίες αυτής της σύγκρουσης και με έναν τρόπο γίνεται μέρος από το σταδιακό χτίσιμο της έντασης που οδηγεί στο τέλος στις διάφορες μάχες που κλείνουν τους λογαριασμούς που έχουν ανοίξει. Μετά από όλα αυτά ακολουθεί ένας περισσότερο ήσυχος επίλογος όπου γίνεται ένας απολογισμός, δίνονται μερικές απαραίτητες εξηγήσεις και καταλήγουμε στην αρχή καλών και κακών εξελίξεων που θα αποτελέσουν το αντικείμενο επόμενων βιβλίων. Ένα πολύ ενδιαφέρον και ισορροπημένο βιβλίο που συνεχίζει με όμορφο τρόπο αυτή την εξαιρετική ιστορία.
October 12, 2018
So that's the end of the second series and a bittersweet one at that. The first part of the book is mostly spent back when Rhodry and Jill were silver daggers, so just after the very first book. Rhodry is beginning to see that people live many lives and due to his long life he meets a reincarnation of one of his former foes. The flashback is to when he encounters her for the first time. I quite liked seeing them both (Rhodry and Jill) then, it reminded me of how much they had changed over the course of the novels. The rest of the book is back in the present with the siege and the outcome of it.
I'll give it to Kerr, she's not afraid to kill off characters. Like we know they're going to be reborn but still, they're not the same. I admire the writer for doing this but was still hard to read. Events at the end have shown the possibilities of where the story is going to progress to but this felt like an end to most of the threads that had been started all the way back in Daggerspell. A really intriguing series and there are still seven books to go!
I'll give it to Kerr, she's not afraid to kill off characters. Like we know they're going to be reborn but still, they're not the same. I admire the writer for doing this but was still hard to read. Events at the end have shown the possibilities of where the story is going to progress to but this felt like an end to most of the threads that had been started all the way back in Daggerspell. A really intriguing series and there are still seven books to go!
December 27, 2023
Goed einde van de serie weer.
February 12, 2018
This is the 8th book of the 15 book Deverry series. But since the series is sub-divided into 3 smaller series, it can also be said that this is the 4th and final novel in the middle "Westlands" series.
The novel is aptly named as it is really divided into two main sections, the first in a much lighter "airy" vein and the longer second part that deals with large scale battles and dark doings. The unique aspect of the entire Deverry series is, of course, the reincarnation plots such that characters in some sections of each novel will also show up as different characters (same souls) in different time-frames. I think in the hands of a lesser author, this sort of thing could get very confusing but Ms. Kerr is a master of character so that when the reader encounters a "new" character that happens to be a reincarnation (or a previous version) of another character, we usually have enough clues to know who it is, even when the actual character does not.
I was happy to see the first part of this novel was about Jill and Rhodry in their younger, more care free days, as "Silver Daggers" or rogues for hire. This is my favorite era for these two characters. The second part takes place during the now familiar time of over 40 years later, a much more politically charged time. It centers around the siege of Cengarn by the Horsekin. Notably absent throughout the book was the constant character of Nevin, an absence that was necessary for the plot but regrettable all the same.
This is an amazing fantasy series. HBO has achieved much success with adapting George R.R. Martin's work for the small screen and, of course there are many options out there if they want to pursue more fantasy epics like that. Should they ask my opinion, I would urge them to give this series a try.
The novel is aptly named as it is really divided into two main sections, the first in a much lighter "airy" vein and the longer second part that deals with large scale battles and dark doings. The unique aspect of the entire Deverry series is, of course, the reincarnation plots such that characters in some sections of each novel will also show up as different characters (same souls) in different time-frames. I think in the hands of a lesser author, this sort of thing could get very confusing but Ms. Kerr is a master of character so that when the reader encounters a "new" character that happens to be a reincarnation (or a previous version) of another character, we usually have enough clues to know who it is, even when the actual character does not.
I was happy to see the first part of this novel was about Jill and Rhodry in their younger, more care free days, as "Silver Daggers" or rogues for hire. This is my favorite era for these two characters. The second part takes place during the now familiar time of over 40 years later, a much more politically charged time. It centers around the siege of Cengarn by the Horsekin. Notably absent throughout the book was the constant character of Nevin, an absence that was necessary for the plot but regrettable all the same.
This is an amazing fantasy series. HBO has achieved much success with adapting George R.R. Martin's work for the small screen and, of course there are many options out there if they want to pursue more fantasy epics like that. Should they ask my opinion, I would urge them to give this series a try.
October 24, 2016
I got seriously into rereading/rereading these a couple of years ago and then stopped for some reason I don't remember. I probably just got distracted.
The Beyond Reality group here on Facebook has been working their way through a series read of all the Deverry books, so I promised myself I'd pick up this books when they got to it and keep reading with them.
I'm only a few pages in and so far I'm a little hazy on what has gone before, but more came back to me as I read the prologue, so hopefully that will continue to happen. I'm into a historical (with respect to the "now" of the book) section now, so hopefully that means I won't need to remember too much.
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I gave myself plenty of time to read this, thinking it might take me a while. Instead, I raced through it in a few days and I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner. It was a great continuation of the story and a good place for a pause (this is the end of one "arc" of the story). I'm also really looking forward to carrying on with the series.
I'm happy to wait for next moth and read with the group (and that is what I will do), but I'd be equally happy to keep on going. I find myself delighted to know I have more books in the world/series ahead of me.
The Beyond Reality group here on Facebook has been working their way through a series read of all the Deverry books, so I promised myself I'd pick up this books when they got to it and keep reading with them.
I'm only a few pages in and so far I'm a little hazy on what has gone before, but more came back to me as I read the prologue, so hopefully that will continue to happen. I'm into a historical (with respect to the "now" of the book) section now, so hopefully that means I won't need to remember too much.
--------------
I gave myself plenty of time to read this, thinking it might take me a while. Instead, I raced through it in a few days and I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner. It was a great continuation of the story and a good place for a pause (this is the end of one "arc" of the story). I'm also really looking forward to carrying on with the series.
I'm happy to wait for next moth and read with the group (and that is what I will do), but I'd be equally happy to keep on going. I find myself delighted to know I have more books in the world/series ahead of me.
July 16, 2010
With this book Katharine Kerr wraps up the Westlands cycle. It is a fairly decent final book, bringing a number of ongoing stories together and finishing things decently. With that said, it felt a little soulless to me - with her first four books, Kerr made the characters come alive and I had a lot of interest in their doings. Gradually I am losing interest in Rhodry and co.
In this novel we head back in time for a time, and that section was by far the most gripping. We meet a previous incarnation of Raena, the raven-woman, known in those times as Lady Mallona. It is no accident that my favourite part of the book coincides with us reading about Jill and Rhodry while they rode the long road as silver daggers. I far preferred the two characters at that point.
Arsozah is fun to read about - the dragon seems to be the only character at this point that Kerr seems to have fun writing about.
So an almost anti-climatic end to the Westlands cycle. Kerr has continued writing about Rhodry (or Rori Dragon-friend, as he should also be known as now) but I find myself losing interest in where she can take the Deverry world.
In this novel we head back in time for a time, and that section was by far the most gripping. We meet a previous incarnation of Raena, the raven-woman, known in those times as Lady Mallona. It is no accident that my favourite part of the book coincides with us reading about Jill and Rhodry while they rode the long road as silver daggers. I far preferred the two characters at that point.
Arsozah is fun to read about - the dragon seems to be the only character at this point that Kerr seems to have fun writing about.
So an almost anti-climatic end to the Westlands cycle. Kerr has continued writing about Rhodry (or Rori Dragon-friend, as he should also be known as now) but I find myself losing interest in where she can take the Deverry world.
February 12, 2020
This is where I'll leave Deverry.
Deverry is a good series, but I just feel like the originality that spellbound me in the first books are slowly seeping away, and we've ended up with just an other run of the mill fantasy series. A good one, but still run of the mill.
So thank you, Ms Kerr, for a good story, particularly the three first books, but I'll be looking elsewhere for my escapism from now on.
Deverry is a good series, but I just feel like the originality that spellbound me in the first books are slowly seeping away, and we've ended up with just an other run of the mill fantasy series. A good one, but still run of the mill.
So thank you, Ms Kerr, for a good story, particularly the three first books, but I'll be looking elsewhere for my escapism from now on.
April 26, 2020
Dvärgarna, Jhado och Meer och Draken. De är trevliga bekantskaper. Jo, jag har läst denna delen förut men det var länge sen...
April 25, 2021
Only one flashback and that set just a year after the first novel, though an enjoyable interlude. For the main story, a couple of bits where I grin like a Cheshire cat, and others where I sob, so many goodbyes in this one!
October 23, 2016
9/10
While many loose threads are tied up by the end of this book, which also concludes the "Westlands" arc of Kerr's Deverry Cycle, there are more than enough to lead the read into the next arc. Perhaps because I read this book in chunks, it seemed to lack some of the continuity that the other books had. Still, the characters were diverse and nuanced and the relationships were often complex. And my new favorite character is Arzosah!
While many loose threads are tied up by the end of this book, which also concludes the "Westlands" arc of Kerr's Deverry Cycle, there are more than enough to lead the read into the next arc. Perhaps because I read this book in chunks, it seemed to lack some of the continuity that the other books had. Still, the characters were diverse and nuanced and the relationships were often complex. And my new favorite character is Arzosah!
June 9, 2015
Another (mostly) linear story line, with one past regression (but not quite a past lives thing, although I guess you could call it that). I enjoyed the past story because it was sort of like a mystery/detective/chase injected into high fantasy.
I had forgotten, though, how this one ended. And it was definitely a heart-wrencher.
I had forgotten, though, how this one ended. And it was definitely a heart-wrencher.
August 25, 2021
I seem to like these books more than I did when I read them years ago. I like the intrigues and especially the politics between the different species in this series, that is something I really enjoy. I love Arsozah (again, dragons make everything better, especially if they're like this) and Jahdo is just adorable and I only want all the best for him.
October 20, 2017
I am too caught up in the world of centuries to stop, but I do not love this second series like I enjoyed the first, and if I never hear about berzerkers again, I will be happy.
January 27, 2023
Great conclusion to this cycle.
Not without certain flaws - the way all the characters have the same speech mannerisms and use the same expressions gets kind of irritating. Particularly so having a dragon say "Nah nah nah", from time to time. Also, it could be a little less than satisfying when you realise that this will just conclude this part of the story, and there are all these other loose threads to follow up. In fact, when looking at the wider story, almost everything here was just set up for next series - and possibly the series after that. Unlike the first series, the main drama and conclusion of the series is rather a less satisfying event. So, in a way, I felt that I had just read four books which were leading up to... what is just another mini-climax - the end of a part, or a book, not so much the series.
On the other hand, the conclusion was certainly exciting, filled with drama, and brought together all the threads from this series and weaves into a satisfying ending... with of course the door wide open to the greater story to continue. Lots to like about this book, and with the action picking up there is far less room for the less interesting wandering that Kerr has sometimes indulged herself in (or perhaps they really were necessary, I don't know - a topic for a far more detailed discussion) and we stay nicely focused on a range of characters and the escalating action.
Very enjoyable, but I think a couple of months off from this series while I cleanse my palette with something else before I come back for the next seven.
Not without certain flaws - the way all the characters have the same speech mannerisms and use the same expressions gets kind of irritating. Particularly so having a dragon say "Nah nah nah", from time to time. Also, it could be a little less than satisfying when you realise that this will just conclude this part of the story, and there are all these other loose threads to follow up. In fact, when looking at the wider story, almost everything here was just set up for next series - and possibly the series after that. Unlike the first series, the main drama and conclusion of the series is rather a less satisfying event. So, in a way, I felt that I had just read four books which were leading up to... what is just another mini-climax - the end of a part, or a book, not so much the series.
On the other hand, the conclusion was certainly exciting, filled with drama, and brought together all the threads from this series and weaves into a satisfying ending... with of course the door wide open to the greater story to continue. Lots to like about this book, and with the action picking up there is far less room for the less interesting wandering that Kerr has sometimes indulged herself in (or perhaps they really were necessary, I don't know - a topic for a far more detailed discussion) and we stay nicely focused on a range of characters and the escalating action.
Very enjoyable, but I think a couple of months off from this series while I cleanse my palette with something else before I come back for the next seven.
December 19, 2023
Ok this I devoured on the plane home. This was great but I forgot to write a review right after so my thoughts are jumbled but: JILL!!! :((( Her reunion with Nevyn was cool and I get that he was waiting for Brangwen but it was so long ago in the books that it's like oh ok cute, what about Rhodry! Also I am so curious as to who Jahdo will grow up to be. Also more of a earlier in the quarter question but what happened to Maryn? The true king? I guess we assume it all went well? TBH anything that had to with the Guardians I didn't even try to truly understand. It was cool, and I actually really ended up liking Evander's character but I was confused as to whether I as the reader was supposed to know what they were or be as clueless as everyone else. Felt like there were loose ends....Yraen dying a random death instead of in the last minute saving Dar as a way to repay his debt Carra.....Jill being like "omg Rhodry's word is scary AF I want to protect him from that"....what are exactly the rules of battling?.... Speaking of, Evander x Rhodry? slaaaaay. Why do all old fantasy books have these intense romantic relationships between men and one is like I love you and the other is like I love you too but I'm not gay but also 😙....suuuure. Lastly, Rhodry spends like 30% of the book throwing his head back and howling/keening/laughing a beserker laugh and then immediately just returning to regular convo. Okay.
P.S: I was looking up character name and I just SPOILED SOMETHING MAJOR FOR MYSELF GODDAMIT
P.S: I was looking up character name and I just SPOILED SOMETHING MAJOR FOR MYSELF GODDAMIT
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2017
Satisfying conclusion to this arc of the series.
We see
I loved the kiss from Evander to Rhodry at the start - and
I felt that the revelation of the source of evil came a bit late -
We see
I loved the kiss from Evander to Rhodry at the start - and
I felt that the revelation of the source of evil came a bit late -
July 8, 2018
De waanzinnige valse godin is vastbesloten om de bevalling van een prinses te voorkomen. Ze is bereid om alles en iedereen op te offeren om haar doel te bereiken. Vurige moederliefde kan ook zeer negatieve kanten hebben, zeker bij een wezen dat geen idee heeft wat het betekent om sterfelijk te zijn.
Jill is in de laatste twee boeken weer mijn favoriete hoofdfiguur geworden (na Nevyn dan). Ik had medelijden met de kleine dappere Jahdo die probeert zijn hoofd boven water te houden in de wereld van de volwassenen tijdens de zware belegering van Cengarn. Dallandra blijft een sympathiek en interessant karakter en ook de ondeugend lijkende Wachter Evandar kon regelmatig een glimlach op mijn gelaat toveren. Maar mijn sympathie gaat vooral uit naar de draak Arzosah. Het zou makkelijk zijn om haar alleen bitter en vijandig te schrijven, maar gelukkig kiest Kerr daar niet voor. Het is mooi om te zien hoe er een vriendschap groeit tussen haar en de woeste zilverdolk Rohdry.
De ster van het boek is echter Jill en tijdens haar definitieve confrontatie met Alshandra zat ik echt op het puntje van mijn stoel! Het was ook leuk om even terug in de tijd te gaan tijdens de dagen dat ze nog niet voor de Dweomer had gekozen en om te zien welke link een vijandin uit die tijd heeft met het conflict van het heden. Het is duidelijk dat we van deze wisselvrouw nog niet het laatste hebben gehoord...
Jill is in de laatste twee boeken weer mijn favoriete hoofdfiguur geworden (na Nevyn dan). Ik had medelijden met de kleine dappere Jahdo die probeert zijn hoofd boven water te houden in de wereld van de volwassenen tijdens de zware belegering van Cengarn. Dallandra blijft een sympathiek en interessant karakter en ook de ondeugend lijkende Wachter Evandar kon regelmatig een glimlach op mijn gelaat toveren. Maar mijn sympathie gaat vooral uit naar de draak Arzosah. Het zou makkelijk zijn om haar alleen bitter en vijandig te schrijven, maar gelukkig kiest Kerr daar niet voor. Het is mooi om te zien hoe er een vriendschap groeit tussen haar en de woeste zilverdolk Rohdry.
De ster van het boek is echter Jill en tijdens haar definitieve confrontatie met Alshandra zat ik echt op het puntje van mijn stoel! Het was ook leuk om even terug in de tijd te gaan tijdens de dagen dat ze nog niet voor de Dweomer had gekozen en om te zien welke link een vijandin uit die tijd heeft met het conflict van het heden. Het is duidelijk dat we van deze wisselvrouw nog niet het laatste hebben gehoord...
November 20, 2023
A re-read of an old favourite series - high fantasy set in a world of Celtic mythology. This is like wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket, armed with hot chocolate and a kitty on the lap, shutting out the world and enveloping yourself in lands mysterious and magical.
Blurb:
Rhodry and his new dragon ally, Arzosah, have joined forces with the dwarven axemen and are rushing to the aid of the beseiged town of Cengarn.
Meanwhile, within the town walls, the Princess Carra - and her precious unborn child - is under the protection of the sorcerers Jill and Dallandra who eagerly await the arrival of their allies. But Cengarn's food supplies are beginning to wane and their chances for survival look bleak. They can only survive for so long...
And as time grows ever shorter the surrounding Horsekin army, under the instruction of the goddess Alshandra, are preparing to end the siege once and for all.
Only by destroying Alshandra can there ever be peace between Horsekin and humankind.
But it seems an impossible task....
Blurb:
Rhodry and his new dragon ally, Arzosah, have joined forces with the dwarven axemen and are rushing to the aid of the beseiged town of Cengarn.
Meanwhile, within the town walls, the Princess Carra - and her precious unborn child - is under the protection of the sorcerers Jill and Dallandra who eagerly await the arrival of their allies. But Cengarn's food supplies are beginning to wane and their chances for survival look bleak. They can only survive for so long...
And as time grows ever shorter the surrounding Horsekin army, under the instruction of the goddess Alshandra, are preparing to end the siege once and for all.
Only by destroying Alshandra can there ever be peace between Horsekin and humankind.
But it seems an impossible task....
February 26, 2018
If you are this far into the series you are obviously a Kerr fan. So here are some things I enjoyed about this book and the series.
The plot developed well. In the middle of this series it seemed slow and directionless but it all pulls together for a good climax. There are some good surprises and some unexpected developments.
The characters are good and complex and show some development. Their conflicts are real. Kerr's humanity also shows through in her ability to give the protagonists flaws and the nemeses virtues.
The style is easy, but keeps to the setting and builds the world well. The language and names are particularly effective. The series also shifts its focus between key (and minor) characters.
Overall the series lives up to and builds on the high fantasy brand promise, with its own nuances. It avoids the "world-ending" final battle which has become the Hollywood staple and focuses on real individual battles and conflict to create the tension.
The plot developed well. In the middle of this series it seemed slow and directionless but it all pulls together for a good climax. There are some good surprises and some unexpected developments.
The characters are good and complex and show some development. Their conflicts are real. Kerr's humanity also shows through in her ability to give the protagonists flaws and the nemeses virtues.
The style is easy, but keeps to the setting and builds the world well. The language and names are particularly effective. The series also shifts its focus between key (and minor) characters.
Overall the series lives up to and builds on the high fantasy brand promise, with its own nuances. It avoids the "world-ending" final battle which has become the Hollywood staple and focuses on real individual battles and conflict to create the tension.
February 24, 2022
https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2022/0...
I wasn’t very far into this book when I started writing a review, because I was so annoyed about several things! And dang if I didn’t have to delete all of my complaints, because Kerr turned it all around by the end! (I was especially pleased about two dudes kissing after an early scene that had real “no homo” vibes.) I mean I am still losing a little bit of steam with this series; this was all battles and gross enemies and I really wasn't interested in some of the POV characters. Awesome dragon, though. B+.
I wasn’t very far into this book when I started writing a review, because I was so annoyed about several things! And dang if I didn’t have to delete all of my complaints, because Kerr turned it all around by the end! (I was especially pleased about two dudes kissing after an early scene that had real “no homo” vibes.) I mean I am still losing a little bit of steam with this series; this was all battles and gross enemies and I really wasn't interested in some of the POV characters. Awesome dragon, though. B+.
December 4, 2017
I've always loved this entry in the Deverry Saga. My favourite 'shameless escapism' story line was always Rhodry/Jill. Somehow Jill never was the same character when she returned from dweomer study, so it was great to have a past life segment which featured Rhodry and Jill at their silver daggered best. I also liked the outcome of Yraen's story in the present life, as well as the way Jill and co. defeat Alshandra.
August 20, 2021
A very satisfying conclusion to the 2nd quartet/quadrilogy.
If I were to dig for critiques:
- I wasn't a fan of the very brief POV changeups and how they overlapped one another in time. It was cool to have more than one perspective on the same scene, but it felt unnecessary and sloppy.
- Some of the language was inconsistent: whereas in her prior books, Kerr was more uniform in being conscious of slipping into modernisms.
If I were to dig for critiques:
- I wasn't a fan of the very brief POV changeups and how they overlapped one another in time. It was cool to have more than one perspective on the same scene, but it felt unnecessary and sloppy.
- Some of the language was inconsistent: whereas in her prior books, Kerr was more uniform in being conscious of slipping into modernisms.
September 18, 2022
Well, I accidentally read this out of order so it was a bit odd. Though with the way this series jumps around so much it wasn't as hard to follow as it might have been.
And it was a good story. The main plot line was engaging and exciting--the saving of Cengarn. Loved the battle with Aleshandra--nice build up; terribly crescendo! And Evander! I am loving the development of Evander's character. It is so charming and well done.
And it was a good story. The main plot line was engaging and exciting--the saving of Cengarn. Loved the battle with Aleshandra--nice build up; terribly crescendo! And Evander! I am loving the development of Evander's character. It is so charming and well done.
April 25, 2022
Otherwise titled "Days of Air and Darkness" this is the eighth volume of Katherine Kerr's epic Deverry tales. I'm enjoying the whole saga, reading the volumes in their proper sequence. I've decideded not to review each individual book. I may write a review of the series, once I've finished them all.
February 21, 2019
Dragons, magic, elves, large armies and a fast paced story with a great story arc feeling like it's coming to an end this is fantasy as it's meant to be awesome stuff.
Taking a short break from Deverry and then I shall finish the series
Taking a short break from Deverry and then I shall finish the series
April 11, 2020
I love Jahdo and Meer.
Jill is herself and the conclusion of her story makes perfect sense.
Dallandra is re-learning about living in the world.
Rhodry is becoming legendary and develops a friendship with a dragon.
Bring on the next book.
Jill is herself and the conclusion of her story makes perfect sense.
Dallandra is re-learning about living in the world.
Rhodry is becoming legendary and develops a friendship with a dragon.
Bring on the next book.
April 20, 2024
Maybe a 2.5, 🤔
The author's voice, her style seemed different in this book. I noticed it within just a couple of pages of starting. 🫤.
The story and characters themselves continue from previous, but just not as interesting.
For the time being at least, I am done with this series.
The author's voice, her style seemed different in this book. I noticed it within just a couple of pages of starting. 🫤.
The story and characters themselves continue from previous, but just not as interesting.
For the time being at least, I am done with this series.
March 6, 2017
2017 re read
September 4, 2017
Another great read. This book was a bit more like the early books in the series with a little more going on and not so much of what seems, to me, to be overly descriptive "filler."
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