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The Age of Discovery #2
Cartomancy
Kartomancie nás znovu zavede do společnosti tvůrců map s neobyčejnými schopnostmi. Bezejmenný nepřítel stojí před branami a vypadá to, že existuje jediná cesta, jak zachránit Nalenyr před zapomněním. Dávní hrdinové, kteří už jednou bránili zemi, musí být znovu probuzeni. Ke splnění tohoto cíle je však zapotřebí vykonat cestu do pustiny, kde jsou podle pověstí uvězněni. Pustiny, ve které není nouze o magii a nebezpečí. Keles Anturasi, vnuk knížecího kartografa, je v zajetí znepřáteleného národa a jeho schopnosti mu snadno mohou přinést rozsudek smrti. Jeho bratra Jorima v říši daleko za oceánem uctívají jako boha. A jejich sestra Nirati dlí v ráji na pomezí života a smrti, ve společnosti svého šíleného dědečka a starého čaroděje toužícího zničit svět. Všichni tři teď se svými společníky bojují o holý život ve světě, v němž válka na zemi zrcadlí válku v nebesích. Čeho se bohové obávají, tomu musejí lidé statečně čelit. Pomůže jim jejich hrdinství a kouzla přežít tam, kde jsou věci zřídkakdy tím, čím se zdají být?
429 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
20 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 5, 2021
Sub nivelul primului volum al seriei,Hartile prevestitoare mentine, totusi,inteligenta si imaginatia debordanta a povestii. Voi citi cu siguranta si concluzionarea finala a aventurilor cartografilor Anturasi. Nu o recomand decat iubitorilor de fantasy deschisi tuturor provocarilor imaginatiei. Un scenarist dedicat ar scoate un film de zile mari din povesta asta.
November 11, 2011
I ended up rereading the book because of comments Dennis L. Mckiernan made to me about it. I'd forgotten much of the book, and it's better than I remember. :)
August 16, 2022
O mulțime de personaje, conflicte și planuri de acțiune la nivelul tuturor ținuturilor. Complex și cu un nivel susținut spre un crescendo de final care pare să "arunce în aer" toată evoluția din volumul trei al seriei.
December 5, 2024
4,5 Sterne
Die alten Handlungsstränge werden aufgegriffen. Und es gibt auch einige neue bzw. Einige die nochmal einen größeren Fokus bekommen. Es gibt hier definitiv mehr Schlachten und Gemetzel wie im Vorgänger. Der Fokus liegt hier auf Kampf und Intrigen und weniger auf dem Erkunden.
Dabei gab es so viele Charaktere das ich mir nicht alle merken konnte. In den einzelnen Kapiteln wurde dann aber schnell wieder deutlich wer wer ist.
Die alten Handlungsstränge werden aufgegriffen. Und es gibt auch einige neue bzw. Einige die nochmal einen größeren Fokus bekommen. Es gibt hier definitiv mehr Schlachten und Gemetzel wie im Vorgänger. Der Fokus liegt hier auf Kampf und Intrigen und weniger auf dem Erkunden.
Dabei gab es so viele Charaktere das ich mir nicht alle merken konnte. In den einzelnen Kapiteln wurde dann aber schnell wieder deutlich wer wer ist.
February 26, 2008
Less interesting than #1
July 22, 2018
"Der Kampf um die Alte Welt" macht da weiter, wo "Das Verlorene Land" aufgehört hat - mit denselben Problemen, denselben Charakteren, aber dem Fokus auf dem, wo Band 1 aufgehört hat.
Das heißt: kaum noch Entdeckungsreisen in diesem Buch, und die Kartographen sind zu Gott, Stadtplanergeisel und Irrem geworden!
Wirklich, was aus Keles und seinen Geschwistern geworden ist, macht mich etwas traurig. Es liest sich gut und es bleibt ein spannendes Fantasybuch, aber der Fokus hat sich doch von dem, was mich anfangs so gereizt hat, sehr fortbewegt.
Intrigen und alte Legenden sowie Götter stehen nun im Fokus. Ich kann gar nicht alles aufzählen, weil auch hier noch etwas Verwirrung herrscht, wobei es einigermaßen besser geworden ist nach Band 1. Die grundlegenden Konzepte sind nun schließlich bekannt. Es ist allerdings wieder nicht Stackpoles Stärke, sich eindrückliche Namen auszudenken, die man auch in Erinnerung behalten kann. Besonders schlimm wird es in der Storyline um Nirati und Qiro, der anscheinend nun nicht mehr Kartograph, sondern Schöpfer ist und sich einfach ausdenken kann, was er da an Bösen haben will, die dann den Rest der Welt versuchen zu erobern. Niratis Plot ist und bleibt eine Katastrophe. Sie hat keinen anderen Zweck denn als hübsches Beiwerk zu irgendwas missbraucht zu werden und allein das rechtfertigt schon zwei Sterne Abzug. Ginge es hier nur um sie, müsste ich dem ganzen einen einzigen Stern und eine deutliche Warnung geben.
Zum Glück ist Nirati nur eine der Sichtweisen. Derer gibt es immer noch viele und einige einstige Weggefährten haben sich nun auch noch getrennt und erzählen eigene Geschichten. Generell ist viel los auf beiden Kontinenten, wobei mir nach wie vor alles mit Jorim in der Ferne sehr gut gefällt, hier aber eindeutig der Entdeckerkontext vom ersten Band schmerzlich fehlt. Nur im Westen gibt es noch einen Hauch von Abenteuerentdeckungsreise.
Die Spannung reicht, dass ich Band 3 lesen will, in dem dann hoffentlich alles einen würdigen Abschluss findet. Ein, zwei Twists fand ich sehr gelungen . Als Fantasybuch auf jeden Fall brauchbar, solange man keine zu tiefe Figurenzeichnung erwartet.
Das heißt: kaum noch Entdeckungsreisen in diesem Buch, und die Kartographen sind zu Gott, Stadtplanergeisel und Irrem geworden!
Wirklich, was aus Keles und seinen Geschwistern geworden ist, macht mich etwas traurig. Es liest sich gut und es bleibt ein spannendes Fantasybuch, aber der Fokus hat sich doch von dem, was mich anfangs so gereizt hat, sehr fortbewegt.
Intrigen und alte Legenden sowie Götter stehen nun im Fokus. Ich kann gar nicht alles aufzählen, weil auch hier noch etwas Verwirrung herrscht, wobei es einigermaßen besser geworden ist nach Band 1. Die grundlegenden Konzepte sind nun schließlich bekannt. Es ist allerdings wieder nicht Stackpoles Stärke, sich eindrückliche Namen auszudenken, die man auch in Erinnerung behalten kann. Besonders schlimm wird es in der Storyline um Nirati und Qiro, der anscheinend nun nicht mehr Kartograph, sondern Schöpfer ist und sich einfach ausdenken kann, was er da an Bösen haben will, die dann den Rest der Welt versuchen zu erobern. Niratis Plot ist und bleibt eine Katastrophe. Sie hat keinen anderen Zweck denn als hübsches Beiwerk zu irgendwas missbraucht zu werden und allein das rechtfertigt schon zwei Sterne Abzug. Ginge es hier nur um sie, müsste ich dem ganzen einen einzigen Stern und eine deutliche Warnung geben.
Zum Glück ist Nirati nur eine der Sichtweisen. Derer gibt es immer noch viele und einige einstige Weggefährten haben sich nun auch noch getrennt und erzählen eigene Geschichten. Generell ist viel los auf beiden Kontinenten, wobei mir nach wie vor alles mit Jorim in der Ferne sehr gut gefällt, hier aber eindeutig der Entdeckerkontext vom ersten Band schmerzlich fehlt. Nur im Westen gibt es noch einen Hauch von Abenteuerentdeckungsreise.
Die Spannung reicht, dass ich Band 3 lesen will, in dem dann hoffentlich alles einen würdigen Abschluss findet. Ein, zwei Twists fand ich sehr gelungen . Als Fantasybuch auf jeden Fall brauchbar, solange man keine zu tiefe Figurenzeichnung erwartet.
April 8, 2018
The premise of these books are pretty original. It is a nice twist for a high fantasy novel. I believe the author was inspired by a book called The Year China Discovered America. The setting is a lot more like China than Europe like most fantasy books are. There is some of South America in there too. I found the setting and lore very interesting.
It is a very easy read and not challenging. The dialogue is just okay. The author swings for the fences with every quote hoping to land something memorable but he rarely connects. It can be downright cringeworthy at times and unrealistic most of the time. However it's not at the point where it's a hindrance.
The characters and their motivations are a little simple. The good guys are good and the bad guys are bad. The most interesting characters are probably Junel Aerynnor because of how sick and twisted he is. Ciras Dejote is interesting because of the development he shows over the course of the series.
The strong point of the book is the plot twists. The book builds up momentum as it goes on. By the end it becomes a page turner. However, there are enough barriers that might prevent a reader from getting there in the first place. I think if you're not A) a young adult or B) into high fantasy novels, the book might be a chore.
I would definitely have appreciated a clearer map at the beginning of the book. The one provided is insufficient (hard to read) and doesn't cover every setting in the book. I would have bought a hardcover if I could but there is none available.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. It's an easy read and pretty rewarding considering how little work the reader has to put in. There are just enough twists and turns that make you stop and consider.
I picked up this book when I was like 14 and read it without reading the first book. I was still able to comprehend most of what was going on. It was very simple but it stuck with me -- parts of it I remembered clearly even after 10 years. It was definitely a nice treat coming back to this book after all these years (especially now that I read the first book) and I have already ordered the final installment.
It is a very easy read and not challenging. The dialogue is just okay. The author swings for the fences with every quote hoping to land something memorable but he rarely connects. It can be downright cringeworthy at times and unrealistic most of the time. However it's not at the point where it's a hindrance.
The characters and their motivations are a little simple. The good guys are good and the bad guys are bad. The most interesting characters are probably Junel Aerynnor because of how sick and twisted he is. Ciras Dejote is interesting because of the development he shows over the course of the series.
The strong point of the book is the plot twists. The book builds up momentum as it goes on. By the end it becomes a page turner. However, there are enough barriers that might prevent a reader from getting there in the first place. I think if you're not A) a young adult or B) into high fantasy novels, the book might be a chore.
I would definitely have appreciated a clearer map at the beginning of the book. The one provided is insufficient (hard to read) and doesn't cover every setting in the book. I would have bought a hardcover if I could but there is none available.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. It's an easy read and pretty rewarding considering how little work the reader has to put in. There are just enough twists and turns that make you stop and consider.
I picked up this book when I was like 14 and read it without reading the first book. I was still able to comprehend most of what was going on. It was very simple but it stuck with me -- parts of it I remembered clearly even after 10 years. It was definitely a nice treat coming back to this book after all these years (especially now that I read the first book) and I have already ordered the final installment.
November 7, 2020
Been nice and warm and sunny last week, was able to sit outside and read rather than haunt the internet Finished this series Was probably real interesting when first written but seems like so many fantasy / sci-fi hybrids out today that it was just a nice read.
February 28, 2025
It has some interesting ideas, but there is so much that could have been interesting that just happens off-page between chapters or while one of the main characters is doing something else. This just gives the book the feeling of being a bunch of dei ex machina being piled on top of each other...
November 9, 2018
Amazing book. Feels similar to GoT but with a Fantastic version of Imperial China. Less graphic but lots more magic.
August 14, 2020
Loved every bit of it! Loved the setting ( it reminded me a lot of Shogun), the development of characters, the plot twists and most important, there is so much magic everywhere :)
November 23, 2014
The sequel to A Secret Atlas has the same strengths and weaknesses of its predecessor. It is fabulous in imaginative spells, weapons, foes, and dialogue, but disjointed in the schizophrenic presentation of the epic flow of this world’s history. To be sure, Stackpole is Stackpole and that means that there are many delicious turns of phrase within this tome, but my personal opinion is that he is painting with a brush too large to capture the intricate motives and complex layers of personality equal to his previous work.
Cartomancy is such a massive canvas that one feels one is viewing a mural. I suppose it would have to be handled in this manner because one of the many ideas is that of a family so devoted to cataloguing the world and inscribing detailed maps thereof that it was inevitable that their own maps would start to shape the world. Of course, if one is reshaping the world, one needs a sense of what is happening throughout that world. The only problem is, at least for me, that one doesn’t really have a sense of focus. One thinks the primary focus might be the Anturasi family, but the conclusion of A Secret Atlas saw the death of one and the sending off of the two younger brothers that one would have that would have carried the plot. In Cartomancy, one brother has to decide whether to thwart his grandfather’s will or compromise enough to survive while the other brother has to struggle with his somewhat “cosmic” personality. Even the Mystic swordsman of the first book undergoes something of an incredibly fluid identity crisis in this second volume. The reader isn’t really given any handholds to stabilize her/his perspective. Even the most unexpected (to me) revelation in this volume doesn’t help me know, as a reader, where to plant my tripod.
But it’s the dialogue and the delightful phrases that kept me reading and will lead me toward the final volume (which I just purchased). Cartomancy includes some of Stack’s own versions of classic Asian wisdom literature such as the sayings of one Urmyr: “The wind is wise, and water wiser still, for none who oppose them can stand. Yet those who travel with them do so at ease and swiftly.” (p. 2) I especially like the classic response to the god of death: “If I am to be your scythe, do not complain that I am sharp.” (p. 210) I smiled at the question, “If you look back at your life’s journey, do you see a direct line?” I smiled even more at the response, “Any path looks direct in hindsight, but there are many choices made along the way.” (p. 445)
The most powerful simile in the book could serve as the theme for the entire trilogy, “…a map is like the world in the same way sheet music is like a song. It merely describes it.” (p. 26) And, apropos to a novel with much sword-fighting, there are many verbal ripostes: “You didn’t have misconceptions, you had prejudices, and you allowed them to blind you.” (p. 60) I especially liked the insult where one character is judged that he, “…couldn’t find the ground if you threw him from this tower.” (p. 344)
I hope I can keep the characters in proper view when I read the next volume.
Cartomancy is such a massive canvas that one feels one is viewing a mural. I suppose it would have to be handled in this manner because one of the many ideas is that of a family so devoted to cataloguing the world and inscribing detailed maps thereof that it was inevitable that their own maps would start to shape the world. Of course, if one is reshaping the world, one needs a sense of what is happening throughout that world. The only problem is, at least for me, that one doesn’t really have a sense of focus. One thinks the primary focus might be the Anturasi family, but the conclusion of A Secret Atlas saw the death of one and the sending off of the two younger brothers that one would have that would have carried the plot. In Cartomancy, one brother has to decide whether to thwart his grandfather’s will or compromise enough to survive while the other brother has to struggle with his somewhat “cosmic” personality. Even the Mystic swordsman of the first book undergoes something of an incredibly fluid identity crisis in this second volume. The reader isn’t really given any handholds to stabilize her/his perspective. Even the most unexpected (to me) revelation in this volume doesn’t help me know, as a reader, where to plant my tripod.
But it’s the dialogue and the delightful phrases that kept me reading and will lead me toward the final volume (which I just purchased). Cartomancy includes some of Stack’s own versions of classic Asian wisdom literature such as the sayings of one Urmyr: “The wind is wise, and water wiser still, for none who oppose them can stand. Yet those who travel with them do so at ease and swiftly.” (p. 2) I especially like the classic response to the god of death: “If I am to be your scythe, do not complain that I am sharp.” (p. 210) I smiled at the question, “If you look back at your life’s journey, do you see a direct line?” I smiled even more at the response, “Any path looks direct in hindsight, but there are many choices made along the way.” (p. 445)
The most powerful simile in the book could serve as the theme for the entire trilogy, “…a map is like the world in the same way sheet music is like a song. It merely describes it.” (p. 26) And, apropos to a novel with much sword-fighting, there are many verbal ripostes: “You didn’t have misconceptions, you had prejudices, and you allowed them to blind you.” (p. 60) I especially liked the insult where one character is judged that he, “…couldn’t find the ground if you threw him from this tower.” (p. 344)
I hope I can keep the characters in proper view when I read the next volume.
April 15, 2011
Damn you Michael Stackpole. Damn you to hell.
I have written before about this, but, for those who missed it; many years ago, I attended a short lecture by Michael Stackpole on writing, and writing speculative fiction (that’s the cool term for sci-fi/fantasy these days, right) in particular. It was valuable, and probably would have been more valuable if I was a little older and a little better focused, but such is life.
One of the most explicit things I remember from that lecture is that Stackpole described one of his recurring nightmares as being “stuck in an airport where the bookstore only stocks the second book in a trilogy.” His advice was that each book in a series should be reasonably self-contained, so that a reader could comfortably pick up a book and start reading without feeling as though something was lacking.
And here I am, reading the second book of his Age of Discovery series, Cartomancy.
Let me say, straight up, that there is a lot to recommend Cartomancy. If you enjoyed a Secret Atlas, Cartomancy takes many of the events from that book and revs them into high gear. Unlike some authors, Stackpole doesn’t introduce too many new characters here, but rather, keeps on with ones he’s already established, building on the plot threads that were present at the end of a Secret Atlas. The pacing of Cartomancy felt like it was much faster, though I think I may be taking that impression more from the latter half of the book. The first half is still some build up, and Stackpole does a fine job of refreshing the reader on critical points and ideas, to the point where, yes, you probably could pick this book up and read it without having read a Secret Atlas.
So why the damnation?
Because while the book is a great read, it’s definitely not self-contained. In fact, it ends on a cliffhanger that, while not quite as bad as “Frodo was alive but taken by the enemy” it’s pretty close. If I was in the airport, I would be mighty pissed to discover that they didn’t have a copy of a New World close on hand.
Which, I guess, is a pretty strong recommendation for this book, and the series thus far. A New World will be going onto my Kindle DX ASAP.
Fantasy fans, give this one a look.
I have written before about this, but, for those who missed it; many years ago, I attended a short lecture by Michael Stackpole on writing, and writing speculative fiction (that’s the cool term for sci-fi/fantasy these days, right) in particular. It was valuable, and probably would have been more valuable if I was a little older and a little better focused, but such is life.
One of the most explicit things I remember from that lecture is that Stackpole described one of his recurring nightmares as being “stuck in an airport where the bookstore only stocks the second book in a trilogy.” His advice was that each book in a series should be reasonably self-contained, so that a reader could comfortably pick up a book and start reading without feeling as though something was lacking.
And here I am, reading the second book of his Age of Discovery series, Cartomancy.
Let me say, straight up, that there is a lot to recommend Cartomancy. If you enjoyed a Secret Atlas, Cartomancy takes many of the events from that book and revs them into high gear. Unlike some authors, Stackpole doesn’t introduce too many new characters here, but rather, keeps on with ones he’s already established, building on the plot threads that were present at the end of a Secret Atlas. The pacing of Cartomancy felt like it was much faster, though I think I may be taking that impression more from the latter half of the book. The first half is still some build up, and Stackpole does a fine job of refreshing the reader on critical points and ideas, to the point where, yes, you probably could pick this book up and read it without having read a Secret Atlas.
So why the damnation?
Because while the book is a great read, it’s definitely not self-contained. In fact, it ends on a cliffhanger that, while not quite as bad as “Frodo was alive but taken by the enemy” it’s pretty close. If I was in the airport, I would be mighty pissed to discover that they didn’t have a copy of a New World close on hand.
Which, I guess, is a pretty strong recommendation for this book, and the series thus far. A New World will be going onto my Kindle DX ASAP.
Fantasy fans, give this one a look.
June 23, 2010
For some reason it seems that the second book of a trilogy is always the one I like best. Although I'm not done with this trilogy yet, I can at least say that Cartomancy was even better than the first book. The characters have been developed further, some questions have been answered, new ones have been discovered. And after reading the last page I promptly continued with The New World - because I had to know what happens next! That alone speaks for the quality of Stackpole's writing.
There's one thing I just have to say though. I find it not just unfair but downright stupid to give this book a low rating because you 'couldn't get into the story' and complain about not understanding anything because it isn't sufficiently explained.
For those who hadn't noticed yet - Cartomancy is the second book of a trilogy, it is not meant to be a standalone. Of course you won't be able to get into the story if you haven't read the first book yet, something which everybody who is capable of even a little logical thinking would know.
That is all.
There's one thing I just have to say though. I find it not just unfair but downright stupid to give this book a low rating because you 'couldn't get into the story' and complain about not understanding anything because it isn't sufficiently explained.
For those who hadn't noticed yet - Cartomancy is the second book of a trilogy, it is not meant to be a standalone. Of course you won't be able to get into the story if you haven't read the first book yet, something which everybody who is capable of even a little logical thinking would know.
That is all.
May 17, 2012
I liked this book better than the first in the series. I think this is mostly because I brought an understanding of the background of this fantasy world with me. The members of the Anturasi household continue to evolve and change as they display their god-like magical powers. Prince Nelesquin is making ready to conquer the empire and usurp the throne. Nirati seems to be having doubts about him. Jorim has to endure a test to see if he is really Tetcomchoa returned and to confront the Mozoyan in epic numbers. Qiro creates a horde of creatures and sends them after Keles. The hunt for Empress Cyrsa continues. The book has quite a twist at the end. These books are worth a read if you like to escape into a world of complexity where magical powers and treachery abound.
January 26, 2014
The second part of Stackpole's trilogy reminds me why I often shy away from high fantasy. They have a tendency to escalate - and escalate quickly. While the first one was relatively down to earth, the second part brings in so much high magic, so many half gods and gods that the story quickly loses its human factor.
Still, to Stackpole's praise, I must say that he holds on to the threads of his story very well and the characters remain interesting enough even though there's hardly a real human left for whom to root for. And the twist at the very final line of the novel came as a complete surprise to me. I had suspected an entirely different individual.
Recommended, if you are looking for a treat in the genre of high fantasy.
Still, to Stackpole's praise, I must say that he holds on to the threads of his story very well and the characters remain interesting enough even though there's hardly a real human left for whom to root for. And the twist at the very final line of the novel came as a complete surprise to me. I had suspected an entirely different individual.
Recommended, if you are looking for a treat in the genre of high fantasy.
April 13, 2010
I might be able to complete this book, after the first. but so much is left out in regards to details you should know from the first book, that it is difficult to fully slip into 'the trance' of the book, or simply being immersed in the written world
(smirk.)
there are some interesting ideas and wonderfull places, but they seem as if they lie only on little fluuffy clouds, and there is void between them. It makes for rough reading.
there are some interesting ideas and wonderfull places, but they seem as if they lie only on little fluuffy clouds, and there is void between them. It makes for rough reading.
January 15, 2015
First I want to say I read "A New World" by Stockpole over 5 years before I even Started this one. I don't remember it being remarkable, but I also don't remember it being bad. Maybe thats why it took me so long to pick this one up. Anyway, despite all that time, the story was/is unique enough that I was able to follow the characters and storyline easily. It also helps that the writing is pretty darn good as well. I would recommend this series to any fantasy types, its good.
January 18, 2016
A very good follow-up to A Secret Atlas although a bit wordy. There is a lot of action and character development with many surprises along the way, especially in the last lines of the book! Enjoyable enough and I'll read the last part of the trilogy soon. Reminiscent of the work of Robert VS Redick in a lot of ways so, if you enjoyed his work, you'll like this - but read the first part of the trilogy first!
June 1, 2011
Took me forever to slog through it. Some character development was enjoyable. The story threads started to multiply. The twist at the very end is compelling. But overall, I don't think I'll read the next one. I didn't like the psychopathic murder. Seemed like just putting in something disturbing for shock value.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2008
Fun book, advances the story pretty well.
May 2, 2008
Meh. Possibly because I didn't read the first book, this one didn't quite grab my interest. I caught up pretty quick to where the characters were, but the rest... maybe I'll reread it later.
Read
January 9, 2010ereader ebook
June 22, 2010
A book with excellent potential. The characters are a bit flat compared to Stackpole's other works, but the premise shows promise.
January 28, 2011
Adult Warnings:
- Sexual Content
- Sexual Content
July 26, 2011
Definitely better than the first book with lots on enticement to get me into the third. Hoping the third book holds up to the second, perhaps it will even be better.
March 20, 2012
A little more difficult to keep the thread in this 2nd one..but could just be me..still enjoying this series!
May 30, 2012
This one has a cool idea, but I was busy and trying to read other things. I might come back to it later.
December 24, 2017
Živější, akčnější... zkrátka lepší než první díl. Více v připravované recenzi na Fantasyi ;)
June 11, 2022
Retroactive Review (11 Jun 2022): Please see my review of the series
here
under the first volume.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews