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The Tethered Citadel #2
World's Edge
Renegade sorcerer Raythe Vyre went off the edge of the map, seeking riches and redemption . . . but he has found the impossible: a vanished civilization - and the threat of eternal damnation!
Chasing a dream of wealth and freedom, Raythe Vyre's ragtag caravan of refugees from imperial oppression went off the map, into the frozen wastes of the north. What they found there was beyond all their expectations: Rath Argentium, the legendary city of the long-vanished Aldar, complete with its fabled floating citadel.
Even more unexpectedly, they encountered the Tangato, the remnants of the people who served the Aldar, who are shocked to learn that they're not alone in the world - and hostile to Raythe's interlopers.
What awaits Raythe's people in the haunted castle that floats above them, the lair of the last Aldar King? Everlasting wealth - or eternal damnation?
Chasing a dream of wealth and freedom, Raythe Vyre's ragtag caravan of refugees from imperial oppression went off the map, into the frozen wastes of the north. What they found there was beyond all their expectations: Rath Argentium, the legendary city of the long-vanished Aldar, complete with its fabled floating citadel.
Even more unexpectedly, they encountered the Tangato, the remnants of the people who served the Aldar, who are shocked to learn that they're not alone in the world - and hostile to Raythe's interlopers.
What awaits Raythe's people in the haunted castle that floats above them, the lair of the last Aldar King? Everlasting wealth - or eternal damnation?
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
10 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
David Hair
47 books535 followersDavid Hair is the author of The Bone Tiki, winner of Best First Novel (Young Adult Fiction section) at the 2010 NZ Post Children's Book Awards. The Bone Tiki and its sequel The Taniwha's Tear are fantasy novels set in New Zealand. David is a New Zealander, who has worked primarily in financial services. He has a degree in History and Classical Studies. He has lived from 2007 to 2010 in New Delhi, India, but usually resides in Wellington, New Zealand. Apart from writing, he is interested in folklore, history, and has a passion for football.
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January 19, 2025DNF at 30%
I wasn't particularly impressed with the first book in the series, but I was interested enough in the story to give the second book a try. I'm sad to say that I won't continue with this story.
I still don't care about the characters, either old or new ones, and I am not particularly invested in their fates. So after forcing myself to read a quarter of the book at least before I give up, I am calling it quits. This is simply not for me.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't particularly impressed with the first book in the series, but I was interested enough in the story to give the second book a try. I'm sad to say that I won't continue with this story.
I still don't care about the characters, either old or new ones, and I am not particularly invested in their fates. So after forcing myself to read a quarter of the book at least before I give up, I am calling it quits. This is simply not for me.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2021
I may just have been in the wrong mood for this, or it may just not be my kind of book. I'm not sure.
The first volume's big faults were worldbuilding lifted largely from real-world cultures (though with some alterations), and helping the plot along with several big coincidences at the end. I gave it a pass, and even four stars and a place in my Best of the Year list (though barely), because it was adventurous and exciting and everyone gets to make one or two mistakes. I noted, too, that the copy editing even in the pre-release copy I had from Netgalley was quite clean.
This one hasn't been as thoroughly copy edited prior to being sent out for review (I assume it will be before publication, though), revealing the author to be a sloppy typist with a habit of omitting or transposing words. Maybe that wore away at my enjoyment enough that I wasn't as gripped by the plot or charmed by the characters, who don't seem to get a lot more development than they'd had at the end of the previous book. To be fair, they were reasonably well developed at that point; I just felt that this was so much a plot-driven story that character development wasn't as much of a strength as in the first book.
There are certainly plenty of things going on, with multiple factions on each side of an armed stand-off, lots of treachery, and interludes that remind us that there's another worse threat on its way. War and treachery are not themes I generally seek out in my fiction, and that is probably another element of why I didn't like it much (which is about my personal taste, not the book's quality). There's also some gruesome torture, multiple graphic fights, and several threats of rape.
What pushed me over the edge into deciding that I wouldn't continue with the series, though, is another big coincidence near the end. Vaguely enough to avoid spoilers: there's something that's been going on for centuries, and it stops (by complete chance) in the same minute that some of the characters enter the scene. Great for cinematic drama; terrible for suspension of disbelief.
Also bad for my suspension of disbelief was the character armour/badass quotient of the main characters. Again, it's cinematic (though probably with an R rating for graphic violence).
So maybe part of the problem was that the tone was inconsistent. Sometimes grittily realistic (which I didn't personally enjoy), sometimes cinematic (which I found challenged credibility), sometimes a more standard epic fantasy feel lying between the two. The combination meant I could never really settle into the story, and overall I just didn't quite love it.
The first volume's big faults were worldbuilding lifted largely from real-world cultures (though with some alterations), and helping the plot along with several big coincidences at the end. I gave it a pass, and even four stars and a place in my Best of the Year list (though barely), because it was adventurous and exciting and everyone gets to make one or two mistakes. I noted, too, that the copy editing even in the pre-release copy I had from Netgalley was quite clean.
This one hasn't been as thoroughly copy edited prior to being sent out for review (I assume it will be before publication, though), revealing the author to be a sloppy typist with a habit of omitting or transposing words. Maybe that wore away at my enjoyment enough that I wasn't as gripped by the plot or charmed by the characters, who don't seem to get a lot more development than they'd had at the end of the previous book. To be fair, they were reasonably well developed at that point; I just felt that this was so much a plot-driven story that character development wasn't as much of a strength as in the first book.
There are certainly plenty of things going on, with multiple factions on each side of an armed stand-off, lots of treachery, and interludes that remind us that there's another worse threat on its way. War and treachery are not themes I generally seek out in my fiction, and that is probably another element of why I didn't like it much (which is about my personal taste, not the book's quality). There's also some gruesome torture, multiple graphic fights, and several threats of rape.
What pushed me over the edge into deciding that I wouldn't continue with the series, though, is another big coincidence near the end. Vaguely enough to avoid spoilers: there's something that's been going on for centuries, and it stops (by complete chance) in the same minute that some of the characters enter the scene. Great for cinematic drama; terrible for suspension of disbelief.
Also bad for my suspension of disbelief was the character armour/badass quotient of the main characters. Again, it's cinematic (though probably with an R rating for graphic violence).
So maybe part of the problem was that the tone was inconsistent. Sometimes grittily realistic (which I didn't personally enjoy), sometimes cinematic (which I found challenged credibility), sometimes a more standard epic fantasy feel lying between the two. The combination meant I could never really settle into the story, and overall I just didn't quite love it.
April 20, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, especially the worldbuilding. But, I found that World's Edge didn't hit home in quite the same way. It was still an enjoyable enough read, and there were some cinematic moments, but it felt as though some of the depth had disappeared and it was a struggle to get back into the world and story because it felt as though something was missing.
November 20, 2021
My thanks to Quercus Books Jo Fletcher Books for an invitation to review via NetGalley ‘World’s Edge’ by David Hair. I had previously read and enjoyed the Olympus Trilogy written by Hair with Cath Mayo so was very pleased to read this epic fantasy.
It is Book 2 in The Tethered Citadel trilogy. Although I hadn’t read Book 1, ‘Map’s Edge’, I had no difficulty as the author began the novel with a section titled ‘What Went Before’. This introduced the world of Shamaya, aspects of its history, peoples, magical systems, and a finally a summary of events in ‘Map’s Edge’.
This was very helpful and I wish more writers of fantasy novels told over two or three volumes would instigate a similar protocol.
Fleeing imperial oppression, healer/sorcerer Raythe Vyre has led a ragtag group of refugees into the frozen wastes of the North. They are not only seeking freedom but wealth in the form of a rare mineral called istariol. They discover Rath Argentium, the legendary city of the long-vanished Aldar. This citadel floats above the land upon a mountain peak tethered to the ground by giant chains. It’s a powerful image.
More unexpectedly they encounter the Tangato, the remnants of the people who had served the Aldar. They are shocked to learn that they're not alone in the world and definitely hostile to Raythe and his people. No further details to avoid spoilers for both books.
I felt that David Hair’s world-building was excellent and found myself quickly drawn into the narrative. His many characters were well realised. Some of the language was a bit modern for my taste, like the use of ‘Dad’, though this was a minor issue.
Within its pages are battles, duels, magic both light and dark, betrayals and alliances and of course the secrets long held in the floating citadel. Some scenes were quite strong in terms of horror and violence.
The novel ends with a preview of Book 3, ‘Sorcerer’s Edge’. I can hardly wait for it and also intend to read ‘Map’s Edge’, currently waiting on my Kindle.
It is Book 2 in The Tethered Citadel trilogy. Although I hadn’t read Book 1, ‘Map’s Edge’, I had no difficulty as the author began the novel with a section titled ‘What Went Before’. This introduced the world of Shamaya, aspects of its history, peoples, magical systems, and a finally a summary of events in ‘Map’s Edge’.
This was very helpful and I wish more writers of fantasy novels told over two or three volumes would instigate a similar protocol.
Fleeing imperial oppression, healer/sorcerer Raythe Vyre has led a ragtag group of refugees into the frozen wastes of the North. They are not only seeking freedom but wealth in the form of a rare mineral called istariol. They discover Rath Argentium, the legendary city of the long-vanished Aldar. This citadel floats above the land upon a mountain peak tethered to the ground by giant chains. It’s a powerful image.
More unexpectedly they encounter the Tangato, the remnants of the people who had served the Aldar. They are shocked to learn that they're not alone in the world and definitely hostile to Raythe and his people. No further details to avoid spoilers for both books.
I felt that David Hair’s world-building was excellent and found myself quickly drawn into the narrative. His many characters were well realised. Some of the language was a bit modern for my taste, like the use of ‘Dad’, though this was a minor issue.
Within its pages are battles, duels, magic both light and dark, betrayals and alliances and of course the secrets long held in the floating citadel. Some scenes were quite strong in terms of horror and violence.
The novel ends with a preview of Book 3, ‘Sorcerer’s Edge’. I can hardly wait for it and also intend to read ‘Map’s Edge’, currently waiting on my Kindle.
September 6, 2024
World's Edge is the second part of David Hair's brilliant Tethered Citadel trilogy.
It's ages since I read the first book, but no matter as there is a useful summary of events to date at the beginning. Helpful for people like me with rubbish memories, but it also means you can read the book as a standalone, without reading the other two. Although why you would deprive yourself of the rest of the story beats me.
So we meet Raythe Vyre and his people where we left them, holed up in an abandoned city everyone thought long gone, way up in the middle of the frozen north. A large area of fertile land is an indication of the presence of the magical mineral istariol, which could make them a fortune. But also present are thousands of people, the Tanagato, who have lived in isolation for over five hundred years believing themselves to be the only surviving humans.
There are truces, pacts and betrayals, sword fighting and sorcery, love and loss and a lot more besides. All the characters grow and develop, particularly Raythe's daughter Zarelda who is becoming a fine intelligent young woman. The culture of the Tanagato has an oriental feel, and the new characters from their ranks add more depth to this world.
This middle part has a satisfying story arc that ties up many of the events so far, but leaves enough strands for the final book to build on. It's a fabulous series, and I won't wait so long to read the final instalment.
It's ages since I read the first book, but no matter as there is a useful summary of events to date at the beginning. Helpful for people like me with rubbish memories, but it also means you can read the book as a standalone, without reading the other two. Although why you would deprive yourself of the rest of the story beats me.
So we meet Raythe Vyre and his people where we left them, holed up in an abandoned city everyone thought long gone, way up in the middle of the frozen north. A large area of fertile land is an indication of the presence of the magical mineral istariol, which could make them a fortune. But also present are thousands of people, the Tanagato, who have lived in isolation for over five hundred years believing themselves to be the only surviving humans.
There are truces, pacts and betrayals, sword fighting and sorcery, love and loss and a lot more besides. All the characters grow and develop, particularly Raythe's daughter Zarelda who is becoming a fine intelligent young woman. The culture of the Tanagato has an oriental feel, and the new characters from their ranks add more depth to this world.
This middle part has a satisfying story arc that ties up many of the events so far, but leaves enough strands for the final book to build on. It's a fabulous series, and I won't wait so long to read the final instalment.
January 10, 2022
Received arc from Quercus Books and Netgalley for honest read and review.
This is book 2 in the series and follows after events from book 1 Maps Edge.
Really excellent story and thoroughly enjoyable read,had me hooked from the beginning.
This is book 2 in the series and follows after events from book 1 Maps Edge.
Really excellent story and thoroughly enjoyable read,had me hooked from the beginning.
October 29, 2021
Simply incredible. If you thought the first book of this trilogy was good, this book surpasses it in every aspect.
There is such ambition here, with a plot that is encompassing and enthralling. Best of all, this book is very hard to predict & that is very refreshing.
I had no idea how this second book would pan out & reading this, I just loved every second. The loved (and not so loved) characters return, along with some new and bold characters, which just injects new life and fun into this & takes the story into new realms. Very, very enjoyable.
There is such ambition here, with a plot that is encompassing and enthralling. Best of all, this book is very hard to predict & that is very refreshing.
I had no idea how this second book would pan out & reading this, I just loved every second. The loved (and not so loved) characters return, along with some new and bold characters, which just injects new life and fun into this & takes the story into new realms. Very, very enjoyable.
April 27, 2025
Hach, das hat Spaß gemacht. Ich habe (für meine Verhältnisse) sehr flott den zweiten Teil der Reihe um die Schwebende Zitadelle gelesen. Gleich vorweg, die Reihe wurde leider nicht weiterübersetzt. Schade, denn zumindest die ersten beiden Teile gefielen mir sehr gut.
Da ich nicht spoilern möchte, werde ich nur grob auf den Inhalt eingehen. Im ersten Buch drehte sich alles um die Reise zur Schwebenden Zitadelle und im zweiten Teil geht es nun weiter nach der Ankunft. Ich verrate nicht zu viel, wenn ich schreibe, dass wir diverse Protagonisten wiedersehen und diese nun weitere Abenteuer bestreiten müssen.
Warum gefiel mir das Buch so gut? In dem Buch stecken viele aktuelle Themen, aber nicht mit dem Presslufthammer moralisch verpackt (da muss ich immer an Kuang denken mit „Babel“), sondern mit vielen Grautönen. Oder wie David Hair schreibt:
„No one had the sole ownership over being right.“
Es treffen verschiedene Kulturen mit einem unterschiedlichen Wertekanon aufeinander. Und ja, das Thema ethnische Herkunft wird ebenfalls aufgebracht und die Farbe der Haut spielt eine wichtige Rolle - denn spannenderweise nutzen die verschiedenen Völker die Hautfarbe unter anderem zur Abgrenzung, zur Aufwertung der eigenen Person und Abwertung des anderen. Gleichzeitig wird auch deutlich, wie entscheidend es sein kann, welchen Namen man für seinen Gegenüber hat. Sprache prägt und schafft Wirklichkeit. Sehr spannend ist zudem, dass das Matriarchat nicht als inherent positiv gesehen wird, sondern es auch dort Bewegungen gibt, die zu Gewalt führen.
Aber all diese Themen sind einfach super verpackt: nicht absolut formuliert, ohne Vorwurf und eher als Teil der Geschichte. Ich hatte nie den Eindruck, ein Buch zu lesen, das mir jetzt noch einmal aufzeigen müsse, wie die Welt funktioniert oder zu funktionieren habe. Und warum gerade ich doch das Problem sei.
Neben diesen Themen fand ich aber auch den Ideenreichtum toll, das Magiesystem spannend und wusste es zu schätzen, dass viele Charaktere nicht nur böse oder gut waren. Gerade das ist für mich die Stärke des Buches, nämlich mehr als nur zwei Extrempole zu kennen.
Mit etwas mehr als 400 Seiten ist das Buch auch genau richtig von der Länge: Es kam keine Langeweile auf und es wurde in meinen Augen nichts Wesentliches weggelassen, was ich vermisste habe. So kann Fantasy gehen.
Ach ja, es gab auch romantische Beziehungen, jedoch als Element der Handlung und nicht als zentrales Thema, um das sich alles dreht. Und auch queere Themen wurden durchaus behandelt, jedoch ebenfalls als Teil des Ganzen und nicht als Fokus.
Sehr empfehlenswert und ich hoffe immer noch, dass der Verlag vielleicht doch ein Einsehen hat und die Serie weiter übersetzt.
Da ich nicht spoilern möchte, werde ich nur grob auf den Inhalt eingehen. Im ersten Buch drehte sich alles um die Reise zur Schwebenden Zitadelle und im zweiten Teil geht es nun weiter nach der Ankunft. Ich verrate nicht zu viel, wenn ich schreibe, dass wir diverse Protagonisten wiedersehen und diese nun weitere Abenteuer bestreiten müssen.
Warum gefiel mir das Buch so gut? In dem Buch stecken viele aktuelle Themen, aber nicht mit dem Presslufthammer moralisch verpackt (da muss ich immer an Kuang denken mit „Babel“), sondern mit vielen Grautönen. Oder wie David Hair schreibt:
„No one had the sole ownership over being right.“
Es treffen verschiedene Kulturen mit einem unterschiedlichen Wertekanon aufeinander. Und ja, das Thema ethnische Herkunft wird ebenfalls aufgebracht und die Farbe der Haut spielt eine wichtige Rolle - denn spannenderweise nutzen die verschiedenen Völker die Hautfarbe unter anderem zur Abgrenzung, zur Aufwertung der eigenen Person und Abwertung des anderen. Gleichzeitig wird auch deutlich, wie entscheidend es sein kann, welchen Namen man für seinen Gegenüber hat. Sprache prägt und schafft Wirklichkeit. Sehr spannend ist zudem, dass das Matriarchat nicht als inherent positiv gesehen wird, sondern es auch dort Bewegungen gibt, die zu Gewalt führen.
Aber all diese Themen sind einfach super verpackt: nicht absolut formuliert, ohne Vorwurf und eher als Teil der Geschichte. Ich hatte nie den Eindruck, ein Buch zu lesen, das mir jetzt noch einmal aufzeigen müsse, wie die Welt funktioniert oder zu funktionieren habe. Und warum gerade ich doch das Problem sei.
Neben diesen Themen fand ich aber auch den Ideenreichtum toll, das Magiesystem spannend und wusste es zu schätzen, dass viele Charaktere nicht nur böse oder gut waren. Gerade das ist für mich die Stärke des Buches, nämlich mehr als nur zwei Extrempole zu kennen.
Mit etwas mehr als 400 Seiten ist das Buch auch genau richtig von der Länge: Es kam keine Langeweile auf und es wurde in meinen Augen nichts Wesentliches weggelassen, was ich vermisste habe. So kann Fantasy gehen.
Ach ja, es gab auch romantische Beziehungen, jedoch als Element der Handlung und nicht als zentrales Thema, um das sich alles dreht. Und auch queere Themen wurden durchaus behandelt, jedoch ebenfalls als Teil des Ganzen und nicht als Fokus.
Sehr empfehlenswert und ich hoffe immer noch, dass der Verlag vielleicht doch ein Einsehen hat und die Serie weiter übersetzt.
November 29, 2021
Firstly, if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading the first book, Map’s Edge, I strongly advise that you do so before tucking into this one. The action picks up right where Map’s Edge left off and you’ll probably be floundering at the start. That said, if you did read the first book a while ago and can’t quite recall all the important details, Hair has thoughtfully provided a very useful ‘Story So Far’ which handily jogs the memory. However, I don’t recommend that you rely on it instead of reading the first book – you’ll lose far too much of the detail, nuances and sheer energy of this cracking fantasy adventure for that to be a remotely satisfactory substitute for the actual book.
Once again, we are plunged into the middle of the unfolding emergency as two cultures collide. One group is on the run from a powerful regime committed to stamping their own way of doing things onto the subjects of a recently defeated nation, while the other group is the remnant of a mighty magical people responsible for the environmental catastrophe that has overtaken the planet. Hair explores this fascinating dynamic through a number of vivid, well written characters whose adventures and experiences had me reading far later than I’d intended. And at a climactic part of the story, my stomach was churning as I kept turning the pages – which doesn’t happen all that often.
I loved the directions in which the story went – and while there are some villains in the story that I loved to hate, I could understand why they made the choices they did. It takes a storyteller with power and charisma to provide that depth of characterisation and clarity of vision within a narrative crammed with action. I’ve found myself thinking a lot about this one since I put it down – the powerful characters and the discovery of a lost civilisation has resonated with me. Very highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy full of memorable characters, a riveting setting and a twisting plot full of action. While I obtained an arc of World’s Edge from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
Once again, we are plunged into the middle of the unfolding emergency as two cultures collide. One group is on the run from a powerful regime committed to stamping their own way of doing things onto the subjects of a recently defeated nation, while the other group is the remnant of a mighty magical people responsible for the environmental catastrophe that has overtaken the planet. Hair explores this fascinating dynamic through a number of vivid, well written characters whose adventures and experiences had me reading far later than I’d intended. And at a climactic part of the story, my stomach was churning as I kept turning the pages – which doesn’t happen all that often.
I loved the directions in which the story went – and while there are some villains in the story that I loved to hate, I could understand why they made the choices they did. It takes a storyteller with power and charisma to provide that depth of characterisation and clarity of vision within a narrative crammed with action. I’ve found myself thinking a lot about this one since I put it down – the powerful characters and the discovery of a lost civilisation has resonated with me. Very highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy full of memorable characters, a riveting setting and a twisting plot full of action. While I obtained an arc of World’s Edge from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
September 30, 2021
This is the second in the Tethered Citadel series following on from Map’s Edge. Sorceror and commander, Raythe Vyre and his followers have settled in the deserted city of Rath Argentium where they are hoping to find supplies of istariol to make their fortunes. However, the lost civilisation of the Tangato view the city as a sacred place and want Vyre and his companions to leave. They also have Vyre’s daughter, Zar and have adopted her into their tribe as a sorcerer. The book mainly concerns the powerplay on both sides; Vyre is continually being challenged by the mercenaries in his group and the tribes of the Rangato are in dispute over who should rule and how Vyre’s group should be treated. Also, you can throw in the fact that the rulers of the Tangato are directly descended from the legendary Aldur with their magic powers. The story moves between the two sides and comes to a climax up in the tethered citadel.
I really enjoyed the world building of the lost civilisation and the ruined city and also the continued build up of the characters of Vyre, Kemara, Jesco, Vaharana etc. The political organisation of the Tangato tribes is interesting with their female rulers and the way their civilisation has developed since the fall of the Aldur. Zarelda’s growth arc is a key feature of this book as she learns about her magic and begins to settle into the Tangato. There is also plenty of action as the different factions compete for the rule of their followers
This is a solid second book in this series and I continue to enjoy David Hair’s writing. The scene is set for the third book with the reintroduction of the Bolgravians and Toran Zorne.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the world building of the lost civilisation and the ruined city and also the continued build up of the characters of Vyre, Kemara, Jesco, Vaharana etc. The political organisation of the Tangato tribes is interesting with their female rulers and the way their civilisation has developed since the fall of the Aldur. Zarelda’s growth arc is a key feature of this book as she learns about her magic and begins to settle into the Tangato. There is also plenty of action as the different factions compete for the rule of their followers
This is a solid second book in this series and I continue to enjoy David Hair’s writing. The scene is set for the third book with the reintroduction of the Bolgravians and Toran Zorne.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2025
Although epic fantasy is not one of my great enthusiasms, the author's "Map's Edge" gave me enough entertainment, particularly in the contest between the protagonist Raythe Vyre, in a state of internal immigration in the wake of his nation's fall to a rising imperial power, and Toran Zorne, a servant of that empire. This is as Vyre floats an expedition to seek a deposit of a material that strengthens magical power, and Zorne is in hot pursuit to bring Vyre to heel. It made for a good plot, particularly since Zorne is drawn as being more than a shallow thug.
That brings us to this book, which is apparently the second book of a trilogy (Hair had previously mostly written quartets), and which badly suffers from the Middle Book Blues. Although this work does climax in another battle, that fight involves events set in play by Vyre's arrival amongst an unknown people. However, this fight does not involve Vyre versus Zorne, and that leaves me with a case of not really caring, as you know a bigger fight is to come. Also, I found some of Hair's world-building less convincing than in the first book; particularly his efforts to channel H. Rider Haggard.
I'll probably read the concluding book "Sorcerer's Edge" eventually, but I'm not feeling very eager at this point in time.
That brings us to this book, which is apparently the second book of a trilogy (Hair had previously mostly written quartets), and which badly suffers from the Middle Book Blues. Although this work does climax in another battle, that fight involves events set in play by Vyre's arrival amongst an unknown people. However, this fight does not involve Vyre versus Zorne, and that leaves me with a case of not really caring, as you know a bigger fight is to come. Also, I found some of Hair's world-building less convincing than in the first book; particularly his efforts to channel H. Rider Haggard.
I'll probably read the concluding book "Sorcerer's Edge" eventually, but I'm not feeling very eager at this point in time.
July 20, 2022
Unsurprisingly World's Edge starts off extactly were Map's Edge, the first book in the series left off although there is a nice prolog to bring readers back up to speed or introduce new readers to the setting. The Author does a good job of moving the plot along while at the same time fleshing out the setting and the characters. Thankfully he has avoided the trap of introducing too many characters and thus bogging the story down with multiple plot lines - it pays to kill off a few of your bad guys during the story in order to introduce some new ones! I was glad to see the cynicism of some of the characters pay off and the way the climactic battle was resolved was a nice twist that sets things up nicely for the next book.
If you're in to gunpowder era fantasy with some unique world building and magic systems, I strongly recommend this book.
If you're in to gunpowder era fantasy with some unique world building and magic systems, I strongly recommend this book.
November 18, 2021
This book has all the elements that made me love Map's Edge and something more as we meet the descendants of the Aldar and a different civilization.
It's fascinating to see how the different sides deal with the culture clash and how a civilization that doesn't go to war and live without exploiting the environment can be considered "primitive".
There's a lot going on in this book: plenty of action, treason, intrigues and some gore.
The characters are well developed and I think there's was an improvement as they're more nuanced.
I'm wondering what will be next and I cannot wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Jo Fletcher Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's fascinating to see how the different sides deal with the culture clash and how a civilization that doesn't go to war and live without exploiting the environment can be considered "primitive".
There's a lot going on in this book: plenty of action, treason, intrigues and some gore.
The characters are well developed and I think there's was an improvement as they're more nuanced.
I'm wondering what will be next and I cannot wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Jo Fletcher Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 12, 2021
A nice read with a traditional heavy hitting climax at the end. I gave it 5 as I enjoyed the even pace, set backs, fights and wins. Was interested in the Japanese and Māori sprinkled in with regard to the tribal settings. Some words I wasn’t sure about, maybe made up or another language.
The theme feels relatively familiar but this doesn’t detract from liking the read. One can anticipate what the third book will be about in the prologue. I read anticipating the story line falling into my stance on the third book with each page building in the right direction. The epilogue didn’t disappoint. Perhaps a ploy so one buys the third book to see if it rolls on as expected.
The theme feels relatively familiar but this doesn’t detract from liking the read. One can anticipate what the third book will be about in the prologue. I read anticipating the story line falling into my stance on the third book with each page building in the right direction. The epilogue didn’t disappoint. Perhaps a ploy so one buys the third book to see if it rolls on as expected.
April 5, 2023
This book had everything, twists, turns, magic. David Hair is at his best after he has established a setting and by book 2 the setting was well established.
Book 1 was a bit boring at the start but fine. This book was nearly impossible to put down unless life got in the way. I can't wait to read the third one. Book 1 only got good after about the half way point, this was a consistently well told story.
I can give specific details for both books if asked but I'll keep the interview just based on how I felt reading the books. And this case I was excited, shocked, and happy. Great read and would definitely recommend it if you've read the first one.
Book 1 was a bit boring at the start but fine. This book was nearly impossible to put down unless life got in the way. I can't wait to read the third one. Book 1 only got good after about the half way point, this was a consistently well told story.
I can give specific details for both books if asked but I'll keep the interview just based on how I felt reading the books. And this case I was excited, shocked, and happy. Great read and would definitely recommend it if you've read the first one.
November 15, 2021
"World's Edge" is the second book in the series "The Tethered Citadel". After reading "Map's Edge" (book 1), I was very much looking forward to the next book, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy... and even more thrilled that it lived up to my hopes. I still love David Hair's writing, and his world-building and character development are a joy. Book 3 can't come soon enough!
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
June 2, 2023
Amazing sequel, 10/10
I majorly love the fact that this is a sequel equal, or maybe even better, than the original. New characters and phenomena, new relationships and expansions upon old, there is nothing more I could have asked from this book. If you’re thinking about reading these books out of order though, you’re sorely mistaken and missing out. This is a very complex book but a good read nonetheless. Will read the third book.
I majorly love the fact that this is a sequel equal, or maybe even better, than the original. New characters and phenomena, new relationships and expansions upon old, there is nothing more I could have asked from this book. If you’re thinking about reading these books out of order though, you’re sorely mistaken and missing out. This is a very complex book but a good read nonetheless. Will read the third book.
December 20, 2023
It's kind of rare that you find a sequel that surpasses the original, but this manages quite well! The story is thick with action, intrigue, magic, politics, battles, and so much more. I do really recommend starting with the first book, so you kind of know what's going on. The character development and world building is stellar. Read the series if you like high fantasy and action!
November 14, 2021
Loved the worldbuilding the the first volume and this carried on into the second - loved seeing development of the tribe - their lives, culture and politics.
Many of the characters we loved and didn't love return and we are set up nicely for the third in the series.
Many of the characters we loved and didn't love return and we are set up nicely for the third in the series.
July 23, 2022
Unexpected twist to the story from the first book, but every bit as engaging and rapid. Good fantasy, put plainly!
March 22, 2023
I got a bit tired of some of the in-camp rivalries but the overall story was good and the characters were strong. Will pick up book 3.
February 26, 2024
why is this not a movie yet, i need this entire trilogy to be a movie!!!
October 9, 2024
For a sequel, this book really impressed me. The story is exciting and there are plenty of climaxes to enjoy. The end is quite the turn of events too. Wow. I'd read it again for sure.
December 16, 2024
Like Dalaran from WoW but slightly more bland (didn't think that was possible but David proved me wrong!)
December 18, 2024
very fast paced, some parts were questionable in a “this was written by a man” way but ya know
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