A murder, a Sun god, a toddler prince and a captain sworn to protect him, a usurper king, is how this intriguing tale begins. Thus starts this epic tale. And what follows is nothing short of SPECTACULAR!!! Although it starts off a bit slow, it builds up in tempo, like a train leaving the station, it picks up momentum until it's reached it's pinnacle. This allowed me to savour the nuances and get to know the incredible characters as they surface, each book building on the narrative, each book seamlessly flowing from one to the next, almost with the precision of a Rolex! And like a Rolex, this series is TIMELESS! It will continue to be one of my favourite series for years to come! Perhaps I should tell you why....
Firstly, the world this author builds is remarkably different, we get to experience so much, so many different facets, so many different realms, so many different people, who all, at some point, converge. We even get to be intergalactic travellers! This world is so rich, so real, so alive! Then there are the characters, of which there are many, but at no time was I lost, they are all lovingly handled by the author, all given an equality strong voice. I might not have LIKED all the characters, which only adds to the realism of the story. Which only shows the depth the author takes the characters to. To have one feel so strongly, is a work of art! Another feather I'm placing in the author's hat! And then there are the characters I DID love, like Ademes, who I must admit is one of my favourite characters, with his supposed easy going nature and ready smile. He was definitely a character I wanted to unravel! But I think Lekore surplants him. From his home world to a new world beyond the stars, Lekore's exuberance is catchy. There is something about Lekore that got under my skin, Lekore is the type of character I would love to have as my friend, he sees good in everyone, even those who try to assassinate him. Unspoilt, unassuming, only wanting to help and bring about peace, he cannot understand the concept of hate, such a wonderful character! As is his brother, Ademas, although a much more complex character. With so called gods thrown into the mix and different culture and beliefs vying to oust the other, the thrills kept me riveted throughout.
The storyline, as I mentioned is so different, so captivating.I enjoyed how the author draws one in, slowly pulling at the rope, until you're totally ensnared! I was kept guessing until the very end! In fact, there were so many twists and additions to the plot, that I was kept completely captivated throughout! I could never anticipate what was to happen next but each new occurrence, each new character, slotted in perfectly and unraveled a tale of unique characteristics. This series is for lovers of magic, of incredibly creative characters, of inter galactic adventures and strife. The so called gods are constantly jostling for dominance, which leads to some spectacular battles. Each race is so imaginatively portrayed and the attention to detail is superb. There are many characters in the book, all deserving a mention but I guess the best way to "discover" them, is to read this book and series. Wonderfully intriguing and intricate. This is a superbly written series, gorgeous characters and a writing style that's just up my alley!
When one reads a series as spectacular as this one, a major problem I have is trying to do justice with my review of this series and I must confess, whatever I do write, pales in comparison to the actual story. The world building takes us to new heights, literally, as we traverse the skies and new worlds, each one so deliciously different, each one unique. As are the inhabitants, I take my hat of to the author, her imagination knows no bounds! But the best part is that these worlds and it's people are so engaging and fun to read about, especially the world of Kiisuld, where Lekore tries to persuade the Sun Emperor that trust is vital. One couldn't find a more compassionate, caring, giving person and hold a candle to him. With each book, I find myself wishing I could spend hours in his company, just talking. The fact that he's a powerful Elemental is a bonus, who wouldn't like the elements to be at ones beck and call? See???? Lekore HAS done something to me!!!! I find it IMPOSSIBLE to stop singing accolades! I loved how the series centred on the inner turmoil of the characters, very refreshing and very poignant. These characters are all flawed, yet each one has tugs of conscience, even when bias is difficult to overcome, there is scope and hope for redemption. And that's just it, the hope that permeates throughout this series, even in the darkest hour, is befitting of every accolade, so masterfully crafted.
I cannot express the magnitude of this fantastic series, the complexities, the brilliance of the plot, the majestic characters, the descriptive prose, the immersive writing. So many facets are exposed, so many truths come out and it all finally ends in a spectacular fashion! What a wonderful, thrilling, emotional, very impressive series!