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Terra Incognita #2
The Map of All Things
After terrible atrocities by both sides, the religious war between Tierra and Uraba has spread and intensified, irreparably dividing the known world. What started as a series of skirmishes has erupted into a full-blown crusade.
Now that the Uraban leader, Soldan-Shah Omra, has captured the ruined city of Ishalem, his construction teams discover a priceless ancient map in an underground vault -- a map that can guide brave explorers to the mysterious Key to Creation. Omra dispatches his adoptive son Saan to sail east across the uncharted Middlesea on a quest to find it.
In Tierra, Captain Criston Vora has built a grand new vessel, and sets out to explore the great unknown and find the fabled land of Terravitae. But Criston cannot forget his previous voyage that ended in shipwreck and disaster . . . and the loss of his beloved wife Adrea, who -- unbeknownst to him -- fights to survive against palace intrigues and constant threats against her life in far-off Uraba. For Adrea is now the wife of the soldan-shah and mother of his adopted son . . .
The Map of All Things continues Kevin J Anderson's epic fantasy of sailing ships, crusading armies, sea monsters and enchanted islands.
Now that the Uraban leader, Soldan-Shah Omra, has captured the ruined city of Ishalem, his construction teams discover a priceless ancient map in an underground vault -- a map that can guide brave explorers to the mysterious Key to Creation. Omra dispatches his adoptive son Saan to sail east across the uncharted Middlesea on a quest to find it.
In Tierra, Captain Criston Vora has built a grand new vessel, and sets out to explore the great unknown and find the fabled land of Terravitae. But Criston cannot forget his previous voyage that ended in shipwreck and disaster . . . and the loss of his beloved wife Adrea, who -- unbeknownst to him -- fights to survive against palace intrigues and constant threats against her life in far-off Uraba. For Adrea is now the wife of the soldan-shah and mother of his adopted son . . .
The Map of All Things continues Kevin J Anderson's epic fantasy of sailing ships, crusading armies, sea monsters and enchanted islands.
603 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2010
35 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
1,037 books3,102 followersYes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
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October 19, 2011
http://www.rantingdragon.com/the-map-...
The Map of All Things is the second book in the three-part Terra Incognita series by Kevin J. Anderson. NOTE: This review may contain spoilers from Edge of the World; read at your own risk.
As before, so again
Without rehashing the content of my first review on the subject, the majority of my comments as to the believability, sensibility and logic of the narrative apply here just as they did to Edge of the World, though having settled into an understanding of what to expect, I found it far less jarring and much easier to simply read through and carry on to appreciate the development of the plot within its context.
To boldly go
This section of the story focuses much more on the voyages of discovery set up towards the end of the first book. Members of both sides of the Uraban/Tierran conflict have sent out ships of exploration, hoping to find the mythical land of Terravitae from which the Gods Aiden and Urec ventured forth at the urging of their Father, the creator God Ondun. They each hope that finding Terravitae will prove their own version of the faith to be correct, and that the third son of God, Holy Joron, will side with them against the other, making the motives for the ventures morally suspect. In spite of the questionable motives, the leaders of both expeditions are good men with noble intentions, so you never find yourself at a point where you wish either side ill.
Instead, you cheer for a pair of epic voyages into the great unknown, as the crews quite literally point away from shore and sail away with no concept whatsoever of what they might find, going on faith in the success of their mission.
The supernatural revealed
Another facet of this story that developed far more in this installment than in the first is the presence of the supernatural and mythical. We see some inklings in Edge of the World that the religious beliefs of these people are based in some kind of legitimate objective fact. We see what we would unmistakably call magic, if not miracles, and while nobody seems to be hearing or answering prayers, various occurrences suggest that there is truth to the idea that Gods walk the Earth. We see massive sea serpents, including the mythical Leviathan, a beast so hideous and powerful that Ondun refused to create it a mate lest together they overwhelm the entire sea.
By The Map of All Things, there is absolute proof that these are not all things that could be explained by our real-world science or the development of the natural world. This creates a much greater sense of depth and character to the world, causing the reader to think back over all previous events of the series in a new light. No longer can we assume the conflict overriding the entire series is simply the same ignorant religious warring we’ve seen so much in our own history. Once our objective observer view is shown something unmistakably miraculous or magical, our entire perspective shifts and we begin wondering if perhaps one side or the other actually is correct after all, instead of the typical ‘Oh look, religious zealots are causing problems again’ malaise we fight against in the real world.
Why should you read this book?
It still feels strange to be coming across so critically of a series that I’m actually thoroughly enjoying, but I suppose the fact that I do find the series so interesting and engaging is why I’m latching onto any little thing that pulls me away from that.
The characters are developed much more deeply in this installment, since we’ve really already set the stage for the major players and explored their pasts. The story is more interesting, and concentrates less on the pointless travesty of a war going on, focusing on the exploration and the world to a much greater degree. It’s a ripping great yarn for anybody who enjoys a good adventure tale with plenty of danger and derring-do.
The Map of All Things is the second book in the three-part Terra Incognita series by Kevin J. Anderson. NOTE: This review may contain spoilers from Edge of the World; read at your own risk.
As before, so again
Without rehashing the content of my first review on the subject, the majority of my comments as to the believability, sensibility and logic of the narrative apply here just as they did to Edge of the World, though having settled into an understanding of what to expect, I found it far less jarring and much easier to simply read through and carry on to appreciate the development of the plot within its context.
To boldly go
This section of the story focuses much more on the voyages of discovery set up towards the end of the first book. Members of both sides of the Uraban/Tierran conflict have sent out ships of exploration, hoping to find the mythical land of Terravitae from which the Gods Aiden and Urec ventured forth at the urging of their Father, the creator God Ondun. They each hope that finding Terravitae will prove their own version of the faith to be correct, and that the third son of God, Holy Joron, will side with them against the other, making the motives for the ventures morally suspect. In spite of the questionable motives, the leaders of both expeditions are good men with noble intentions, so you never find yourself at a point where you wish either side ill.
Instead, you cheer for a pair of epic voyages into the great unknown, as the crews quite literally point away from shore and sail away with no concept whatsoever of what they might find, going on faith in the success of their mission.
The supernatural revealed
Another facet of this story that developed far more in this installment than in the first is the presence of the supernatural and mythical. We see some inklings in Edge of the World that the religious beliefs of these people are based in some kind of legitimate objective fact. We see what we would unmistakably call magic, if not miracles, and while nobody seems to be hearing or answering prayers, various occurrences suggest that there is truth to the idea that Gods walk the Earth. We see massive sea serpents, including the mythical Leviathan, a beast so hideous and powerful that Ondun refused to create it a mate lest together they overwhelm the entire sea.
By The Map of All Things, there is absolute proof that these are not all things that could be explained by our real-world science or the development of the natural world. This creates a much greater sense of depth and character to the world, causing the reader to think back over all previous events of the series in a new light. No longer can we assume the conflict overriding the entire series is simply the same ignorant religious warring we’ve seen so much in our own history. Once our objective observer view is shown something unmistakably miraculous or magical, our entire perspective shifts and we begin wondering if perhaps one side or the other actually is correct after all, instead of the typical ‘Oh look, religious zealots are causing problems again’ malaise we fight against in the real world.
Why should you read this book?
It still feels strange to be coming across so critically of a series that I’m actually thoroughly enjoying, but I suppose the fact that I do find the series so interesting and engaging is why I’m latching onto any little thing that pulls me away from that.
The characters are developed much more deeply in this installment, since we’ve really already set the stage for the major players and explored their pasts. The story is more interesting, and concentrates less on the pointless travesty of a war going on, focusing on the exploration and the world to a much greater degree. It’s a ripping great yarn for anybody who enjoys a good adventure tale with plenty of danger and derring-do.
December 29, 2010
I have to give it 3 stars for complexity, pace and new ideas. But this book isn't as good as the first. It seems as if the author is making it up as he goes along, and inventing new stuff as required to keep the plot moving.
As with the first book, almost every move is telegraphed. We are never surprised that a character isn't what he/she seems to be because broad hints are always provided.
+1 to this book for not having as many implausible coincidences, such as having Hannes, lost in the mountains, stumble right into Creston's back yard. Creston, right, the guy who lives as a recluse until everyone who knew him is gone, then reappears in rags to say, "Yo, I'm here to captain the super-ship" and everyone says, "hey, Cres, dude, you da man."
+1 for having crazy-for-power religious people on one side, a crazy-with-fervor priest on the other.
+1 for not having ALL the heroes escape unscathed no matter what happens.
-1 for the fact that magic is rarely mentioned, except suddenly when it's needed because nothing else would advance the plot.
We have sympathetic magic that works at a distance. A model of an object reflects changes to the object, and this seems to be common but no one has ever thought to use it for anything else. A torn notebook can be used like a fax machine over apparently-infinite distances, but no one has ever thought to use it for anything except as a walkie-talkie for travelling priestesses. In a world with Dalicar (who is clearly C.M.O.T. Dibbler from Discworld) someone would have found a military or commercial application.
Sailing, sailing, dum de dum de dum - oh, look, here's God's body. Not to worry, his wife can un-age and is a mighty wizard, although I'd have thought that his powers would let her just make a new ship instead of plugging holes with starfish. Never mind, let's piss her off and flee. Oops, gosh, look a serpent big enough to circle the world, although its head is small enough to swoop down and check us out.
Let's repeat countless times that mammoths can't be tamed and there's nothing for them to eat, then let's march them across a mountain range (hello, Hannibal!), have them go exactly where we want them, then repeat that they are still hungry and have to go back into the mountains where the food isn't.
We have just too many repeats of the plot line in which we see that X is a wonderful, kind and intelligent person, but gosh those other guys are so mean that X has no choice but to out-mean them. Once would have been enough, maybe twice.
Oh, and it's an adventure, so let's have enough slaughter to fill up a video game.
Ah. I see now. This is a book for the video game crowd. Lots of action, and don't look to closely at the plot.
I'm not saying that's a bad thing, either. This isn't a book for the ages, it's a story.
Overall, I disliked this book, but I'll probably STILL read the third one just to see how it ends.
To write more than 100 novels in less than 50 years of life, probably 30 years of writing, you have to write quickly.
Isaac Asimov could do it without the haste showing. KA can't quite.
I hope KA finds time along the way to take his time and write a one-volume corker; I think it would be terrific.
As with the first book, almost every move is telegraphed. We are never surprised that a character isn't what he/she seems to be because broad hints are always provided.
+1 to this book for not having as many implausible coincidences, such as having Hannes, lost in the mountains, stumble right into Creston's back yard. Creston, right, the guy who lives as a recluse until everyone who knew him is gone, then reappears in rags to say, "Yo, I'm here to captain the super-ship" and everyone says, "hey, Cres, dude, you da man."
+1 for having crazy-for-power religious people on one side, a crazy-with-fervor priest on the other.
+1 for not having ALL the heroes escape unscathed no matter what happens.
-1 for the fact that magic is rarely mentioned, except suddenly when it's needed because nothing else would advance the plot.
We have sympathetic magic that works at a distance. A model of an object reflects changes to the object, and this seems to be common but no one has ever thought to use it for anything else. A torn notebook can be used like a fax machine over apparently-infinite distances, but no one has ever thought to use it for anything except as a walkie-talkie for travelling priestesses. In a world with Dalicar (who is clearly C.M.O.T. Dibbler from Discworld) someone would have found a military or commercial application.
Sailing, sailing, dum de dum de dum - oh, look, here's God's body. Not to worry, his wife can un-age and is a mighty wizard, although I'd have thought that his powers would let her just make a new ship instead of plugging holes with starfish. Never mind, let's piss her off and flee. Oops, gosh, look a serpent big enough to circle the world, although its head is small enough to swoop down and check us out.
Let's repeat countless times that mammoths can't be tamed and there's nothing for them to eat, then let's march them across a mountain range (hello, Hannibal!), have them go exactly where we want them, then repeat that they are still hungry and have to go back into the mountains where the food isn't.
We have just too many repeats of the plot line in which we see that X is a wonderful, kind and intelligent person, but gosh those other guys are so mean that X has no choice but to out-mean them. Once would have been enough, maybe twice.
Oh, and it's an adventure, so let's have enough slaughter to fill up a video game.
Ah. I see now. This is a book for the video game crowd. Lots of action, and don't look to closely at the plot.
I'm not saying that's a bad thing, either. This isn't a book for the ages, it's a story.
Overall, I disliked this book, but I'll probably STILL read the third one just to see how it ends.
To write more than 100 novels in less than 50 years of life, probably 30 years of writing, you have to write quickly.
Isaac Asimov could do it without the haste showing. KA can't quite.
I hope KA finds time along the way to take his time and write a one-volume corker; I think it would be terrific.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2014
While i liked the Edge of the World quite a lot, The Map of all Things is even better despite its transitional middle volume character; there are three reasons:
- the action is more compact in time and the character set is the same (at least the surviving ones since the author does not shy in killing characters) while under the pressures of total war new radical technologies develop
- the book is even darker and *more realistic* at least as politics go, with the full reality of fanaticism, as well as of otherwise reasonable people caught in a spiral of atrocities on both sides; so the Urabans use the ravirs to break an Aidenist attack by assassinating commanders, the Aidenists massacre hundreds of prisoners of war and throw their heads into the Uraban camp and then so it goes with atrocity topping atrocity on both sides; same with the other threads that do not involve the war, but have their own darker sides too
- there is a lot of exploration, sense of wonder and finally we have quite a few voyages of discovery going on, as well as magic
the same clear and serviceable prose makes the book a fast read despite its length since it's a page turner you do not want to put down; the ending is on moderate cliffhangers in some threads and on a big one in one of the threads but the heft of the book makes it ok since a lot happens between its covers
A strong A to A+ depending on reread sets up an asap The Key to Creation trilogy ending novel...
- the action is more compact in time and the character set is the same (at least the surviving ones since the author does not shy in killing characters) while under the pressures of total war new radical technologies develop
- the book is even darker and *more realistic* at least as politics go, with the full reality of fanaticism, as well as of otherwise reasonable people caught in a spiral of atrocities on both sides; so the Urabans use the ravirs to break an Aidenist attack by assassinating commanders, the Aidenists massacre hundreds of prisoners of war and throw their heads into the Uraban camp and then so it goes with atrocity topping atrocity on both sides; same with the other threads that do not involve the war, but have their own darker sides too
- there is a lot of exploration, sense of wonder and finally we have quite a few voyages of discovery going on, as well as magic
the same clear and serviceable prose makes the book a fast read despite its length since it's a page turner you do not want to put down; the ending is on moderate cliffhangers in some threads and on a big one in one of the threads but the heft of the book makes it ok since a lot happens between its covers
A strong A to A+ depending on reread sets up an asap The Key to Creation trilogy ending novel...
September 22, 2011
I vaguely remember the previous book. I know it didn't grab me up until the end. But since I love Kevin J. Anderson and it's only a trilogy, I decided to give this book a shot.
Sadly, this book was worse than the first one. In some ways, this trilogy reminds me of Anderson's The Saga of Seven Suns. It has a huge cast, short chapters that end on a cliffhanger, and the world's pretty big. Now, I loved Seven Suns because of the characters, and was hanging on the edge of my seat because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. None of that was here.
The biggest reason for that was the characters. I never found myself caring about any of them here. It might have had to do with the fact that the book jumped around so much and it was a long time before I saw them again. But I think the biggest reason was that there's no bad guy.
There's no one to root for or against. Both the Urabans and Tierrans both do bad things and they both have good characteristics in them. It's a very balanced point of view, but the plots aren't balanced.
I did kind of end up rooting for the Tierrans but only because they get their ass kicked. In the first book, things were kind of even, but here the Urabans have strong allies who they acquired rather easily, firepowder, a wall. The Tierrans have...a better ship?
Speaking of the two ships that look for the Key of Creation, it is the most interesting of the plots, but it's rarely seen and it doesn't seem to matter for the religious war. I know they're going to play a bigger part and probably bring everyone together, but that won't be til the last book.
Another problem I had was there were a lot of side plots that seemed to end nowhere like the one with the bandits and church. They just ended.
I still like the religion and the world building and the little magic there is. That's still really good. I just wish I cared about the characters.
If this was a 7 book series, I would stop reading. Since it's a trilogy and there's only one more book to go, I'll finish it. At the very least, I hope two pairs of characters get together. Otherwise, it would really suck if they didn't. Give me something. I kind of care about that.
Sadly, this book was worse than the first one. In some ways, this trilogy reminds me of Anderson's The Saga of Seven Suns. It has a huge cast, short chapters that end on a cliffhanger, and the world's pretty big. Now, I loved Seven Suns because of the characters, and was hanging on the edge of my seat because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. None of that was here.
The biggest reason for that was the characters. I never found myself caring about any of them here. It might have had to do with the fact that the book jumped around so much and it was a long time before I saw them again. But I think the biggest reason was that there's no bad guy.
There's no one to root for or against. Both the Urabans and Tierrans both do bad things and they both have good characteristics in them. It's a very balanced point of view, but the plots aren't balanced.
I did kind of end up rooting for the Tierrans but only because they get their ass kicked. In the first book, things were kind of even, but here the Urabans have strong allies who they acquired rather easily, firepowder, a wall. The Tierrans have...a better ship?
Speaking of the two ships that look for the Key of Creation, it is the most interesting of the plots, but it's rarely seen and it doesn't seem to matter for the religious war. I know they're going to play a bigger part and probably bring everyone together, but that won't be til the last book.
Another problem I had was there were a lot of side plots that seemed to end nowhere like the one with the bandits and church. They just ended.
I still like the religion and the world building and the little magic there is. That's still really good. I just wish I cared about the characters.
If this was a 7 book series, I would stop reading. Since it's a trilogy and there's only one more book to go, I'll finish it. At the very least, I hope two pairs of characters get together. Otherwise, it would really suck if they didn't. Give me something. I kind of care about that.
June 10, 2011
As I've said before I LOVE all of Kevin J. Anderson's sci-fi/fantasy. This new Trilogy - Terra Incognita - has been so much fun. A really interesting change of setting for a sci-fi/fantasy. To sum up it is about two basic storylines in this fantastic world - one is a continuous exploration to find the "key to Terra Vitae(sp?)" and uncover the true map of the world in which they live; second is a religious war between two lines of the same origin. The story goes that Urich and Andan were brothers of the original creator of the world who became "lost" and descendants either followed Andan or Urich and a Holy War started out of an accident that was interpreted as an attack and the war goes on and on through, so far, two generations because of continued acts of violence being carried out in "the name of Andan" or "the name of Urich" without authority to do so and it stirs up more hate and vengence. This is the second book and the violence and hate is escalating. The characters are endearing and Anderson has even created "rock opera CDs" with several well known and respected musicians and artists in the industry (including Mike Welsh(sp?) from Kansas). I look forward to experiencing the music and art in the CDs.
September 24, 2016
A rarity in the fantasy trilogy series world... A second book that is better than the first.
Maybe it's because I'm invested in all the characters and love so many of them. Maybe it's the literal comparison of both warring religions/groups of people. Or maybe it's just because Anderson knows how to feed us tidbits of each character that keep us reading forward.
Just like George R.R. Martin first showed us in the late 90s; characters in fantasy books with monsters, war and magic cannot all be safe. Period.
Not everyone is safe, and in the case of this second book of the series Anderson starkly reminds us of this. He also reminds us that when we know the major players on both sides of the war that someone looses some of the battles... Even if we sympathize with both parties. Clever, clever.
Another thing that may increase my like of The Map of All Things is that there is more fantastical, magical beings, items and situations. But not too many, just enough to thrill me and satisfy me.
Obviously I'm looking forward to book three, Key of Creation. And while it seems moderately sad that there are only three books in this series; it's also satisfying to know that there is a written and planned ending that doesn't go on forever.
Maybe it's because I'm invested in all the characters and love so many of them. Maybe it's the literal comparison of both warring religions/groups of people. Or maybe it's just because Anderson knows how to feed us tidbits of each character that keep us reading forward.
Just like George R.R. Martin first showed us in the late 90s; characters in fantasy books with monsters, war and magic cannot all be safe. Period.
Not everyone is safe, and in the case of this second book of the series Anderson starkly reminds us of this. He also reminds us that when we know the major players on both sides of the war that someone looses some of the battles... Even if we sympathize with both parties. Clever, clever.
Another thing that may increase my like of The Map of All Things is that there is more fantastical, magical beings, items and situations. But not too many, just enough to thrill me and satisfy me.
Obviously I'm looking forward to book three, Key of Creation. And while it seems moderately sad that there are only three books in this series; it's also satisfying to know that there is a written and planned ending that doesn't go on forever.
December 9, 2018
While I like the premise of the story .. there isn’t enough fantasy books about ships and sailing and exploring really .. I think the author spends much too long on one side of the story, rather than giving an even balance. Also found he tends to expand or mention very minor details, or repeat himself, for no apparent reason. Some of the characters seem to be just dropped in, as if the reader is expected to know them and understand their motives and reasons. Although I enjoyed Anderson’s Star Wars books, I’ve found this series to be a little too predictable. I’ve given it three stars because two stars for the sailing and exploring theme, and one star for the rest.
January 9, 2013
The Map of All Things stars up about six years after the first book of the trilogy, and doesn't fall into the same trap of trying to cover years and years (about 20) of storyline. Partly this is because all of the setup for the world has been done.
The two nations are still at war (and acting in self-centered ways that made me want to slap some of the characters). The 'muslims' are in control of the ruins of the holy city and are rebuilding it. They are also building a wall across the thin spit of land that joins the two continents. And the former ruler of the 'muslims' has brought back the secret of gunpowder from the land beyond the desert (which seems slightly based on China, or more likely the Mongols, I would say), which they are using both as a weapon and to cut the 'suez' canal through that spit of land. Oh, and a ship from 'China' has come the long way around the continent to ally themselves with the 'muslims'.
Meanwhile, the 'christians' have discovered the secret 'muslim' mines in a mostly innaccessible portion of their continent, and are planning on taking mammoths over the mountains to attack them (shades of Hanibal of Carthage).
Also, both sides have found different maps to the third continent that their gods came from, and send seperate ships. One is under the command of Criston, who commanded the first attempt, years earlier. The 'muslim' ship is commanded by Saan, whose mother is married to the ruler of the 'muslims'. Oh, and Criston is his father, although neither one is aware of this, or of each other. And both ships have chartmasters who come from the 'jewish' sect, which are focused on creating a complete map of the world.
I know, I know, I could have used the sect names from the book, but they are so obviously based on the three religions out of our history, and a lot of the conflict seems very based on the history of things like the Crusades. And while the author tries to include both good and bad characters on both sides, the 'muslim' society as a whole comes across a lot less likeable. Other than the ruler and his father, they tend more to the blind fanatic type.
And while this is a fantasy series, this book actually has more fantasy elements, other than an alternate world that has monster sea serpents and sympathetic magic (two things made from the same materials are permanently linked, which allows communication between the ships and their homelands)
I did find this book better than the first one, but not enough to bump it up to four stars, but it came close. We'll see if the third book can close up the series in a satisfying way.
The two nations are still at war (and acting in self-centered ways that made me want to slap some of the characters). The 'muslims' are in control of the ruins of the holy city and are rebuilding it. They are also building a wall across the thin spit of land that joins the two continents. And the former ruler of the 'muslims' has brought back the secret of gunpowder from the land beyond the desert (which seems slightly based on China, or more likely the Mongols, I would say), which they are using both as a weapon and to cut the 'suez' canal through that spit of land. Oh, and a ship from 'China' has come the long way around the continent to ally themselves with the 'muslims'.
Meanwhile, the 'christians' have discovered the secret 'muslim' mines in a mostly innaccessible portion of their continent, and are planning on taking mammoths over the mountains to attack them (shades of Hanibal of Carthage).
Also, both sides have found different maps to the third continent that their gods came from, and send seperate ships. One is under the command of Criston, who commanded the first attempt, years earlier. The 'muslim' ship is commanded by Saan, whose mother is married to the ruler of the 'muslims'. Oh, and Criston is his father, although neither one is aware of this, or of each other. And both ships have chartmasters who come from the 'jewish' sect, which are focused on creating a complete map of the world.
I know, I know, I could have used the sect names from the book, but they are so obviously based on the three religions out of our history, and a lot of the conflict seems very based on the history of things like the Crusades. And while the author tries to include both good and bad characters on both sides, the 'muslim' society as a whole comes across a lot less likeable. Other than the ruler and his father, they tend more to the blind fanatic type.
And while this is a fantasy series, this book actually has more fantasy elements, other than an alternate world that has monster sea serpents and sympathetic magic (two things made from the same materials are permanently linked, which allows communication between the ships and their homelands)
I did find this book better than the first one, but not enough to bump it up to four stars, but it came close. We'll see if the third book can close up the series in a satisfying way.
June 7, 2012
The second installment in what looks like it will be a long series of books. Unlike its predecessor, The Map of All Things offers a much more continuous storyline - time-jumps are used minimally, mostly to cover periods of non-activity (for example two of the storylines in the book are set on ships, so every so often the story jumps over days or weeks of plain sailing on the open sea).
As with the first book, the characters are one of the strongest points in the story. Most of the original characters are present (including one that may surprise you!) and they remain the complex and thoughtful characters that they were in the previous book. However, the cast is expanded as some of the children of the original characters are now old enough to begin making their mark on the world. Anderson does well in establishing these new characters, they have a distinctly different feel to the adults rather than being carbon-copies with smaller numbers attached to them (a flaw in many epic fantasies where children and teenagers often seem to think and reason like adults, which can only partially be justified by the experiences they often go through).
The second book expands the setting with more fantastical elements than the first including appearances by non-human characters. However magic remains a secondary and relatively limited element. There are no organisations of mages or problems directly related to magic in this story (yet!). The comparison with the Crusader Age mixed with a dash of Christopher Columbus remains strong, and at this point I'm fairly certain that it is intentional, although what message Anderson might be trying to communicate isn't fully clear to me yet (I have my suspicions, but I'll let you make up your own minds rather than spell them out here).
In my review of the first book I criticised its plot for its seeming lack of direction. It is now clear to me, however, that there was never meant to be any overarching direction in the first place. This is more like the full story of two nations at war, with accounts from both sides, rather than a story that is driving towards some world-shaking apocalypse. I allowed my reading of other series to colour my expectations instead of taking the book at face value. With that in mind, the plots of this book are worthy continuations of and successors to the previous book. The storylines are diverse and each one is developed at an appropriate pace throughout.
Overall I recommend this book and its predecessor to epic fantasy fans and historical fiction fans alike.
As with the first book, the characters are one of the strongest points in the story. Most of the original characters are present (including one that may surprise you!) and they remain the complex and thoughtful characters that they were in the previous book. However, the cast is expanded as some of the children of the original characters are now old enough to begin making their mark on the world. Anderson does well in establishing these new characters, they have a distinctly different feel to the adults rather than being carbon-copies with smaller numbers attached to them (a flaw in many epic fantasies where children and teenagers often seem to think and reason like adults, which can only partially be justified by the experiences they often go through).
The second book expands the setting with more fantastical elements than the first including appearances by non-human characters. However magic remains a secondary and relatively limited element. There are no organisations of mages or problems directly related to magic in this story (yet!). The comparison with the Crusader Age mixed with a dash of Christopher Columbus remains strong, and at this point I'm fairly certain that it is intentional, although what message Anderson might be trying to communicate isn't fully clear to me yet (I have my suspicions, but I'll let you make up your own minds rather than spell them out here).
In my review of the first book I criticised its plot for its seeming lack of direction. It is now clear to me, however, that there was never meant to be any overarching direction in the first place. This is more like the full story of two nations at war, with accounts from both sides, rather than a story that is driving towards some world-shaking apocalypse. I allowed my reading of other series to colour my expectations instead of taking the book at face value. With that in mind, the plots of this book are worthy continuations of and successors to the previous book. The storylines are diverse and each one is developed at an appropriate pace throughout.
Overall I recommend this book and its predecessor to epic fantasy fans and historical fiction fans alike.
July 27, 2016
I can see why this book has been polarizing for many readers.
As strange as it seems, I find myself being both extremely critical of this book, but at the same time absolutely and utterly enjoying it.
It took me a while to get emotionally involved in this story, but once I did, and once I got used to the slightly unusual writing style and the jumping (and sometimes slow moving plot) it was a totally different story.
It was very nice to have several story-lines developed equally within the novel, with as much interest and intrigue as each other.
Whilst the religious conflict of the story clearly shows some similarities to existing religions in the real world (and those who have read it will know which ones without any doubt) there is no particular preference shown for one over the other. They are both demonized and glorified in equal measure. I really liked that this book addressed the issue of religious conflict from both sides (esp. radical forms of religion), and does so in a way in which both sides are respected for their benefits and brought to light for their flaws.
The author has demonstrated in a particularly spectacular way the bias which can be created by existing preconceptions and ignorance of the other.
Despite how the author begun (in the previous book) by introducing us to a single religious faction, and slowly introduced the other, by the time you get to this book it is becoming almost impossible to know where your allegiance lies. And this sense of there being no good-guy and no bad-guy was really unique and interesting. And the way in which we have come to that point has been particularly illuminating.
This book has proved that the series is going to live up to the promise I felt in the first book of becoming a complex fantasy story of truly epic proportions. It has proven to be a really deep and engaging read, and well worth the effort it takes to orientate yourself within the author's universe. And despite being a rather large book it was a surprisingly quick read.
And despite its flaws it has fast become one of my favorite novels in recent times.
Whilst reading this book I would almost certainly have rated this at 5 stars. It thoroughly engrosses you, and it is only after it is finished that I came to realize some of the flaws.
As strange as it seems, I find myself being both extremely critical of this book, but at the same time absolutely and utterly enjoying it.
It took me a while to get emotionally involved in this story, but once I did, and once I got used to the slightly unusual writing style and the jumping (and sometimes slow moving plot) it was a totally different story.
It was very nice to have several story-lines developed equally within the novel, with as much interest and intrigue as each other.
Whilst the religious conflict of the story clearly shows some similarities to existing religions in the real world (and those who have read it will know which ones without any doubt) there is no particular preference shown for one over the other. They are both demonized and glorified in equal measure. I really liked that this book addressed the issue of religious conflict from both sides (esp. radical forms of religion), and does so in a way in which both sides are respected for their benefits and brought to light for their flaws.
The author has demonstrated in a particularly spectacular way the bias which can be created by existing preconceptions and ignorance of the other.
Despite how the author begun (in the previous book) by introducing us to a single religious faction, and slowly introduced the other, by the time you get to this book it is becoming almost impossible to know where your allegiance lies. And this sense of there being no good-guy and no bad-guy was really unique and interesting. And the way in which we have come to that point has been particularly illuminating.
This book has proved that the series is going to live up to the promise I felt in the first book of becoming a complex fantasy story of truly epic proportions. It has proven to be a really deep and engaging read, and well worth the effort it takes to orientate yourself within the author's universe. And despite being a rather large book it was a surprisingly quick read.
And despite its flaws it has fast become one of my favorite novels in recent times.
Whilst reading this book I would almost certainly have rated this at 5 stars. It thoroughly engrosses you, and it is only after it is finished that I came to realize some of the flaws.
July 13, 2010
As with the first book in the series, this one is a page turner. The series is a trilogy, so if you haven't read "Edge of the World" yet, please go do so. I don't know if I would classify this series as High Fantasy, but for any avid readers of epic fantasy, this is the series you've been waiting for.
As for this book itself, it (just like the first one) is divided into parts, usually each part occurring after some major event, then skipping ahead 1 or 2 years or so. This isn't always the case, as you'll notice, but the author really tries to cram as much story as he can in this 600 page book. The author doesn't bother with unnecessary details, but he also doesn't fail to create a perfect image in your mind's eye.
I hate to spoil anything, but the author makes it really hard to choose which faction of characters you like and which faction you don't like. There are two main factions (the followers of Aiden and the followers of Urec) but three or four other factions that still play a huge part in the story.
The author is not afraid to kill off characters, and isn't afraid to build up a plot-line for a hundred pages, only to have one of the opposing factions ruin the whole thing.
With realistic characters, no clear good-guy or bad-guy, more than a few twists, and all against a backdrop of high seas adventuring, politics, action, and magic, it makes me sad that this is only a trilogy. Just like the first in the series, the moment you realize there's only a few pages left between you and the back of the book is awful... because you want to know so much more about new elements they just introduced. In that regard... if you absolutely can't stand cliffhangers, then don't read it yet. But you'll be missing out while you wait!
A must read for any fans of fantasy.
As for this book itself, it (just like the first one) is divided into parts, usually each part occurring after some major event, then skipping ahead 1 or 2 years or so. This isn't always the case, as you'll notice, but the author really tries to cram as much story as he can in this 600 page book. The author doesn't bother with unnecessary details, but he also doesn't fail to create a perfect image in your mind's eye.
I hate to spoil anything, but the author makes it really hard to choose which faction of characters you like and which faction you don't like. There are two main factions (the followers of Aiden and the followers of Urec) but three or four other factions that still play a huge part in the story.
The author is not afraid to kill off characters, and isn't afraid to build up a plot-line for a hundred pages, only to have one of the opposing factions ruin the whole thing.
With realistic characters, no clear good-guy or bad-guy, more than a few twists, and all against a backdrop of high seas adventuring, politics, action, and magic, it makes me sad that this is only a trilogy. Just like the first in the series, the moment you realize there's only a few pages left between you and the back of the book is awful... because you want to know so much more about new elements they just introduced. In that regard... if you absolutely can't stand cliffhangers, then don't read it yet. But you'll be missing out while you wait!
A must read for any fans of fantasy.
February 7, 2011
The guy writes a pretty great epic, man. I didn't like the death of (fairly important character who dies in the book one here), it felt like he was a little weakly sketched in general in this book but whatever, when you're weaving a tapestry as big as Anderson is likely to weave this one, sometimes you drop a stitch. Good good good fun, and you can almost feel him channelling Frank Herbert. Instead of digging sandpits in his back yard and grousing about OPEC and radical islam, he's playing old sword and sandal flicks and grousing about religious intolerance and... radical Islam (also radical Christianity). Mostly religon. Basically. The issue with this, like Dune, is that I feel a "Chapterhouse: Dune" out there in the future, if you know what I mean. And even worse? I feel a "The Butlerian Jihad" out there too. But for now, it's fun and exciting.
July 24, 2012
A good book similar to its predecessor. The main difference is that the people who frustrate you are changed and the frustrating happens at the end. The story line goes on a somewhat predictable path politically but the exploration part of the book is slow but full of revelations about their worlds creation. the book ends poorly but it has a sequel so all is not lost. I find one character admirable one despicable and everyone else is in-between and yet I understand them all as human characters. Its a predictable book except for its sucker punch.
August 28, 2011
Huge attempt at what could have been a trilogy yet is held in one book and has therefore left holes throughout and lacklustre description of what should have been pivotable events in the storyline. You are left waiting for the book to get better but it fails at almost every turn. You can see the potential as the base storyline is truly there and original but yet nothing comes forth.
So am very disappointed
So am very disappointed
July 24, 2011
This book is as good as the first, and maybe even a little better. It never drags, despite the epic scope and highly populated list of characters. In this second book, Kevin J. Anderson begins to add a more mythological twist to the books. This made the series better and suggests the next book will certainly be worth reading.
November 10, 2010
I like this series. I think I will try some of this author's science fiction as well (this series is fantasy). Bummed that I have to wait until July for the third volume. There is also an accompanying music CD that I want to check out.
August 26, 2011
Bit of a hard slog. Trying to pin down what bothers me about his style; I find the characters all very superficially described and fleshed out, I guess.
May 6, 2025
If The Edge of the World was a sweeping historical chronicle of faith, ambition, and discovery, then The Map of All Things builds on that foundation with greater emotional depth, richer political intrigue, and a slowly widening lens into something more mythic.
One of the biggest strengths of this second book is the shift in pacing and focus. Gone are the large time jumps that rushed events forward in Book 1. This time, the story stays present, giving the characters — especially Criston, Adrea, Omra, Anjine, and Saan — more space to breathe. They aren’t deeply introspective or fully fleshed out in the way some character-driven fantasy might deliver, but they’re certainly more layered now. That may be because we’ve spent more time with them across two books, or maybe because the more consistent timeline gives them room to grow — likely a mix of both. Whatever the reason, their motives feel clearer, their dilemmas more grounded, and their struggles easier to connect with.
The political tensions in both Tierra and Uraba are more pronounced as well. The pressures of war, faith, and national pride hang over nearly every scene. Leaders wrestle with impossible decisions, trying to steer their nations through turmoil while balancing personal convictions against public expectations. I especially appreciated how many of these characters are doing their best to hold things together while surrounded by zealots and warmongers — often in quiet, subtle ways. This time around, we’re also starting to see some internal fractures and behind-the-scenes power struggles emerging within factions, which adds an extra layer of tension and unpredictability to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the exploration arc picks up serious momentum. With two major voyages finally underway, the sense of global expansion takes on real narrative energy. The search for Terravitae, once a myth, begins to feel like a genuine quest for something larger — not just in geography, but in meaning. These journeys add adventure and discovery to the series, and they also usher in more pronounced fantasy elements. Strange myths, godlike origins, and ancient truths begin to emerge, giving the world a deeper, more mysterious texture.
And so, while the series began with a more grounded tone, by the end of this book it’s clear that it’s leaning more confidently into traditional fantasy territory. That’s not necessarily a bad thing — the added magic, ancient mysteries, and divine legends give the world a broader, more mythic feel. Still, I found I was enjoying the book just as much before those elements started to rise. Now, with both the war between nations and the exploration into creation legends gaining momentum, it feels like everything is steadily building toward the kind of climax you'd expect in the final volume of a trilogy.
At times, the tone reminds me of something like Pillars of the Earth — not in quality or literary ambition, but in the way it draws on historical tension, religious fervor, and the burden of leadership. This isn’t a flashbang fantasy series. It’s quiet, steady, and reflective, with characters trying to shape the world while being shaped by it themselves.
While the first book kept things relatively restrained, this installment isn’t afraid to lean into darker territory. It’s not grim or edgy overall, but there are a few moments that go much further than I expected — surprisingly brutal and emotionally heavy in a way that really lands. That tonal shift doesn’t redefine the series, but it does raise the stakes and add a new edge to the conflict.
The writing is clean and direct — maybe even plain at times — but that’s part of what makes it such an easy read. The short chapters and shifting points of view give it a strong sense of momentum without ever feeling rushed. The story keeps moving forward, layering tension, discovery, and character as it goes.
Final Thoughts:
The Map of All Things is a thoughtful, steady evolution of the first book. It adds emotional depth, raises the political and religious stakes, and begins to stretch the boundaries of the world with a growing sense of wonder.
This is a series that favors restraint over spectacle. It’s not trying to impress with flashy twists or heavy-handed magic. Instead, it builds a world shaped by faith, pressure, conviction, and change, and lets the characters struggle through it one decision at a time.
If you’re looking for fantasy with historical weight, moral complexity, and a slow-burning shift into myth and mystery, this is a series I absolutely recommend. And at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up as a favorite by the time the final book closes.
One of the biggest strengths of this second book is the shift in pacing and focus. Gone are the large time jumps that rushed events forward in Book 1. This time, the story stays present, giving the characters — especially Criston, Adrea, Omra, Anjine, and Saan — more space to breathe. They aren’t deeply introspective or fully fleshed out in the way some character-driven fantasy might deliver, but they’re certainly more layered now. That may be because we’ve spent more time with them across two books, or maybe because the more consistent timeline gives them room to grow — likely a mix of both. Whatever the reason, their motives feel clearer, their dilemmas more grounded, and their struggles easier to connect with.
The political tensions in both Tierra and Uraba are more pronounced as well. The pressures of war, faith, and national pride hang over nearly every scene. Leaders wrestle with impossible decisions, trying to steer their nations through turmoil while balancing personal convictions against public expectations. I especially appreciated how many of these characters are doing their best to hold things together while surrounded by zealots and warmongers — often in quiet, subtle ways. This time around, we’re also starting to see some internal fractures and behind-the-scenes power struggles emerging within factions, which adds an extra layer of tension and unpredictability to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the exploration arc picks up serious momentum. With two major voyages finally underway, the sense of global expansion takes on real narrative energy. The search for Terravitae, once a myth, begins to feel like a genuine quest for something larger — not just in geography, but in meaning. These journeys add adventure and discovery to the series, and they also usher in more pronounced fantasy elements. Strange myths, godlike origins, and ancient truths begin to emerge, giving the world a deeper, more mysterious texture.
And so, while the series began with a more grounded tone, by the end of this book it’s clear that it’s leaning more confidently into traditional fantasy territory. That’s not necessarily a bad thing — the added magic, ancient mysteries, and divine legends give the world a broader, more mythic feel. Still, I found I was enjoying the book just as much before those elements started to rise. Now, with both the war between nations and the exploration into creation legends gaining momentum, it feels like everything is steadily building toward the kind of climax you'd expect in the final volume of a trilogy.
At times, the tone reminds me of something like Pillars of the Earth — not in quality or literary ambition, but in the way it draws on historical tension, religious fervor, and the burden of leadership. This isn’t a flashbang fantasy series. It’s quiet, steady, and reflective, with characters trying to shape the world while being shaped by it themselves.
While the first book kept things relatively restrained, this installment isn’t afraid to lean into darker territory. It’s not grim or edgy overall, but there are a few moments that go much further than I expected — surprisingly brutal and emotionally heavy in a way that really lands. That tonal shift doesn’t redefine the series, but it does raise the stakes and add a new edge to the conflict.
The writing is clean and direct — maybe even plain at times — but that’s part of what makes it such an easy read. The short chapters and shifting points of view give it a strong sense of momentum without ever feeling rushed. The story keeps moving forward, layering tension, discovery, and character as it goes.
Final Thoughts:
The Map of All Things is a thoughtful, steady evolution of the first book. It adds emotional depth, raises the political and religious stakes, and begins to stretch the boundaries of the world with a growing sense of wonder.
This is a series that favors restraint over spectacle. It’s not trying to impress with flashy twists or heavy-handed magic. Instead, it builds a world shaped by faith, pressure, conviction, and change, and lets the characters struggle through it one decision at a time.
If you’re looking for fantasy with historical weight, moral complexity, and a slow-burning shift into myth and mystery, this is a series I absolutely recommend. And at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up as a favorite by the time the final book closes.
January 8, 2024
Der Krieg zwischen Tierra und Uraba geht in die nächste Runde!
Die Handlung von The Map of All Things knüpft an den ersten Band an und führt so die Geschichte des Kriegs zwischen Tierra und Uraba weiter. Wie im ersten Teil schaukelt sich der Krieg durch unüberlegte Taten und zahlreiche unmenschliche Taten immer weiter hoch. Die beiden Nationen, deren Religionen die gleichen Wurzeln haben, aber sehr gegenteilige Ereignisse berichten, entwickeln einen ständig größer werdenden Hass gegeneinander. Gerade durch die unüberlegten Taten ist die Handlung unglaublich tragisch, aber auch realistisch. Es ist absolut glaubhaft, dass eine Gräueltat eine entsprechend ähnlich ausfallende Antwort provoziert.
Andersons Schreibstil ist simpel und vermutlich genau deshalb effizient. Seine Beschreibungen von Orten und Personen beschränken sich stets auf das Wesentliche. Ebenso gibt er auch bei der Handlung nur die wichtigsten Punkte wieder, statt jedes Geschehnis und jeden Kampf mit jeder Einzelheit zu beschreiben. Dadurch sind die etwa 600 Seiten mit mehr Handlung gefüllt als es sonst möglich wäre.
Durch diesen Schreibstil schafft Anderson es außerdem, zahlreiche Erzählperspektiven in die Bücher einzubauen. Die zugehörigen Charaktere wirken alle realistisch und bringen jeweils einen eigenen wertvollen Blickwinkel auf den Konflikt. Besonders spannend finde ich den Vergleich dazwischen, wie sich die Sicht Anjines (Königsfamilie) und Mateos (Soldat) auf den Krieg und die zugehörigen Gräueltaten unterscheiden.
Eine große Verbesserung gegenüber dem ersten Band ist die Zeitspanne, die das Buch abdeckt, sowie die zugehörigen Zeitsprünge. Während im ersten Band schnell mal von einem Kapitel zum nächsten mehrere Jahre vergehen, gibt es derartige Sprünge hier nicht. Das machte die Handlung für mich wesentlich übersichtlicher und nachvollziehbarer. Der erste Band hingegen war durch die Zeitsprünge ein wenig verwirrend.
Weiterhin empfinde ich die Art, wie die beiden Religionen verbunden sind, als besonders interessant. Aiden und Urec, die Gründer der jeweiligen Religion, wurden von ihrem Vater Ondun, Gott, losgeschickt, die Welt zu erkunden und zu besiedeln. Beide Seiten behaupten, dass jeweils der Gründer ihrer Nation, Erfolg hatte und zu dem „Reisenden“, einer legendären Figur, die seit Jahrhunderten durch die Welt reist, wurde. Obwohl sie also an den gleichen Gott haben, haben sie ansonsten ganz unterschiedliche Sichten darauf, welcher seiner Söhne erfolgreich war und entsprechend heilig ist.
Im Vergleich zum ersten Band hat mir „erhöhte Fantasygehalt“ besonders gefallen hat. Während die Welt im ersten Band noch sehr nah an der unseren im Mittelalter ist, entfernt sie sich im zweiten Band etwas und wird zunehmend fantastischer.
Insgesamt bin ich von The Map of All Things durch und durch begeistert! Dass das einer der wenigen Fälle ist, in denen der Mittelband stärker als sein Vorgänger ist, macht mich umso gespannter auf das Finale. Die Begleitmusik zum Buch – meiner Meinung nach eine coole Idee – habe ich leider immer noch nicht angehört, aber das werde ich definitiv noch nachholen!
Die Handlung von The Map of All Things knüpft an den ersten Band an und führt so die Geschichte des Kriegs zwischen Tierra und Uraba weiter. Wie im ersten Teil schaukelt sich der Krieg durch unüberlegte Taten und zahlreiche unmenschliche Taten immer weiter hoch. Die beiden Nationen, deren Religionen die gleichen Wurzeln haben, aber sehr gegenteilige Ereignisse berichten, entwickeln einen ständig größer werdenden Hass gegeneinander. Gerade durch die unüberlegten Taten ist die Handlung unglaublich tragisch, aber auch realistisch. Es ist absolut glaubhaft, dass eine Gräueltat eine entsprechend ähnlich ausfallende Antwort provoziert.
Andersons Schreibstil ist simpel und vermutlich genau deshalb effizient. Seine Beschreibungen von Orten und Personen beschränken sich stets auf das Wesentliche. Ebenso gibt er auch bei der Handlung nur die wichtigsten Punkte wieder, statt jedes Geschehnis und jeden Kampf mit jeder Einzelheit zu beschreiben. Dadurch sind die etwa 600 Seiten mit mehr Handlung gefüllt als es sonst möglich wäre.
Durch diesen Schreibstil schafft Anderson es außerdem, zahlreiche Erzählperspektiven in die Bücher einzubauen. Die zugehörigen Charaktere wirken alle realistisch und bringen jeweils einen eigenen wertvollen Blickwinkel auf den Konflikt. Besonders spannend finde ich den Vergleich dazwischen, wie sich die Sicht Anjines (Königsfamilie) und Mateos (Soldat) auf den Krieg und die zugehörigen Gräueltaten unterscheiden.
Eine große Verbesserung gegenüber dem ersten Band ist die Zeitspanne, die das Buch abdeckt, sowie die zugehörigen Zeitsprünge. Während im ersten Band schnell mal von einem Kapitel zum nächsten mehrere Jahre vergehen, gibt es derartige Sprünge hier nicht. Das machte die Handlung für mich wesentlich übersichtlicher und nachvollziehbarer. Der erste Band hingegen war durch die Zeitsprünge ein wenig verwirrend.
Weiterhin empfinde ich die Art, wie die beiden Religionen verbunden sind, als besonders interessant. Aiden und Urec, die Gründer der jeweiligen Religion, wurden von ihrem Vater Ondun, Gott, losgeschickt, die Welt zu erkunden und zu besiedeln. Beide Seiten behaupten, dass jeweils der Gründer ihrer Nation, Erfolg hatte und zu dem „Reisenden“, einer legendären Figur, die seit Jahrhunderten durch die Welt reist, wurde. Obwohl sie also an den gleichen Gott haben, haben sie ansonsten ganz unterschiedliche Sichten darauf, welcher seiner Söhne erfolgreich war und entsprechend heilig ist.
Im Vergleich zum ersten Band hat mir „erhöhte Fantasygehalt“ besonders gefallen hat. Während die Welt im ersten Band noch sehr nah an der unseren im Mittelalter ist, entfernt sie sich im zweiten Band etwas und wird zunehmend fantastischer.
Insgesamt bin ich von The Map of All Things durch und durch begeistert! Dass das einer der wenigen Fälle ist, in denen der Mittelband stärker als sein Vorgänger ist, macht mich umso gespannter auf das Finale. Die Begleitmusik zum Buch – meiner Meinung nach eine coole Idee – habe ich leider immer noch nicht angehört, aber das werde ich definitiv noch nachholen!
May 28, 2023
This was an interesting and enjoyable continuation of the first book. Picking up 6 years after the first it follows the cast of now familiar characters as they continue to navigate the growing violent escalations between the two nations, which until this point hasn't been a full-scale war.
This is not a book that will have you staying up until the late hours hanging off of every word. It is in its nature a slow story that takes its time in fleshing out the political/religious conflict between Tierra and Uraba and how these characters in various positions, from a small town Prester and a foreign traveler with no stake in the war to the leaders of both nations, act and react to things out of their control. And I quite enjoyed it, this story is at its core very character driven, and while I don't like all of the characters, it was always fascinating (if at times frustrating as the person with access to all the POVs, and with a very non-religious mindset myself) to see what actions they would take.
It is also when we finally get to see parts of these epic sea voyages to try and find Terravitae and see more of the magic and supernatural aspects of this world.
The book switched nicely between its various story lines, often pairing similar characters/journeys, allowing for a comparison of how the two sides react. I also enjoyed that the writing itself doesn't take a side in the conflict (which with the right wording would become very easy) and instead makes a point of showing the atrocities and misunderstandings on both sides and how they contribute to further violence and horror.
The introduction of gunpowder, war mammoths, blimps, the Tierran capture of the Gremurr Mines and allies in the Nunghals all raise the stakes in what now seems like the inevitable clash that could tear both countries apart. And this is I think where the third book could make or break this tension that has been built over the past two books. It would be all to easy to have this come to a head and then have a dues ex machina solution that means nothing more needs to happen. Though I have a feeling it will come more in the form of the two voyages coming back from Terravitae with some profound knowledge that ends the conflict - which I will only accept if the entire third book I spend worried they won't make it back in time.
There is one thing that I find frustrating with this book, and it isn't actually a frustration with the book itself, but the knowledge that all of this is very likely and therefore more a frustration with humanity. Almost all of the violent escalations in this book take place without the knowledge or approval of those in power. There is a constant trend of those in minor positions of power deciding to take matters into their own hands and exact justice on the other side. It would be nice if for once these people would stop and think of the ramifications of their anger and rash decisions and the kind of retaliation they are causing.
I'm very interested to see how this story continues!
This is not a book that will have you staying up until the late hours hanging off of every word. It is in its nature a slow story that takes its time in fleshing out the political/religious conflict between Tierra and Uraba and how these characters in various positions, from a small town Prester and a foreign traveler with no stake in the war to the leaders of both nations, act and react to things out of their control. And I quite enjoyed it, this story is at its core very character driven, and while I don't like all of the characters, it was always fascinating (if at times frustrating as the person with access to all the POVs, and with a very non-religious mindset myself) to see what actions they would take.
It is also when we finally get to see parts of these epic sea voyages to try and find Terravitae and see more of the magic and supernatural aspects of this world.
The book switched nicely between its various story lines, often pairing similar characters/journeys, allowing for a comparison of how the two sides react. I also enjoyed that the writing itself doesn't take a side in the conflict (which with the right wording would become very easy) and instead makes a point of showing the atrocities and misunderstandings on both sides and how they contribute to further violence and horror.
The introduction of gunpowder, war mammoths, blimps, the Tierran capture of the Gremurr Mines and allies in the Nunghals all raise the stakes in what now seems like the inevitable clash that could tear both countries apart. And this is I think where the third book could make or break this tension that has been built over the past two books. It would be all to easy to have this come to a head and then have a dues ex machina solution that means nothing more needs to happen. Though I have a feeling it will come more in the form of the two voyages coming back from Terravitae with some profound knowledge that ends the conflict - which I will only accept if the entire third book I spend worried they won't make it back in time.
There is one thing that I find frustrating with this book, and it isn't actually a frustration with the book itself, but the knowledge that all of this is very likely and therefore more a frustration with humanity. Almost all of the violent escalations in this book take place without the knowledge or approval of those in power. There is a constant trend of those in minor positions of power deciding to take matters into their own hands and exact justice on the other side. It would be nice if for once these people would stop and think of the ramifications of their anger and rash decisions and the kind of retaliation they are causing.
I'm very interested to see how this story continues!
April 27, 2019
What’s Good About It
It’s a big book but it reads surprisingly quickly. The action is fast paced, the prose clean and economical – always a plus in epic fantasy which can be overly wordy and descriptive – and the characters are interesting, dynamic and relatable.
The whole religious war is done well, highlighting the total absurdity of it with accounts from both sides, both believing themselves to have the righteous cause. And the escalating violence is horrific – Anderson doesn’t flinch from having his characters do some truly horrific things in the name of their beliefs.
By the end of the book I was starting to see where the disparate threads of the narrative were going to eventually come back together again, which was nice – building a sense of anticipation for the third novel. Second books in trilogies are difficult, because there’s no real threat or tension as you know there’s another book yet to come, but with so much going on The Map of All Things doesn’t really fall prey to this, as some things were resolved and new things opened up – just enough to keep the tension up and the intrigue for the final installment on a high.
What’s Not So Good
There were a lot of characters. Really. And many had similar names or titles. It took me a while to orient myself, despite the glossary in the back. But if you ride with it, and ignore the confusion, pushing on without stopping every five sentences to check who’s who it does all make sense eventually. You get the hang of it.
It’s a big book but it reads surprisingly quickly. The action is fast paced, the prose clean and economical – always a plus in epic fantasy which can be overly wordy and descriptive – and the characters are interesting, dynamic and relatable.
The whole religious war is done well, highlighting the total absurdity of it with accounts from both sides, both believing themselves to have the righteous cause. And the escalating violence is horrific – Anderson doesn’t flinch from having his characters do some truly horrific things in the name of their beliefs.
By the end of the book I was starting to see where the disparate threads of the narrative were going to eventually come back together again, which was nice – building a sense of anticipation for the third novel. Second books in trilogies are difficult, because there’s no real threat or tension as you know there’s another book yet to come, but with so much going on The Map of All Things doesn’t really fall prey to this, as some things were resolved and new things opened up – just enough to keep the tension up and the intrigue for the final installment on a high.
What’s Not So Good
There were a lot of characters. Really. And many had similar names or titles. It took me a while to orient myself, despite the glossary in the back. But if you ride with it, and ignore the confusion, pushing on without stopping every five sentences to check who’s who it does all make sense eventually. You get the hang of it.
December 14, 2023
I picked up the first two novels from Mr. Anderson at comicon. He told me if I enjoyed Game of Thrones, I would enjoy these. I like the world and the over premise. But with book 2 I realized that I have not attached myself any character. None of them really grab me or make me care about them. I still love the authors style and storytelling but unlike his zombie detective novels I can’t tell you one character I want to root for.
August 24, 2017
A solid companion to the first in the series, The Map of All Things left me wanting more. I am eager to start the third book and delve deeper into the rich characters that Anderson has created. The ship chapters leave a clear image in mind, as well as the turmoil each royal is going through. Solid work and highly recommended!
June 27, 2015
Having read the first book of Terra Incognita Trilogy, The Edge of the World, I was looking forward of reading the second one, The Map of All Things. And even though I very much enjoyed the first one, this one not so much.
The main problem is that everything is so absurd. This infuriated me to no end. The amount of time I wanted to punch a character because of its idiocy was staggering.
First of all, the amount of time that passed between this book and the last is six years. SIX years! And in those time Tierrans still haven't built the new arkship and they still haven't attacked the Gremurr mines. What the hell were they doing all this time?! I guess Anderson wanted his main character Saan to turn 18, so he could kick some ass, but that's a weak excuse. Mr. Anderson, you can't just keep people in stasis until you need them again like you did with Criston in the first book, especially in a country torn by war!
Second of all, the constant war between Aidenist and Urecari gets old really fast. I know it's basically the main plot, but I still can't wrap my head around the fact that neither faction wants to negotiate a truce, at least a temporary one. And again, this "war" is laughable at best. Slaughtering innocent civilians and dumping their heads in front of your enemy gates or attacking your enemy with 10 ships isn't really something I would call a war. And there is plenty of such scenes in this book.
And while I applauded Anderson in the first book for keeping both factions relatively equal in strength, in this one, Tierrans are so powerless that it's not even funny. Urabans have a wall, a canal, gunpowder, allies, ra'virrs and the fabled "Map of All Things". And what do Tierrans have? Umm... mammoths?
Speaking of mammoths and the whole attack on Gremurr mines, the first thing that bothered me was the fact that these mammoth arrived from one point of the map to the other in less than a year. So... it takes them six years to build an arkship but it takes them less than a year to travel with a herd of mammoth across the entire country?!
The next thing that bothered me is the fact that Tierrans are completely oblivious about the mines, even though they are right behind their mountains. I just find absurd that these people are willing to cross uncharted oceans in search of something that maybe isn't even there, but they can't bother to explore mountains a few miles from their homes.
Then we have characters doing rash things because of the rage and anger, instead of thinking things through. For example, the Urabans capture the Tierran prince. And instead of demanding a ransom or something, what they do? But of course, they kill him! Then the Tierrans capture an Uraban prince and they kill him too. Ugh.
Then we find out that there is a book that, thanks to sympathetic magic can act like some kind of telephone. Why is no one using this, especially now during a war?! People wouldn't need letters and messengers anymore! How can people be so stupid?! Aarrgh!
The thing that I enjoyed, however, were the voyages of the two ships, Dyscovera and Al-Orizin. They were a nice change of pace after all the bloodshed and they gave us glimpses of the world beyond, of the various myths and legends (even though I still can't understand how can a 18 year old boy with no experience at sea be a captain of his own ship). I also found odd the whole Ondun/Iyomelka thing, if true. How can an omnipotent god be dead? And killed by drowning in a small pool no less! Pretty non-eventful.
There are a lot of old characters in this one, but also a lot of new ones, and just as in the previous books, Anderson isn't afraid to kill some of them. The last 50 pages of the book probably have more deaths than both the books combined.
Hannes was really annoying in this book, and I wanted him dead. He is the most one-dimensional character I have ever read. Mateo and Anjine were also annoying with the whole "I love you but won't tell you" thing. The mysterious Teacher is back too, and we finally find out it's identity and background but I found that also disappointing. I really hoped he would be an Aidenist, because it would be cool twist to have an Aidenist killing other Aidenists, but no, just another Uraban who hates ALL Tierrans. Ugh.
But the reward for the most stupid person in the book probably has to go to Ciarlo. So get this – after two decades of living as a priest, he suddenly, because of a dream (of course) decides to search for his long lost sister Adrea and so he heads alone in Uraba, by foot, preaching Aidenism as he travels. Is he fucking insane?! That's like if a Jew, during World War II decides to go to Berlin, alone, converting Germans to Judaism as he goes. I mean... WTF?! And then he acts all surprised when the Urabans attack him. What did he think it's gonna happen?
There were also a few plot lines that went nowhere, like the desert bandits kidnapping Adreala and the sea serpents attacking Calay.
So despite all these negative criticism, the book was still enjoyable, and it was a fast read, just like the first one. However, if this was a series with four, five or more books, I wouldn't continue reading it. As it is, I have one more to go. :)
The main problem is that everything is so absurd. This infuriated me to no end. The amount of time I wanted to punch a character because of its idiocy was staggering.
First of all, the amount of time that passed between this book and the last is six years. SIX years! And in those time Tierrans still haven't built the new arkship and they still haven't attacked the Gremurr mines. What the hell were they doing all this time?! I guess Anderson wanted his main character Saan to turn 18, so he could kick some ass, but that's a weak excuse. Mr. Anderson, you can't just keep people in stasis until you need them again like you did with Criston in the first book, especially in a country torn by war!
Second of all, the constant war between Aidenist and Urecari gets old really fast. I know it's basically the main plot, but I still can't wrap my head around the fact that neither faction wants to negotiate a truce, at least a temporary one. And again, this "war" is laughable at best. Slaughtering innocent civilians and dumping their heads in front of your enemy gates or attacking your enemy with 10 ships isn't really something I would call a war. And there is plenty of such scenes in this book.
And while I applauded Anderson in the first book for keeping both factions relatively equal in strength, in this one, Tierrans are so powerless that it's not even funny. Urabans have a wall, a canal, gunpowder, allies, ra'virrs and the fabled "Map of All Things". And what do Tierrans have? Umm... mammoths?
Speaking of mammoths and the whole attack on Gremurr mines, the first thing that bothered me was the fact that these mammoth arrived from one point of the map to the other in less than a year. So... it takes them six years to build an arkship but it takes them less than a year to travel with a herd of mammoth across the entire country?!
The next thing that bothered me is the fact that Tierrans are completely oblivious about the mines, even though they are right behind their mountains. I just find absurd that these people are willing to cross uncharted oceans in search of something that maybe isn't even there, but they can't bother to explore mountains a few miles from their homes.
Then we have characters doing rash things because of the rage and anger, instead of thinking things through. For example, the Urabans capture the Tierran prince. And instead of demanding a ransom or something, what they do? But of course, they kill him! Then the Tierrans capture an Uraban prince and they kill him too. Ugh.
Then we find out that there is a book that, thanks to sympathetic magic can act like some kind of telephone. Why is no one using this, especially now during a war?! People wouldn't need letters and messengers anymore! How can people be so stupid?! Aarrgh!
The thing that I enjoyed, however, were the voyages of the two ships, Dyscovera and Al-Orizin. They were a nice change of pace after all the bloodshed and they gave us glimpses of the world beyond, of the various myths and legends (even though I still can't understand how can a 18 year old boy with no experience at sea be a captain of his own ship). I also found odd the whole Ondun/Iyomelka thing, if true. How can an omnipotent god be dead? And killed by drowning in a small pool no less! Pretty non-eventful.
There are a lot of old characters in this one, but also a lot of new ones, and just as in the previous books, Anderson isn't afraid to kill some of them. The last 50 pages of the book probably have more deaths than both the books combined.
Hannes was really annoying in this book, and I wanted him dead. He is the most one-dimensional character I have ever read. Mateo and Anjine were also annoying with the whole "I love you but won't tell you" thing. The mysterious Teacher is back too, and we finally find out it's identity and background but I found that also disappointing. I really hoped he would be an Aidenist, because it would be cool twist to have an Aidenist killing other Aidenists, but no, just another Uraban who hates ALL Tierrans. Ugh.
But the reward for the most stupid person in the book probably has to go to Ciarlo. So get this – after two decades of living as a priest, he suddenly, because of a dream (of course) decides to search for his long lost sister Adrea and so he heads alone in Uraba, by foot, preaching Aidenism as he travels. Is he fucking insane?! That's like if a Jew, during World War II decides to go to Berlin, alone, converting Germans to Judaism as he goes. I mean... WTF?! And then he acts all surprised when the Urabans attack him. What did he think it's gonna happen?
There were also a few plot lines that went nowhere, like the desert bandits kidnapping Adreala and the sea serpents attacking Calay.
So despite all these negative criticism, the book was still enjoyable, and it was a fast read, just like the first one. However, if this was a series with four, five or more books, I wouldn't continue reading it. As it is, I have one more to go. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
Man, we've gotten dark. War is terrible, and I have no idea how this is ever going to be resolved. But there's all sorts of new characters being introduced, so it'll be good, whatever it is!
September 27, 2020
A lot darker than the first book.
did-not-finish-or-start
July 16, 2021DNS 7/16/2021
June 29, 2012
Shadowhawk reviews the second Terra Incognita novel by Kevin J. Anderson, continuing a tale of dogmatic religious crusades, tragedies, adventures on the high seas and doomed romances.
“A novel that continues and builds upon its predecessor, this is a must-read for fans of the series for the simple fact that Anderson stays fully true to the world he has created.” ~The Founding Fields
I took a break in between reading The Edge of The World and The Map of All Things so I wouldn’t overload on the experience. Like I mentioned in my review of the former just a couple days back, it is a good novel all around but it leaves a few things to be desired and it is told in a style that I found myself quite at odds with it. So it all prepared me for the second novel of the series in that I knew what to expect from it and so wouldn’t be as disappointed in the style regard as I was with its predecessor. Kevin J. Anderson had set a certain benchmark and being as familiar with his work as I am, albeit somewhat limited I’m sure, I knew that things could only get better, simply speaking. The major question was whether it would be an average to good growth or average to excellent one.
It was the first of those cases as it turns out. The Map of All Things had a lot of plot threads to account for, given the ending of The Edge of The World, and once again, I was surprised by how well Mr. Anderson kept things together with a tight narrative that never ignores its characters, irrespective of what their status in that narrative is.
Being familiar with the narrative style – really small chapters with lots of character hopping and unexpected tragedies in particular – made for an easier read this time. I was used to it and it didn’t bother me so much now, although I still wish it had been written in the more traditional manner. That would have made the reading experience that much more complete and enjoyable.
The story here picks up relatively soon after the climax of the previous novel as the war between the Urecari and the Aidenists continues with atrocities piling up on both sides and both refusing to take moral blame for their actions – They did so and so and that gives us the right to do so and so to them because they are heathens!. That would be quite an apt description for a good many of the atrocities and tragedies that are committed in the Terra Incognita novels. But things are heating up nonetheless and both sides launch ambitious plans to defend themselves and seek help from outside their borders at the same time. That definitely is the most important plot in the novel as far as I am concerned. Everything revolves around getting help from the gods Urec or Aiden and their father Ondun and their brother Joron, no matter what it takes.
Religion in these novels is interesting. It has very stark similarities to our own history and our world in its present state. The Terra Incognita novels are very much religious commentaries in that regard because it is blind fanaticism that drives the characters throughout. We have to have our revenge against those murderers! All I can say is that it made for a more enjoyable read.
The characters continue to develop as many of them begin to settle in their new roles and while others persist in their old ones. They also continue to develop. Sometimes the changes are abrupt and quite at odds with how the characters have been portrayed previously but the fact is that Mr. Anderson handles it all well. A little thought is required to see how the author got the characters from A to B which, if you think about it, is a good approach to take with the readers. If you are not forced to dig deeper into character motivations and if the novel doesn’t make you think about what you have read, then the author hasn’t really delivered on the goods.
You can find the full review over at The Founding Fields:
http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/04/...
“A novel that continues and builds upon its predecessor, this is a must-read for fans of the series for the simple fact that Anderson stays fully true to the world he has created.” ~The Founding Fields
I took a break in between reading The Edge of The World and The Map of All Things so I wouldn’t overload on the experience. Like I mentioned in my review of the former just a couple days back, it is a good novel all around but it leaves a few things to be desired and it is told in a style that I found myself quite at odds with it. So it all prepared me for the second novel of the series in that I knew what to expect from it and so wouldn’t be as disappointed in the style regard as I was with its predecessor. Kevin J. Anderson had set a certain benchmark and being as familiar with his work as I am, albeit somewhat limited I’m sure, I knew that things could only get better, simply speaking. The major question was whether it would be an average to good growth or average to excellent one.
It was the first of those cases as it turns out. The Map of All Things had a lot of plot threads to account for, given the ending of The Edge of The World, and once again, I was surprised by how well Mr. Anderson kept things together with a tight narrative that never ignores its characters, irrespective of what their status in that narrative is.
Being familiar with the narrative style – really small chapters with lots of character hopping and unexpected tragedies in particular – made for an easier read this time. I was used to it and it didn’t bother me so much now, although I still wish it had been written in the more traditional manner. That would have made the reading experience that much more complete and enjoyable.
The story here picks up relatively soon after the climax of the previous novel as the war between the Urecari and the Aidenists continues with atrocities piling up on both sides and both refusing to take moral blame for their actions – They did so and so and that gives us the right to do so and so to them because they are heathens!. That would be quite an apt description for a good many of the atrocities and tragedies that are committed in the Terra Incognita novels. But things are heating up nonetheless and both sides launch ambitious plans to defend themselves and seek help from outside their borders at the same time. That definitely is the most important plot in the novel as far as I am concerned. Everything revolves around getting help from the gods Urec or Aiden and their father Ondun and their brother Joron, no matter what it takes.
Religion in these novels is interesting. It has very stark similarities to our own history and our world in its present state. The Terra Incognita novels are very much religious commentaries in that regard because it is blind fanaticism that drives the characters throughout. We have to have our revenge against those murderers! All I can say is that it made for a more enjoyable read.
The characters continue to develop as many of them begin to settle in their new roles and while others persist in their old ones. They also continue to develop. Sometimes the changes are abrupt and quite at odds with how the characters have been portrayed previously but the fact is that Mr. Anderson handles it all well. A little thought is required to see how the author got the characters from A to B which, if you think about it, is a good approach to take with the readers. If you are not forced to dig deeper into character motivations and if the novel doesn’t make you think about what you have read, then the author hasn’t really delivered on the goods.
You can find the full review over at The Founding Fields:
http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/04/...
March 30, 2013
This review covers all three books of the trilogy.
I am an avid Anderson fan. His Dune series was excellently written and I was spellbound by the Saga of the Seven Suns. I have given both series five stars.
So it saddens me to say that Terra Incognita was a terrible disappointment.
The premise of the story is the escalating violence between two different religious groups/nations, because of misunderstandings and prejudice. The similarities with the Christian-Muslim conflict is not very subtle!
Maybe that is why this series failed. I believe that the issue of religious intolerance lies very close to Anderson's heart, and in this series he tries to reflect his own abhorrence. As often happens when an author is too close to an issue, he loses the ability to objectively critique his own handy work. (I had the same problem with a love poem I wrote in high school - terrible!)
I really struggled through the first two books. The message that Anderson tries to get across, is done without finesse of subtlety. It is explicit, violent, in your face. As if with every chapter his is asking "Are you getting this? Let me try again!"
I have given the last book in the series an extra star. It does manage to build up to a nice climax, although the winding down after that is maybe too long.
As a Christian minister, I do believe that God loves all mankind, which include Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, etc. - and atheists! And I do hate religious intolerance and abhor any violence. But I believe that some of my sermons on this topic has been done with more subtlety than Anderson's Terra Incognita series!
I am an avid Anderson fan. His Dune series was excellently written and I was spellbound by the Saga of the Seven Suns. I have given both series five stars.
So it saddens me to say that Terra Incognita was a terrible disappointment.
The premise of the story is the escalating violence between two different religious groups/nations, because of misunderstandings and prejudice. The similarities with the Christian-Muslim conflict is not very subtle!
Maybe that is why this series failed. I believe that the issue of religious intolerance lies very close to Anderson's heart, and in this series he tries to reflect his own abhorrence. As often happens when an author is too close to an issue, he loses the ability to objectively critique his own handy work. (I had the same problem with a love poem I wrote in high school - terrible!)
I really struggled through the first two books. The message that Anderson tries to get across, is done without finesse of subtlety. It is explicit, violent, in your face. As if with every chapter his is asking "Are you getting this? Let me try again!"
I have given the last book in the series an extra star. It does manage to build up to a nice climax, although the winding down after that is maybe too long.
As a Christian minister, I do believe that God loves all mankind, which include Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, etc. - and atheists! And I do hate religious intolerance and abhor any violence. But I believe that some of my sermons on this topic has been done with more subtlety than Anderson's Terra Incognita series!
August 31, 2010
While the concept was good and the fact that the book tried to show two different cultures along with the atrocities of war. Its pretty good especially liked the Exploration theme. However I thought he was very cruel on one particular character.
I disliked the books. This is because the author has been very very unfair on Criston. Everyone has moved on with their lives but he left him adrift an destroyed his faith on Andrea who prefers a guy with several wives over Criston. Ridiculous. This book is filled with NTR and just taught me that in this world there’s no such thing as true love and women can move on and fall in love with other guys even if they have to share him. Also confirmed the saying that “GOOD GUYS FINISH LAST”. I mean what has poor Criston done to make the author hate him like that? He made him lose his wife, his ship, his companions, his child, everything most precious to him. And as if that wasnt enough Andrea marries the guy who destroyed her life, who has other wives and falls in love with him enough to claim Criston only as her first love. While poor Criston still continues to write her letters.
I mean what does the author want to say? That Criston's only love is the sea and that he never really loved Andrea? And that a man can have as many women fall in love with him while an honest, sincere man's love goes forgotten and unrewarded? Worse of it all, Criston didnt even find a new girl for himself in 20 years. Its pretty harsh for an author to be so unfair on a single character
I m sorry I wasted my money on this.
I disliked the books. This is because the author has been very very unfair on Criston. Everyone has moved on with their lives but he left him adrift an destroyed his faith on Andrea who prefers a guy with several wives over Criston. Ridiculous. This book is filled with NTR and just taught me that in this world there’s no such thing as true love and women can move on and fall in love with other guys even if they have to share him. Also confirmed the saying that “GOOD GUYS FINISH LAST”. I mean what has poor Criston done to make the author hate him like that? He made him lose his wife, his ship, his companions, his child, everything most precious to him. And as if that wasnt enough Andrea marries the guy who destroyed her life, who has other wives and falls in love with him enough to claim Criston only as her first love. While poor Criston still continues to write her letters.
I mean what does the author want to say? That Criston's only love is the sea and that he never really loved Andrea? And that a man can have as many women fall in love with him while an honest, sincere man's love goes forgotten and unrewarded? Worse of it all, Criston didnt even find a new girl for himself in 20 years. Its pretty harsh for an author to be so unfair on a single character
I m sorry I wasted my money on this.
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