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Symphony of Ages #5
Elegy for a Lost Star
Elegy for a Lost Star sets the stage for a major turning point in the Symphony of Ages series.
The dragon Anwyn--who has lain for three years in deathlike sleep in a grave of rock and black coal is freed by the cataclysm that concluded REQUIEM FOR THE SUN. Disoriented and confused, she remembers only two things--the person who trapped her in dragon form and locked her in the grave--Rhapsody--and an all-encompassing desire to wreak vengeance.
Meanwhile, Achmed, the Firbolg king, resumes rebuilding his shattered home, while a guild of merciless assassins sets about taking revenge on him for the killing of their leader.
A horribly deformed but magical being finds its way through a carnival of freaks to the palace of an evil despot, who sees in it the potential to be the instrument by which his plans of conquest and brutal domination of a continent will be realized.
With the rise of new leaders, good and evil, the long-awaited birth of the Child of Time, the dark plans of assassins and rulers, a confrontation that shakes the relationship of the Three, and a battle to the death between two dragons of unimaginable elemental power, the seeds of chaos are planted for a war that will, by its end, consume half of the world.
The dragon Anwyn--who has lain for three years in deathlike sleep in a grave of rock and black coal is freed by the cataclysm that concluded REQUIEM FOR THE SUN. Disoriented and confused, she remembers only two things--the person who trapped her in dragon form and locked her in the grave--Rhapsody--and an all-encompassing desire to wreak vengeance.
Meanwhile, Achmed, the Firbolg king, resumes rebuilding his shattered home, while a guild of merciless assassins sets about taking revenge on him for the killing of their leader.
A horribly deformed but magical being finds its way through a carnival of freaks to the palace of an evil despot, who sees in it the potential to be the instrument by which his plans of conquest and brutal domination of a continent will be realized.
With the rise of new leaders, good and evil, the long-awaited birth of the Child of Time, the dark plans of assassins and rulers, a confrontation that shakes the relationship of the Three, and a battle to the death between two dragons of unimaginable elemental power, the seeds of chaos are planted for a war that will, by its end, consume half of the world.
317 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2004
36 people are currently reading
2203 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Haydon
50 books1,026 followersElizabeth Haydon (* 1965 in Michigan) is a fantasy author, whose 1999 debut, Rhapsody: Child of Blood, garnered comparisons with Goodkind, Jordan, and even Tolkien. She has written two fantasy series set within the same universe, The fantasy/romance/whodunit fusion called The Symphony of Ages and the young adult series The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme.
An herbalist, harpist, and madrigal singer, Elizabeth Haydon also enjoys anthropology and folklore. She lives on the East Coast of the United States.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabet...
An herbalist, harpist, and madrigal singer, Elizabeth Haydon also enjoys anthropology and folklore. She lives on the East Coast of the United States.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 8, 2025
Unfortunately, I really did not like this book. I feel like Elizabeth Haydon really lost what was special about the first three books and made decisions that were not wise for the series.
Rhapsody really does not have a huge POV in this book, in fact I believe the majority of the POVs in this book are minor characters/villains and that Rhapsody, Ashe, Achmde, and Grunthor really have very little, perhaps less than half the book. I hoped that the book being significantly shorter than the others in the series would mean Haydon had focused her writing on the main four, but that was not the case.
The plot just kind of meanders from minor character to minor character throughout the book, and none of them was particularly interesting. There was a really cool chapter with Talquist early on, where his character absolutely shocked me. Otherwise, there is very little I can say positively about the book.
I will say this book has an AMAZING cover. Like, one of my all time favorite covers by Royo, who truly does a great job every time.
Overall, I did not care for this book, and I've decided to take "The Assassin King" off of my TBR and to replace it with something else for now. One day I might return to this series, but not for a while. 2.5 out of 10.
Rhapsody really does not have a huge POV in this book, in fact I believe the majority of the POVs in this book are minor characters/villains and that Rhapsody, Ashe, Achmde, and Grunthor really have very little, perhaps less than half the book. I hoped that the book being significantly shorter than the others in the series would mean Haydon had focused her writing on the main four, but that was not the case.
The plot just kind of meanders from minor character to minor character throughout the book, and none of them was particularly interesting. There was a really cool chapter with Talquist early on, where his character absolutely shocked me. Otherwise, there is very little I can say positively about the book.
I will say this book has an AMAZING cover. Like, one of my all time favorite covers by Royo, who truly does a great job every time.
Overall, I did not care for this book, and I've decided to take "The Assassin King" off of my TBR and to replace it with something else for now. One day I might return to this series, but not for a while. 2.5 out of 10.
August 27, 2017
I don't have a pleasant review for this one. There's a reason that I never finished it the first time I tried reading it, way way back in 2008, besides the fact that I knew book 7 didn't have a release date (and wouldn't until 2014).
I know part of my displeasure with this book was the audiobook narrator, who just really needs to calm down and stop putting too much emphasis on all of his words. It creates this weird feeling of anticipation or building up without conclusion, like a series of independent sentences (for example: "It creates this. Weird feeling. Of anticipation or. Building up. Without conclusion.). If that makes sense. It probably doesn't.
I'm also beginning to lose patience with some of Haydon's obsessive descriptions and repetitiveness. This is the fifth book in the series, you don't need to describe a character's physical attributes every single time he pops up. Maybe the first time, but not over and over. This was especially annoying with Feron, the fish boy/monster with lips that were fused in the front and open in the side over soft yellow teeth. I get it. I GET IT! Please stop.
This book needed more Achmed, less Ash, less repetitive descriptions, less whining, and less talking about how beautiful Rhapsody is.
Giving it 3 stars only because of Achmed and Gruntor.
I know part of my displeasure with this book was the audiobook narrator, who just really needs to calm down and stop putting too much emphasis on all of his words. It creates this weird feeling of anticipation or building up without conclusion, like a series of independent sentences (for example: "It creates this. Weird feeling. Of anticipation or. Building up. Without conclusion.). If that makes sense. It probably doesn't.
I'm also beginning to lose patience with some of Haydon's obsessive descriptions and repetitiveness. This is the fifth book in the series, you don't need to describe a character's physical attributes every single time he pops up. Maybe the first time, but not over and over. This was especially annoying with Feron, the fish boy/monster with lips that were fused in the front and open in the side over soft yellow teeth. I get it. I GET IT! Please stop.
This book needed more Achmed, less Ash, less repetitive descriptions, less whining, and less talking about how beautiful Rhapsody is.
Giving it 3 stars only because of Achmed and Gruntor.
June 24, 2025
Wow, what a blast from the past. I remember liking the first trilogy, despite Rhapsodia's Mary Suishness. I mean, Anborn, Achmed, Grunthor FTW and fuck Ashe. Picking this one up was a funny feeling.
It wasn't bad... but there wasn't much happening here. Oh, sure there were some big event happening but it was clear that this book was supposed to be a bridge between the two trilogies. The good thing was we didn't get much Ashe. The bad thing was we didn't really get much Achmed and Gruntor. And Anwyn, whom I liked as an antagonist in book 3, was underwhelming here, to say the least. I mean, if a dragon can be scared off through the liberal use of sewage, I find it hard to believe that two dragons (one of which is beyond ancient) can't challenge her without resorting to uber-special sacrifice magic.
Still, it was nice to be reminded that this series exists. I might pick up another volume if I happen to come across it.
It wasn't bad... but there wasn't much happening here. Oh, sure there were some big event happening but it was clear that this book was supposed to be a bridge between the two trilogies. The good thing was we didn't get much Ashe. The bad thing was we didn't really get much Achmed and Gruntor. And Anwyn, whom I liked as an antagonist in book 3, was underwhelming here, to say the least. I mean, if a dragon can be scared off through the liberal use of sewage, I find it hard to believe that two dragons (one of which is beyond ancient) can't challenge her without resorting to uber-special sacrifice magic.
Still, it was nice to be reminded that this series exists. I might pick up another volume if I happen to come across it.
January 8, 2011
This fifth book in Elizabeth Haydon's Symphony of Ages series is a darned good read, but our heroine Rhapsody is starting to have a few Really Bad Days, and I mean Bad on the scale of Agent Jack Bauer from 24. While I adore Rhapsody, I was slightly annoyed that, more than in the previous volumes, she needed her (male) friends to save her pretty pregnant butt. We'll cut her some slack, though. Not only is she dealing with the worst case of morning sickness ever recorded, but she has pissed off a dragon. Kids, don't try this at home.
The dragons definitely steal the show in this book. We really get to know them, in all their complexity. One wants to protect Rhapsody, even from her friends ("Shall I eat him for you, Pretty?"....gotta love it!) One is determined to hunt Rhapsody down and kill her, and gets a huge thrill out of chewing up everyone who gets in her way. One is frantic because his mate is pregnant, miserable, and doesn't want him as a birthing partner. The fourth simply wants to get to know his grandchild, and ends up making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the baby.
As always, Haydon carefully provides background information so that one could start the series here. However, I recommend reading the previous four volumes of the series. Also, there are some graphic, scary, and truly disgusting scenes. This is a book for mature audiences. Part of what I enjoy most about Haydon's work is that she doesn't shy away from the dark side, but if you have a problem with a bit of blood, guts, and a head or two being ripped off, be forewarned.
The dragons definitely steal the show in this book. We really get to know them, in all their complexity. One wants to protect Rhapsody, even from her friends ("Shall I eat him for you, Pretty?"....gotta love it!) One is determined to hunt Rhapsody down and kill her, and gets a huge thrill out of chewing up everyone who gets in her way. One is frantic because his mate is pregnant, miserable, and doesn't want him as a birthing partner. The fourth simply wants to get to know his grandchild, and ends up making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the baby.
As always, Haydon carefully provides background information so that one could start the series here. However, I recommend reading the previous four volumes of the series. Also, there are some graphic, scary, and truly disgusting scenes. This is a book for mature audiences. Part of what I enjoy most about Haydon's work is that she doesn't shy away from the dark side, but if you have a problem with a bit of blood, guts, and a head or two being ripped off, be forewarned.
April 8, 2008
All you people thought I had stopped reading trashy fantasy novels because my last few posts were about novels that mature well-read, literary folk read. Ha, Fooled you!
Er... anyway, the continuing story of Rhapsody and her allies as they attempt to stop the destruction of the world by yet another insanely powerful magical nemesis. Those nemesi just keep popping up, don't they?
Rhapsody was considerably less whiny in this book, which was a definite plus. Grunthor was for the most part missing, which was a definite minus (although, when he made his appearance, he stole the show as usual). In the end, its a placeholder book for the final climax to the series "The Assassin King" and as a placeholder it does its job decently if unspectacularly.
It was about 45 minutes too short to take up my flight from Houston to Newark. So, make of that what you will.
Er... anyway, the continuing story of Rhapsody and her allies as they attempt to stop the destruction of the world by yet another insanely powerful magical nemesis. Those nemesi just keep popping up, don't they?
Rhapsody was considerably less whiny in this book, which was a definite plus. Grunthor was for the most part missing, which was a definite minus (although, when he made his appearance, he stole the show as usual). In the end, its a placeholder book for the final climax to the series "The Assassin King" and as a placeholder it does its job decently if unspectacularly.
It was about 45 minutes too short to take up my flight from Houston to Newark. So, make of that what you will.
April 22, 2009
The series should have ended after Prophesy. It's almost like Elizabeth Haydon began fan-ficing her own work. Characters do unlikely things, develop new talents, and in general, it's sort of become, "Throw magic at it and make it all better," sort of writing.
October 18, 2025
Took a big break because much of what was extremely cool in the first two books was significantly diminished and then totally overwhelmed by that which is bad in these books. But I’ve never finished the series so here’s the last sally into it.
Conceptually, the first trilogy really is beyond cool. It’s the execution that leaves somewhat to be desired.
Conceptually, the first trilogy really is beyond cool. It’s the execution that leaves somewhat to be desired.
December 19, 2014
When the mountain peak exploded, it shook up more than boulders. Anwyn, confused but awake, is desperate to remember who she is, and who it is that makes her blood boil for revenge. Talquist slowly consolidates his hold on Sorbold; Faron somehow survives the wreck of Michael's ship, though possibly to a worse end. As danger mounts from every side, the Cymrian alliance is preparing for a renewal of peace; Rhapsody and Ashe continue preparations for the birth of their child. War is coming---the only relevant questions are when, where, and who's going first.
This picks up right where Requiem left off---and one of the immediate pleasures is seeing Achmed's reaction to the mess he's got to clean up upon his return. The story peers into more of the Bolg kingdom and what Achmed's done to set up his society and safeguard his most important trust. Achmed's already obsessed with his attempt to rebuild the Lightcatcher, and the various attempts to frustrate him only adds to the fun.
It's also interesting to see how various people like Anwyn and Faron are making their way in a world no longer welcoming to them. As straightforward as both of them are, they're also becoming players in a much larger world. (And, for the record, this has the BEST way of fighting a dragon I have ever seen).
There is a certain lack of conclusion to the story, however, despite the amusing parallel between Achmed's vacation at the beginning and the end. Too many threads are introduced that are just left until next book: Anwyn's eventual fate seems assured, but was never shown; the consequences for the Patriarch are also left to the imagination. Faron's reaction to Talquist at the end was confusing at best, particularly given what he did to the Ringmaster to get what he wanted.
Overall this is a good continuation of Requiem; it has enough recap to be accessible to a new reader, but most of the plot threads develop from at least Requiem for the Sun, if not before. I rate this book Recommended.
This picks up right where Requiem left off---and one of the immediate pleasures is seeing Achmed's reaction to the mess he's got to clean up upon his return. The story peers into more of the Bolg kingdom and what Achmed's done to set up his society and safeguard his most important trust. Achmed's already obsessed with his attempt to rebuild the Lightcatcher, and the various attempts to frustrate him only adds to the fun.
It's also interesting to see how various people like Anwyn and Faron are making their way in a world no longer welcoming to them. As straightforward as both of them are, they're also becoming players in a much larger world. (And, for the record, this has the BEST way of fighting a dragon I have ever seen).
There is a certain lack of conclusion to the story, however, despite the amusing parallel between Achmed's vacation at the beginning and the end. Too many threads are introduced that are just left until next book: Anwyn's eventual fate seems assured, but was never shown; the consequences for the Patriarch are also left to the imagination. Faron's reaction to Talquist at the end was confusing at best, particularly given what he did to the Ringmaster to get what he wanted.
Overall this is a good continuation of Requiem; it has enough recap to be accessible to a new reader, but most of the plot threads develop from at least Requiem for the Sun, if not before. I rate this book Recommended.
January 27, 2009
This is the 5th in the Rhapsody series.
In this book we learn that when Emily and Sam had their first "encounter" she became pregnant. But because Sam/Ashe is a Dragon/Human the pregancy was put into a type of hybernation. So, until she and Ashe finally married and became a "spiritual union" the embryo inside her could not develop. So Now she's full on pregnant, and apparently it is a very, very long gestation, and since I've never been pregnant it is difficult for me to relate fully, but OMGOSH! Its a long time! AND her child has more Dragon characteristics than even Ashe, who has still chosen to remain in his mortal Human self, with nifty dragon senses and abilities. So....I haven't finished but when I do....I'm sure I'll learn more about Magellen.
In this book we learn that when Emily and Sam had their first "encounter" she became pregnant. But because Sam/Ashe is a Dragon/Human the pregancy was put into a type of hybernation. So, until she and Ashe finally married and became a "spiritual union" the embryo inside her could not develop. So Now she's full on pregnant, and apparently it is a very, very long gestation, and since I've never been pregnant it is difficult for me to relate fully, but OMGOSH! Its a long time! AND her child has more Dragon characteristics than even Ashe, who has still chosen to remain in his mortal Human self, with nifty dragon senses and abilities. So....I haven't finished but when I do....I'm sure I'll learn more about Magellen.
January 5, 2009
I thoroughly enjoy this series. The first book was a little confusing but finally this fifth book answers the mystery that started it all. There are not as many characters as I am use to in a prolonged fantasy series but in this case it is a good thing because you become very attached. If you can bear not getting all the answers until late in the series than I highly recommend Elizabeth Haydon’s books.
November 12, 2009
Once again, there was still something missing. Seriously, I felt like I was just hearing about the characters instead of being right there with them, like how the first three books made me feel. Another thing that bothers me, is that they don't have anymore deep, romantic parts. I thought this book was considered romance?
July 16, 2017
4.5 The thing that bugged me was how many sub-plots there were. It was hard to keep track of and some of the plots had nothing to do with the main plot. I'm sure they will come into play in The Assassin King, but it left a lot of name bobbling around in my head after their story was dropped. Some reappeared neared the end and I almost forgot who they were and why they were important.
Now onto the many strong points of this novel. It's consistent with the rest of the series in lore and world building and character development. It was amazing. It is so vivid and real. I always want more from the world, yet I still feel satisfied when I finish a book. The leads are still strong and diverse and make the book better. Other than the amount of sub-plot, whether relevant or seemingly irrelevant, it was flawless.
Now onto the many strong points of this novel. It's consistent with the rest of the series in lore and world building and character development. It was amazing. It is so vivid and real. I always want more from the world, yet I still feel satisfied when I finish a book. The leads are still strong and diverse and make the book better. Other than the amount of sub-plot, whether relevant or seemingly irrelevant, it was flawless.
June 7, 2024
The story continues for Rhapsody. As this has continued since the third book, (which I stated once before, the series could have ended right there). I honestly thought that it would fade somewhat. However that has not been the case, the reason why I am granting this book a very high rating is simple. The book and its universe has built such a list of actions and tales that it now looks back on previous works with ease and understanding. It flows.
You can tell that the author has planned out the story very well and has fitted all the major characters and minor one with precise actions, I was never bored with this part of the series, I never loathed reading it or hated any of it. It simply built on it's multiple narratives. Which is perfect. Yes finish this series from beginning to end and you will not be disappointed.
You can tell that the author has planned out the story very well and has fitted all the major characters and minor one with precise actions, I was never bored with this part of the series, I never loathed reading it or hated any of it. It simply built on it's multiple narratives. Which is perfect. Yes finish this series from beginning to end and you will not be disappointed.
January 13, 2021
Nach Band 5 der Rhapsody-Saga ist mir leider nicht klar, warum die Autorin es nicht hat bei den ersten drei Bänden, die wirklich gut waren, bewenden lassen und sich lieber anderen Geschichten zugewandt hat. Ich fand das Buch vom Schreibstil her immer noch gut, aber die Geschichte hat mich so gar nicht mitgenommen. Da fehlte mir etwas Tiefgang. Außerdem kommen mir die Beschreibungen der Reisen von Ort A nach B seltsam vor. Ich habe das Gefühl, dass die Länge der Strecken bzw. die Zeit die dafür gebraucht wird sich ständig ändert je nachdem wie es die Autorin gerade braucht.
Fazit: Die ersten drei Bände sind wirklich gut, Band 4 und 5 konnten mich aber nicht wirklich überzeugen und ich bin jetzt gespannt, ob Band 6 das nochmal etwas raus reißt.
Fazit: Die ersten drei Bände sind wirklich gut, Band 4 und 5 konnten mich aber nicht wirklich überzeugen und ich bin jetzt gespannt, ob Band 6 das nochmal etwas raus reißt.
June 3, 2022
Well first my book ISBN is 348 pages. Second First half of this book is a joke. Took me a month to read the thing it was so boring cause Rhapsody wasn't in it and some Dragon took her place. Second half is a bit better but Rhapsody has a little fie there but more or less relies on her friend. There isn't much of a plot to this book. I took it on thinking oh this is a quick read so I can get to the 1100 page Red Queen book. The cover doesn't match the book whatsoever. The inline notes on the flap have little to do with the story. This book might be her weakest lin. Although the final three will be a nightmare to get thru. If you are gonna read this book. It'll take awhile
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
This may have been one of my favorite books from Mrs. Haydon. As usual she delivers adventure, bittersweet moments, and passion throughout. Her writing transports us to a fantastical world and we get to enjoy taking to the road once again with Rhapsody, Achmed, Grunthor and Gwydion. This story continues to deepen the lore established in the first trilogy.
The pacing is excellent and expands on the world building and characters in a consistent way, which is hard to do after completing a satisfying arch that dealt with most loose ends in the first trilogy.
The pacing is excellent and expands on the world building and characters in a consistent way, which is hard to do after completing a satisfying arch that dealt with most loose ends in the first trilogy.
December 29, 2020
A magical pregnant lady with a bunch of people running around, and a pissed off dragon waking up.
I read this book having only the prior 1. I felt the author provided enough context to understand the story in that book. I kind of wanted to know where things were going after the prior book, so I read on to the next one, and it really wasn't worth it.
This book is definitely just a bridge between the prior and the next. It felt needlessly long for what happens in it. Meh.
I read this book having only the prior 1. I felt the author provided enough context to understand the story in that book. I kind of wanted to know where things were going after the prior book, so I read on to the next one, and it really wasn't worth it.
This book is definitely just a bridge between the prior and the next. It felt needlessly long for what happens in it. Meh.
May 2, 2020
Yet another great addition to the adventures of Rhapsody, Achmed, and Grunthor.
This was definitely a “middle” book as it set the stage for a greater conflict in this series. Exciting things still happened though and I can’t wait to see more action and breathtaking fights as things unfold in the next book.
This was definitely a “middle” book as it set the stage for a greater conflict in this series. Exciting things still happened though and I can’t wait to see more action and breathtaking fights as things unfold in the next book.
January 1, 2021
grottenschlecht
February 6, 2021
Continuing my Symphony of Ages re-read and this is...such a middle book. Spends too much time on characters that I don't care about (Anwyn, Faron), but we do get Meridion's birth at last!
June 26, 2021
I really love this series! I thought that there were 6 in the series only to find that there were 3 more! So far they are all great!
did-not-finish-or-start
April 12, 2025DNS 4/12/2025
May 7, 2025
I am not okay!
March 10, 2017
I just can't find the right words to tell people how much I LOVE this universe!
May 17, 2016
Look, I don't like these books, ok? I reread them because they'd been taking up space on my shelves for a literal decade and a half, but I don't like them, and they get worse after the first trilogy, not better as I was hoping. (To be fair, the *prose* gets a whole lot better - Haydon definitely improved her craft over time. But the characters, the pacing, and the story actually get *less* compelling.)
This volume is almost 100% filler and villain-building, because after the first trilogy, there's no backup villain to take the F'dor's place, so she had to build one from scratch. He's not a very compelling villain, though, and Faron (who was an interesting and sympathetic character in the previous book) loses all semblance of a personality to become an adjunct to that villain instead. The Lightcatcher remains uninteresting, and Rhapsody's habit of making grand ultimatums that she walks back three scenes later does not make me take her more seriously. (I do wonder if she's deliberately being written as having complex PTSD, because it sure reads like that to me. If you want a better treatment of that, though, go read Borderline.) Anwyn likewise is not a compelling character, largely because her sole motivation is Rhapsody! just like every other goddamn character. Protagonist Aura is not a plot, thanks.
And I just don't care about Llauron, or Meridion. I do like seeing pregnant women, and women who have realistic womens' concerns, but this is the second book that sidelines Rhapsody in favor of male characters, and that's *not* interesting to me.
This volume is almost 100% filler and villain-building, because after the first trilogy, there's no backup villain to take the F'dor's place, so she had to build one from scratch. He's not a very compelling villain, though, and Faron (who was an interesting and sympathetic character in the previous book) loses all semblance of a personality to become an adjunct to that villain instead. The Lightcatcher remains uninteresting, and Rhapsody's habit of making grand ultimatums that she walks back three scenes later does not make me take her more seriously. (I do wonder if she's deliberately being written as having complex PTSD, because it sure reads like that to me. If you want a better treatment of that, though, go read Borderline.) Anwyn likewise is not a compelling character, largely because her sole motivation is Rhapsody! just like every other goddamn character. Protagonist Aura is not a plot, thanks.
And I just don't care about Llauron, or Meridion. I do like seeing pregnant women, and women who have realistic womens' concerns, but this is the second book that sidelines Rhapsody in favor of male characters, and that's *not* interesting to me.
December 9, 2020
As I'm re-reading this series, in anticipation of finally reading the recently discovered final books, I'm having to relearn the skill of reading epic fantasy. The level of descriptive detail and world building takes some effort to comprehend and enjoy.
Fortunately, this last bridge book before the final trilogy gained a lot more steam and energy to hold my interest. I liked following along with more dragon lore, even if it was with the abominable Anwyn. The physical manifestation of a grudge was impressive to see unfold.
For once, Rhapsody did not have as much to do in this book, or at least less compelling activities. Of the Three, Grunthor really got to take center stage as he struggled to hold together Ylorc in the wake of Esten's infiltration. We do get to see Achmed's more interesting innovations and inner cadre in building up the Bolg.
On the less savory side, Faron has the most wild journey from "fish-boy" to something even more terrifying. I was fascinated by how his story was interwoven with the machinations of would-be Emperor Talquist.
Without giving too much more away, we get some insight into the inner workings of the Patriarchal religion, not just Namer magic. And Gwydion of Navarne gets some agency, at last. Though unfortunately, the odious Tristan Steward steals a little of his spotlight.
Fortunately, this last bridge book before the final trilogy gained a lot more steam and energy to hold my interest. I liked following along with more dragon lore, even if it was with the abominable Anwyn. The physical manifestation of a grudge was impressive to see unfold.
For once, Rhapsody did not have as much to do in this book, or at least less compelling activities. Of the Three, Grunthor really got to take center stage as he struggled to hold together Ylorc in the wake of Esten's infiltration. We do get to see Achmed's more interesting innovations and inner cadre in building up the Bolg.
On the less savory side, Faron has the most wild journey from "fish-boy" to something even more terrifying. I was fascinated by how his story was interwoven with the machinations of would-be Emperor Talquist.
Without giving too much more away, we get some insight into the inner workings of the Patriarchal religion, not just Namer magic. And Gwydion of Navarne gets some agency, at last. Though unfortunately, the odious Tristan Steward steals a little of his spotlight.
June 1, 2012
(Only read 2/3 of the book.)
The book jumps from different POVs randomly without any unifying content, with a great deal of time spent on the back story instead of what was currently happening. Also, the book is giving previous side characters a main role, seemly without reason. A lot of the side/main characters pov could be cut down and add more meat to the main plot of the book.
After reading 2/3 of the book, I still do not know what the main storyline is supposed to be about. I think the author was trying to tie many smaller stories into one big story, but she has not done it yet. If that is the case, the stories should have begun to intertwine before I read 2/3 into the book. The only commonality all of the side stories have is that the main characters in them knew each other from her previous books.
It is a let down after her 1st 3 books in the series.
The book jumps from different POVs randomly without any unifying content, with a great deal of time spent on the back story instead of what was currently happening. Also, the book is giving previous side characters a main role, seemly without reason. A lot of the side/main characters pov could be cut down and add more meat to the main plot of the book.
After reading 2/3 of the book, I still do not know what the main storyline is supposed to be about. I think the author was trying to tie many smaller stories into one big story, but she has not done it yet. If that is the case, the stories should have begun to intertwine before I read 2/3 into the book. The only commonality all of the side stories have is that the main characters in them knew each other from her previous books.
It is a let down after her 1st 3 books in the series.
October 4, 2013
This volume picked up significantly from the last. I found a lot more of the magic and worldbuilding that I enjoyed in the first series here, and some of the character development comes back around. In some of the weirder plotting I've seen from a fantasy novel, this book sort of does away with a number of premises and characters from the previous volume. Not that they're missed, but it's strange, if weirdly believable. The things that are retained are, at least, the more interesting ones, and the conflict between Rhapsody and Achmed is very promising. It sets the stage for a better conclusion than I was expecting after Book IV, and there's much more fun with dragons than there's been in any of the four previous books. An enjoyable read.
May 17, 2009
This second book of the second trilogy was ok. I read it much faster than the first book, as there was a lot more action. Now I know that I am reading fiction and that certain things need to happen to keep the story going, but I found the end with Faron and Talquist just a little too simplistic... I mean, why have Faron rampaging at all? Couldn't the two of them just have bonded upon his creation? I guess he had to get that last scale back and get all of his evil thoughts together before mutely joining forces with the bad guy instead of popping his head off. Irritating, but... on to the last book!
March 8, 2017
I was pretty excited that there were more books after the original three, I didn't enjoy them quite as much, but they were still fun to read.
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