Martyn Stanley’s Reviews > Rise of the Archmage > Status Update

Wow... Nearly through this. I actually think I prefer this to book 3. I really love this book. Highlights? The battle at the start, the encounter with Olwyn Blackhand, Vexis introduction, the trial by combat, the witch trial, Brael's magical space rocket bit, the fall out of Tubol and Tavion rocking up... I'm on the final duel of the book now. I really like it. I also like the little bits of characterisation in this.

Just read the introduction to Vexis. From the vetinary duties in Berman's Rock to the dark dreams in Durth Orza and Kirkfell and back. I think this was a really brilliant introduction to her character. I have to say, I think this bit is one of my favourite bits in the series!

Still really enjoying this. The delve into Vashni's past and the encounter with Crispin and the Orion's Hand chap are excellent. Really enjoying this!

What a fantastic opening! I really, really love the opening events of this book. Possibly one of my favourite bits in the entire series!

Fantastic start to this one. I love the plot with Lindie and the quisition, Vashni, Crispin and the Assassin. I'm not up to the part where Vexis enters the story. Her opening is really strong too I think. I still think she's one of my most interesting characters!

I am really pleased with the way the reader was introduced to Vexis. I think there's some really nice, atmospheric imagery and I think the way she conducts herself is very consistent with her character. She's a great character, in many ways she's my favourite, though in book 5 I maybe lean towards Fox who gets explored in much more detail. I'm looking forward exploring the relationship between Fox and Vexis.

Really enjoyed the mental battle with Olwyn. It was a change to show Vashni's awesomeness, while also exposing some of her limits and vulnerabilities. She faces much greater challenges in Eldenizar in 'The Temple of the Mad God' though. :(

Dang! Missed an apostrophe! However, I do like the 'mind in the sword' stuff with Korhan and Vashni. Oh, and I'm more or less up to page 100 of about 270 in editing the 95,000 word manuscript for 'The Temple of the Mad God'!

Note to self: Clear up who took Firus's heart stones and why in book 6, possibly at around the time the companions end up stuck at the Deathsworn Shrine? After the Durth Orza section? Before the big battle and Griffony, Elfy bit?

The encounter between Vashni and Jonas at Crispin's house? Fantastic! I really like how it played out. It's like building in stone, occasionally there's a stone that's just the right shape and fits perfectly. On the downside, I will have to think about it when I'm editing the prequel. Also, I have found a bloody missing 'the' somewhere after page 70! :( Really annoying, it was going so well! :(