Customer Reviews

The Assassin King (Symphony of Ages)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For those that are fans of the Symphony of Ages series it has been a long wait for this book. I am ecstatic that it has finally come out and I was not disappointed by it. I can only hope that there will be a shorter wait for the next in the series.

The story of The Assassin King begins shortly after where the previous book in the series, Elegy for a Lost Star, left off. This is a crucial moment in the storyline of the series. The world is starting to unravel and it is up to the heroes, including Rhapsody, Grunthor and Achmed, to fight for their world. It is nice to have the three main characters together as a team again.

The Assassin King is a pivotal point in the series that sets the foundation for the future storyline. As a result of this it does not have the same sense of "completeness" as the previous books in the series. This is not a negative criticism because it is a necessary step for the continuing narrative, but I would like to forewarn people. I would have liked to spend more time with Rhapsody, Grunthor and Achmed, but because of the multiple story threads that are taking place, that are necessary to establish, this was not possible. Because of the set-up Haydon has done in The Assassin King I am optimistic that the next book will see these characters more at the center.

The Assassin King plays a crucial role in the development of the overall storyline, but at the same time has a lot of good elements that stand by themselves. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. This book has fed my craving for the Symphony of Ages series and has whetted my appetite for more!

The long wait for the next installment in the Symphony of the Ages is finally over, and while I'm a little disappointed that this book is primarily a building block for the next one, I am more than happy to catch up with Grunthor and Achmed, my two favorite characters (not that there was enough of them, but some is better than nothing). Additionally, we now have Rath, who is quite intriguing in his own right and a challenger worthy of Achmed, and the F'dor have returned in force.

The Assassin King is somewhat episodic, and many other new characters are introduced, while previously minor ones are expanded. But what this book lacks in flowing plot, it more than makes up for in brilliant, evocative narrative. Haydon is a master at creating atmosphere and characters, and the sheer virtuosity of her writing is a great pleasure to read.

I'm still waiting to see the world that Meridion changes when he alters time, but there are many other adventures to be had in the meantime. Let's just hope that the wait between books is not so long this time, since many more questions were asked than answered.

Great read and highly recommended!

I have been waiting for this book for more than a year, but the wait was well worth it. The Publishers Weekly review is much closer than the one from Midwest/Klausner. Elizabeth Haydon has been the master of words and images in epic fantasy for a while, not just an endless stream of plot points. Whether she is describing a horrible seige to a holy city or the tiniest details of an underground hive a forgotten bees, you can literally see the pictures she is painting. My favorite character in her series, Achmed the Snake, is back in all his sarcastic, obnoxious force, as are Grunthor and Rhapsody in a return to the old days of the Three, plus an infant that has the ability to step in and out of time but can only communicate the way a real baby can. While it does take a chapter or two toward the beginning to catch up to what is going on, the book flies from there. I read it in two long sittings and am about to start it again, so I can enjoy a great discussion with all the other Achmed fans who've been drooling for this for years. Highly recommended.

Actually I would give this a 3.5 if I could. I'm just not sure that it is quite a four star. I have to start this review off by saying I love the Symphony of Ages series. I will buy every single one of them that comes out and I highly recommend this series to other readers. Elizabeth Haydon's writing ability is excellent. She is able to draw you in and leave you in love with her world with exciting plot lines and well drawn characters (for the most part). I do, however, have a few issues with this new volume.

****THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD - so if you haven't read the book, please don't read further****

For a book that is entitled "The Assassin King" I was really hoping to see a lot of new information about my favorite character Achmed, but it was sadly lacking. I know she is explaining some old plot lines and introducing some new ones here, but if this is all we get of Achmed in the book named for him, I have serious doubts of seeing him in future ones in as much detail as I'd like. One of my favorite plot lines in this series is the love triangle between Rhapsody, Achmed and Ashe, so I have to rant about that for a moment. First of all, is there any main male character that is not completely enraptured with Rhapsody? (Ashe, Anborn, Achmed, Stephen, Michael and Tristan come to mind. At least Grunthor isn't). That is just a bit too trite. Second of all, there is way too much sickeningly sweet dialogue between Rhapsody and Ashe. I am really tired of hearing over and over again about their glorious love and their beginnings with each other. It's enough to give me a cavity. I am not a fan of Ashe's character and he is beginning to bore me to tears. For a character who is half dragon there are so many possibilities that could be done with him but he just seems flat where all of the other characters are well rounded. What I would dearly love to see is for Achmed to just snap and hurl him off of the Teeth some dark stormy night........(Come on, you know he wants to. I can dream, can't I? Failing that, give poor Achmed another lady worthy of his regard). I would also like to have an explanation about the fact that Achmed was the one who lost the most when Meridion changed time, which is alluded to in the last book I believe. What exactly did Achmed lose, was it Rhapsody? I hope that information is forthcoming in future books because Achmed is a wonderfully written gray character and has a depth beyond the other characters. It really needs to be explored further. Yes, I know this is a minor plot line compared to the others, but it's the one I wanted to touch upon in this review as it is the only one that has me really frustrated.

Ok- end rant. Grunthor was wonderful as usual and what I did enjoy was every single other plot line. I like the new character Rath, it's great to see another Dhracian show up to school Achmed on his background. Looks like Achmed will have a truckload more of irritation in his future. I'm excited to see the hunt for the other F'dor. The Talquist story also moved along quite well and it's great to see some other minor characters being built up. Fhremus, Faron and Melisande come to mind. I especially like how Talquist is finagling other "rulers" and Fhremus into being allies. The dragon plot line is going to be interesting also with the Great White Tree being vulnerable now and maybe we'll see more of the elemental trees in danger in the future.

Sounds like the rest of the series still holds great promise and I'll definitely be around to see it!

Just a quick note that this is an unfinished series. There were supposed to be two more books but nothing has been heard from the author regarding this series in years. It's quite likely this series will never be finished and it left everything hanging. Very unsatisfying.

I thought this book was the rfinal in the series, I thought the series was two trilogies.

Just wanted to point that out in case anyone made the same mistake as me.

I don't understand however, why this series needs to be longer than six books. They could so very easily have been edited down and been made much better books. I can't help but skim over lots of the boring bits, something I almost never do in books.

The series feels drawn out and aimless, which is such a shame as the first book was so good. I hope the next book that comes out comes out soon, and gets to the point and ends the series well.

I was very disappointed when I finally finished this book. As a huge fan of the series I have noted that since the original three it has taken me longer and longer to finish each book. I finished Rhapsody in 1 day. It took me over a month to finish this one. It is not a story. A book should be able to stand on its own, even if it is part of a series. This seemed more like an effort to meet a deadline or make some cash off Ms. Haydon's fan base. I fear that after this installment that group may have gotten much smaller. I'd like to say that I am done with the series, for there is nothing I hate more than to waste my money, but Rhapsody, Achmed and Grunthor are still my favorite charecters in any book. Haydon's writing is still as poetic as ever. I simply hope she remembers that the people who are allowing her to be an author deserve better than what she just gave them. I do not need a 400 page lead in to the next book- especially when it costs me over twenty bucks. If she is done with the charecters and the series then she should end it. I would rather say goodbye now than be strung along without any real story-line until I forgot why I was such a fan in the beginning.

The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is that it was a bit shorter than previous books in the series at about only 384 pages. That said - the author does manage to utilize every page in worthy details, interactions and dialogue that is an absolute pleasure to read. I find the author's writing style and choice of words to be almost lyrical at times - she has lovely prose with a simple beauty always manages to convey her point without getting too wordy or complicated. For example - there is a part in the book concerning Meridion and the Child of Time prophecy that could be confusing - but it is explained so well that it makes perfect sense.

I would say this is more of a set up book than a transitional book. Many new and exciting threads are being started that by books end have you wondering (but not doubting) just how the author is going untangle the delicious web she has weaved. Since the stage is being set for the next book or two - it is only natural that some of our favorite characters don't get as much front and center time as we may like. After reading previous reviews (before I actutally got to read the book) I feared that Achmed had very little screen time. He may not get as much as in earlier books - but he is very front and center here. And as for the title of the book - I find it appropriately named as well. The title itself is a bit of a set up for things to come and decisions to make for Achmed.

The stage is being set for what promises to be an incredible series of upcoming events that I myself cannot wait to read. The Assassin King compliments the previous books in the series very well. New characters are brought beautifully to life and some secondary characters are given new depth in a way that was previously impossible - Melisainde Navarne for example.

This book is a must read for anyone who enjoyes the series.

I made the mistake of going back and reading all the previous books in the series in anticipation of this one coming out. When I finally started to read this book I couldn't even finish it. I was bored out of my mind of all the review of the books I'd just read over. I guess all that review material could be necessary after the long wait between books but for me it was just too much.

It's very rare for me not to finish a book, and I fully intent to finish this one at some point. I'll probably just wait until the series is over. I saw other reviews mention that this was a lot of set up for the sequels and decided not to force myself through this one until the sequels were done.

All that being said, I really love this series in general. The first three were by far my favorite, but I thought the 4th and 5th were good too. I really hope that the last books pick up again. I think I'll be waiting for reviews on future books to make sure it's worth it instead of pre-ordering which I typically do for the series I'm reading.

The death of Llauron has shook up more than just his dragon kin as the ancient wyrms know it impacts all species by leaving a void in protecting the earth. Dragons hold a rite of passage for Llauron and convene a meeting at the site of his horrific death to determine what to do.

At about the same time, the F'dor demons are resurfacing spreading their evil wherever they walk amongst humans. Talquist thinks the time is right for him to invade the northern lands so his realm can grow. Alliances are forming between the demons and the humans though neither side trusts the other especially once the conquest is complete.

Rhapsody realizes her beloved Middle Kingdom people are in danger with the death of her dragon "father-in-law", from the demons and the southern armies. She and her spouse Ashe begin countermeasures as war is imminent by calling upon their allies of yore Grunthor and Achmed for help at a time her "mother-in-law" Anwyn the dragon wants her dead.

THE ASSASSIN KING is a well written epic fantasy, but slower than the previous Symphony of Ages tales as much of the early pages recounts what has passed in other novels or the various sides preparing for war. The story line is character driven as the Anwyn, the F'dor, Talquist, and Rhapsody know a confrontation is coming soon. Newcomers should obtain the previous tales (at least the last one - ELEGY FOR A LOST STAR), which is an interesting look at a fantasy war mostly from the preparation stages preceding the combat. Elizabeth Haydon is a master fantasist.

Harriet Klausner