Crown of Shadows: The Coldfire Trilogy #3 [Paperback]

C.S. Friedman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005 | Series: The Coldfire Trilogy

Unlikely allies Damien and Tarrant are faced with an enemy who may prove invulnerable-a demon who has declared war on mankind. Called Calesta, he is a master of illusion and devourer of pain, and he plans to remake the human species until it exists only to sate his unquenchable thirst for suffering.  The war against Calesta will take Damien and Tarrant from the depths of Hell to the birthplace of demons and beyond-in a battle that could cost them not only their lives, but the very soul of mankind.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Stunning...A feast for those who like their fantasies dark, and as emotionally heady as a rich, red wine." —Locus



"Readers will be enthralled. —Publishers Weekly

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: DAW Trade (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756403189
• ISBN-13: 978-0756403188
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,098,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars As Far Beyond A Simple Vampire Novel as You Can Get!, October 24, 2008

By 

DY Sanik "Journey" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crown of Shadows: The Coldfire Trilogy #3 (Paperback)

The finale of an outstanding trilogy by C.S. Friedman, where a colony ship of humans landed onto world as unlike their native Earth as could be, where the merest thoughts, desires, hatreds, griefs are made manifest by the force later named the "fae".

This is a powerful story with memorable characters, a classic struggle good vs. evil, but first one has to define what is the greatest of evils, and what or who is behind it all?

This is a series I reread annually. I would consider the 2nd of the series one of the most heart-rending and utterly unforgettable sci-fi/fantasy books you will ever read, but the 1st and 3rd come in right behind it.

For lovers of intricately detailed worlds, clear and strongly voiced authors, building momentous action, and deep thoughts to carry away from a pleasurable reading, this is a series for you. Truly, as far beyond a simple vampire novel as you can get. Follow the titantic global struggle against external and internal evil along with Mers. Damien Vryce and Gerald Tarrant, the central characters.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Trilogy.. Classic status in my library, October 3, 2006

By 

Geode (Ca, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crown of Shadows: The Coldfire Trilogy #3 (Paperback)

This is such an unusual trilogy that deviates from the norm. A vampire tale steeped in magic. A vampire is paired with a Church knight on a quest. Each with their own agenda and reasons. The book has its dark and scary moments you long for, yet has the "Good will prevail" sentiment.

It been a little while since I read the trilogy. I pull it off the shelf every couple of years. This is certainly one of my favorites. Magic, Battles, and a good overall story.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars dribble, June 28, 2010

By 

paleeese - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crown of Shadows: The Coldfire Trilogy #3 (Paperback)

Ok, first off, I hate when the characters think to themselves, I can take it if it is only a very small amount, but the author really doses the reader with italics of the characters thinking to themselves this or that, almost like a movie. It's as if the author was just looking for a movie deal with this work. I read all three books, by far the best part is the beginning of the 2nd book telling some history of the world she has created. Much more time could have been spent in world building, and much much less in how the characters thought or acted. Also, if you are looking for epic battles etc... look elsewhere. The only thing epic about this series was the cliched interaction with the characters with each other or themselves. I read the whole series only because once I start a series, it is very very hard for me to abandon it...wish I had never started it.