Hinterland: Book Two of the Godslayer Chronicles [Hardcover]

James Clemens (Author)

Book Description

Series: Godslayer Chronicles | Publication Date: November 7, 2006

All of Myrillia is held in a grip of unease when a skull, twisted and corrupted by dark Graces, is found. It's the work of the Cabal, a faction of daemonic naethryn intent on destroying the Nine Lands. Former Shadowknight Tylar must unravel the mystery of the skull before all of Myrillia is threatened.

To save the Nine Lands-and himself-Tylar must enter the Hinterland, the desolate territory beyond the blessed Lands, where rogue gods roam and dark Graces flow-and from which no Shadowknight has ever returned.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Clemens's solid second book in his Godslayer Chronicles (after 2005's Shadowfall), Tylar ser Noche, now the regent of the Nine Lands of Myrillia, must try to keep the skull of an ancient god out of the hands of the Cabal (thin black magicians), among other serious challenges. As the capital city of Tashijan comes under siege, Tylar has to rejoin the ranks of the Shadowknights, whom he left to become regent, and travel to the grim Hinterland, which is full of witches and other enemies. Tylar faces a number of ethical dilemmas. Can he, for example, save the people for whom he is responsible best as a warrior or a civilian head of state? An appealing supporting cast, including the swordswoman Dart (possibly the granddaughter of a god), intelligent world-building and well-crafted magic scenes compensate for the somewhat slow pace. Fantasy devotees with a taste for elaborate quests will be most rewarded.
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Review

"Intelligent world-building and well-crafted magic scenes...Fantasy devotees with a taste for elaborate quests will be most rewarded." -- Publishers Weekly "Gripping, tautly constructed." --Library Journal

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Roc Hardcover; First Edition edition (November 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451461134
• ISBN-13: 978-0451461131
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,026,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very well written, still needs work though, October 15, 2009

By 

rushfanatic (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hinterland: Book Two of the Godslayer Chronicles (Paperback)

I really enjoyed both the first and second books of this series, so while I may give it only 3 stars, I'm still recommending it to anyone who enjoys good fantasy. His action sequences are excellent and he's very good at keeping the reader involved, even during 'slow' moments, there's still enough information being trickled to the reader that makes you want more.

His world is fairly well thought out and for the most part, adheres to its own rules (a must for good fantasy). Anyone who has read George Martin's Swords series would probably enjoy this as well (though I would not say it isn't quite up to par with Martin's excellent works). The characters are well fleshed out and the mythology he has created works well.


*** Warning Spoilers below ****

So why the 3 rating? While Clemen's writing is excellent, he also falls into some of the many traps of fantasy writing:

- Somewhat instant Love interests - Unfortunately there are too many to count, but would a stunning beauty really fall for a wolf faced boy after 1 meeting? **sigh** I know the average fantasy reader does enjoy a good romance, it still feels somewhat forced as if he said 'hmm, I need another love interest to bring these characters together'

- Unbelievable motivations that are never explained. e.g. If all gods were raving mad, why did 100 of them decide to bond themselves to their respective lands to cure their madness?(well 99 - Chrism who was forced). Doesn't sound like madness to me

- A sometimes failing to follow his own 'rules' for the world and its magic e.g. If his neathryn can't fight the ilk beasts because of their dark grace in book1, why is it potent against the ghawls who are all dark grace? I hate when writers do this and it's a sure sign that the entire series wasn't thought out ahead of time but is 'evolving' as it gets written. I'm sure writing a series isn't easy, but I just wish they would keep the rules consistent from 1 book to the next. If a wizard needs to wave a wand and recite words to cast a spell in one book, then just needs to wave a wand in the next *FAIL* (cough..cough...Harry Potter...cough)

This doesn't mean that the series isn't worth reading, not at all, I certainly plan to read the next book(s) whenever they come out, I'm really just justifying my 3

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well done.., August 9, 2009

By 

T. Smith - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hinterland: Book Two of the Godslayer Chronicles (Hardcover)

The first book was great but the second was even better. More relationships are forged, you come to better understand the way that god realms work, and the history behind them. Not to mention there is plenty of non-stop action that keeps you up late just trying to find a place to stop. To bad the next book is not due out for another 2yrs at least. I can't wait for it to be published.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Much better!, January 18, 2007

By 

infael "infael" (CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hinterland: Book Two of the Godslayer Chronicles (Hardcover)

This book didn't focus so much on bodily fluids so I was able to enjoy the book more.

Some gods are dissatisfied with Tylar's current position and make their displeasure known, Castellan Mirra's fate is discovered. Some new characters are introduced and they're very likeable. We also learn something quite interesting about Dart and her pet.

Clemens opens up and takes us on a journey through his new world. As in Witch War, Clemens has some surprises for his readers. I look forward to his next book.