17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Here we go. . .again, February 26, 2007
This review is from: Lord of the Silent Kingdom (Instrumentalities of the Night) (Hardcover)
Glen Cook is the most underated fantasist working today. He has changed the face of fantasy and here he excels again. (Don't read this without the first installment you will be lost.)
This is a fabulously complex entirely new world: new rules, new magic, new "gods" same old deal for soldiers. He is so good at weaving great human characters. Soldiers you would want at your back, or drinking with you at a rowdy bar. Villains you wouldn't leave alone with your dog. All caught up in huge swirling events that draw out the best in the good and the worst in the bad. But sometimes which is who is hard to see. He is great at showing the good in the bad but competent, and the foibles of the heroes with feet of clay. Cynicism abounds. Politicians are always seen with the jaundiced eys of the long since disillusioned.
Another great hero in Piper Hecht. An indomitable man who just wishes everybody would just leave him the hell alone, but of course they won't.
That's why this is so much fun. This is not a predictable same old same tale. Don't turn your back on anyone!
Once again Cook draws you into his world and once again it is something to behold.
Have fun.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Continuation of the Series, March 20, 2007
This review is from: Lord of the Silent Kingdom (Instrumentalities of the Night) (Hardcover)
This is book two of a series. The first book, _The Tyranny of the Night_, was a heavy slog for the first 150 pages. In contrast, _Lord of the Silent Kingdom_ was a page-turner.
Piper Hecht is the Captain General of the Patriarch's army. Unfortunately, the Patriarch, Sublime V, is a megalomaniac who honestly believes that the rest of the world's sole purpose is to gratify his wants. Hecht establishes something not seen since the downfall of the old Brothen Empire, a professional army led by professional officers. At one point in the book, Hecht's army is laying siege to a city. Even though the army is small, it goes about its task in a methodical, competent manner. Eventually, almost inevitably, the city is conquered with minimal loss of Hecht's men.
Soldiers are different from warriors. A soldier makes war because that's his job. A warrior makes war for glory. Unless it is incompetently led or suffers other problems (lack of supplies, facing overwhelming odds, etc.), an army of soldiers will usually defeat an army of warriors. Hecht, who is extremely competent and who can pick competent subordinates, proves this adage several times.
Hecht's personal life is also shown. He's got a mistress and picks up stray children, giving him an instant family. He's a three-dimensional character with likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. He's also got problems. People and gods (aka Instrumentalities of the Night) are trying to kill him. Personally, I'm a bit confused as to why the gods are after him. Yes, he discovered, almost by accident, how to kill a god. But now the information is general knowledge. Other than for revenge, there's little point in killing him now. However, the gods as described in the series are not the most intelligent or mature folks around. Near-omniscience and godlike powers do not a wise being make.
I enjoyed this book and am eagerly waiting for the next installment.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Similar to the 1st Book, But a Tad Better, April 16, 2008
If you've read the first book in this series,
The Tyranny of the Night: Book One of the Instrumentalities of the Night, you pretty much know what to expect from this book. The downside of that is this book has a lot of the same faults as the first book. But, I found this book just a tad more like the Glen Cook I know and love with a bit more of the flavor of his other works. I also found it easier to keep track of all the players and places. If you've read the first book and liked it, then this book is for you. If you didn't enjoy the first book, you'll probably feel the same about this one. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one. I rate it at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5.
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