Customer Reviews

The Painter Knight (Branion series, Book 2)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

ms patton has done a fine job: this book is no masterpiece but is written professionally, it can easily entertain and i feel like recommending it both to adults and to teens.

the world created here is rich and detailed: it is clear enough how ms patton drew inspiration from xiv century europe. political intrigue is believable without being boring, the plotting is good if sometimes a bit obvious and slow.

characters are generally excellently developed: little kassandra is a bit dull, but simon's parents are lovely and the villains are intriguing.

the love story of simon and king marcellus moved me to tears: the mingle of sexual passion AND friendship, the intimacy they share; it is NEVER rhetorical and ms patton deserves great praise for this.

one can wonder my recommending this novel with gay characters to teens: i have (good) reasons: sex is mentioned but never graphic, natural as breathing.
ms patton utopia is a world where men and women are absolutely on a level, equally strong, equally powerful, equally evil. bisexuality is the rule, homosexuality is no problem and sex is no issue at all: i admit i was shocked and delighted by the ease, no nonsense attitude of the characters on this subject.

One of the things I most enjoyed about Patton's first novel, _The Stone Prince_ was the richness and depth of setting. One knew that she had reams and reams of notes about customs and history. In _The Painter Knight_ she tells us of one of the darker chapters in Branion's history.

The level of intrigue and backstabbing in this novel is matched only English history. The intense story filled with its wonderfully human characters (who have vices in proportion to virtue) kept me enthralled.

If nothing else, Patton reminds me a bit of Robert Jordan in her ability to create dynamic women characters. And I give her all due homage for not sidestepping the issue of human sexuality.

But, I did find one or two things a bit annoying. Kassandra's lisp and childish talk grates after about 20 pages, and though she's a bright child, I cannot believe that a 4 year old can make some of the incredibly adroit political moves she pulls off -- she acts like a 20 year old at times.

Despite that, I've put noticible wear and tear on my copy, which is perhaps the greatest praise an author could ask for.

This is a wonderfully written book that has beautifully portrayed characters. Its presentation of homosexual love is sensitive and not mocking (people in this universe do not care about sexual orientation - the people are bisexual). It has a fine mix of humor with seriousness. This book can be read alone from the other books in the series (the books are standalones within the same universe), and is probably the best in the series (although The Stone Prince completes for this honor).

I enjoyed the book, I found that the characters were engaging and that it was very easy to get drawn into the book. The plot and the richness of the storyline was quite impressive. It is rare that I find so good an author, and one that I want to keep going back to.

Wow. I must say, it's been a long time since I've read a book that I've had to pry from my hands so I'll STOP reading it! The characters are so engaging it makes even a conservative like me overlook their strange roles in the society she's created. A must read!

Simon is not just the Court Painter, but also the close friend and lover of the ruler of the Kingdom, Aristok Marsellus the Third, know by Simon affectionately as Leary. The Aristok's power is ensured by the gods, but it seems not necessarily his life, for an attempt at his assassination is afoot; and while Simon has been able to keep the Aristok safe from all manner of dangers on their regular drunken jaunts to the local taverns, he cannot protect him in his own palace. When the deadly deed is done Simon, following warnings from a most unlikely source as well as from the departed Leary, absconds taking with Leary's daughter and heir Kassandra, the new Aristok, with him

Intent on protecting Kassandra from her father's assassins and getting her to safety, he embarks on a journey which puts not just himself and Kassnadra in danger, but his entire family and friends. Their hope is to seek sanctuary and rally support so they can return triumphant and bring to justice those responsible. However their escape is all the more dangerous not knowing for sure if they will be welcomed or condemned when they reach their destination.

Set in the time of the unlikely, and all the more appealing for such, realm of Branion, this fantasy turns our accepted role conventions on their head. Women seem to predominate in the armed forces and elsewhere, and love in any combination is the accepted norm and even then no one is limited to one choice.

The story itself is captivating; Simon's love and loyalty to Leary knows no limits despite the Aristok's obvious shortcomings. There are many more appealing characters too, and even the most villainous have their redeeming points at times. If I have a complaint it is with Kassnadra, while in this fantasy realm I can perhaps accept a four year old (almost five) in the role, I do find her childish dialogue a little too much after a while, and the child in her does hold up the proceedings just when the action really would have been better allowed to continue. For there are times when the story really does have you on the edge of your seat, almost racing through the pages in suspense urgently seeking what happens next.

It is a story which has much going for, a diverse array of characters, plotting, betrayal, spying and defection, love and loyalty, and occasional touches of humour. The conclusion when it comes is surprisingly and deeply moving, and for that alone I forgive it its minor failings.

Once again, I enjoyed reading "The Painter Knight" as much as "The Stone Prince" and "The Granite Shield". Though I read them a little out of order, I was taken by her style and fluidity of storytelling from the first book. Fionna Patton brings yet another era in the life of the Flame to life, the power of the Gods in the lives of It's followers drawing you in. The rich descriptions of events and the depth of the characters, makes reading the book all that more enjoyable. I was pulled in from the start. I'm very eager to see what she comes up with next.

This book suprised me by how good it was. The author does an extremely good job with character development. I read it from cover to cover almost in one sitting.

If you liked Fiona Patton's Stone Prince then you'll definetely enjoy this novel. It has everything the Stone Prince had, and more. I highly recommend this book to anyone

I truly enjoyed reading this book! This is a must for any fantasy fan. I really appreciate the way that Fiona Patton sets up her societies and makes well rounded characters that you fall in love with instantly. If you want an action packed, romantic, and often adorable story to read, I highly reccommend this book!