Customer Reviews

The Riven Shield (The Sun Sword, Book 5)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

i cannot tell you how disappointed i was to find out that this was not the last book of the sun sword series. i mean, it's not that i wanted it to end so quickly, but i had really wanted to read the ending.
alright, i'll be honest. i really wanted to read the part in which Serra Diora and Ser Valedan finally meet.
but i was also looking forward to the war (Kiriel and Lord Isladar, General Marente and The Flight).
but then i read Ms. West's note in the beginning of the book, explaining that the manuscript she was writing was going to be more than 2000 pages and that she was nearly finished with the sixth book. My disappointment was mollified, but not abated.
But then i started reading the book, and just as with the books previous to it, i was captivated by its story. i'm constantly awed by west's ability to create such an intricate world, such an interesting peoples with their own cultures. there are times, of course, when west becomes verbose, but then she decides to switch perspectives and i am once again drawn back into the story.
I have always liked Marakas par el Sol, and was pleased to see his part in the fifth book. We also get to learn more about Anya a'Cooper's history, and i end up feeling sympathy for the strangely naive, mad, powerful woman. The character of Serra Alina di Lamberto is also further developed, as are the wives of the Callestan and Lambertan Tyrs. The book ends with the beginning battles of the war: general marente's men fighting within Lamberto. But i'd have to say that my favorite part of this novel is the relationship that is being developed between Avandar and Jewel. (i've always had a soft spot for him. him, and Kallandras, and Devon ATerafin, and Valedan, and...)
All in all, Michelle West has turned in an expectedly captivating continuation to her story.
But i look forward to January, when the Sixth book will finally be released.

First up, perhaps for me the most refreshing aspect was that you can actually see the threads starting to come back together for the conclusion. So often in multi-volume series these days the threads just get further away and yet in this book you can actually tell that the author knows what they're doing.

I'm biased in that I think this series is the best fantasy series being written today, if you didn't like her other books than you might not like this one because her style is consistent across this series. Having said that, I love her style; weighted sentences, emotions that aren't fed to the reader and an underpinning of intelligent writing all make this series and this book especially work for me.

Don't get me wrong, as a reader you have to work when reading this book. It's not a Jordan of Goodkind where you can read one page in five and still not lose a single plot, this book and series requires effort. However few books for me have ever rewarded me so handsomely for that effort.

Anyway, just an opinion. :)

I hate buying or borrowing a book that turns out to be disappointing and as I'd never read a Michelle West book before, I didn't know what to expect when I saw "The Broken Crown" on the shelf and decided to get it. A few days later I went out and bought every Michelle West book I could find. Each one seems to get better and better, although I think they're all equally good. I've read and re-read every book in this series a number of times. Each time I get something new out of it, or read a line I hadn't focussed on before that illuminates a new angle in the story.
"The Riven Shield" is magnificent. I love it.

Michelle West is my favourite author. I hope that she lives to two hundred years at least and never stops writing these wonderful books that are just magical.

This series is really great. A lot of work at some points but worth it in the end. I just love The Warlord. There is even a yahoo groups mailing list to discuss this series called Sun Sword Shrine.
She is an author that can really make you feel how the characters are feeling and what motivates them and the lessons that are being learned.
I can hardly wait for the sixth and final book. But I also hope she continues in the wonderful world she has created.

WOW! This must've been the hardest book in the world to obtain! I had 5 of the 6 book series and was closing in on #4 before I finally found it (#5) thru Amazon at a bookstore in Mattoon,IL. I would have been willing to make the 4 hour drive if I'd known it was so close. This was a great series, but I would advise reading the 1st 3 'HOUSE WAR' Books & the 2 'SACRED HUNT' books 1st for good groundwork. AND THERE'S ANOTHER 'HOUSE WAR' BOOK COMING OUT SOON!!!! probably to tie up the loose ends from 'The SUN SWORD SERIES'.

All I know was I was addicted.

M.Maslanka

This is an outstanding fantasy series...the characters are complex and fascinating (including some amazing women); the cultures and contrasts between North and South, clansmen and Voyanne are intriguing; there's magic and brawn, brains and heart; and best of all, the story keeps me entertained. Michelle West has also created a great balance between political intrigue and action.

I read the Sun Sword series first, then after the 3rd or 4th book, went back to the Hunter series and loved what I learned about Jewel there. It also made me appreciate the development of Michelle West's writing abilities--she started off being good and has evolved into a fabulous fantasy writer--Robert Jordan could take some lessons!

Re-reading the books has helped me find little details that I didn't know were important at the time but, on re-reading, provided interesting foreshadowing, context and explanation for what comes later. This series is my NUMBER ONE recommendation in the fantasy genre--start reading now and you won't be waiting for years to find out what happens to characters you'll care about!

I have read all of the books in this series and in the Sacred Hunt series. I have loved them all. This book is the best so far because Ms. West begins to tie all of the elements together. I am very happy that she is doing a sixth book. It would have been very hard for the author to have resolved all of the subplots in one book and done them all justice. I really feel that a person would do well to read the Sacred Hunt series before starting the Sun Sword series. I really hope that Ms. West will keep writing as she is easily one of the best fiction writer around today.

When I tried to read the the first book in this series, I could not finish it. I got lost several times in the plot and characters spoke in such a way that I could not follow. But, being a stubborn fantasy reader, I read on.
I am so glad I did that.
The Riven Shield, the latest book in the Sun Sword series, was absolutely one of the best books I have read in a long time. And, for someone like me who has probably 300 hundred books, 90% of them fantasy related, I have read it all.
This book carries the story well and honestly, I do not want to see it end next year when the last book comes out. But, that's why people buy books: to read them as many times as they want.
If you have not read this series, then I suggest you do. Now.
Keep up the good work, Ms. West!!!

OK, it's not the end of the series, but somehow I can't be sorry if it means getting to read more of Michele West's writing. I've read many series by many fine writers, but Michele West's ability to build a story puts her at the top of my short list. I just hope we don't have to wait too long for the finale. I thought the suspense was gonna kill me waiting for this one!

People shouldn't be so surprised! After reading the fourth book, I had a *very* hard time envisioning every angle explained in one more book. I figured it would take at least two more - and it did. Sun Sword (the true last book of the series) will be out in just a few months! Hang in there! It's already written!