Customer Reviews

Traitor's Knot: Alliance of Light: Volume Four (The Wars of Light and Shadow series) (Bk. 4)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Yes, this series has lots of words in it.

Yes, the prose has its own style and structure which appears stilted if you aren't immersed in it.

Yes, the prose occasionally goes over the top and borders on unbearably overdone (especially in Peril's Gate).

None of these issues diminishes the fact that this is my favourite fantasy series of all time. Several years ago, I read Arc I, muddled through it, sort of liked it, and didn't really understand a lot of it. For some reason, I gave it another shot and loved it. This series is not only enjoyable to read, it is also a rewarding read.

Traitor's Knot is a section of Arc 3: Alliance of the Light, split into a standalone book because of physical limitations on the size of a hardbound book. It's a true turning point in the characters -- Arithon is no longer riddled with self-guilt, and Lysaer is no longer at the top of his food chain. Fairly early in the book, the plot concerning necromancers is revealed. While this plot seems to be extraneous to the main plot of the series, it does a good job at tying everything together for the finale of this Arc.

Honestly, this book cannot be fairly judged as a standalone novel, since it is part 4 of 5 in a story arc. Trying to apply a review to the action in the book is akin to reviewing a movie by skipping the first hour and then turning off the climax. As a standalone book I was disappointed in its lack of resolution. I give this book 4 stars because, having read everything to date, I can begin to see how everything will come together in the next segment.

If you are a patient fan of solid writing, interesting characters, and settings that simply ooze with backstory and history, this is the series for you.

For Reference:

Arc I: Curse of the Mistwraith (1 binding)

Arc II: Ships of Merior (paperback split into: Ships of Merior / Warhost of Vastmark)

Arc III: Alliance of the Light (split into: Fugitive Prince / Grand Conspiracy / Peril's Gate / Traitor's Knot / Stormed Fortress, unreleased)

Arc IV: ?

Arc V: ?

Traitor's Knot continues from where Peril's Gate left off. Arithon is enjoying Davien's hospitality but that can't and doesn't last long. Arithon's resulting adventures include a heartrending reunion with his beloved that doesn't turn out at all as planned. Then there is the clash with the necromancers....

Janny also provides more information about Lysaer and the curse, and there are so many layers to this book that everyone should be able to find something to interest them. And then there is the ending.....

You definitely do not want to start the series with this book. There has been too much happening in the series to start reading these books at this point since it would probably cause a lot of misunderstanding with regards to the characters. If these reviews interest you I highly suggest that you start with the first book in the series The Curse of the Mistwraith. Enjoy.

This latest book in the War of Light and Shadow wraps up several plot points from previous books, and of course, creates a few more. More history of the Fellowship is revealed, especially pertaining to Davien. I was fairly impressed that this book actually made me pity Lysaer, slightly, usually I am just filled with rage at how misguided he is.

Anyway, if you've read the previous books in this series, this is a great continuation of the story. I am certainly looking forward to the next one, Stormed Fortress.

If you haven't read any of the previous books, you really do need to start with the first one, Curse of the Mistwraith. Don't be put off by the length of the books, the story really rockets along, you get captured by the characters before you know it.

Fans of the series should enjoy this latest installment as it leaves off at a reasonable end point and has a little something for everyone.

First off, Arithon's transformation after surviving Kewar unfolds in this story. He is no longer helpless or suffering from massive guilt like in previous books. This is his turning point. Friends, foes, and readers alike will definitely learn to respect his growing abilities and ingenious strategies.

Davien returns to further his own interests. At one point you get a glimpse into his reasoning for past decisions and how he differs from the other Fellowship members, but any more detail on this character's real motivations are left maddeningly well hidden, a mystery to unravel in future books.

Sulfin Evend grows into a beloved three dimensional character, full of courage, fears, and doubts. He begins to understand the curse's effects as he stands in its way to stop Lysaer's dangerous curse-driven self-destructive actions.

The reader also gets a window into Lysaer's soul showing that he's starting to realize he has problems. Like all of Janny's 'bad guys', you can't help but sympathize and hope Lysaer can be salvaged.

Arithon's various friends all undergo some development and get some good story time ranging from stuff to make you laugh, bite your teeth, or wail in anguish. And Elaira... wow... better just read that part yourself!

Selidie Prime has a couple good snares and one good reap what you sow that will leave you chuckling.

Finally, a new enemy is introduced that threatens both Lysaer and Athera, and is chillingly entrenched. The final resolution scene will leave you with sweaty palms. Though it wraps up by the end of this book, you can't help but feel that this particular evil may be lurking in other dark places of the world.

This is definitely Ms. Wurts' best novel to date. The Wars of Light and Shadow series takes a major turn in this book, with a lot of character development. The thing I like most about this series is how the characters all continue to evolve, not just the main few. Even those we could consider the villains change over time, not necessarily to good guys, but to more complex personalities. There is little worse than a generic villain, and Ms. Wurts makes sure that we don't get one.

I definitely recommend that you read this book, but, if you do, you should start at the beginning of the series (Curse of the Mistwraith) because that way you can see the development of the characters.

As a fan of Janny's THE WARS OF LIGHT AND SHADOW series for the last 10 years, I thoroughly enjoyed this lastest edition. The main characters have been through a lot in previous books and if you are unfamilar with the series, do take the advise from many of our reviews and start with the beginning novel, "Curse of the Mistwraith." It is an excellent, intelligent and very dimensional story with many well developed subplots and characters.

Janny's writing style is not for the faint of heart...it will most likely challenge you - both in creative vocabulary and in the richness of detail. The pace of events and descriptions of this extraordinary world's magical structure surely asks for the reader's careful attention. In Janny's weaving of this story, I have learned that there are no erroneous plotlines or fill-in characters. Everything is purposeful, although we may not yet know what it is. That is half the fun, trying to determine where exactly this will all come together!

This is another one I will read again and again - can't wait for the next installment "Stormed Fortress."

Traitors' Knot is an exciting and intriguing addition to the War of Light and Shadow series. With each progressive novel, you learn more about the world of Athera and the magic therein. The clues about what is to come are subtlely crafted within. The story moves forward, wrapping up previous subplots and plants the seeds for more intrigue. Arithon, the Master of Shadow emerges from Davien the Betrayor's maze in Kewar tunnel, unshackled by guilt and something more than before. Lysaer comes to the brink of realization that he might indeed be be cursed.

If you wish to take the time to invest in reading a series that can take you to the depths of despair and also make you question and requestion your feelings toward each character then take the time to read the series starting with Curse of the Mistwraith. Although Ms. Wurts novels are often compared with those of Robert Jordan, (due to the length of the series), the characters in the War of Light and Shadows series grow throughout. Some that you loved, you will despise and those that you love, you may question. Be aware that you may be challenged by Ms. Wurts extreme command of the English language-her works are not "Beach Reads". You may have to dust off your dictionary on occasion. If you are up for the challenge, you won't be disappointed. Despite the length of the novels and the timespan between release of each, the feeling underneath is that world is well developed in the author's mind and there is a completely fleshed out backstory around every corner. There is a clear sense of direction and purpose and an end goal in sight.

I highly recommend the entire series!!!

Much to my chagrin, I discovered this latest installment of the War of Light and Shadow whilst passing (depressingly) through Heathrow airport (where my discovery of this book was the one and only high point). I was dismayed. How was it possible that this book was on display - in paperback, mind you - when I'd been scanning New York bookshops for months in the desperate hope that Wurts' latest piece of art might be on display? I'm much enlightened by another reviewer's comments that some artwork discrepancy is holding off publication in the US; hence the discrepancy. I was worried that perhaps the popularity of Ms. Wurts' books are declining. Or maybe they are?

Many of my feelings about Traitor's Knot mirror that of other reviewers. The writing itself was the biggest obstacle. The language throughout the book is so complex and the sentence structure so archaic that it takes away from depth of the plot and intrigue of the story. I often had to re-read passages not just twice but three or four times to figure out what exactly had just happened. I will admit that perhaps the fault lies partly with me for not concentrating hard enough on the reading, but it appears I wasn't alone in this battle.

Yet, this installment of the series had some very strong plus points. It's not merely a reworking of the same plot that leads to warfare and mass murder, with Arithon feeling profoundly saddened and guilty and Lysaer feeling only rage through misguided judgment. Rather, this version has a true forward momentum in character development and plot. The characters grow, and twist. Arithon re-awakens to his gift and learns to manipulate his skills more finely and control the curse that affect him and his half-brother. Lysaer awakens to the reality of necromancers, but remains unable to shake the Mistwraith Curse. Arithon merrily evades Koriani traps by learning to control iyats that he later uses for his own amusement.

And perhaps most widely anticipated: Arithon and Elaira are finally encounter each other in an-almost-sex-scene. The latter, in all honesty, is quite painful and embarrassing but also, in my mind, the most brilliantly written part of the book.

Not only that, but we learn a bit more about the worlds of sorcerers, Davien the Betrayer and the deeper mysteries of Athera. Still, many loose ends remain: the roles of the clans, Fionn Areth, Elaira, the twins and Sulfin Evend are left open for future volumes.

Wurts teeters on the dangerous edge of losing her audience amongst the sheer number of plots and characters, and overly verbose writing. I felt like I was blundering through the book with a blindfold on, that occasionally slipped off and lent me a peek of current events. Instead of wrapping her audience in shadow, Ms. Wurts might better lead us with an elegantly crisp melody. For it would be a shame to lose a dedicated audience when, after all, Wurts has a talent for both plot and character development strengthened with a strong sense of comedic timing. And, judging from her other books, a palpable gift for writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the series ... well drawn characters, good plot, a complete world.

The best thing is the story told. The outcome is never predictable and the solutions drawn for a given situations truely brilliant. The characters come alive during the telling, to such an extent that you could believe they are alive, not figments of a persons imagination. There are many separate story lines told, but each is compelling. Janny manages to tie them together completely and never contradicts herself despite the complexity. A simple story in a complex, living world.

I truely anticipate the next and last book in this arc of the Wars of Light and Shadow. I will be sorry to see it end.

This series of books is by far the most entertaining and well written piece of fiction I have ever read! Although I agree with other reviewers that at times Janny's writing can be complex and convoluted, by no means is it POOR writing! I think that too many people are used to having plot lines and simple characters spoon fed to them. This story is Complex and slightly Convoluted and the characters are complex, to say the least. However, this is what makes the story so intriguing. It's not just a simple good against bad, black or white story line. Arithon is painfully flawed, he makes mistakes and he misjudges people. This is again what makes the writing and the books so appealing. I couldn't say that Traitor's Knot was my favorite installment in the series, but that's because it had so many painful developments in the plot. All of which were necessary in order to wrap up all the complex facts that were hinted at in previous books. If Janny had not included all these side stories and issues, she would have been criticized for not having tied all the bits and pieces up as we approach the end of this series.

If you're tired of the same old straight forward Tolkien spin offs then Janny Wurts's writing is for you! If you like everything to be simple and predictable with a heaping load of cliches thrown in for good measure then pick up an Ann McCaffery book. I for one am thrilled and excited whenever one of these Fantastically Good Books is released. Keep up the Great Work Janny, I can't wait for November when "Stormed Fortress" is released