Traitor's Knot (War of Light and Shadow): Alliance of Light Book Four (V. 7, Bk. 4) (Hardcover)

~ (Author, Artist) "INSIDE THE KITTIWAKE, randiest of the dockside taverns in Shipsport, two hunted men were unlikely to find the space for anonymous privacy..." (more)
Key Phrases: Sulfin Evend, Fionn Areth, Mad Prophet (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Astonishingly original and compelling... A gifted creator of wonder' RAYMOND E. FEIST 'It ought to be illegal for one person to have so much talent' STEPHEN DONALDSON --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Arithon, Master of Shadow, has mastered the maze and achieved self-redemption. Now he's the guest of the formidable Sorcerer, Davien the Betrayer, an enigmatic recluse, and a peril in his own right. No faction knows how that influence will try Arithon's recovered mage power, or the new depths that have wakened a latent, rogue talent for prescience. Relentless enemies stop at nothing to achieve his downfall, but Arithon, opts for the most dangerous course. Heart and mind, he dedicates himself not to kill, though allies and enemies muster for war, single mindedly blind to the consequence.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 574 pages
• Publisher: Meisha Merlin Publishing, Inc. (June 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592220819
• ISBN-13: 978-1592220816
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #765,120 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't disappoint, June 29, 2005

By	Brian Uri "!" (Northern Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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: ?

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Entry, March 9, 2005

By	L. Ferguson "SciFi / Romance Fan" (Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A definite turning point for Arithon and an excellent read, June 28, 2005

By	C. Gold - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.