36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Doesn't disappoint, June 29, 2005
This review is from: Traitor's Knot (War of Light and Shadow): Alliance of Light Book Four (Hardcover)
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: ?
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Janny does it again, February 9, 2005
This review is from: Traitor's Knot (War of Light and Shadow): Alliance of Light Book Four (Hardcover)
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.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Entry, March 9, 2005
This review is from: Traitor's Knot (War of Light and Shadow): Alliance of Light Book Four (Hardcover)
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.
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