Customer Reviews

Transcendence (The Second DemonWars Saga, Book 2)

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

 

 

Transcendence is the second book of the second trilogy of R. A. Salvaore's Demonwars Saga. Interestingly it reads more individual in of itself ( As I have not read the final, which I am sure will follow with occurences in this and in Ascendance) Because it does not follow the story in Ascendance, but instead is Brynn's tale that takes place during the events of Ascendance, and no less in a land that is `new' to the reader. Brynn is a woman, trained by the Elves, sent to return to her homeland and free her people from those that killed her parents and have in many ways enslaved her race.

The books before this one have a medieval European feel to them as this one has a more Orient. Or Middle east in nature, which really worked for the book.

This is really the first book in this series to have battles of epic proportions - and they occur almost throughout the book after we have well-rounded characters running us through it. What I have found interesting is that in each of these books Salvatore has been able to write in differing ways, but still produce a wonderful story.

Salvatore really dives deep into the new areas of his world - and easily creates more memorable characters in all his books. This is certainly not a series a fantasy fan should miss!

BALDERS GATE type of tale. Describing a difficult battles of good over evil with many encounters.

This second volume in the Second DemonWars Saga takes place over the same time period as Ascendance. While Aydrian and De'Unnero plot their takeover of Honce the Bear, Brynn sets out to meet her destiny as the saviour of To Gai. Many new characters, an entirely new land, and a seemingly unconnected plot distance this book from the rest of the DemonWars books. While the story is entertaining, and up to the excellent work of other Salvatore pieces, I found myself missing the original story arc and never became convinced that this tale was as important as the events happening in the northern kingdom.

In my opinion, Salvatore would have been better served to combine this book and Ascendance into two books, each with dual story lines. While this book does make an effort to remind the reader of the events happening concurrently, it wasn't enough to keep the stories connected. While I really enjoyed Douan, Pagonel, and Agradeleous, I felt like I would have enjoyed them even more if they were spread out and mixed in with a little Aydrian, Pony, and De'Unnero. Just my impression, and I'm sure Salvatore had good reasons to do it the way he did it.

In any case, the stories have caught up to each other now and the conclusion promises to be a treat. Look forward to reading it.

Mr. Salvatore has done it again, but even better this time. If you are looking into beginning the DemonWars Saga, don't start with this one! Start at the beginning and you will gain a knowledge of the rich, multi-textured world that Salvatore has created. He is the master of showing, not telling. In this book, Salvatore has created a story following Brynn, Aydrian Wyndon's schoolmate, in her quest to free her homeland, at the same time that Aydrian is trying to assume control over Honce-the-Bear. We read about Aydrian's efforts in Ascendence, and now we read about Brynn's doings in Transcendence.
Salvatore keeps the action steady and moves the story along at a fast clip, keeping the reader eager to see the plot unfold. His subplots involving the Chezru Chieftain's dark secret and the Jhesta Tu and the dragon keep the experience full and very interesting. We meet some wonderful new characters in Pagonel, Cazzira and Agradeleous. Characters we are familiar with continue in their own personal arc and we find ourselves cheering for Juraviel and his growing joy.
The only weakness this book has is the lack of faith that Salvatore's publishers have in the reader. I wanted him to have taken a little more time with the conclusion, and I feel like he wanted to, but his publishers doubted his readers would want to read an even longer book. The fact is, I read this book in four days, while I read the Wishsong of Shannara in two weeks. Both books are of the same length, but Salvatore is much more adept at plot spinning and character development.
Finally, the battle scenes with their large scale depictment and intimate step by step scenes are outstanding.

If you've read my previous review on "Ascendance" you'll know It was a recomended read, but the over all feel of that book kinda of left you wanting more...
With "Transcendence" RAS has stoked up the fire and we've got new characters and stories and for the most part, it's alot better than the first book in my opinion. The way RAS brings some of the new characters into the story is great and you will definately love some of the other characters. This deviation from the series is most welcome and I can't wait for the final book...now.
A definate read and one of the better releases thus far in the "DeamonWars" saga...

Justice Delivered

This book is incredible. It is just another title in the Demon War Saga, a must read for any fantasy fan.

Is this a genre changing book like a Tolkein or Donaldson. Nah. But he writes well, much better than the average fantasy writer. Well worth a couple of hours.

In Transcendance R.A. Salvatore explores more of the world of Coronoa. The story takes place ten years after the fall of the Demon Dactyl and follow the ranger Brynn Dharielle as she travels with the elf Bellimar Juraviel to a southern kingdom so she can launch a war. Much of the story, however, reads like his other war novels (Demon's Apostle, Witch's Daughter, etc.) and the characters are far less tantalizing.

Many people have come to enjoy the passion and philosophy of Drizzt Do'Urden, the Drow from his Forgotten Realms novels. To this end he has tried to create a character very much like Drizzt with Brynn. Brynn, however, lacks the background that Drizzt had during his formative years. She lacks the uncomparable skill in swords that awed many readers. She even is unable to truly come to grips with death and destruction in the same way Drizzt did. For example, she bemoans having to attack and kill in a city and then calmly hangs the equivalent of the mayor. She'll have a quick conversation with her confidant Pagonel, and then move about the next piece of business.

In fact, few of the characters illicit awe from the readers. His early charcters were the greatest at what they did (Avelyn with gemstones, Drizzt with swords, etc.) The only one to remotely inspire is Pagonel. He is unfortunately introduced a quarter of the way in the story and is mostly relegated to sidekick.

Furthermore, there seems to be little new ideas within this book and it mostly falls within traditional fantasy. The dragon is the biggest, strongest, most fearsome creature around. The elves are secretive and mistrustful of humans. This contradicts the novels of the first DemonWars Saga when a new world was introduced wherein the magic came from gemstones. That was at least a twist on traditional fantasy stories. Sadly Transcendance lacks that.

What you will find in Transcendance is a greater exploration of Corona. It is in fact a very big world. You will even see a couple of familiar characters though few will inspire you.

Transcendence was a great book and a great way to introduce Brynn to the main storyline, however the book left you feeling a little bit empty. This was the first book I believe, that signified R.A. Salvatore's slight downward spiral which has not yet ended.

Aong other Fantasy novels this book is magnificent, but with Salvatore's high standards it is only "great"

This one was even better than Dissolution. With the incredible intrigue of Ched Nasad unfolding slowly in a dark trap that could be the end of the Menzoberranzyr it is a great book. Only problem- The beginning can be a little dull but, like all books involving the drow, the intrigue and chaos will pull anyone in. I couldn't put it down!