I read this book right after finishing The Song of Edmon. That book introduced a character intriguing to me and the question of whether might is right or if the beauty the human mind can create is the ultimate purpose of our creation. This sequel kept this question but felt like it discarded the groundwork of character interactions that made the previous book so intriguing. Little was seen of Phaestion and his cadre of Companions other than as Boss challenges, such as in a video game, to be beaten so our character could move onto the next level. I missed a three dimensionality in these characters as well as a hoped for evolution. Edmon is barely recognizable. Rather than the personal milieu upon which the plot is played out upon, he now seems only to be the narrator of someone else's tale. I truly didn't see much linear evolution of his character and felt his vow of not taking life to be holed with inconsistencies such as allowing others to do it for him at his direction, to cause death but keep the physical husk breathing, and to allow death by inaction. His self-righteousness bleeds with hypocrisy.
The main thrust of the book is the age old human hubris that leads to potential universal ruin. The male is the villain again. The sacred feminine is evoked. The big bad guy is an egocentric male who could have been much more interesting if more time had been spent on his character. The universe seems berift of any life but humanity. This is sad. The physics upon which the background is painted seem challenging to accept even in the realm of science fiction. Still, there are moments of brilliance.
This is a book I felt at times written by two authors. The first 100 or so pages seemed trite, foolish at times, clumsy in attempts to be clever or humorous. Then, the book would swerve becoming introspective, philosophical, and delve deep into the questions that made me like the first so much. As before, I felt I could see much that was derivative. Dune was very much present. There was a touch of Crisis on Infinite Earth's. Iron Fist was there again. When the siren sword is used to carve a circular portal through a huge door you irresistibly were drawn to the lightsabers of Star Wars. The rose analogies evoked memory of The Dark Tower. All science fiction is built on previous works but it usually isn't as plain.
Regardless, I very much hope this writer continues. I sense great promise that only needs practice to shine. I will read future works.
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