Victory of Eagles, A Novel of Temeraire, by Naomi Novak (recognizable historical mileu): Thoroughly enjoyed this story of Napoleon's invasion of Britain and how dragons, led by Temeraire, and his captain, Will Laurence, help the British repel the French, who have their own dragon force. While Napoleon escapes, by dragon flight, of course, Temeraire and Laurence are sent to Australia. Both have been removed from military service because they rescued the dragons of France from a debilitating and lethal disease ( a treasonous act), Laurence's death sentence is repealed if he and Temeraire will move to Australia. This is the fifth in a series about Temeraire and Laurence. This book dwells primarily on the battles during Napoleon's invasion and occupation of London. It's an exciting and enjoyable read.Dissolution by Richard Lee Byers, War of the Spider Queen, Book I (non-human protagonist): This is a most enjoyable fantasy where four dark elves struggle against their enemies. No one really knows why the Spider Queen, Lolth, has taken her magic from her followers. Even without her magic the high priestess, Quenthel, a member of the ruling family, the Baenre, survives attack after attack by demons bent on killing her, who were in turn sent by her brother, Gromph. Dark elves are known for the chaos they create and their cruelty even to family members that they strive to eliminate. On the other hand, Pharaun Mizzrym, manages to survive attacks by his sister, Greyanna, and eventually kill her in their final battle. Yet the mystery remains. Who, or what has disturbed life in Menzoberranzan where the dark elves dwell. The story ends with a group heading out to look for an answer to this dilemma to be continued in the next book in the series, Insurrection, Book II.Alvin Journeyman by Orson Scott Card (heroic fantasy): Just finished this one. It was interesting from a folk tale/magic viewpoint. Couldn't decide if I really liked it. The story moves slowly at times but Card does a very nice job with his characters. I especially liked Arthur Stuart, Verily Cooper, and Calvin, Alvin's brother. If one is reading the series, this one is not to be missed.
Originally posted at FanLit.http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...Alvin Miller is finally a journeyman blacksmith and a Maker. He’s back home in Vigor Church, trying to teach others his Making skills because he believes he needs Makers to create the Crystal City he’s dreamed of. But the Unmaker is hard at work, trying to unravel Alvin’s plans. With the help of a girl who has a crush on Alvin, the Unmaker manages to get Alvin to flee back to Hatrack River where Makepeace Smith is waiting to sue him for that golden plow. The prosecutor is none other than Daniel Webster.Alvin’s brother Calvin, who is jealous of Alvin, has gone to Europe to learn from Napoleon Bonaparte. While he’s there, he meets a young lawyer who is also a Maker and, inadvertently, sends him to Alvin’s defense. Meanwhile, Peggy, who continues to watch over Alvin and Calvin, is on a crusade to end slavery. She’d also like to ruin William “Tippecanoe” Harrison’s chance of being elected president. When she realizes that Alvin is in danger, she goes to warn him and picks up a transformed Mike Fink along the way.Alvin Journeyman, which won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, is the fourth book in Orson Scott Card’s TALES OF ALVIN MAKER. There were some great moments in Alvin Journeyman, such as when the slave finders try to identify Arthur Stuart, but at this point in the series, the plot has slowed drastically and this book feels like a detour. Alvin spends most of his time in jail and most of the word count consists of characters’ verbal sparring with each other, usually in a teasing manner. Some of this is clever, but it becomes increasingly tiresome. The same thing happened with Card’s ENDER WIGGIN series. Orson Scott Card’s characters talk too much. I’m ready for everyone to shut up and get moving. Come on, let’s go!I’m still listening to Blackstone Audio’s version which is very good. To their credit, the narrators don’t appear to be as bored as I am.
What do You think about Alvin Journeyman (2005)?
The title to this one is a bit misleading, I guess, considering that Alvin barely journeys at all in the book. However, a lot of interesting things do happen in that one place he's in most of the time. Calvin is just getting stranger and a bit crazy even. Romance is more visible on this book, as are the subtler intreagues of the Unmaker. I dunno. More talk, less action, but still fun. I really enjoy the new character, the Lawyer from England. He sounds like a good person and I love his rhetoric and the way he acts in court. Fun read, overall. I'm eating these up huh? lol. Time for the next oooone! ALVIIIN! :D
—Luisa
Compagnon forgeron, compagnon Faiseur, Alvin est de retour chez les siens. Mais quelle est sa tâche aujourd'hui ? " Je ne peux pas apprendre aux gens comment bâtir la Cité de Cristal si je ne sais pas moi même de quoi il s'agit. " La Cité de Cristal : la vision dans la tornade du lac Mizogan, en compagnie du prophète des Rouges. Si peu des chemins de sa vie y conduisent ; Peggy Larner - Peggy la torche - le sait bien. Et l'ennemi de toujours choisit à présent des voies plus subtiles pour le détruire. Pièges, fuite, menaces, mensonges, délation, prison, tribunal, Alvin n'est-il pas condamné au renoncement ? Et le pire danger viendra peut-être de son frère Calvin, qui le jalouse au point de bientôt lui vouer une haine amère et décide de s'expatrier vers l'Ancien Monde afin de rencontrer Napoléon dont on sait le pouvoir redoutable. L'Amérique n'est-elle pas trop petite pour deux hommes aux talents en puissance si formidables ? http://www.amazon.fr/Les-Chroniques-dAlvin-Faiseur-Compagnon/dp/207042703X
—Christophe
Another great story within a story: I originally read this several years ago, and re-read it recently after getting the new book in the series. As I read this series as a whole, I am staring to notice that the individual stories form each book (The war in Red Prophet, the story of Arthur Stuart in Prentice Alvin, and the trial in this book) and the new characters that keep coming along, are starting to overshadow the overall story of Alvin's quest to build the Crystal City.This book started a little slowly, so I thought it might not have been as interesting as the previous books in the series, as often happens once you get this deep into a series. But with the introduction of Verily Cooper and Alvin's trial, the book really picks up the pace. I look forward to re-reading the next book (Heartfire) followed by the The Crystal City, which will hopefully conclude the series.If you've enjoyed the other books in this series, you probably won't be disappointed by this one.
—Peter
