Bonds of Vengeance seems to serve as the bridge between the first two books in the series in the last two. Having just finished this book I can't say for sure, but I can say that this book tidies up a lot of plotlines from the first two while still leaving a couple major ones to be addressed, and ends in a way that suggests that it will serve as a turning point for the series. The two books prior to this one focus on building up to the coming conflicts, and while Bonds of Vengeance does that as well, the characters now seem to have a sense of urgency that pushes them towards the inevitable war.In addition to Eibithar and Aneira, Bonds of Vengeance begins focusing on and developing the realm of Sanbira as well. The author does a really good job of incorporating the new characters and tying them into the plot without sacrificing his description of already developed characters. I did notice that some characters now have fewer chapters, but this is understandable. Unlike some other series that focus on various viewpoints, both from the good guys and bad guys, Winds of the Forelands does seem to have some clear protagonists. That being the case, it is natural to predominantly focus on them.So far, this is the best book in the series. More so than the previous two books, Bonds of Vengeance presents scenarios that I found myself emotionally invested in, which I think is a testament to the narration and character development presented in the book.On to book four!
Meh... I really don't have much to say besides that.. For years, I've been telling folks about Coe... I think his foreland books are great and recommend them whenever I can.. I waiting awhile for this last book to come out and was excited to read it. IN fact, I read the previous 2 books again so I could have a fresh story in my mind - but I must say... I was kinda disappointed in this one. The restart of the Blood Wars.. wow - great idea.. ambitious folks on the both sides... good and bad in every character (where have we heard THAT before?!?) and a crazy magical battle to rage.... but instead.. we get a fizzle battle that ends with retreat!?! That goes against everything the Falborna stand for... WHY? And what a silly ending... really...? That's the best you can come up with? Geeshh.Sorry David... you lost me with this book... hope you can get your Mojo back with another series.. but I can't recommend these books any longer.
What do You think about Bonds Of Vengeance (2005)?
Rating based on my entertainment: 3 starsActual rating: 2 stars(I really need half stars in these cases)Bonds of Vengeance is a well-written book and a solid continuation of the story. The characters are still interesting and very realistic and the general story is quite nice. The problem I had was that the book doesn't really move the story forward. As I have already written in the review of the second book, I believe books 2 and 3 are a copy of the first book. Nothing really important happens and we just get to see the same concept of intrigue in different kingdoms. I think that the author could have skipped these two books or made then into one. Nevertheless, I find the general story entertaining and I'm going to finish this series. I hope that the next book will be faster and the story will move forward.
—Xara Niouraki
If you prefer a lot of action, battle scenes, a magic system that is actually used more than once or twice per book...Then this series is definitely not for you. I usually need these things in a book myself. In fact, it must be a testament to this writer's ability that I continue reading this series. There is just barely enough interesting intrigue and subtle character development to keep me going despite the fact that very little actually happens throughout the story. (At least very little happens in this book)
—Michael S.
