This book could have been very entertaining, if not for the it´s many flaws. The story in it self was entertaining but all the problems I stumbled over ruined it for me.The tale begins with a very rushed introduction and almost completely ignores the origin of one of the most important characters, Snudge, the indirect teller of this trilogy. Instead of giving him a proper little story from stableboy to one of the most important tools of the heir apparent May only spares one or two pages to to this, completely leaving out any kind of speculation on why the boy has such outstanding talents.Another problem I had with this book is the lack of proper characterization. Characters like Ullanoth, Maude, Snudge and Conrig all behave stupid at one time or the other, which would be understandable if the characters were introduced as honorable or stubborn. Without these informations it just comes across as stupid or outright cruel when figures withhold news from each other or kill without apparent reasoning. Even when most of these actions become clear towards the end of the book it leads to a strong dislike for many characters for this reader, at least.The most important flaw were, in my opinion, the many loose threads May leaves to make sure there is enough potential plot left for a second book. Most of these threads only pop up towards the end of the book and almost always seem to contrived to be true. This problem makes the book as a hole seem unbelievable and not thought through.I had high hopes for the second book because these flaws could be easily avoided in a follow-up, but the I noticed that Julian May is 80 years old and writes fantasy for over 30 of them. An old dog can´ learn new tricks I guess.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although not the best book I've ever read, it went beyond my expectations in writing, plot, and characters. I put Conqueror's Moon in the same category as Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn because it closely follows the same themes (which I greatly enjoy); overthrowing an empire, and conversely, starting a new one; many different angles on the same plot from a multitude of characters; and an element of magic. The sorcery in this book isn't quite up to par with what I'd expect from an epic fantasy novel, but it's still a major factor in the story. May is an intelligent writer, which also helps quite a bit to win my approval. Over all, I highly enjoyed it. I anticipate enjoying the series.
What do You think about Conqueror's Moon (2005)?
The only reason I started this is because the cover was so nice. Lesson learnt: don't judge a book by its cover. The only reason I kept reading it was because I don't like leaving books half read. And the only reason I would read the next book is if it focused mainly on Maudrayne and I had nothing better to spend my time doing. It has potential but this was a boring book that dragged out, and despite everything that happened throughout the book, it seemed as if nothing at all happened. No emotional connection to characters. Nothing. Three stars is maybe a bit much.
—Kirstyn
Mad But Magic YA BlogRoyal lovers, a sorceress, and a secret. I am really hoping at some point there will be a dragon, but the cover makes no promises. There's a speck there, but I suspect it's a bird...Why did I pick it up? Have you ever had this happen? This book emerged fully formed from my bookshelf. I have no idea where it came from, when it came, or when it may leave, so I simply must read it before it disappears again. This is what happens when you have too many books, but I sort of embrace the enchanted-object stylings of my fantasy bookshelf.In sum: Enchanted objects reminds me of Beauty & the Beast which reminds me of...sigh.
—Madbutmagic
