I was terribly disappointed by the third book of the previous trilogy, so this represents a return to form for Bakker. Plusses: less Kellhuss and more Achamian; more of the back-story from the First Apocalypse.Minusses: parts of it seem rather derivative. In particular, while the the pursuit through the non-man city was well-written, I kept thinking "Moria" the whole way through. The thing I liked best about this book is that it seemed to have a huge amount of backstory that was only obliquely referenced. It gave me just enough clues I could follow without spoon feeding it to me. But then I realized I had accidentally stepped into the middle of a larger series and all that was lost.But still, it is reasonably well written epic fantasy. One of the main characters has a unique set of powers and some interesting background as to why he has them, though it makes him seem a bit overpowered (turns out he is more vulnerable and interesting in the previous books). Good enough that I am going to go back and read the series in order.
Another engaging episode in the series continuing the relentless progression of Kelthus.
—ree
Really good. This guy's elf-analogues are unnerving. Tolkein x Lovecraft x Martin.
—usama54321
ok i was a little disappointed, not crushed but esme annoyed the fuck out of me
—teri
