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I suppose I am expecting the same very high standard that marks her previous novels. She is by far my favourite author, and this novel simply falls short of her standard - however, it is still a very good book and worth the read - just don't expect too much, like I did ;)
This novel focuses on the growing power of Lysear's Alliance, Koriathian plots and intrigues, and Arithon's efforts to escape their traps and manipulations. The novel does provide a lot of valuable information that will no doubt become instrumental in the following novels.
I have one big complaint though - There was certainly not enough about Elaira. Am I wrong to assume he is the lead female character? When, (Oh when!) are we going to learn more about her, and her experiences. And when will she meet Arithon again?
One thing I must praise Mrs. Wurts about - her excellent and unsurpassable talent for creating deep, vivid and beautifully captivating characters. People that are very hard to forget. I simply cannot wait for the next instalment!
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Conclusion - if you enjoyed Daughter of the Empire et al, read them again and leave this one alone.
a (Just cant put down)of witch there are all too few. she just pints a picture in your mind. as soon as you think you know whats going to happen she turns it 180 degrees. but it is just as good on the other side.
Magic coming from a crashed spaceship whose AI implants living crystals into your body is about the lamest idea I have ever read. AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!
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The plot of the entire Mistwraith series is not easily surmised, suffices to say that it is beyond the grasp of the reader, until the author wishes it otherwise. I wish, I could keep reading and reading, very few things in life have held me enthralled like this.
All praise aside, I do have one regret; that the interaction of Arithon and Elaira is barely documented. Elaira is rarely mentioned in this book as well as the one before it. We want to see her more, if not see her finally reunite with her beloved. The reunion at the end is so brief, one can barely savor it.
This one critique set aside, I cannot wait for the sequel. Two years to wait is an awfully long time. Oh well, I will bide it, and reread the whole series thrice over, and throw in ...of the Empire series for good measure.
Thank you Janny, for providing us with a world that can entrance for days on end.
It's rich in character development. I have followed Arithon's development as a character with the same enjoyment as I did Ursula K. Le Guin's character, Ged. She has real skill with major and minor characters, using them to continually reflect new angles and interpretations of the themes and characters of the series.
Wurts harkens back to a time when the land was held as something sacred. The Paravians represent lost innocence, and the compact a reminder that we borrow the land from future generations. Her descriptions of magic are multi-sensory journeys that take us towards a more subtle understanding of what world consciousness is and touches on the oneness of everything.
What I found most valuable in these books was the portrayal of the causes of conflict, and the machinations of war. She puts war and greed under an unforgiving spotlight, but also refuses to typecast. Lysaer is portrayed both as liberating leader and protector of the people and deluded tyrant. Arithon is at once freedom fighter and terrorist. We are not asked to choose a side and blame the other, but encouraged to have compassion and understanding, and to see the whole picture. We are shown graphically that war leads to further wars, there is never an end to them, unless there is dialogue and an attempt towards mutual understanding. We are not allowed to give into euphoria after 'justice' has been served, but read on and discover the horrific consequences. It makes us question what is true justice, and whether there is a place for human compassion in it.
The curse itself is an accurate and menacing metaphor for blind, ignorant prejudice that has the same effect on the leaders and followers of this world, as it does on Athera. She powerfully describes the effects of illusion and delusion that create mobs and narrow-minded communities. She neatly portrays blinkered opinion and assumption and shows how they develop into reasons for wiping out other ethnic groups.
When you read her books, suspend judgement. Don't get lost in plot and in trying to interpret the Black Rose Prophecy. Use a dictionary for the more difficult words. Let her writing take hold of your imagination and leave youself open to seeing the parallels of Athera to Earth. Identify with the characters, experience them as aspects of yourself. Make it a journey of discovery. Read each book twice.
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This is a complex book, with many details and it's easy to miss changes in the plot unless you read carefully. However, it is a brilliant set up for the rest of the series, where the characters are further explored, their humanity uncannily realistic and grow into personalities. Readers will learn to love some characters, sympathise with others and dislike a few, as you would in real life.
If you can grit your teeth and cling on to follow the plot through the verbose jungle, then you find your energy and time well spent ... for the rest of the series.
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Peril's Gate takes up where Grand Conspiracy left off with Arithon and Fionn Areth having just escaped Jaelot, Morriel is still camped in the Skyshiels having upset Athera's lane flux which threatens the fabric of Athera as the overstretched Fellowship battle to keep the grimwards and other protections intact. Arithon and Jieret dominate the subsequent action, carrying the reader with them on a journey that will thrill, exhilirate, appal and make them cry. This is not a book for light reading - this book will leave you shaken and disturbed because of where Arithon and Jieret take you. The grand wheel of the Wars and Light and Shadow rolls on as the wider elements of the story are evolved at a cracking pace, but the immediacy, emotion and sacrifice of the lead characters will stay with you after you put the book down.
And all this without having mentioned that in this book we meet Davien, Elaira starts to take control of her destiny, a Paravian or two appears, the Fellowship battles to keep the Mistwraith contained and Kevor continues to win the hearts of his people.
Peril's Gate is not simply a good book, it marks a new level in the intricate writing of Janny Wurts. A must have.
After a somewhat repetitive period in the last few books that focused on the exile of Arithon and pursuit of his half brother, Lysear, Wurts has in "Peril's Gate" created a new scenario. This time, Arithon is not successful in his attempt to seek solace on the wide blue ocean. Instead, due to circumstances beyond his control, he is forced to stay on dry land. As such, Lysear is able to feel the pull of his half brother through the curse they share, and orders a relentless pursuit of Arithon.
Peril's Gate moves paces ahead in the story of the two half-brothers. Wurts draws readers deeper into the troubles of the world and the roles the magicians play in saving it. In "Peril's Gate", we experience the growth of Dakar the Prophet, soul-searching of Arithon, a renewed love for Arithon by Elaira, mysterious events that occur around Lysear's wife and son, and we learn more of Davien the Betrayer.
The book is brilliant, pace-y and brings renewed interest and focus to Wurts' world. It is a step up and forward from previous dallying. It is darker, heavier, more serious; but all the more pleasurable to read.
I can't wait for the next book, as we reach a pinnacle and pivotal point of the story of the Master of Shadow.
Peril's Gate deepens the plot and broadens the scope of the story and the characters. No fantasy novel that I have read prior to this one shows in such vivid detail that there is a price to be paid for killing, even for the hero. Other books allow the hero the dispensation of shrugging off the deaths because they are just evil creatures or evil humans. But this book puts the question squarely to the protagonist and through him, to the readers. And the question is... you'll have to read the book to find out.
A tour de force, Peril's Gate will take you on a journey that will have you asking questions about your own existence and your place in the universe.
This book and the previous volumes are a must own for anyone who has undertaken to walk the path to personal enlightenment.
The pages literally turn themselves!