First Lords Fury Review
Greetings one and all to the third and final review of the Codex Alera series, covering the last book “First Lords Fury”. My apologies to those who think that my writing has been too long, however, as you might have guessed, I didn’t like cutting the series as far as I did, as it really is a spectacular set of events and could quite happily be studied in depth. However... (“Get On With It” from the sideline)
Ok! So, having read the entire series back-to-back without break (not something I do very often for something this big) I was wondering if he could continue to be as original and brilliant as he had at the start in finishing the series. The short answer would be YES!
The last book continues as it’s predecessors did, with big bold sweeps of innovation from methods of troop movements for those who can’t use the road system (See review 1) to the unravelling of the entire social fabric in the face of a changing world.
Against this is set a wonderful story which shows a true knowledge of human nature. The book contains a good deal of surprises, some stunning action sequences and some very close calls. It also has some laughs in it, and combining all of the above engenders respect. Admittedly, the book did also have the only moment that made me wince, when the Roman aspect of the background walked a certain path; however we all have our crosses to bear...
Outside of that though, the book was a brilliant read from end to end. Despite being effectively super-powered Tavi remains a superbly human character, his friends supply excellent support and the Canim are presented as an excellent, vibrant race. (Warning, semi-spoiler) Also, the definition of evil is put to the test. Is it the Vord Queen, whose only goal is to protect her children? Is it the High Lords, who even with the backs against the wall, jocky for position at the cost of others? Or is it the person whose revealed as having set the wheels in motion from the start? Trust me, you will be surprised! I know I was.
So, do I recommend the book? Definite Yes, its genius. Also, (Warning: Spoiler) it leaves it open for a sequel series as it sets in motion a chain of events that could alter the future of a whole world. With a scope and depth that knocks most science fiction (let alone fantasy... the ending battles make Helm’s Deep look like a bun fight!) into a cocked hat and one of the most original vibrant worlds i’ve has the fortune to read, the Codex Alera is one of the best things I’ve read in a long time. Go out and enjoy!
Regards, Kerl
Picture Credit To: Top: Fantastic Fiction Bottom: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uP-mrG5iDts/SwTgIqZ_tYI/AAAAAAAAArg/fzZCGsy-8gQ/s1600/herdbane.jpg Because everyone needs more killer chickens in their lives. I would say Struithid, but that's another day and another review :-)
As an addition to the serious work (Yeah.. right!) of the review, I also present the “Snippits” with a few of the miscellaneous thoughts that crossed my mind whilst reading:
Snippits:
Listening to: ELO, Rain Is Falling (Cos it is!)
Favourite Quote in the series: “Keep those bloody bug-men off my roof!” (Okay, there are deeper, more meaningful quotes in the books, some of which are very clever. However, this one kept me laughing for ages!)
If you like this, consider reading:
Outcast, the UnMagician by Christopher Golden for another story of a boy without Magic in a world fuelled by the stuff. Sadly unfinished.
The world map is in the last book, not the first. By which point it’s somewhat obsolete.... (Edit: Having spoken to the lady behind the map (it, and some of her other (quality!) artwork, can be found here: http://priscellie.deviantart.com/ ) the map should be in the first book in future editions!
The language from the book is going to melt the spellchecker...
Do the Canin sing in Baritone? (Credit to whomsoever identifies the source of this!)
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