Helpful Score: 4
This is an excellent book about the struggle between good and evil, and the compromises that fight often provokes. The book is filled with ironies, and subtleties that make it a great read.
Helpful Score: 2
Great book. Could use better character developement.
Helpful Score: 2
The Cold Fire Trilogy introduces one of the most facinating antagonists in literature. Gerald Tarrant is brilliant, ruthless, and decadent - he's also over 1000 years old. How then can he elicit compassion and yes, passion from the reader? It's a testament to Friedman's writing that Tarrant is regularly voted one of the sexiest "villians" in literature.
The story itself is a rarity in fantasy. It's premise is totally original. The decendents of humans live on a planet that responds to the mind's darkest drives, resulting in a world that requires its inhabitants to develop a entire society built around taming, or at least, living with this force (the Fae).
If you want a thrilling read set in a unique world and with compelling characters, read this trilogy!
The story itself is a rarity in fantasy. It's premise is totally original. The decendents of humans live on a planet that responds to the mind's darkest drives, resulting in a world that requires its inhabitants to develop a entire society built around taming, or at least, living with this force (the Fae).
If you want a thrilling read set in a unique world and with compelling characters, read this trilogy!
Jennifer B. (dragonqueen) reviewed Black Sun Rising (Coldfire Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A delightful blend of sci-fi with fantasy. Characters are likable even the evil Hunter. All in all a good solid fantasy read.
Catherine A. (ExemploDucemus) reviewed Black Sun Rising (Coldfire Trilogy, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Black Sun Rising kicks off this trilogy with a bang. The characters are great, and the mixed themes of theology and SciFi make this an great story until the end.
Many centuries in the future, and thousands of light-years away, a human colony ship has established a colony on the last habitable planet before the void. The planet is far from perfect for human habitation: it is highly unstable and earthquakes/erruptions are frequent occurrances. But more unsettling is the nature of the planet: a force called the "fae" on the planet reacts with the human psyche to create both wonderful and horrible entities which can either help or hurt humans. Sorcerers have learned to control the fae, and adepts have become so sensitive to it that it is part of their natures. The Church of the One God has formed in an attempt to forge peace with the fae out of human hope and faith. Amidst all of this, however, lurks a dark force that preys upon human memories and life. When a popular loremaster is attacked, three people go out in search of justice, and meet with both enemies and friends--and one person who is both--along the way.
I found this story somewhat stodgy. The plot and characters seemed predictable at first, and then they...well, actually turned out mostly how I thought, with a few extra flairs and detours. Nevertheless, I expected certain things out of this story, and it failed to satisfy my expectations. Not enough sorcery, or even grand political intrigue; rather, a stout religious adventure quest. Relationships between the characters were very tense for little discernible reason, but once given a reason for tension, incomprehensibly lost most of that tension.
In all, it was illogical without having the excuse of being emotional.
My favorite thing about this book is the cover art. :/
In all, it was illogical without having the excuse of being emotional.
My favorite thing about this book is the cover art. :/
Solid fantasy with good character development in an interesting world. Nice attention to details and realistic personalities. Looking forward to reading the rest.
Interesting world building.Not quite Tad Williams, but he's not bad either.
Huge book, bend in front cover, spine crease, great story.
