April 13, 2009
Having wound up his seven-volume space opera, the Saga of Seven Suns, bestseller Anderson moves hesitantly into fantasy with this uninspired series opener. A promising attempt to end a long history of war between the followers of Aiden and Urec, two of the sons of creator-god Ondun, is scuttled when an accidental fire engulfs the city of Ishalem, which occupies the isthmus separating the warring kingdoms. The repercussions of the blaze, which include massacres, betrayals and vicious reprisals, play out over the next 13 years as naval chartsmen guide the kingdoms' sailing ships through the treacherous waters around Ishalem. The details of the cultures and politics add little insight into human nature, and a paucity of fantasy elements gives readers no reason to prefer this tale over its numerous contemporaries.
June 22, 2009
This sprawling epic marks sf author Anderson's ("Saga of Seven Suns" series; Enemies & Allies) fantasy debut. This first volume of a trilogy follows the clash of two powerful nations, Tierra and Uraba, and the fate of their leaders and citizens through 15 years of fighting and exploration. Verdict There are some similarities to Ursula Le Guin's "Earthsea" series and Harry Harrison's "The Hammer and the Cross" books, but this novel is not derivative. While the themes are adult, young adults will also find much to enjoy. The related music CD, Beyond the Horizon, may also be of interest. Highly recommended for epic fantasy fans.-Sara Tompson, Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles
Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 1, 2015
In his latest work, historian Pye (Taking Lives) excels at painting a unique portrait of the political, economic, and cultural transformation that has occurred on the shores of the North Sea, specifically in the UK, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Pye steps away from visualizing history in boxes by focusing on the positive advancements of previously criticized time periods such as the Dark Ages. His emphasis on the resilience of ethnic groups, such as the Frisians and the Vikings, to make decisions that changed the course of history instills the reader with hope about achieving success after setbacks. In addition, the author's inclusion of women's history shines light on previously overlooked events. VERDICT Pye's message and intention provides the reader with a refreshing view of the connection between time and place. His frequent use of primary sources as well as fictional literary works gives the work an ethereal nature. Readers who enjoy broad historical analysis will enjoy this book as a companion to Lincoln Paine's The Sea and Civilization and David Bates and Robert Liddiard's East Anglia and its North Sea World in the Middle Ages.--Marian Mays, Butte-Silver Bow P.L., MT
Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.