Author: Michael J Sullivan
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Length: 512 Pages
Release: July 2017
I received a copy of this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review
"I have always worshiped heroes in stories. I had no idea I was surrounded by them."
Age of Swords dives right back into the story introduced in Age of Myth, picking up with immediate action--and destruction. All of our favorite characters from Age of Myth are still here, but this time around we get to know more about some of our other characters as we delve more deeply into the lives of our characters.
Persephone is one of the best women I have ever read about, in fantasy or otherwise. She believes in helping the people that depend on her, even when it means making hard decisions. And she's willing to make those decisions. This is really the story of Persephone finding her place among her people. And it's a beautiful story.
As I mentioned, we delve more into some of the characters that stayed on the periphery of the previous installment. Roan, Moya, Brin, and Gifford all have expanded roles to play in the changing world. And they are all beautiful characters. Roan is probably my favorite. She's had a hard life, she doesn't know how to accept affection or friendship, but she's trying. And she's brilliant. Moya is beautiful, but she's also capable. Her development was pretty great. Brin is young, but there is so much in her that is yet to be seen. Only time will tell what becomes of her. And Gifford, there are hints of what he is and will be to the world, and he's already so much to so many. I can't wait to see him shine even more.
While this is action packed, as I said it was, it's more of a world building and character exploration novel. There is a lot expanded on, things developed that will be touched more in later installments, but the main war has yet to be waged. But what we learn of the world is quite spectacular. And there is so much promise.
"Once you're a butterfly it's impossible to go back to being a caterpillar, even if you want to."
Along with Persephone, we really get to see Suri grow throughout this new installment. And she remains one of my favorites. I always get excited when she shows up; she just makes me happy. She has to make some heartbreaking decisions that will change her life, maybe change history, and I'm still not completely thrilled by that. Her relationship with Arion is an interesting one. Occasionally I found it a little strange, since we didn't get to see all of the buildup, but it was believable. There are still questions there that need to be answered. I'm not sure how they can be good, but I am hoping for the best. I trust Michael to give me a satisfying answer, even if it's a sad one.
Raithe isn't in the story quite as much as I would like. It was understandable why he wasn't, I just really like his character and missed having him around. I really want to know what's going to happen with him. There was a new character introduced with ties to him that I wonder about as well. What will become of them? I guess we have to wait and see. There were a few moments with Raithe and Malcom together that I really enjoyed. I like the bromance like relationship they have, but I'm not sure that I should. There's something... not quite right here. I just am unsure what it is at this point.
We don't leave the Fhrey behind in this one. Mawyndule has returned to his father, desiring revenge for what happened in Age of Myth. I never know what to think about this young Fhrey. At times I like him and at others I hate him. He's being used by a lot of different people who are trying to further their own agendas. Now we just have to wait and see what becomes of those.
The world is expanded beyond the borders of the land of the clans and the elves, as Persephone and some of her companions venture into the land of the dwarves. A lot happens here. I also really liked the three main dwarves that are introduced. There's some mystery surrounding them and I'm very intrigued.
This book is full of promises. I trust that those promises will be satisfactorily handled in the coming books and I can't wait to read them. Is it 2018 yet?
Note: This releases today, so go and buy a copy!
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