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The Traitor Son Cycle #3
The Dread Wyrm
SOME ARE BORN TO POWER
SOME SEIZE IT
AND SOME HAVE THE WISDOM NEVER TO WIELD IT
The Red Knight has stood against soldiers, against armies and against the might of an empire without flinching. He's fought on real and on magical battlefields alike, and now he's facing one of the greatest challenges yet.
A tournament.
A joyous spring event, the flower of the nobility will present arms and ride against each other for royal favour and acclaim. It's a political contest - and one which the Red Knight has the skill to win. But the stakes may be higher than he thinks. The court of Alba has been infiltrated by a dangerous faction of warlike knights, led by the greatest knight in the world: Jean de Vrailly - and the prize he's fighting for isn't royal favour, but the throne of Alba itself.
Where there is competition there is opportunity; the question is, will the Red Knight take it? Or will the creatures of the Wild seize their chance instead . . .
'A stirring, gritty and at times quite brutal epic fantasy' Tor.com
'This series promises to be the standout epic fantasy for the ages' Fantasy Book Critic
SOME SEIZE IT
AND SOME HAVE THE WISDOM NEVER TO WIELD IT
The Red Knight has stood against soldiers, against armies and against the might of an empire without flinching. He's fought on real and on magical battlefields alike, and now he's facing one of the greatest challenges yet.
A tournament.
A joyous spring event, the flower of the nobility will present arms and ride against each other for royal favour and acclaim. It's a political contest - and one which the Red Knight has the skill to win. But the stakes may be higher than he thinks. The court of Alba has been infiltrated by a dangerous faction of warlike knights, led by the greatest knight in the world: Jean de Vrailly - and the prize he's fighting for isn't royal favour, but the throne of Alba itself.
Where there is competition there is opportunity; the question is, will the Red Knight take it? Or will the creatures of the Wild seize their chance instead . . .
'A stirring, gritty and at times quite brutal epic fantasy' Tor.com
'This series promises to be the standout epic fantasy for the ages' Fantasy Book Critic
608 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2015
289 people are currently reading
4,343 people want to read
About the author
Miles Cameron
27books2,649followersMiles Cameron is an author, a re-enactor, an outdoors expert and a weapons specialist. He lives, works and writes in Toronto, where he lives with his family. This is his debut fantasy novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
January 27, 2018
"It was spring, and young men's fancy turned to war."
If you read my review of the previous book, The Fell Sword, you know I had an issue with the pace of the story. Well, if that book was a sloth, then The Dread Wyrm is a cheetah jacked up on adrenaline. From beginning to end there is very little down time. Whether it be full blown action or a gradual build up to an intense scene, I was captivated.
A lot of questions were answered and many characters were lost. Mr. Cameron spared no expense with the death toll in this volume. I was a little surprised with this only being book 3 out of 5, but I have come to learn to expect the unexpected when it comes to this series. And I mean that in a positive way. You never know what is coming next and all options are possible.
The character development is great in this series and I have grown fond of many of them. The weird thing is I enjoy some of the bad guys as much as the good guys. Of course, it's not the same enjoyment. I really detest these villians. They help make this story as much as the the heroes do. Like Jean de Vrailly with his "I'm the greatest knight in world" arrogance, and de Rohan who thinks he can have anything he wants and no one will question his superiority. I can't wait to see these assholes get what's coming to them. Hopefully, a very slow and painful death.
The Dread Wyrm has most of the scenes I enjoy in my fantasy novels. Such as plenty of action, single combat and all out battles, a daring rescue mission, a race across country to evade an enemy or catch an enemy unaware, magical battles, stunning revelations, and of course....dragons. How could I not love this book. Here is a small paragraph from the final battle to let you see how these scenes are described in detail.
"Thunder cracked - everywhere, as if a thousand bolts of lightning had struck simultaneously. And a tower of black smoke, as tall as the spire of a village church and lit from within by a dark red fire that also spread like angel's wings on either side, and rose to form a crown, or a halo."
I know it is early in the year, but I can see The Dread Wyrm being one of my top reads of the year. Mr. Cameron has set the bar high after this installment. I am eager to start the next book in this journey. For all of you fantasy and medieval fantasy book lovers out there, this series is for you. To everyone else, there is a great story between these pages, and I believe you would enjoy it too.
5 stars
April 30, 2020
The Dread Wyrm is my favourite of the Traitor Son Cycle so far. It is a phenomenal book with epic pacing and some scenes that I will never forget. If you like books inspired by Arthurian Romance, with fearsome knights, horrific monsters and magic that will blow your mind, this series is the one for you.
“Those who have known pain should have mercy on others.�
Number 3 in the Traitor Son Cycle, The Dread Wyrm picks up where The Fell Sword left. It begins with our favourite characters such as Red Knight in a tavern giving a run down of the events so far. This beginning gave an excellent re-cap of what has happened in this medieval land and ensures that the reader is up to date with the players and the plot. Without delving into the plot I’ll just say there is a big tournament, intense politicking, almighty battles, an unlikely alliance and one of the greatest duels I have ever read.
“But all you have to do is lie. If enough people lie, all the time, then there isn’t enough truth for law to work. That’s how I see it.�
We follow our favourite characters like Gabriel, Sir Gavin, Bad Tom, Sauce and Michael as they move ever more into danger and make a play for something far more daring than they’ve ever done before. There are new faces and old and each story line begins to merge in this book, the strands finally coming together making the first two novels completely understandable. From the large cast we are able to see many different personalities and their lives and we are able to enjoy the vast world that Miles Cameron has created.
“War is food and drink and disease and patience and anger and hate and cold and stealth and terror as well as sweet silver and bitter iron and the glitter of arms in the sun or under the moon.�
This is medieval fantasy at it’s finest - especially as it really feels medieval. From the bright, tight clothes to the deadly weapons and shining ‘white� armour to the way the characters speak, everything is inspired straight from the 14th century world. Just with dragons and other terrible beasts. The creatures in The Dread Wyrm have a large part to play and they as always shined in each and every scene.
“My da—� Diccon looked at the ground. “� my da calls me ‘Bent.’�
Robin smiled. “No. Sorry, Diccon. It’s a good name, but a master archer had it and it died with him. Got another?�
“My mother calls me a God-Damned Fool,� Diccon said with a smile.
“Good, you’ll fit right in.�
With any Christian / Miles Cameron book there is a highlight on the combat. The intricate sword plays, jousts and even magical battles are written terrifically. They are able to be exhilarating and informing all at the same time, The Dread Wyrm ramps up the action and is written in brutally efficient set pieces. I will also add that also the subtle details of clothing and life are written so well, that I found myself wanting the combat to hold on for just a second so I could read more lines about how the tournament was organised, or how a doublet was worn.
“A battle was a situation where two commanders each thought they had a decisive superiority and one was wrong.�
5/5 - I loved this book so much it has cemented this series so far as one of my favourites to date. There are the big epic clashes, the intense plans and masterful dialogue, along with intricate details that add a whole lot to the world building. The Dread Wyrm is five star read!
“Those who have known pain should have mercy on others.�
Number 3 in the Traitor Son Cycle, The Dread Wyrm picks up where The Fell Sword left. It begins with our favourite characters such as Red Knight in a tavern giving a run down of the events so far. This beginning gave an excellent re-cap of what has happened in this medieval land and ensures that the reader is up to date with the players and the plot. Without delving into the plot I’ll just say there is a big tournament, intense politicking, almighty battles, an unlikely alliance and one of the greatest duels I have ever read.
“But all you have to do is lie. If enough people lie, all the time, then there isn’t enough truth for law to work. That’s how I see it.�
We follow our favourite characters like Gabriel, Sir Gavin, Bad Tom, Sauce and Michael as they move ever more into danger and make a play for something far more daring than they’ve ever done before. There are new faces and old and each story line begins to merge in this book, the strands finally coming together making the first two novels completely understandable. From the large cast we are able to see many different personalities and their lives and we are able to enjoy the vast world that Miles Cameron has created.
“War is food and drink and disease and patience and anger and hate and cold and stealth and terror as well as sweet silver and bitter iron and the glitter of arms in the sun or under the moon.�
This is medieval fantasy at it’s finest - especially as it really feels medieval. From the bright, tight clothes to the deadly weapons and shining ‘white� armour to the way the characters speak, everything is inspired straight from the 14th century world. Just with dragons and other terrible beasts. The creatures in The Dread Wyrm have a large part to play and they as always shined in each and every scene.
“My da—� Diccon looked at the ground. “� my da calls me ‘Bent.’�
Robin smiled. “No. Sorry, Diccon. It’s a good name, but a master archer had it and it died with him. Got another?�
“My mother calls me a God-Damned Fool,� Diccon said with a smile.
“Good, you’ll fit right in.�
With any Christian / Miles Cameron book there is a highlight on the combat. The intricate sword plays, jousts and even magical battles are written terrifically. They are able to be exhilarating and informing all at the same time, The Dread Wyrm ramps up the action and is written in brutally efficient set pieces. I will also add that also the subtle details of clothing and life are written so well, that I found myself wanting the combat to hold on for just a second so I could read more lines about how the tournament was organised, or how a doublet was worn.
“A battle was a situation where two commanders each thought they had a decisive superiority and one was wrong.�
5/5 - I loved this book so much it has cemented this series so far as one of my favourites to date. There are the big epic clashes, the intense plans and masterful dialogue, along with intricate details that add a whole lot to the world building. The Dread Wyrm is five star read!
July 8, 2018
Well : one thing turned out well in this epic Military fantasy : the red knight stopped his whining about Amicia and hooked up with someone new , this book was well written, the Plot is very well layered: a lot of battles , duels : magical OR Physical, new allies and revelations and of course death of multiple characters , we now know the reason behind all of these battles and the Previous ones going to thirty thousand years ago : the earth is not the only sphere existing in this universe but there are others that are also inhabited , what is special about the earth is that it's a crossroad to the other spheres and it contains several gates that if opened hell will cross over like it happened before with the wild , said gates are located all over the world like under the abbess fortress and the Albanian royal castle .. Ash's goal all along was to create so much chaos and spill rivers of blood in order to Manifest fully and physically in this sphere so he can open the gates, let his allies in, eat his rivals and dominate ..... One of the things i disliked in this book was the red knight's behavior: the more he uses his name the more the bitch in him manifest, he is weeping openly now and breaking down more and more,, i know i am exaggerating a little but that's how i feel , i hope he gets his shit together in the next installment, that's it for me now bye.
September 6, 2024
The third book in The Traitor Son Cycle, it was definitely better than the second but it didn't quite best the first in the series. This was more of a 3.75 but so rounded up.
Unlike the second book, this one gets going quickly it re-caps really well without being boring or tedious. The brutality and gore starts fast and the descriptions of body horror were really well done.
The pacing was a lot better than the last book, it made me want to read on. The Red Knight is now such a well developed character, he protects the weak, fights for what he believes is 'good' or 'right' he is strong, powerful and feared yet compassionate and kind. He is a morally grey character which I love and he using humour to mask pain.
There is such an epic mother and son relationship in this book too, it is so fun to read and see develop. As in the first book there are a lot of strong women in this one. Blanche is a really good addition to the series, I liked her straight away.
This book is a fantasy but the battle scenes (minus the creatures) could have come right out of a Non-fiction book.
Although the writing isn't lyrical or beautiful all the time there are breakthroughs of beautiful writing which I loved. The magic system is building up really nicely, it is getting more and more complex and it is done so well.
In this book you can feel a bigger, badder threat brewing. The whole story is about 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' a lot of different characters come together in this book to create unlikely allies. I thought the pacing of this book really slowed towards the end of this book and when it did pick back up the ending wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped. I can feel an epic battle/ending coming though.
Unlike the second book, this one gets going quickly it re-caps really well without being boring or tedious. The brutality and gore starts fast and the descriptions of body horror were really well done.
The pacing was a lot better than the last book, it made me want to read on. The Red Knight is now such a well developed character, he protects the weak, fights for what he believes is 'good' or 'right' he is strong, powerful and feared yet compassionate and kind. He is a morally grey character which I love and he using humour to mask pain.
There is such an epic mother and son relationship in this book too, it is so fun to read and see develop. As in the first book there are a lot of strong women in this one. Blanche is a really good addition to the series, I liked her straight away.
This book is a fantasy but the battle scenes (minus the creatures) could have come right out of a Non-fiction book.
Although the writing isn't lyrical or beautiful all the time there are breakthroughs of beautiful writing which I loved. The magic system is building up really nicely, it is getting more and more complex and it is done so well.
In this book you can feel a bigger, badder threat brewing. The whole story is about 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' a lot of different characters come together in this book to create unlikely allies. I thought the pacing of this book really slowed towards the end of this book and when it did pick back up the ending wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped. I can feel an epic battle/ending coming though.
July 9, 2021
The Red Knight's adventures continue in "The Dread Wyrm", volume three of the Traitor Son Cycle. This is my favourite book of the series, so far.
While the cast of characters grows and the stakes become larger, the story feels very intimate and centered on Main Character The Red Knight thanks to Cameron's crisp, tight writing. On the surface, some might dismiss this series as a good vs. evil story; however the story is much more complex and deeper as witnessed by several conversations among characters about what is "right" and "moral" and who/what is truly a "monster."
The story's fantastical elements are seamlessly woven with the medieval world, thanks in part to Cameron's background as a historian and reenactor. Everything describing the armaments of the various knights to the intense battles have a ring of authenticity that few fantasy series can boast - this is very much a fantasy series for people who like their fantasy grounded in reality.
Ratings:- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
While the cast of characters grows and the stakes become larger, the story feels very intimate and centered on Main Character The Red Knight thanks to Cameron's crisp, tight writing. On the surface, some might dismiss this series as a good vs. evil story; however the story is much more complex and deeper as witnessed by several conversations among characters about what is "right" and "moral" and who/what is truly a "monster."
The story's fantastical elements are seamlessly woven with the medieval world, thanks in part to Cameron's background as a historian and reenactor. Everything describing the armaments of the various knights to the intense battles have a ring of authenticity that few fantasy series can boast - this is very much a fantasy series for people who like their fantasy grounded in reality.
Ratings:- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 24, 2017
Everything I love about great fantasy is between the pages of this book - layers of plots, awesome magic, mysterious weapons, a plethora of interesting and powerful characters, frightening creatures, and epic battles - and it only seems to get better with each new installment. This is quickly becoming one my favorite series.
Where the first two books set up the world, introduced the characters and the conflicts, and hinted at some outside influences, this book finally provides some solid footing. We begin to get a better look at what’s been behind the rise of tensions across the kingdom and the Wild, and a peek at who is responsible. What? You thought this was about a wizard with a few loose marbles? Well...maybe. Guess you’ll have to read to find out.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this. I love a lot a books, and I spare no stars for those I love, but this book deserves every single one. I gave book one 5 stars too, but that first book was pretty weak when compared to how far the story has come. Maybe I’ll change it upon reread, but for now it sticks.
I love the magic system, but I'm not even going to attempt to explain it. I don’t have that kind of grasp on it yet. But I think the author has made it fairly easy for the reader to follow along, and develop a basic understanding of how it works. It’s a very cool system, and I love the various ways it’s been used, especially how those with power can interact. And if you’re like me, and like to dig a little deeper you can search hermetic magic to learn a little bit about the inspiration for the system.
If there’s anything that I appreciate about this author it’s that he's not so attached to his own characters that he can’t let them go. Yeah, it’s disappointing, especially when I grow attached to a person only to find them chopped in two, smashed by boulders or burnt to a crisp, amongst other things. But I like the tension it adds, knowing anyone (well almost anyone) can bite the dust at any moment.
Well, if you skipped to the end of my review because it was way too long just know that I highly recommend this book.
The reality men build is more fragile than they know.
Where the first two books set up the world, introduced the characters and the conflicts, and hinted at some outside influences, this book finally provides some solid footing. We begin to get a better look at what’s been behind the rise of tensions across the kingdom and the Wild, and a peek at who is responsible. What? You thought this was about a wizard with a few loose marbles? Well...maybe. Guess you’ll have to read to find out.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this. I love a lot a books, and I spare no stars for those I love, but this book deserves every single one. I gave book one 5 stars too, but that first book was pretty weak when compared to how far the story has come. Maybe I’ll change it upon reread, but for now it sticks.
I love the magic system, but I'm not even going to attempt to explain it. I don’t have that kind of grasp on it yet. But I think the author has made it fairly easy for the reader to follow along, and develop a basic understanding of how it works. It’s a very cool system, and I love the various ways it’s been used, especially how those with power can interact. And if you’re like me, and like to dig a little deeper you can search hermetic magic to learn a little bit about the inspiration for the system.
If there’s anything that I appreciate about this author it’s that he's not so attached to his own characters that he can’t let them go. Yeah, it’s disappointing, especially when I grow attached to a person only to find them chopped in two, smashed by boulders or burnt to a crisp, amongst other things. But I like the tension it adds, knowing anyone (well almost anyone) can bite the dust at any moment.
Well, if you skipped to the end of my review because it was way too long just know that I highly recommend this book.
Nothing’s finished.
January 3, 2016
This is book number #3 in the series and I have to say it continues to be a lot of fun and a pretty fabulous series overall as I think all three of them have got 4*s or more so far. This is probably one of the only series which I would class as having good battle scenes in fantasy which do actually make sense to me and interest me. I think this is largely due to the fact that the author is originally a historical fiction writer and this ability to accurately represent battle scenes probably stems from that prior knowledge.
This story focuses a lot more on the Red Knight and his company than the previous books which, although very interesting still, split up the narrative a little more evenly. We do see snatches of the various characters around the world at different times, sometimes they are interacting with one another, other times they are doing their own things to influence the passage of the story. I think being able to see the story and follow the company means that I really connected with The red Knight and some of our old favourite characters again in this book and that was super nice :)
The plot is largely about the Red Knight and the Queen who are both being questioned by many others for their motives. We know that the Queen's been through some rather horrible suggestions and insinuations from the last book to this and when we pick up her story she's in a rather bleak situation which made me definitely feel for her immensely. I think she's a character whom I really connected with in this book and seeing her plight and the horrible people who judged her was really moving at times. Throughout it all she's strong and wonderful though!
The Red Knight, Gabriel, is being questioned by his family and his followers about his quest because many know he has the potential to take the throne should he wish it and many who would back him were he to try. The idea of stealing the throne and becoming a ruler instead of a Captain definitely brings temptation, but seeing the Red Knight deal with this was great.
Finally we have the ever growing problem of the Wild and their leader Thorn who we also know has a master of his own. The Wild grows ever more threatening and launches many skirmishes and attacks on various groups across the course of this book forcing fights and problems upon them. I really love seeing the creatures of the Wild and the sides that they choose to side with and that's one of the more original and exciting elements of this book for me.
The love and romantic elements of this book I thought were handled very well actually because I feel like Cameron knows how to create both toxic and beneficial relationships and his characters play to their strengths within these relationships at different points of the story.
We had a few great battles, including the final one, and this really starts to introduce more of the overall plotline too and show off some of the things which may be coming in the next few books for our characters too which I really liked.
On the whole another solid addition to the series and a really good 4* read even though this one took me a lot longer to get through than I'd have liked it to! :)
This story focuses a lot more on the Red Knight and his company than the previous books which, although very interesting still, split up the narrative a little more evenly. We do see snatches of the various characters around the world at different times, sometimes they are interacting with one another, other times they are doing their own things to influence the passage of the story. I think being able to see the story and follow the company means that I really connected with The red Knight and some of our old favourite characters again in this book and that was super nice :)
The plot is largely about the Red Knight and the Queen who are both being questioned by many others for their motives. We know that the Queen's been through some rather horrible suggestions and insinuations from the last book to this and when we pick up her story she's in a rather bleak situation which made me definitely feel for her immensely. I think she's a character whom I really connected with in this book and seeing her plight and the horrible people who judged her was really moving at times. Throughout it all she's strong and wonderful though!
The Red Knight, Gabriel, is being questioned by his family and his followers about his quest because many know he has the potential to take the throne should he wish it and many who would back him were he to try. The idea of stealing the throne and becoming a ruler instead of a Captain definitely brings temptation, but seeing the Red Knight deal with this was great.
Finally we have the ever growing problem of the Wild and their leader Thorn who we also know has a master of his own. The Wild grows ever more threatening and launches many skirmishes and attacks on various groups across the course of this book forcing fights and problems upon them. I really love seeing the creatures of the Wild and the sides that they choose to side with and that's one of the more original and exciting elements of this book for me.
The love and romantic elements of this book I thought were handled very well actually because I feel like Cameron knows how to create both toxic and beneficial relationships and his characters play to their strengths within these relationships at different points of the story.
We had a few great battles, including the final one, and this really starts to introduce more of the overall plotline too and show off some of the things which may be coming in the next few books for our characters too which I really liked.
On the whole another solid addition to the series and a really good 4* read even though this one took me a lot longer to get through than I'd have liked it to! :)
Read
July 25, 2017review to come when I find brains to eat.
July 21, 2019
4.5 Stars
Easily the best book in the series so far, The Dread Wyrm was a fantastic read.
After a stunning success in Morea, the Red Knight returns to Alba with more power and influence than ever. But Alba is more dangerous than ever, threatened by Thorn and his army of the Wild from without and undermined by Jean de Vrailly and his Gallish soldiers from within. As usual, the Red Knight has a plan. And as usual, there is a decent chance that plan gets everyone killed.
Short story, this book was fantastic. All of the promise of the first book and the buildup from the second book was realized. One of my criticisms of the second book was that it was a bit slower and felt more like a setup than a complete story. Well, my patience was handsomely rewarded as all the various plot threads came together in a truly epic series of confrontations. The pace was frenetic, the action epic in scope, and there were several truly satisfying moments. With Cameron’s expertise in medieval combat, the action is written unlike anything else in fantasy and the combat scenes are a joy to read.
Cameron continues to shine with his characterization. The cast is enormous, but there are dozens of characters that feel fully fleshed out with distinct personalities. They aren’t static either, each of them has shown change and growth throughout the events of each book. He also excels at portraying the reality that most of these characters aren’t simply good or bad. At times, they could be both hero and villain. A special mention for how he managed to make me loathe a few specific characters. An author that can make me frustrated reading about a truly despicable character because I just want someone to kill them has done their job well.
It was awesome seeing all the factions converge. From the separate plot threads of the Red Knight and his company, the unrest in Harndon, the Morean Empire, Bad Tom and his hillmen, the Jacks, the creatures of the Wild, the Outwallers, all the various plot threads patiently woven come together. Several characters get standout moments, from Gabriel to his brother Gavin to Bad Tom to Desiderata, each of them have their turn in the spotlight.
Three books in and this has been a great series so far. After the climax of this book I’m curious to see how the author picks the story back up in book four, but he’s given me every reason to trust that he’ll pull it off and do it well.
Easily the best book in the series so far, The Dread Wyrm was a fantastic read.
After a stunning success in Morea, the Red Knight returns to Alba with more power and influence than ever. But Alba is more dangerous than ever, threatened by Thorn and his army of the Wild from without and undermined by Jean de Vrailly and his Gallish soldiers from within. As usual, the Red Knight has a plan. And as usual, there is a decent chance that plan gets everyone killed.
Short story, this book was fantastic. All of the promise of the first book and the buildup from the second book was realized. One of my criticisms of the second book was that it was a bit slower and felt more like a setup than a complete story. Well, my patience was handsomely rewarded as all the various plot threads came together in a truly epic series of confrontations. The pace was frenetic, the action epic in scope, and there were several truly satisfying moments. With Cameron’s expertise in medieval combat, the action is written unlike anything else in fantasy and the combat scenes are a joy to read.
Cameron continues to shine with his characterization. The cast is enormous, but there are dozens of characters that feel fully fleshed out with distinct personalities. They aren’t static either, each of them has shown change and growth throughout the events of each book. He also excels at portraying the reality that most of these characters aren’t simply good or bad. At times, they could be both hero and villain. A special mention for how he managed to make me loathe a few specific characters. An author that can make me frustrated reading about a truly despicable character because I just want someone to kill them has done their job well.
It was awesome seeing all the factions converge. From the separate plot threads of the Red Knight and his company, the unrest in Harndon, the Morean Empire, Bad Tom and his hillmen, the Jacks, the creatures of the Wild, the Outwallers, all the various plot threads patiently woven come together. Several characters get standout moments, from Gabriel to his brother Gavin to Bad Tom to Desiderata, each of them have their turn in the spotlight.
Three books in and this has been a great series so far. After the climax of this book I’m curious to see how the author picks the story back up in book four, but he’s given me every reason to trust that he’ll pull it off and do it well.
October 20, 2015
This third book in the series expands the scope of the story and the world Cameron has created in a quite satisfactory way, while at the same time the author introduces the back story in a natural way, using it as a means of not only bringing the new reader up to speed on past events but also the nature of the relationships of some of the key players.
From this quick introduction the author moves you through various frames of reference, bringing different characters and armies into play and informing the reader, again deftly and without a forced hand, where they stood and where they were going.
Being that most of you are just now cracking the cover, I won't give any spoilers at all, except to say that much like the Moirai (or perhaps the Nornir) Cameron weaves in new lives and fleshes them out in the story, measures them carefully, and then cuts out, dead. Sometimes this is with a seam ripper, one thread at a time, and other times it is as a giant pair of shears ripping through cloth.
Much like the Red Knight and his plans, the author's plans unfold in front of us as armies move in the real and the aethereal, and yet there is no hollow feeling you get when an author uses a deus ex machina to affect an outcome.
The final battle is well written and serves as both the climax and the denouement, and still, the very short epilogue serves to set up the next story quite well, although I am a sucker for a chant of joy by a body of armed men: Θάλαττα! θάλαττα!
I stopped reading fantasy more than a decade ago, mostly because it was written by people who didn't understand the fear and joy that precede combat, or even the physics of melee, or the all-importance of the supply train. Cameron masters these three things, which is enough to make me enjoy the books, but on top of that he tells a story in which you are vested and uses characters that have depth and variety.
From this quick introduction the author moves you through various frames of reference, bringing different characters and armies into play and informing the reader, again deftly and without a forced hand, where they stood and where they were going.
Being that most of you are just now cracking the cover, I won't give any spoilers at all, except to say that much like the Moirai (or perhaps the Nornir) Cameron weaves in new lives and fleshes them out in the story, measures them carefully, and then cuts out, dead. Sometimes this is with a seam ripper, one thread at a time, and other times it is as a giant pair of shears ripping through cloth.
Much like the Red Knight and his plans, the author's plans unfold in front of us as armies move in the real and the aethereal, and yet there is no hollow feeling you get when an author uses a deus ex machina to affect an outcome.
The final battle is well written and serves as both the climax and the denouement, and still, the very short epilogue serves to set up the next story quite well, although I am a sucker for a chant of joy by a body of armed men: Θάλαττα! θάλαττα!
I stopped reading fantasy more than a decade ago, mostly because it was written by people who didn't understand the fear and joy that precede combat, or even the physics of melee, or the all-importance of the supply train. Cameron masters these three things, which is enough to make me enjoy the books, but on top of that he tells a story in which you are vested and uses characters that have depth and variety.
September 10, 2016
I listened to this on Audible, as I did the first two. Recommended by a friend who clearly knows me, this series has rekindled my love for all things medieval (and brought back fond memories of my own reenactment days).
A different narrator to the previous two books threw me off to start with. I really liked the last gent and it took me a while to get used to the new voices of characters I'd come to know. However, that being said, once I'd gotten used to who was who and the new narrator, the story continued on with as much detail and exquisite description - of characters personalities as well as weapons and gear and magic - I fell straight back into this alternate history (or so it feels).
The battles are complex and visual, the lives as fragile as those in real life and the magic and monsters, wow! They just get bigger and better, as does the interwoven plot.
Big things happen and big promises are made of more to come. I can't wait for the fourth book to read, or likely hear, what the brave and brutal company of mercenaries get up to next.
A fan of medieval fantasy? Or even medieval historical fiction? Then pick this series up and emerse yourself in what could have been, if magic and monsters were real!
A different narrator to the previous two books threw me off to start with. I really liked the last gent and it took me a while to get used to the new voices of characters I'd come to know. However, that being said, once I'd gotten used to who was who and the new narrator, the story continued on with as much detail and exquisite description - of characters personalities as well as weapons and gear and magic - I fell straight back into this alternate history (or so it feels).
The battles are complex and visual, the lives as fragile as those in real life and the magic and monsters, wow! They just get bigger and better, as does the interwoven plot.
Big things happen and big promises are made of more to come. I can't wait for the fourth book to read, or likely hear, what the brave and brutal company of mercenaries get up to next.
A fan of medieval fantasy? Or even medieval historical fiction? Then pick this series up and emerse yourself in what could have been, if magic and monsters were real!
July 14, 2016
Epic!!!
January 28, 2016
I've been trying to figure out a detailed review to write for the entire series, but I'm giving up on that. This series is just too hard to pin down.
So I'm asking you to take my word for it when I say it's bloody fantastic. One of the best works of military fantasy I've ever read, with terrifically deep characters and a story that's kept me captivated right from the beginning. Throw in the fact that Cameron is a medieval reenactor and really, REALLY knows his stuff when it comes to weapons, armor, fighting, and battle, and it's just amazing. A new addition to the "favorites" shelf, for certain.
So I'm asking you to take my word for it when I say it's bloody fantastic. One of the best works of military fantasy I've ever read, with terrifically deep characters and a story that's kept me captivated right from the beginning. Throw in the fact that Cameron is a medieval reenactor and really, REALLY knows his stuff when it comes to weapons, armor, fighting, and battle, and it's just amazing. A new addition to the "favorites" shelf, for certain.
November 11, 2017
I finished this one some time ago. Very good writing, in the same tone with the other books.
There isn`t a lot of humor or very entertaining dialogues like in Abercrombie`s work, but definitely
there is something there that keeped me hooked on the story.
Maybe repetitive in some actions, but with small steps, the epic feeling is growing from book to book.
Good, good stuff.
Until now I`m glad and I must admitt that I wasn`t dissapointed by his Red Knight series of books.
There isn`t a lot of humor or very entertaining dialogues like in Abercrombie`s work, but definitely
there is something there that keeped me hooked on the story.
Maybe repetitive in some actions, but with small steps, the epic feeling is growing from book to book.
Good, good stuff.
Until now I`m glad and I must admitt that I wasn`t dissapointed by his Red Knight series of books.
December 3, 2015
What a pleasure it is to read a series that is invested in character for the long haul. In our age of constant self-distraction, finding someone willing to allow the slow and realistic development of character, theme, plot over the course of five books is rare. Finding someone who does it beautifully is enough to shout from the rooftops. Thank you, Miles Cameron.
Oh, and did I mention that there are both American Indians and knights in armor in the same book? This is why fantasy exists as a genre, I tell you!
Oh, and did I mention that there are both American Indians and knights in armor in the same book? This is why fantasy exists as a genre, I tell you!
December 25, 2018
The best yet! Action packed and plenty of time spent with the Company. The Red Knight got lots of air time and was more developed than ever.
There's something about these books that, while I love them, feels like work. This one was the least work so far, but still a very slow read for me. It felt good because it meant I'd get to enjoy the book longer with no fear of inhaling it in a day or two.
I'm looking forward to the next one but might need some time for my brain to recover.
There's something about these books that, while I love them, feels like work. This one was the least work so far, but still a very slow read for me. It felt good because it meant I'd get to enjoy the book longer with no fear of inhaling it in a day or two.
I'm looking forward to the next one but might need some time for my brain to recover.
June 13, 2017
I cannot stress enough, how well written these are... and Cameron's knowledge and research on medieval arms and battle tactics... (Much more than my knowledge of how to spell the word medieval, which I had to google)
I have been pretty bad at writing full reviews lately, so I am going to take a weekend soon to flesh out some of these placeholder reviews.
On to the Plague of Swords...
I have been pretty bad at writing full reviews lately, so I am going to take a weekend soon to flesh out some of these placeholder reviews.
On to the Plague of Swords...
December 10, 2018
The Dread Wyrm by Miles Cameron is the third book in the Traitor’s Son Cycle, a series that I’ve been really enjoying. This third instalment was just amazing, goddamn this one just captivated me completely!
🗡
The Dread Wrym follows on from the aftermath of The Fell Sword (book two) and we see the Red Knight and his band of mercenaries travelling to a tournament in Harndon; a place that is now on the brink of civil war, a war which could destroy the entire city. Evil forces are at play; human and non humans are behind the scenes manipulating and fuelling the conflict. It’s up to the Red Knight to play his own game, to see behind the curtain of lies and save the city.
🗡
Cameron just completely wowed me in this book. The pacing was so well done; there were so many epic battle scenes, that had me really tense. Cameron is a master at battle scenes. The detail he goes into really is fantastic. I loved seeing the knights all fight Wryms, boglins, demons, Trolls, and also human armies. Even when the pace slowed down there was so much plotting between characters, betrayals, and quests for power, it all kept me so engaged.
🗡
I particularly loved the chapters that focused on the Red Knight and his army. They were all so entertaining; the banter between them me laugh out loud, especially Bad Tom and his blunt way of speaking, even in front of nuns!
Other favourite parts included the meeting between the Red Knight and his estranged and slightly mad mother, Ghause. The way she kept trying to control her own son to fulfil her plans for power, and the way he easily rebuffed every attempt she made was brilliant.
🗡
I also thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between The Red Knight and Amicia, (and actually any other woman the Red Knight is attracted to!) which was just beautiful. They were two people who loved each other but couldn’t be together because of religion. The way they entered each other’s Mind Palace (a place to store and wield magic) and shared power together and saved each other; it broke my heart!
��
This book is definitely my favourite of the series so far!
🗡
The Dread Wrym follows on from the aftermath of The Fell Sword (book two) and we see the Red Knight and his band of mercenaries travelling to a tournament in Harndon; a place that is now on the brink of civil war, a war which could destroy the entire city. Evil forces are at play; human and non humans are behind the scenes manipulating and fuelling the conflict. It’s up to the Red Knight to play his own game, to see behind the curtain of lies and save the city.
🗡
Cameron just completely wowed me in this book. The pacing was so well done; there were so many epic battle scenes, that had me really tense. Cameron is a master at battle scenes. The detail he goes into really is fantastic. I loved seeing the knights all fight Wryms, boglins, demons, Trolls, and also human armies. Even when the pace slowed down there was so much plotting between characters, betrayals, and quests for power, it all kept me so engaged.
🗡
I particularly loved the chapters that focused on the Red Knight and his army. They were all so entertaining; the banter between them me laugh out loud, especially Bad Tom and his blunt way of speaking, even in front of nuns!
Other favourite parts included the meeting between the Red Knight and his estranged and slightly mad mother, Ghause. The way she kept trying to control her own son to fulfil her plans for power, and the way he easily rebuffed every attempt she made was brilliant.
🗡
I also thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between The Red Knight and Amicia, (and actually any other woman the Red Knight is attracted to!) which was just beautiful. They were two people who loved each other but couldn’t be together because of religion. The way they entered each other’s Mind Palace (a place to store and wield magic) and shared power together and saved each other; it broke my heart!
��
This book is definitely my favourite of the series so far!
October 21, 2015
Great Book. I gave up sleep and took a day off to finish this book and have absolutely no regrets. Am I saying the book is perfect?? No, but its flaws are too minute for me to give it anything less than a 5 star.
SPOILER WARNING!!
I loved the first book in the series but the second slightly disappointed me - Too many POVs/threads that didnt merge (unlike the first book where the different threads all merge at Lissen Carak) and some POVs were straight out boring (I can confidently say that Nita Qwan is no one's favorite character). But this book took all those varied threads and brought them together beautifully. Kudos to the Author!
As we now expect from Miles Cameroon the battle scenes were amazing in their detail and felt very real. And among the large array of POVs only a bare handful can be called safe - the author is brutal in killing of side characters that fans grow attached to (Why Nell?? or the Count D'Eu??).
The story is very fast paced (which is largely in thanks to the build up in the Fell Sword) and this makes the book very difficult to put down. The Red Knight continues to be a brilliantly written character, I can only hope we can get inside his head more often. Side characters remain fun. The world is amazing and the creatures and level of detail gone into them is simply awe inspiring (Gabriel now has a F*cking Griffon as a a pet!!! How cool is that??) . The ending is awesome (Ave Imperator??)!!
Now I will come to the few issues I have with this book:
1. Maybe the book is a bit too fast paced? We basically jump from one crisis to another and some of them happen too fast. We see in Book 2 how amazingly powerful Ticondaga is and it falls in less than 1 chapter.
2. I missed Liviapolis and its politics - I wanted to see the Red Knight in the King's court at Harndon defending the queen with words and politics against the Galles. What we got in Harndon was basically another battle - and while fun it seems to be a lost opportunity to show another side of the Red Knight.
3. The whole Blanche Gold Romance was rushed - for the first half of the book (or the first 2 and a half books to be precise) Gabriel is pining after Amicia and suddenly within a hundred pages of almost giving up his life to save Amicia he is supposedly half in love with the Queen's laundress. TBH I'm not a big fan of Blanche - I'd rather the Red Knight have a girl like the Abbess from Book 1
4. After introducing us to Galle and Arelat in the Fell Sword we suddenly see nothing of it - there was a huge battle and the King of Galle lost and all of it happened behind the scenes. Knowing how epic Miles Cameroon's battles are, I feel like we lost an awesome scene somewhere.
But overall despite these minor issues I still loved the book. I'm really looking forward to book 4 (Does anyone know when its coming out??). 5/5 stars no question about it.
SPOILER WARNING!!
I loved the first book in the series but the second slightly disappointed me - Too many POVs/threads that didnt merge (unlike the first book where the different threads all merge at Lissen Carak) and some POVs were straight out boring (I can confidently say that Nita Qwan is no one's favorite character). But this book took all those varied threads and brought them together beautifully. Kudos to the Author!
As we now expect from Miles Cameroon the battle scenes were amazing in their detail and felt very real. And among the large array of POVs only a bare handful can be called safe - the author is brutal in killing of side characters that fans grow attached to (Why Nell?? or the Count D'Eu??).
The story is very fast paced (which is largely in thanks to the build up in the Fell Sword) and this makes the book very difficult to put down. The Red Knight continues to be a brilliantly written character, I can only hope we can get inside his head more often. Side characters remain fun. The world is amazing and the creatures and level of detail gone into them is simply awe inspiring (Gabriel now has a F*cking Griffon as a a pet!!! How cool is that??) . The ending is awesome (Ave Imperator??)!!
Now I will come to the few issues I have with this book:
1. Maybe the book is a bit too fast paced? We basically jump from one crisis to another and some of them happen too fast. We see in Book 2 how amazingly powerful Ticondaga is and it falls in less than 1 chapter.
2. I missed Liviapolis and its politics - I wanted to see the Red Knight in the King's court at Harndon defending the queen with words and politics against the Galles. What we got in Harndon was basically another battle - and while fun it seems to be a lost opportunity to show another side of the Red Knight.
3. The whole Blanche Gold Romance was rushed - for the first half of the book (or the first 2 and a half books to be precise) Gabriel is pining after Amicia and suddenly within a hundred pages of almost giving up his life to save Amicia he is supposedly half in love with the Queen's laundress. TBH I'm not a big fan of Blanche - I'd rather the Red Knight have a girl like the Abbess from Book 1
4. After introducing us to Galle and Arelat in the Fell Sword we suddenly see nothing of it - there was a huge battle and the King of Galle lost and all of it happened behind the scenes. Knowing how epic Miles Cameroon's battles are, I feel like we lost an awesome scene somewhere.
But overall despite these minor issues I still loved the book. I'm really looking forward to book 4 (Does anyone know when its coming out??). 5/5 stars no question about it.
December 10, 2015
It's always hard to review a book deep into a series, cause you can't talk about the previous books to avoid spoilers for possible new readers.
If you already know the series, let me say that The Dread Wyrm is the most focused book of the three books we had so far. The Red Knight and his company make up about 2/3 of the narrative and that is a bit of a change to the split that Miles Cameron did before.
But that doesn't take away from the epicness of the read or the world-building. Beloved settings and characters from the first two books return and it is interesting to see the changes in many characters.
Towards the end of the book we learn a lot about the possible main plot that the series will be all about in later books. We also have some very unexpected (at least for me) events happen that I didn't think would occur already at this point.
And the ending, mainly the final battle, is breathtaking. I can think of only 1-2 battles from The Malazan Book of the Fallen that can rival what Miles Cameron has achieved here.
Once again the author shows how to take familiar elements that read almost like historical fiction and mix them with fantastical elements that feel truly unique and aren't used in the same way other authors use these elements normally.
This is probably one of the top epic fantasy series that is out there at the moment, but due to its complexity and lack of buzz way under the radar of normal readers.
To emphazise my enthusiasm for the series, out of the 60 books I've read this year, this one is the best so far.
If you already know the series, let me say that The Dread Wyrm is the most focused book of the three books we had so far. The Red Knight and his company make up about 2/3 of the narrative and that is a bit of a change to the split that Miles Cameron did before.
But that doesn't take away from the epicness of the read or the world-building. Beloved settings and characters from the first two books return and it is interesting to see the changes in many characters.
Towards the end of the book we learn a lot about the possible main plot that the series will be all about in later books. We also have some very unexpected (at least for me) events happen that I didn't think would occur already at this point.
And the ending, mainly the final battle, is breathtaking. I can think of only 1-2 battles from The Malazan Book of the Fallen that can rival what Miles Cameron has achieved here.
Once again the author shows how to take familiar elements that read almost like historical fiction and mix them with fantastical elements that feel truly unique and aren't used in the same way other authors use these elements normally.
This is probably one of the top epic fantasy series that is out there at the moment, but due to its complexity and lack of buzz way under the radar of normal readers.
To emphazise my enthusiasm for the series, out of the 60 books I've read this year, this one is the best so far.
December 12, 2017
Internal argument about this book goes something like this...
ADD Scott: The guy knows how to kill the pace of a narrative dead in its tracks. Builds up to a climactic event, then cuts away for X-hundred pages to tell another character's story--said story only slightly relevant to climactic event. Then goes back and builds the story for the other side of the event. In detail. With sprinkles.
Fantasy Reader Scott: No, ADD Scott, you don't understand. The author has woven a complex tapestry of a narrative, grand in scope, and each detail matters. The reader should appreciate every nuance. Each scene is a stepping stone, building one upon another to create the great architecture of the tale. You're nowhere near smart enough to appreciate how complex and difficult such an undertaking is. You could never write something this detailed.
ADD Scott: You're correct. I could never write something like this because I cut out all the verbosity in favor of the words people want to read. Holy cow, why does every Fantasy story require all the frikkin mundane details of travel: tents, campfires, breakfast, horses, mud, terrain, lice, nits, and wet clothes? And this one...Jeez...entire CHAPTERS of many different characters who are, guess what? Traveling! Yay.
FR Scott: You just don't get it.
ADD Scott: No, I don't. I hate you, go away.
FR Scott: Pbbbbbbt.
ADD Scott: The guy knows how to kill the pace of a narrative dead in its tracks. Builds up to a climactic event, then cuts away for X-hundred pages to tell another character's story--said story only slightly relevant to climactic event. Then goes back and builds the story for the other side of the event. In detail. With sprinkles.
Fantasy Reader Scott: No, ADD Scott, you don't understand. The author has woven a complex tapestry of a narrative, grand in scope, and each detail matters. The reader should appreciate every nuance. Each scene is a stepping stone, building one upon another to create the great architecture of the tale. You're nowhere near smart enough to appreciate how complex and difficult such an undertaking is. You could never write something this detailed.
ADD Scott: You're correct. I could never write something like this because I cut out all the verbosity in favor of the words people want to read. Holy cow, why does every Fantasy story require all the frikkin mundane details of travel: tents, campfires, breakfast, horses, mud, terrain, lice, nits, and wet clothes? And this one...Jeez...entire CHAPTERS of many different characters who are, guess what? Traveling! Yay.
FR Scott: You just don't get it.
ADD Scott: No, I don't. I hate you, go away.
FR Scott: Pbbbbbbt.
November 3, 2015
Miles Cameron has exceeded my already very high expectations. This is the best book I have read this year, and its one of the best I have read in years.
The characters, plots and world setting all advance a pace in this book, and as always are underpinned with a solid grounding in the simple practicalities of running an army and fighting a war. And given that time is taken to explain the logistics of medieval warfare the fact he can hold a readers attention so effortlessly is remarkable.
A truly great book, in a truly great series.
The characters, plots and world setting all advance a pace in this book, and as always are underpinned with a solid grounding in the simple practicalities of running an army and fighting a war. And given that time is taken to explain the logistics of medieval warfare the fact he can hold a readers attention so effortlessly is remarkable.
A truly great book, in a truly great series.
July 3, 2016
This entire series is..sublime. Anybody who enjoys Dark Fantasy, Gritty Fantasy, Realistic Fantasy, Political Fantasy, etc. is doing themselves a disservice every day that goes by you haven't read this series. Amazing.
Game of Thrones with a Sword Mage protagonist, who also happens to captain the nastiest band of mercaneries since the Black Company.
Game of Thrones with a Sword Mage protagonist, who also happens to captain the nastiest band of mercaneries since the Black Company.
December 24, 2015
Firstly I shall freely admit that I did not read the Cycle parts 1 or 2. I happened to be in my Library and saw this book and picked it up. I am a huge fantasy fan and am always interested in new storylines. Thus when I started this book, I must admit, I was very confused as to who was what and why on earth I should care. But as the story progressed I was drawn into the plot and began to enjoy this rather interesting take on the traditional fantasy storyline ( Evil being trying to conquer/kill/dominate world and hero/antihero stops him). The setting seems to mimic some semblance to our world circa 1300 with the addition of fantasy beings and magic. For example the Galles (Gaul? I presume) are essentially French knights tending more towards Norman. The Albs (Albion?) are very similar to English including "outwallers" who seem to be analogous to Scots. It is interesting that the author used many real world references subtly shaded and I enjoyed that. The rest of the story is still a bit confusing and I can only assume there is more to this series. As much as I enjoyed the book, it does suffer from having a plot that is hard to stand alone. The author could have thrown in a bit more explanation about his world and a little less time spent on relationships (Laundress-Duke, Black Tom and some lady, some ex-whore named Sauce and..well you get it) would have been great. The story does have interesting military plot devices with a knowledge of weapons, armor and tactics that is evident in the writing. The fantasy beasts run the gamut from truly interesting and awesome (dragons, mages, wyverns, etc) to weird renditions of normal tropes (Irks, Boglins, etc). Again a little bit more about the Wild and what exactly some of these creatures are would be great. All that aside, even though it was in the middle of an ongoing series I must say I liked this book. The story is interesting and the take on magic is interesting. I think I will try to find more of this series.
November 12, 2015
The Dread Wyrm continue straight on from the previous book with the Company finding itself more enmeshed with the political and growing dispute with the wild! :D Things are taken to a whole new level as armies face of and strongholds collapse and everything is told on an epic scale with events having a visceral quality to every scene not to mention with the aetherial there is a certain dream like nature to many of the scenes which always have a bearing on the great events taking place in the real! :D This keeps things moving on all fronts and gives the story many differents aspects which keeps the story moving! :D At the same time we also are introduced more directly to many of things hinted at in the previous books! :D
The odds are building throughout the book as the Company gets less room to maneuver and yet the way that the Company keeps ahead of things will keep you guessing all the way and wondering how they pulled that off! :D
Characters from the previous books are all put through the ringer with body count really mounting up and the seeming casualness of the way things happen and the way they come back and have a bearing on later events really gives the book an edge! :D
Brilliant and highly recommended! :D
The odds are building throughout the book as the Company gets less room to maneuver and yet the way that the Company keeps ahead of things will keep you guessing all the way and wondering how they pulled that off! :D
Characters from the previous books are all put through the ringer with body count really mounting up and the seeming casualness of the way things happen and the way they come back and have a bearing on later events really gives the book an edge! :D
Brilliant and highly recommended! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2015
I love this series, I can't think of many authors who write medieval combat quite like Miles Cameron (maybe just that guy who writes about Arimnestos - the Killer of Men).
I'm glad I did a re-read of the other two books before this, as some things I had forgotten. I love how he can introduce new characters and give them their own personality in such a short time. Reading this, with so many different characters present, each with their own plans - I was never lost. Miles is able to jump across various characters, but you're never left thinking "man, this is boring, I can't wait to get back to the Red Knight." I was perfectly happy seeing what was going on back in the capitol or seeing Sauce being...saucey?
I love where this story is going, and we get to meet some great new characters; Lady Blanche, the Fairy Knight, Nell..so many. Plus the old Mercs are still around, my boy Cully and Wilful Murder (love that name)... And that final battle...Wow.
What a great month this was for books, new Uhtred from Bernard Cornwell and now this.
Dat ending too...Had to google the translation...but once I got it...
I got chills.
I'm glad I did a re-read of the other two books before this, as some things I had forgotten. I love how he can introduce new characters and give them their own personality in such a short time. Reading this, with so many different characters present, each with their own plans - I was never lost. Miles is able to jump across various characters, but you're never left thinking "man, this is boring, I can't wait to get back to the Red Knight." I was perfectly happy seeing what was going on back in the capitol or seeing Sauce being...saucey?
I love where this story is going, and we get to meet some great new characters; Lady Blanche, the Fairy Knight, Nell..so many. Plus the old Mercs are still around, my boy Cully and Wilful Murder (love that name)... And that final battle...Wow.
What a great month this was for books, new Uhtred from Bernard Cornwell and now this.
Dat ending too...Had to google the translation...but once I got it...
I got chills.
February 7, 2016
Loving this series!
April 13, 2017
More of a good thing by Cameron here. The charming-but-occasionally-frustrating scattershot plots and character bloat of the previous books have been focused and whittled down here and this shit is pretty much constant action. Whether it’s combat in tournaments, one-on-one duels to the death between main characters or one of the several giant battles in this book, there’s always a brutal scrap waiting around the corner. We also get to know quite a bit more of the nature of the world in which the story is set, which answered a lot of nagging questions I had.
There’s not too much to write about (at least for me) here! Like I said, it’s more of the good stuff and delivered with a more refined execution. If you like fantasy with a focus on military matters (especially having to do with chivalry) check these motherfuckers out. Cameron’s expertise with ancient and medieval warfare makes the action some of the most brutal and grueling I’ve ever read in the genre. If you’re more into the non-military aspects of fantasy like extensive worldbuilding, deep exploration of magic systems and invented cultures and governments this might not float your boat, obviously. Also I should say that I noticed that some people were less than overjoyed with the previous book. Keep going! This one is much less slow-paced and like I said, has a ton of action.
There’s not too much to write about (at least for me) here! Like I said, it’s more of the good stuff and delivered with a more refined execution. If you like fantasy with a focus on military matters (especially having to do with chivalry) check these motherfuckers out. Cameron’s expertise with ancient and medieval warfare makes the action some of the most brutal and grueling I’ve ever read in the genre. If you’re more into the non-military aspects of fantasy like extensive worldbuilding, deep exploration of magic systems and invented cultures and governments this might not float your boat, obviously. Also I should say that I noticed that some people were less than overjoyed with the previous book. Keep going! This one is much less slow-paced and like I said, has a ton of action.
April 25, 2016
The third instalment of The Traitor Son Cycle quickly takes you to the elevated bar and carries on even higher.
Characters, whether they are with us for most of the story or just a couple of pages are incredibly polished and everyone is given a sense of worth.
The plots are many and never fall into a lull that other books on this scale are sometimes prone to.
Battle scenes are immersive and full of tension. The complexities of wielding both weaponry and a complex magic system never become so complex that you are pulled from the action.
Written with an exceptionally skilled hand this book carries on the gold standard that its two predecessors set, even surpassing them in many areas.
A great read that leaves you eager for the next instalment.
Characters, whether they are with us for most of the story or just a couple of pages are incredibly polished and everyone is given a sense of worth.
The plots are many and never fall into a lull that other books on this scale are sometimes prone to.
Battle scenes are immersive and full of tension. The complexities of wielding both weaponry and a complex magic system never become so complex that you are pulled from the action.
Written with an exceptionally skilled hand this book carries on the gold standard that its two predecessors set, even surpassing them in many areas.
A great read that leaves you eager for the next instalment.
June 18, 2019
I love this series. Miles Cameron writes epic fantasy the way it should be written, but why only 4 stars? This is more due to the narrator of the book, the first 2 books were narrated by a much better narrator. The character's voices were established & the new narrator just didn't due the characters justice.
Cameron's fantasy writing is due to the fact that he is originally a historical fiction writer and this ability to accurately represent battle scenes. The pace definitely much faster than in "The Fell Sword". He does amazingly at the character development with the characters.
I would recommend this series to anyone that loves historical fiction or epic fantasy.
Cameron's fantasy writing is due to the fact that he is originally a historical fiction writer and this ability to accurately represent battle scenes. The pace definitely much faster than in "The Fell Sword". He does amazingly at the character development with the characters.
I would recommend this series to anyone that loves historical fiction or epic fantasy.
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