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vinjii's review against another edition
3.0
I'm sad, I didn't like this more. I thought the first book was such a magical experience that I probably expected way too much from the sequels, but I didn't enjoy the Arthurian legends Kay introduced in book two and ended up mostly skimming book three.
I'm still going to read Guy Gavriel Kay's other books because I love his prose, love his writing and think he's a fantastic author.
I'm still going to read Guy Gavriel Kay's other books because I love his prose, love his writing and think he's a fantastic author.
rosiemc's review against another edition
5.0
I'd give this one six stars if I could. This final book in the trilogy is 100 times more emotional than the other two. The characters become much more complex, even the so-called "bad" ones. There are some characters that I'll always miss (I won't hide this for spoilers because come on, it's a classic fantasy book- its gonna have a big epic final battle and people are gonna die). An incredible number of plot twists and ups and downs.
ajokli's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely end to a thoroughly enjoyable series. Classic and cozy. Beautiful and tragic.
wishanem's review against another edition
4.0
A very strong finish to this series. I didn't love some elements of the world (specifically using characters from Arthurian legend in another context) but I think they were fully justified by the way this story was told.
The connections between this series and Lord of the Rings are clear, but Guy Gavriel Kay has different goals and methods of achieving them than Tolkien did. His characters often solve problems in unexpected ways, and they grow perceptibly with every conflict and challenge. I loved the way that the end of the story was set up in the first book and built towards consistently in both the plot and the themes of the story.
I think I still preferred "Tigana", a book this author wrote much later, but this series was great. I look forward to the upcoming TV adaptation.
The connections between this series and Lord of the Rings are clear, but Guy Gavriel Kay has different goals and methods of achieving them than Tolkien did. His characters often solve problems in unexpected ways, and they grow perceptibly with every conflict and challenge. I loved the way that the end of the story was set up in the first book and built towards consistently in both the plot and the themes of the story.
I think I still preferred "Tigana", a book this author wrote much later, but this series was great. I look forward to the upcoming TV adaptation.
bryndng's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
heyt's review against another edition
3.0
This book was emotionally brutal because despite everything I really cared about the characters even with my misgivings about the series previously. There is a lot of storyline payoffs in this one from the overarching arc as well as more subtle tales woven throughout. I can say I'm satisfied with the ending and think the ending tone was perfect. I think the one storyline I enjoyed the most over the entire trilogy belongs to Dave because he ends up in a very different place than he started. His development was very believable and forged by his experiences.
joewooley's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
katmarhan's review against another edition
5.0
The Fionavar Tapestry has always been one of.my favorite trilogies and my recent reread of this series simply reaffirmed that fact.
I read the final 200 pages of the last installment of the trilogy, The Darkest Road, through my tears. So much pain, so much joy. This book, and the series, embody the meaning of "bittersweet"--heartwarming and heart-rending at the same time.
The Darkest Road, and the trilogy as a whole, is really about the many faces and facets of love, the various shadings and forms of love--parental, filial, romantic, idealistic, fraternal, unbidden, unknown, sacrificial, generous, remorseful, forgiving, unyielding, ever-changing, ever-constant. The story is multi-layered, familiar as a friend relating the events of a recent trip, distant as an ancient myth or legend.
I read the final 200 pages of the last installment of the trilogy, The Darkest Road, through my tears. So much pain, so much joy. This book, and the series, embody the meaning of "bittersweet"--heartwarming and heart-rending at the same time.
The Darkest Road, and the trilogy as a whole, is really about the many faces and facets of love, the various shadings and forms of love--parental, filial, romantic, idealistic, fraternal, unbidden, unknown, sacrificial, generous, remorseful, forgiving, unyielding, ever-changing, ever-constant. The story is multi-layered, familiar as a friend relating the events of a recent trip, distant as an ancient myth or legend.
kolymaarasto's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
chamberk's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars is for the series as a whole.
Starts out like awkward fanfic, ends on as epic a note as LOTR. Loved it.
Starts out like awkward fanfic, ends on as epic a note as LOTR. Loved it.