Rating: 
Summary: Great Series Taken as Whole!
Review: The Saints of the Sword was a very entertaining book, though it does not measure up to its predecessor The Grand Design, which was an excellent book. The plot is exciting certainly, but characterization slips a bit. Biagio, Richius, Nicabar, etc. don't always maintain a consistency in character (particularly Biagio and Nicabar), though Mr. Marco tries to explain the radical shift in personalities from previous books. This shortcoming detracts from the solid characterization of previous books and also hampers the plot. Still, the book was exciting and the pages turned fast. If you read the first two books, I do recommend you read this one. Mr. Marco is one of the better writers out there and one waits with bated breath for his next book (which will not be about Nar - sadly). But he does leave the possiblility of other books taking place in Nar, though he has "other things on the burner right now." His words, not mine.
Rating:
Summary: Great Series Taken as Whole!
Review: The Saints of the Sword was a very entertaining book, though it does not measure up to its predecessor The Grand Design, which was an excellent book. The plot is exciting certainly, but characterization slips a bit. Biagio, Richius, Nicabar, etc. don't always maintain a consistency in character (particularly Biagio and Nicabar), though Mr. Marco tries to explain the radical shift in personalities from previous books. This shortcoming detracts from the solid characterization of previous books and also hampers the plot. Still, the book was exciting and the pages turned fast. If you read the first two books, I do recommend you read this one. Mr. Marco is one of the better writers out there and one waits with bated breath for his next book (which will not be about Nar - sadly). But he does leave the possiblility of other books taking place in Nar, though he has "other things on the burner right now." His words, not mine.
Rating:
Summary: Sorry to see it end.
Review: THE SAINTS OF THE SWORD was the third book of the Tyrants and Kings trilogy and I was very sorry to see the series end. John Marco has created a very plausible fantasy realm with very early technology (flame cannons, poison gas, etc.) and a touch of magic. He focused on political intrigue and naval military combat and did it very well.Overall, this was an excellent book. It wasn't quite as mysterious and edgy as THE GRAND DESIGN, but was a quick page-turner none the less. The idea of Biagio as the hero took some getting used to. I was somewhat disappointed by the end of the book. It seemed that the loose ends were tied up very quickly, some angles being taken care of in a two page chapter. For being the end of a trilogy I expected there to be more emphasis on the partings. Perhaps this means there will be more to come of land of Nar. I certainly hope so! This book isn't quite as full of intrigue, plot twists, and second guessing as THE GRAND DESIGN was, but it is a wonderful read and a fantastic ending to a brilliant and fresh trilogy. John Marco has a style all his own and I'm looking forward to reading his next book, THE EYES OF GOD.
Rating:
Summary: Sorry to see it end.
Review: THE SAINTS OF THE SWORD was the third book of the Tyrants and Kings trilogy and I was very sorry to see the series end. John Marco has created a very plausible fantasy realm with very early technology (flame cannons, poison gas, etc.) and a touch of magic. He focused on political intrigue and naval military combat and did it very well. Overall, this was an excellent book. It wasn't quite as mysterious and edgy as THE GRAND DESIGN, but was a quick page-turner none the less. The idea of Biagio as the hero took some getting used to. I was somewhat disappointed by the end of the book. It seemed that the loose ends were tied up very quickly, some angles being taken care of in a two page chapter. For being the end of a trilogy I expected there to be more emphasis on the partings. Perhaps this means there will be more to come of land of Nar. I certainly hope so! This book isn't quite as full of intrigue, plot twists, and second guessing as THE GRAND DESIGN was, but it is a wonderful read and a fantastic ending to a brilliant and fresh trilogy. John Marco has a style all his own and I'm looking forward to reading his next book, THE EYES OF GOD.
Rating: 
Summary: Sad to See This One Go
Review: Well, after thoroughly enjoying both the first and second books in Marco's series, I must say the third one was no disappointment. The world in which Tyrants and Kings takes place is lavish with detail. From the island of Crote to the halls of Lucel-Lor, Marco's attention to detail paints a wonderful picture in the reader's mind. I still vividly recall images of a seige fom the earlier books. Some of our old friends are here, some are gone, and some new friends have joined the fray. Marco deftly sorts these many storylines into one cohesive plot without any confusion as to who's doing what and, most importantly, without compromising the characters themselves. I'll admit this series isn't for everyone, but it's worth a look. I'm personally looking forward to reading future works by John Marco, and while he says he is through with Nar, I also hope he'll come back one day (and perhaps give us something more with Lucyler, whose depressed presence left a good bit of concern in my mind).
Rating:
Summary: Very Impressive!
Review: You could probably name this novel redemption of Biagio because this epic conclusion to Marco's impressive fantasy saga is about how Biagio, the sometimes cruel and Mad emperor of Nar tries to change his evil ways and save his empire from invasion BUT he needs the help from some unlikely sources:a boy who is the son and the grandson of the men who are trying to overthrow him and who has magical powers to heal;a group of rebels lead by a charismatic priest and Biagio's nemesis, Richius Vantran, aka the Jackal. Biagio must also betray his old friend Admiral Nicabar by using the Lissans and a Naren sea captain who once idolized Nicabar.Marco's themes of war,revenge and redemption echo through this novel and his world-building skills are still above-average and descriptions of battles on the sea and land are a wonder to behold.I hope he returns to world of empire of Nar! It was quite a journey.
|
