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Summary: "Rules of Ascension" Review
Review: "Rules of Ascension," the fabulous fantasy epic by David B. Coe is a great novel, it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. It is the first of a tetralogy called, "Winds of the Forelands." "Rules of Ascension" is the story of a young man named Tavis, he is accused of murder and is sentenced to death. But here's the catch, he didn't do it, he knows that for sure, but no one will believe him except for a Qirsi gleaner. The Qirsi are a race of people that have pale skin and yellow eyes and a gleaner is a Qirsi who can see the future, and it just so happens that he has seen Tavis's future and knows that Tavis didn't commit the murder.
The Qirsi takes Tavis to avoid the death sentence until Tavis can be proven innocent. This infuriates Tavis's captor and he tries to start a war with Tavis's father, the duke of Curgh.
Meanwhile, Tavis has been healed and is completely fine in a sanctuary. But, a war is brewing, can Tavis and the Qirsi stop it before it's too late? To find out, read the book!
I enjoyed this novel thoroughly, with every turn of the page, I was captivated by the story. The writing style is superb, David Coe is an amazing writer. The book was so awesome, I couldn't put it down. "Rules of Ascension" is a great book, so set aside some time to pick it up, you'll see, you'll never be able to put it away!
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Summary: It's all there, but . . .
Review: A young nobleman wrongfully accused of murder. A race of sorcerors that was once betrayed and conquered but now, as advisors, holds great power in the land. A conspiracy led by a mysterious dream-walker. Assassins, torture, secrets, fortunetelling, ghosts--even wonderful titles for both book and saga. And yet . . . something's missing.It's hard to say exactly what that something is. It's not the author's writing technique, which flows well and, in places, is elegant. Rather, someone once said that reading a good book or a poem in translation is like making love through plate-glass: you can see everything, but it just doesn't feel the same. It's like that here: you can see all of these elements and hear the characters and watch them in life and death situations . . . but you're not really afraid for them because you know they'll be just fine. (Part of this may be the book's general "PG-13" atmosphere, as compared to the solid "R" or "NC-17" of, for example, _A Game of Thrones_. Thus, younger fans or fans of "high" fantasy may find this book more engaging than their older or "lower" counterparts.) Not fearing for the character is a minor problem; however, not being able to know them is not. They have faces and a trait or two, but not full-blooded hearts. None has a distinctive way of speaking, and the ones who must be different (such as the alcholic duke whose belief in the hero's guilt cannot be shaken for the plot's sake) are perilously close to caricatures. Character interaction is also weakened by ad nauseum descriptions of small smiles, head nods, and one person saying the other's name to stop him/her just before he/she leaves the room. (And while it would giving away too much to elaborate, one of the two "hooks" in the final chapter was so cliched that it provoked a spontaneous groan.) If you enjoy a fairly clean, high fantasy tale, you may very well find this to be a 4-5 star book. But if you're looking for a fantasy with true fire and passion, the works of George R.R. Martin, Robin Hobb, and (particularly) Guy Gavriel Kay should prove much more satisfying. A 3-1/2 star book, recommended as a used purchase or library loan.
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Summary: Good story telling
Review: Be patient with the first couple of chapters. It takes a while to explain the background and eventually come to the main charecters. The intial time investment is worth it. This book was enjoyable with smooth story telling and good charecter building. I hope the next one is as good.
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Summary: A good new epic fantasy foray
Review: Coe was unknown to me before this book and so I thought I would write this review to help other fantasy readers who are also unfamiliar with him decide whether they should dive in. Perhaps the best way to describe the book is by comparison to some of my favorite fantasy writers. RoA has greater depth than the swashbuckling funfest of a Weis/Hickman story...but less realized detail and world-building skill than Goodkind or Jordan. The end result is likewise going to be less rewarding than Goodkind but a bit richer and more mature than Weis and Hickman. I think the main problem with the book is that is does not deserve the Jordanian epic scale (and length) when its story could be completed quicker. Whereas Goodkind requires great expanses of explanation and demonstration to fill up his world, RoA might not. The characters are revealed to level just deeper than skin and muscle, whereas the great epics, including the aforementioned and George RR Martin go to the bone. But it is a pretty entertaining read nonetheless. The complexity, love stories, political intrigue and other fantasy elements sustain the story and make it something to come back to every night. Overall, I would recommend this new author and I sense the series has huge potential. Not everyone comes up with a "Wizard's First Rule" or an "Eye of the World" on their first try. Definitely worth a look-see.
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Summary: wow!
Review: David B. Coe in Rules of Ascension is able to take so many characters, include so much depth, and throw in a few twists, with such ease that it is uncanny. And it shows in his writing which is fast paced and fun.
Tavis is a young spoiled lord in line to be King, if only he could stay out of trouble. He lives in a world where there are two main races, the Eandi and the Quirsi. The Quirsi tried to take over the Forelands, as it is called by the Eandi, but failed due to a traitor and are now some of the Eandi's most trusted advisors because of their powers. Two of the most important times in an Eandi's life are the Determining at age 12 and the Fating at age 16, which are performed by the Quirsi, and give small glimpses of each Eandi's future. Tavis is eagerly awaiting his Fating because he knows he will see himself as King, but that is not what he is shown. Tavis is distressed by his Fating and lashes out at his best friend Xaver, even though he is soon to be wed to the beautiful Brienne. Although that plan collapses when she is murdered and Tavis is blamed, thus beginning his journey.
Meanwhile, there is a plot in the Forelands to overthrow the Eandi and put Quirsi in their places. Grinsa, a Quirsi gleaner (receives glimpses of the future), opposes this uprising, but he is merely a gleaner, or so everyone believes.
Tavis and Grinsa's objectives end up weaving together, even though they distrust each other, and starts a partnership that will ripple throughout the Forelands. There are so many people to keep up with in Rules of Ascension, but David B. Coe still allows you to care for each character even with their faults. I can't think of many authors that have this ability, and am anticipating the books to follow this one.
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Summary: Amazing worldbuilding, even better story...
Review: David Coe's new fantasy series is among the best that I have read in a lifetime of books cluttering every room of my home. His first series, dealing with the inhabitants of the world of Lon Tobyn, introduced me to Coe's uncanny ability to write characters that are so real, I almost felt like I knew them from next door. In Rules of Ascension, David Coe exceeded my expectations, weaving an intricate plot around the mysteries that face everyone at one point in their lives -- dealing with a thirst for power (be it your own or someone around you), insecurity, parent/child relationships, friendship and betrayal. The strength of Coe's writing is that his characters are real, and that you care about them, warts and all. The flaws in each character in this epic novel only serve to make them more endearing, and more intriguing. This is a masterpiece that any serious fantasy reader should own. I eagerly await book two. This is one book on my shelves that was worth the price and then some. I only wish there were a rating above five stars, for David Coe has earned each and every one with this novel. Kudos to the author.
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Summary: Excellent
Review: I am avid fantasy reader. One thing that sets Coe apart from the rest is how he develops his characters. Whereas most authors distinctly draw a line between good and evil, Coe simply presents all sides of the story. Coe provides enough background for each character and storyline that one can sympathise with even the most "evil" of characters. The book is simply yet cleverly written. Its a large book but a fast read. Highly reccommended.
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Summary: WOW! I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Review: I don't often give 5 star ratings (they're usually reserved for George R.R. Martin's books), but this is one fantastic read. It is not your standard fantasy yarn (yawn), rather it moves along at an extremely rapid pace. I picked up the book late Saturday night and have been unable to put this book down. Although I'm not quite done yet, I'm anxious to pick up a copy of book 2, Seeds of Betrayal, on the way home tonight. You will really, really enjoy this book. What a great story.
Rating:
Summary: WOW! I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Review: I don't often give 5 star ratings (they're usually reserved for George R.R. Martin's books), but this is one fantastic read. It is not your standard fantasy yarn (yawn), rather it moves along at an extremely rapid pace. I picked up the book late Saturday night and have been unable to put this book down. Although I'm not quite done yet, I'm anxious to pick up a copy of book 2, Seeds of Betrayal, on the way home tonight. You will really, really enjoy this book. What a great story.
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Summary: Just couldn't put it down!
Review: I enjoyed this book from the first word to the last. When I read it the first time, I had just had a baby, and I found myself picking the book up as much as the baby! I would make excuses to read it while nursing, during baby's naps, while folding laundry, etc. When I went back to it just before the second book came out, I figured I would skim some chapters to reorient myself. Wrong! I read it word for word a second time and still enjoyed it thoroughly. I relish Coe's flowing, laid-back writing style and descriptive character development. I appreciate the nuances of head turns and other details that he weaves seamlessly into the stories. I bit my nails through the fights, betrayals, and murders. In short, I was mesmerized, and I think you will be too. Buy this book! You won't regret it!
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