The Stolen Throne

Rating:
Summary: Turtledove does well with this one
Review: Having enjoyed the books in H.Turtledove's WorldWar series, I picked up The Stolen Throne. The setting apparently is in the same world as his Videssos and Krispos novels, though the tale here occurs several hundred years before either of those series. The setting reminds me of descriptions of the Middle East, a dry landscape dependent on irrigation systems for farming with a steppe-land to the north. The main character is a young noble thrust into a leadership role by political events between his country, Makuran, and its main rival, Videssos. I found myself more than mildly interested in him but was only occasionally emotionally stirred by his trials. Plot progress varies throughout with numerous interludes examining women's life in a very male-dominated society. I found these enlightening of themselves and they helped push the story forward. Some twists occur but mostly the action is predictable. Turtledove's descriptions of war here, as in other of his stories, deals in reality and does not glorify it, an aspect of his writing that I wholeheartedly approve. Magic is present in this world though it is rarely depended on for effects or plot advancement. The ending chapters are a little disjointed, in part I think because he's trying to tie things up for this book while introducing the crisis that starts the second book in the series. I hope that one is at least as good as this one.

Rating:
Summary: Turtledove does well with this one
Review: Having enjoyed the books in H.Turtledove's WorldWar series, I picked up The Stolen Throne. The setting apparently is in the same world as his Videssos and Krispos novels, though the tale here occurs several hundred years before either of those series. The setting reminds me of descriptions of the Middle East, a dry landscape dependent on irrigation systems for farming with a steppe-land to the north. The main character is a young noble thrust into a leadership role by political events between his country, Makuran, and its main rival, Videssos. I found myself more than mildly interested in him but was only occasionally emotionally stirred by his trials. Plot progress varies throughout with numerous interludes examining women's life in a very male-dominated society. I found these enlightening of themselves and they helped push the story forward. Some twists occur but mostly the action is predictable. Turtledove's descriptions of war here, as in other of his stories, deals in reality and does not glorify it, an aspect of his writing that I wholeheartedly approve. Magic is present in this world though it is rarely depended on for effects or plot advancement. The ending chapters are a little disjointed, in part I think because he's trying to tie things up for this book while introducing the crisis that starts the second book in the series. I hope that one is at least as good as this one.

Rating:
Summary: Another great series from the world of Videssos
Review: Turtledove wrote the "Legion of Videssos" series and the "Krispos of Videssos" series from the Videssan side of the world he created. This time he has crossed to "the enemy" in Makuran and is telling the stories of that side of the world.

This book tells the story of Abivard, a lord from a small but loyal family who makes a king and marries his sister to the king. As a result he finds himself thrown into a senior military command and enmeshed in the complex politics of the world of Makuran. As he becomes increasingly distanced from his ruler Abivard must prove his loyaly, keep his holdings and protect his family.

It sets up the plot nicely for the second book of the series.

Rating:
Summary: Another great series from the world of Videssos
Review: Turtledove wrote the "Legion of Videssos" series and the "Krispos of Videssos" series from the Videssan side of the world he created. This time he has crossed to "the enemy" in Makuran and is telling the stories of that side of the world.

This book tells the story of Abivard, a lord from a small but loyal family who makes a king and marries his sister to the king. As a result he finds himself thrown into a senior military command and enmeshed in the complex politics of the world of Makuran. As he becomes increasingly distanced from his ruler Abivard must prove his loyaly, keep his holdings and protect his family.

It sets up the plot nicely for the second book of the series.