A Confusion of Princes [Paperback]

I am a big fan of Garth Nix's Old Kingdom Trilogy, and was very excited to see a new teen title from him at last. A Confusion of Princes is a very different kind of story - definitely more sci-fi than fantasy. There was a great deal of jargon to get used to at the beginning. Some aspects of the story were alienating; such as Prince Khemri's arrogance and lack of concern for others and all the mind-and-body altered beings etc. I still haven't quite got my head around all the see-through panels in the priests' heads. I was beginning to wonder whether the book was for me, despite the excellence of the writing. I'm the sort of reader who likes characters I can identify with. It's always a tricky task to present an initially unlikeable character.
However, as the book progressed, I was really, really glad I hadn't given up. I found I was drawn into the story more and more. The personal journey of Prince Khemri became fascinating and was so cleverly handled by the author. Ultimately this is a dark and complex tale of good and evil, instinct and learned motivation, family and love. And the gradual revelations about the running of the empire keep the reader guessing until the very end. I thought it was brilliant.

If I could give this three and half stars I would. Its more than okay! I just wouldn't shout and scream about it. The trouble was I wanted to.

I was a great fan of the Abhorsen trilogy which I read many years ago now, as Nix has an excellent mind for creating worlds that are deep and creative. They suck you in, making you wonder how no one has ever thought of it before, and you'll be pleased to know he has done it again. The future setting and its possibilities are endless, so endless its almost a sin that the book was so few pages because the plot felt rushed and skipped about.

Before I go into detail of why this didn't hit the mark, anyone who likes a quick action filled sci fi read. Definitely read this. It has augmented princes (anyone a fan of deus ex knows how diverse and fun augmentations can be), assassin priests, and even a small romance for good measure. Generally all good ingredients to make an exciting book. It delivers this with battles, tension and the unknown, as you start off as oblivious as the main character about how everything works. This would have worked better if he wasn't up himself and full of angst. You do learn to like him but this is why it is a slow start.

The plot in itself wasn't terrible, it had its twists and turns however much of it is very predictable. There are parts of the book that really hit the mark as they are descriptive enough to help you gather exactly what is going on, even in a completely alien situation. You feel for the character and their desire allowing the book flow, making you turn page after page, then it jumps a huge expanse of time again. Completely disjointing you (except the couple of times its warranted). Leaving you with a sense of being cheated at potentially good reading material.
I could have understood these jumps in time and details if there was perhaps another character to follow, or some greater over arching plot that we were only supposed to catch glimmers of.

Though still even now I have faith. Garth Nix has created an amazing new universe with some unique combinations that work! I agree with others that this should definitely not be his last venture into this setting. He is only just finding his way with it. Look what he did after Sabriel. Now he has set the scene he may be able to weave a more complex story into one or two more books. (I personally thing it would be an amazing MMO - but lets keep to the books for now)

In conclusion -
Was it a good read - Yes
Did it hit the mark I expected after Abhorsen Trilogy - No
Was it complex enough for older readers - No
Would I recommend - Yes as I believe there will be others (and they will be much improved)

I have always quite liked Garth Nix, I devoured his Keys to Kingdom series as a child and moved onto to the Abhorsen series. I was excited to see a new title by him but a little skeptical as it looked more sci-fi than fantasy and I'm not a mass sci-fi fan. It has to be really good to hook me in.
My best friend read it first and said it was worth reading but 'a bit complicated to start with', and that I should 'stick with it'. So to be honest I didn't have massive high hopes for this book.
I had a day off work yesterday so I decided to get this book read.
The book follows Prince Khemri as he graduates into the proper Prince training and is sent on various missions to reach his goal to become the next Emperor. Sounds simple right? well it's not, I wasn't as confused as I thought I would be but there was definitely places where I thought 'huh?'
Prince Khemri starts off as an arrogant, self-obsessed jerk. He sort of annoyed me at first, I wanted to slap him and tell him to get over himself. He does grow as a character and become more likeable as the book goes on.
For me this book was a bit odd, I would be reading and thinking I might put it down for a while, I can't be bothered, but as soon as I would close it, something would make me pick it up again and read more. There is just something about Nix's writing that hooks you in and refuses to let go, I had to finish the book, despite what I may say - I was into the story and I was on some level enjoying it.
There are a few twists and turns that make the story more exciting and move the plot on in a satisfactory way. The world is well described and details included, I think Nix could do more with it now he has made it.
I liked the ending and was hoping it would go that way. So overall, I'm glad I stayed with it and finished it, but it wasn't Epic or amazing. Fans of his work and Sci-Fi fans would probably love it. Worth giving it a try, but not amazing.