Conqueror's Moon
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Product Description
Review
Inventive use of magic and a well-conceived plot will sweep readers along. ("Publishers Weekly") An outstanding world-builder. ("Booklist") Skillful world-building and keenly developed characters. ("Library Journal")
Book Description
Magic always has its price.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book feels like all the elements of a decent story are present, but they never quite come together. The characters are interesting, especially Conrig who walks a fine line between good and evil, and Ullanoth, the ambitious princess. Unfortunately, the book never delivers on its promise, and I found it difficult to warm to any of them. I think this may be because there is so little of the characters interacting with each other - just having a conversation or telling a joke. Every sentence seems contrived to move the plot forward, and this leads to some very stilted dialogue, especially when it comes to cramming in back story.
Also, I found that while I was interested in the story, I certainly wasn't gripped by it. Somehow, it never takes off and moves from being an ok book into a good one. I have read the other two in the series (I bought them as a set!) and the same problems continue throughout. Not a bad read, but don't expect anything too special.
Also, I found that while I was interested in the story, I certainly wasn't gripped by it. Somehow, it never takes off and moves from being an ok book into a good one. I have read the other two in the series (I bought them as a set!) and the same problems continue throughout. Not a bad read, but don't expect anything too special.
16 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I got into Julian May's work when 'The Many Coloured Land' was first released in paperback - that's way back in the 1980s, guys. I loved the Saga of the Exiles and the associated Galactic Mileau series, I re-read them all frequently and still rate them amongst my favourite novels, full of fresh ideas, fascinating characters, rich narrative and clever plotting.
That said, you can imagine that I've always responded to new Julian May publications with eager anticipation. And I've always been left disappointed... Conqueror's Moon is no exception. This is substandard generic fantasy fare at best, with cliched plotting, two dimensional characters and an almost pulp fiction feel. It really pains me to say this; I take no pleasure in denigrating someone's work, and especially one of my one-time favourite authors, but I've been let down too often by Julian May.
Has the real Julian May been kidnapped and replaced by a pale imitator? Or has she just become cynical and complacent enough to churn out occasional by-the-numbers potboilers to keep the coffers from emptying?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Julian May, famous for science fiction series like The Saga of the Exilesand The Galactic Milieu, starts a new series, The Boreal Moon Tale, withConqueror's Moon. This time May has chosen to write a classic fantasystory, set in a medieval world where magic is real, and mythical creaturescan still be found lurking not far from the human settlements.
Ash from volcanic eruptions has been raining down on the island of HighBlenholme for three years, causing the worst famine in memory, as well asa serious disruption in trade. While some of the rulers in the fourkingdoms struggle to fill their treasuries and feed their subjects, othersare seeing an opportunity to increase their influence. Young DeveronAustrey, born with a wild magical talent, becomes the trusted companion ofprince Conrig of Cathra, a man with bigger dreams than anyone else. Hisgoal is to bring the whole island under his own control.
This is more than a tale of Deveron and Conrig though. True to her styleMay lets us know the minds of Conrig's allies and enemies as well, and yousoon realize that this is a story without knights in shining armour, andwith no sorcerers aspiring to become the next evil overlord. The latteris neatly avoided by a magical system that requires payment in pain foreach item of magic you master. The more powerful object, the more painyou have to endure. I really liked that approach.
With a fairly standard fantasy setup as far as world-building goes, thisbook relies heavily on the characters for enjoyment. May has a talent formaking you sympathize with (or at least understand) the character you arecurrently reading about, which is essential for a story based on politicalintrigue. The plot, centred on a secret military strike, is well paced. There are a few pieces of prophesy adding clues to which direction thestory will take, without making it too obvious how it all will end. Ifound Conqueror's Moon a well written, but not outstanding, book. Isuspect that as time moves on, it will start to blend in with all theother imaginary worlds I'm trying to keep track of.
Ash from volcanic eruptions has been raining down on the island of HighBlenholme for three years, causing the worst famine in memory, as well asa serious disruption in trade. While some of the rulers in the fourkingdoms struggle to fill their treasuries and feed their subjects, othersare seeing an opportunity to increase their influence. Young DeveronAustrey, born with a wild magical talent, becomes the trusted companion ofprince Conrig of Cathra, a man with bigger dreams than anyone else. Hisgoal is to bring the whole island under his own control.
This is more than a tale of Deveron and Conrig though. True to her styleMay lets us know the minds of Conrig's allies and enemies as well, and yousoon realize that this is a story without knights in shining armour, andwith no sorcerers aspiring to become the next evil overlord. The latteris neatly avoided by a magical system that requires payment in pain foreach item of magic you master. The more powerful object, the more painyou have to endure. I really liked that approach.
With a fairly standard fantasy setup as far as world-building goes, thisbook relies heavily on the characters for enjoyment. May has a talent formaking you sympathize with (or at least understand) the character you arecurrently reading about, which is essential for a story based on politicalintrigue. The plot, centred on a secret military strike, is well paced. There are a few pieces of prophesy adding clues to which direction thestory will take, without making it too obvious how it all will end. Ifound Conqueror's Moon a well written, but not outstanding, book. Isuspect that as time moves on, it will start to blend in with all theother imaginary worlds I'm trying to keep track of.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Poor fantasy, weak structure, no depth.
These are some of the weakest fantasy novels I have ever read. The first book is the most well written, but there is a sharp fall in the level of quality and storytelling in the... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mark Lewis
Very enjoyable
I bought this book having enjoyed the Rampart Worlds series by the same author, and this is even better. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Diogenes
An OK read, nothing more.
The only reason I'm reading this series is because I can not find anything else in the Fantasy genre that I haven't already read, so yes I am rather desperate at the moment. Read more
Published on 13 April 2009 by B.K.Price
Amazing
i thought that this book was very good with developed characters. i strongly agree with the above review about sympathising with characters, though even the authors skill could... Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2007 by Jo Bunt
Terrible!
I`ve heard of Julian May before, and many people told me she was a good author. So, after noticing her "Conqueror`s Moon" in my local bookstore, and being in a mood for some... Read more
Published on 24 Jan 2006 by Vik
A great start for a new series by Julian May
If your looking at this book you've probably read something by Julian May before. If that's the case, don't worry! It's fantasy but it's still May at her best. Read more
Published on 2 Jan 2004 by "marvelon"
Pure fantasy
Julian May the dyed in the wool sci-fi fan does a sword & sorcery epic!
A slow burner but hooked me quickly. Read more
A slow burner but hooked me quickly. Read more
Published on 24 Sep 2003
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