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The Wars of Light and Shadow
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Amazon.co.uk Review
Janny Wurts's justifiably skilful and lovingly composed Wars of Light and Shadow series joins the ranks of Robert Jordan's protracted Wheel of Time series, et al., as either--depending on which camp you hail from--the height of high fantasy or the deeply frustrating (yet persistent) problem with the genre.
All that said, Wurts has wooed many fans to her series with compelling characters, a tremendously complex (and painstakingly developed) web of plot lines, and distinctively lush and lyric storytelling. Grand Conspiracy represents part two of part three of a five-part epic--to her credit, Wurts broke the series' third story arc (Alliance of Light) into three parts only reluctantly. The action in this instalment surrounds Arithon's Ffalenn, the fugitive Master of Shadow and the victim of the title's grand conspiracy. Everyone's got it in for him these days, and even his beloved, Elaira, has been shanghaied by her Koriani cronies into playing a role in his betrayal--she must transform an innocent, Fionn Areth, into Arithon's double to draw him out. Grand Conspiracy delivers more of the same, perhaps lacking a bit of the action of previous instalments; check out Cures of the Mistwraith if you're new to the series. --Paul Hughes, Amazon.com
Review
Praise for the Wars of Light and Shadow:
‘Astonishingly original and compelling… A gifted creator of wonder’ Raymond E Feist
‘Janny Wurts builds beautiful castles in the air … where every detail is richly imagined and vividly rendered’ Diana Gabaldon
‘It ought to be illegal for one person to have so much talent’ Stephen Donaldson
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
I've really enjoyed the other books in the series and I think the characters are absolutely fantastic. However, I think Janny Wurts is pushing her luck just a little bit. She said in the first book that the war was going to last for 500 years. So far she's covered about 40 and already the books I've read cover half a shelf! Besides this, she's going a bit far with the whole business of Arithon's compassion. Yes, it's all very nice, but frankly he's starting to get kind of irritating. This particular book, like the one before it, is more of a link book than anything else. Nothing especially significant happens, it's just about the wonderful one trying to thwart yet another nasty plot. Even so, I'm still interested and I'll probably buy the next book - the basic story is compelling and it'll be nice to see how the character of Kevor, Lysaer's son develops.
Format:Paperback
Even after a two year wait, I was not disappointed by the latest book in the 'Mistraith' series. Ms Wurts has an enviable ability to sustain tension throughout her novels, and if she sometimes allows herself to overwhelm her reader with adjectives, this in no way detracts from her unrivalled characterisation, especially her hero Arithon, who is without equal in this genre. I just hope we don't have to wait another two years for the next installment!
5 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was extremely disappointed by this book. I have read all the others in the series and I really liked them - unfortunately, this weighty volume has rather spoiled it. The language is SO over the top - and how many times do we have to be told that Arithon has black hair and green eyes and Lysaer has blue eyes and blonde hair? I for one am sick of hearing the same old descriptions trotted out in ever more flowery and hyperbolic ways. Similarly, I'm getting pretty sick of Arithon and his compassion. I'm sure it's all very nice, but frankly, I've had more than enough of it. He's become extraordinarily irritating. Why do we have to put up with hearing about his endless bouts of emotional agony and self-blame? Someone should really give him a slap and tell him to pull himself together. He's become a character who wallows in pessimism and self-pity. Lysaer becomes increasingly repulsive - his treatment of his wife is despicable, and hey, how long will it be before little Kevor notices and goes over to Arithon's side? Sorry Janny, I used to love your characters, I used to care about them. Unfortunately, they've become more like caricatures than real people and I've had enough of their misery. The depressing thing is that there is NO HOPE. In the very first book we're told that the Wars of Light and Shadow go on for 500 years. So Arithon's not going to find the Paravians, the whole debacle is never going to be sorted out, instead we're going to get an endless parade of tragedy and misery. Anyway, doesn't the Black Rose prophecy state that the paravians won't be found until Arithon's been crowned King of Rathain? Who knows? At this stage, frankly, who cares?
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Grand Disappointment
I have been following Janny Wurts's writing since her collaboration with Raymond E. Feist, and have more or less enjoyed all that she has had to offer. Read more
Published on 17 Dec 2002 by Mugen
Captivating fantasy writing on a very large scale
I have read every installment of this series and I am still a very huge fan. Although I can understand some people's exasperation with Janny Wurts convoluted style, I do not agree... Read more
Published on 28 July 2002 by Stefan Vandenbroeck
Many Levels
Wurts has created a work that transcends Fantasy. Her suberbly crafted writing stretches our vocabulary, weaves a brilliant imagery, and gives deep insight into the human spirit. Read more
Published on 8 Jan 2002 by roisin@sanpeople.com
An overwhelming read which is very original.
I love Janny Wurts' characters and cannot help but admire the scope of her imagination. Every character feels real, and each has the potential to change the developments of the... Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2001
Another Wurts Masterpiece
An absolutely fabulous continuation of the Wars of Shadow and Light. Now if only Jieret & Arithon hadn't highjacked the ending it would be a properly self-contained novel... Read more
Published on 2 Oct 2000
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