Rise of the Blood Royal
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Review
PRAISE FOR ROBERT NEWCOMB
The Destinies of Blood and Stone
A March Into Darkness
"[An] epic fantasy saga . . . vividly portrays the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Reminiscent in scope and detail of the works of Terry Goodkind and Robert Jordan."
-Library Journal
Savage Messiah
"Meticulously plotted action . . . another megafantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time."
-Booklist
The Chronicles of Blood and Stone
The Fifth Sorceress
"[Robert Newcomb] springs into fame and literary maturity in a single bound. . . . Tristan is the novel's main strength, an intriguing and all-too-human hero who becomes a dashing warrior challenging an empire."
-Orlando Sentinel
The Gates of Dawn
"Impressive . . . These personifications of light and dark are beautifully and vividly drawn. The intense emotions on both sides are expressed with astuteness and feeling."
-SFX magazine
The Scrolls of the Ancients
"Plenty of adventure and magic . . . continues Robert Newcomb's tradition of mixing adventure with an interesting and well-realized magical world."
-SF Site
The Destinies of Blood and Stone
A March Into Darkness
"[An] epic fantasy saga . . . vividly portrays the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Reminiscent in scope and detail of the works of Terry Goodkind and Robert Jordan."
-Library Journal
Savage Messiah
"Meticulously plotted action . . . another megafantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time."
-Booklist
The Chronicles of Blood and Stone
The Fifth Sorceress
"[Robert Newcomb] springs into fame and literary maturity in a single bound. . . . Tristan is the novel's main strength, an intriguing and all-too-human hero who becomes a dashing warrior challenging an empire."
-Orlando Sentinel
The Gates of Dawn
"Impressive . . . These personifications of light and dark are beautifully and vividly drawn. The intense emotions on both sides are expressed with astuteness and feeling."
-SFX magazine
The Scrolls of the Ancients
"Plenty of adventure and magic . . . continues Robert Newcomb's tradition of mixing adventure with an interesting and well-realized magical world."
-SF Site
"From the Hardcover edition." --SF Site
Product Description
The long-awaited moment is here, as Robert Newcomb brings his epic trilogy, The Destinies of Blood and Stone, to a triumphant close. Old questions will receive unexpected answers. Ancient prophecies will come to pass. New wonders and horrors will be revealed. And the lives of Prince Tristan and his sister, Shailiha–the Chosen Ones who alone can unite the sundered powers of the beneficent Vigors and the evil Vagaries–will change forever.
On the far side of the impassable Tolenka Mountains, where the countries of Rustannica and Shashida fight an endless War of Attrition, a turning point has come. Vespasian, emperor of Rustannica, is desperate. The relentless battle has left his country battered and the treasury all but empty. Unless he can achieve a breakthrough his armies will crumble and the cause of the Vagaries will go down in abject defeat. But if he gathers all his strength in one daring throw of the dice, Vespasian may yet prevail.
Meanwhile, in Eutracia, the wizards Faegan and Wigg make a startling discovery–a new form of magic that grants its users amazing powers. Among them may be an unforeseen method of crossing the Tolenka Mountains and entering directly into the War of Attrition, tilting the balance in favor of the Vigors . . . and bringing Tristan into full possession of the mystic endowments in his blood.
But a new threat has surfaced in Eutracia. An ancient Vagaries spell has borne its poisonous fruit: half-human, half-serpent monstrosities who live only to slay and are commanded by a hideously transformed sorcerer-demon known as the Viper Lord.
Now, as Tristan departs on a risky mission to cross into Rustannica and meet his destiny in an apocalyptic confrontation with Vespasian, Shailiha will remain behind to battle the Viper Lord and his murderous horde. Failure is unthinkable. But the cost of victory may be impossibly high.
From the Hardcover edition.
On the far side of the impassable Tolenka Mountains, where the countries of Rustannica and Shashida fight an endless War of Attrition, a turning point has come. Vespasian, emperor of Rustannica, is desperate. The relentless battle has left his country battered and the treasury all but empty. Unless he can achieve a breakthrough his armies will crumble and the cause of the Vagaries will go down in abject defeat. But if he gathers all his strength in one daring throw of the dice, Vespasian may yet prevail.
Meanwhile, in Eutracia, the wizards Faegan and Wigg make a startling discovery–a new form of magic that grants its users amazing powers. Among them may be an unforeseen method of crossing the Tolenka Mountains and entering directly into the War of Attrition, tilting the balance in favor of the Vigors . . . and bringing Tristan into full possession of the mystic endowments in his blood.
But a new threat has surfaced in Eutracia. An ancient Vagaries spell has borne its poisonous fruit: half-human, half-serpent monstrosities who live only to slay and are commanded by a hideously transformed sorcerer-demon known as the Viper Lord.
Now, as Tristan departs on a risky mission to cross into Rustannica and meet his destiny in an apocalyptic confrontation with Vespasian, Shailiha will remain behind to battle the Viper Lord and his murderous horde. Failure is unthinkable. But the cost of victory may be impossibly high.
From the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I only bought this volume hoping that it would finish the series it doesn't and the author appears to have given up as well. The worst part of this series is that we have been waiting endlessly for Tristian and his sister to start learning magic and it still hasn't happened. This book only leaves more unanswered question while not answering questions left from previous books. The author appears only to be out to make money by spinning it out like Terry Goodkind has. The first 5 books are worth buying after that the plots are just reworked with the characters given different names. The series never ends and leaves lots of unaswered questions that makes it very annoying.
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
The author has abandoned the series so you will never find out what the ending is and this book leaves unfinished.
Very disapointed DO NOT BUY
Very disapointed DO NOT BUY
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
7 reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
When's the next installment out?
11 Sep 2009
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is the 6th book in a wonderfully detailed world of magic. Unfortunately just recently went to author's website and found out there are currently no more books scheduled since his former publishing house had only contracted for 6 books - period. Mr Newcomb easily has enough story lines, characters and depth to do an additional 6-8 books, if he only had a publishing house to pick up a contract with him. Have suggested he (or agent) speak with Tor fantasy (his storyline fits the genre well.)to see if there would be an interest.
As a reader, these 6 books have held me spellbound night after night for the last 2 1/2 months! Even if Mr Newcomb never gets another to pick up on the contract, you should still read the 6 because alot of loose ends are tied up by the end of book 6, enough so that the average fan would be happy with them only - and only slightly upset that this is it.
As a reader, these 6 books have held me spellbound night after night for the last 2 1/2 months! Even if Mr Newcomb never gets another to pick up on the contract, you should still read the 6 because alot of loose ends are tied up by the end of book 6, enough so that the average fan would be happy with them only - and only slightly upset that this is it.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
An outstanding adventure
16 Jan 2008
Format:Hardcover
In the kingdom of Rustannica, Emperor Vespasian finds his realm in trouble. They are nearly devoid of gold, and if they do not find a way to turn their fortune around, it is likely that they will fall at the hands of Shashida, the neighboring realm that gathers power from the Vigors.
Vespasian devises a plan with the help of the Vagaries-leaning Pon Q'tar, led by Gracchus Junius, to seize the Shashidan gold mines and strike a deadly blow. He hopes to ultimately overrun Shashida and wipe out the Vigors once and for all. Even with his attention on the homeland, one eye must remain across the Tolenka Mountains and the kingdom of Eutracia.
It is there that Prince Tristan and his twin sister, Shailiha, continue to learn the abilities inherent in their endowed blood as they seek to unite the two sides of the craft --- the Vagaries and the Vigors. Unlike Vespasian, they believe that if either side of the magic world were to be eradicated, the world would suffer dire consequences. Each needs the other, and Tristan, together with his Conclave, seeks to find a way across the Tolenkas so that they may unite with the Shashidans. Such a pathway has proven impossible until a simple twist of fate unveils the existence of subtle matter, which provides them with the answer they need to possibly make their endeavor a success.
Yet all is not well, as a new and savage power has been unleashed by a long-dormant spell. Khristos, the Viper Lord, has risen from a stream in Hartwick Wood. The lover of Coven leader Failee, he does not know that she is dead and begins his march of terror across Eutracia. When Gracchus reaches out to him and gains his trust, the two strike a plan to bring down Tristan and Shailiha and secure the land for the power of the Vagaries.
With this third volume in The Destinies of Blood and Stone, Robert Newcomb has found a solid voice and delivered an outstanding adventure. Within these pages is an astounding imagination and a world that is growing all the more intriguing as readers continue to explore it. He provides exceptional visual references that help bring the world to life and enough new twists and moments of intrigue to keep readers on edge.
The standard characters from the previous books all return here, and their stories continue to lure you in further. Perhaps the strongest addition to the line is Khristos. Part human, part viper, he is driven by his love for the fallen Failee and his sense of revenge. This is all the more interesting as he was also a victim of her power, becoming the monster he is only because she twisted him to her will. His is a story of tragedy, and yet his involvement in this book is bloody and destructive.
Newcomb does a fantastic job in story shift; one chapter sees us within the halls of Emperor Vespasian's court and the other finds us back in Eutracia, watching as Tristan and his companions struggle to answer the riddles that will lead them to victory. Even with the constant shifting and returning, there is never a time when it becomes too much. Newcomb strikes a perfect balance between worlds and keeps you itching to return to the other just as he gives you enough of a thrill to not want to leave where you are.
RISE OF THE BLOOD ROYAL is the strongest work in Newcomb's line. It would be impossible to delve into this tome without first plowing through the previous five titles (the three books that comprise The Chronicles of Blood and Stone, in addition to SAVAGE MESSIAH and A MARCH INTO DARKNESS). That, however, is a trip worth making, especially with this being the current endpoint. It is a deserving reward for those who take up the adventure.
--- Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard
Vespasian devises a plan with the help of the Vagaries-leaning Pon Q'tar, led by Gracchus Junius, to seize the Shashidan gold mines and strike a deadly blow. He hopes to ultimately overrun Shashida and wipe out the Vigors once and for all. Even with his attention on the homeland, one eye must remain across the Tolenka Mountains and the kingdom of Eutracia.
It is there that Prince Tristan and his twin sister, Shailiha, continue to learn the abilities inherent in their endowed blood as they seek to unite the two sides of the craft --- the Vagaries and the Vigors. Unlike Vespasian, they believe that if either side of the magic world were to be eradicated, the world would suffer dire consequences. Each needs the other, and Tristan, together with his Conclave, seeks to find a way across the Tolenkas so that they may unite with the Shashidans. Such a pathway has proven impossible until a simple twist of fate unveils the existence of subtle matter, which provides them with the answer they need to possibly make their endeavor a success.
Yet all is not well, as a new and savage power has been unleashed by a long-dormant spell. Khristos, the Viper Lord, has risen from a stream in Hartwick Wood. The lover of Coven leader Failee, he does not know that she is dead and begins his march of terror across Eutracia. When Gracchus reaches out to him and gains his trust, the two strike a plan to bring down Tristan and Shailiha and secure the land for the power of the Vagaries.
With this third volume in The Destinies of Blood and Stone, Robert Newcomb has found a solid voice and delivered an outstanding adventure. Within these pages is an astounding imagination and a world that is growing all the more intriguing as readers continue to explore it. He provides exceptional visual references that help bring the world to life and enough new twists and moments of intrigue to keep readers on edge.
The standard characters from the previous books all return here, and their stories continue to lure you in further. Perhaps the strongest addition to the line is Khristos. Part human, part viper, he is driven by his love for the fallen Failee and his sense of revenge. This is all the more interesting as he was also a victim of her power, becoming the monster he is only because she twisted him to her will. His is a story of tragedy, and yet his involvement in this book is bloody and destructive.
Newcomb does a fantastic job in story shift; one chapter sees us within the halls of Emperor Vespasian's court and the other finds us back in Eutracia, watching as Tristan and his companions struggle to answer the riddles that will lead them to victory. Even with the constant shifting and returning, there is never a time when it becomes too much. Newcomb strikes a perfect balance between worlds and keeps you itching to return to the other just as he gives you enough of a thrill to not want to leave where you are.
RISE OF THE BLOOD ROYAL is the strongest work in Newcomb's line. It would be impossible to delve into this tome without first plowing through the previous five titles (the three books that comprise The Chronicles of Blood and Stone, in addition to SAVAGE MESSIAH and A MARCH INTO DARKNESS). That, however, is a trip worth making, especially with this being the current endpoint. It is a deserving reward for those who take up the adventure.
--- Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Formulaic fantasy at its best
5 Feb 2008
Format:Hardcover
I have read the previous 5 installments of this series by Newcomb, and this one is the first to garner a high 3 star rating from me! Finally, the characters are not facing a threat that will destroy the world as they know it! (He likes world destroying ticking time bombs)
The main problem that I have with the books is not the premise nor the characters (both of which are quite good, actually) but the way he writes each and every chapter. Let me summarize:
Chapter %
1 paragraph to establish POV
POV and description of the location (long long long)
Some dialogue
POV flashback (to keep the readers informed as to how the character got there)
some dialogue
CRISIS
end of chapter.
Seriously, they all read the same way.
If you as a reader can handle that, then read 'em! I had to put it down and glare at the book after the 40th time that some character said "more than 300 years", but I made it through unscathed.
The main problem that I have with the books is not the premise nor the characters (both of which are quite good, actually) but the way he writes each and every chapter. Let me summarize:
Chapter %
1 paragraph to establish POV
POV and description of the location (long long long)
Some dialogue
POV flashback (to keep the readers informed as to how the character got there)
some dialogue
CRISIS
end of chapter.
Seriously, they all read the same way.
If you as a reader can handle that, then read 'em! I had to put it down and glare at the book after the 40th time that some character said "more than 300 years", but I made it through unscathed.
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