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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
like the Sathid, it gets under your skin, 19 Aug 2002
Janny Wurts' work is incredible. It speaks to me on so many levels. I am always fascinated by Janny's descriptions of magic; she weaves together scientific descriptions and wonder with remarkable skill. The magic in these novels is all at once logical, original and wondrous. Janny obviously knows what she's talking about - her descriptions of sailing are particularly vivid. Also, her vision of honour and pride and the things that bind people together is remarkably appealing. See Anskiere's relationship with Ivain, his geas upon Jaric and the relationship between the king of the pirates and his right hand man for examples of how strongly things matter to her characters. I think that Keeper of the Keys (I joined the trilogy in the middle) captured my imagination more than any other novel since A Wizard of Earthsea. At first, I was slightly disappointed at the final book, I resented the prevalence of scientific explanation. But upon rereading I realized that it all fit in perfectly with the world. I regret that I don't yet own these books. It may be much less complex than The Wars of Light and Shadow, but the Cycle of Fire stands on its own against that work. It avoids becoming bogged down in detail, and it is different enough that of the two, I think I prefer this series. I weep bitterly that there is not more of this, but then more would surely shatter the flawlessly perfect gem of a fantasy that Janny Wurts has fashioned.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Readable, but nowhere near the Wars of Light and Shadow, 6 Mar 2001
If I hadn't read the Wars of Light and Shadow first, I would have given the Cycle of Fire at least 4 stars, and probably 5. However, after having read them both, it becomes obvious that this is just a test run. Wurts plays in both series with the estrangement of siblings, at first through delusion and then through willful ignorance. Marlson Emien, though, is merely a pale shadow of Lysaer S'Illessid, and can't carry the reader through sympathy and into disgust the way that the Prince of Light can. Similarly, Ivainson Jaric's unwillingness to complete his destiny is set on far less sound a base than Arithon S'Ffalenn's. Largely, however, everything is just too easy for Jaric and Taen, and that, when compared to the struggling of Arithon, and the despair at his fate, is the death of the Cycle of Fire. The problem is simply that there are too many common plot devices and themes between the two, all of which are developed to a far greater degree in the Wars of Light and Shadow.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
fascinating if also not completely new, 28 Feb 2001
By A Customer
This has been probably the most fascinating fantasy trilogy I have read in this year. After reading all of David Eddings, Tolkien, Arthur C, Clarke and Bradley, I have been yearning for something original. This book finally gave me what I had long go hoped for. Allthough It does start a bit confusing and you have to concentrate very carefully the first couple of chapters, things start getting clearer and clearer for the reader. Also the original story isn't that new anymore. Its the good against evil sort of thing with young heroes trying to cope with magic. But then the character development is interesting to observe and the hint of Science fiction in this fantasy trilogy makes it worth while. A good read for anyone, who is looking for something different.
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by Raymond E. Feist
