Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
No,” I said curtly. I found Claver very irritating – everyone did. Our itinerant lives were difficult enough, but Claver’s incessant questioning over the last few weeks of every aspect of Vonvalt’s practice and powers had worn us all down to the nub. You’d think as someone who has been reviewing books for as long as I have, I should be better at this, but whenever I come across something I absolutely and wholeheartedly adored, I always seem to find myself at a loss for words. You know the kind of book I’m talking about—the ones that leave you with a hangover for days and in agony over what to say, because I feel like nothing I could ever come up with will do it justice. It’s those times that I wish I could write, “I loved this book, PERIOD” and leave it at that, but of course, another part of me just wants to gush and gush and gush. I promise I’ll try to be as coherent as possible. Vonvalt es el personaje principal de "La justicia de los reyes", pero la historia se cuenta desde el punto de vista de Helena, su ayudante.
The religion of the empire reminded me of Judaism and early Christianity in how some books would borrow stories and characters from religions in the surrounding areas (like Samson and other parables, as well as naming demons after Sumerian deities). I liked this book and didn’t really have anything negative to say, except maybe with the synopsis. Konrad would have been great to follow as the main character, since the synopsis made it seem like he was the protagonist. I understand in the end why he wasn’t the main character though.But I've got to give extra kudos to Vonvalt. He's portrayed with such depth and authenticity that you can't help but root for the guy, flaws and all. The character development in this story isn't just a side dish; it's the main course that takes everything to the next level. I think there are some interesting (maybe even weird?) decisions that the author took when he wrote this. When I read the synopsis, it mentions Justice Konrad Vonvalt and the story follows him but it does so through the POV of Helena which was quite unusual. I sometimes had to remind myself that the first person point of view is that of Helena and not of Vonvalt. On the other hand, I think some points of the story made more sense that way so it is not something that bothered me as much as I found it fascinating -and sometimes confusing-
All right, Sir Otmar,” Vonvalt said. “All right. Calm yourself. Here, take some ale. I’ll not press you any further.” I looked over to Claver. The man’s face was aghast at Vonvalt’s easy equivocation. Of course, Vonvalt was no more a believer in the Nema Creed than Sir Otmar. Like the old baron, he had had the religion forced on him. But he went to temple, and he put himself through the motions like most of the Imperial aristocracy. Claver, on the other hand, was young enough to have known no other religion. A true believer. Such men had their uses, but more often than not their inflexibility made them dangerous.
Popular Posts
No.” Sir Otmar all but spat out the word. It was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the fact that Sir Otmar was a practising Draedist himself. Richard Swan's sophisticated take on the fantasy genre will leave readers hungry for more."–Sebastien de Castell, author of Spellslinger
Utterly compelling, thoroughly engrossing and written with such skilful assurance I could barely put it down’ Nicholas Eames The Justices of the King's Bench at work. This illuminated manuscript from about 1460 is the earliest known depiction of the English court. [1]
Founders
Still, I enjoyed the book. I adored Bressinger even it he came off as abrasive for much of the book. He and Helena have a fascinating relationship, and I really did enjoy reading about him. He’s the brute strength, but also so much more. I do hope to find out more about him and his history as the series goes on. Then there’s Sir Konrad who felt quite unflappable except when he was. At times he did feel all over the place, but overall felt more dark and moody, especially as the story went on. I admired his conviction and his strength of faith in his duty, but, from what Helena as an older woman had to say, it also felt agonizing. Overall, though, I’m quite glad the story isn’t told from his perspective. Baker, J. H. (2004). "Oxford DNB article: Portman, Sir William (subscription needed)". Oxford University Press . Retrieved 23 December 2010. The story of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, after all, is the story of the rise and fall of the Sovan Empire." The entire story is told in retrospect by a much older Helena, recalling the adventures of her youth. It may be a common fantasy trope but it’s one of my favorites, and I loved the juxtaposition between the character’s wiser, more seasoned narration describing the naïve, fresh-faced, and impulsive girl she used to be. And young Helena is most certainly someone still struggling to find herself. Having been in Sir Konrad Vonvalt’s service since she was a child, she’s forever grateful to him for giving her a future even though she harbors doubts about whether she actually enjoys the work. Still, she respects Vonvalt too much to voice her concerns, even as the constant pressure to seek his approval frequently makes her grumpy and resentful, leading her to rebel in little ways, much like how a teenager would test the limits of her father.
Great Deal 
New Comment