In his acclaimed Codex Alera novels, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher has created a fascinating world of elemental magic. Now, as enemies become allies, and friends become bitter foes, a danger beyond reckoning looms for all… After two years of bitter conflict with the hordes of invading Canim warriors, Tavi of Calderon, now Captain of the First Aleran Legion, realizes that a … Legion, realizes that a peril far greater than the Canim exists—the mysterious threat that drove the savage Canim to flee their homeland.
Tavi proposes attempting an alliance with the Canim against their common foe, but his warnings go unheeded. For the Senate’s newly-appointed military commander has long desired to wipe out the Canim “scourge,” and their slave allies.
Now, Tavi must find a way to overcome centuries-old animosities if an alliance is to be forged, and he must lead his legion in defiance of the law, against friend and foe—or none will have a chance of survival…
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Great series by a often irreverent author (Jim Butcher – Dresden Files) in a bit more serious mood. I liked the rich and deep world Mr. Butcher created here more than proving he depth, imagination and writing skills that extend beyond his wildly entertaining Dresden Files novels.
Great read!
Jim Butcher never disappoints!
I was never a fan of Fantasy, but this series changed my mind. I have read it through three times over the past 10 years and have enjoyed every reading just as much as the first. Though there are spirit-like creatures and magic-like control of them, Butcher presents it as if it is normal without the all-too-common over-the-top flair and gusto of many fantasy authors. The character development is very strong, even in the secondary characters. The setting is interesting and well described, but just close enough to reality to allow you to enjoy the story rather than spend so much energy trying to visualize and make sense of the fantasy world. The characters have depth – Tavi (the main character) is not a perfect hero who rushes in to save the day. He is saved more often than he helps other people. The female characters are as powerful as the males and play as strong a role in the story line. Relationships between the characters evolve through time and not in the “I hate you, now you’re my soulmate” way – their relationships change as they share experiences, grow, and mature. The plot is well developed and complex. Though there are some predictable plot arcs, even those are made interesting by the complexities of the subplots and the twists in the stories. The books need to be read in order, but at the end of each book, you feel a sense of closure (though still excited to read the next). I highly recommend this whole series!
Read all his books just waiting for the newest to come out.
Becoming a peace-maker is not easy for a soldier, particularly when you are the commander of the unit facing the invaders you want to talk into a peace treaty. Now if the politicians would kindly just let Tavi do what he needs to do, Tavi and his Bloodcrows would much appreciate that. But no…. Do politicians live in a different universe than soldiers? It looks and feels that way, both in this story and in real life. The interference of those politicians and Tavi’s tendency to ‘go big or go home’ results in massive fireworks and much mayhem. So much for being orderly …….
I loved the whole series!
Any book by Butcher is worth reading. This is near the end of his Furies series. If you plan to read them, start at the beginning. Every book in the series is worth reading.
Read the entire Codex Alera series.
Excellent story
Of the Five books series this is one of the best, hell, all five are each the best in the series. Fantastic Jim Butcher at his very best.
Butcher never fails to grab you with an action packed story. Fighting demons, monsters, and evil perpetrators, Dresden takes on them all, while providing a sense of humor with his “side-kick” Bob. Recommend for all paranormal fans.
Adventure and suspense–how can the hero escape this disaster?
If you read the first three books in the series and enjoyed them, you should enjoy this too.
For a book series that came from a bet that Butcher could not deliver a compelling story using the two core elements of the lost Roman legion (the Legio IX Hispana) and Pokemon, I very much enjoyed it.
Awesome book and series by an incredible author!
Best fantasy series. Must read.