[.ca] Fortress of Eagles (ISBN 0061052612)

From Amazon.com:
In Fortress in the Eye of Time, the wizard Mauryl Gestaurien summoned his greatest spell and created Tristen, the gray-eyed youth with strange powers. Mauryl's death sends the innocent Tristen out into the world, where he is befriended by Prince Cefwyn, heir to the Marhanen throne. Tristen, armed with a magic sword bearing the words "Truth" on one side and "Illusion" on the other, rides into battle for Cefwyn against the Shadow spawned by Hasufin, Mauryl's greatest enemy. In this sequel, Cefwyn is now king, and he has two intentions: to marry Ninévrisë, the beautiful Lady Regent of Elwynor, and to reunite Ylesuin, the land known in its former glory as Galasien. But even as his wedding approaches, his dreams grow more and more unattainable. His barons want to control him, and they fear Tristen's powers. At Cefwyn's urging, Tristen is lying low to protect himself, hiding his powers and his sword. As war inevitably draws nearer, Cefwyn knows he must not be forced to choose between his friend and his bride.

The Fortress series:
I enjoyed the book and the series. One central character "Tristan" is unique in that he has just been brought into the world by wizardly actions, and his innocence and curiousity is neat. He has a job to do and as his past life knowledge unfolds to him he strives, along with his friend the king, to steer an effective course through increasing challenges. Unlike the Chauner series which it more seat of the pants action this series deals some with larger questions the characters have to make in regard to their relationships to each other and about how to carry out their offices as regents of their society.

Least memorable of the four, but essential to the whole.:
I think the title says it all. Definitely a second-in-a-series, but very essential to the continuation of the rest. Lots of small details and intricate innuendos. A quick read though to get to the third book.

It's Not Pulp.:
I picked up this book on the day of the WTC attacks. I needed some pulp fantasy to put me to sleep, or else I was going to have nightmares. Instead, what I found was a well drawn plot, with complex characters. Cherryh definitely did a good job of drawing me into her world, and helping me to forget about mine. The author certainly seems to be going for more than quick dollars in this novel, and her blurring of the lines between good and evil is quite a refreshing change. It's good escapism, and a worthwhile read for any fantasy fan.

Fortress of What?:
I was recommended this series by a friend, and I could not be sorrier that I wasted my money. The first book was a terrible drag, and after about three months I decided to pick it up and finish it. Immediately thereafter I pick up Fortress of Random Noun, Part 2, hoping it might be leading somewhere. Nope. Problem #1 (of many): the chapters are too long. I honestly think that if this book had 70 chapters, I could get through it, simply because I would feel as if I'm progressing. I mean, come on, chapter what was it, 4? 5? was 50 pages long! And nearly the whole chapter involved Cefwyn telling Tristen he must put a penny in a box. How many pages does it take to describe that? Problem #2 (albeit a small one): "Master crow! Silence master crow. I will not have your insolence, crow. CROW CROW CROW! He's a human being, not a lousy bird! I swear, I cringe everytime I read that, along with the overly-rendundant 'master grayfrock.' Grayfrock? FROCK? Master Emuin will do nicely. Problem #3: Politics have no place in 'high' or 'epic fantasy' novels. I, for one, do not care about the 'northern barons,' or the 'southern barons,' or the mystery of the seasons, of all things. Do we really need to spend several pages describing the nature of each season? Problem #4: Superfluous dialogue. I am up to HERE with Uwen and his infuriating and mangled language. The very term "m'lord" sounds goofy and uncharacteristic in this modern-like world. Problem #5: Narration. Sentences that begin with "Of a sudden," or "Came a wind" appear to be an attempt at establishing an archaic type of narration which is more confusing than anything. This book is flying by for me because I spend about ten seconds on each page. There are so many unbelievably useless little details. For example, at one point, several paragraphs are wasted describing EVERY lords' personal banner and standard, down to the stitching pattern of the embroidery. I have no need for such useless knowlege, unless from out of nowhere somebody, with that knowing sort of glint in their eye, pulls a fast one on me : "Quick, what is the pattern and color of Lord Boring's flag?" In which case I will stare helplessly and feel the utmost regret that I cared not to remember or even read such things. I am a man of principle, however, and I will force myself, however much it pains me, to finish the series. I look on that day with a beacon of hope, for that is the day I will start The Sword of Truth. Nothing to see in these books, folks. Move along. Thank you for your time.

A sequel and a bridge.:
With the battle won in the previous book, and Cefwyn seated upon the throne of Ylesuin, Cefwyn undertakes to rule his new kingdom. However, many things are not what they seem. Cefwyn's barons scheme against him, the Quinatine church stands against his friends, and strange things are happening. So, the king sends his friends off to safety, and begins scheming his own way through the morass. Situations turn, and new enemies and crises are encountered at every turn. I liked the story in this book. Within, you can see that Tristen is in many ways a child learning about the world around him, and how it really works. At times the author brings you to the edge of your seat, and makes you care for the characters. Unfortunately, this book has the feel of a bridge, one connecting the previous book to the next. That is, however, my only complaint. This is a very good book indeed.