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Crown of Stars #7
Crown of Stars
King Henry’s kingdom has been ravaged by internecine warfare, in a conflict that has been both long and bloody. Furthermore, the spell holding the exiled Ashioi from the world has failed, and the land, ravaged by the fury of their return, is only now showing signs of recovery.
Sanglant is struggling to legitimise his leadership as the returned Ashioi are planning war, and Stronghand has begun a march of conquest into the heart of Sanglant's realm. Adelheid and Antonia have made an unholy alliance, and Sabella and Duke Conrad are moving to seize Sanglant's crown.
Cultures, religions, and races are clashing in what will be the ultimate struggle for control of this strange new world.
Sanglant is struggling to legitimise his leadership as the returned Ashioi are planning war, and Stronghand has begun a march of conquest into the heart of Sanglant's realm. Adelheid and Antonia have made an unholy alliance, and Sabella and Duke Conrad are moving to seize Sanglant's crown.
Cultures, religions, and races are clashing in what will be the ultimate struggle for control of this strange new world.
609 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 7, 2006
About the author
Kate Elliott
115 books2,748 followersAs a child in rural Oregon, Kate Elliott made up stories because she longed to escape to a world of lurid adventure fiction. She now writes fantasy, steampunk, and science fiction, often with a romantic edge. She currently lives in Hawaii, where she paddles outrigger canoes and spoils her schnauzer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 3, 2019
There is a total grand zero of stars in this *crown*.
At this point, all you are interested in is whether or not you should invest your reading time into this series. The answer is: fuck, no! Do not even come near. Unless you come with atorch burner burning torch. (I normally avoid profanities but once in a while there comes a book so obscenely bad that nothing except foul words is fitting).
If you want to know everything that is wrong with this book, just read this snarky thread. I am not going to be going into details here because it would be like wading into a sever. Suffice to say, that Crown of Stars is a strong contender for the worst book of the year, very close to The Core of bad writing and Queen of Fire that, ex aequo, won this title the year before.
It was so bad, I went back and lowered my ratings of the previous intalments.
It is interesting that all three are supposed to be a grand finale in a series. Even more interesting that in all three cases the opening entries were so great that I found myself gushing in the reviews. All three authors were, however, unable to carry out the fantastic ideas and deliver what had been promised. Ms Elliott has fallen the farthest in this respect because her series is the longest and she took the most time writing it.
If you told me to read the Crown of Stars back to back with King's Dragon, I would not believe that these two belong together. The shortcuts taken, the total disregard for the initial arcs, the precarious developments along the way that have nothing in common with the intrigue heralded in the first Prologue, surreptitious execution and elimination of elements that did not fit any more (you did not deserve that, O Wise Mothers!), the hughing of Hugh ('unforgivable' is a cuddly way to describe my feelings).
Kate Elliott managed not only to destroy both of her protagonists but also her antagonist whose impending and most unpleasant death was one of the few things propelling me onwards. The fact that it never happened is just another example of the Author cheating on her readers.
Some of my friends dropped the series after the third instalment. In the hindsight, I need to admit it was a wise decision. Crown of Stars would benefit greatly if somebody edited it heavily, which basically means trimming it down by half at least and amending some of the threads to retain the logic of the main arc.
Until that happens, do not bother with this series. I am adding it to the long list of books I wish someone would rewrite.
___
Also in the series:
1. King's Dragon ★★★★★
2. Prince of Dogs ★★★★☆
3. The Burning Stone ★★★★☆
4. Child of Flame ★★★☆☆
5. The Gathering Strom ★★☆☆☆
6. In the Ruins ★☆☆☆☆
At this point, all you are interested in is whether or not you should invest your reading time into this series. The answer is: fuck, no! Do not even come near. Unless you come with a
If you want to know everything that is wrong with this book, just read this snarky thread. I am not going to be going into details here because it would be like wading into a sever. Suffice to say, that Crown of Stars is a strong contender for the worst book of the year, very close to The Core of bad writing and Queen of Fire that, ex aequo, won this title the year before.
It was so bad, I went back and lowered my ratings of the previous intalments.
It is interesting that all three are supposed to be a grand finale in a series. Even more interesting that in all three cases the opening entries were so great that I found myself gushing in the reviews. All three authors were, however, unable to carry out the fantastic ideas and deliver what had been promised. Ms Elliott has fallen the farthest in this respect because her series is the longest and she took the most time writing it.
If you told me to read the Crown of Stars back to back with King's Dragon, I would not believe that these two belong together. The shortcuts taken, the total disregard for the initial arcs, the precarious developments along the way that have nothing in common with the intrigue heralded in the first Prologue, surreptitious execution and elimination of elements that did not fit any more (you did not deserve that, O Wise Mothers!), the hughing of Hugh ('unforgivable' is a cuddly way to describe my feelings).
Kate Elliott managed not only to destroy both of her protagonists but also her antagonist whose impending and most unpleasant death was one of the few things propelling me onwards. The fact that it never happened is just another example of the Author cheating on her readers.
Some of my friends dropped the series after the third instalment. In the hindsight, I need to admit it was a wise decision. Crown of Stars would benefit greatly if somebody edited it heavily, which basically means trimming it down by half at least and amending some of the threads to retain the logic of the main arc.
Until that happens, do not bother with this series. I am adding it to the long list of books I wish someone would rewrite.
___
Also in the series:
1. King's Dragon ★★★★★
2. Prince of Dogs ★★★★☆
3. The Burning Stone ★★★★☆
4. Child of Flame ★★★☆☆
5. The Gathering Strom ★★☆☆☆
6. In the Ruins ★☆☆☆☆
December 24, 2020
Forewarning: this won't be a terribly well-written review (if that even applies to any of my reviews), it being the end of 2020, during which I read this entire series which I enjoyed quite a bit, although it felt longer than it technically was. Mostly I will have to just let the four stars stand for themselves, with only these brief notes:
It was a genuinely satisfying conclusion, consistent with the rest of the series and true to the characters. The build-up to the climax(es) was exciting. There were some details that made me feel like I missed something; I may have, or it may just be a feature of this series in which many things happen "off screen", in keeping with the strict character POVs that are diligently maintained.
The denouement felt out of character; it was overall too wistful, compared with the tone of the rest of the story. I consumed this over the course of a single year, and someone reading contemporaneously with initial publication might feel differently, as I'm sure the author did, living and breathing this world for a decade.
It was an ambitious series, Kate Elliott's first foray into straight fantasy, and a successful effort. It has classic fantasy sensibilities, wholly original content, and the author's unique style. As much as I enjoyed it, I have a hard time recommending it. It takes patience to enjoy it, and if you're not committed after the first two books or so, I would not advise continuing. It might be best reserved at this point for established fans of the author who aren't afraid to tackle a long series.
It was a genuinely satisfying conclusion, consistent with the rest of the series and true to the characters. The build-up to the climax(es) was exciting. There were some details that made me feel like I missed something; I may have, or it may just be a feature of this series in which many things happen "off screen", in keeping with the strict character POVs that are diligently maintained.
The denouement felt out of character; it was overall too wistful, compared with the tone of the rest of the story. I consumed this over the course of a single year, and someone reading contemporaneously with initial publication might feel differently, as I'm sure the author did, living and breathing this world for a decade.
It was an ambitious series, Kate Elliott's first foray into straight fantasy, and a successful effort. It has classic fantasy sensibilities, wholly original content, and the author's unique style. As much as I enjoyed it, I have a hard time recommending it. It takes patience to enjoy it, and if you're not committed after the first two books or so, I would not advise continuing. It might be best reserved at this point for established fans of the author who aren't afraid to tackle a long series.
October 24, 2016
For those who don’t already know: I am not a series reader. I like my books fresh rather than familiar, and even a trilogy is a lot of one story for me. Half the reason I read this saga is because I enjoy Elliott’s work and find it remarkably consistent in quality (I tire of authors as quickly as I tire of series, but after a whopping 15 books from her, am still looking forward to the next installment of Black Wolves). The other half was just to have the experience of reading a 7-book fantasy series. Aside from Harry Potter and Narnia, I believe this was a first.
And I was glad to be done with it, because after the third book it started to get stale (lovers of long series may feel differently). The characters are not really that deep or exciting, and a lot of pages are spent on fairly flat secondaries. The plot loses momentum; every once in awhile there’s a chance to blow everything open and get some real action going, but while it never bogs down like certain other series (I read most of the Wheel of Time, okay, can you blame me for not wanting more?), it just sort of trundles along in the later books, without much sense of danger and urgency and the fate of the world – or at least our favorite characters – resting on a knife edge, which is what you want in epic fantasy. As for this last volume, it isn’t bad, but nor was it an edge-of-the-seat read. Many of the subplots to which much time was devoted over the course of the series still don’t seem essential.
The ending itself is decent. Not having a definitive resolution to is unusual and anticlimactic, though much more realistic than your typical fantasy (after all, real foreign relations are rarely settled once and for all).
All in all, a fine ending to a series I’d have liked better as a trilogy. Elliott’s writing has improved and her series grown shorter since, and thank goodness for that.
Crown of Stars ratings:
King’s Dragon: 4
Prince of Dogs: 3.5
The Burning Stone: 4
Child of Flame: 3
The Gathering Storm: 2.5
In the Ruins: 3
Crown of Stars: 3
And I was glad to be done with it, because after the third book it started to get stale (lovers of long series may feel differently). The characters are not really that deep or exciting, and a lot of pages are spent on fairly flat secondaries. The plot loses momentum; every once in awhile there’s a chance to blow everything open and get some real action going, but while it never bogs down like certain other series (I read most of the Wheel of Time, okay, can you blame me for not wanting more?), it just sort of trundles along in the later books, without much sense of danger and urgency and the fate of the world – or at least our favorite characters – resting on a knife edge, which is what you want in epic fantasy. As for this last volume, it isn’t bad, but nor was it an edge-of-the-seat read. Many of the subplots to which much time was devoted over the course of the series still don’t seem essential.
The ending itself is decent. Not having a definitive resolution to is unusual and anticlimactic, though much more realistic than your typical fantasy (after all, real foreign relations are rarely settled once and for all).
All in all, a fine ending to a series I’d have liked better as a trilogy. Elliott’s writing has improved and her series grown shorter since, and thank goodness for that.
Crown of Stars ratings:
King’s Dragon: 4
Prince of Dogs: 3.5
The Burning Stone: 4
Child of Flame: 3
The Gathering Storm: 2.5
In the Ruins: 3
Crown of Stars: 3
August 16, 2012
I enjoyed the complexity of this series. I cried knowing this was the last book. This series has allowed me to have my little escapes from the real world of being a medic in the military. I have followed this series for so long.
February 23, 2016
Looks like I made it! After many months of reading volume after volume, I'm done with this series.
By the end, it felt slightly bloated. I wish some storylines had been cut, and yet, oddly enough, the ending felt slightly rushed. Still, it was a fantastical journey, a true epic and an amazing series full of characters I loved, got annoyed by and hated. I almost threw the book across the room more than once (in a good way, mostly). I developed in-jokes with my SO about the book. I'll miss having more Kate Elliott fantasy to read. (When is the next novel???)
The ending was (mostly) satisfying and as sweeping as Elliott is capable of.
And yet, I find myself frustrated by this book, so much. There are things that disappointed me so bad. Knowing Kate Elliott's feminism from her other novels, knowing how right she is in her meta on the subject of representation... I was terribly disappointed on several counts.
Spoilers about these issues below the cut.
My SO remarked that a lot of Crossroads could work as an AU for this novel (what if Sanglant decided to turn Liath aside to have a proper wife for dynastic reasons?). I'd be curious to read about the connections. But a part of me wishes all those Kate Elliott books could be slightly less grim :(
(Well, I'll always have Spiritwalker. Although its ending has its shadows as well.)
By the end, it felt slightly bloated. I wish some storylines had been cut, and yet, oddly enough, the ending felt slightly rushed. Still, it was a fantastical journey, a true epic and an amazing series full of characters I loved, got annoyed by and hated. I almost threw the book across the room more than once (in a good way, mostly). I developed in-jokes with my SO about the book. I'll miss having more Kate Elliott fantasy to read. (When is the next novel???)
The ending was (mostly) satisfying and as sweeping as Elliott is capable of.
And yet, I find myself frustrated by this book, so much. There are things that disappointed me so bad. Knowing Kate Elliott's feminism from her other novels, knowing how right she is in her meta on the subject of representation... I was terribly disappointed on several counts.
Spoilers about these issues below the cut.
My SO remarked that a lot of Crossroads could work as an AU for this novel (what if Sanglant decided to turn Liath aside to have a proper wife for dynastic reasons?). I'd be curious to read about the connections. But a part of me wishes all those Kate Elliott books could be slightly less grim :(
(Well, I'll always have Spiritwalker. Although its ending has its shadows as well.)
August 16, 2024
Now that was one amazing series. With the exception of book 6 (which was a bridge book imo) every book was exceptional.
I truly feel I have completed one of the true great sprawling fantasy epics. What an experience.
Now I know a lot of the knock against this series has been the “bloated” narrative at times. That is fair. So many fantasies do contain this. This world is so big though. So many characters. So many kingdoms, cultures and political motivations to keep track of.
Elliott’s writing is superb throughout regardless.
It is a series about the expulsion of a magical race and the consequences that follow.
What starts as a lower type fantasy becomes high fantasy. So much mystery unfolds throughout. You may start with something similar to GOT but by series end you’ll have centaurs, griffins, daimones, deities and dark spirits.
And so much more. There is so much heartbreak. So much struggle.
It also contains what may be the most vile villain of all of fantasy.
You absolutely hate this guy.
I mean HATE this guy.
Well done Kate Elliott.
This series is vastly underrated. For me top 10 easily.
Fantastic. 🏆
I truly feel I have completed one of the true great sprawling fantasy epics. What an experience.
Now I know a lot of the knock against this series has been the “bloated” narrative at times. That is fair. So many fantasies do contain this. This world is so big though. So many characters. So many kingdoms, cultures and political motivations to keep track of.
Elliott’s writing is superb throughout regardless.
It is a series about the expulsion of a magical race and the consequences that follow.
What starts as a lower type fantasy becomes high fantasy. So much mystery unfolds throughout. You may start with something similar to GOT but by series end you’ll have centaurs, griffins, daimones, deities and dark spirits.
And so much more. There is so much heartbreak. So much struggle.
It also contains what may be the most vile villain of all of fantasy.
You absolutely hate this guy.
I mean HATE this guy.
Well done Kate Elliott.
This series is vastly underrated. For me top 10 easily.
Fantastic. 🏆
July 3, 2017
Absolutely amazing ending! Everything was tied together spectacularly, and I was so astounded after finishing this that I couldn't sleep! I distinctly remember blurting, "Oh. My god," several times in the last several chapters. By the time I placed the finished book on my shelf, I was probably in shock.
The ending was wonderful. It really was. I couldn't have asked for better.
This series was well worth the read, and I have to say will probably take the place of Wheel of Time as my favorite book series ever. I'll definitely be able to reread these books in the future, and will be excited to catch all those scattered clues I didn't notice before.
Despite what any early readers may think, Alain's storyline is the best. I don't care who you are. Out of everything that happened in the last couple of books, scenes with Alain were what elicited the strongest reactions from me. I teared up twice at the end, and gasped, and exclaimed, and I honestly think Alain was the best character.
I don't really understand the negative reviews at all, from people who couldn't finish the books. I never once got bored. I never once wanted to quit. And I'm a very picky reader. The Crown of Stars was everything I ever could've hoped for in a series. The character development was PERFECT. Characters you didn't like at first become so well-rounded. Even the horrid beast Wichman was, by the end, someone that I was rooting for. Kate Elliott did so well with this series. I can't even properly explain how perfect every perspective and subplot was. The way everything came together, the way it all ended... just amazing. AMAZING.
The ending was wonderful. It really was. I couldn't have asked for better.
This series was well worth the read, and I have to say will probably take the place of Wheel of Time as my favorite book series ever. I'll definitely be able to reread these books in the future, and will be excited to catch all those scattered clues I didn't notice before.
Despite what any early readers may think, Alain's storyline is the best. I don't care who you are. Out of everything that happened in the last couple of books, scenes with Alain were what elicited the strongest reactions from me. I teared up twice at the end, and gasped, and exclaimed, and I honestly think Alain was the best character.
I don't really understand the negative reviews at all, from people who couldn't finish the books. I never once got bored. I never once wanted to quit. And I'm a very picky reader. The Crown of Stars was everything I ever could've hoped for in a series. The character development was PERFECT. Characters you didn't like at first become so well-rounded. Even the horrid beast Wichman was, by the end, someone that I was rooting for. Kate Elliott did so well with this series. I can't even properly explain how perfect every perspective and subplot was. The way everything came together, the way it all ended... just amazing. AMAZING.
November 9, 2020
Not for everyone but I loved this sprawling fantasy take on early medieval Europe. Kate managed to keep track of all of her POV characters and the continent spanning action and wind it into a satisfying conclusion; no mean feat after 7 books. And what an amazing range of characters from all genders and ages.
Edit: I personally find the epilogue very satisfying, although it takes place about 40 years after the main storyline. I hope she writes some more in this universe (I've read the short story in Best of Kate Elliott).
Edit: I personally find the epilogue very satisfying, although it takes place about 40 years after the main storyline. I hope she writes some more in this universe (I've read the short story in Best of Kate Elliott).
February 12, 2021
And here we are, at the end of all things. I guess this will have to stand as a review of the entire series (because it is absolutely not something that you'd read piecemeal -- if you're at this point, I assume you've read the previous six books as well and really, this is a single, continuous narrative), although I have no idea how to begin summing up a series of 5,200+ pages spread across seven books other than to say: I liked it, and am glad I read the whole thing.
Yes, there's a lot going on in these books -- you have the central kingdoms (Wendar and Varre) riven by civil war and succession crises, you have multiple not-entirely-human forces invading from the fringes, you have religious schisms and heresies, magic, griffons, cataclysm and while none of the factions involved are irredeemably evil, there are at least a couple of genuinely really bad people maneuvering things from the shadows. Or from right out in the open.
And the most amazing thing is: It all worked! There were a lot of threads to juggle, but Kate Elliott did keep everything straight and tied everything off at the end and yes, it took me something like three months to read the entire series, but in the end it was entirely worth it, and I look forward to exploring more of her (happily much more reasonably sized) series in the future.
Yes, there's a lot going on in these books -- you have the central kingdoms (Wendar and Varre) riven by civil war and succession crises, you have multiple not-entirely-human forces invading from the fringes, you have religious schisms and heresies, magic, griffons, cataclysm and while none of the factions involved are irredeemably evil, there are at least a couple of genuinely really bad people maneuvering things from the shadows. Or from right out in the open.
And the most amazing thing is: It all worked! There were a lot of threads to juggle, but Kate Elliott did keep everything straight and tied everything off at the end and yes, it took me something like three months to read the entire series, but in the end it was entirely worth it, and I look forward to exploring more of her (happily much more reasonably sized) series in the future.
July 15, 2018
(This review is of the Crown of Stars series, not the individual books, but is attached to each one so that potential readers know what they’re getting into. It is imperative to begin with “King’s Dragon,” of course, and once involved, the difference in quality and focus of each of the seven volumes is far less important than the impact of the series as a whole.)
Crown of Stars is a sprawling, sometimes confusing, seven volumes of epic medieval fantasy that is worth the investment of time and energy to track its multitude of characters through complex plots and subplots as they battle their way through 4,000 pages of magic, catastrophe and of course, eventual redemption.
But first it has to be said that Kate Elliott doesn’t bring every one of her characters all the way home, as more than a few are killed relatively early in the series, and some that seem destined for an early demise just keep hanging on. This kind of uncertainty, and some unexpected plot twists, keep the pages turning, and makes this long series an entertaining and worthwhile ride.
The setup is a thinly disguised medieval Europe (think 9th century) a few generations after the death of Charlemagne (called Taillefer in the book). The echoes of the Dariyan (read “Roman”) Empire still linger, but the political side of the book is concerned with the dynastic maneuverings of Central European dukes and kings, which are complex to begin with and get even more so as the books roll on.
The fantasy aspect combines powerful magic wielded by a minority of humans, plus some non-human races (though the Eika are the Vikings) and cosmology that resembles the ancient Greek theories about the spheres of existence that surround Earth.
And then of course there are the human interactions, ranging from obsession (both love and hate), religious fervor, lust for power, and revenge, all played out through a cast of what seems like thousands. (Keeping track isn’t all that easy, and when Elliott wraps everything up, it’s not a simple task to sort everything, and everyone, out on just one reading.)
Though there are many point-of-view characters, probably the two most important are Liath, a young woman who has spent her life running away from something her father greatly fears, and Alain, a young farm boy who draws the attention of powerful humans and spirits.
But almost equally important are Sanglant, a bastard son of King Henry whose mother is a mysterious Aoi (perhaps human, perhaps just slightly different); Rosvita, a nun and advisor to King Henry; Ivar, a young nobleman; and Stronghand, a young Eika warrior.
There are plenty of villains, fully fleshed out minor characters, a magical catastrophe, and most important in works as long and complex as this one, a satisfying ending.
The Crown of Stars, all in all, is an excellent medieval fantasy, though not quite up to Miles Cameron’s Traitor Son Cycle (which was written after this) and perhaps a little too complicated for its own good. And naturally, some of the seven volumes are better than others, but if “King’s Dragon” grabs your interest, then go ahead and buy the other six – you’ll have thousands of pages of enjoyment ahead, and the luxury of knowing that you have months of good reading on the way.
Crown of Stars is a sprawling, sometimes confusing, seven volumes of epic medieval fantasy that is worth the investment of time and energy to track its multitude of characters through complex plots and subplots as they battle their way through 4,000 pages of magic, catastrophe and of course, eventual redemption.
But first it has to be said that Kate Elliott doesn’t bring every one of her characters all the way home, as more than a few are killed relatively early in the series, and some that seem destined for an early demise just keep hanging on. This kind of uncertainty, and some unexpected plot twists, keep the pages turning, and makes this long series an entertaining and worthwhile ride.
The setup is a thinly disguised medieval Europe (think 9th century) a few generations after the death of Charlemagne (called Taillefer in the book). The echoes of the Dariyan (read “Roman”) Empire still linger, but the political side of the book is concerned with the dynastic maneuverings of Central European dukes and kings, which are complex to begin with and get even more so as the books roll on.
The fantasy aspect combines powerful magic wielded by a minority of humans, plus some non-human races (though the Eika are the Vikings) and cosmology that resembles the ancient Greek theories about the spheres of existence that surround Earth.
And then of course there are the human interactions, ranging from obsession (both love and hate), religious fervor, lust for power, and revenge, all played out through a cast of what seems like thousands. (Keeping track isn’t all that easy, and when Elliott wraps everything up, it’s not a simple task to sort everything, and everyone, out on just one reading.)
Though there are many point-of-view characters, probably the two most important are Liath, a young woman who has spent her life running away from something her father greatly fears, and Alain, a young farm boy who draws the attention of powerful humans and spirits.
But almost equally important are Sanglant, a bastard son of King Henry whose mother is a mysterious Aoi (perhaps human, perhaps just slightly different); Rosvita, a nun and advisor to King Henry; Ivar, a young nobleman; and Stronghand, a young Eika warrior.
There are plenty of villains, fully fleshed out minor characters, a magical catastrophe, and most important in works as long and complex as this one, a satisfying ending.
The Crown of Stars, all in all, is an excellent medieval fantasy, though not quite up to Miles Cameron’s Traitor Son Cycle (which was written after this) and perhaps a little too complicated for its own good. And naturally, some of the seven volumes are better than others, but if “King’s Dragon” grabs your interest, then go ahead and buy the other six – you’ll have thousands of pages of enjoyment ahead, and the luxury of knowing that you have months of good reading on the way.
January 10, 2019
This book achieved a rare feat - in spite of being soooo slow it felt as though everything was cut short and not given enough time. It's a shame, because the first two or three books in this series are great - five stars all round, but then the series took a nose dive and this end volume had some pet hates of mine, detailed in the spoiler below.
(Don't open unless you have finished the book or have no intention of ever reading this series):
Disappointing.
(Don't open unless you have finished the book or have no intention of ever reading this series):
Disappointing.
September 8, 2009
This was one of the best Fantasy series I have read in a long time. Better then the Wheel of Time, in that it did not get off track and she did not pad out the books to make them longer and make the series take longer. Good character development. Fascinating characters and storylines. The great combo of political intrigue, military strategy, and the supernatural that make the best fanatasy series, very much in the tradition of George R. R. Martin, but of a style all it's own. I highly reccomend The Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott to those who love Fantasy.
August 8, 2023
Like others in this series, the final book was a constant up and down between 5 stars and 2 stars. First two thirds were around a 2.5. Pages 400-500 were an easy 5 stars, and the last hundred was teetering on 3 stars.
Solid closure was given to some characters, and for others, who I had become very attached to, there was little to nothing. And some of the aforementioned closures were not rewarding at all and left me with a "ummmm...ok. kinda dumb". This series also had someone I consider to be the most wasted character in fantasy.
Did she stick the landing here? Well, she got one foot down, the other wobbled hard.
I'd be interested to see her growth as a writer and try series written after this, but I need some space for now.
Solid closure was given to some characters, and for others, who I had become very attached to, there was little to nothing. And some of the aforementioned closures were not rewarding at all and left me with a "ummmm...ok. kinda dumb". This series also had someone I consider to be the most wasted character in fantasy.
Did she stick the landing here? Well, she got one foot down, the other wobbled hard.
I'd be interested to see her growth as a writer and try series written after this, but I need some space for now.
December 11, 2022
Still processing this finale, but overall a very satisfying ending! I feel like it was realistic for most of the characters, and most people got what they deserved (good and bad).
Kate Elliott remains a favorite of mine, and the more of her books I read the more I want to read. She writes characters who are layered and feel fully-formed. There's this strange feeling when I'm reading her books that every single character mentioned has an elaborate life outside of whatever part they play, no matter how small.
Kate Elliott remains a favorite of mine, and the more of her books I read the more I want to read. She writes characters who are layered and feel fully-formed. There's this strange feeling when I'm reading her books that every single character mentioned has an elaborate life outside of whatever part they play, no matter how small.
May 16, 2018
I read through the entire seven books in the Crown of Stars series, and I was very impressed. There are a lot of interesting themes intertwined and a great number of characters to keep track of, but each voice is so unique, that I found myself reacting to them differently—as individuals. There are a lot of spiritual components in each book and a great deal of beautiful Catholic imagery. I felt drawn to a wider view of humanity's struggle to know ourselves, our created universe, and our God. An epic story all around.
November 24, 2008
I couldn't bring myself to endure enough of the crap in this one to finish it, and I pride myself on slogging through to the end of a series when I've started. So that should tell you just how mangled the story gets in this one. Wasn't even worth my time to finish it...
September 5, 2020
After seven books, I don't actually have that much to say. Which is weird! Because usually this is where I write sort of a meta-review.
This book did manage some surprises, but I don't think any of the surprises are that interesting. Or, they could have been, but Elliott sort of steers us away from those interesting elements, as she always seems to.
I would say I'm largely unhappy with the resolutions of the novel, though I don't think they're necessarily bad. But they are just so...vapid.
This series was always best, to me, when Elliott kept her distance from the royals but as the series progressed it became more and more wrapped up in the bickering of princes and bishops. And then the resolutions are essentially that everyone ends up becoming a royal of some kind or at least pulled into the direct sphere of a royal.
Even so, there are a lot of great moments in here and I do genuinely like many of the characters. So I'm not really disappointed, but this series--
It just never managed to be what I thought it could be. Elliott showed so much potential and leaned into some very interesting ideas and dynamics, but then kind of tossed it all into a blender with generic epic fantasy elements and what we end up with is an above average epic fantasy series that sort of feels like you've already read it.
I don't know. I liked it all well enough, but I'm glad to be done with it. I also can't imagine recommending this to anyone, since I think the things it does well aren't really enough to distinguish it from other epic fantasy series.
This book did manage some surprises, but I don't think any of the surprises are that interesting. Or, they could have been, but Elliott sort of steers us away from those interesting elements, as she always seems to.
I would say I'm largely unhappy with the resolutions of the novel, though I don't think they're necessarily bad. But they are just so...vapid.
This series was always best, to me, when Elliott kept her distance from the royals but as the series progressed it became more and more wrapped up in the bickering of princes and bishops. And then the resolutions are essentially that everyone ends up becoming a royal of some kind or at least pulled into the direct sphere of a royal.
Even so, there are a lot of great moments in here and I do genuinely like many of the characters. So I'm not really disappointed, but this series--
It just never managed to be what I thought it could be. Elliott showed so much potential and leaned into some very interesting ideas and dynamics, but then kind of tossed it all into a blender with generic epic fantasy elements and what we end up with is an above average epic fantasy series that sort of feels like you've already read it.
I don't know. I liked it all well enough, but I'm glad to be done with it. I also can't imagine recommending this to anyone, since I think the things it does well aren't really enough to distinguish it from other epic fantasy series.
July 9, 2024
I had a great time reading this series. There were some fates that I didn’t see coming at all. There was a particular character whom I despised and thought this person would have a different ending. But thinking about what did happen, it was probably a worse fate.
I was a little disappointed in a certain two characters’ reunion because I expected so much. Okay I was very disappointed.
But overall I enjoyed what happened to the main characters.
I was a little disappointed in a certain two characters’ reunion because I expected so much. Okay I was very disappointed.
But overall I enjoyed what happened to the main characters.
March 4, 2017
Book VII
A few months following the cataclysm, Liath, Sanglant, Alain, Stronghand and many others are trying to right the land that they love and come from. There are still threats coming from the Ashioi, now led by Sanglant's mother, the new Feather Cloak.
Conrad and Sabella hope to overwhelm King Sanglant and get the kingdom for themselves and begin ruling in their own way (so far no one is getting a long any better under their rule in Arconia.)
Stories are beginning to come to an end and also to meet up with other characters, showing that their destines were always going to cross again and again as time goes on.
Personally, I loved the way that the book/series ended. There was just enough story to wrap everything up and make it all clear. Also, I am always happy when they add in a flash forward to show how some of the younger characters have fared since the world regained order.
A few months following the cataclysm, Liath, Sanglant, Alain, Stronghand and many others are trying to right the land that they love and come from. There are still threats coming from the Ashioi, now led by Sanglant's mother, the new Feather Cloak.
Conrad and Sabella hope to overwhelm King Sanglant and get the kingdom for themselves and begin ruling in their own way (so far no one is getting a long any better under their rule in Arconia.)
Stories are beginning to come to an end and also to meet up with other characters, showing that their destines were always going to cross again and again as time goes on.
Personally, I loved the way that the book/series ended. There was just enough story to wrap everything up and make it all clear. Also, I am always happy when they add in a flash forward to show how some of the younger characters have fared since the world regained order.
February 27, 2011
Overall, good. I could not put it down until I read every word within every book of this series. The 6th book was, by far, the worst, and this last installment demonstrated a vast improvement. I especially enjoyed that some likable characters die and that some "villains" live. I don't like endings to be too soppy and "feel-good" and Ms. Elliott does pretty well with that. I really enjoyed her descriptives, except where the astronomy is elaborated on. I know that it is somewhat important to the saga, but I could stand a bit less of it and tended to skim those parts. I am amazed that someone is capable of creating such an intricate plot and write it so well. I liked that she wrote in third person, yet changed points of view regularly. I did not like that several things were repeated many times throughout the entire series.
March 12, 2010
The Crown of Stars series is my first introduction into science fiction and fantasy novels. That's the only reason they would get such a high rating. As a young girl I related with the character Liath, especially her ability to escape to an attic in her mind where she hides all her pain. It taught me a valuable coping mechanism, and probably helped me in later years with meditation.
February 14, 2014
Overall? I liked the series. It reminds me of Guy Gavriel Kay's novels, except I didn't cry. I really liked Liath's journey, although it got kinda weird at times. I wish there was more about Alain and Stronghand together. Pretty good stuff, though I may have zipped past a lot of the religious and mathematici parts.
March 22, 2008
The final book. Everything kind of comes together, but the ending left me kind of...disappointed. Not really in a bad way. It seems life goes on, even for heroes.
Read
December 14, 2017As the books progressed, I read less and skimmed more... I love Kate Elliott's books (Black Wolves, Cold Magic, etc) so I am reading her older books and well... I guess every author has to start somewhere, and this series is kinda weak. I'm leery/skeptical of any series that goes beyond three books (except Kate Daniels), because it starts getting bloated and lackluster... and this series felt like that as it moved on.
I did enjoy the first book though. It seemed like a pretty solid/promising start. But I think as the series progressed and the scope expanded, I started to lose investment. It takes effort for me to become interested when there are three or more narrating characters. Still, it's interesting to see the earlier Kate Elliott books.
I did enjoy the first book though. It seemed like a pretty solid/promising start. But I think as the series progressed and the scope expanded, I started to lose investment. It takes effort for me to become interested when there are three or more narrating characters. Still, it's interesting to see the earlier Kate Elliott books.
November 2, 2022
I'm astounded by the magnitude of planning and plotting, character arcs, relationships, battle strategies and political manoeuvring that went into this series. Add to that the detailed magic, mythology, religion, cultures, geography, architecture and weather and I am awed at the commitment of its creator, Kate Elliot. Brilliant work.
It's always a little sad to get to the end of an epic fantasy series, and this is no exception. I will miss the world and the characters (except Hugh, of course).
A wonderful epic fantasy read.
It's always a little sad to get to the end of an epic fantasy series, and this is no exception. I will miss the world and the characters (except Hugh, of course).
A wonderful epic fantasy read.
April 21, 2022
It's a complete mystery to me why this series isn't better known. I'm writing this after reading all 7 books, and devoured them all. Unlike some other series set in a medieval-like world, the characters are complex and develop, the violence is never gratuitous, and the varying points of view keep the many threads together.
Spoilers here in my impressions on the last in the series.
I agree with some of the other reviewers that the astronomy and parts of the religious background are at times hard to follow. In the last book I also felt that some of my favourite threads in the story did not fully round off - Stronghand's motivation and strategy in the last book seemed lacking compared to the earlier books although I 'liked' what happened, and I wanted/expected more from the arc of him and Alain meeting again; theirs were 2 of my favourite characters. Other reviewers have said they felt sorry for Wolfhere and that he was a sad figure; my impression was that he was too fixed on the path he'd been set on and refused or failed to make better choices. The characters, relationship and response to events of Liath, Sanglant and their 'brat' were excellent, I liked how they developed and progressed without falling into happy ever after resolution. I loved those little repetitions of sanglant watching Liath walk away, or that his voice always sounded like that.
All in all a truly brilliant series overall a 5 star, and really ought to be better known.
Spoilers here in my impressions on the last in the series.
I agree with some of the other reviewers that the astronomy and parts of the religious background are at times hard to follow. In the last book I also felt that some of my favourite threads in the story did not fully round off - Stronghand's motivation and strategy in the last book seemed lacking compared to the earlier books although I 'liked' what happened, and I wanted/expected more from the arc of him and Alain meeting again; theirs were 2 of my favourite characters. Other reviewers have said they felt sorry for Wolfhere and that he was a sad figure; my impression was that he was too fixed on the path he'd been set on and refused or failed to make better choices. The characters, relationship and response to events of Liath, Sanglant and their 'brat' were excellent, I liked how they developed and progressed without falling into happy ever after resolution. I loved those little repetitions of sanglant watching Liath walk away, or that his voice always sounded like that.
All in all a truly brilliant series overall a 5 star, and really ought to be better known.
June 5, 2008
**Slight spoiler alert for those who haven't finished Vol. 5**
This was a nice series. After Elliott brought the Aoi land "safely" back to its starting place, one of the major plot arcs drew to a close, and I wasn't sure how she was going to maintain a satisfactory urgency and mystery from that point on. While I don't think that this book has quite the excitement and interest that the first ones did (it gets a bit long-winded sometimes, and Elliott spends a lot of time on needless details, in my opinion) it's still quite good. The lives of the characters we care about are, for the most part, nicely wrapped up, not so tidily that it feels trite, but enough so that one feels satisfied. All in all, I'd recommend this series to people I know for sure love fantasy, and don't mind spending lots of time reading and getting immersed in interesting worlds. I probably wouldn't recommend it to people with short attention spans, or who want quickly-paced, concise plots.
This was a nice series. After Elliott brought the Aoi land "safely" back to its starting place, one of the major plot arcs drew to a close, and I wasn't sure how she was going to maintain a satisfactory urgency and mystery from that point on. While I don't think that this book has quite the excitement and interest that the first ones did (it gets a bit long-winded sometimes, and Elliott spends a lot of time on needless details, in my opinion) it's still quite good. The lives of the characters we care about are, for the most part, nicely wrapped up, not so tidily that it feels trite, but enough so that one feels satisfied. All in all, I'd recommend this series to people I know for sure love fantasy, and don't mind spending lots of time reading and getting immersed in interesting worlds. I probably wouldn't recommend it to people with short attention spans, or who want quickly-paced, concise plots.
February 25, 2016
I loved this series, and thought the first 5 books were really well done, though I could have done without POVs like Ivar.
More Alain and Stronghand would have been great. Alain also became a kind Robin Hobb Fitz character, i.e. what ELSE could happen to the poor man? Also too much repetitive capturing of Liath, and the whole phoenix/religious plot-line became rather boring and far too extensive to me. She should have stuck with only three or four main characters and at times the story felt all over the place.
Otherwise it was a great idea and a great story, although it had some flaws.
The 6th book was really meh, and although she tied up the many different plot lines nicely in this last book, I didn't enjoy it as much as the earlier books. Still a good ending to a great series!
More Alain and Stronghand would have been great. Alain also became a kind Robin Hobb Fitz character, i.e. what ELSE could happen to the poor man? Also too much repetitive capturing of Liath, and the whole phoenix/religious plot-line became rather boring and far too extensive to me. She should have stuck with only three or four main characters and at times the story felt all over the place.
Otherwise it was a great idea and a great story, although it had some flaws.
The 6th book was really meh, and although she tied up the many different plot lines nicely in this last book, I didn't enjoy it as much as the earlier books. Still a good ending to a great series!
February 14, 2008
Fantasy, last in the Crown of Stars series. The sweeping conclusion: though the world is riven and ravaged, the royal rivals continue fighting over the throne. The wave that has been building through the series crests and breaks in one last, great, bloody battle, after which we are given just enough hints to be sure that most of the protagonists lived happy lives. Conclusive, but rather hastily so considering the sheer bulk of the books that preceded it.
April 10, 2013
I felt this is a solid finish to a well-written fantasy series. I think this series could have been better if Elliot would have removed some of the character POV's such as Ivar and focused more on two or three characters. Also, there is some sloppy writing at times(end of book 5 comes to mind). Furthermore, Elliot hyper-feministic views are annoying at certain points in the books (whatever men can do, women can do better!)I think she's been watching too much Xena:Warrior Princess.
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