Review by Booklist Review
The third Codex Alera volume opens with Gaius, first lord of Alera, recovered from the murderous attack in Academ's Fury (2005) and seeking two would-be first lords' destruction. Tavi, young protagonist of the preceding books, he sends off for legionary training. Kalare, one of Gaius' targets, then takes hostages, depriving Gaius of much support. Gaius' personal spy Amara is dispatched to effect a rescue, for which she needs the help of Lady Aquitaine, close kin to the other would-be and one who never balks at disposing of those in her way. Sequences of Tavi's basic training alternate with Amara's rescue mission, providing lots of action. --Frieda Murray Copyright 2006 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Butcher deftly mixes military fantasy and political intrigue in the rollicking third Codex Alera book (after 2005's Academ's Fury). Gaius Sextus, the First Lord of Alera, plants his nephew Tavi in a new legion, where Tavi can gather information on the rebellious High Lord of Kalare. Tavi, now a full-fledged Cursor, or spy, infiltrates the legion under the assumed identity of an officer, a station the green young man has not yet actually achieved. Treachery from a supposed ally opens the legion to attack from its bestial enemies, the Canim, incapacitating the captain and catapulting Tavi to the rank of the legion's commanding officer. Cut off from contact with the First Lord and with few seasoned officers to guide him, he must lead the troops in a defense of the Imperium against a horde of frenzied Canim warriors set on annihilating the Aleri people. Readers will cheer Tavi every step of the way. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
The ruthless High Lord of Kalare has declared open revolt against First Lord Gaius Sextus, who allies with the rival Lord of Aquitaine to hold his realm together. While the Countess Amara, a Cursor, or protector of the realm, embarks on a perilous mission to rescue hostages from the heart of the Lord of Kalare's stronghold, young Tavi, a member of the First Lord's household, is sent away from the war-though he finds a way to bring the war to him. The third volume of Butcher's newest series (after Furies of Calderon and Academ's Fury), set in a world reminiscent of the Roman Empire but powered by elemental magic, brings to a climax one portion of his epic tale, leaving room for further volumes. The author of the "Dresden Files" modern fantasy series is equally familiar with old-style, "classic" fantasy, demonstrating his skill in complex plotting and vivid world crafting to masterly effect. A welcome addition, along with series predecessors, to most fantasy collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
