The Emperor's Blades (Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, 1)

Product Information

As I waited very patiently, I was subjected to simplistic and forced dialogue that merely served to push the plot along. I also had to suffer dumb characters. Get ready to scoff and eyeroll when a character neglects to notice a big fat whopping clue slapping him on the side of his face! It happens quite a lot, especially with soldier prince. It’s even worse because the story is so emotionally simplistic, it is impossible to connect with the characters. Secondly, from some of the synopsis’ I’ve read of the other books I’m almost certain I would have similar complaints. This world felt so magical and new, the writing is suburb, the side characters are battling the main characters for space in my heart, the mystery is all consuming and makes this book impossible to put down, and the story was just downright good. Seriously, I don't have anything negative to say about this book. The only thing I can possibly think of is that Adare didn't get enough chapters. And though I genuinely liked all three of the protagonists, I had a problem with each and every one of their perspective storylines.

The Providence of Fire by Brian Staveley | Goodreads The Providence of Fire by Brian Staveley | Goodreads

Kaden—at 17 years old—is the youngest son, and also the Heir to the Unhewn Throne, of the Emperor sent away to train with the Shin monks in the mountains. Frankly speaking, this marked the first time I read a monk main character’s POV in a fantasy novel, and I found it to be such a refreshing experience. It’s often encountered in a high-fantasy novel that the heir to the throne will either be someone well-learned in politics or skillful in combats, usually accompanied by a charismatic presence; Kaden is none of these. Kaden’s POV is where most of the religious philosophical discussion shines. The teaching of the monks seems to be inspired by Buddhism, but Staveley added a few twists to it, especially in their methods of training and punishments. However, above all, the Shin monks value discipline, calmness, and vaniate— a state of emptiness—the most. I highly enjoyed reading Kaden’s story in this volume, and I have a feeling he will shine further in the sequel. Of course not. That’s the nice thing about borrowed gear—if it gets busted, it’s no skin off your nose. If Amie had been yours, maybe you would have taken better care of her.”All in all, the overarching plot was (or had the potential to be) a brilliant one – separate the three leads but have them be intrinsically linked and in danger, in a world that’s both intriguing and interesting, with mythology and mystery. Sounds great right? Well yes, except for the issues that played a big part in hindering me from fully enjoying the story.

The Emperor’s Blades | Brian Staveley The Emperor’s Blades | Brian Staveley

So, here's what I expected: An epic struggle for the throne (after all, the narrative starts out with the death of the emperor, so, you do the math), some sibling rivalry of sorts, a heavy dose of court and political intrigue and a boatload of conspiracies & plot twists surrounding the mystery behind the death of the emperor. And then I got to chapter one, and never heard anything about the contents of the prologue until I was more than halfway through the book. The majority of the book had absolutely nothing to do with the conflict that the prologue introduces. By the time I got to the end of the book I started to understand why the author did this, but it was still frustrating, because I got all excited about a story I would never actually get to read.As for the villains, they are numerous and unexpected. No all powerful and completely obvious Sauron-like caricatures here. Nope, each of our young stars deal with their own very different enemies. Whether that be arrogant fellow cadets for Valyn or mysterious creatures for Kaden or powerful high priests for Adare, Mr. Staveley crafts each one differently, shading them in unique ways, so that our Blades are never confronted with the same situation as their sibling a few chapters before. And when the conclusion to the novel finally rolls around, the unveiling of exactly who and what the real villains are and what they are doing might just surprise you. Valyn - Cadet, training to become a Kettral, which is a very high rank and a very prestigious title in their military that flies with a group on a giant bird. Yes, you read that right. In this epic fantasy debut, Staveley has created a complex and richly detailed world filled with elite soldier-assassins, mystic warrior monks, serpentine politics, and ancient secrets. Readers of Sara Douglass’s Wayfarer novels and George R. R. Martin’s “Song of Ice and Fire” series should enjoy this opener. —Library Journal, Debut of the Month, Starred Review And only the eldest daughter, Adare who is suited to rule in all forms but her gender is the only one in Annur, having assumed the role of Minister of Finance. Although she cannot claim the throne, she intently seeks the murderer of her father. So, an Empire on a brink of collapse (I think?), treachery & deceit, a conspiracy, and siblings right in the centre.