Spoiler Warning: This is the second book in a series (first book’s review here) and I will probably give away spoilers for the first book. If that bothers you please mark as read and come back when you’ve read the first book.
Brief Synopsis: For one thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive and threatening races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the Furies–elementals of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Metal. But now, the unity of the Alerians hangs in precarious balance. The First Lord of Alera has fallen in his efforts to protect his people from the vicious attacks of their enemies. Now, the fate of the Alerians lies in the hands of Tavi, a young man who must use all of his courage and resourcefulness to save his people–and himself.
Tavi has grown up a bit from the first book. If you consider this series to be the tale of Tavi’s life (which it appears to be) this is the college years. He’s figuring out who and what are important to him. Some of his naiveté is falling away as he realizes that not everyone is who and what they appear to be. He makes some good friends and some bad enemies along the way.
As Tami mentioned in my review of the previous novel, Furies of Calderon toed the line between young adult fiction and high fantasy. Academ’s Fury aaaaaaalmost crossed the line over into high fantasy. The next book, Cursor’s Fury which I’m about 150 pages into, makes it all the way over the line.
It seems to me that we see a bit more of the other characters in this book than the first. Most of the events in FoC occur in Calderon Valley, and everything is basically part of the same plot arc. In AC you split your time between the capital city and the valley with two distinct plot lines. I think it’s a major factor in bringing this book out of the YA genre and into high fantasy. You get a better sense that the fate of the world hangs in the balance and there’s a much clearer battle between good and evil (as opposed to one guy against another).
As before, the world building and character development are superb! I think it’s Jim Butcher’s strength as a writer; characters you really identify with and a rich, immersive world. He never disappoints!
Summary
Another excellent read from Jim Butcher, 4.5 *’s
Trivia
Player: [after pushing an opponent all the way off the field] Sorry coach, I stopped when I heard the whistle.
Coach: Where were you taking him?
Player: The bus, it was time for him to go home.
As you may or may not be aware, the University of Texas is planing on winning the National Championship tonight against Alabama. There will be a party at the P’ville Girl household. We’re having about 15 of our closest friends, family, and football fans over tonight to watch the game (in “stunning HD” of course). After 2 hours and 2 stops grocery shopping last night I was amazed at what feeding and entertaining 15 people takes. A list… in no particular order:
