The Blood Knight (The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 3)

I think that this series is the best since the "Fire and Ice" series by George R.R. Martin. Maybe not as good, but a close second (and that is saying a lot since I have read Fire and Ice three times). I really enjoyed this series and I am eagerly awaiting the next and I guess the final installment of this series. This series is what we used to call a "Cliff Hanger" and is well worth reading by anyone who enjoys a great fantasy read.

Greg Keyes style is simple, but intelligent and fun. All of his books in this series have been impossible to put down once you get into them, and his latest is no different. His characters are getting more complex as the series progresses, and its hard to guess where Keyes is going with the plot and story. Excellent read.

I am only lately finding the types of Fantasy writers who write tough, engaging, stories where the heroes don't easily win every battle and the villains are inept. Start at the beginning and read slowly. Book 4 might be some time coming. By the way, the Sword of Shadows books by J.V. Jones are great too but what a wait for the end! Hope Greg doesn't wait that long.

When I began "The Blood Knight" by Greg Keyes, I was under the false impression that this was the final chapter in a 3 book series. However, after reading the end of this one it became quite apparent that this is a four book series. Although "The Blood Knight" does tend to suffer a bit from the "mid-trilogy" (or quadrilogy in this case) curse, Keyes does a decent job of furthering the story. Middle books have a tendency to not go anywhere and this one does seem to go faster and faster on smaller and smaller wheels; having said that Keyes is masterful at carrying several storylines simultaneously without losing his readers. He also has the wonderfully saleable ability to end each chapter with a bit of a cliffhanger which entices readers to "just one more chapter before lights out". This makes for a fast read, but exciting never-the-less. Although in my mind Blood Knight is not as satisfying (or as important to the over saga) as the first two novels in the "Kingdom of Thorn and Bone" series, it is definitely enjoyable and has most certainly hooked me into waiting for number four.

I only wish I'd reread the second book before reading this because there's a large enough cast of characters to keep straight. It's very much like George R.R. Martin - each section/chapter deals with a different set of characters. Thankfully he's not as gory as Martin. Keyes has a wonderfully ironic sense of humor. And names that one can pronounce and remember! And actual fight scenes that I didn't skip over, very well orchestrated. There's magic and monsters and romance and friendships. Good and evil and something in between. Mystery and mayhem. It's got it all and all told in a very intelligent and vibrant way that keeps you wanting more. If you like Robin Hobb and the aforementioned Martin this book is for you. But do read the first two first!