Hinterland: Book Two of the Godslayer Chronicles

The second book in the Godslayer Chronicles by James Clemens is a departure in some ways from his first novel. The things that stay the same are a keen sense of vivid description and characterization. Unlike many authors, each character has his or her own voice and mannerisms. Clemens also can write a fantastic action scene which one can almost envision as appearing in a (good) summer action blockbuster film. At the same time, he can write the quieter scenes. While I get a bit misty eyed at some of my favorite TV shows with no problem, I almost never do so when reading a book. I did last night when I finished Hinterland as there's one beautifully written scene. A couple of things change stylistically. While there's a decent amount of travel, there's nowhere near as much as there was in the first novel. Most events take place in one of three locations and it's nice to get a chance to really grow used to these places. There's much less focus on the 'Graces', or at least their collection and description of their uses. Here it almost feels like mundane magic, maybe just a tick too mundane compared to how much emphasis was placed in the first book. There are some nice revelations here but unfortunately the thread that connects the whole story feels a bit frayed. Unlike most books, I read through this one fairly quickly (a week or so) but I couldn't really tell you the thread of connections that led the characters from the start of the novel to the end. At one point I asked myself "What are these characters doing here again?" which is something that I found disconcerting and is probably the main reason why I knocked a star off the rating. Knock another half star off for the 'almost monotony' that occurs midway through but I'd still rate this closer to a 4 than a 3 1/2, so that's the rating I give it. A quick word about the 'almost monotony'. Clemens' penchant for vivid writing makes a siege situation in this book FEEL like a siege. The reader almost always feels the sense of claustrophobia, the horrible odds against the characters, etc during these scenes. It's almost too well done as it made reading those sections emotionally draining even if they were quite well written. So I guess I took a half star off because the writer did his job too well. Either way, the rating would still be 4 stars. I recommend this book and series (so far).

In the second book is this amazing series, Tylar is serving as regent for Chrismferry after he uses the Godsword to slay Chrism - who has been twisted by dark Grace. Dart has turned over the Hand of Blood duties to Delia, who had been the Hand of Blood for Meeryn, the God whose Graces now reside in Tylar, and now Dart is studying to be a Shadow Knight. Chrismferry is under siege by a storm filled with Dark Grace; the only hope is the strange skull of a God from the Hinterlands, and a stone carried by Brant, Hand to Lord Jessup. Can our heroes find their way to the Hinterland and discover what they need to win this war?

Hinterland by James Clemens is the second book in the Godslayer Chronicles, the first book being Shadowfall. While the Godslayer Chronicles are not Mr. Clemen's first novels, they are his first fantasy novels and it is a very good debut in the fantasy genre. Fans of the fantasy genre should definitely consider checking out the first book. I would not recommend reading this novel if you have not read the first one, as there are many events that occur in this book that have roots from events in the first book. I think by reading the first the reader will have a much better understanding about this novel. The plot of this book is actually several plots rolled into one. First and foremost, the main plot arc from the first book is carried over to this one. That being the Cabal and the danger they represent. Secondly, there are several subplots that add depth to not only the story but also the characters. There is the plot of a mysterious skull being found and the journey it takes, as well as where it came from and just what it is. There is the plot of Tylar advancing into knighthood a second time and the political implications of that. As well as political infighting between the knighthood and the Argent and the Fiery Cross. There are several other subplots that are too sensitive to disclose because they would spoil certain aspects of the novel. Rest assured, if you enjoy deep, epic plots, then this is certainly a book and series for you to consider. The vast majority of the characters in this book are also present in book one. Characters such as Tylar, Dart, Pupp (still my favorite), Rogger, et al, are back again. However, in this book there are also several more characters added that provide more plot points as well as character perspectives. The most promising character seems to be Brant. Brant seems to be a very deep and interesting character and quickly had me interested in his portion of the story. The characters in this novella are not only interesting, but they also have depth. They make mistakes, they have flaws, they act like real people. They are by no means all powerful. It's refreshing to read about characters that face challenges and can't always best those challenges. That, at times, they do suffer, and you are not always sure that they will make it. The blend of a solid plot with very interesting characters enables this book to flow smoothly and stay interesting when Mr. Clemens focuses on one or the other. This is certainly one of those books that challenges you to stop reading. I said it about the first book, and I will say it about this one as well, the adage of "Just one more page." Is true to this novel as well. The one criticism I have about this book is the ending. It seems like it goes from the final battle to an abrupt switch that is a huge leap forward. I had to read that section over a couple of times to make sure I was not simply missing something. The abrupt switch jarred me out of the flow of the book and seemed reall

I'm pretty satisfied with both the book and it's predecessor. If youre looking for fantasy in the sword and sorcery vein BUT with good writing this is it. I've read quite a lot fantasy over the last 25 years and this has an unusual world with imaginative characters. Looking forward to book 3.

This book didn't focus so much on bodily fluids so I was able to enjoy the book more. Some gods are dissatisfied with Tylar's current position and make their displeasure known, Castellan Mirra's fate is discovered. Some new characters are introduced and they're very likeable. We also learn something quite interesting about Dart and her pet. Clemens opens up and takes us on a journey through his new world. As in Witch War, Clemens has some surprises for his readers. I look forward to his next book.