Peril's Gate: Book Five of the Wars of Light and Shadow

I'm always a little bit amused when good books get bad reviews. I say to myself, they only show the quality of their bad taste. But when Astounding books get negative review, with malicious doses of spitefull comment, it's simply sad.This ia a Superlative series. Each book is more engrossing than the one before. Even if you didn't like it, it deserves at least 4 stars. 3 stars if you absolutely hate the author style. Anything less is ungracious. So obvious is the amount of work, the intricacy of details, and the beauty of the language in the series. I most definitely recommend it. The only series that can rival it right now is The malazan book of the fallen by Erickson. Check it out.

I've been following the Wars of Light and Shadow for about three years now, and I've re-read the books countless times in that period. I find the whole story simply wonderful, and I appreciate greatly Ms. Wurts unique style of storytelling; so detailed, I'm sure that I could smell some of the scenes she describes. Sometimes though, that leads to the books seeming long-winded, describing in great detail events which aren't particularly interesting. Not in this book.This book is turning point in the series in every sense. Events of great importance happen; things I never thought I'd see, and it all comes together to set a very different scene than the ones we have come to expect. Ms. Wurts pulls all these plot points off magnificently, her use of language noticeably honed in this volume. I held my breath probably through the entire time I read it; there was so much happening to so many people, and we were all able to see it in wonderful detail. The language seemed especially aimed to affect your emotions, and it did, by goodness. I felt more satisfaction at the end of this book than in any of the previous books, though they were all marvellous. It really is a fantastic read, and if you've been following the series, than you must read this book. In my opinion, the Wars of Light and Shadow have, only now, really begun.

Peril's Gate is the finest book written by Janny Wurts. Peril's Gate continues the Wars of Light and Shadow series and is the third of four books making up the Alliance of Light sub-series - the fourth being Stormed Fortress. Peril's Gate takes up where Grand Conspiracy left off with Arithon and Fionn Areth having just escaped Jaelot, Morriel is still camped in the Skyshiels having upset Athera's lane flux which threatens the fabric of Athera as the overstretched Fellowship battle to keep the grimwards and other protections intact. Arithon and Jieret dominate the subsequent action, carrying the reader with them on a journey that will thrill, exhilirate, appal and make them cry. This is not a book for light reading - this book will leave you shaken and disturbed because of where Arithon and Jieret take you. The grand wheel of the Wars and Light and Shadow rolls on as the wider elements of the story are evolved at a cracking pace, but the immediacy, emotion and sacrifice of the lead characters will stay with you after you put the book down. And all this without having mentioned that in this book we meet Davien, Elaira starts to take control of her destiny, a Paravian or two appears, the Fellowship battles to keep the Mistwraith contained and Kevor continues to win the hearts of his people. Peril's Gate is not simply a good book, it marks a new level in the intricate writing of Janny Wurts. A must have.

Peril's Gate probably exceeds the might of the first books. This is a book of wonder. The pace seems to bog down at points, but overall, the evolution of Arithon's character is masterfully articulated, which it turns out is very likely the centerpiece of the entire series. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I recommened this series to people with only a warning that Grand Conspiracy is not up to par. Otherwise, this is equal to Thomas Covenant, Dune, and possibly even Tolkien. Thanks Janny for holding my faith in whom I deem to be the torchbearer of modern epic fantasy.

Wurts'latest book in the Wars of Light and Shadow series is, in a word, magnificent.After a somewhat repetitive period in the last few books that focused on the exile of Arithon and pursuit of his half brother, Lysear, Wurts has in "Peril's Gate" created a new scenario. This time, Arithon is not successful in his attempt to seek solace on the wide blue ocean. Instead, due to circumstances beyond his control, he is forced to stay on dry land. As such, Lysear is able to feel the pull of his half brother through the curse they share, and orders a relentless pursuit of Arithon.Peril's Gate moves paces ahead in the story of the two half-brothers. Wurts draws readers deeper into the troubles of the world and the roles the magicians play in saving it. In "Peril's Gate", we experience the growth of Dakar the Prophet, soul-searching of Arithon, a renewed love for Arithon by Elaira, mysterious events that occur around Lysear's wife and son, and we learn more of Davien the Betrayer.The book is brilliant, pace-y and brings renewed interest and focus to Wurts' world. It is a step up and forward from previous dallying. It is darker, heavier, more serious; but all the more pleasurable to read.I can't wait for the next book, as we reach a pinnacle and pivotal point of the story of the Master of Shadow.