The Emperor's Blades (Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne) by Brian Staveley (2014-10-09)

I think perhaps the most significant thing to say about my feelings for this book is that I read it in no more than two sittings. Rarely have I been so grabbed by a book as The Emperor’s Blades. The characters were all well-written and developed, but it was the world which attracted me so strongly to the novel. It is richly detailed, with fully developed history and religions, something which as a history student, I massively enjoy.More than this though, there are no massive exposition dumps near the start of the story, with it instead being spread at a very comfortable rate. There is perhaps one section near the middle of the book where there is a lot history in one go, but it had already been hinted at throughout, and really served to confirm my own thoughts and theories. Perhaps my favourite sections of the book were Valyn’s chapters. The group of characters at the Kettral are fantastic, and I look forward to reading more about them.It reads like a coming of age story, but also enjoys the benefits of multiple perspectives, as well as a number of dark sub-plots. It remains twist-filled, with a good number of unexpected deaths and betrayals, as well as feeling somewhat more mature than a typical ‘coming of age’ novel. While the ending did not tie everything up, I found the ending far more satisfying than I usually do the first in a trilogy.I will certainly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, and can’t wait to get started on Providence of Fire.‘The Emperor’s Blades’, by Brian Staveley is the first in the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne.

'Kent kissing' brilliant!!Best fantasy I have read since `storm of swords ' It's original, complex and intriguing throughout. Somehow this book has managed to capture so many of my favourite elements from previous fantasy I have read and combine them to make this fantastic story. It delivers on so many levels, the short fast paced chapters work really well always ending with a hanger that just makes you turn the next page. The story is complex but the author delivers it in such a simple way, writing from 3 characters pov throughout all in the present tense (which is a refreshing change.) and despite it being the first in a trilogy (it's 2nd Jan 15,cannot wait.) the story is wrapped up beautifully, yes with hangers but you are not left frustrated.Highly recommended for fans of 'Raven's Shadow', 'Kingkiller Chronicles', 'Magician' and 'A Song of Ice and Fire.'

I can understand why others are giving this five stars, the book is competantly written,there is some intresting aspects to the world. However from the start I found myself battling to connect with the characters and I gave up about a quarter of the way through. On paper this is exactly the sort of book I enjoy and as I said there is lots which is good about it. But the characters lack shading and depth and didn't engage me at all.Maybe I could have pushed through if the pacing hadn't been so odd. Prince finds out his fathers been murdered and stays on an island to finish his special forces hunger games. It didn't ring true to me and it slowed the pace down to a crawl.

So glad I discovered this author. I really enjoyed the separate strands of Kaden and Valyn's stories. Two sons of the emperor, they are both undergoing very different training for their future roles. When disaster strikes they have to step up to their new positions prematurely and battle betrayal and treachery. Although there was less about their sister Adare I thought there was potential there too. The characters were engaging and the action tense. I am really looking forward to reading the sequel.

Characters outside of the main protaganists are not very interesting or developed. Plot and the actions of some characters stretch credibility a little too far. Less said about the late book action sequences the better. If you are looking for George Martin style realism in a fantasy setting then this isn't the book for you. It's pretty entertaining if you just want something easy to read and certainly wan't a chore to finish despite my criticism. However I won't be continuing with the series.

Set in a world where glorious empires and sinister theocracies and cults dominate, Staveley has created a realm, and a family, unprepared for change. Something ancient is emerging from the shadows, lacking any hint of morality it thirsts to exterminate mankind, only the fallen Emperor's children stand in its way.A thoroughly mesmerizing read, packed with; engaging characters, an esoteric evil and exciting plot twists.I am hugely impressed by this book, if you've enjoyed The Lies of Locke Lamora, The Game of Thrones or The Name of the Wind then this book is one you'll want to read too.A great debut!!!

Good yarn. Didn't completely engage me on every level but didn't feel that it was a waste of time. Some inconsistency with characters and plot and didn't find any one character as a real find that I felt would be one that engaged me and made me feel that there was either instant engagement or a real desire to see them develop. Nice to see good strong women characters as provides good balance to the testosterone young males characters. Maybe for a younger teen audience

Having read the first volume I purchased the second one immediately on finishing the first. This is a riveting read that has everything, fantasy, politics,family infighting, murder, war and intrigue. The author spins a story that has twists and turns so that just as you think you are heading in one direction off he goes in another. Just as you think a character is dead no he’s not. Can’t wait for the next volume. Highly recommended.

I found this absolutely engrossing from start to finish, the characters were well written and the plot well written and thought out.

Great characters, brilliant world-building, superior prose and a gripping plot. What more could you ask for?! A great start to what's sure to be a most excellent trilogy.

Excellent service and delivery.Price good and product as decribed.

I've been looking for a new fantasy series for a while and nothing has kept me hooked like this one. Thoroughly recommended. It's a bit darker than most, which I like.

A great read, it was on my list of suggested books so I didn't know anything going into it, but a great read cleverly going between the three main characters, putting effort to...

Really enjoyed this book, fast paced with plenty happening to keep you reading.

Bought it for the wife as she like like her fantasy stuff, Game of Thrones etc. She loved it so I bought her the following two books. She's happy, I'm happy.

“The circle is closing, the stakes are high, and old truths will live again.”A classic epic fantasy with a twist, this is an exciting, fast-paced and immersive read.

A well written, gripping and entertaining series which was introduced beautifully by 'The Emperor's Blades'.

Really well defined main protagonists and a few twists along the way. Bit slow to start with but that's world building for you.