It's probably apparent from my other reviews of the Greatcoats series that I absolutely ADORE these books.
Like. I've said it before, but I so rarely It's probably apparent from my other reviews of the Greatcoats series that I absolutely ADORE these books.
Like. I've said it before, but I so rarely find books that can evoke all four of the following reactions in me:
a.) laughing out loud b.) shouting out loud c.) crying actual tears
and
d.) getting actual CHILLS from momentous events (multiple times in the span of one story, even!)
Tyrant's Throne concluded the Greatcoats with just the right amount of heroics, camaraderie, and witty dialogue. While Falcio can definitely be a super *frustrating* character, it's something of a relief to have a main character that's so utterly flawed, instead of being polished and perfect.
Castell's writing is evocative, hilarious, and truly addicting to read. Once I picked up Tyrant's Throne, I was finished after just a few nights--I didn't want to put it down, I *needed* to know what would happen next.
And that, fellow goodreaders, is exactly how each one of the Greatcoats books have been for me. I cannot wait to go back to this world, and these characters, again and again.
Minor spoiler:
Brasti carving the names of Tristians onto each of his bows, and saying their names in battle so that they would be remembered SHOOK ME TO MY CORE. *That* is the kind of cheesy, romantic, and downright swashbuckling attitude that endeared me to Dumas' d'Artagnan romances, and it similarly endeared me to Castell's Greatcoats. More of this in literature, PLEASE!!!...more
I finished this last night after too many weeks of just reading a chapter here and there. When I finally sat down to give this book the attention it rI finished this last night after too many weeks of just reading a chapter here and there. When I finally sat down to give this book the attention it rightly deserves, I devoured it in just two days.
I have nothing but the highest of praise for this series--seriously. This has been one of the most fun and emotionally-engaging series for me in my entire life...and I've read /a lot/ of books. I just love the Greatcoats SO much.
Using as few spoilers as possible, and while lamenting that there is only one (ONE?!?!?) book left in this marvelous series...
What makes the Greatcoats books such wonderful reads is that they are a perfect example of how to take inspiration from those who've written similar stuff before you (such as Alexandre Dumas!), and yet make it entirely your own--creating your own world and characters that are clearly inspired by the famous *four* musketeers, but not having either of these elements be little more than carbon copies. The worldbuilding in Saint's Blood, for instance, sheds a great deal of light on some major elements and forces we've always just been teased a little about in previous editions...steadily, the world that Castell created has been explored and explained to us, as we follow along with the characters on their journey.
This third installation made me laugh and exclaim outloud, cry at several points (and then have to put the book down and walk away from it for a few hours because of a certain character's death), and it gave me *chills* on more than one occasion. Especially during the last big fight!
It's so rare for me to experience ALL of these reactions and emotions while reading one book, let alone experience them during each book in a series. I've grown so attached to the characters, and their fights feel like my fights. I want them to succeed. I know they're going to struggle. But dammit, I want the Greatcoats to be well, to instill valor and justice and make things right in Tristia again.
Just a wonderful book, and what issues did come up while reading it are not really enough for me to dock any stars whatsoever. I can't recommend this series highly enough....more
I stayed up until 2 in the morning finishing this one. Omg. From page 250 (roughly) until the end, I just couldn't put it down. This book is a vast imI stayed up until 2 in the morning finishing this one. Omg. From page 250 (roughly) until the end, I just couldn't put it down. This book is a vast improvement on what was already a great start to a series with Traitor's Blade. The worldbuilding is more developed, and we get to see each of the main characters/main side characters shine.
If any modern series is said to be a true homage of The Three Musketeers--and yet so much more, in that it delves into fantasy elements as well--it's The Greatcoats.
God, I love this book. And I'm in love with Damien forever. F O R E V E R. God, I love this book. And I'm in love with Damien forever. F O R E V E R. ...more
A treat to reread over the last few weeks, via audiobook, one of my favorite swashbuckling tales. Simon Vance's narration, as always, was wonderful!A treat to reread over the last few weeks, via audiobook, one of my favorite swashbuckling tales. Simon Vance's narration, as always, was wonderful!...more
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