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Schwarzfeuer (2012)

by Liane Merciel(Favorite Author)

3.4 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

3641074355 (ISBN13: 9783641074357)

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

E-Books der Verlagsgruppe Random House

series

Ithelas

review 1: A bit disappointing considering that I loved the previous novel in the series. I wasn't entirely sold on the idea of turning the second novel in the series to a dark fantasy setting but I think the intention of the author was to showcase the world of Ithelas and her characters in different ways and I can go with that. The novel missed the mark on good storytelling though and because of that the dark fantasy approach fell through. There were several instances the author chose to tell what was happening with a character rather than showing it through her prose. There were also chapters that I had to struggle with getting read because the writing felt flat and needlessly gory in some instances. The lack of character development was also disappointing. After months of imprison... morement and torture, it would have been interesting to see changes in the Sun Kinght Kelland's character but there wasn't much if any changes in him. Some new characters were introduced but, ultimately, their fate is inconsequential. I really liked the potential of Ithelas as a setting and it's nice to see more of this world explored. I think one of Merciel's strengths is creating a cool back story behind events and places. When it comes to weaving it together with the plot, sometimes her efforts falter.
review 2: Sequels can be quite the mixed bag. Some show the author is here to stay, while others prove them to be more a one hit wonder. Sometimes sequels, however, are even better than the original; Deadhouse Gates, The Elfstones of Shannara, X-Men 2, etc. I'm also happy to report that Heaven's Needle falls into this latter category as well.Heaven's Needle is the second novel of Ithelas, following the extremely well-done debut, The River Kings' Road. As you'll notice from the blurbage above, there's a distinct lack of some of the main characters from River Kings', Brys Tarnell (great name btw) and Odosse. Instead, the story focuses on Bitharn and Kelland and some new characters who will more than win you over.While we're on that note, I think it was a great move on Merciel's part to change the focus a bit in this novel. Brys and Odosse had their time and I really think their story was over, at least for now, and this new focus really worked.Just when Bitharn and Kelland were really realizing their love for each other, Kelland is taken away from her, to the dungeons of the Thorns. This is as tragic as it gets and even though Bitharn has certain responsibilities as a Celestian, she realizes the true purposes behind all the rules and laws, thus opting to follow the spirit of the law instead.We also get a look at some other players in the game, and really only glimpses into the dangerous games they're playing. As I mentioned in my review for River Kings', Merciel has created a magic system that is completely dependent on religion. Only those anointed to a certain calling can utilize magic in their name, be they Celestians or Thorns.In Heaven's Needle, not only does a new evil enter the struggle, but these other players attempt to use magic on their own, without the blessing of the gods, thus welcoming all sorts of new problems.There was more questing going on in Heaven's Needle than in the first book, but while Merciel could focus on the travelogue, she focuses instead on the emotional struggles of the characters. They quest, but the book isn't about the quest so much, and I'm glad the book wasn't padded to do so. While running the risk of a few spoilers, Merciel also created some amazing monsters that really creeped me out, but had me running back for more.Merciel really focuses on some very human themes in this book that had me doing a lot of introspection myself. We all have principles we hold dear in our lives and Merciel shows how easy it is to give up what is you one step at a time. It doesn't happen all at once, but the more you allow to happen that goes against what you believe in, the sooner you'll find that you've completely given up.Why Read Heaven's Needle?All in all, this is a great series, that has only gotten better. I was doing everything I could to find time to read Heaven's Needle and that's always a good sign. I can't wait for more from Liane Merciel.4.5 out of 5 Stars less

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