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Greatcoats #4
Tron Tyrana
Czwarty tom wyjątkowej serii fantasy spod znaku płaszcza i szpady. Po latach zmagań i poświęceń Falcio val Mond, Pierwszy Kantor Wielkich Płaszczy, jest bliski realizacji marzenia swojego zmarłego króla i obsadzenia na tronie jego córki Aline, by raz na zawsze przywrócić praworządność w Tristii. Jednak, jak to w przypadku Wielkich Płaszczy bywa, sprawy się komplikują. W sąsiednim kraju enigmatyczny nowy przywódca Avares jednoczy barbarzyńskie armie, od dawna nękające granice Tristii. Co gorsza, ponoć ma nowego sojusznika: Trin, która dwukrotnie próbowała zabić Aline, by zdobyć tron Tristii dla siebie. Mając za sobą armie Avaresa, dowodzone przez żądnego krwi wojownika, Trin będzie nie do powstrzymania.
652 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2017
About the author
Sebastien de Castell
51 books4,666 followersHi Folks!
My sixteenth novel, CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS is now available. Estevar Borros is my favourite swashbuckling investigator of the supernatural, so come investigate alongside him and his dauntless mule, Imperious inside a mysterious abbey where the gods seem to be driving the monks mad!
My fifteenth novel is FATE OF THE ARGOSI. The Argosi series is one of my favourites and I hope you'll come along for Ferius Parfax's adventures!
My fourteenth novel, THE MALEVOLENT SEVEN is about a band of anti-hero mages who may be humanity's last hope.
You can get a pair of free stories here.
The best way to stay up to date is at www.decastell.com, but I'm also on that Facebook thing. Also that Twitter thing. One day I'll even remember to get on that Instagram thing.
As to who I am? Well . . .
Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.
Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.
Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com
My sixteenth novel, CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS is now available. Estevar Borros is my favourite swashbuckling investigator of the supernatural, so come investigate alongside him and his dauntless mule, Imperious inside a mysterious abbey where the gods seem to be driving the monks mad!
My fifteenth novel is FATE OF THE ARGOSI. The Argosi series is one of my favourites and I hope you'll come along for Ferius Parfax's adventures!
My fourteenth novel, THE MALEVOLENT SEVEN is about a band of anti-hero mages who may be humanity's last hope.
You can get a pair of free stories here.
The best way to stay up to date is at www.decastell.com, but I'm also on that Facebook thing. Also that Twitter thing. One day I'll even remember to get on that Instagram thing.
As to who I am? Well . . .
Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.
Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.
Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com
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July 10, 2017
4.5/5 Stars
Here lies the end of my journey with the Falcio, Kest, and Brasti and let me tell you, it ended with great satisfaction.
If Saint’s Blood was the climax to the series, Tyrant’s Throne is the great epilogue to the series. Everything comes down to this installment. Falcio val Mond is on the brink of fulfilling his dead king’s dream, there’s only a few more obstacle to go through before he achieve it and did he succeeded? Well you have to read it yourself to find out.
This is the last book of the series so I won’t go into any details on the plot but I’ll let you know that this is a very satisfying conclusion to the series. All the main themes of the book are still here, the injustice, the battle to uphold laws and to end the tyranny in Tristia, every thread that began ever since the first book of the series ended here, no more loose ends and I feel a bit bittersweet about it. I feel happy that it ended satisfyingly and at the same time I feel sad that I must part with the characters of this series and in my opinion that’s the sign of a great book and series.
I’ll be honest, I never think of Falcio as lovable character, his temperament and somehow psychotic attitude sometimes bothered me but at the same time, I can’t ever dislike him because I feel if I were in his situation where he can’t ever catch a break, I’ll probably do even worse things or probably killed myself in the first book already. However, this is what made his character realistic and he’s a great choice for the main character, accompanied by his best friends Kest and Brasti, the narrative never forget to switch between tension and fun.
Every character have fantastic developments throughout the whole series, none of them started the same than when they began in the first book and I truly love these kind of developments. However, as I stated before, among all the character, my favorite will have to be Brasti Goodbow. Seriosuly, Brasti is in my opinion one of the best side character ever in fantasy books. He’s loyal, hilarious, fun, and I always laughed at how all the amazing things he did always left unrecognized by everyone. Despite that, he didn’t care, he’ll still do it all over again, because well, he’s Brasti.
In terms of pacing and actions, this book, is in my opinion the slowest paced out of the quartet and has fewer actions in comparison. This doesn’t mean that it’s bad at all, no, this is the direction that the book must take to end all the stories that has started ever since the first book. It’s heavier with politics, dilemma, and feeling of determination but for the first time in the series, we finally get to see the Bardatti in actions other than singing and telling stories in a tavern.
There is only one minor con I had with the book and that is the beginning part, specifically the whole section with the Margraves. I find the first 100 pages to be a bit out of place and cheesy but this is just a minor problem for me. After that part, everything is a smooth journey up to the end.
I embarked upon this journey with the Greatcoats 12 days ago and I’m delighted I did. Honestly, I never thought I was going to love this series this much if I were to judge it only from the first book. I like 'Traitor’s Blade' but I didn’t love it, the change of direction to a darker story in 'Knight’s Shadow' then astonished me. 'Saint’s Blood' however came and change my perspective of the series, it was amazing and it was a significant improvement for the series. Tyrant’s Throne is the fantastic culmination of everything that began ever since the first book. Sebastien de Castell ended his first series strongly and Greatcoats won’t be the last series that I read from him.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who’s looking for a great swashbuckling adventure read.
Series review:
Traitor’s Blade: 3/5 Stars
Knight’s Shadow: 4/5 Stars
Saint’s Blood: 4.5/5 Stars
Tyrant’s Throne: 4.5/5 Stars
Greatcoats : 16/20 Stars
You can find this and the rest of my Adult Epic/High Fantasy & Sci-Fi reviews at BookNest
Here lies the end of my journey with the Falcio, Kest, and Brasti and let me tell you, it ended with great satisfaction.
If Saint’s Blood was the climax to the series, Tyrant’s Throne is the great epilogue to the series. Everything comes down to this installment. Falcio val Mond is on the brink of fulfilling his dead king’s dream, there’s only a few more obstacle to go through before he achieve it and did he succeeded? Well you have to read it yourself to find out.
This is the last book of the series so I won’t go into any details on the plot but I’ll let you know that this is a very satisfying conclusion to the series. All the main themes of the book are still here, the injustice, the battle to uphold laws and to end the tyranny in Tristia, every thread that began ever since the first book of the series ended here, no more loose ends and I feel a bit bittersweet about it. I feel happy that it ended satisfyingly and at the same time I feel sad that I must part with the characters of this series and in my opinion that’s the sign of a great book and series.
I’ll be honest, I never think of Falcio as lovable character, his temperament and somehow psychotic attitude sometimes bothered me but at the same time, I can’t ever dislike him because I feel if I were in his situation where he can’t ever catch a break, I’ll probably do even worse things or probably killed myself in the first book already. However, this is what made his character realistic and he’s a great choice for the main character, accompanied by his best friends Kest and Brasti, the narrative never forget to switch between tension and fun.
“Everyone shush now, I’m about to be impressive.”
Every character have fantastic developments throughout the whole series, none of them started the same than when they began in the first book and I truly love these kind of developments. However, as I stated before, among all the character, my favorite will have to be Brasti Goodbow. Seriosuly, Brasti is in my opinion one of the best side character ever in fantasy books. He’s loyal, hilarious, fun, and I always laughed at how all the amazing things he did always left unrecognized by everyone. Despite that, he didn’t care, he’ll still do it all over again, because well, he’s Brasti.
In terms of pacing and actions, this book, is in my opinion the slowest paced out of the quartet and has fewer actions in comparison. This doesn’t mean that it’s bad at all, no, this is the direction that the book must take to end all the stories that has started ever since the first book. It’s heavier with politics, dilemma, and feeling of determination but for the first time in the series, we finally get to see the Bardatti in actions other than singing and telling stories in a tavern.
“When there is a war, it’s always the common people who paid the price.”
There is only one minor con I had with the book and that is the beginning part, specifically the whole section with the Margraves. I find the first 100 pages to be a bit out of place and cheesy but this is just a minor problem for me. After that part, everything is a smooth journey up to the end.
I embarked upon this journey with the Greatcoats 12 days ago and I’m delighted I did. Honestly, I never thought I was going to love this series this much if I were to judge it only from the first book. I like 'Traitor’s Blade' but I didn’t love it, the change of direction to a darker story in 'Knight’s Shadow' then astonished me. 'Saint’s Blood' however came and change my perspective of the series, it was amazing and it was a significant improvement for the series. Tyrant’s Throne is the fantastic culmination of everything that began ever since the first book. Sebastien de Castell ended his first series strongly and Greatcoats won’t be the last series that I read from him.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who’s looking for a great swashbuckling adventure read.
Series review:
Traitor’s Blade: 3/5 Stars
Knight’s Shadow: 4/5 Stars
Saint’s Blood: 4.5/5 Stars
Tyrant’s Throne: 4.5/5 Stars
Greatcoats : 16/20 Stars
You can find this and the rest of my Adult Epic/High Fantasy & Sci-Fi reviews at BookNest
August 8, 2017
ARC provided by Quercus in exchange for an honest review.
1.) Traitor's Blade ★★★★★
2.) Knight's Shadow ★★★★★
3.) Saint's Blood ★★★★★
“What do you call a judge sitting on a throne? […] A fucking tyrant, that’s what.”
I've been staring at this word document for far too long, because I simply do not have the words to describe how much I love this book and this series. Nothing I could say, and no word combination I could created, would do this series justice, but I suppose I should at least try.
“From nothing we become men and women who write poems and wage wars and conceive of futures both wondrous and terrifying.”
In my opinion, this is the closest thing to perfection in adult fantasy. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about these four books, and as apprehensive as I felt about Sebastien de Castell finally writing a conclusion for this series that I love, he proved that he could do that perfectly as well.
I've never rooted for any character of any book like I've rooted for these three men:
➽ Brasti Goodbow - The King's Arrow, the Queen's Jest, the funniest character in all of literature, and the kindest soul in all of Tristia.
➽ Kest Murrowson - The King's Sword, the Queen's Shield, the moral compass, the always knowledgeable bookworm, and the little cinnamon roll that's too good for this world.
➽ Falcio val Mond - The King's Heart, my freakin' heart, the leader, the lover, that smartass, the clever fool, the main protagonist, and maybe the best character ever written.
Like you've probably heard a million times before, these three make up a very Three Musketeers like group, that travels through this country named Tristia, trying to keep their dead king's dream alive. Upon their king's death, he gave them each a secret mission to completely once he was dead. We learn of Falcio's right away in Traitor's Blade, and from there we are lead on an amazing journey filled with duels, wars, deceptions, politics, betrayals, twists, turns, love, and everything in between.
“The problem with games of war is that they’re deceptive precisely because they presume that there are rules to be followed. But this is Tristia, after all, and corruption runs deep in the bone.”
Book four starts out in true Sebastien de Castell fashion, which is always in the most unexpected of ways, with our three beloved Greatcoats crashing a wedding performance in which another Greatcoat shows up to save the day, which totally just makes our Greatcoat's day much harder. Then, in maybe more true Sebastien de Castell fashion, this ends up being a parallel for the entire book.
This book also answers a lot of questions from the other three books, too. Like where the remaining Greatcoats have gone, and what King Paelis asked of the other Greatcoats. Like what Trist has been truly up to. And, probably most importantly, how are the Greatcoats going to reunite a country that is so very content with meagerly passing by?
“What if people didn’t need outdated heroics and idealism? What if they didn’t need Greatcoats at all? What if the one thing my country needed most to survive was a tyrant?”
It's so very difficult to say much more without jumping into spoiler territory. This is the fourth and final installment in this series, and it ripped my heart out and left me crying for the last couple hundred pages, but it was everything I wanted. This series means so very much to me, and I've never loved another fantasy series quite like I love Greatcoats.
This series is so special and unique, with meaningful lesson after lesson on the importance of being kind and being good and to be just to other human beings. And that your past will never define who you can be. And how important friendship is, and how selflessly loving others is the most powerful gift you'll ever have in this life. And that regardless of luck, you can make a difference, always.
“It comes down to a choice between Law and Justice –and they are two very different things, Falcio, despite how hard you’ve tried to unite them.”
In my opinion, this series deserves just as much credit, praise, and adoration, if not more so, than The Kingkiller Chronicle, ASOIAF, Mistborn, and all the other popular high fantasy that is constantly talked about and loved and celebrated. And I love all of those too, but I love Greatcoats more.
Please give this series a try, it's truly masterpiece that I wish I could share with everyone I know. This final book comes out June 6th for us Americans and it is so very deserving of the recent hype it has received on Goodreads.
“And so ends Tristia, once the very pinnacle of culture and civilization, dissipating in misery while the great Falcio val Mond rushes across the land in search of anyone in a long coat who happens to share his fanatical devotion to a dead King’s dream.”
Okay, I can't resist writing a spoiler section where I incoherently gush about my babies. Please do not continue on if you haven't completed this series! MAJOR SPOILERS ahead!
“Ah, that’s the thing about people like you and me, Falcio: our curse is to keep living, when those we love best die”
➽ Aline - I have never wept for a character the way I have for Aline. If I had to give a complaint about this book, it would not be that Sebastien de Castell decided to kill her, it would be that he brought her back for just my heart to heal a tiny amount, only to then break in a way I never thought possible over fictional characters. Like, I'm crying writing this paragraph, that's how messed up this book made me.
“I tried to imagine what it must be like, to be young, beginning to see your own talents emerging, to see the world full of possibility –and yet have to set that aside, to prepare yourself for a marriage whose only purpose would be to ensure you never fully met your own potential. To consign yourself to be less than you could be in order to satisfy the machinations of old men.”
➽ Monster - And then Monster coming back to take Falcio and the Tailor to bury Aline? Please, God, make these tears stop. AND SHE HAD FOULS? LITTLE FAE HORSE BABIES? Please, just, take all my money and make me a book about them. Seriously, how perfect.
➽ Trin - Girl, where did you go? And how are you my favorite villain of all time? Everything Trin does makes so much sense, while she also does nothing without reason. She wants to love so desperately, she was just never taught how to. Like, I love Trin. I know I shouldn't, but my heart just breaks for her. I hope Sebastien de Castell comes back to this world soon, because I hate having resolution with everyone but Trin.
➽ Fillian - I read this book feeling like Fillian would perhaps get his own spin-off. And even though I hated Aline's death, I loved the conversations of misogyny that Fillian becoming King (so easily) brought up. I mean, Fillian proved he would put his country first, I just feel like he is too mysterious for us to not learn a lot more about, eventually.
➽ Chalmers - And once Chalmers got appointed First Cantor, I couldn't help but fully believe in a spin-off. I mean, maybe it is just a sweet ending, and Lord knows that Chalmers deserved that rank after what she had proven of herself during the war, but I still feel like we are going to learn a lot about her and her new king, Fillian.
➽ Darriana - God, I just love Darriana. Not only is she completely badass and always takes matters into her own hands, she somehow wormed her way into Brasti's heart and he into hers. I loved that is going to reform the Dashini into what it should and could have been from the start. I only hope her and Brasti get a spin-off telling about their adventures and their love together.
➽ Tommer, God of Valour - Be still, my heart. Honestly, seeing the Gods of Love, Death, and Valour show up honestly broke me. I thought I couldn't contain my tears during Aline's death? Oh was I a sweet summer child.
➽ Jillard - Jillard was one of my favorite characters, but I knew he was living on borrowed time as soon as Tommer died in Saint's Blood, but can we talk about his character development? I mean, what a perfectly crafted and written character, who was able to evoke every emotion of the spectrum from me.
➽ The Tailor - I know the Tailor isn't the most beloved character of this series, but when I think about everything she has lost, and continued to lose, my heart becomes so very heavy for her. Another perfectly executed and morally grey character.
➽ Morn - The King's Backstabber. Also, Sebastien de Castell's twists and turns will never cease to surprise me.
➽ Nehra - I loved her and the rest of the Bardatti. Whenever I play or watch D&D, Bards are always the class that wins me over with minimal effort, and I fell in love with the Bardattis just as easy. I loved the impact of their war song, and I loved the message that music can change the world. I hope there is a heavy emphasis on them and their tales in future books.
➽ Feltock - I honestly was not expect this cameo at all, but it was so very welcoming. I loved the disabled representation, especially in a believable war setting from an actual war general. Feltock was such a wonderful addition to the ending of this book, and I am so very thankful for him and his impact on the war.
➽ Valiana - Valiana kind of missed the mark for me in this book. Like, I didn't have a problem with her, but I constantly wanted her to show Falcio she loved him and viewed him as her father, but instead she constantly acted ungrateful towards him. And I get that it was completely sad and unfair that she was lied to all her life, but then she just accepts taking Jillard's name and happily rules her new Duchy. I don't know, it just feels sort of bad.
➽ Ethalia - Okay, I agree, her being pregnant with Falcio's baby (girl, too) at the end was a little cheesy. But hell, after seeing Falcio finally say he was lucky after all the torment, suffering, and heartbreak he had to endure through his journey, I am happy for him. I am so very happy for him.
“My name is Falcio val Mond. I might just be the luckiest man who ever lived.”
Brasti becomes a Rangieri, Kest becomes a knight, and Falcio becomes a father. You know, I honestly didn't see this ending coming, but I loved it all the same. These characters have become part of who I am as a person, and I will cherish this amazing quartet for as long as I live, while I sing its praises to every book lover I come in contact with. I can't wait to see what adventure Sebastien de Castell embarks us on next!
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May 27, 2024
OMG!! This book made me cry in sad ways and in happy ways!
This is the best book of the series to me even though it's the last book and I loved them all. I can't believe it's over. It just can't be over. Not with that ending. I want more =)
I will always love the boys: Kest, Brasti & Falcio. Their banter is the best ever in the books. And I was thinking I might not like this series. Here is some advice, don't think, just read, because you never know.
The boys are sent off on a mission to go and find some more people to help secure Aline as Queen among other things. They go off into this bitter land and find some things they weren't prepared for.
They return home with this bad news and set up to fight more people. Yeah, they don't get a break.
There are more revelations. There is the evil Trin. There are a lot of things going on in this book. People die =(
I think the conclusion of this series was excellent. I love it so very much, but I'm sad. Yes, I know they can be read over and over, but still, I want more stories.
I can't wait to add this edition to my shelves along with the first three, when it comes to paperback.
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book.*
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
This is the best book of the series to me even though it's the last book and I loved them all. I can't believe it's over. It just can't be over. Not with that ending. I want more =)
I will always love the boys: Kest, Brasti & Falcio. Their banter is the best ever in the books. And I was thinking I might not like this series. Here is some advice, don't think, just read, because you never know.
"My name is Kest Murrowson, a magistrate of the Greatcoats." He paused for effect, before adding unnecessarily, "And I am the Queen's Shield."
"To answer your question, friend, my name is Brasti Goodbow, and I am the Queen's Jest."
"My name your Lordship, is Falcio val Mond." I am the First Cantor of the Greatcoats, also called the King's Heart."
The boys are sent off on a mission to go and find some more people to help secure Aline as Queen among other things. They go off into this bitter land and find some things they weren't prepared for.
They return home with this bad news and set up to fight more people. Yeah, they don't get a break.
There are more revelations. There is the evil Trin. There are a lot of things going on in this book. People die =(
I think the conclusion of this series was excellent. I love it so very much, but I'm sad. Yes, I know they can be read over and over, but still, I want more stories.
I can't wait to add this edition to my shelves along with the first three, when it comes to paperback.
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book.*
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
June 22, 2017
Everyone shush now,’ I said... ‘I’m about to be impressive.’
This from Falcio near the start of the book, but it could just as easily have been Sebastien de Castell himself. This was an outstanding closure to the series. Here is the bigger picture of Falcio's world with wider scope and bigger questions. Politics and philosophy take centre stage which lends a gravitas to the series I haven't felt in it before.
The character development is truly outstanding. This is not the story of perfect heros, but people with heart and flaws, who rage and grieve and make mistakes. Falcio, Kest and Basti are their usual wonderful selves and the people of Tristia are heros in their own right.
This is a book and a series with a great big Heart. Loved it!
#recommended
This from Falcio near the start of the book, but it could just as easily have been Sebastien de Castell himself. This was an outstanding closure to the series. Here is the bigger picture of Falcio's world with wider scope and bigger questions. Politics and philosophy take centre stage which lends a gravitas to the series I haven't felt in it before.
The character development is truly outstanding. This is not the story of perfect heros, but people with heart and flaws, who rage and grieve and make mistakes. Falcio, Kest and Basti are their usual wonderful selves and the people of Tristia are heros in their own right.
This is a book and a series with a great big Heart. Loved it!
#recommended
June 23, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Few series transcend their genre, bring readers of differing tastes together to brave dangers along behind its heroes. But when one does, this saga finds itself held up as an all-time great; descriptive terms such as the matchless, the peerless, the unparalleled pinnacle of the genre, and other even more flowery terms thrown around. At the end of the day though, what brands a series as a timeless classic is how it is remembered going forward, especially how many of its fans continue to recommend it to new reader for years and decades to come. Sebastien de Castell’s Greatcoats series now among that small, heralded group of fantasy sagas for me personally. Tyrant’s Throne delivering the finishing touches to propel it into the best swashbuckling fantasy ever written; Falcio val Mond and comrades able to proudly parade among the elites of the genre. And I for one will be trumpeting its praises for as long as I draw breath.
As the concluding chapter in the Greatcoats series, Tyrant’s Throne immediately takes off with the daring do, wisecracking laughs and twisted, political machinations it has become known for. The wedding of two Tristian royals lending itself to yet another rousing dose of Castell action with our leading man pronouncing proudly the most memorable lines since Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride:
My name, your lordship, is Falcio val Mond. . . I am the First Cantor of the Greatcoats, also called the King’s Heart. You might not know it yet . . . but you are having a very bad day.
As our viewpoint character, Falcio Val Mond has guided readers from the grim depths of Traitor's Blades through the frantic trials of Knight's Shadow to the gloomy despair of Saint's Blood. His constant soul searching, self-induced delusions, unflinching devotion, and unfailing determination the constant pole around which the seething pool of vile politics, horrid sacrifices, and grim deeds revolve in the quest to place King Paelis’ daughter Aline on the throne of Tristia. Yet, now, when he is so close to completing his last mission for his beloved king, circumstances grow even worse for Falcio.
First, there is a war brewing with the Avareans. Second, there is a final showdown with the horrible Trin, who has done nothing but torment our hero at every turn. And, third, Falcio finds any unexpected enemy — his own self. His demons come to torment him; his most cherished memories turned into horrid illusions of the truth; the very foundation of his life as a Greatcoat rocked by the revelations he must confront. The terrible spiraling of events and choices threatening to send our hero into an abyss of despair from which even he cannot ascend.
But as always, Falcio is not cowed by any threat. His single-minded faith in his beloved ideals causing him to move ever forward, even when he makes terrible mistakes. Our hero able to stand proudly before his innumerable, more powerful foes at the worst of moments and flippantly declare, “Everyone hush now . . . I’m about to be impressive.”
And he is. No matter the trial, the grief, the torment, or the disillusion, Falcio val Mond is a man of ideal, a warrior of principle, who will not give in to the forces dragging him down. He is the King’s Heart, and such a man can never be defeated!
I have to say I really didn’t believe there was anything left for Sebastien de Castell to throw at Falcio after three books. He has been tortured (mentally and emotionally), seen his dreams shattered more than a few times, and faced the death of all he loved seemingly at every turn. But I was wrong yet again, for Tyrant’s Throne plunges our hero into even greater fires of adversity, forcing him to take a long look at himself and his beliefs before raising the more refined version of my favorite Greatcoat like a blazing phoenix. It is harsh, painful to read at times, but it is such a perfect ending to our hero’s journey that I cannot now imagine Falcio and the Greatcoats’ story ending any other way.
Mixed into the exquisite flagellation, Sebastien de Castell still dazzles with his ability to deliver swashbuckling action, amazing camaraderie, funny moments, and classic heroics. His narrative finding the perfect balance between every emotion, tugging your heart strings one way and another; each twist in the plot spanning the spectrum from crushing despair to soaring excitement. Tyrant’s Throne giving its frequent readers everything they could have ever hoped for in a finale, leaving one awed yet heartbroken that it had to finally come to an end.
Since my return to the fantasy genre about four years ago, Sebastien de Castell is among my favorites authors; his Greatcoats series listed among my most beloved fantasy series ever, resting proudly next to those of Tolkien, Donaldson, and many more. And while Tyrant’s Throne is a fitting ending to this adventure, I dearly hope it will not be our last visit to the colorful world of Falcio and friends. This place having too many fascinating stories yet to tell. But until then, I will cherish my memories of my adventures riding and fighting alongside Falcio and the Greatcoats, proclaiming to all the villains of the world that “THE GREATCOATS ARE COMING!”
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
Few series transcend their genre, bring readers of differing tastes together to brave dangers along behind its heroes. But when one does, this saga finds itself held up as an all-time great; descriptive terms such as the matchless, the peerless, the unparalleled pinnacle of the genre, and other even more flowery terms thrown around. At the end of the day though, what brands a series as a timeless classic is how it is remembered going forward, especially how many of its fans continue to recommend it to new reader for years and decades to come. Sebastien de Castell’s Greatcoats series now among that small, heralded group of fantasy sagas for me personally. Tyrant’s Throne delivering the finishing touches to propel it into the best swashbuckling fantasy ever written; Falcio val Mond and comrades able to proudly parade among the elites of the genre. And I for one will be trumpeting its praises for as long as I draw breath.
As the concluding chapter in the Greatcoats series, Tyrant’s Throne immediately takes off with the daring do, wisecracking laughs and twisted, political machinations it has become known for. The wedding of two Tristian royals lending itself to yet another rousing dose of Castell action with our leading man pronouncing proudly the most memorable lines since Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride:
My name, your lordship, is Falcio val Mond. . . I am the First Cantor of the Greatcoats, also called the King’s Heart. You might not know it yet . . . but you are having a very bad day.
As our viewpoint character, Falcio Val Mond has guided readers from the grim depths of Traitor's Blades through the frantic trials of Knight's Shadow to the gloomy despair of Saint's Blood. His constant soul searching, self-induced delusions, unflinching devotion, and unfailing determination the constant pole around which the seething pool of vile politics, horrid sacrifices, and grim deeds revolve in the quest to place King Paelis’ daughter Aline on the throne of Tristia. Yet, now, when he is so close to completing his last mission for his beloved king, circumstances grow even worse for Falcio.
First, there is a war brewing with the Avareans. Second, there is a final showdown with the horrible Trin, who has done nothing but torment our hero at every turn. And, third, Falcio finds any unexpected enemy — his own self. His demons come to torment him; his most cherished memories turned into horrid illusions of the truth; the very foundation of his life as a Greatcoat rocked by the revelations he must confront. The terrible spiraling of events and choices threatening to send our hero into an abyss of despair from which even he cannot ascend.
But as always, Falcio is not cowed by any threat. His single-minded faith in his beloved ideals causing him to move ever forward, even when he makes terrible mistakes. Our hero able to stand proudly before his innumerable, more powerful foes at the worst of moments and flippantly declare, “Everyone hush now . . . I’m about to be impressive.”
And he is. No matter the trial, the grief, the torment, or the disillusion, Falcio val Mond is a man of ideal, a warrior of principle, who will not give in to the forces dragging him down. He is the King’s Heart, and such a man can never be defeated!
I have to say I really didn’t believe there was anything left for Sebastien de Castell to throw at Falcio after three books. He has been tortured (mentally and emotionally), seen his dreams shattered more than a few times, and faced the death of all he loved seemingly at every turn. But I was wrong yet again, for Tyrant’s Throne plunges our hero into even greater fires of adversity, forcing him to take a long look at himself and his beliefs before raising the more refined version of my favorite Greatcoat like a blazing phoenix. It is harsh, painful to read at times, but it is such a perfect ending to our hero’s journey that I cannot now imagine Falcio and the Greatcoats’ story ending any other way.
Mixed into the exquisite flagellation, Sebastien de Castell still dazzles with his ability to deliver swashbuckling action, amazing camaraderie, funny moments, and classic heroics. His narrative finding the perfect balance between every emotion, tugging your heart strings one way and another; each twist in the plot spanning the spectrum from crushing despair to soaring excitement. Tyrant’s Throne giving its frequent readers everything they could have ever hoped for in a finale, leaving one awed yet heartbroken that it had to finally come to an end.
Since my return to the fantasy genre about four years ago, Sebastien de Castell is among my favorites authors; his Greatcoats series listed among my most beloved fantasy series ever, resting proudly next to those of Tolkien, Donaldson, and many more. And while Tyrant’s Throne is a fitting ending to this adventure, I dearly hope it will not be our last visit to the colorful world of Falcio and friends. This place having too many fascinating stories yet to tell. But until then, I will cherish my memories of my adventures riding and fighting alongside Falcio and the Greatcoats, proclaiming to all the villains of the world that “THE GREATCOATS ARE COMING!”
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
June 29, 2017
Here it goes, I finished this book at last and don't want to review it. How do I feel? Tired, frustrated, happy, disappointed and ranty for sure. Like :)
Yes, that's my true form, deal with it! :)
I wonder
What happened to my fave series? I didn't find a proper connection to the characters, the narrative felt a bit scattered. What happened to great nasty villains? Why didn't some great characters have a proper time and chance to show their greatness? Why instead of having a great time reading, I feel like after a tiring day?
Ok, ranting mode off. I gave this book 3 stars not out of good memories. There were scenes I loved and enjoyed, though not so much. There were jokes and true, they made the book a bit better. I liked the heroic attempts, they really showed the characters from the best side, especially in the final battle. Also the last 100 pages really worked for me, it touched my heart.
To sum up. I liked book 1, absolutely loved book 2, was a bit discouraged after book 3 and book 4 nearly killed my love to them.
All I want to say to Greatcoats is
Yes, that's my true form, deal with it! :)
I wonder
What happened to my fave series? I didn't find a proper connection to the characters, the narrative felt a bit scattered. What happened to great nasty villains? Why didn't some great characters have a proper time and chance to show their greatness? Why instead of having a great time reading, I feel like after a tiring day?
Ok, ranting mode off. I gave this book 3 stars not out of good memories. There were scenes I loved and enjoyed, though not so much. There were jokes and true, they made the book a bit better. I liked the heroic attempts, they really showed the characters from the best side, especially in the final battle. Also the last 100 pages really worked for me, it touched my heart.
To sum up. I liked book 1, absolutely loved book 2, was a bit discouraged after book 3 and book 4 nearly killed my love to them.
All I want to say to Greatcoats is
June 30, 2017
2.5/5
Tyrants Throne is the last addition to the Greatcoats Series. I think it is a very average conclusion to a good series. I found myself writing down all the things I hated about this series instead of the things I loved. So prepared yourself for a ranty review, because let's be honest this novel left a salty taste in my mouth. My main issue with this series is how overhyped it is. Please everyone calm the fuck down, this review is all a matter of personal taste (a very unpopular opinion). I understand majority of people love this series & have it on their favourite shelves. This is quite honestly the reason why I purchased this series, I was so excited to start it, honestly this was one of my most anticipated 'new series of 2017'. So when I finally got around to read book one, it was 'insta meh'. I had high expectations and the book fell flat for me. Don't get me wrong I liked book two & three.. ALOT. But book four was a waste of my time. The main reason why is because it's the same shit that happened throughout the series, I know what your thinking "what is this banshee talking about?", well let me YELL it at you (in a very angry voice). I hate samey sameness, it's one of my biggest peeves, I was tired of hearing the same jokes over and over again, I was also sick of reading the same arguments over and over again, it's gets old quickly. I found the humour in book one refreshing, by book two I was like okay haha.. Book three I thought okay these jokes are becoming annoying, by book four it was INSTA RAGE, stop with the overuse of the same jokes please "oh look at the expression on Falcios face.. he has a plan" or the "oh look Falcio is about to have another speech". It BECAME LAME.. Ok we get it Castell! Falcio is an annoying main character who never shuts up! Luckily Brasti was there to break up the boringness and samey sameness of this novel, If it wasn't for him I would have tapped out at around the 30% mark. So your probably wondering why I gave this book three stars if I hated it so much. Well that ending... It was so goddamn cute, my soul has been touched and my heart broken, atleast the author got one thing right and delivered a beautiful ending.
You know for a book about war there wasn't a lot of war going on, just a circulation of the same goddamn arguments over and over again. I love war and politics but this novel felt rushed and unnecessary, I would have preferred the author adding an additional 150 pages to book three and having a conclusion in that novel, but instead he wrote a 600 page book of boringness and fillers. I refuse to even acknowledge this books existence. Because I genuinely liked book 2 and 3. So I'm extremely disappointed. THERE WAS NO BADASSERY. Which is blasphemy. I'm not even done ranting yet & I'm sorry to everyone who enjoyed this novel, but I'm salty.
This novel takes off from where book three ended, Falcio (the most annoying character in the universe) is trying to keep the peace in Tristia. The Kings heir Aline is soon to be crowned as queen and return the law to Tristia. But nothing ever goes to plan in this world and the Greatcoats are faced with a few new enemy, it seems like everyone is out to get Falcio. Obviously I understand the authors reluctance to let Falcio just live his life, but seriously how much torture does one man need to endure before he can have his peace, I feel like the author tortures his characters for fun. Don't get me wrong I live for torture in books but it gets to the point in these novels that I just started to roll my eyes. Seriously. I just don't care anymore, I kinda dislike Falcio. I was over his POV, I genuinely hate first person perspective with a passion. So annoying MC + first person perspective = terrible experience for me. I wish the author decided to make this series a multiply POV, that way I would have been less inclined to rant about this novel. Also some of the ways Castell dealt with the 'bad guys' pissed me off, I was all up for this idea "I'd rather rip out that little bitches cunt with my bare hands" . I wanted savagery and got none.
But like I said earlier it wasn't all bad. There was a beautiful ending and some of the side characters are truly amazing. I loved the display of friendships throughout the series (even tho Falcio treats the people who love him like shit). A few things I loved about this novel; I love Brasti, I wish he was my friend in real life and the main character of the series, the sweetest cinnamon roll to have ever existed as a fictional character. I love Kest, another character I want to adopt and I also LOVE Darriana, SHE IS THE BEST.. But once again she got 0 page time, I was only here for her and I left feeling disappointed. But other then those things and that ending, this was not a pleasant experience. I just don't care about the story or Falcio anymore. There was a few plot reveals that I saw coming from book one, so they didn't affect me at all. Like I seriously must be a heartless bitch but i just didn't care, I had pretty much 0 feels throughout the entirety of this novel (except the last 50 pages which pulled on my heartstrings a little bit). I do however like the authors writing style but even found a few issues with that, the author uses the most overused unoriginal sentences in book history "I let out the breath I didn't even realise I was holding in".
Recommended to all fantasy fans, you will all probably enjoy it more then I did.
Ps. Mega fans please don't stab me. I'm actually a precious petal. I'm just feeling salty for wasting a week of my life on this novel.
"Fuck anyone who ever doubts the purpose of daring acts of heroism"
Tyrants Throne is the last addition to the Greatcoats Series. I think it is a very average conclusion to a good series. I found myself writing down all the things I hated about this series instead of the things I loved. So prepared yourself for a ranty review, because let's be honest this novel left a salty taste in my mouth. My main issue with this series is how overhyped it is. Please everyone calm the fuck down, this review is all a matter of personal taste (a very unpopular opinion). I understand majority of people love this series & have it on their favourite shelves. This is quite honestly the reason why I purchased this series, I was so excited to start it, honestly this was one of my most anticipated 'new series of 2017'. So when I finally got around to read book one, it was 'insta meh'. I had high expectations and the book fell flat for me. Don't get me wrong I liked book two & three.. ALOT. But book four was a waste of my time. The main reason why is because it's the same shit that happened throughout the series, I know what your thinking "what is this banshee talking about?", well let me YELL it at you (in a very angry voice). I hate samey sameness, it's one of my biggest peeves, I was tired of hearing the same jokes over and over again, I was also sick of reading the same arguments over and over again, it's gets old quickly. I found the humour in book one refreshing, by book two I was like okay haha.. Book three I thought okay these jokes are becoming annoying, by book four it was INSTA RAGE, stop with the overuse of the same jokes please "oh look at the expression on Falcios face.. he has a plan" or the "oh look Falcio is about to have another speech". It BECAME LAME.. Ok we get it Castell! Falcio is an annoying main character who never shuts up! Luckily Brasti was there to break up the boringness and samey sameness of this novel, If it wasn't for him I would have tapped out at around the 30% mark. So your probably wondering why I gave this book three stars if I hated it so much. Well that ending... It was so goddamn cute, my soul has been touched and my heart broken, atleast the author got one thing right and delivered a beautiful ending.
"Because. I. Will. Not. Allow. Them. To. Forget. It"
You know for a book about war there wasn't a lot of war going on, just a circulation of the same goddamn arguments over and over again. I love war and politics but this novel felt rushed and unnecessary, I would have preferred the author adding an additional 150 pages to book three and having a conclusion in that novel, but instead he wrote a 600 page book of boringness and fillers. I refuse to even acknowledge this books existence. Because I genuinely liked book 2 and 3. So I'm extremely disappointed. THERE WAS NO BADASSERY. Which is blasphemy. I'm not even done ranting yet & I'm sorry to everyone who enjoyed this novel, but I'm salty.
This novel takes off from where book three ended, Falcio (the most annoying character in the universe) is trying to keep the peace in Tristia. The Kings heir Aline is soon to be crowned as queen and return the law to Tristia. But nothing ever goes to plan in this world and the Greatcoats are faced with a few new enemy, it seems like everyone is out to get Falcio. Obviously I understand the authors reluctance to let Falcio just live his life, but seriously how much torture does one man need to endure before he can have his peace, I feel like the author tortures his characters for fun. Don't get me wrong I live for torture in books but it gets to the point in these novels that I just started to roll my eyes. Seriously. I just don't care anymore, I kinda dislike Falcio. I was over his POV, I genuinely hate first person perspective with a passion. So annoying MC + first person perspective = terrible experience for me. I wish the author decided to make this series a multiply POV, that way I would have been less inclined to rant about this novel. Also some of the ways Castell dealt with the 'bad guys' pissed me off, I was all up for this idea "I'd rather rip out that little bitches cunt with my bare hands" . I wanted savagery and got none.
But like I said earlier it wasn't all bad. There was a beautiful ending and some of the side characters are truly amazing. I loved the display of friendships throughout the series (even tho Falcio treats the people who love him like shit). A few things I loved about this novel; I love Brasti, I wish he was my friend in real life and the main character of the series, the sweetest cinnamon roll to have ever existed as a fictional character. I love Kest, another character I want to adopt and I also LOVE Darriana, SHE IS THE BEST.. But once again she got 0 page time, I was only here for her and I left feeling disappointed. But other then those things and that ending, this was not a pleasant experience. I just don't care about the story or Falcio anymore. There was a few plot reveals that I saw coming from book one, so they didn't affect me at all. Like I seriously must be a heartless bitch but i just didn't care, I had pretty much 0 feels throughout the entirety of this novel (except the last 50 pages which pulled on my heartstrings a little bit). I do however like the authors writing style but even found a few issues with that, the author uses the most overused unoriginal sentences in book history "I let out the breath I didn't even realise I was holding in".
Recommended to all fantasy fans, you will all probably enjoy it more then I did.
Ps. Mega fans please don't stab me. I'm actually a precious petal. I'm just feeling salty for wasting a week of my life on this novel.
May 16, 2017
⚔ Traitor's Blade (Greatcoats #1) ★★★★★
⚔ Knight's Shadow (Greatcoats #2) ★★★★★
⚔ Saint's Blood (Greatcoats #3) ★★★★★
A stunning conclusion to a superb debut series that will leave you with a sense of both poignancy and profound contentment.
Tyrant’s throne always had a steep mountain to climb, having the burden of following the act of Saint’s Blood which culminated in an epic showdown for our stabby trio . Fortunately, the final book in the quartet, delivers with aplomb. I had my doubts that SDC would be able to deliver once more, oh ye of little faith!, but in my defense, it is not often that new authors are able to deliver an entire debut series of such superb quality without dropping the ball even once. Thinking back to some of my favorite debut series, I only recall John Gwynne & Sebastien de Castell achieving this with Anthony Ryan’s Blood Song being the most notable superb first book with a disappointing final book.
This time around the story has us following Brasti, Kest & Falcio as they are within sight of their ultimate goal. Once again though, they are not given any respite and rumors reach them of a possible invasion, threatening everything they have worked for and everyone they love. They are commanded to investigate and return with the truth, but it is not a truth they are ready for. Their new foe is smarter and more dangerous than any they have faced before and it is not long before they realize they are outmatched in every way that matters. While Knight’s Shadow is probably the darkest books of the series, there are moments in this one that competed with the aforementioned book’s grimness. I was worried for a while, as there is a significant death in this one that made me very gloomy (Eeyore levels of gloom), but the book is overall well balanced and tends more towards Saint’s Blood than Knight’s Shadow in that regard. Most importantly though, we learn how Falcio beat Kest in THAT duel. ;)
The writing as with the earlier entries, is impeccable. Fight sequences are gloriously detailed with every action being given life by the author’s experience and they had no trouble presenting themselves as vivid scenes in my mind. The dialogue, the emotion, the characters and their motivations – all are a joy to read and will have you laughing, crying, despairing and celebrating along with them even as you look forward to an ending for them and also simultaneously fear it, for this, my friends, is the last book in this series. Although there might be a future series where we get to see them again, nothing is ever certain, and these amazing characters have fought their way onto my bookshelves and into my heart.
Sebastien de Castell has, with this denouement, once again delivered the excitement, fun, action and great storytelling that the first three books have become known for and also firmly stated that he can “bring it” with the best of them. The Greatcoats series is now firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of fantasy debuts and I will forever be a fan.
I will miss you, mighty Greatcoats.
⚔ Knight's Shadow (Greatcoats #2) ★★★★★
⚔ Saint's Blood (Greatcoats #3) ★★★★★
A stunning conclusion to a superb debut series that will leave you with a sense of both poignancy and profound contentment.
Tyrant’s throne always had a steep mountain to climb, having the burden of following the act of Saint’s Blood which culminated in an epic showdown for our stabby trio . Fortunately, the final book in the quartet, delivers with aplomb. I had my doubts that SDC would be able to deliver once more, oh ye of little faith!, but in my defense, it is not often that new authors are able to deliver an entire debut series of such superb quality without dropping the ball even once. Thinking back to some of my favorite debut series, I only recall John Gwynne & Sebastien de Castell achieving this with Anthony Ryan’s Blood Song being the most notable superb first book with a disappointing final book.
This time around the story has us following Brasti, Kest & Falcio as they are within sight of their ultimate goal. Once again though, they are not given any respite and rumors reach them of a possible invasion, threatening everything they have worked for and everyone they love. They are commanded to investigate and return with the truth, but it is not a truth they are ready for. Their new foe is smarter and more dangerous than any they have faced before and it is not long before they realize they are outmatched in every way that matters. While Knight’s Shadow is probably the darkest books of the series, there are moments in this one that competed with the aforementioned book’s grimness. I was worried for a while, as there is a significant death in this one that made me very gloomy (Eeyore levels of gloom), but the book is overall well balanced and tends more towards Saint’s Blood than Knight’s Shadow in that regard. Most importantly though, we learn how Falcio beat Kest in THAT duel. ;)
The writing as with the earlier entries, is impeccable. Fight sequences are gloriously detailed with every action being given life by the author’s experience and they had no trouble presenting themselves as vivid scenes in my mind. The dialogue, the emotion, the characters and their motivations – all are a joy to read and will have you laughing, crying, despairing and celebrating along with them even as you look forward to an ending for them and also simultaneously fear it, for this, my friends, is the last book in this series. Although there might be a future series where we get to see them again, nothing is ever certain, and these amazing characters have fought their way onto my bookshelves and into my heart.
Sebastien de Castell has, with this denouement, once again delivered the excitement, fun, action and great storytelling that the first three books have become known for and also firmly stated that he can “bring it” with the best of them. The Greatcoats series is now firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of fantasy debuts and I will forever be a fan.
I will miss you, mighty Greatcoats.
May 1, 2017
I have to admit that when I first-started this series, I wasn't the biggest fan, but times change, and people (change) with them. Greatcoats is now one of my favorite series of all times.
It's been years since Falcio Val Mond, the First Cantor of the Greatcoats, first-discovered Aline, his long-dead King's daughter. The time to fulfill King Paelis' dream has come, and Aline is closer than ever in taking the throne and restoring peace and law throughout Tristia. But when news arrive from their neighboring country, Avares, that a new warlord is uniting all the barbarian war-bands with the clear purpose of invading Tristia, the Greatcoats have one last job to take care of.
"A trial is a performance, no different than a stage play or a wedding. The script may be dramatic or dull, the players captivating or hesitant, the spectators enraptured or bored, but by the time the curtain falls, everyone gets up to leave knowing that the conclusion was never really in doubt. The trick, of course, is figuring out the ending before it's too late."
It's been always hard for me to finish the last book in a series. Knowing that you will never again be able to read about the characters that kept your company for days, months or even years, is as heartbreaking as any fictional death. To get past this, the author must provide a satisfying ending that will stay true both to his vision and to his readers' expectations. An ending that the readers may not need, but one that they surely deserve. De Castell has more than done so, with finesse, skill and eloquence.
In Tyrant's Throne, Seb brought back every single aspect that we came to love in the previous three installments. Fun, action, heroism and heart-breaking sacrifices are beautifully blended together, creating a story of unparalleled beauty. De Castell could use his already established world and well-developed characters to write an easy story and provide us with an effortless ending, but he chose the hard way (and kudos for doing so); he kept expanding his world, this time exploring places and cultures outside the bounds of Tristia, and he crafted new and compelling characters that played a vital role in the story. Finally, all loose threads from the previous books are tied up; from how Falcio beat Kest to become the First Cantor and how Kest became the Saint of Swords, to Paelis' final commands and what happened to the rest of the Greatcoats.
All in all, Tyrant's Throne is an exceptional read and the perfect ending in a wonderful series. If you haven't yet picked up the Greatcoats, now is the time to do it!
You can find more of my reviews over at http://BookNest.eu/
It's been years since Falcio Val Mond, the First Cantor of the Greatcoats, first-discovered Aline, his long-dead King's daughter. The time to fulfill King Paelis' dream has come, and Aline is closer than ever in taking the throne and restoring peace and law throughout Tristia. But when news arrive from their neighboring country, Avares, that a new warlord is uniting all the barbarian war-bands with the clear purpose of invading Tristia, the Greatcoats have one last job to take care of.
"A trial is a performance, no different than a stage play or a wedding. The script may be dramatic or dull, the players captivating or hesitant, the spectators enraptured or bored, but by the time the curtain falls, everyone gets up to leave knowing that the conclusion was never really in doubt. The trick, of course, is figuring out the ending before it's too late."
It's been always hard for me to finish the last book in a series. Knowing that you will never again be able to read about the characters that kept your company for days, months or even years, is as heartbreaking as any fictional death. To get past this, the author must provide a satisfying ending that will stay true both to his vision and to his readers' expectations. An ending that the readers may not need, but one that they surely deserve. De Castell has more than done so, with finesse, skill and eloquence.
In Tyrant's Throne, Seb brought back every single aspect that we came to love in the previous three installments. Fun, action, heroism and heart-breaking sacrifices are beautifully blended together, creating a story of unparalleled beauty. De Castell could use his already established world and well-developed characters to write an easy story and provide us with an effortless ending, but he chose the hard way (and kudos for doing so); he kept expanding his world, this time exploring places and cultures outside the bounds of Tristia, and he crafted new and compelling characters that played a vital role in the story. Finally, all loose threads from the previous books are tied up; from how Falcio beat Kest to become the First Cantor and how Kest became the Saint of Swords, to Paelis' final commands and what happened to the rest of the Greatcoats.
All in all, Tyrant's Throne is an exceptional read and the perfect ending in a wonderful series. If you haven't yet picked up the Greatcoats, now is the time to do it!
You can find more of my reviews over at http://BookNest.eu/
July 23, 2017
I'll keep this short and try to explain my (unpopular) rating.
I wish I enjoyed this like the most but this book, like its predecessor, simply didn't work for me. This felt like I was reading the same book for the fourth time; same situations, same conversations, same plot twists and that took away the fun.
My biggest issue with this series is Falcio. I got tired of being in his mind and looking at the world through his eyes and sometimes I wished he wasn't a part of this story which leads me to Kest and Brasti. Those two are great characters and they were limited to a funny banter here and there and some insightful remark to help Falcio. Their main job was to constantly save Falcio's ass. I wanted to spend some time in their heads and I think this series would've been much better if they got their POV chapters. It was hard to connect with them this way. Such a shame. And I need to mention the side characters as well. Some of them are very cool and they got very litle "screen time" and appeared only when it was convenient for the story.
My last issue with the series was the story. It felt disjointed and the main reason for it are the villains. It was established in the first book who the main villain is and the inclusion of the new villains in each book took away the focus from that person and sometimes made me wonder what's the point of the first book. And I was really disappointed with the way things ended with the main villain.
Overall, it was a good series but it had the potential to be a great one.
I wish I enjoyed this like the most but this book, like its predecessor, simply didn't work for me. This felt like I was reading the same book for the fourth time; same situations, same conversations, same plot twists and that took away the fun.
My biggest issue with this series is Falcio. I got tired of being in his mind and looking at the world through his eyes and sometimes I wished he wasn't a part of this story which leads me to Kest and Brasti. Those two are great characters and they were limited to a funny banter here and there and some insightful remark to help Falcio. Their main job was to constantly save Falcio's ass. I wanted to spend some time in their heads and I think this series would've been much better if they got their POV chapters. It was hard to connect with them this way. Such a shame. And I need to mention the side characters as well. Some of them are very cool and they got very litle "screen time" and appeared only when it was convenient for the story.
My last issue with the series was the story. It felt disjointed and the main reason for it are the villains. It was established in the first book who the main villain is and the inclusion of the new villains in each book took away the focus from that person and sometimes made me wonder what's the point of the first book. And I was really disappointed with the way things ended with the main villain.
Overall, it was a good series but it had the potential to be a great one.
August 2, 2020
“Preposterous heroics are the only things we’ve ever been good at.”
This is a minus five stars read. I struggled with this series so much, it easily hits the top three worst ever fighting The Faithful and the Fallen for primacy.
If not for the buddy-rant, I wouldn’t have made it. And perhaps I should have abandoned this series two books ago but I’d stubbornly hoped that it would turn around. Instead, it got worse. I know it is a well-liked series, but I'm not in this crowd. Here comes the dispatch from the May-nority corner.
The most difficult part for me was the narrator. Falcio’s self-righteousness, selfish loyalty, and stupidity parading as pompousness evolved from funny to mildly irritating to unbearably infuriating. This series would have been so much better had it been someone else who narrated it or at least if it gave other POVs as a respite from this fool. What is worse, as if one Falcio is not enough this instalment introduces one Chalmers, who is, in fact, another Falcio, to this extent that they say the same things at the same time.
His companions started as a promising reprise of the Musketeers but very quickly turned out to be one of those groups with the star and his side-kicks, troupes where you can shine only at the expense of the others. Think about how Kest had to surrender his martial prowess or why the fact that Brasti misuses words is an endless source of fun. Frankly, I despise this kind of banter that arises from making fun of and at somebody and it is prevalent here.
Design-wise, the book is too long and after a boring beginning of too many unnecessary chapters that give you a very vague notion where this story is going it veers from a lesson on how very complicated it is to rule a kingdom (like we didn’t have the whole previous book where Falcio could prove over and over that he sucks at diplomacy and power games at least as much as at horsemanship) to a melodrama of strained credulity with the Greatcoats facing a war against evil who want to destroy the country.
Wait, again?!
Yes, for thethird fourth time.
Hundreds of pages of incessantly repeated conversations and situations you remember from the previous books. Protagonists faced with the same choices end up making the same mistakes and even though the opening starts with a bold pronouncement that the time of preposterous heroics has passed, this is precisely what you will get: preposterous heroics in preposterous doses especially that the plot meanders quite a lot and is heavily based on Falcio getting out of impossible situations. To save the day. Against all odds. Always. All the time.
The so called villain is laughable (the new one, the old one is a pitiable psycho), duels and battles protracted, and several characters that should be put out of their misery survive for no reason whatsoever. For those of you who want to point out the game-changer, I beg you spare me. I have been waiting for the chapter 51 plot-twist development since the second instalment because the whole “chariote” premise was so shaky. At the same time, the tidiness and convenience of that ending made me cackle with glee. I know nursery tales with more suspense.
Maybe the problem is that at its heart the biggest drama in the series is whether or not one should follow the laws (to the letter) hidden in a quagmire of a half-coherent mess of stereotypes. While I expect this can be quite exciting to those studying for the bar, I found myself strangely impervious to legalistic shenanigans. When Falcio is “sick and tired of seeing the law twisted into a means of bringing more death and destruction into the world,” I kept thinking that it is good he doesn’t know the UN Security Council. The grand finale with its “to law or not to law” question is a very weak existential problem to found the book on.
Finally, I cannot mention the awful writing with frequent “letting out the breath he didn’t realise he was holding in” as a perfect poisoned cherry on this inedible cake. This awful book is a waste of Amazon rainforest (I am so glad to have read an e-book, you have no idea!).
Also in the series:
1. Traitor's Blade ★★★☆☆
2. Knight's Shadow ★★★☆☆
3. Saint's Blood ★☆☆☆☆
This is a minus five stars read. I struggled with this series so much, it easily hits the top three worst ever fighting The Faithful and the Fallen for primacy.
If not for the buddy-rant, I wouldn’t have made it. And perhaps I should have abandoned this series two books ago but I’d stubbornly hoped that it would turn around. Instead, it got worse. I know it is a well-liked series, but I'm not in this crowd. Here comes the dispatch from the May-nority corner.
The most difficult part for me was the narrator. Falcio’s self-righteousness, selfish loyalty, and stupidity parading as pompousness evolved from funny to mildly irritating to unbearably infuriating. This series would have been so much better had it been someone else who narrated it or at least if it gave other POVs as a respite from this fool. What is worse, as if one Falcio is not enough this instalment introduces one Chalmers, who is, in fact, another Falcio, to this extent that they say the same things at the same time.
His companions started as a promising reprise of the Musketeers but very quickly turned out to be one of those groups with the star and his side-kicks, troupes where you can shine only at the expense of the others. Think about how Kest had to surrender his martial prowess or why the fact that Brasti misuses words is an endless source of fun. Frankly, I despise this kind of banter that arises from making fun of and at somebody and it is prevalent here.
Design-wise, the book is too long and after a boring beginning of too many unnecessary chapters that give you a very vague notion where this story is going it veers from a lesson on how very complicated it is to rule a kingdom (like we didn’t have the whole previous book where Falcio could prove over and over that he sucks at diplomacy and power games at least as much as at horsemanship) to a melodrama of strained credulity with the Greatcoats facing a war against evil who want to destroy the country.
Wait, again?!
Yes, for the
Hundreds of pages of incessantly repeated conversations and situations you remember from the previous books. Protagonists faced with the same choices end up making the same mistakes and even though the opening starts with a bold pronouncement that the time of preposterous heroics has passed, this is precisely what you will get: preposterous heroics in preposterous doses especially that the plot meanders quite a lot and is heavily based on Falcio getting out of impossible situations. To save the day. Against all odds. Always. All the time.
The so called villain is laughable (the new one, the old one is a pitiable psycho), duels and battles protracted, and several characters that should be put out of their misery survive for no reason whatsoever. For those of you who want to point out the game-changer, I beg you spare me. I have been waiting for the chapter 51 plot-
Maybe the problem is that at its heart the biggest drama in the series is whether or not one should follow the laws (to the letter) hidden in a quagmire of a half-coherent mess of stereotypes. While I expect this can be quite exciting to those studying for the bar, I found myself strangely impervious to legalistic shenanigans. When Falcio is “sick and tired of seeing the law twisted into a means of bringing more death and destruction into the world,” I kept thinking that it is good he doesn’t know the UN Security Council. The grand finale with its “to law or not to law” question is a very weak existential problem to found the book on.
Finally, I cannot mention the awful writing with frequent “letting out the breath he didn’t realise he was holding in” as a perfect poisoned cherry on this inedible cake. This awful book is a waste of Amazon rainforest (I am so glad to have read an e-book, you have no idea!).
Also in the series:
1. Traitor's Blade ★★★☆☆
2. Knight's Shadow ★★★☆☆
3. Saint's Blood ★☆☆☆☆
May 5, 2020
Loved it!! I'm debating between 4.5 stars or a solid 5 stars (plus an add to my all-time favorites shelf.). What a killer conclusion. :)
June 21, 2017
"In an unjust country we are all nothing but victims, and the best we can hope for is one chance to prove ourselves, to turn our death into a sacrifice for what we believe in rather than a fate that was set upon us."
I am yet again blown away by de Castell's work. I think it's safe to say this is my favorite out of the series. I don't cry real tears often (I do get choked up a lot), but he managed to summon quite a few tears from me. Like a lot. That's not an easy thing to do. But I would say half were sadness tears and half were happy tears. Especially that ending. MAN, that ending!! I hope I can put together a useful review, but I highly doubt it'll be constructive.
This series started really strongly, for me, and he built upon that quality and turned this into something amazing. This addition to the series made me feel so many things: happiness, sadness, empathy, pity and so many other emotions. I felt bad for people I hated ever since the beginning of this series. He had some really great development for even our villains. And yet again, gave us some hilarious moments with my favorite trio. Also some really tough moments, as well.
The plot had some really great twists that I didn't see coming. So many that I'm not really sure what all I can really say about the plot without spoiling it. It was definitely, in my opinion, a pretty fast paced book. Nothing too ridiculous happened, either. Every conflict resolution made more sense than usual, and i really liked that. The conflicts felt like more was at stake than usual, as well.
This was one of the most satisfying series conclusions I have had the pleasure of reading. It was about as perfect as I could've hoped for. I really don't have all that much to say besides: bravo Mr. de Castell. Bravo!
I am yet again blown away by de Castell's work. I think it's safe to say this is my favorite out of the series. I don't cry real tears often (I do get choked up a lot), but he managed to summon quite a few tears from me. Like a lot. That's not an easy thing to do. But I would say half were sadness tears and half were happy tears. Especially that ending. MAN, that ending!! I hope I can put together a useful review, but I highly doubt it'll be constructive.
This series started really strongly, for me, and he built upon that quality and turned this into something amazing. This addition to the series made me feel so many things: happiness, sadness, empathy, pity and so many other emotions. I felt bad for people I hated ever since the beginning of this series. He had some really great development for even our villains. And yet again, gave us some hilarious moments with my favorite trio. Also some really tough moments, as well.
The plot had some really great twists that I didn't see coming. So many that I'm not really sure what all I can really say about the plot without spoiling it. It was definitely, in my opinion, a pretty fast paced book. Nothing too ridiculous happened, either. Every conflict resolution made more sense than usual, and i really liked that. The conflicts felt like more was at stake than usual, as well.
This was one of the most satisfying series conclusions I have had the pleasure of reading. It was about as perfect as I could've hoped for. I really don't have all that much to say besides: bravo Mr. de Castell. Bravo!
January 1, 2018
Tyrant's Throne was one of the most satisfying endings to a series that I've had the privilege of reading.
At the start of the series in Traitor's Blade, we have this trio of best friends; magistrates called the Greatcoats, or less affectionately known as Trattari, scorned by the people of Tristia and on a mission to further the obscure plans of their executed King in honour of his dreams of a better country. While the previous book, Saint's Blood, was amazing, it did digress from this ultimate plot behind the series by dealing with more religious aspects of worldbuilding.
This finale brought the focus squarely back on the treacherous political landscape of Tristia and how Falcio, an idealistic man enamoured with upholding the law, had to make the difficult decision between being true to his ideals and going against them to fulfill his promise to a dead King. The story started with a first act that was at once cheesy but really fun as our awesome trio contrived to 'save the day' in direct opposition of what they were ordered to do. The narrative progressed with expanding on the politics that shaped the country, by bringing the reader to a land and its people outside of Tristia - Avares and its barbarians - and the best of all in revealing the long lost lore of the Dal Verteri - the twelve ancient orders amongst which included the Trattari, the Bardatti and the Dashini.
The plot was well-paced and weaved through revelations, twists and turns with the expertise of a master duellist and at every lunge, parry or riposte I wondered how Falcio was ever going to overcome the odds. To this end, I was relieved that it was never something that was too unbelievable and he had to necessarily rely on his reliable entourage. An entourage of really great characters, both old and new, that I've grown to care about throughout these books. The appearance of one particular individual from the first book was a pleasant surprise and proved to be quite pivotal for the final battle. And once again, the character development of yet another villain was both surprising and very well done.
The characterization of Falcio through the entire arc of the series was compelling to the nth degree. He was by no means an outright lovable character. As heroic and valorous as he can be, he can also be equally belligerent and childishly petulant, and sometimes even downright insane. However, given the sheer amount of trials and tribulations that he had to endure time and time again, his reactions are wholly realistic and it is hard not to empathise with him. Even a well-tempered rapier has a weak spot and Falcio's weakness fell heavily on his inability to let go of his past but it also lent him a strength of will that was almost inhuman at times. He might not be your favourite character in this series, but you won't be able to help yourself from feeling frustrated when crap keeps getting heaped on top of him or cheer him on when he takes control to face an impossible situation. Being the First Cantor of the Greatcoats really is the most awful job one can ever have in Tristia.
Fortunately, of course, he has the infallible Kest and wonderfully kind (and awfully hilarious) Brasti. Bless both their souls for they are the most amazing friends one can ever hope to find in their lifetime. Brasti is a personal favourite simply because he injected so much heart and humour into an otherwise really grim narrative. My favourite moments in the whole series are almost invariably the ones when the three of them were together.
This was a tale told from the first person perspective of just one character, which makes it an intimate journey to me as a reader. So while the climax of the story involved a battle of a few thousands, it felt more personal than epic; I am not able to grapple for the right words or phrase to describe the feeling but it's different from reading about the clashing of huge armies and death on a massive scale. But this was what made it so satisfying for me. This story was never a grand sweeping epic but of a journey of a broken man who vehemently sought to fix what he saw to be a broken country with a singular devotion to his late King. And its denouement was perfect for me.
This review can also be found at Booknest
At the start of the series in Traitor's Blade, we have this trio of best friends; magistrates called the Greatcoats, or less affectionately known as Trattari, scorned by the people of Tristia and on a mission to further the obscure plans of their executed King in honour of his dreams of a better country. While the previous book, Saint's Blood, was amazing, it did digress from this ultimate plot behind the series by dealing with more religious aspects of worldbuilding.
This finale brought the focus squarely back on the treacherous political landscape of Tristia and how Falcio, an idealistic man enamoured with upholding the law, had to make the difficult decision between being true to his ideals and going against them to fulfill his promise to a dead King. The story started with a first act that was at once cheesy but really fun as our awesome trio contrived to 'save the day' in direct opposition of what they were ordered to do. The narrative progressed with expanding on the politics that shaped the country, by bringing the reader to a land and its people outside of Tristia - Avares and its barbarians - and the best of all in revealing the long lost lore of the Dal Verteri - the twelve ancient orders amongst which included the Trattari, the Bardatti and the Dashini.
The plot was well-paced and weaved through revelations, twists and turns with the expertise of a master duellist and at every lunge, parry or riposte I wondered how Falcio was ever going to overcome the odds. To this end, I was relieved that it was never something that was too unbelievable and he had to necessarily rely on his reliable entourage. An entourage of really great characters, both old and new, that I've grown to care about throughout these books. The appearance of one particular individual from the first book was a pleasant surprise and proved to be quite pivotal for the final battle. And once again, the character development of yet another villain was both surprising and very well done.
Was this all I'd ever been? A reflection in the eyes of others? A man with no dreams of his own, who only tried to live up to the expectations of those he cared for?
The characterization of Falcio through the entire arc of the series was compelling to the nth degree. He was by no means an outright lovable character. As heroic and valorous as he can be, he can also be equally belligerent and childishly petulant, and sometimes even downright insane. However, given the sheer amount of trials and tribulations that he had to endure time and time again, his reactions are wholly realistic and it is hard not to empathise with him. Even a well-tempered rapier has a weak spot and Falcio's weakness fell heavily on his inability to let go of his past but it also lent him a strength of will that was almost inhuman at times. He might not be your favourite character in this series, but you won't be able to help yourself from feeling frustrated when crap keeps getting heaped on top of him or cheer him on when he takes control to face an impossible situation. Being the First Cantor of the Greatcoats really is the most awful job one can ever have in Tristia.
Fortunately, of course, he has the infallible Kest and wonderfully kind (and awfully hilarious) Brasti. Bless both their souls for they are the most amazing friends one can ever hope to find in their lifetime. Brasti is a personal favourite simply because he injected so much heart and humour into an otherwise really grim narrative. My favourite moments in the whole series are almost invariably the ones when the three of them were together.
"Gentlemen," I said to Kest and Brasti, "I'm of a mind to attempt something rather daring and heroic."
Brasti grinned. "I assume this preposterous venture of yours is doomed to fail?"
"Assuredly. But we're going to do it anyway. You know why?"
Kest had a broad smile, one I'd rarely seen before. "Because preposterous heroics are the only things we've ever been good at."
This was a tale told from the first person perspective of just one character, which makes it an intimate journey to me as a reader. So while the climax of the story involved a battle of a few thousands, it felt more personal than epic; I am not able to grapple for the right words or phrase to describe the feeling but it's different from reading about the clashing of huge armies and death on a massive scale. But this was what made it so satisfying for me. This story was never a grand sweeping epic but of a journey of a broken man who vehemently sought to fix what he saw to be a broken country with a singular devotion to his late King. And its denouement was perfect for me.
This review can also be found at Booknest
June 6, 2017
5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/06/06/...
It is no exaggeration when I say that a series like the Greatcoats only comes once in a lifetime, and now that it has come to an end, I am filled with a mixture of complicated emotions. On the one hand, I am extremely pleased with the conclusion, with our heroes and heroines getting the satisfying sendoff they deserved. On the other, I no longer know what to do with myself. Like many goodbyes, this one was bittersweet, and if it hadn’t been for the final words of the author’s postscript, I would be having a much harder time right now.
Picking up not long after the events of the previous book, Tyrant’s Throne sees Falcio val Mond and his allies continuing their efforts to put King Paelis’ daughter Aline on the throne of Tristia. To do so, he would need the support of the dukes, but unfortunately most of them would forsake their kingdom than to be ruled by a young girl. To make matters even more dire, talk of war is also brewing in the mountains. More and more, the penniless and starving common folk in the northern duchies are fleeing into neighboring Avares for their salvation, and in turn the Avareans are amassing their forces and weapons, taking advantage of the political turmoil in Tristia to launch an attack. As a tribal-based warrior culture society, the Avareans have never posed a real threat before because of their inability to organize, but a mysterious Magdan has risen up in recent years, uniting the war clans under a single cause. Worse, it is rumored that he is allied with Trin, the murderous traitor who has caused Falcio and his loved ones so much pain.
Traveling under disguise, our protagonist and his best friends Kest and Brasti embark upon a dangerous mission to the north with the intention to capture Trin and bring her back to Castle Aramor to face justice. However, in Avares, they encounter another unpleasant surprise—and this time, it’s a game changer that may bring Falcio’s dreams to ruin and jeopardize everything he has ever worked for. The Greatcoats now have to face a difficult choice, for unfortunately what is just and what is lawful does not always necessarily mean the same thing. But whatever the decision, what’s clear is that it needs to be made soon, for with Avares poised to attack, Tristia might not exist long enough for any of it to matter.
Still, even in the face of insurmountable challenges and impossible odds, the greatest foe Falcio val Mond will face in Tyrant’s Throne isn’t Trin or even the threat of a bloodthirsty Avarean horde. No, our protagonist’s worst enemy has always been himself, and now he faces the moment of truth. To understand the significance of this novel, one must also understand what makes Falcio tick, and while the first three novels have shown that he is a valiant and big-hearted person to his core, there is also a darkness and complexity in him that has been lying in wait to bring about his downfall. Let’s face it, as lovable as he is, Falcio is also be single-minded to the point of recklessness and can be infuriatingly prone to self-sabotage. Certainly, he’s made his mistakes, and now his demons have all come home to roost.
If you’ve been following this series, you’ll also know that Sebastian de Castell doesn’t go easy on his characters, putting them through all kinds of extreme situations. Only through this process though, do we get to see the true measure of his protagonist. Tyrant’s Throne is no different in this sense, and I’m warning you now, there will be several bombshells that will threaten to send Falcio over the edge—hell, they certainly nearly caused ME to lose control!—and there is no end to the shocking twists. At times, Falcio will be driven to think and do some despicable things, and I won’t lie, he even made me quite angry on several occasions. Yet at the same time, it’s hard not to feel for the guy. For as long as we’ve known Falcio, his character has been defined by his love for King Paelis as well as his respect for the rule of law. Now that those two pillars of his identity are at odds, his entire world has just been turned upside down.
As usual though, you can trust the author to have everything well in hand. I’ve heard that final books in a series are notoriously difficult to pull off, but dammit, he makes it look so easy. Everything I love about the previous novels can be found once again in this one, including the epic action, laugh-out-loud humor, daring heroics and inspiring gallantry. No one can make me flip between nail-biting despair and giddy fist-pumping exuberance the way De Castell can, sending my pulse racing with every high stakes plot development. The story is compelling and intense, featuring relentless pacing and an extraordinarily rich cast. All the characters I love (along with some dazzling new faces!) are back as well, ready to kick some ass and take some names, making Tyrant’s Throne a finale to remember.
As endings go, I really couldn’t ask for more. Sebastien de Castell is a rare talent, one of the most gifted storytellers to emerge in recent years and I hope he will continue to deliver more great books for a long, long time. It heartens me to know he has plans to return to the Greatcoats world, but even if this is the last we see of Tristia’s heroes and heroines, Tyrant’s Throne is the perfect ending to cap off this stellar quartet. The Greatcoats now sits in a place of honor on my bookshelf as one of my favorite fantasy series of all time.
It is no exaggeration when I say that a series like the Greatcoats only comes once in a lifetime, and now that it has come to an end, I am filled with a mixture of complicated emotions. On the one hand, I am extremely pleased with the conclusion, with our heroes and heroines getting the satisfying sendoff they deserved. On the other, I no longer know what to do with myself. Like many goodbyes, this one was bittersweet, and if it hadn’t been for the final words of the author’s postscript, I would be having a much harder time right now.
Picking up not long after the events of the previous book, Tyrant’s Throne sees Falcio val Mond and his allies continuing their efforts to put King Paelis’ daughter Aline on the throne of Tristia. To do so, he would need the support of the dukes, but unfortunately most of them would forsake their kingdom than to be ruled by a young girl. To make matters even more dire, talk of war is also brewing in the mountains. More and more, the penniless and starving common folk in the northern duchies are fleeing into neighboring Avares for their salvation, and in turn the Avareans are amassing their forces and weapons, taking advantage of the political turmoil in Tristia to launch an attack. As a tribal-based warrior culture society, the Avareans have never posed a real threat before because of their inability to organize, but a mysterious Magdan has risen up in recent years, uniting the war clans under a single cause. Worse, it is rumored that he is allied with Trin, the murderous traitor who has caused Falcio and his loved ones so much pain.
Traveling under disguise, our protagonist and his best friends Kest and Brasti embark upon a dangerous mission to the north with the intention to capture Trin and bring her back to Castle Aramor to face justice. However, in Avares, they encounter another unpleasant surprise—and this time, it’s a game changer that may bring Falcio’s dreams to ruin and jeopardize everything he has ever worked for. The Greatcoats now have to face a difficult choice, for unfortunately what is just and what is lawful does not always necessarily mean the same thing. But whatever the decision, what’s clear is that it needs to be made soon, for with Avares poised to attack, Tristia might not exist long enough for any of it to matter.
Still, even in the face of insurmountable challenges and impossible odds, the greatest foe Falcio val Mond will face in Tyrant’s Throne isn’t Trin or even the threat of a bloodthirsty Avarean horde. No, our protagonist’s worst enemy has always been himself, and now he faces the moment of truth. To understand the significance of this novel, one must also understand what makes Falcio tick, and while the first three novels have shown that he is a valiant and big-hearted person to his core, there is also a darkness and complexity in him that has been lying in wait to bring about his downfall. Let’s face it, as lovable as he is, Falcio is also be single-minded to the point of recklessness and can be infuriatingly prone to self-sabotage. Certainly, he’s made his mistakes, and now his demons have all come home to roost.
If you’ve been following this series, you’ll also know that Sebastian de Castell doesn’t go easy on his characters, putting them through all kinds of extreme situations. Only through this process though, do we get to see the true measure of his protagonist. Tyrant’s Throne is no different in this sense, and I’m warning you now, there will be several bombshells that will threaten to send Falcio over the edge—hell, they certainly nearly caused ME to lose control!—and there is no end to the shocking twists. At times, Falcio will be driven to think and do some despicable things, and I won’t lie, he even made me quite angry on several occasions. Yet at the same time, it’s hard not to feel for the guy. For as long as we’ve known Falcio, his character has been defined by his love for King Paelis as well as his respect for the rule of law. Now that those two pillars of his identity are at odds, his entire world has just been turned upside down.
As usual though, you can trust the author to have everything well in hand. I’ve heard that final books in a series are notoriously difficult to pull off, but dammit, he makes it look so easy. Everything I love about the previous novels can be found once again in this one, including the epic action, laugh-out-loud humor, daring heroics and inspiring gallantry. No one can make me flip between nail-biting despair and giddy fist-pumping exuberance the way De Castell can, sending my pulse racing with every high stakes plot development. The story is compelling and intense, featuring relentless pacing and an extraordinarily rich cast. All the characters I love (along with some dazzling new faces!) are back as well, ready to kick some ass and take some names, making Tyrant’s Throne a finale to remember.
As endings go, I really couldn’t ask for more. Sebastien de Castell is a rare talent, one of the most gifted storytellers to emerge in recent years and I hope he will continue to deliver more great books for a long, long time. It heartens me to know he has plans to return to the Greatcoats world, but even if this is the last we see of Tristia’s heroes and heroines, Tyrant’s Throne is the perfect ending to cap off this stellar quartet. The Greatcoats now sits in a place of honor on my bookshelf as one of my favorite fantasy series of all time.
August 7, 2018
This fourth book in Sebastien de Castell's once fun Greatcoats series is the dreaded Series Killer.
Series Killer: A book so bad it destroys any positive feelings one might once have had for a series!
For me there is nothing more disappointing than a once enjoyable series going bad. When one reads a bad book it is annoying but easy to dismiss. When a once loved series goes bad it is so much worse as one has an emotional tie to the characters and story. When it all goes wrong it makes the disappointment feel sooooo much worse!
The sad thing about Tyrant's Throne is that started so well. The pacing was a lot better than the third book and the plot a lot tighter and more interesting. I like Falcio, Kest, and Brasti's witty banter and we got plenty of that as they set of on a couple of typically fun Greatcoats missions to save the day. We also started to get a couple of answers to things I've been wondering about for most of the series. Those things plus the fact that de Castell has an engaging writing style, even when making story decisions that frustrate the life out of me, made it a fun first 2/3 of the story. Fun but not perfect as even then de Castell had introduced a few story arcs that had the potential to destroy my enjoyment of the story if handled poorly.
The big implosion came at the start of the final third as one of those story arcs came to a dreadful conclusion. It was a decision so poor that it pretty much destroyed my emotional engagement in the rest of the story as afterwards I did not really care how things played out. Sadly things just got worse from there as de Castell seemed to make plot decision after plot decision that left me as a reader feeling frustrated and unsatisfied by the direction the story was taking.
I've always been able to overlook this series major flaws like the dues ex machina saves, the character inconsistencies that has seen some of them change personality by the book, and the other various plot holes because the writing was engaging and the story and characters fun but when the story stopped being so fun it just made those issues stand out all the more.
All in all I was really disappointed with this last instalment of the Greatcoats series and while de Castell claimed Falcio, Kest, Brasti, and the others would return in the future for more adventures I'm doubtful I'll bother if they do since it has become obvious that what de Castell thinks makes for a satisfying story clearly does not match what I personally think makes for a satisfying story!
On to the spoilery part of the review so I can moan about all the stuff I loathed! I've tagged the spoilers so read at your own peril.
Rating: 2.5 stars. I'm rounding up to 3 stars. The rating is only so high because the first 2/3 of the story was solid 4 star stuff and fairly enjoyable. The final third was series killing stuff that was 1 or 2 star quality:(
Audio Note: As always Joe Jamieson did a good job with the audio.
Series Killer: A book so bad it destroys any positive feelings one might once have had for a series!
For me there is nothing more disappointing than a once enjoyable series going bad. When one reads a bad book it is annoying but easy to dismiss. When a once loved series goes bad it is so much worse as one has an emotional tie to the characters and story. When it all goes wrong it makes the disappointment feel sooooo much worse!
The sad thing about Tyrant's Throne is that started so well. The pacing was a lot better than the third book and the plot a lot tighter and more interesting. I like Falcio, Kest, and Brasti's witty banter and we got plenty of that as they set of on a couple of typically fun Greatcoats missions to save the day. We also started to get a couple of answers to things I've been wondering about for most of the series. Those things plus the fact that de Castell has an engaging writing style, even when making story decisions that frustrate the life out of me, made it a fun first 2/3 of the story. Fun but not perfect as even then de Castell had introduced a few story arcs that had the potential to destroy my enjoyment of the story if handled poorly.
The big implosion came at the start of the final third as one of those story arcs came to a dreadful conclusion. It was a decision so poor that it pretty much destroyed my emotional engagement in the rest of the story as afterwards I did not really care how things played out. Sadly things just got worse from there as de Castell seemed to make plot decision after plot decision that left me as a reader feeling frustrated and unsatisfied by the direction the story was taking.
I've always been able to overlook this series major flaws like the dues ex machina saves, the character inconsistencies that has seen some of them change personality by the book, and the other various plot holes because the writing was engaging and the story and characters fun but when the story stopped being so fun it just made those issues stand out all the more.
All in all I was really disappointed with this last instalment of the Greatcoats series and while de Castell claimed Falcio, Kest, Brasti, and the others would return in the future for more adventures I'm doubtful I'll bother if they do since it has become obvious that what de Castell thinks makes for a satisfying story clearly does not match what I personally think makes for a satisfying story!
On to the spoilery part of the review so I can moan about all the stuff I loathed! I've tagged the spoilers so read at your own peril.
Rating: 2.5 stars. I'm rounding up to 3 stars. The rating is only so high because the first 2/3 of the story was solid 4 star stuff and fairly enjoyable. The final third was series killing stuff that was 1 or 2 star quality:(
Audio Note: As always Joe Jamieson did a good job with the audio.
November 21, 2017
"Screams, shouts, whispers, laughter… the human voice is capable of a remarkable assortment of sounds when words fail us, when reasoned, ordered thoughts cease to mean anything in the face of a world turned upside down."
Ahhhhh, good day to you worthy Fellow Traveler.
Please, please, come closer…
Too close. A little too close.
There.
Welcome to Tristia, a world of misery, of corruption, and the finest excitement a fantasy novel can offer you today, come on down!
Look at this. Yes!
Tristia, a combination of Kingdoms and Duchies, with all its excitements and delights.
Will not break. Will not…
It broke.
"The problem with games of war is that they’re deceptive precisely because they presume that there are rules to be followed.
But this is Tristia, after all, and corruption runs deep in the bone."
Wait, don’t go!
I can see that you’re only interested in the exceptionally rare.
I think, then, you would be most rewarded to consider this series:
Do not be fooled by its commonplace appearance.
Like so many things, it is not what is outside, but what is inside that counts.
This is no ordinary series!
It more than once made people thoroughly enjoy reading it.
Why should you be the one who’s missing out on all the fun these books bring?
And joy? And laugh? And misery, pain, suffering and depression…
Yes, yes, yes… it will bring you all of that.
And you will love it for it.
So, what this series is about?
It’s about… three lost toads.
Brasti Goodbow
The King's Arrow, the Queen's Jest – the best bowtoad whose arrows killed Gods and whose jokes killed Saints.
A character that will make you laugh and soften your heart.
Kest Murrowson
The King's Sword, the Queen's Shield – the best swordtoad and best shieldtoad in all of Tristia! Even when he’s left without his shield! And sword. And hand to hold them...
Even when all he’s left with to pierce you or shield you are... his... - morals?
Falcio val Mond
The King's Heart – the heart of this book. My heart! Your heart.
If you choose to let him in.
Yes, three lost toads who found themselves out of the water for a very long time. And their quest to get back to it, while trying to make sense of the world. World that can’t be reasoned with.
"How do you bring the rule of law back to a country where the most fundamental equation of justice amounts to the fact that even those who are right will always be overwhelmed by those of greater might?
You have to change the equation."
But they do have a choice. They can continue in their search for this misplaced puddle.
Or they can adapt to this new, vile, world.
Either way, a journey awaits them. And so does you, if you decide to follow them.
As you wish.
Obviously, you start that from the first book, not the last one.
This was just me saying farewell to them. For now...
July 12, 2017
Dan Ha Vath Fallatu
Endings to series you enjoy are bittersweet and I would say that for me the end to this was probably just a little more bitter than sweet. I’m still really mad about that one thing that happened SdC you know what it was.
At the end of this you will definitely know:
① - Who is the ruler of Trista.
② - How Falcio managed to beat Kest in a duel.
③ - How to hold a conversation using grunts and moans while being beat up.
There’s an art to taking a beating. Lying there on the ground as brutes of men punch and kick you into oblivion might not seem as complex a skill as wielding a sword, but trust me, it is. I’m a master at it.
④ - How many ways Baristi can proposition and insult a woman in one try. He is really the master of both. Dariana has her hands full.
⑤ - How Kest was able to kill the Saint of Swords. Then you will have to debate whether he really did it or Brasti might have killed the Saint of Swords.
⑥ - What Monster has been up to.
I still loved all the time we spend with our three Musketeers and the bromance that is between them. I loved all of the fun banter as always and how the men are more family than most people ever feel towards actual family.
Brasti jumped to his feet. “I have an idea.” No good has ever come from those four words coming out of that particular mouth. He waited patiently to be asked— almost a full second— then pointed at the deceased Margrave’s wedding barge. “We should become pirates!”
He caught my expression and hastily amended his suggestion. “I mean, good pirates, of course. Noble pirates.”
“‘ Noble pirates’?” Kest asked.
“How would that work, exactly?” I asked, having already forgotten my rule about Brasti and ideas.
There are certain things that I’ve come to expect from this series:
❶ - Sabestian de Castell is going to surprise me at some point with a death that totally wrecks me. While I thought that the death in the last book would be the one that he couldn’t top (especially after I read the letter that was in his pocket that was in the back of the book), the major death in this book came close if not tied. Again I’m still pretty mad about it.
❷ - A bad guy might get a chance at redemption. Seriously how did Duke Jillard end up on team good. I still don’t know. Now Trin might not be as horrible as we have always thought. Well she is for me but it seems at least one person loves her unconditionally.
❸ - Falcio as always never gets the respect he deserves and more than once will end up on the side that looks like he is totally losing and up against impossible odds. He has made it through so much already but it seems that people often forget that.
Since my twentieth birthday, I’ve fought seventy-six judicial duels (not that I’m counting, Kest does that). I’ve been on the “vastly outnumbered” side of more than a dozen different battles, thwarted numerous assassinations and faced an uncountable number of other attempts on my life. The fact that I’m still here and the majority of my opponents aren’t should say something about my capacity for both survival and violence. And yet I swear there isn’t a single person in this damnable country who’s afraid of me.
❹ - There is always that moment of great hope when everything is starting to pull together and you dare to dream that maybe just maybe everything will all turn out alright. It’s a fools dream since you have read the other three books of this series and know that with every victory comes sorrow but alas you are a fool and hope for it anyway.
“Gentlemen,” I said to Kest and Brasti, “I’m of a mind to attempt something rather daring and heroic.”
Brasti grinned. “I assume this preposterous venture of yours is doomed to fail?”
“Assuredly. But we’re going to do it anyway. You know why?”
Kest had a broad smile, one I’d rarely seen before. “Because preposterous heroics are the only things we’ve ever been good at.”
❺ - The women of the story will surprise you with their strength. Whether that is their strength of character, the ability to care for others no matter the cost or how they change and flow with what is needed of them. I love that some are fighters, others politicians and others caregivers of sorts or combos of all. You don’t have to just be physically strong to be a powerhouse. The women of the story are as complex as the men if not more so. Aline especially shows so many forms of strength in this book especially and Valiana is always one of my favorites.
Is the book or ending perfect. Well no, but how could it be? I’m not sure I would have been happy with and they all lived Happily Ever After. It definitely left so many possibilities for future stories open and I appreciate that.
There is a semi sappy part that almost makes up for the death of a character that I loved. But it still felt a little short after some of the deep heartaches of the overall series. So many things in this series were wonderful and so many were heartbreakingly terrible. It will be hard to say goodbye to our heroes but hopefully SdC has more stories in mind for this world and even more ways to break our hearts.
December 3, 2018
The Greatcoats is one of those rare fantasy sagas that just continues to get better with each instalment - an even more impressive feat when you consider Saint's Blood was a book I didn't think could be topped.
I felt it got off to a slow start, and I convinced myself it was lacking any sort of direction. It was simply not the book I expected to follow the killing of a God. I mean, honestly, how do you follow that up?
And then we got to the other side of the mountain, saw what - and, more importantly, who - awaited us, and I suddenly realized how many loose ends remained, how much of the story had yet to be told, and how desperately I didn't want it all to end.
If this is the last we see of Falcio, Kest, Brasti, and the rest, then you couldn't ask for more than Tyrant's Throne. I hesitate to use the word 'perfect' but this is about as close as epic fantasy gets to that plateau. Character arcs, storytelling, world building, mythology, conflicts, and relationships - it all comes together in a brilliantly satisfying finale of fiction that keeps going right to the very last page.
This final adventure had heartache and loss, but also ended on that most uplifting and enduring of human conditions: hope. I truly adore this series and its starring characters.
I felt it got off to a slow start, and I convinced myself it was lacking any sort of direction. It was simply not the book I expected to follow the killing of a God. I mean, honestly, how do you follow that up?
And then we got to the other side of the mountain, saw what - and, more importantly, who - awaited us, and I suddenly realized how many loose ends remained, how much of the story had yet to be told, and how desperately I didn't want it all to end.
If this is the last we see of Falcio, Kest, Brasti, and the rest, then you couldn't ask for more than Tyrant's Throne. I hesitate to use the word 'perfect' but this is about as close as epic fantasy gets to that plateau. Character arcs, storytelling, world building, mythology, conflicts, and relationships - it all comes together in a brilliantly satisfying finale of fiction that keeps going right to the very last page.
This final adventure had heartache and loss, but also ended on that most uplifting and enduring of human conditions: hope. I truly adore this series and its starring characters.
May 17, 2024
A napiszę to, dla podkręcenia dymometru:
Wielkie Płaszcze, to najgorsza seria fantasy, jaką przeczytałem w całości.
Kropeczka.
Wielkie Płaszcze, to najgorsza seria fantasy, jaką przeczytałem w całości.
Kropeczka.
December 11, 2017
UPDATE: This is $2.99 on Kindle today (Dec 11) for those of my friends who have not read it!!!
Do you know what's worse than having to wait months or years before the next book in a series is coming?
Knowing that there isn't another coming.
I'm in shock right now. I'll probably cry myself to sleep tonight. Because it can't be over.
It. Really. Just. Can't. Be. Over.
I know. There is an art in knowing when a series must end. There is a point where it must stop. A series can't be drug along unceremoniously through the dirt and mud until you've beaten it to death ten times over. No one likes that.
But damn it, I wasn't done with you yet Falcio! Do you know what I want to do right now? I want to go back and read Traitor's Blade all over again because I refuse to be done with it.
This is far and away the best book in the entire series. It will rip out your soul with bloody claws, stomp it black and blue, and if that wasn't enough, it will light it on fire and scatter its ashes to the wind. It just isn't fair.
Anyway.
This is supposed to be a review and it's really a rather terrible one. Sorry not sorry. There isn't anything I can say about this one that hasn't been said about the first three. The writing is excellent. The characters are real and flawed and perform great feats of idiotic heroism. I'm not going to discuss plot here because I refuse to ruin it for anyone. Just know the conclusion is solid and there are no messy plot threads left hanging. The pacing is much faster here because the villains are out there in the open almost from the beginning, which means all Falcio and Kest and Brasti have to do is defeat them.
HA!
To sum it all up: Read this immediately. If you have not read Traitor's Blade yet, read it immediately. Then follow on with Knight's Shadow and Saint's Blood, and go back to step one. Finally, come and join me so we can wallow in our misery and self pity together.
Thank you to Quercus (Hatchette Books) and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
P.S. What the hell else am I supposed to read after this?
Do you know what's worse than having to wait months or years before the next book in a series is coming?
Knowing that there isn't another coming.
I'm in shock right now. I'll probably cry myself to sleep tonight. Because it can't be over.
It. Really. Just. Can't. Be. Over.
I know. There is an art in knowing when a series must end. There is a point where it must stop. A series can't be drug along unceremoniously through the dirt and mud until you've beaten it to death ten times over. No one likes that.
But damn it, I wasn't done with you yet Falcio! Do you know what I want to do right now? I want to go back and read Traitor's Blade all over again because I refuse to be done with it.
This is far and away the best book in the entire series. It will rip out your soul with bloody claws, stomp it black and blue, and if that wasn't enough, it will light it on fire and scatter its ashes to the wind. It just isn't fair.
Anyway.
This is supposed to be a review and it's really a rather terrible one. Sorry not sorry. There isn't anything I can say about this one that hasn't been said about the first three. The writing is excellent. The characters are real and flawed and perform great feats of idiotic heroism. I'm not going to discuss plot here because I refuse to ruin it for anyone. Just know the conclusion is solid and there are no messy plot threads left hanging. The pacing is much faster here because the villains are out there in the open almost from the beginning, which means all Falcio and Kest and Brasti have to do is defeat them.
HA!
To sum it all up: Read this immediately. If you have not read Traitor's Blade yet, read it immediately. Then follow on with Knight's Shadow and Saint's Blood, and go back to step one. Finally, come and join me so we can wallow in our misery and self pity together.
Thank you to Quercus (Hatchette Books) and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
P.S. What the hell else am I supposed to read after this?
October 8, 2021
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Traitor’s Blade ★★★ 1/2
Knight’s Shadow ★★★★
Saint’s Blood ★★★
Tyrant’s Throne ★★★★
I am joyous with how the Greatcoats series was wrapped! After the bumpy ride that was Saint’s Blood I was starting to get worry because I knew the series had potential and I did not want to see it wasted! Rest assured because this potential was met and I think I will remember this series with good feelings!
The thing that I was concerned about is the major problem I faced while reading the third book -also the author’s other series- which is repetition. When there are many loose threads and the author repeats the humor, the action, the plot, and the challenges that the characters faces, it gets tiring and the reader gets frustrating because obviously there is material to be covered. When I started reading this book, I did see some repetition, but at the same time, I was absorbed into the story and in no time, I was seeing the things that irked me before being resolved and I was enjoying the story once again.
The writing is good, sometimes the author’s style reminds me of Marvel movies when the stakes are at their peaks and yet the heroes find time to throw a joke here and there despite everything. That style sometimes work for me but it also can wear out easily if excessively used. I think De Castell writing is reminiscent of that! But to be totally fair, I think the humor worked for me best in this book and I found myself smiling or laughing more than once while reading and that’s not an easy thing for me as a reader.
When I was reading the post-script and the acknowledgments the author says that he wanted to write a series with lovable characters that the readers find themselves drifting off to them even after the series is finished and I think he succeeded in doing that with this series. Falcio, Kest, and Brasti are characters that I do care about and ended up loving despite everything. Brasti comes in the first place with no competition and I think he’s one of my top 10 characters of all time, I love him when he’s being lewd and naughty and funny but I also love his more serious side when he’s the nicest person with the biggest heart around! Falcio can be a bit infuriating but also finally ended up to understand how things work and grew a lot. Kest with his brains and skills and calculations always fascinate me and he did so in this book! The other secondary characters are also memorable and with the wide cast of characters (Which I won’t mention here) I respect the efforts that were put to flesh everyone out and make them this real!
The world-building is good, I mean there was not a lot of expanding it and less focus on saints and Gods in this entry but I think the previous books covered that just well which left more space for politics in this book and which I unexpectedly enjoyed! Don’t get me wrong, those elements were still there but in a more well-thought manner.
The plot started a bit as expected which was a bit alarming because I wanted more, after a few chapters things started getting spicy and then there were some twists I did not see. The loose threads from previous books get tied (The things that happen mysteriously in book 1 finally gets explored) and the plot armor that was in the previous books is shattered. Another thing that fazed me previously was how all the big fight scenes fade into the black but in this book we get something more satisfying and everything is wrapped beautifully after that!
Summary: Tyrant’s Throne was an excellent wrap up to the series that improved all the things I criticized before from the writing to the plot to the characters. Although it is not a perfect book, I think it is a very satisfying wrap up to the series that will make me happy when I think about those characters and series!
“It comes down to a choice between Law and Justice –and they are two very different things, Falcio, despite how hard you’ve tried to unite them.”
Traitor’s Blade ★★★ 1/2
Knight’s Shadow ★★★★
Saint’s Blood ★★★
Tyrant’s Throne ★★★★
I am joyous with how the Greatcoats series was wrapped! After the bumpy ride that was Saint’s Blood I was starting to get worry because I knew the series had potential and I did not want to see it wasted! Rest assured because this potential was met and I think I will remember this series with good feelings!
The thing that I was concerned about is the major problem I faced while reading the third book -also the author’s other series- which is repetition. When there are many loose threads and the author repeats the humor, the action, the plot, and the challenges that the characters faces, it gets tiring and the reader gets frustrating because obviously there is material to be covered. When I started reading this book, I did see some repetition, but at the same time, I was absorbed into the story and in no time, I was seeing the things that irked me before being resolved and I was enjoying the story once again.
The writing is good, sometimes the author’s style reminds me of Marvel movies when the stakes are at their peaks and yet the heroes find time to throw a joke here and there despite everything. That style sometimes work for me but it also can wear out easily if excessively used. I think De Castell writing is reminiscent of that! But to be totally fair, I think the humor worked for me best in this book and I found myself smiling or laughing more than once while reading and that’s not an easy thing for me as a reader.
When I was reading the post-script and the acknowledgments the author says that he wanted to write a series with lovable characters that the readers find themselves drifting off to them even after the series is finished and I think he succeeded in doing that with this series. Falcio, Kest, and Brasti are characters that I do care about and ended up loving despite everything. Brasti comes in the first place with no competition and I think he’s one of my top 10 characters of all time, I love him when he’s being lewd and naughty and funny but I also love his more serious side when he’s the nicest person with the biggest heart around! Falcio can be a bit infuriating but also finally ended up to understand how things work and grew a lot. Kest with his brains and skills and calculations always fascinate me and he did so in this book! The other secondary characters are also memorable and with the wide cast of characters (Which I won’t mention here) I respect the efforts that were put to flesh everyone out and make them this real!
“Any man who uses the words ‘politics’ and ‘trust’ in the same sentence has disqualified himself from talking about either.”
The world-building is good, I mean there was not a lot of expanding it and less focus on saints and Gods in this entry but I think the previous books covered that just well which left more space for politics in this book and which I unexpectedly enjoyed! Don’t get me wrong, those elements were still there but in a more well-thought manner.
The plot started a bit as expected which was a bit alarming because I wanted more, after a few chapters things started getting spicy and then there were some twists I did not see. The loose threads from previous books get tied (The things that happen mysteriously in book 1 finally gets explored) and the plot armor that was in the previous books is shattered. Another thing that fazed me previously was how all the big fight scenes fade into the black but in this book we get something more satisfying and everything is wrapped beautifully after that!
Summary: Tyrant’s Throne was an excellent wrap up to the series that improved all the things I criticized before from the writing to the plot to the characters. Although it is not a perfect book, I think it is a very satisfying wrap up to the series that will make me happy when I think about those characters and series!
Read
July 1, 2022It was so great to be back with the Greatcoats in this finale to such an enjoyable series. It was a bitter-sweet experience, as I just want more of these characters. Sebastien de Castell expertly delivered a satisfying conclusion that had twists and turns and so, so many fist-pump worthy moments. The characters were my favourite part of the first three instalments, and they did not disappoint here. Laugh out loud moments, some more great camaraderie, and some well crafted villains.
Full Review to Come
Full Review to Come
May 27, 2017
(for some weird reason, GR ate my review. Anyway, here it is again. YOU CAN'T STOP ME, GR! YOU JUST CAN'T, HA!)
It's over and I WANT MOAR!
I remember picking the first book of the series, Traitor's Blade, roughly a year ago. I went into it and, to be perfectly candid, I wasn't really expecting too much. I was like "Ok, nice cover. This might be at least decent. Hopefully." Boy, was I wrong! The book turned out to be an extremely satisfying read. There were badassery aplenty, a good shot of humour, rapiers, saints and an ending that wasn't a bastard of a cliffhanger. So I went out and got myself book #2, Knight's Shadow. Once again, de Castell left me baffled because shit had taken a sharp turn with the story going full grimdark (and I mean that in the best possible way). Saint's Blood followed the same path and, once again, I loved the muthafuck'n' shite out of the book.
Now this. There's no way I can tell how "Tyrant's Throne" blew my mind without going into spoiler mode. Get this, something happens halfway through. And it's something that's going to rip your heart out. The ending? Oh, no issues there, it is just the way it's supposed to be: perfect. Er... apart from a tiny bit that had my eyes slightly rolling but it's really no biggie.
Five shining stars. All well deserved.
Again, I WANT MOAR! And, perhaps, I'll eventually have more.
Falcio, Kest and Brasti will return …
One day
It's over and I WANT MOAR!
I remember picking the first book of the series, Traitor's Blade, roughly a year ago. I went into it and, to be perfectly candid, I wasn't really expecting too much. I was like "Ok, nice cover. This might be at least decent. Hopefully." Boy, was I wrong! The book turned out to be an extremely satisfying read. There were badassery aplenty, a good shot of humour, rapiers, saints and an ending that wasn't a bastard of a cliffhanger. So I went out and got myself book #2, Knight's Shadow. Once again, de Castell left me baffled because shit had taken a sharp turn with the story going full grimdark (and I mean that in the best possible way). Saint's Blood followed the same path and, once again, I loved the muthafuck'n' shite out of the book.
Now this. There's no way I can tell how "Tyrant's Throne" blew my mind without going into spoiler mode. Get this, something happens halfway through. And it's something that's going to rip your heart out. The ending? Oh, no issues there, it is just the way it's supposed to be: perfect. Er... apart from a tiny bit that had my eyes slightly rolling but it's really no biggie.
Five shining stars. All well deserved.
Again, I WANT MOAR! And, perhaps, I'll eventually have more.
Falcio, Kest and Brasti will return …
One day
December 3, 2018
Review for Traitor's Blade here
"Review" for Knight's Shadow here
Review for Saint's Blood here
It is always sad to come to the end of great book series. de Castel populated his world is a great cast of characters with complex motivations and personalities that I have great enjoyed getting to know. The series as a whole was an excellent yarn of a small band of idealists trying to mend their country back together in spite of the enormous odds stacked against them.
Taken as one continuous story we can see how that sort of responsibility and the tribulations that come with it wear down and, at times, break these characters. There is no prophesied path to success the Chosen One must walk to win. Progress must be bought with blood and sacrifice, every gain tenaciously guarded even as more obstacles stand in the way.
I think the greatest strength of this series is the relationship between Falcio, Kest, and Brasti. The ease of their friendship, even when strained, is a delight to read and heart warming. They care a great deal for each other, risking life and limb both for themselves as well as for the security of their fractured nation. I will miss their banter and camaraderie the most.
The world they live in is also rather interesting. Their country, Tristia, is a patchwork of Dukedoms and other noble holdings that they are slowly trying to reassemble into a coherent nation. this requires more than dashing sword play or witty barbs, but politics and compromise. Over the course of the series the trio has faced off against gods and god killers, scheming nobles, and duplicitous knights. In this installment they face a threat of external invasion from savage barbarians as well as a force for their shared past which may be their most challenging foe to date.
So while the conclusion of this book is an appropriate place end the series, I will still miss all the swashbuckling and colorful characters I have gotten to know over the course of these four books.
"Review" for Knight's Shadow here
Review for Saint's Blood here
It is always sad to come to the end of great book series. de Castel populated his world is a great cast of characters with complex motivations and personalities that I have great enjoyed getting to know. The series as a whole was an excellent yarn of a small band of idealists trying to mend their country back together in spite of the enormous odds stacked against them.
Taken as one continuous story we can see how that sort of responsibility and the tribulations that come with it wear down and, at times, break these characters. There is no prophesied path to success the Chosen One must walk to win. Progress must be bought with blood and sacrifice, every gain tenaciously guarded even as more obstacles stand in the way.
I think the greatest strength of this series is the relationship between Falcio, Kest, and Brasti. The ease of their friendship, even when strained, is a delight to read and heart warming. They care a great deal for each other, risking life and limb both for themselves as well as for the security of their fractured nation. I will miss their banter and camaraderie the most.
The world they live in is also rather interesting. Their country, Tristia, is a patchwork of Dukedoms and other noble holdings that they are slowly trying to reassemble into a coherent nation. this requires more than dashing sword play or witty barbs, but politics and compromise. Over the course of the series the trio has faced off against gods and god killers, scheming nobles, and duplicitous knights. In this installment they face a threat of external invasion from savage barbarians as well as a force for their shared past which may be their most challenging foe to date.
So while the conclusion of this book is an appropriate place end the series, I will still miss all the swashbuckling and colorful characters I have gotten to know over the course of these four books.
April 15, 2018
This was an extremely entertaining end to this amazing quadrilogy. We went through hopelessness and idealism and amazingly horrible odds and through every book, wonderful snark, action, and suspense.
I think I can rank this whole series up there as one of my absolute favorite fantasies ever. Why? Because it's effortless. A truly wonderful read. And the author has the ability to tear tears from my cold, humorless eyes. ; ;
The big things that happen in this book are somewhat scaled back from fighting and defeating gods as in the third book, but damn, it had to be. Fortunately, this isn't a bad thing. In fact, it really drove home all the horrible and fantastic things that happened to all the villains and heroes in all the previous books, featuring the very fate of the entire kingdom and its whole future. Subtle? No. But it is epic.
I love all the characters. Even the nasty ones. The action is amazing, but the dialogue is even better. The worldbuilding is something divine. But above all, the imagination, heart, and soul of the text shone through.
I will be following this author forever. I have to. Anyone who can write this is a master storyteller. Period. :)
I think I can rank this whole series up there as one of my absolute favorite fantasies ever. Why? Because it's effortless. A truly wonderful read. And the author has the ability to tear tears from my cold, humorless eyes. ; ;
The big things that happen in this book are somewhat scaled back from fighting and defeating gods as in the third book, but damn, it had to be. Fortunately, this isn't a bad thing. In fact, it really drove home all the horrible and fantastic things that happened to all the villains and heroes in all the previous books, featuring the very fate of the entire kingdom and its whole future. Subtle? No. But it is epic.
I love all the characters. Even the nasty ones. The action is amazing, but the dialogue is even better. The worldbuilding is something divine. But above all, the imagination, heart, and soul of the text shone through.
I will be following this author forever. I have to. Anyone who can write this is a master storyteller. Period. :)
Read
December 15, 2020Full Video Review Here: https://youtu.be/VaOM6jO-3GM
A fun and fitting end to the Greatcoats series that feels like a return to form after the misfire that was Saint's Blood for me. Our trio are back to their mischievous ways and that sense of swashbuckling adventure returns with them. All of the hanging threads are concluded and while not everyone gets a happy ending, it's an ending I think most will find contentment with.
The action, the dialogue, and the humor are every bit as great as Castell gave us for the whole series and it's something I can't wait to see expanded when he returns to Tristia for the Court of Shadows series starting in 2021.
A fun and fitting end to the Greatcoats series that feels like a return to form after the misfire that was Saint's Blood for me. Our trio are back to their mischievous ways and that sense of swashbuckling adventure returns with them. All of the hanging threads are concluded and while not everyone gets a happy ending, it's an ending I think most will find contentment with.
The action, the dialogue, and the humor are every bit as great as Castell gave us for the whole series and it's something I can't wait to see expanded when he returns to Tristia for the Court of Shadows series starting in 2021.
July 31, 2018
Book 1: 2.75*
Book 2: 4.5*
Book 3: 4.25*
Book 4: 3*
If this hadn't been the series finale I might have quit this book after the first 100 pages. There seemed to be no point to the scenes and they could have been cut and paste from previous books. They could have been reduced to 5 pages to set the scene for where the characters were heading and this would have had a much higher rating.
The second hundred pages things got on track. Then pages 200-425 were so fricking good, and so utterly sad. Heartbreaking and soul-crushing. The end of the book was up and down. Parts of it funny, sad, head scratching as to why events had any plausibility and on and on.
The book was emblematic of the series in general. Very up and down in all aspects. The humor especially at times was good and at others vaudeville corny.
Book 2: 4.5*
Book 3: 4.25*
Book 4: 3*
If this hadn't been the series finale I might have quit this book after the first 100 pages. There seemed to be no point to the scenes and they could have been cut and paste from previous books. They could have been reduced to 5 pages to set the scene for where the characters were heading and this would have had a much higher rating.
The second hundred pages things got on track. Then pages 200-425 were so fricking good, and so utterly sad. Heartbreaking and soul-crushing. The end of the book was up and down. Parts of it funny, sad, head scratching as to why events had any plausibility and on and on.
The book was emblematic of the series in general. Very up and down in all aspects. The humor especially at times was good and at others vaudeville corny.
June 17, 2017
Just as Falcio val Mond is about to fulfill his dead King's dream of crowning his daughter Aline, trouble rears its head again. The monstrous Trin has reportedly reappeared in the neighboring country of Avares with a horde of their warriors at her back. Falcio, Kest, and Brasti head North only to find even more trouble than they anticipated. Falcio finds himself torn between upholding the law and following the King's dream.
Tyrant's Throne is the worthy conclusion to the Greatcoats series. There is sorrow, humor, desperation, and slivers of hope scattered throughout the pages. My heart was absolutely breaking at certain points, but the camaraderie between Falcio, Kest, and Brasti helped carry the story through the low moments.
In many ways the Tyrant's Throne is a mystery. The synopsis doesn't give much away so I won't either, but Trin is only part of the iceberg of problems facing the Greatcoats. I can say that nearly every longstanding question that arose in the series is answered in this novel.
As always the greatest strength of the series was the characters and their relationships. The flawed hero Falcio, the incredibly loyal Kest, and the lovable jokester Brasti. While they've all grown and changed in the series their relationship has remained the same. The supporting characters have also helped make the Tyrant's Throne and the series a beautiful tapestry of characterization.
In the end the Tyrant's Throne was not what I expected yet it was an incredibly fitting ending to the tale of Falcio val Mond and his faithful friends Kest and Brasti.
3.5 out of 5 stars
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tyrant's Throne is the worthy conclusion to the Greatcoats series. There is sorrow, humor, desperation, and slivers of hope scattered throughout the pages. My heart was absolutely breaking at certain points, but the camaraderie between Falcio, Kest, and Brasti helped carry the story through the low moments.
In many ways the Tyrant's Throne is a mystery. The synopsis doesn't give much away so I won't either, but Trin is only part of the iceberg of problems facing the Greatcoats. I can say that nearly every longstanding question that arose in the series is answered in this novel.
As always the greatest strength of the series was the characters and their relationships. The flawed hero Falcio, the incredibly loyal Kest, and the lovable jokester Brasti. While they've all grown and changed in the series their relationship has remained the same. The supporting characters have also helped make the Tyrant's Throne and the series a beautiful tapestry of characterization.
In the end the Tyrant's Throne was not what I expected yet it was an incredibly fitting ending to the tale of Falcio val Mond and his faithful friends Kest and Brasti.
3.5 out of 5 stars
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2018
A phenomenal conclusion to this series!!! Although, I do have to admit, it tore my heart from my chest a few times.
One of my favorite things about this series was that every installment had its own completed story arc that played so well into, and carried on, the bigger story arc of the entire series!!
I am a sucker for great characters and the characters in this series were just EVERYTHING. They all had so much depth, including the side characters, and regardless of whether I felt love or hate, I felt something for them all. The characters, along with the plot and the writing, definitely puts this series towards the top of my favorite list and I plan to read everything that Sebastien De Casteel ever writes!!
One of my favorite things about this series was that every installment had its own completed story arc that played so well into, and carried on, the bigger story arc of the entire series!!
I am a sucker for great characters and the characters in this series were just EVERYTHING. They all had so much depth, including the side characters, and regardless of whether I felt love or hate, I felt something for them all. The characters, along with the plot and the writing, definitely puts this series towards the top of my favorite list and I plan to read everything that Sebastien De Casteel ever writes!!
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