#captain's fury

[antrontsr]

Codex Alera by Jim Butcher

I’ve been a big fan of Jim Butcher’s writing for years and years, but up until now have only read his Dresden Files series.  It was time for me to jump head first into more of his writing.  

A little backstory on this series; Jim was bet that he couldn’t write a good story based off a lame idea.  Jim upped the ante when he countered that he could do just that, but based off two lame ideas chosen by the challenger.  The ideas ended up being “The Lost Roman Legion” and “Pokemon”.

Is it precisely based off the idea of The Lost Roman Legion?  Inconclusive....but  the Roman inspiration is not only evident, but on prominent display.  Much of the story is also military based, however my previous knowledge on the Lost Roman Legion is too insufficient to say yes or no.

Throughout the setting and landscape that this story is part of roam “Furies”.  My initial interpretation of their description more closely resembled Elemental creatures similar to those you’d find in Dungeons and Dragons or other fantasy style games. At the same time, the appearance of these wild forces in nature, and the populations ability to harness their power and abilities was very much reminiscent of Pokemon. 

The story was good pushing into great at times, I enjoyed the variety of characters and races that made up the world.   The story line centers around Tavi, a lowly shepard living on the edge of wilderness, and showcases his rise to power and fame through the politics of Alera.

Jim Butcher exceeded my expectations with this series. 

[happymeishappylife]

Captain’s Fury by Jim Butcher Book #4 of the Codex Alera

Alright, your back on my good list Butcher. After my initial anger at the idea that Tavi got powers in the last book, I was relieved to see that they weren’t sudden and powerful. I enjoyed seeing him try to progress them and then I love the reveal for why they have been slowly manifesting in him. After all this novel also redeemed Isana in my eyes because it proved just what a powerful watercrafter she is so of course she could reduce Tavi’s growth to hide him. Still, what was impressive of the novel was the unfolding of the events and Tavi’s continued growth now as he declares and understands he is the Princeps of Alera.

Much like the other books, I love the way you see the unfolding of the three different story arcs. While Tavi’s obviously takes precedence because of his continued role to become the new Princeps, his journey from Captain, to rescuing Varg, fighting off assassins and becoming an even more compassionate and strong leader will help him when the time comes to ruling Alera. Something that obviously will have consequences but is coming fast. His brain also still is his greatest tool and so while yes he has furycrafting, it’s great to see that while using it, it’s not as impressive as his wits and strategic maneuvers to do best by the people of Alera. I also appreciate that he is no longer a kid and while sometimes, he’s cocky with his friends, its because of how much respect he’s earned from them.

Meanwhile the heartbreaking and absolutely horrific events of what the First Lord actually is doing in Kalare is absolutely justifiable for why Amara can now leave the cursors. My only complaint there is how little she could guess his plans to set off a volcano, but you at least knew as a reader just how much the First Lord thought through the whole plan which is why he has Bernard with him so that he can then take his wife away from this life. Still, the other thing this novel did very well was set up how weak and fragile Gaius is getting in his old age, while proving how much power he really has. A hard thing to do, but then its why it was great to see he and his grandson go back and forth at the end. Afterall, Tavi and his wits while lacking power, has the foresight that Gauis possesses so well which is why they do like each other.

I was sad to see us pull away from the First Aleran though. Mainly because when the book chose to focus on it, it was through the eyes of Marcus/Fidelas, who supposedly is being redeemed, but I’m still having a hard time with it. I would have much rather focus on Crassus and Max, but then again its probably because they are very much like my own characters so its hard not to be biased. Still, glad they are both alive because now they will be great allies for the new Princeps.

Rating: 10/10

[nautical-language]

Kitai: Has a deep, emotional, relationship-building moment with Isana.

Kitai, two second later: “Now hold this for me while I burgle this restaurant.”

[quirkykayleetam]

One Sentence Book Reviews!

Hello friends!  I got this from @letthebookbegin​ and I’m incredibly thrilled to be doing it!

Here’s the rules: When you get tagged, write a one sentence review for each of the last three books you read. Feel free to have a little fun with it. Then tag three (or more) friends to keep it going :)

Jane Unlimited:  I had no idea what I was getting into when I started with trippy (and incredibly new) YA novel which changes genres EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER!

Captain’s Fury:  Book four of Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera (and my favorite in the series so far), Captain’s Fury combines the lost Roman legions with fire, earth, water, air, and metal elementals to tell an enticing war story of two civilizations of the brink of disaster.

Oathbringer: A soldier turned slaved + A warlord turned diplomat + A scholar turned thief + A refounded order of magical knights = The longest book I have ever read for fun!

I know we’re all fandom blogs, not booklrs, but I’ll tag @greymichaela, @alternia-and-beforus, @annie-thyme, and whomever else wants to do this.  You have my love!

[straycatreadsthat]

Living was a dangerous past-time, and often quite painful—but there was also such joy in living, such beauty, things that one would otherwise never see, never experience, never know. The risk of pain and loss was a part of living. It made everything else mean more; beauty was more pure, more bright, pleasure more full and complete, laughter deeper, more satisfying—and contentment more perfect, more peaceful.

“Captain’s Fury” by Jim Butcher

[nautical-language]

Isana: Time for girl talk! Kitai: What does that mean? Isana: It’s when we tell each other what we’re really thinking without having to worry about what’s appropriate Kitai: F I N A L L Y

If I was artistically inclined I’d follow this up with a sketch of Kitai approaching Araris —

Kitai: You are much more agreeable since you began bedding Isana. I approve of your relationship, but I know from my experiences with Tavi that Alerans are not taught the ways of lovemaking. I would be happy to provide my own insight in how to please Isana if y- Araris: ISA NA H EL P M  E

[nautical-language]

The door to the cabin opened and Ehren poked his sandy-haired head out of it, looking blearily around. “What? What’s going on?” There was hiss, a cracking sound, and another arrow smashed through the cabin’s door just above its latch and so close to Ehren’s hand that its haft touched the bare skin of his wrist. Ehren peered owlishly at the arrow. “Ah,” he said, and shut the door once more.

In which Ehren is all of us.

[nautical-language]

um so anyway fuck Gaius Sextus