The War Within

The Great God's War, Book 2

By: Stephen R. Donaldson

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 24 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

Stephen R. Donaldson, the New York Times best-selling author of the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, returns to the world of his Great God’s War fantasy epic as two kingdoms - united by force - prepare to be challenged by a merciless enemy....

It has been 20 years since Prince Bifalt of Belleger discovered the Last Repository and the sorcerous knowledge hidden there. At the behest of the repository's magisters, and in return for the restoration of sorcery to both kingdoms, the realms of Belleger and Amika ceased generations of war. Their alliance was sealed with the marriage of Bifalt to Estie, the crown princess of Amika. But the peace - and their marriage - has been uneasy.

Now, the terrible war that King Bifalt and Queen Estie feared is coming. An ancient enemy has discovered the location of the Last Repository, and a mighty horde of dark forces is massing to attack the library and take the magical knowledge it guards. That horde will slaughter every man, woman, and child in its path, destroying both Belleger and Amika along the way.  

With their alliance undermined by lingering hostility and conspiracies threatening, it will take all of the monarchs' strength and will to inspire their kingdoms to become one to defend their land, or all is lost....

©2019 Stephen R. Donaldson (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Ok, but...

Decent story, but I expect more from this author who has such a great track record. A disappointing effort based on the outstanding releases that have come from him in the past. Hopefully, there is more to come with this series. So far, it's just meh. It's hard to believe that the same guy who gave us the absolute gift of the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, one of the best fantasy series EVER gave us this. Because of Scott Brick's narration, its worth the credit, but definitely not a keeper. Since it's Donaldson, and due to his rep, I'll stick with it for the next volume and see where it goes from there.

I wanted to like it more than I did

I wanted to like it more than I did.

And isn't that the worst damning with faint praise I can offer? It's particularly painful, knowing what Donaldson is capable of.

The beloved old Donaldson style is there, but not the substance. The worldbuilding and history makes no sense, and the themes are too on the nose. A star for the style and one for Scott Brick's narration of the audio. Here's hoping Donaldson delivers a better tale next time.

waiting

waiting for book three. please make the wait short. I will re read book 1 and 2