Customer Reviews

The Shattered Crown: Steelhaven, Book Two (Unabridged)

Last year I was quite taken with Herald of the Storm, the first book in the Steelhaven trilogy, so I was very much looking forward to this second instalment called The Shattered Crown. I liked the setting, the tone of the first novel, and the fact that there were many different flavours of type of story in the book. On the other hand I had some difficulties with the pacing and some of the characters. I was hoping that Ford would improve on the points I found lacking and keep everything I liked. And he did, mostly.

While in the previous book the seven viewpoint characters each had their own story arc for the most part, which only overlapped some of the time, the events of said book have conspired to clump the viewpoints together in fewer storylines. This clustering of the different viewpoints created a clearer movement in the plot, allowing the pace to pick up more and the narrative feel less jumpy; even if we are head-hopping, we don't hop storylines as often, so it seems more of a continuous whole. The story arcs are now mainly divided between the palace, the Greencoats, the Tower of Magisters and the underworld of Steelhaven. There is one significant viewpoint added, which is that of Regulus, former chief of the Sho'tana, a Southern mountain tribe. His is the outsider's view and an interesting extension of our view of the world Ford's created and of Steelhaven.

The characters I had some trouble with last time, mostly were better in this book, but unfortunately there is also a character that became decidedly less enjoyable than last time. Whereas I thought Rag and River could have been easily been omitted from the previous book, this time around Rag was vital and I loved her story line. River, however, is still seemingly peripheral to the story, which really makes me wonder what his role will be next book. The character that really disappointed me though was Waylian. While I still enjoyed his storyline, I found him a little too "Why me?" at times, which became wearing. The way Merrick and Kaira's story developed was really enjoyable and given an interesting twist, especially when they form a close rapport with Janessa. I liked the questions of duty and loyalty their storyline posed, while still having some of the funniest dialogues in the story. Janessa fulfilled her potential this time around by grabbing her destiny by the horns and wrestling it in the direction she wants it to take. That isn't to say she necessarily succeeds, but she felt more active and in control in The Shattered Crown, even if she keeps swinging between competent ruler and uncertain adolescent. I loved the rapport Janessa develops with Kaira and the way she decides to swing her own sword literally. Nobul storyline is fantastic, and reveals his very dark and mysterious past. He also forms the link between the Sho'tana and the rest of Steelhaven in a way that was quite compelling.

We see far more palace intrigue this time between Janessa, Merrick, and Kaira and their storyline. I liked the different guard divisions and their rivalries, the Skyhelm Sentinels, who provide the monarch's personal guard, and the Order of the Blood Knights, who are elite fighters. The legendary Wyvern Guard were kick-ass and I can't wait to see what happens with their story in the next book. The setting is once again firmly focused on the city of Steelhaven, though we catch more glimpses of the rest of the world and learn more about the different countries and the world's history through Nobul and Regulus' stories.

One question I was left with is who is Gelredida? Why isn't she one of the council when she's obviously quite powerful and she bullies them around anyway? And what about Amon Tugha, who and more importantly what is he, beyond the leader of Steelhaven's enemy? Is he a magic user too? There's much to be answered in the next book, not least whether there will be a city of Steelhaven at the end of it. The Shattered Crown is a strong second entry in the Steelhaven series and I can't wait for the conclusion of the tale.

This book was provided for review by the publisher.

A fantasy novel. Second in a trilogy. That began with Herald of the Storm (Steelhaven: Book One) (Steelhaven 1) All about the city of Steelhaven, which faces threats both military based and internal.

This volume runs for three hundred and ninety one pages. It's divided into fifty four chapters. Plus a prologue and an epilogue. The lack of anything much in the way of exposition as to what went before means it's not a good jumping on point. So new readers should start with book one.

Those who have read that, read on.

As with said first book, this one contains strong language and some very brutal moments of violence.

When we left the story at the end of book one, River and Waylian both had missions. Merrick and Kaira had new roles. As did Rag. Nobul was still with the Greencoats. Janessa has to face up to new responsibilities.

Once again, the story focuses on the group of viewpoint characters that were introduced at the start of the series, with a different one the subject of each chapter.

Although

[mild spoiler]

one of them barely features. And one is added to their ranks. Regulus, a warrior of the Zatani people from the south of the realm. Who has brought a group of warriors with him on a quest for great honour. The first couple of chapters to feature Regulus could seem like clichéd noble warrior savage moments, but there's one gloriously evocative bit of scenery in his first chapter. And then when you realise where his storyline might go he starts to grab.

Meanwhile, as the threat of invasion draws ever closer and turmoil grips the city, it's leaders face stark choices for he fight ahead. Many potential allies present themselves.

But who can Janessa trust?

This is as character driven as book one. And if you're reading this then you doubtless gave that volume five stars as well. So this is more of the same. And thus just as good. Steadily, all the storylines move along very nicely. Once again, the viewpoint characters do interact, often in ways you won't see coming.

There are some big surprises to be had. Some excellent developments. And once again, by the end all the characters are in a different place to where they were before. Unsure of where things will now lead them.

There are clearly a few surprises yet to come as well.

The prose is quality and there are a few little bits of description which really stand out in the way they add detail.

Every character does tend to have moments of that stern inner voice talking to them - in italics - which could get a bit overused as a writing device. But that's the only minor complaint about an excellent read which is just as good as book one was.

I look forward very much to book three.

Herald of the Storm was a one of the most pleasant surprises of 2013. I had few expectations but after a slightly over-long build up, it blossomed into a thrilling heroic fantasy with some of the finest characters I’ve encountered in fantasy fiction. I’m not sure I realised at the time of reading how much I had enjoyed it. When The Shattered Crown dropped through the letterbox, I was inordinately excited to find out what would happen next. I’m pleased to report that Ford has used the solid foundations of book one to support a phenomenal second instalment.

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I don’t think I’ve found a fantasy book this exciting since discovering David Gemmell 25 years ago. Fantasy has evolved a lot since then and I think with The Shattered Crown, Ford probably eclipses Gemmell. Modern writers have to deliver a more rounded product. I used to joke that Gemmell books were all about ageing warriors, heavily outnumbered, making one last stand against the odds. (Actually this isn’t really a joke, that’s what they were about.)

Ford’s novel has an element of that. A dire force is descending on Steelhaven, and there is a veteran warrior waiting to come out of retirement to fight for the city, but there is so much more. As I said in my review of Herald, the key is in the characterisation. Gemmell’s were as two dimensional as they come. They swung swords and cussed a lot. Ford’s have greater depth. He’s created epic heroes with credible fragility.

The fate of Steelhaven is focused mainly around its new queen and her two new bodyguards. All three of these characters appeared in Herald, and they are a strong triumvirate. Merrick Ryder, a womanising squanderer has found the chance for redemption, but will he take it? The arrival of some new elite knights and a shadow from Merrick’s past threaten to push him over the edge. His internal struggles will decide whether a kingdom stands or falls. The two women form a bond; The taciturn warrior and the queen whose every decision is scrutinised. Should she marry for the money that is desperately needed to pay her armies, or wait for her doomed lover to return?

Other characters from Herald prove vital too. Waylian continues his apprenticeship as Ford’s magic system starts to take some shape. His mistress has seen and done things that turn the stomach, but she has Steelhaven’s interests at heart, doesn’t she? Ford leaves the reader guessing as to just what Waylian’s true potential may be and whether he’s right to implicitly trust his mentor.

Nobul Jacks, former soldier, blacksmith and now a policeman is a character that is pure Gemmell. It was the death of Nobul’s son that opened Hearld of the Storm, and he is driven by demons and wanted by powerful men. It’s a potent combination that leads him down dark pathways.

Finally there is Rag. I must confess to not being entirely convinced by her at first. Her flip-flopping between ruthless Guild member and street kid with a heart of gold, felt a bit convenient, but by the end of Shattered Crown I was converted. She’s a girl with nothing, and few prospects more likely than a knife in the back. Rag is an appropriate name as she is tossed on the capricious winds of treachery that blow through the criminal underworld. She is a chameleon, a survivor and the final piece of Steelhaven’s puzzle.

The novel’s strongest asset is its sense of impending doom. A dire army is descending on the city, and all plans and manoeuvres must be completed by the time it arrives. This gives the novel a great sense of urgency, far stronger than if the army had actually arrived. The unseen foe is far more menacing in the reader’s imagination. The sense of fighting a hopeless cause is The Shattered Crown’s strongest similarity with a David Gemmell novel.

The plotting in this book is much tighter than in the first and as a result it is a much slimmer tome. At under 400 pages The Shattered Crown is slight for a fantasy novel, but Ford achieves as much as many authors do with twice this length. Not a word is wasted. This an excellent book with excitement and intrigue in every chapter. There is still little resolution by the end and lots of threads are left untied. When I started reading Gemmell all those years ago, he’d already written half a dozen novels, so I had plenty devour. It’s a little early to be calling Ford the heir to David Gemmell, but I hope he hurries up with volume three so that I can continue the comparison. This is a fine follow up, from an exciting talent.

I am afraid that volume 2 of the series did not work well for me, and was not as good as the first instalment, which itself was reasonably good but not original. The main item in favour of this book is the fast pace of the plot.

Even there, however, this is somewhat artificial, with the author managing to write some 391 pages without showing us once the fearsome invaders from the North who are expected any day but keep coming all through the book. This is a bit of a wasted opportunity and a pity. It also makes the story a bit inconsistent. By the end of Herald of the Storm, the northern invaders have vanquished. The king had been killed and his army shattered. Throughout this book, however, you get the distinct impression that the kingdom’s forces, while retreating to the capital, are still trying to stop the enemy, or at least fighting rear-guard actions. So, shattered or not so shattered? While this feature could have been intended to as a way to create suspense, the author has relied on it too much and it just did not work for me.

Another background feature that was largely missing was the defence of the capital city. I was expecting scenes of the walls and fortifications being repaired or strengthened. Convoys of supplies brought in by sea and land. The citizen militia would undergo hasty and summary weapon training. There is very little or even none of all that, with the story being mostly about the city’s criminal underworld (the Guild). Even the mercenaries who have supposedly flocked to the capital in search of employment are a rather pitiful lot and total just three companies and little over a hundred fighters altogether. In other words, certainly not enough to make a difference against the forty thousand enemies that are expected to besiege it. One hardly even sees why there should be any, given that the book keeps insisting that the city is doomed.

Apart from holes in the plot, and a plot that almost exclusively focuses on the interior enemies on the kingdom, there is also a bit of a problem with the characters. None are very original, from the young dissolute noble who has a big complex with overbearing daddy, to the young fat magician who keeps despising himself, to the fearless female bodyguard, full of self-righteousness. Then there is the veteran warrior who is a bit of a berserker, the young inexperienced queen and the super-assassin, her lover, who seems to come out straight from “Assassin Creed”. None of these characters are entirely credible and they are even annoying at times, especially those that tend to be self-conscious, self-centred and self-pitying. One point of note is the introduction of a handful of “beast warriors” who happen to be “goodies” but have trouble in getting their credentials recognised, largely because of their rather unsettling appearance.

There are a number of good scenes, with the prologue being one of them. There is plenty of action and quite a bit of interesting magic as well, to keep the reader of her/his toes. However, all of this felt artificial because, by the end of the book, nothing has fundamentally changed. The city is still just about to be besieged, with the northern invaders having (at last!) arrived. A few characters (one goodie and two or three baddies) have been killed off or killed each other, and that is about it. Two stars for a rather un-original filler.

Ford's first Steelhaven book delivered fast paced and exciting action. The action and adventure was sufficiently gripping that it was easy to overlook the flaws - weak character development, too many changes of viewpoint and a fantasy backdrop that never came fully to life - because the reader was bowled along by the multiple frantic plot strands. This - the second book - offers rather less by way of constant action and, as a result, the problems, the same as before, are more obvious.

The action picks up immediately after the first book: the old king is dead and the city of Steelhaven is threatened by not only an invasion of marauding barbarians but internal divisions and problems, from waves of refugees to fourth columnists to rivalries between organisations and individuals. That is a promising brew but somehow Ford never quite capitalises on it.

Part of the issue is the dizzying changes of viewpoint - each chapter from a new character's perspective. The result of this, and the fact that Ford writes very short chapters - is that we rarely get any real character insight or development. The characters rarely surprise us or show signs of life beyond the demands of the plot.

We even gain a new plot strand and a new set of characters, in the shape of southern tribesmen from the fantasy world's equivalent of what appears to be Africa. The vagueness about the world they come from - a few hints of grassland savannah, tribal life and a previous existence as fighting slaves for an evil empire - is an effective way of quickly sketching a background but never truly brings it to life. This is part of a wider issue that the world as a whole never properly convinces. Each plot thread seems to exist by itself. The world of the Queen is full of discussion of mercenaries, soldiers and preparations for war but these rarely bleed into the world of the other characters. Any trip through the streets of a city preparing for battle would see men being trained as levies in the street, barricades being thrown up in tactically important streets and conversations between everyone would be dominated by the threat. This is not reflected in the background as we see it, however. The Thieves' Guild/organised crime lords do not even mention the potential destruction of the city until almost the last few pages - one might have thought that their minions, at least, might have been interested in what was going to happen.

All of which means that the plot engines have to be firing on all cylinders to power us through the story and - for me - they were stuttering for most of the book. Part of the issue here is that the great threat of invasion never really comes to life. We never once get to see the invaders or the desperate defence against them. There was time and space enough to show us some scenes from the front - that Ford does not weakens the book. More importantly, the book never really surprises us. Too often each short chapter pans out in an entirely predictable way. By no means every scene works this way and - towards the end in particular - Ford effectively rings the changes at times, but all too often there is a deadening lack of tension. There is a point, about halfway through, where an important character is almost kidnapped. If the attempt was successful then the whole story would have been dramatically reshaped - how might people have reacted? Would the city have crumbled? Who might have stepped into the shoes of the absent character? I for one wished that Ford had been brave enough to truly mix things up.

This is not a bad book but, sadly, not a particularly great one.

Following on from the first of the trilogy “Herald Of The Storm” comes “The Shattered Crown “.
Steelhaven is soon to be besieged by a ravaging Khurta horde. The various occupants of the city have lot on their respective plates. But the danger is not only coming from outside the city’s towering walls. There is much to be wary of within Steelhaven itself.
Like the first novel in the trilogy “The Shattered Crown “has each chapter concentrate on a set of disparate characters that co-exist within the city. Certain characters inhabit the upper echelons of society while others inhabit the lower rungs , while others truly exist on the margins, members of secret cabals and religious cults.
Thus the queen of steel haven Janessa,s fate is tied in with her personal guards “The Sentinels” Merrick & Kaira along with a member of the secretive guild Rag , ex-soldier Nobul Jacks and the magister apprentice Waylian.
Again like the first novel in the tragedy There's nothing particularly original about Steelhaven itself, but as the entire novel is set in its murky streets, Ford has again managed to breathe life into something which could have become tedious quickly. Each of the characters are connected to Steelhaven in ways that go deeper than simply living there. By setting the entirety of the book in one city, Ford manages to tie the reader to its fate and invests it with a colour and personality that make it seem real. A couple of new charcters have been introduced while others have slipped into the background, but there is the promise of all their fates being resolved.
And like other contemporary fantasy writers like Joe Abercrombie Ford brings a vibrant contemporary edge to his writing with much breezy profanity ( anyone who quails at a fruity expletive better steer clear of Steelhaven ) and wince inducing violence.
For some reason I struggled to get into this second book but once I had once got my head around the , lets be honest , fairly simple central concept I thoroughly enjoyed “The Shattered Crown”. And it is all set up for an epic finale with the Khurta army massing on the dust ridden horizon.
I would not want to be there in person but I sure as hell want to find out what happens .

It won’t be new information to fantasy fans, but this is a genre that can produce a book that would double as a coffee table. 400 pages would count as a small novel in the genre, so is ‘The Shattered Crown’ by Richard Ford lightweight? The answer is no, as this is part two of the ‘Steelhaven’ trilogy of books. Whilst the first instalment (Herald of the Storm) suffered from being all build up and no pay off, this is not the case in book 2. Yes, we are still building up to the events that will happen in the final act, but ‘Crown’ has far more going on than just anticipation.

Whilst ‘Storm’ struggled to balance character development and narrative by ‘Crown’ we know the characters well and can jump straight in. There are perhaps a few too many people knocking around in the book, Ford takes it in turns to write a chapter from a different characters perspective. In the first book this meant leaping from separate story to separate story, but here the characters are far closer. The book is best when the chapters float into one another, which increasingly happens e.g. you enter a scene from the perspective of the Queen, only to start the next from the PoV of her guard who moves the story on.

As with any ensemble, readers are likely to prefer the company of some characters over others. The distraught blacksmith comes to the fore here, whilst a charismatic drunk turned solider loses his appeal (no one likes a moaner). The plotting is pacy and you never hang around someone too long for them to get boring. Inversely this means that you also don’t get to really understand the characters and at times they act like fantasy stereotypes. However, with some great action set pieces and a pace that kept me turning the pages I was kept happy. This is a fun and fast fantasy book that builds upon the solid base of the first book and runs with it to new heights.