The Skull Throne
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4.3 • 245 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
In the grand tradition of George R.R. Martin and Robert Jordan, Sunday Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett continues his critically acclaimed Demon Cycle with the next dramatic instalment: THE SKULL THRONE.
The Skull Throne of Krasia stands empty.
Built from the skulls of fallen generals and demon princes, it is a seat of honour and ancient, powerful magic, keeping the demon corelings at bay. From atop the throne, Ahmann Jardir was meant to conquer the known world, forging its isolated peoples into a unified army to rise up and end the demon war once and for all.
But Arlen Bales, the Painted Man, stood against this course, challenging Jardir to a duel he could not in honour refuse. Rather than risk defeat, Arlen cast them both from a precipice, leaving the world without a saviour, and opening a struggle for succession that threatens to tear the Free Cities of Thesa apart.
In the south, Inevera, Jardir's first wife, must find a way to keep their sons from killing one another and plunging their people into civil war as they strive for enough glory to make a claim on the throne.
In the north, Leesha Paper and Rojer Inn struggle to forge an alliance between the duchies of Angiers and Miln against the Krasians before it is too late.
Caught in the crossfire is the duchy of Lakton – rich and unprotected, ripe for conquest.
All the while, the corelings have been growing stronger, and without Arlen and Jardir there may be none strong enough to stop them.
Only Renna Bales may know more about the fate of the missing men, but she, too, has disappeared…
Reviews
Praise for The Demon Cycle:
‘Peter V. Brett is one of my favourite new authors’
Patrick Rothfuss
‘There is much to admire in Peter Brett’s writing, and his concept is brilliant. There’s action and suspense all the way.’ Terry Brooks
‘[Peter V. Brett is] at the top of his game. I give this my highest recommendation.’
Tor.com
‘[Brett] confirms his place among epic fantasy’s pantheon of greats amid the likes of George R.R. Martin, Steven Erikson, and Robert Jordan.’
Fantasy Book Critic
About the author
Peter V. Brett is the internationally bestselling author of the Demon Cycle series, which has sold more than three and a half million copies in twenty-seven languages worldwide. Novels include The Warded Man, The Desert Spear, The Daylight War, The Skull Throne, and The Core. He lives in Brooklyn.
petervbrett.com
Instagram: @pvbrett
Twitter: @PVBrett
Facebook.com/PVBrett
Customer Reviews
Four and a half stars
With the Desert Spear and the Painted Man both missing, war is brewing and in the Hollow, Leesha, Rojer and their friends are still expecting demon attacks while wondering if Arlen and his wife Reesa are alive and likely to return soon. In Everam’s Bounty a battle is ongoing for the Skull Throne and Inervra is determined that neither of her 2 sons, who hunger for the power, will kill each other for it. To prevent internal strife from erupting it is decided that a strike at another enemy is necessary.
Filler book
I loved the first 2 books in this series, however everything after has just seemed like the author is milking this series. Like book 3 I felt that this book was filled with a whole lot of nothing up until to last few hundred pages where things started to kick off. I will read the rest of the series as I am curious to see where it is taken and it was still an enjoyable book, however the author seems more interested in money than in providing the reader with something of value.
Worthwhile!
Lots of reviewers mentioned useless development of side characters, and not to bother with this book but skip to the final instalment. I disagree. The development of the Daylight War that happens in this book is really worthwhile and genuinely explored worthwhile themes of greed, pride, jealousy and love. I enjoyed the combat (both political and military) with a nice mixture of “saw that coming”, twists, and faced-paced action.
The few chapters regarding the Delivers are only to setup for the fourth book, but classic in the style of the previous books. This is not a book about Arlen and Jadir, and there’s enough happening to important characters in the Daylight War to make this instalment worthwhile.