Revelation - Carol Berg

Having really enjoyed "Transformation", the first in the Rai-Kirah series, I had very high hopes for "Revelation" and I'm glad to say that for the most part it lived up to my expectations.

"Revelation" is set a year or so after the events in the first book. Seyonne, having regained his homeland and his wife, now finds himself fighting not only the ever present demons but also his people's dogmatic traditions. When Seyonne awakes one morning to find his pregnant wife without child and a conspiracy of silence surrounding what happened to it he is forced to question everything he has been taught since birth. The theme of Seyonne questioning the rigid traditionalism of the Ezzarians was explored somewhat in Transformation (reviewed here) but is done in much greater depth here. The title "Revelation" is particularly apt as this book is loaded with surprises. Pretty much everything we thought we knew from the first book is flipped on it's head, particularly regarding demons and the rai-kirah prophecy and it makes for compulsive reading.

One of the few flaws with this book is the absence of Aleksander, who only appears for a few chapters throughout the entire novel. The Derzhi prince is one of the most interesting characters I've ever read and the relationship that develops between him and Seyonne is the highlight of the series. However while Aleksander is mostly absent we are treated to a few interesting new characters such as Blaise and Balthir. The character of Fiona in particular was a joy to read and I look forward to seeing how her character develops in the final volume.

I should mention that the novel also has some issues with pacing. The opening and closing chapters zip along at a fairly good, brisk pace while those in the demon world (about a third of the book, maybe more) seem to drag a little. This is a minor issue however and barely detracts from the enjoyment of this superbly written, incredibly enjoyable novel. Carol Berg has proven in this series that she has a natural flare for good characters and rich storytelling. Hopefully her other novels can live up to the high standards she has set here.

Final Verdict: 8/10.

ASOIAF quiz

I'm house Lannister.

54% Dominant, 36% Extroverted, 81% Trustworthy

Confident. Dangerous. Unrelentingly sexy. The master of all you survey, you are of House Lannister.

You are a dominant personality—and how! When someone asks “and who are you, the proud lord said, that I should bow so low?” your response is probably, “FUCK YOU! I’m a fucking LANNISTER, that’s who the HELL I am!” And then you’d pimp-slap them with your golden hand. All joking aside, you view leadership as your natural, god-given right; it is a trait, just like your golden curling hair and irresistible sex appeal. It’s who you are—a Lannister.

You are introverted, meaning that you prefer to keep your ambitions and devices to yourself. Unfortunately, your personality is so vivacious that (despite all your intended secrecies) you are still a very obvious person. Though no one knows what avenues you will travel, your destination is clear to all. And of course, yours is a road to greatness! You have a magnetic, polarizing personality: people either love you or hate you. They also probably find you exceedingly intimidating. Their fear is probably well-placed.

Finally, you are trustworthy. Does this surprise you? Remember your unofficial motto: “A Lannister always pays his debts.” Though you enjoy keeping secrets and playing games, everyone knows you are a major player. Underhanded tactics are so expected from you that they don’t particularly count as untrustworthyness—it’s more of a family legacy than a choice. Your promise is as good as the gold that you shit.

Representative characters include: Tyrion Lannister, Jaime Lannister, and Tywin Lannister

Similar Houses: Greyjoy, Stark, and Targaryen

Opposite House: Tyrell

When playing the game of thrones, you play it balls to the wall.

I've never had the pleasure of reading a song of ice and fire yet (I will eventually though) but my friend informs me that being House Lannister is a good thing. Then he cracked a joke about me being a deformed dwarf, which I didn't really understand. Go to: this link to check it out for yourself.

"Transformation" by Carol Berg

Most fantasy books in recent times can pretty much be divided into two categories, sprawling multi-POV epics like A Game of Thrones and The Wheel of Time (The Jordan School) and more intimate character driven fantasy (The Hobb School). Transformation definetely falls into the latter category. It focuses on only two characters, Seyonne and Aleksander, but unlike most fantasy authors, Berg develops her characters extensively and realistically. The enjoyment from reading this book comes not from the events depicted but from watching Aleksander grow from a spoilt and cruel princeling into a loyal and sympathetic character and Seyonne regain his dignity after years of slavery.

This book is ideal for anyone who wants a light read that doesn't lack depth or complexity. Transformation is fairly short (about 400 pages) and it's Arabian setting, though original and well realised, isn't explored in detail. Once again the characters are the most important factor and characters are to Berg what battle scenes are to Salvatore. Seyonne and Aleksander are flawed, multi-faceted and entertaining and Berg successfully avoids the archetypes this blog so abhorrs. I should also mention that Carol Berg comes second only to Robin Hobb in her mastery of the first person POV and it serves her well here.

It's hard to find anything negative to say about "Transformation" (except it's horrible cover art). It certainly isn't groundbreaking or particularly original but it is an entertaining and well written book and is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to begin yet another 12-book epic. Highly recommended

Final Verdict: 8/10