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Captain's Fury (Codex Alera, Book 4) By Jim Butcher ( Ace Hardcover )
Release Date: 2007-12-04
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Product Description
After two years of bitter conflict with the hordes of invading Canim, Tavi of Calderon, now Captain of the First Aleran Legion, realizes that a peril far greater than the Canim exists-the mysterious threat that drove the savage Canim to flee their homeland. Now, Tavi must find a way to overcome the centuries-old animosities between Aleran and Cane if an alliance is to be forged against their mutual enemy. And he must lead his legion in defiance of the law, against friend and foe--or no one will have a chance of survival . . .
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 Where the heck is the map? ( gussinclair )
The fourth volume of Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, Captain's Fury continues the adventures of Tavi as he contends with Canim invaders and duplicitous Aleran "allies." At the same time, First Lord Gaius, Bernard, and Amara travel to Kalare to put an end to Kalarus's rebellion. As usual, Butcher stuffs the novel with combat and political intrigue. At this point, he knows what he's doing; he has created a formula for the series, which could continue in perpetuity. I have followed with interest Tavi's journey from a shepherd to a student to a soldier to a prince. Illustrating a character's growth from a boy to a man is an effective way to plot a series.
This novel's highlight is the development of Gaius as a full-fledged primary character. In the earlier volumes, he has been a presence more than a person. His arrival as a character humanizes him. I also like how Butcher reverses the roles: Before, Tavi was the one without furies, while Gaius reveled in his; now, Tavi is starting to come into his power while Gaius cannot depend on his. The First Lord also serves as a foil to Tavi. You can sense a conflict brewing between them based on their personalities. Tavi's compassion and trust will inevitably clash with Gaius's grim resolve. Much of the novels focus on the nature and consequences of service and loyalty. More than any other volume, Captain's Fury shows how Tavi inspires service and loyalty, whereas Gauis compels it.
By now, we know Tavi's secret identity, and part of me thinks it is a mistake. I like Tavi as a resourceful country boy who succeeded due to, not in spite of, his inability to furycraft. His success showed up the flawed society of this world with its emphasis on bloodline and furycrafting. Now, we have to wonder if his success is inherited instead of innate. Has he excelled merely because of his father? I know that Tavi's identity is crucial to the series and cannot be second-guessed, but I still wish he were a simple shepherd. There are enough stories about peasants who were royal all along.
Butcher's series is entertaining, but I think it is starting to feel formulaic. I hope that Butcher throws a curveball in the next volume. I'm ready for some surprises and betrayal. Also, can someone please insert a map of Alera in the next book?
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great reading
i've said it before i'll say it again, if you like epic fantasy this series is for you!!!
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Excellent 4th part to the series.
I really enjoy this series. Jim Butcher is an author I love to read and I originally got hooked on his Dresden Files series. I'm currently anxiously awaiting the next release from both series at the end of 2008.
The Codex Alera is a story line that, while not as intricately woven as George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire (or is it Fire and Ice? I forget), it is still very, very entertaining. We're not reading Aristotle here, but I never did enjoy reading him in the first place. Some might say it's predictable, but there are some good twists here and there and the series is going in the direction I really want it to go. If Butcher did something strange and killed off half of the cast to be unpredictable, I'd be upset.
I recommend this book and this series to all those that enjoy the Dresden Files, Orson Scott Card, George R.R. Martin, etc.
Again, it's a highly enjoyable read and I really can't wait to get the next book.
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Excellent
Captian's Fury is an excellent continuation of the very good series of books. A difficult book to put down once you start with enough twists to keep you guessing to the end yet not lose you along the way. Already anxious to get the next one.
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Roman-style magic, military, and politics--nicely done ( booksforabuck2 )
As captain of Alera's First Legion, Tavi has spent two years holding the invading Canim warriors to a draw. Now, though, Senator Arnos has brought two more legions into the battle--and he's intent on destroying both Tavi and his reputation. Arnos intends to be the champion of the nation, setting himself up as a candidate for emperor when the current emperor dies. To make sure Tavi is completely disgraced, the senator orders him to murder civilians--something he knows Tavi will never do.
Tavi's composure is shaken when he learns that the woman he thought was his aunt is actually his mother, and that his late father was the heir to the Alaran thrown. Still, he believes that the war can be won without massive slaughter--that the Canim are anxious to end the invasion and head to their homes. Unfortunately, Arnos wants his triumph and Tavi can do little from the prison where he's locked up after disobeying orders. Fortunately for Tavi, he has a number of friends, and his powers of magic are gradually growing.
Author Jim Butcher continues his Codex Alera series with an adventure that combines Roman-style military tactics, magic, personal bravery, and political jockeying for position during the decline of the aging emperor. A Roman-style government, military and political system provides a solid base on which Butcher can add his magical system (based on personifications of the different elements). Tavi (Octavian) continues to grow as a character, creating loyalties among his men (and women) that will serve him well if he can survive to become emperor. But at the end of CAPTAIN'S FURY, he's exposed to the Aleran nobility as heir-apparent. His problems with assassins are about to be multiplied.
Butcher is best known for his fine Dresden File series. The Codex Alera series is a great addition to his output. Fans of magical world-style fantasy will definitely want to read this entire series.
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