Seven Surrenders is every bit as infuriating and brilliant as the first half of Mycroft Canners's history of the flawed utopia of 'Terra Ignota'. Whilst 'Too Like the Lightning' sets the scene, recounting the murders of the Mardi Bash by Mycroft Canner, introducing the reader to the miraculous child Bridger. the manipulated leaders of the world spanning Hives and the Machiavellian Madame D'Arouet and her scandalous salon. A seemingly minor theft uncovers suspicions surrounding the activities of the Saneer-Weeksbooth bash, controllers of the world spanning transport network , the sequel uncovers the causes, and recounts the consequences which arise from these events.
The most effective passages are the extended setpieces in Romanova and environs, where the protagonists contend, with attendant mayhem and bloodshed, and in the revealing conversations in the Madame's salon, where the plots and deceptions are laid bare. Less effective are the philosophical ruminations on godhead and destiny, which never for me transcend my suspension of disbelief, with the effect of throwing me out of story to exclaim 'WTF'. I just can't believe in JEDD Mason. At All. Sorry Ada. But the ideas make the reader think, even if it is to think that nobody could be that stupid!
It is testament to the power of the author's vision and execution that I could pick it up again, just to see what happens in the end. Suffice to say, it does not end well. And there is a 3rd installment to anticipate in future ('The Will to Battle'). Forward then, brave Achilles!
The most effective passages are the extended setpieces in Romanova and environs, where the protagonists contend, with attendant mayhem and bloodshed, and in the revealing conversations in the Madame's salon, where the plots and deceptions are laid bare. Less effective are the philosophical ruminations on godhead and destiny, which never for me transcend my suspension of disbelief, with the effect of throwing me out of story to exclaim 'WTF'. I just can't believe in JEDD Mason. At All. Sorry Ada. But the ideas make the reader think, even if it is to think that nobody could be that stupid!
It is testament to the power of the author's vision and execution that I could pick it up again, just to see what happens in the end. Suffice to say, it does not end well. And there is a 3rd installment to anticipate in future ('The Will to Battle'). Forward then, brave Achilles!