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Nightrunner #3
Traitor's Moon
Master spies Seregil and Alec are no strangers to peril. Their assignments, nightrunning for wizards and nobles, have led them into many deadly situations. But sometimes the greatest danger can lurk beneath a Traitor's Moon. . . .
Wounded heroes of a cataclysmic battle, Seregil and Alec have spent the past two years in self-imposed exile, far from their adopted homeland, Skala, and the bitter memories there. But as the war rages on, their time of peace is shattered by a desperate summons from Queen Idralain, asking them to aid her daughter on a mission to Aurënen, the very land from which Seregil was exiled in his youth. Here, in this fabled realm of magic and honor, he must at last confront the demons of his dark past, even as Alec discovers an unimagined heritage. And caught between Skala's desperate need and the ancient intrigues of the Aurënfaie, they soon find themselves snared in a growing web of treachery and betrayal.
Wounded heroes of a cataclysmic battle, Seregil and Alec have spent the past two years in self-imposed exile, far from their adopted homeland, Skala, and the bitter memories there. But as the war rages on, their time of peace is shattered by a desperate summons from Queen Idralain, asking them to aid her daughter on a mission to Aurënen, the very land from which Seregil was exiled in his youth. Here, in this fabled realm of magic and honor, he must at last confront the demons of his dark past, even as Alec discovers an unimagined heritage. And caught between Skala's desperate need and the ancient intrigues of the Aurënfaie, they soon find themselves snared in a growing web of treachery and betrayal.
540 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 6, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 575 reviews
May 3, 2024
Marvellous!!!
This book turned to be more about politics and war, very interesting, still full of adventures, mysteries, fights and the fight to do what is right! I was cheering, was sad, angry, happy, anxious, perplexed on how things unfolded!! What a joy to see characters that we love growing, and the addition of new to the story, everyone, so rich, full of details, great pleasure!
The plot was just perfect, the mystery, the clues, I was intrigued, the fight, the ambushes, I was at the edge of my seat! The characters strength, their vulnerability, the struggle! Everything very cohesive! It was definitely a delight!
Incredible cover by Gary Ruddell, congrats!!!
I also have this book on Audible, Raymond Todd, he was consistent, very nice voice, but there were a lot of problems in the editing.
This book turned to be more about politics and war, very interesting, still full of adventures, mysteries, fights and the fight to do what is right! I was cheering, was sad, angry, happy, anxious, perplexed on how things unfolded!! What a joy to see characters that we love growing, and the addition of new to the story, everyone, so rich, full of details, great pleasure!
The plot was just perfect, the mystery, the clues, I was intrigued, the fight, the ambushes, I was at the edge of my seat! The characters strength, their vulnerability, the struggle! Everything very cohesive! It was definitely a delight!
Incredible cover by Gary Ruddell, congrats!!!
I also have this book on Audible, Raymond Todd, he was consistent, very nice voice, but there were a lot of problems in the editing.
May 17, 2018
(note: I audiobooked this so some spellings may be incorrect)
This was a book I really ended up enjoying, and it made me realise I need to get back to finishing up this series soon because I find it so fun. In this story we're once more following Seregil and Alec, two young Aufrenfae and Tirfae who are lovers. They met a few books back, and have been doing jobs and working together ever since. However, in the last book they suffered a terrible loss and since then they have exiled themselves from the rest of society and been living a simple life together... until...
At the start of this book the two Nightrunners are summoned by the Queen to accompany her daughter Klia to the home of the Aurenfae, Aurenen, and negotiate a treaty with them to help end a war that the Skalan Queen is fighting. Skala is the home of Seregil and Alec, and it is precious to them both, so they agree and they end up joining the party along with their friend Beka who we met in previous books and Therou the wizard.
What I like about this is that although this book could mostly be described just as elven/fae politics with the human and Tirfae delegation, it also focuses in a lot on Alec and Seregil and their relationship together. This is a gay love story that I am 100% on board with, they are dedicated, caring, brave and loving, and I can't wait to keep following them in later books too. They remind me a little of Royce and Hadrian from the Riyria series by Michael J Sullivan, and I really like that about them :D
Overall this was a slow starter, but a very solid story with some mystery elements and a great amount of romance and plot. I really found it good fun, and I'd give it a solid 4*s and plan to read the next soon!
This was a book I really ended up enjoying, and it made me realise I need to get back to finishing up this series soon because I find it so fun. In this story we're once more following Seregil and Alec, two young Aufrenfae and Tirfae who are lovers. They met a few books back, and have been doing jobs and working together ever since. However, in the last book they suffered a terrible loss and since then they have exiled themselves from the rest of society and been living a simple life together... until...
At the start of this book the two Nightrunners are summoned by the Queen to accompany her daughter Klia to the home of the Aurenfae, Aurenen, and negotiate a treaty with them to help end a war that the Skalan Queen is fighting. Skala is the home of Seregil and Alec, and it is precious to them both, so they agree and they end up joining the party along with their friend Beka who we met in previous books and Therou the wizard.
What I like about this is that although this book could mostly be described just as elven/fae politics with the human and Tirfae delegation, it also focuses in a lot on Alec and Seregil and their relationship together. This is a gay love story that I am 100% on board with, they are dedicated, caring, brave and loving, and I can't wait to keep following them in later books too. They remind me a little of Royce and Hadrian from the Riyria series by Michael J Sullivan, and I really like that about them :D
Overall this was a slow starter, but a very solid story with some mystery elements and a great amount of romance and plot. I really found it good fun, and I'd give it a solid 4*s and plan to read the next soon!
September 1, 2007
This installment felt somewhat transitional to me, coming after the interconnected, myth-arcs-to-the-brim feeling of the first two books. This feeling makes even more sense now that LF has said the fourth and fifth Nightrunner books will be a two-parter of the same story, as well. This book is absolutely necessary for Seregil, who was in some ways ruined by the events of SD. Seregil needs this book to be able to deal with his issues - including those pesky ones from his childhood - so that he and Alec can return to their lives as they were before the War. The reader needs this book, too, I think, after that intense, emotionally-draining finale. A little less action, a little more politicking, methinks.
Although it's slow at times, I loved the political turmoil and finally getting to learn about Seregil's past. And I don't care what those damn 'faie said, Alec was strong enough to support himself and Seregil throughout this entire book. He's come quite far from the scared kid he used to be.
Although it's slow at times, I loved the political turmoil and finally getting to learn about Seregil's past. And I don't care what those damn 'faie said, Alec was strong enough to support himself and Seregil throughout this entire book. He's come quite far from the scared kid he used to be.
May 1, 2012
Like the first two volumes of the series, this book constantly frustrated me because it could have been so much better if the plot had simply been handed over to a better prose stylist. There's really not much wrong with the plot itself -- not in the classics category, for sure, but there are enough complications and twists and turns and opportunities for emotional drama to keep most everyone happy. Unfortunately, Flewelling just doesn't have the talent to make the most of that plot. There's no grand evocative descriptions of scenery, no trolling of emotional depths....just blunt unimaginative sentences and wasted opportunities.
And then there's an odd kind of uneasy handling of the relationship between the two main characters, Seregil and Alec. This is the first volume in which the two have actually been lovers, so this aspect of their interactions hasn't really been breached until now (setting aside some rather chaste longings and one kiss from the previous book). On the plus side, the society being depicted has absolutely zero qualms about either gender equality or same sex relationships. Same sex couples are depicted as being quite common and of no note whatsoever, including within military units; and not only do women frequently hold positions of power in all three of the countries involved in the stories, but also one is just as likely to find a brothel of male whores servicing women as to find a brothel of female whores servicing men, or either gender of whore servicing clients of the same gender. On the minus side, however, the author herself seems to be a bit uneasy with actually discussing homosexuality. Oddly enough, straight sexual acts in this series are described in more detail than gay sex (although none are ever described graphically). For instance, although sex between Seregil and Alec always fades to black after at most a kiss, occasionally (considering all three books up to this point) Alec and other characters do have gently-glossed-over yet on-screen sex with members of the opposite gender. Also, although there are relatively frequent authorial references to "lovers" when straight couples are mentioned, Alec and Seregil are almost always referred to by Flewelling as "friends" (with the occasional exception of actual dialogue between characters). It leads to an odd sense of cognitive dissonance -- that Flewelling might believe somewhere down deep in her soul that the relationship is acceptable but also somehow not acceptable at the same time.
Anyway, I mostly read this far into the series because I'm a completist at heart -- I hate to leave a story half way through. On the other hand, given my frustrations up to this point and the.....shall we say....questionable sound of the blurb for volume 4 of the series, I think I'll probably cut my losses and stop here!
And then there's an odd kind of uneasy handling of the relationship between the two main characters, Seregil and Alec. This is the first volume in which the two have actually been lovers, so this aspect of their interactions hasn't really been breached until now (setting aside some rather chaste longings and one kiss from the previous book). On the plus side, the society being depicted has absolutely zero qualms about either gender equality or same sex relationships. Same sex couples are depicted as being quite common and of no note whatsoever, including within military units; and not only do women frequently hold positions of power in all three of the countries involved in the stories, but also one is just as likely to find a brothel of male whores servicing women as to find a brothel of female whores servicing men, or either gender of whore servicing clients of the same gender. On the minus side, however, the author herself seems to be a bit uneasy with actually discussing homosexuality. Oddly enough, straight sexual acts in this series are described in more detail than gay sex (although none are ever described graphically). For instance, although sex between Seregil and Alec always fades to black after at most a kiss, occasionally (considering all three books up to this point) Alec and other characters do have gently-glossed-over yet on-screen sex with members of the opposite gender. Also, although there are relatively frequent authorial references to "lovers" when straight couples are mentioned, Alec and Seregil are almost always referred to by Flewelling as "friends" (with the occasional exception of actual dialogue between characters). It leads to an odd sense of cognitive dissonance -- that Flewelling might believe somewhere down deep in her soul that the relationship is acceptable but also somehow not acceptable at the same time.
Anyway, I mostly read this far into the series because I'm a completist at heart -- I hate to leave a story half way through. On the other hand, given my frustrations up to this point and the.....shall we say....questionable sound of the blurb for volume 4 of the series, I think I'll probably cut my losses and stop here!
May 9, 2023
3.5 stars
This book had quite a bit of politics—faie politics, to be precise—and, while it was interesting, at times it was hard to keep everything straight with all the clans and customs, on top of their convoluted concept of “honor.” It also slowed things down considerably in the first part of the book and since it’s a long book, that first part wasn’t short either. Once things picked up, though, it was much easier to follow the flow of the plot.
It was otherwise good to learn more about
It was also good to see Seregil and Alec together now that they’re bonded. As usual, they’re at their best when they’re nightrunning, so now that
Thero’s shaping up to be one of the best things about this series, I really love how he’s with Seregil now, I hope the author doesn’t have anything bad in store for him and I’m looking forward to finding out if my theory about is correct.
Nyal was
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and I hope we’ll get rid of soon.
This book had quite a bit of politics—faie politics, to be precise—and, while it was interesting, at times it was hard to keep everything straight with all the clans and customs, on top of their convoluted concept of “honor.” It also slowed things down considerably in the first part of the book and since it’s a long book, that first part wasn’t short either. Once things picked up, though, it was much easier to follow the flow of the plot.
It was otherwise good to learn more about
It was also good to see Seregil and Alec together now that they’re bonded. As usual, they’re at their best when they’re nightrunning, so now that
Thero’s shaping up to be one of the best things about this series, I really love how he’s with Seregil now, I hope the author doesn’t have anything bad in store for him and I’m looking forward to finding out if my theory about is correct.
Nyal was
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and I hope we’ll get rid of soon.
June 6, 2020
I have died A THOUSAND DEATHS, this book was the best thing that has ever happened to me!!!!!
December 9, 2018
"Traitor's Moon" has quite a different pace from the necromancer mystery "Stalking Darkness" and with its Aurenfaie (sorry, can't find the double dots on my keyboard) culture and Skalan politics another plot emphasis. It is much slower than the second novel and much less happens in matters of action.
Nonetheless I enjoyed the slow, subtle Aurenfaie scheming and the clashing of the two quite different mindsets of the Aurenfaie and the Skalans.
While the greater political schemes play out in the background, Seregil's own fate as an exile from his mothercountry uncovers new layers of his personality. My heart bled in his scenes, when he struggles between two loyalties, and establishes Seregil even deeper as one of my most beloved fictional characters ever. At his side Alec who has grown into an equal partner and pillar in Seregil's search for redemption, while he himself finally discovers parts of his own past.
The love of those two men is the centerstone of the Nightrunner series and for me the best depiction of a relationship that I so far read in any SFF story. It is seldom in the foreground of the story, never steals away from the plot, but always there, subtle and reassuring- and for this alone I could kiss Lynn Flewelling.
Yet it is not only the two MCs whom I love. The diplomatic Commander Klia and the strongheaded Captain Beka also have prominent roles in this book and both women are wonderful examples of how I prefer women to be written in high fantasy.
Least but not last the magican Thero, for whom I have a soft spot, is given the chance to shine in this novel. He is a real asset to the diplomatic party and I enjoyed the scenes with him (especially the one scene ;) ).
So, as the story perhaps isn't 5 stars - especially not when compared to the complexity of "The Way of Kings", which I've read parallel to his novel- the characters are. Flewelling managed to create a bunch of people whom I deeply care for and want to always come back to.
Nonetheless I enjoyed the slow, subtle Aurenfaie scheming and the clashing of the two quite different mindsets of the Aurenfaie and the Skalans.
While the greater political schemes play out in the background, Seregil's own fate as an exile from his mothercountry uncovers new layers of his personality. My heart bled in his scenes, when he struggles between two loyalties, and establishes Seregil even deeper as one of my most beloved fictional characters ever. At his side Alec who has grown into an equal partner and pillar in Seregil's search for redemption, while he himself finally discovers parts of his own past.
The love of those two men is the centerstone of the Nightrunner series and for me the best depiction of a relationship that I so far read in any SFF story. It is seldom in the foreground of the story, never steals away from the plot, but always there, subtle and reassuring- and for this alone I could kiss Lynn Flewelling.
Yet it is not only the two MCs whom I love. The diplomatic Commander Klia and the strongheaded Captain Beka also have prominent roles in this book and both women are wonderful examples of how I prefer women to be written in high fantasy.
Least but not last the magican Thero, for whom I have a soft spot, is given the chance to shine in this novel. He is a real asset to the diplomatic party and I enjoyed the scenes with him (especially the one scene ;) ).
So, as the story perhaps isn't 5 stars - especially not when compared to the complexity of "The Way of Kings", which I've read parallel to his novel- the characters are. Flewelling managed to create a bunch of people whom I deeply care for and want to always come back to.
July 22, 2016
MAN do I love the Nightrunner series.
After the emotionally-charged events of Stalking Darkness, Seregil and Alec are asked to go with Princess Klia to Aurënen to begin talks to repeal the Edict. The Skalan war with Plenimar isn't going so great, and Queen Idrilain desperately needs the aid of the Aurënfaie, whose borders have long been closed to Skala.
There are so many things I love about these books, and one of many is the adventure and exploration of it all. I really enjoy stories where the characters go to new lands, see new places, discover new sights, and Lynn Flewelling never ever disappoints. As readers, we finally get a closer glimpse into Aurënfaie society, as well as a much better picture of what happened in Seregil's youth that brought about his exile from his homeland.
As always, there's lots of great character development, too. I'll get to Seregil and Alec in a moment, but first, it was interesting to see a bit more about the royal family, who for the most part has been elusive thus far in the series. And when I stop and think about it, that's really quite brilliant. Most fantasy series that feature a royal family have them front and center, always involved in every plot and subplot of the story. But the Nightrunner series isn't about the Skalan royal family; it's about Alec and Seregil. It's refreshing, and very interesting (and I daresay even a bit realistic) that the royal family is off-center in the story, influencing certain events to be sure, but not taking up the whole story.
That being said, of course, the fact that most of them have been so elusive has also piqued my curiosity about them. A better glimpse at Phoria and Korathan, as well as a brief mention of Aralain...I wonder if we've seen the last of her yet. Hopefully not. And we get to know Klia much better...this time as a princess doing her job as a diplomat, instead of just the playful, friendly acquaintance of Seregil.
And then there's Beka Cavish. It was immensely satisfying to get to know her better, and it brought a satisfying feeling of the cycle of life...her father Micum stepping back and letting her shine, all on her own.
I remember the first time I read this book, it was the latest one in the series. This time around, it's a wonderful feeling to know I can dive into the next book, and then the next one after that. And a good thing, too, because I'll never get my fill!
After the emotionally-charged events of Stalking Darkness, Seregil and Alec are asked to go with Princess Klia to Aurënen to begin talks to repeal the Edict. The Skalan war with Plenimar isn't going so great, and Queen Idrilain desperately needs the aid of the Aurënfaie, whose borders have long been closed to Skala.
There are so many things I love about these books, and one of many is the adventure and exploration of it all. I really enjoy stories where the characters go to new lands, see new places, discover new sights, and Lynn Flewelling never ever disappoints. As readers, we finally get a closer glimpse into Aurënfaie society, as well as a much better picture of what happened in Seregil's youth that brought about his exile from his homeland.
As always, there's lots of great character development, too. I'll get to Seregil and Alec in a moment, but first, it was interesting to see a bit more about the royal family, who for the most part has been elusive thus far in the series. And when I stop and think about it, that's really quite brilliant. Most fantasy series that feature a royal family have them front and center, always involved in every plot and subplot of the story. But the Nightrunner series isn't about the Skalan royal family; it's about Alec and Seregil. It's refreshing, and very interesting (and I daresay even a bit realistic) that the royal family is off-center in the story, influencing certain events to be sure, but not taking up the whole story.
That being said, of course, the fact that most of them have been so elusive has also piqued my curiosity about them. A better glimpse at Phoria and Korathan, as well as a brief mention of Aralain...I wonder if we've seen the last of her yet. Hopefully not. And we get to know Klia much better...this time as a princess doing her job as a diplomat, instead of just the playful, friendly acquaintance of Seregil.
And then there's Beka Cavish. It was immensely satisfying to get to know her better, and it brought a satisfying feeling of the cycle of life...her father Micum stepping back and letting her shine, all on her own.
I remember the first time I read this book, it was the latest one in the series. This time around, it's a wonderful feeling to know I can dive into the next book, and then the next one after that. And a good thing, too, because I'll never get my fill!
February 7, 2019
im honestly still shook that this was published in russia back in 2000s
April 12, 2020
I really loved this book. I enjoyed the culture of the Aurenfae and their politics, it was very interesting to me to see how their culture was different from the Skalan's and it was executed very well.
Something that I've noticed is that these books have a slower pace than normal but I usually don't mind bc I love the world and characters.
Seregil and Alec were so precious in this one 😭😭 and the mystery element was probably one of my favourite 😁 I can't wait to read the next one.
Something that I've noticed is that these books have a slower pace than normal but I usually don't mind bc I love the world and characters.
Seregil and Alec were so precious in this one 😭😭 and the mystery element was probably one of my favourite 😁 I can't wait to read the next one.
May 9, 2023
3.5 stars
The first half was a bit on the slow side, since it was largely dealing with politics and Seregil's return to his homeland and all the issues that brings up. But once , things really start to pick up and don't let up until the end.
I couldn't stand most of the Aurënfaie. They were pompous douches, way too concerned with the appearance of honor than actually acting and being honorable. Not to mention they could teach the Ents a thing or two about not being hasty. 😂 I did like Seregil's sisters, and I was pretty sure
I'm surprised that I forgot nearly the entire plot, though my synapses did start firing once things started picking up. And some things that I did remember, I thought happened in later books. I remembered the shooting contests and the baby dragons, though I thought that Speaking of, Klia has always been a favorite, and this is where Thero really starts to shine as well. I'm surprise Korathan was so reasonable, but I correctly remembered how paranoid and hostile Phoria was, unfortunately.
Seregil and Alec are great as ever. The teasing is sweet, and I honestly can't say I'm bothered by the fade-to-black. If I'm irked, it's only because the straight couple gets a wee bit more page time, though that scene is hardly explicit either. This book starts with Seregil still suffering the aftereffects of the events of the previous book, and he has to confront a lot from his past. Thankfully, he has Alec by his side the whole time. Alec gets some answers of his own regarding
The typos were in abundance again, unfortunately, and there were a couple of places where the passage of time between books seemed a bit muddled.
The first half was a bit on the slow side, since it was largely dealing with politics and Seregil's return to his homeland and all the issues that brings up. But once , things really start to pick up and don't let up until the end.
I couldn't stand most of the Aurënfaie. They were pompous douches, way too concerned with the appearance of honor than actually acting and being honorable. Not to mention they could teach the Ents a thing or two about not being hasty. 😂 I did like Seregil's sisters, and I was pretty sure
I'm surprised that I forgot nearly the entire plot, though my synapses did start firing once things started picking up. And some things that I did remember, I thought happened in later books. I remembered the shooting contests and the baby dragons, though I thought that Speaking of, Klia has always been a favorite, and this is where Thero really starts to shine as well. I'm surprise Korathan was so reasonable, but I correctly remembered how paranoid and hostile Phoria was, unfortunately.
Seregil and Alec are great as ever. The teasing is sweet, and I honestly can't say I'm bothered by the fade-to-black. If I'm irked, it's only because the straight couple gets a wee bit more page time, though that scene is hardly explicit either. This book starts with Seregil still suffering the aftereffects of the events of the previous book, and he has to confront a lot from his past. Thankfully, he has Alec by his side the whole time. Alec gets some answers of his own regarding
The typos were in abundance again, unfortunately, and there were a couple of places where the passage of time between books seemed a bit muddled.
June 26, 2008
Having essentially wrapped up her major storyline in Stalking Darkness, Flewelling explores Seregil's complicated past and homeland in this third installment of her excellent Nightrunner fantasy series. Traitor's Moon is the least satisfying of the three, however, for several reasons. First, Flewelling inexplicably eshews the swift action-adventure storylines that propelled this series to greatness by instead narrowly focusing on the rather mundane and static political machinations of Seregil's native people. Second, she replaces the witty, roguish Seregil we grew to love with one who instead grows tiresome with his emotional neediness and self-doubt. Alec, saddled with having to constantly care for his lover, is given little to do and his young, adventurous spirit is greatly missed. All this said, the Nightrunner series is easily strong enough to survive this temporary step backwards and rumor has it that book 4 is a return to form.
July 16, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
Master spies Seregil and Alec are no strangers to peril. Their assignments, nightrunning for wizards and nobles, have led them into many deadly situations. But sometimes the greatest danger can lurk beneath a Traitor's Moon. . . .
This book sets a completely different pace than the previous two in this series. For one thing, it takes place, for the most, part in Seregil's home country of Aurenen, and there is a fair amount of political hand-holding, though that is not the only thing the book entails.
There is a slight bit of mystery surrounding the death of one background character, was it natural causes or something more sinister? And the injury of another secondary, whom I recognised from the previous books.
The backbone of this story isn't in the action, it's in the connection with the characters and in getting a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the Aurenfaie, the different clans and how they value things like honor and truth, and how they interact with one another.
We also learn the true circumstances behind not only Seregil's exile, but through a visit to the Aurenfaiie version of an oracle, Alec's birth, though I suspect there is more to the story of the Hazadrielfaie's exodus from Aurenen than we have learned thus far.
Not to mention the the strange prediction telling Alec he would "father a child of no woman". All mysterious things that I think we won't see answers for just yet.
I also I liked Nyal and was pleased to see Beka find someone. Thero grew on me a lot in this book. In the previous two books I didn't "dislike" him exactly, but I wasn't overly fond of him either. We also see more of Klia and Beka's Turma
Still, overall I enjoyed this book quite a lot, just in a different way than the previous two.
Master spies Seregil and Alec are no strangers to peril. Their assignments, nightrunning for wizards and nobles, have led them into many deadly situations. But sometimes the greatest danger can lurk beneath a Traitor's Moon. . . .
This book sets a completely different pace than the previous two in this series. For one thing, it takes place, for the most, part in Seregil's home country of Aurenen, and there is a fair amount of political hand-holding, though that is not the only thing the book entails.
There is a slight bit of mystery surrounding the death of one background character, was it natural causes or something more sinister? And the injury of another secondary, whom I recognised from the previous books.
The backbone of this story isn't in the action, it's in the connection with the characters and in getting a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the Aurenfaie, the different clans and how they value things like honor and truth, and how they interact with one another.
We also learn the true circumstances behind not only Seregil's exile, but through a visit to the Aurenfaiie version of an oracle, Alec's birth, though I suspect there is more to the story of the Hazadrielfaie's exodus from Aurenen than we have learned thus far.
Not to mention the the strange prediction telling Alec he would "father a child of no woman". All mysterious things that I think we won't see answers for just yet.
I also I liked Nyal and was pleased to see Beka find someone. Thero grew on me a lot in this book. In the previous two books I didn't "dislike" him exactly, but I wasn't overly fond of him either. We also see more of Klia and Beka's Turma
Still, overall I enjoyed this book quite a lot, just in a different way than the previous two.
December 9, 2011
My first impression was, fortunately, mistaken--Thero figures prominently enough in this, and we're shown a little growth (most of which has happened off-screen). However, that's not enough to help this book. The long passages of blatant exposition/info-dump are back, and the plot could be that of any political-intrigue book--there was nothing that made it actually fantasy other than the names. The dashes of magic were just to do what ordinary smoke and mirrors would have done in a magic-less world, and all the stuff with the dragons and seers and whatnot could easily have been set in a real place with similar beliefs. (Ancient Greece, for instance, or any contemporary country where those sort of traditions are still practiced.)
Personally, the most irritating thing was that heterosexuality was treated more sensually than homosexuality; sure, in book two we had that scene at the gay brothel, but that was all visual and shortly followed by a very tactile description of Alec's first time with a woman. We also had repeated detailed descriptions of Ylinestra's body paired with Alec's/men's reactions to her, as well as the graphic breastfeeding scene. And now in this book, with Seregil and Alec finally paired off, nearly all their scenes are fade-to-black and the one time we get more description, it's not nearly as tactile as the heterosexual scene earlier in the book. I'm not knocking heterosexuality or bisexuality, or prioritizing sex over love, but it strikes me as wrong to give the sex scenes of the main characters a less sensual treatment than those of the secondary characters.
I'm still willing to give the next book or two a shot, but jeez what a disappointment.
Personally, the most irritating thing was that heterosexuality was treated more sensually than homosexuality; sure, in book two we had that scene at the gay brothel, but that was all visual and shortly followed by a very tactile description of Alec's first time with a woman. We also had repeated detailed descriptions of Ylinestra's body paired with Alec's/men's reactions to her, as well as the graphic breastfeeding scene. And now in this book, with Seregil and Alec finally paired off, nearly all their scenes are fade-to-black and the one time we get more description, it's not nearly as tactile as the heterosexual scene earlier in the book. I'm not knocking heterosexuality or bisexuality, or prioritizing sex over love, but it strikes me as wrong to give the sex scenes of the main characters a less sensual treatment than those of the secondary characters.
I'm still willing to give the next book or two a shot, but jeez what a disappointment.
February 16, 2017
4.5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the nightrunner series, which follows sweet young Alec of Kerry and the loveable rogue that is Seregil of Rhiminee as they go on their sword-fighting, horse-riding adventures. It’s basically your standard epic fantasy except, like, homosexuality is a thing and not all the women are prostitutes. Admittedly my knowledge of epic fantasy is exclusively game of thrones so I’m really just speculating.
I read the first two books in this series last year and, although I enjoyed them, and certainly did enjoy the second one better, I feel like this is by far the best yet. I think this is for a mixture of reasons:
1) There’s less info-dumping – we basically know the world now so we there’s no big chunks of text telling us the intimate back story of old so-and-so who was in the war and what-not. Also, I think Lynn Flewelling had just got to be a much better writer by this point. I am confident that this was genuinely a better-written book and my love for it is not just as a result of reasons 2) and 3).
2) I’m just so attached to these characters by this point, I’m so excited to read anything about them I don’t really care what else happens.
3) MY BABIES.
So I liked this book. I think this series has actually got me into epic fantasy. I want to read it ALL. I don’t even think these books are that well written but I just LOVE THEM. I’m so happy I have another 4 books. I will read them all. I don’t even care if there’s 3-page-long descriptions of so-and-so’s bedroom. I’m invested.
This is the 3rd book in the nightrunner series, which follows sweet young Alec of Kerry and the loveable rogue that is Seregil of Rhiminee as they go on their sword-fighting, horse-riding adventures. It’s basically your standard epic fantasy except, like, homosexuality is a thing and not all the women are prostitutes. Admittedly my knowledge of epic fantasy is exclusively game of thrones so I’m really just speculating.
I read the first two books in this series last year and, although I enjoyed them, and certainly did enjoy the second one better, I feel like this is by far the best yet. I think this is for a mixture of reasons:
1) There’s less info-dumping – we basically know the world now so we there’s no big chunks of text telling us the intimate back story of old so-and-so who was in the war and what-not. Also, I think Lynn Flewelling had just got to be a much better writer by this point. I am confident that this was genuinely a better-written book and my love for it is not just as a result of reasons 2) and 3).
2) I’m just so attached to these characters by this point, I’m so excited to read anything about them I don’t really care what else happens.
3) MY BABIES.
So I liked this book. I think this series has actually got me into epic fantasy. I want to read it ALL. I don’t even think these books are that well written but I just LOVE THEM. I’m so happy I have another 4 books. I will read them all. I don’t even care if there’s 3-page-long descriptions of so-and-so’s bedroom. I’m invested.
September 22, 2024
Original Review
Thoughts After Reread
Ditto to what I said initially. I'm excited to see the reinventions and rebuilds!
What an incredibly engaging and intriguing entry! The certainty of plot armor wavered for a few favored characters while others...
Unsurprisingly, with all the talk of honor among the Aurënens, they are just as ambitious and treacherous as they accuse the Skalan of being.
With all that is at stake, Seregil and Alec also face personal trials and tribulations—they do not always know who a true friend, foe, or frenemy is, leading to a few surprises, both welcome and not.
I am liking this series more than I expected, and I thank my buddyreading group for introducing it to me. I am curious for what will happen next.
Thoughts After Reread
Ditto to what I said initially. I'm excited to see the reinventions and rebuilds!
November 4, 2018
I loved the first two books! and I had high hopes for this one - finally we see Sergil and Alec together .... but unfortunately that part of the story was not as good as I hoped it would be.
there were situations when I thought that they don't really care for each other - I would have thought or hoped that Sergil leans more on Alec in some situations.
I hated that we don't really get to see their relationship .... and I hated that they always named each other Friend.
the story was good.
all in all I enjoyed it but I am not sure I will read the next book in this series. I am a bit disappointed
there were situations when I thought that they don't really care for each other - I would have thought or hoped that Sergil leans more on Alec in some situations.
I hated that we don't really get to see their relationship .... and I hated that they always named each other Friend.
the story was good.
all in all I enjoyed it but I am not sure I will read the next book in this series. I am a bit disappointed
May 8, 2023
This third book have place out of Skala and it’s a little slow. At first is difficult to follow due to all the new names of people and places. You discover here a new world of magic and tradition, where the flow of time follows its own pace and trust and life are the most precious treasures you can find. This is another piece of the puzzle and hints some of the big facts in the next ones.
Reading this one made me really mad at times, I hate the inmobility of some Aurënen traditions and the double moral of some of its inhabitants and how they can’t see beyond their atui.
Reading this one made me really mad at times, I hate the inmobility of some Aurënen traditions and the double moral of some of its inhabitants and how they can’t see beyond their atui.
December 26, 2020
Me knowing whats going to happen in book 4: Wow things are finally starting to look up for Seregil and Alec I'm glad nothing bad happens ever :')
January 9, 2022
this book is pure political intrigue and i love it
(also )
(also )
April 28, 2023
This took me ages, literally. I started this back then in 2020, but then we got confined and I stopped going to work for a while, so I didn't get any commute time which is when I listen to audiobooks. Then things got a bit out of hand with everything that was going on and I didn't have the concentration to spare to listen to books in English while driving... then, the device I used to listen to the audiobooks in the car broke and I was reluctant to get another one because it looked more like an issue about the output of the sound and how it used radio waves to work, more than a problem with the device itself. So, this has been languishing in my currently reading shelf for a long time. Finally, I've gotten a new car and now I can listen to the audiobooks directly from the phone to the car speakers. It's been a big improvement.
About the book. The narrator keeps being infuriating. I have problems about knowing who is talking each time. All his voices are too similar. And the story irks me at the same level as the first time I read this book. It's too slow, too full of stupid politics (damn Aurenfaie and their atui), and I've been impatient the whole time I was reding it. Just like the first time around. Still, I love the boys and the story too much and this gives you precious insight into Seregil past.
About the book. The narrator keeps being infuriating. I have problems about knowing who is talking each time. All his voices are too similar. And the story irks me at the same level as the first time I read this book. It's too slow, too full of stupid politics (damn Aurenfaie and their atui), and I've been impatient the whole time I was reding it. Just like the first time around. Still, I love the boys and the story too much and this gives you precious insight into Seregil past.
March 24, 2008
Seregil and Alec have left Rhiminee, and are living in the wilds of Skala, as far from civilization as they can get. Seregil is still recovering from the emotional trauma he suffered at the end of Darkness, and the only person he wants anything to do with is Alec. Alec has finally more-or-less completed his training, and the two are now equals, and lovers. Their idyllic existence is interrupted when Seregil recieves a summons from the Queen of Skala, who asks him to accompany her daughter on a diplomatic mission to his homeland, and act as her advisor and translator for the rest of the party. Seregil agrees, reluctantly, and he and Alec break their self-imposed exile.
This one has a much different tone and is a lot more complicated than it's predecessors. It's more of a political thriller/murder mystery than action-adventure. This time Lynn delves into Seregil's origins, and why he left his homeland. There's a great deal of introspection and angst in this one (what can I say, I love a male lead with a mysterious, tortured past!). We also learn a bit about Alec's shady history, as well, although the main focus is Seregil's struggle to reconcile with himself. It's the strongest book of the three, in my opinion, and even of you didn't like the first two, they're worth reading just so you can get to this one. I know some poeple didn't like it as well as the others, because it was so different, but I think Lynn made a good decision to go the route she did.
This one has a much different tone and is a lot more complicated than it's predecessors. It's more of a political thriller/murder mystery than action-adventure. This time Lynn delves into Seregil's origins, and why he left his homeland. There's a great deal of introspection and angst in this one (what can I say, I love a male lead with a mysterious, tortured past!). We also learn a bit about Alec's shady history, as well, although the main focus is Seregil's struggle to reconcile with himself. It's the strongest book of the three, in my opinion, and even of you didn't like the first two, they're worth reading just so you can get to this one. I know some poeple didn't like it as well as the others, because it was so different, but I think Lynn made a good decision to go the route she did.
September 23, 2015
First of all, Lynn Flewelling cheats you out of the big SCENE ... if you know what I mean. In fact, she pretty much fast forwards this book so far from the last one that if you are like me and got into this book immediately after the previous book looking for some big THINGS you will also be disappointed. That being said, apparently you can read some of that in a collection of short stories published separately but I have yet to read it. Maybe it would have been better to read that first going into this new book. I was too broke to purchase the short story collection and already had this on hand so I just went ahead and plunged in. To begin with the majority of this book is political intrigue and Seregil being treated terribly by his own people. I know this doesn't sound entertaining and I was unsure if I was going to like it this up but it ended up being better than I thought despite all of its issues.
September 3, 2018
This one was kind of a mixed bag for me. I love that Alec and Seregil are finally together [and am laughing at the two year time skip into their relationship and wondering if she did that solely to make Alec older lol] and I love that Beka is getting a larger part in the story [as well as expanding a few other characters we've only met briefly before] but the whole thing takes place in ...Aurenen? Whatever the place is called. But anyway the whole thing takes place there which means 1. it's basically just 'be mean to Seregil time' and 2. there are so many new names / places and they're all really weird high fantasy names and I honestly just can't keep any of them straight which makes it super difficult to keep up on the whole political intrigue plot so I honestly just spent a lot of this book confused. The second book I thought was pretty straight-forward and this one kind of returned to the feel of the first book where I am having trouble keeping it all straight.
July 15, 2011
I only have one thing to say.
This is not a good book.
In my opinion, of course.
The plot is non-existent, suspense zero, point: none. It all adds up to... nothing. Nada. This is a book about nothing.
It only got two stars because it's featuring Seregil and Alec, whom I'd come to like quite much over the course of the first two books in the series.
I do not recommend reading this. Alec and Seregil mill about in an almost-empty city, moping. Nobody likes Seregil. He's been exiled, you know. Angst follows and refuses to leave.
I'm warning you: this is a lethally boring concoction that, seemingly, has an ethnic studies report written by an inept sociology student for a bigger sister.
This is not a good book.
In my opinion, of course.
The plot is non-existent, suspense zero, point: none. It all adds up to... nothing. Nada. This is a book about nothing.
It only got two stars because it's featuring Seregil and Alec, whom I'd come to like quite much over the course of the first two books in the series.
I do not recommend reading this. Alec and Seregil mill about in an almost-empty city, moping. Nobody likes Seregil. He's been exiled, you know. Angst follows and refuses to leave.
I'm warning you: this is a lethally boring concoction that, seemingly, has an ethnic studies report written by an inept sociology student for a bigger sister.
March 20, 2019
I can and have read this series over and over. One of my all-time favorites! Magical, heartbreaking, sexy. Witty, hopeful. I encourage any reader of fantasy to pick up this series. It’s a classic and the world is so richly created yet familiar. Just brilliant!
November 29, 2022
I wouldn’t call this mannerpunk exactly, but close enough. Also enjoyed the crime mystery part of it a lot. Generally I’m really enjoying that these books are unafraid to take their time with the story. It’s very, very satisfying.
March 2, 2025
It took me FOREVER to get through this book. It wasn't for a lack of interest though, I can assure you. Life just gets in the way of things and I didn't have the energy to commit to it. But, here I am, already dying to read the next one. My wallet is suffering because of this series. I have bills to pay, dammit!
August 2, 2022
I enjoyed this one so much -- a bit slower than the previous two books, but just as fun!
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Book 6 for #UnsolvedAThon for the prompt "The Enigmatic Death of the Isdal Woman: Read a book involving spies or espionage".
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Book 6 for #UnsolvedAThon for the prompt "The Enigmatic Death of the Isdal Woman: Read a book involving spies or espionage".
May 10, 2020
A rather slow Nightrunner installment that focuses on political intrigue in an elf-like land. I probably will be taking a break from this series for a long time as I don't own any more of this series. https://youtu.be/D8g4-cskmwM
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