Peril's Gate

Unfortunately, this book reminded me why I put this series down years ago. It started with a lot of promise, and then Wurts started to focus on spending way too much time abusing Arithon. There's no other word for it. Most of this book is spent inflicting physical, spirital and magical anguish on the poor Shadow Master, while not advancing the plot a bit. The last third of the book is devoted to torturing him even further, as he is forced to relive every mistake he's ever made in agonizing detail, while castigating himself again and again and again. I found myself being forced to skip parts of endlessly repetitive descriptions of how exhausted and near quitting he was. This book could have been fine, if 90% of the endless anguish was show more cut out, and if it actually had a plot. show less

Peril’s Gate is the third book in the Alliance of Light arc and the sixth in the whole series, making it the central volume not just for this particular arc but The Wars of Light and Shadow as a whole - so, from its structural position as a lynchpin alone one can expect significant things to occur here. It also stands out from the other volumes in the series in that intrigue and political machinations are almost completely absent and it generally is unusually sketchy on the bigger picture; instead, it strongly focuses on exploring character, following the straight narrative path of a chase story. But, much like a Maze that plays an important part in this novel and that for the greater part appears as nothing more than a straight show more tunnel, there is more to Peril’s Gate than meets the eye.

And it is, once again, not on the level of plot where things are happening – in fact the narrative comes to a grinding standstill in places, to give way to long, mostly dialogue-free passages describing a solitary flight across a barren landscape locked in winter. I can not think of another book that depicts with equal intensity just what it means to be hunted – the sheer misery of it, the toll it takes on mind and body, the utter weariness and the seemingly never-ending struggle against exhaustion and despair. Peril’s Gate has everything other chase scenes like to gloss over and Janny Wurts’ command of language is such that the impact of her descriptions becomes almost physical. Which also means that this is not a pleasant read – anyone looking for fast action is likely to be bored out of their mind before they make it even halfway through the novel, but anyone able to stick with it will be rewarded with one of the most intense reading experiences to be had in fantasy literature.

Things get even more harrowing in the finale of the book when Arithon passes through Kewar’s Maze and is forced to relive all his past mistakes, experiencing every single death he caused. As hard to bear (and to read) as this is, it marks a pivotal point for his character development and the series in general, as now he finally gains full self-knowledge and comes to terms with himself (and hopefully sheds his at times very annoying tendency towards wallowing in self-pity). show less

Whole series spoiler free
Awesome ending to an awesome book. I have finished Peril’s Gate so I am slightly more than half-way through the series and seamlessly enjoying the journey so far. The latest developments of the story really prompted me for a look back at the series from where I am. I loved the series and I had high expectancies, but the emotional impact of this book, along with the revelations, the grim, the hope, the brutal pace and the unforeseen twists of the story, all served with a gorgeous writing style, had me totally, utterly and helplessly enraptured.

This is a series that sticks, within. And I don’t think time will prove me false (to date, I’m reading [b:Stormed Fortress|1040469|Stormed Fortress (Wars of Light & show more Shadow #8; Arc 3 - Alliance of Light, #5)|Janny Wurts|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328040963s/1040469.jpg|2472515], the end of the Alliance of Light Arc, I am basically devouring the pages, and decided to finish this review before adding too many layers of impressions). Peril’s Gate, which is both deep and fast-paced, triggered all sorts of considerations.

I guess this is the “tipping point” in the Alliance of Light Arc where the story starts to run back over itself in bigger and bigger ripples, where the unveilings are moving all the markers (yet again, last time was [b:Fugitive Prince|1040472|Fugitive Prince (Wars of Light & Shadow, #4; Arc 3 - Alliance of Light, #1)|Janny Wurts|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388378643s/1040472.jpg|1026843] where the conflict acquired a worldwide scope and the stage was set accordingly) and shift my perspective as reader, at the same time as things pick up speed, going forward. Also, all the books offer both action-packed scenes and more explanatory chapters that deepen the knowledge and the mystery. This style adds to my enjoyment immensely. Immediately after this book I've read [b:Traitor's Knot|1040470|Traitor's Knot (Wars of Light & Shadow #7; Arc 3 - Alliance of Light, #4)|Janny Wurts|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424981663s/1040470.jpg|29173] and the story is even intensifying into convergence with no letup in pace. Wurts has proven herself a master of suspense, the delivery is there, and with each title in the series, it builds tighter and faster.

Original, trope-upending and clever clever clever plot. The story is clearly not linear, it progresses in spirals and the reader's viewpoint of events continues to rise and deepen, and to re-form the prior awareness; Peril's Gate proves the point with stark clarity, this kind of folding back on the threads to open up more information the further one reads requires some focus, and this progressive shifting of the vantage narrative technique relies on the fact that all the previous books have been read. Being on lookout for nuances while going with the story flow is one of the many layers of entertainment I love in this series, all the more now, because I'm aware there are many subtleties at play, of different nature (this adds to the game immensely). The story spans many years and it's divided in logical Arcs, but the access point I would recommend in hindsight is, indeed, book 1, [b:The Curse of the Mistwraith|28660|The Curse of the Mistwraith (Wars of Light & Shadow, #1)|Janny Wurts|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328835513s/28660.jpg|1945432]. Or, for a twist, this very same book, Peril’s Gate, where the convergence hits most heavily. The long range nature of this tale is truly truly amazing, the longer I read, the more rewarding the experience gets.

Harmony and balance. The story can really verge on the grim, bleak and bloody, but it is always, if not outright, followed by transcendence and even the grittiest subjects, handled with the gloves off, integrate with artistry and purpose. This goes for the bright and humorous facets as well. Wurts does not want to shock graphically, but she successfully evokes the reader's emotions to experience the story for himself, and the series draws off the full spectrum in human outlook, there is beauty and horror, grace and downfall - the full balance is present.
The world of Athera is very deep, very high, and restricted by a precise compact from certain kinds of development. If I ever thought to miss multiple continents full of different flavors of strife (which I didn't in this case), it becomes clear there is a reason for the selective focus, particularly the avoidance of story loose ends (no sprawl!) and the complex, huge worldbuilding which lends solidity to Athera itself. Peril’s Gate shows quite clearly why many aspects of the world were disclosed very gradually, even if the workings of, say, the Sorcerers or the Koriani are described in detail in the first books, where the knowledge as the whys and hows is limited.

The prose, ah! Painting words. The rich style fits the story; it is an element in its own right, for both the serious and playful parts. It is meant to create an immersive reading experience and it reads extremely smoothly when the reader comes to expect to visualize and sense what is happening in the book. The final chapters of Peril’s Gate are a fitting testimony to the many techniques applied and the role played by the reader emotions during the characters ordeals. Janny Wurts writes with purpose and never neutrally. She marries the complexity of the English language with the complexity of the story and the characters. A rich use of adjectives often arranged in unexpected combinations enables her to express all the nuances of what is real and what is perception, and her whole narrative seeks out a kind of precision that goes beyond simple descriptions and dialogues. From the pages one can feel her background as painter and musician, and her experiences with sailing, horse raiding and mountaineering, so infused in the action.

Deep characters and deep motivations. All the characters are complex and layered. I interpreted them differently as the story progressed and shifted my perceptions, the focus is on depth anyway, and much care is put into characterization and study of the human spirit, in all its forms. Some are not predictable at first: Arithon, Lysaer and the Sorcerers can be hermetic in the first book, the reader is not spoon-fed the “truth” or the whole logic behind their behaviors, and one is sometimes lured into false perceptions coming from unreliable POVs, and deliberately shown just a little insight pertaining the active forces of Athera and the real plight of the land. More pieces of the puzzle click into place in the following books, but never all at once or in sequence, and the cohesive picture starts to reveal itself. I like to engage my brains, and part of the fun of this series and its layered plot/character structure is, after all, the clobbering of my assumptions headlong.

Huge, insane amounts of research behind the descriptions, and of planning behind the scenes. No coincidence that hints or buffling facts or simple happenings in one book lay the groundwork for whole scenes, or a massive revelation one or even more books later. It means it is carefully designed, tended, built and delivered to maximum impact. After being at the receiving end of many such surprises, and particularly now that I am mid-series and see a fuller picture, I clearly realize that if part of the initial story is focused on details, context-shaping and the whole series never features an omniscient viewpoint, everything is necessary to let the tension grow and deliberate to converge to a point where there is no slowing in the pace at all and the reachable heights of fun are most rewarding. There are many intense climax moments in the series, but Peril’s Gate goes further. I think the books challenge clear sightedness, and invite people who like thought-provoking, non-linear, unpredictable, solid plots and who like books that want to be courted, which don't let the reader get it all at once; there are lots of events and sweeping sequences and hard facts in the starting volumes, along with the introduction of the characters, but also questions, which get answers in time, doubt not. Payoff is the key. Hats off to the author, who never sacrifices coherency for narrative expediency and shows adherence to a brilliant, original design.

When I first "discovered" Janny Wurts through her impeccable fantasy standalone gem [b:To Ride Hell’s Chasm|1961496|To Ride Hell’s Chasm|Janny Wurts|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328835847s/1961496.jpg|1964566] (totally recommended as entry point to Wurts work), I had not been reading epic fantasy for some time and I was surprised to be so powerfully affected by the Wars of Light and Shadow series, I didn’t think I could resonate so much with the characters of a world so entrenched in magic. Yet the element that I though a liability worked marvelously well for me, because there are no omniscient characters or lack of rules here, not at all, there are humans with their merits, flaws, personal histories and inclinations living in a very complex and superbly designed world, with its governing principles and dynamics. The mixed opinions about the first book, [b:The Curse of the Mistwraith|28660|The Curse of the Mistwraith (Wars of Light & Shadow, #1)|Janny Wurts|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328835513s/28660.jpg|1945432], also puzzled me, but now I’m totally happy about the choice to read it and decide for myself, because it would have been a mistake to miss this glorious journey. show less

I probably say this every time I finish a book in this series, but this may be my favorite so far. So many characters must pass through their own gates of peril, sometimes with surprising results, sometimes with sorrowful results. The contrasts between Lysaer and Arithon have never been starker. And I am enjoying getting to know more about Ath's Brotherhood, Kevor, and Davien.

as detailed and well written as Tolkien. Wonderful descriptions, series could be moved along a bit faster

There comes a time in every fantasy series when our hero has to endure extreme trials and perils if they stand any chance of surviving. Every last desperate trick and sacrifice must be made, flesh blood and sinew stretched to the upmost limit. This is Arithon's fate, and the reader is never sure if he will survive unscathed.

The actions starts immediately picking up seconds after the ending of Grand Conspiracy (read this first!) with Arithon, Dakar and Fionn fleeing the guards from Jealot and the Korinai. Of course this isn't sufficiently punishing as Arithon's already outwitted them once. Fionn, born and bred under the allegations cast by the Light, mislikes being saved by Aithon and challenges him to a duel. A chance misstep leaves show more Arithon's sword (and lyanthe) arm badly wounded, and hence makes his escape that much more difficult. I wasn't totally convinced by this - Arithon is such a master that Fionn shouldn't be able to get that close to him. However, the alternative would be to inflate the enemies capabilities (much like Jim Butcher does) which also quickly suffers from believeability problems. At least once Arithon is injured everything else that stems from it it believable.

Meanwhile the Fellowship are still strugglling to maintain their grip on the compact, after the Koriani meddling, but they find they do still have space for a few small victories. Lirenda find's the cost of her emotional indiscipline higher than she expected, and Elaria is helped to circumvent the order's vows by a most unusual aid. The sixth Fellowship sorcerer Darvin the Betrayer, has at last stirred from his 500 years of solitude. Given that his Maze killed Arithon's ancestor, it may not be a blessing that Darvin is active once more, especially as Arithon is being pressured by Lysessar's forces towards the mountains and glaciers towards his ancient retreat.

Now into the 6th part of the series, none of the quality has slacked at all, and the tension is higher than ever before, events concatenate into a desperate fight for survival, and even the Parvarians may be called into showing themselves.
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After re-read

Pretty much as above. It flows straight on from GC. One odd gap I did notice is that in the Kewar Maze Arithon doesn't re-experience any of the harms caused by the Koriani. No explanation is given, but like many of these things it might become clear later on. The build up to this is superb, especially his flight across the countryside, and Jilet's grand sacrifice. show less

The moment foreshadowed in prophetic dreams has finally come to pass: a sheepherder named Fionn Aerth, whose childhood cozening by the Koriathan has given him the Master of Shadow's own features, has ventured away from home. Now he's condemned as the Master of Shadows and the vilest of traitors. Only swift intervention can save him. But Arithon's tentative control over the geas continues to fray. Lysaer, Prince of Light has also struck a bargain with the Koriathain to capture Arithon, and the jaws of the trap are closing swiftly. Everywhere, the situation is growing more dire, and the Fellowship Sorcerers are stretched too thin to handle all the emergencies that threaten Aethera's peace. For better or worse, Davien the Betrayer, once show more one of the Fellowship, has chosen this moment to poke his meddling nose into Arithon's affairs.

As usual in one of Wurts' tomes, there's so much going on that any sort of summary isn't really that much use. For the rest, if you've read this far into the series, you know the drill, and you won't be disappointed. My only real criticism is with the length of Arithon's journey through Davien's maze. IMHO it was just a tad longer than it really needed to be. Misery piled on misery ended up being a real slog to get through - but may be that was the point? At any rate, it was still a good read. show less