The Assassin King by Elizabeth Haydon, Book 7 of the Symphony of Ages Series (Epic Fantasy).
This is book 7 in my all-time favorite fantasy series. I waited with great anticipation to read this book and I read it with mixed emotions. One part of me loved it. The other was frustrated as hell!
The Good: I love this series and this was another wonderful installment of Elizabeth Haydon's awesome world with fantastical lore and great characterization. The world she creates is so rich and varied, so incredible that her world and lore become several characters wrapped up into one great big creation. Did I say I love this series?
The Bad: I felt like Ms. Haydon gave her readers a nibble to tide us over for something greater. This book felt like the first 1/4 or 1/2 of some bigger piece. There was no concrete plot, just a handful of small vignettes. All designed to lead the world and characters to the great war. Easily a 1/4 of the book was repeated backstory. Another 1/4 was lore. You saw little of Rhapsody, Achmed, Grunthor and Ashe. I wanted more!!! More I tell you! Reading the last page felt like I was reading the last page of chapter 5 of a 30 chapter novel. I was gravely disappointed. I'm giving this a 3.5 rating because I love this series. Rating: 3.5 of 5.
