I wrote previously of the initial trilogy, concluding with how I thought it was one of the strongest trilogies I’ve read. Perhaps needless to say, I had high expectations going into this next subseries—and what I found surprised me.
For me, the magic of the first trilogy was how it examined the human experience, asking, “Why do people make certain decisions,” terrible though they may be. And as each book became more fantastical, Cook grounded them, making them more intensely human. Coming into the saga, I expected more of the same... Which it kind of does, but not exactly.
As the Company moves south, Cook explores concepts unseen before, like cultural and religious conflict. Earlier, where significant time was originally dedicated to outsiders like Bomanz and Shed, now it’s more so spent inside the Company as its leaders react to being thrust into positions of power in an alien world.
Previously, we saw characters driven by self-interest with individualistic fervour. Here, that’s taken further: it isn’t solely about the individual but also for a higher cause, and that fervour deepens into unrelenting religious zeal. As Cook introduces new elements, the series evolves; yet as the exploration scope broadens, he inversely turns the perspective inwards, focusing more heavily on Company characters.
I admire what Cook does, choosing to progress rather than repeat. However, that’s only a part, and taken as a whole, I can see how this new direction isn’t for everyone—even myself at times.
While this evolution retains traits such as brotherhood, loyalty and character introspection, it also has others that aren’t as enjoyable. A heavier emphasis on the military aspect. A new annalist, who, while interesting in stylistic difference, lacks the terse snap that made the original so appealing. Slower pacing. A weaker supporting cast. More politics. Motives become less personal, shifting instead toward religious fanaticism.
Overall, it felt the series became more like standard epic fantasy—which isn't an insult, more an observation. It’s different. There was interest and enjoyment to be found, but for me, it didn’t have that same magic the initial trilogy had. And I do wonder how much Cook was setting up for these books prior, or if this was an afterthought and did some retconning along the way.
On a small note, I understand now why Silver Spike is at the back of the omnibus. It could be placed at the start, middle or end; none are perfect. Safest to be at the end. It’s a fine coda to the original.
I’ll move on to Glittering Stone eventually. Before that, I think I’ll try Cook’s Tower of Fear or Dragons Never Sleep next.