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A review by mrb404
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
5.0
This was an amazing debut for Lawrence and a very welcome one. I now understand why I have seen this book listed as one of the best and must-read fantasy novels of 2011. Having been a fan of dark fantasy for several years, I can readily see why people are comparing this novel to Richard Morgan’s “The Steel Remains.” It’s often difficult to pull off a likable anti-hero protagonist, but Lawrence does it extremely well. Usually, I do not like novels with such young protagonists as Jorg, so I read the book with the understanding I would have to engage in some heavy suspension of disbelief if such a young kid in an ultra-violet adult role was not going to annoy me to death. By the end of the book, I have a deeper appreciation of why the child was behaving in such an adult role; however, I am not sure that my interpretation was the author’s intent or my own overly analytical mind. Suffice it to say that when you play the Game of Throne’s there are puppets and there are masters, and there are even those that are oblivious to the hands that move the game pieces about the board.
Speaking of Game of Throne’s, it was readily apparent that Lawrence was heavily influenced by Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” due to the several times he used the “game of thrones” phrase. Sure enough, after having finished “Prince of Thorns,” I began researching Lawrence and discovered that he acknowledges Martin as an obvious influence.
“Prince of Thorns” is a book that stays with you after you set it down. As I began reading this book, I assumed it was set in a typical fantasy realm. Much to my surprise, Jesus, Plato, Nietzsche, and others were mentioned. I have not determined if this is an alternate future or post-apocalyptic world following the “Day of a Thousand Sun.” Whichever it may be, the world is set in a seemingly medieval setting that I found intriguing. One day after finishing this book, I long to have a better understanding of this world and how it came to pass.
I highly recommend the book to lovers of dark fantasy, but I must caution that it is not for the faint. This book excels in ultra-violence with an amoral, some might even say evil, teenage, anti-hero protagonist.
It is my hope that “King of Thorns” can match the first novel in the series!
Speaking of Game of Throne’s, it was readily apparent that Lawrence was heavily influenced by Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” due to the several times he used the “game of thrones” phrase. Sure enough, after having finished “Prince of Thorns,” I began researching Lawrence and discovered that he acknowledges Martin as an obvious influence.
“Prince of Thorns” is a book that stays with you after you set it down. As I began reading this book, I assumed it was set in a typical fantasy realm. Much to my surprise, Jesus, Plato, Nietzsche, and others were mentioned. I have not determined if this is an alternate future or post-apocalyptic world following the “Day of a Thousand Sun.” Whichever it may be, the world is set in a seemingly medieval setting that I found intriguing. One day after finishing this book, I long to have a better understanding of this world and how it came to pass.
I highly recommend the book to lovers of dark fantasy, but I must caution that it is not for the faint. This book excels in ultra-violence with an amoral, some might even say evil, teenage, anti-hero protagonist.
It is my hope that “King of Thorns” can match the first novel in the series!