Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand

Princeps Fury Princeps' Fury
Codex Alera Book 5
by Jim Butcher
Orbit

Supplied for review by Hachette New Zealand

Reviewed By: Stephen Litten

Once again, we enter the world of Tavi of Calderon in this, the fifth book in the Codex Alera. Having achieved an accommodation with the Canim, Tavi decides it is time to declare his birthright, which is the grandson and heir of Gaius Sextus, First Lord of Alera. Unfortunately, this will also put himself in the way of potential assassins. Due to some decisions he made as Captain of the First Aleran, while morally proper and appropriate to the situation, are not entirely legal, Tavi decides that the sensible thing to do is go into exile with the Canim as they return to their homeland. But the Vord, a threat he thought he had eliminated in an earlier adventure, are carving great swathes through the Canim homeland. And Tavi and the returning Canim are not welcomed with open arms. To make matters worse, the Vord are also invading Alera. Thus, Tavi’s Uncle Bernard and his wife Amara, as well as mum Isana are having a hard time of it too.

This book follows the formula of the others in the series: a seemingly invincible enemy, impossible odds and a hero who uses his brain to solve problems. Regular heroes and villains pop up, but not too frequently; Tavi is on another continent, after all. Butcher weaves the various strands together well, and leaves one wanting more. It is just as well the final part has been released, or I may not have coped with waiting to find out what happens next.

I recommend the book (and the series) to anyone who enjoys intelligently written fantasy. I thank Hachette New Zealand for supplying me with the review copy.

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