Title: The Price of Spring
Author: Daniel Abraham
First published July 1, 2009
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765313430 (ISBN10: 076531343X)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
In The Price of Spring by Daniel Abraham, the world is still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating war. The Khaiem’s poets and their magical power known as “andat” were destroyed, leaving both the Khaiem women and the Galtic men infertile.
The emperor of the Khaiem hopes to establish peace by arranging a marriage between his son and a Galtic lord’s daughter. However, Maati, a poet who has been hiding for years, feels guilty about his part in the war’s disastrous end and decides to train female poets to create andat, with the help of the emperor’s daughter, Eiah.
Vanjit, a woman who lost her family in the war, creates her own andat, but her creation unleashes a destructive power that threatens all. As the possibility of peace fades, Maati and Eiah must stop Vanjit before it’s too late for both the Galts and the Khaiem.
The Price of Spring is a gripping tale of hope, guilt, and the consequences of power.
About the Author
Meet Daniel James Abraham – a multi-talented American writer who has penned books under different names like M.L.N. Hanover and James S.A. Corey. He has written novels, comic books, screenplays, and produced television shows.
Fans of fantasy literature would recognize him as the author of The Long Price Quartet and The Dagger and the Coin. However, his most renowned work is The Expanse series of science fiction novels, written in collaboration with Ty Franck, under the joint pseudonym James S.A. Corey.
Editoral Review
In “The Price of Spring,” Daniel Abraham masterfully concludes his epic fantasy series, The Long Price Quartet. Published on July 1, 2009, this novel delves deep into human struggles and the price of power.
Abraham allows readers to explore themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and love through his memorable characters, vivid world-building, and masterful writing style. The Long Price Quartet is a series that blends of historical fiction, political intrigue, and high fantasy, and “The Price of Spring” is no exception.
It picks up where the previous book left off and follows the aftermath of the war between the Khaiem and Galt. As the two nations struggle to reconcile and their leaders attempt to form a new future, a mysterious threat from the stars sets its sights on the world, and the safety of everything hangs in the balance.
The main characters of “The Price of Spring” are the former poet, Otah Machi, the Khai of Khais and his friend Maati. These two long-time companions find themselves handling the challenges of post-war reconstruction whilst each facing personal dilemmas.
Otah, who is lonely after his wife’s death, finds himself falling in love with a widowed businesswoman, while Maati grapples with an affliction that threatens his magic and his survival. Abraham’s strength lies in his exquisite characterization, and “The Price of Spring” is no exception.
The characters are nuanced and complex, and their choices and motivations feel real and adhere to the story’s themes. The world-building is top-notch and will keep readers engaged while also introducing them to new cultures and traditions.
One of the significant concerns that Abraham explores in the book is the weight of power and its consequences. The lessons in the book are visceral and timely, and the readers will find their relevance to modern society.
There are several relevant cultural references that explore religious persecution and refugees, among other themes. Despite its high points, “The Price of Spring” has flaws.
The pacing is slow in some sections, and it is not an easy read for someone who has not read the previous books in the series. But even with its flaws, “The Price of Spring” is an impressive and emotionally satisfying conclusion to the Long Price Quartet.
Overall, “The Price of Spring” is an excellent read. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy or is a fan of the series.
Abraham is a master storyteller, and despite the heavier parts, his writing style continues to be engaging and accessible. The Washington Post gives it two thumbs up and highly recommends this novel.