RydiaReviews!

Book of Ile-Rien

📖 Title: Book of Ile-Rien (The Element of Fire - Death of the Necromancer)
✍ Author: Martha Wells
📚 Series: Ile-Rien
🌍 Country of origin: USA
🔖 Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Speculative Historical Fantasy, Mystery, Gaslamp Fantasy, Political intrigue
👥 Favorite character: Katherine "Kade Carrion" De Fontainon / Queen Ravenna
💬 Favorite quote(s):

"And how is your dear mother, child?"
Ravenna’s expression was as polite as a judge passing sentence; Kade looked ironic and amused. "She’s in Hell."
"Wishful thinking, surely."
"Oh, no, she really is. We saw her go. She lost a wager."


🌟 Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3/5 Stars

Hi everyone! Rydia, reviewer extraordinaire here gain with yet another RydiaReviews!

What if I told you of a fantasy series known by a few that includes two fae courts both seelie and unseelie, political intrigue, magic, princesses and queens, knightly orders, in a setting resembling Elizabethan France down to the name which sounds like the Island of Nothing, with characters that are not made of carboard with a rich background, backstory for everything, an awesome original setting that departs from the usual medieval focus the genre centers on?

And it goes on to include its sequel that's a thriller in a Gaslamp fantasy that involves a sorcerers, a magical academy, a freakin' heist, the outlawing of a whole magic school by itself, murder mystery that ends up being more horror than fantasy but still remaining true to the world built in the first one while still expanding more upon it?

It does sound pretty cool, doesn't it?

It has everything to entice many readers, me included. When I was given the opportunity to review an ARC copy thanks to NetGalley, Martha Wells and Tor Publishing group I was more than hectic to start this book.

Yet my biggest question after reading it is...

Why didn't I like it?

No, don't get me wrong this isn't a negative review, at all. Ms. Wells does so many things well... well (lol) that I can't pinpoint anything particularly wrong with it. Just maybe not my cup of tea, I guess.

Getting into a new fantasy series is a daunting task, and my fellow fantasy readers wont let me lie. You spend usually the first 50 pages trying to make out the setting, which if done well, is part of the fun. Considering those who have read Martha Wells work before, they know how good she can be with her worldbuilding! So after so many good recommendations and praise, specially on her Murderbot series (which admittedly doesn't interest me in the least bit due to a name that in my opinion just sounds silly but is still highly reviewed and praised so I *must* give it a try at least), I just had to experience it myself and why not do it with a fantasy novel from such a marvelous world-builder and versatile author?

Well it took *me* around 150 pages to start making some sense of the world. It is very welcome that it isn't a familiar medieval setting as it has been the recent case with the books I've reviewed. We need more authors to dare do something different rather than just sticking with what works.

The Book of Ile-Rien is made up of two of Martha's former books from the Ile-Rien series. The Element of Fire and Death of the Necromancer, to which I preferred the former rather than the latter, as opposed to the internet's general consensus.

I can't really say the book starts off slow. It's quite impossible and a complete fallacy when the book just throws you off in the middle of the action. So, you start off the book disoriented in the middle of the action, and you must wait quite a bit just to take a breather and even more to start making off some sense of what is happening.

Gunpowder, knights all is good then we throw Kade, my favorite character into the fray which ended up being my whole reason to read this book. If it weren't for her I would have either taken up more time for me to finish it or outright add this book to my shameful DNF list which fortunately is very small due to me treating my DNFs as TBR in a yet to be defined time in the future.

So let's talk about the characters, shall we?

Kade is a powerful sorcerer, half human half fey, Roland's bastard sister. She's powerful, not very royal like. Fun, beautiful and a complete delight to read. She literally appears from nowhere

Roland, her brother is well he acts more like a normal big brother would (or at least they portray them to as I don't have a big brother of my own to compare with) he can be ambitious and rush to make dumb decisions and well is weak to flattery. Which is convenient and inconvenient at the same time.

Other than Kade I found Queen Ravenna to be one of the best characters in the book. She is Roland's mother and Kade's step mom. Beautiful and wise and mysterious. She is feared and admired in all the same and should have a book of her own or her story more fleshed out, I would have loved to read more about her, truly she is just so interesting. The interactions she has with her kids, how she treats those close to her with respect and even helps them develop, now that's a leader I would admire and follow!

And let's not forget Thomas Boniface, the captain of the queen's guard and her former lover too, a total hunk with 'daddy' vibes that's so protective and even if I find it a bit weird that after being with Queen Ravenna, he falls for Kade, I can't blame either. Kade is such an awesome princess and Boniface... let's just say I have a weakness for guys like him.

In this book, there's always something happening but the story moves slowly nonetheless, I would say that this book would have been much more perfect if the author just cut off like ALL OF THE FILLER CONTENT. The book felt like a drag at times, so many stuff happening but little to no reason to care about. I only give a pass on this to Kade which just appeared to uh... cause mischief I guess and well considering she's half fae and faeries are mischievous I can forgive that but there's so much happening and at least for me, no reason to care about it or no reason explained as to why it's happening, or its explained much more later and there's only so much I can take of filler before drifting off to something else, which is a major reason as to why this book took me so long to read, the other one was its length.

I could say that neither me nor the characters know very well why they're doing the things they're doing. Considering they're NOT unidimensional or bidimensional at all. It seems they just participate in a play because they have to. Which is kind of weird considering such a huge setting that mimics real world France. Which gets me to something that isn't necessarily bad but just rubs me off the wrong way and I'm not sure why.

The book reads like historical fiction of someplace that actually has faeries and magic and not like, well a fantasy book. The characters, the setting, the places, the backstory it all feels so... realistic? I mean it is a good sign as it seems the author put a whole lot of research and time to make it as realistic as possible but well, the genre is called 'fantasy' its meant to be unrealistic not feel like this could have happened.

And as I said, this isn't a bad thing its just not *my* thing.

After much political intrigue, capturing, rescuing, travelling into the Fayre, out of Fayre, more capturing, rescuing the book comes to an ending that left me more with a bittersweet taste, mostly of relief for having finished it and having the romance I was asking for to be there, even if it to some it would seem a bit creepy.

Nothing much to say as nothing much happened. I don't know, the first part just didn't click with me but the characters, specially Kade who will forever hold a spot in my heart, and I thank Martha Wells for writing her.

Now on to the second part of the book, Death of the Necromancer.

A mysterious character known as the Necromancer is attempting to overthrow the government in this fantasy novel's universe, which coexists with magic and technology. Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Not so much for me, though.

To be completely honest, I didn't particularly like this book. I'm aware that it has a large following and has received praise, but I didn't enjoy it.

This book is formulaic and doesn't really seem a sequel much until 2/3rds of the book which to me its waaaay far into the book and should've been written as a standalone or like what it is, a different story in the same world.

The characters were a big part of why I struggled to connect with this novel. They all appeared to be copied versions of other literary figures like Sherlock Holmes, the Count of Monte Cristo, or Arsène Lupin. This gave me the impression that they lacked much depth or personality, and I had the impression that I had already seen them all.

For instance, the main character Nicholas Valiarde, a nobleman who also runs a criminal underworld and is a master thief, lives a double life. He is driven to exact revenge on the corrupt minister who killed his foster father for necromancy. In addition, he is personable, clever, and brilliant. Does that ring a bell? Edmond Dantès from The Count of Monte Cristo is essentially the same character, only a bit more magical, throw in a bit of Arsene Lupin and there you have it.

Madeline Denare, Nicholas' sweetheart and accomplice in crime, is yet another illustration. She is a talented actor who can pass for anyone by disguising herself. She is also clever, courageous, and devoted. Does this sound a bit like Irene Adler but not so much?

You also get versions hints of Moriarty in the necromancer. Lestrade, Watson... You see what I mean?

Although I don't mind when authors draw inspiration from or pay homage to previous works, I believe they should also bring something unique or inventive to their own characters. If not, reading it resembles fanfiction or a fusion of other works. And no adding magic or just changing the names and doing a little (very little) mashup on the character and putting them in a different setting isn't enough for me.

Again, and I must highlight this, the Author's ability to portray so well things, the extensive research and thought she puts in her work makes the world so real, so similar that it's hard for me to immerse in it.

The narrative was another factor that made me dislike this book. The majority of the time it was really slow and boring, even when there were so many things happening, the story didn't move at all but at times, specially towards the conclusion it became hurried and disorganized. There were much too many unnecessary subplots and plot twists that didn't really advance the narrative. The book dragged on and on due to the excess of details and descriptions. Yes, being overly descriptive can be a problem, I know it's supposed to help immerse the reader but immersing me in a fantasy world that just feels so real with characters that feel so familiar yet are so fresh... it just doesn't work for me.

I'm aware that some people would love a plot this convoluted and dense, the use of distinct points of view is something some people would enjoy too but many others can find it confusing, like me when I had to go back and re-read because I had to either skim, skip or fight falling asleep. I'd rather have something exciting and uncomplicated. There's a delicate balance in complexity, simplicity, description, realism and plausibility and this didn't really do it for me.

Don't get me wrong, though. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't read this book or that it's horrible. Simply said, I'm not interested in it and through the book I didn't find any reason to care. I respect the fact that a lot of people adore this book and its author. It's perfect because everyone has distinct preferences and viewpoints.

If you enjoy the historical fantasy, mystery, or steampunk genres, you might enjoy this book. If you are familiar with the literature that inspired it and enjoy the allusions and comparisons, you might enjoy this book. If you prefer sophisticated stories and well-developed worlds, you might like this book. If you like fantasy worlds that feel so real that they might have just been then you might like this book.

However, if you like to read more creative, interesting, and enjoyable books, this one might not be for you. Same goes if you like more traditional fantasy than this Gaslamp horror mystery experiment.

I couldn't relate to these new characters at all, maybe Madeline but even then, after Kade it's hard not to compare such a great character with which to my opinion isn't as great. But this could be my bias talking, this second one is much less a preferred genre of mine so maybe that's why I didn't like it much? But I see why people might like it. If they overlook characters that should talk more in times they barely do. Or talk less when they go on yapping and yapping. And throwing the reader right in the middle of a heist? Yah, terrible move in my opinion, because I don't really have a reason to CARE as to why many things happen and knowing the author this could take much, much, much time. (Spoiler: It does) The underworld the characters spend time running through and moving through tunnels while stumbling upon ghouls while they pretend NOT to be a criminal gang by being a criminal gang is, as always, marvelously written. The prose and the dialogs are well balanced even if they are not how I would prefer them to be. I do like steampunk but this time the author sometimes goes over the top describing things in such a beautiful vocabulary that sometimes I just wish we could move on the long, LONG chapters to further the story. Then again we get more and more filler and that plays against keeping my interest in it. I skimmed a lot because to be quite honest it felt very boring to me. But then again I expected more fantasy and less horror/mystery/filler action.

The ending was well... disappointing, it was very deus-ex machina and it didn't make sense to me, I don't even care enough to explain or spoil it, it was that bad for me.

I'm going to be honest, since I can't pinpoint something that's "wrong" but just not my cup of tea I'm not giving it a bad review, in fact I'm going to get a physical copy as having one would make it so much easier for me to go back or use post its or something to not get so lost with the names or events or if something happens off page or not because I honestly had to re-read so many times that there were times I just took things for what they were and moved on due to the book being extremely long and me having little interest to finish the second half that just gets good on around 75% of it.

I'm very sorry bookworms, I didn't like this is as much, it just seemed I would love it, but I didn't, I hope that re-reading it in physical makes my experience better because sometimes I not only didn't procrastinate, got lost but I even fell asleep reading it and fell asleep having the eBook reader read it out loud for me.

That is a terrible sing for a book that ticks so much checkmarks on what I love.

So I'll end up this review with the same question I started it off...

Why didn't I like it?

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐ So good but so meh at the same time. Maybe I'm not in a good state right now? Will revisit later.

Read you on the next RydiaReviews!

Toodles~!

Rydia ✨

We are immediately drawn in to the action and as we keep turning each page we get to know the array of characters, where loyalties lie & watch various plots unfold.

Mystery, destruction, murders, sorcery, royalty, fantasy with quips of humour... The Book of Ile-Rien has it all, and is one to collect!

I loved this! I have read a smattering of things by Martha Wells, so I knew a bit of her writing style already, and this didn't disappoint. The blend of fantasy and mystery was really compelling and well done, with great characters that sucked me into the story. This had the perfect balance of the two genres without being overly done--the suspense was just enough without overpowering the story. I absolutely cannot wait to read more from Wells--I have yet to find something from her that I didn't really enjoy!

The Element of Fire
3.5/5

The story starts strong with a wealth of characters and complex court intrigue paired with an investigation into a growing threat of a powerful wizard. It certainly doesn’t hold your hand as you try to figure out who everyone is and how they all fit together and honestly it’s been a while since I read a book that started out in such a manner.

I think it did a good job overall showing all the intricacies of court life as well and giving you lots of good details to help you figure out the mystery. I really enjoyed the characters and their relationships, each more complex than the previous.

It was a good book and I really enjoyed the world and magic within the story, though it is obvious it was one of Martha Wells’ first books. There were some clumsy parts with long winded descriptions and some confusing passages but overall it was still a fun and enjoyable read.

The Death of the Necromancer
4/5

This book hooked me from the start. I loved the fast pace of the heist turned mystery and all its layers. It was a great read and was definitely worth the read!

The characters were plenty and all very fun, each adding to the story in their own way. I loved the relationships between them and how they evolved throughout as well. They really made the book come to life. Though there were a few names that were just so alike I did get them confused often.

It was odd reading this right after The Element of Fire and for a while I wasn’t sure why it was a sequel as it could have stood all on its own. And honestly it still technically could as it only briefly referenced the previous events, but it did make for a fun game of finding all the ways the previous story was interpreted in the more modern setting.

Overall it was a great story and definitely my favourite of the two.

This is my first Martha Wells experience and she did not disappoint. I was scared there was too much hype around her and I'd be let down, but I loved these two stories.

I really like the seamless blending of mystery and fantasy- neither one overpowering the other. The characters were rich and interesting and held my attention the whole time (which is rare for me these days). It was suspenseful without ripping my heart to pieces or sending me spiraling.

I will definitely be reading more Martha Wells after this and recommending her to my customers. Will do a TikTok review on pub day!

This has 2 books in it and wow I quickly tore through both of them. They were absolutely attention grabbing. I could not put this down. I have been a Martha Wells lover for a long time and these together is absolutely perfect.
I just reviewed The Book of Ile-Rien by Martha Wells. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

"The Book of Ile-Rien" by Martha Wells is a captivating collection that combines two novels, "The Element of Fire" and "The Death of the Necromancer," into one volume. Wells' masterful storytelling and rich world-building create an immersive reading experience that blends sorcery, intrigue, and adventure across a fantastical realm.

In "The Element of Fire," the kingdom of Ile-Rien faces threats from sorcery and political intrigue. Kade, the illegitimate sister of King Roland, arrives at court with enigmatic motives, and it's up to Thomas Boniface, Captain of the Queen's Guard, to safeguard the kingdom from the lurking dangers. Wells expertly weaves a tale of mystery and magic, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate a world where fey creatures and human politics collide.

"The Death of the Necromancer" transports readers to the gaslight streets of Ile-Rien, where Nicholas Valiarde, a nobleman and renowned thief, seeks vengeance. As he embarks on his quest, he becomes entangled in a web of ancient necromantic powers and dark forces that threaten to consume him and his companions. Wells skillfully crafts a tale of suspense, weaving intricate plotlines and unexpected twists that add depth to the characters and their motives.

Wells' writing is rich and descriptive, immersing readers in the details of the world and its inhabitants. The characters are multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and complexities. The author's ability to blend magic and mystery with well-developed characters creates a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

This collection showcases Wells' talent for crafting immersive and imaginative worlds, as well as her ability to create layered characters that evolve throughout their journeys. "The Book of Ile-Rien" is a must-read for fans of fantasy literature, offering a blend of adventure, magic, and intrigue that will keep readers enthralled from the first page to the last.

Ile-Rien by Martha Wells has the remarkable writing. While the world-building was a little lacking for a first timer, the rich plot and multifaceted characters kept me captivated. Magic was noteworthy in that it added richness.

The court intrigues and characters such as Queen Ravenna, Thomas, and Kade were enthralling. Kade and Thomas' blossoming relationship was a delight, flawlessly merging. A wonderfully enjoyable encounter that has left me wanting more. "The Death of a Necromancer" captured my heart even more with its humor, suspense, and heists, all of which I enjoy!

Review-The Element of Fire:

Ile-Rien is the only series written by Martha Wells that I haven’t ever dipped my toe into. Too many books, too little time, sigh! Therefore it goes without saying that I was extremely thrilled when I received an arc of the revised editions of the two books from the series now known as The Book of Ile-Rien, published by Tor Books. While there are some tiny indications scattered throughout that The Element of Fire may be Martha Well’s debut novel (given I have read almost everything by her and have seen how extraordinary her writing and storytelling can be), I couldn’t help but be amazed and astounded by her exceptional and mind blowing writing, considering she was a 26 year old debut author when this novel was published.

The world building wasn’t as strong as I would have expected from a Well’s book but given this was her debut novel I easily forgave her. However the intricately woven plot, replete with captivating and multifaceted characters, brims with suspense and intrigue, compelling me to eagerly flip through each page. The magic system employed within the narrative was truly commendable too. Although certain aspects of it may not have been as uniquely original as found in some of Wells’ other works, it remains skillfully crafted and comprehensive, adding to the overall richness of the story.

I have a deep fascination for the intricacies of court politics, and I found myself utterly captivated by the court of Ile-Rien, particularly the interactions among the dowager queen, Ravenna, her son, King Roland, and his half-sister, Kade. The dynamics of power plays and struggles were masterfully depicted, revealing a web of betrayals and conspiracies as each character vied to outmaneuver the others and seize control. It was a compelling display of ambition and intrigue that kept me thoroughly engrossed. These complex and intertwined conflicts were my lifeblood in Ile-Rien universe; I thrived on them.

Thomas, the captain of the Queen’s Guard, is a character of remarkable depth, just like the majority of the characters in the book, embodying shades of moral ambiguity. His multifaceted nature is truly captivating, and I found myself wholeheartedly enamored by him. While possessing a fundamentally good heart, he has learned enough cynicism and deceit from his association with Ravenna to navigate the treacherous waters of court life and survive alongside her. This intriguing blend of virtues and flaws makes Thomas an enthralling and relatable character, adding to the allure of the story.

The Dowager Queen Ravenna is a truly remarkable character in her own right. Despite her weak-willed son coming of age, she refuses to relinquish the power she has wielded throughout her entire life easily. Her tenacity and determination are awe-inspiring as she navigates the complexities of court politics. Often displaying cynicism and anger, Ravenna also showcases her exceptional cleverness and resilience, honed through the crucible of violent wars she had to face to protect her land. Her multifaceted personality, blending strength and vulnerability, makes her a compelling and unforgettable presence within the narrative.

Lastly, My beloved Kade. Kade Carrion, the half-fay bastard sister to the king, is an incredible and awe-inspiring character. Despite possessing significant power, she often prefers to rely on her luck and cunning, which only adds to her enigmatic charm. Kade’s witty and snarky nature brings a delightful touch to the story, but beneath that veneer lies a profound sense of sadness, making her character even more intriguing. Her unique blend of strengths and vulnerabilities makes her truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on readers as they journey through the pages of the book.

The portrayal of the chemistry between Kade and Thomas was masterfully crafted, showcasing a beautifully written relationship. Martha Wells’ skillful approach to romance is evident in this book, as she never imposes it upon the reader, allowing it to evolve naturally and authentically. The interactions between Kade and Thomas were a true delight, with their conversations and exchanges seamlessly complementing one another. Their dynamic and connection were portrayed in a way that captivated my heart and left me thoroughly enamored with their evolving bond. The romantic subplot was skillfully woven into the tale, adding depth to the characters without overshadowing the main storyline.

Overall, the narrative flowed effortlessly and maintained an engaging momentum throughout. I must admit, I kind of predicted some twists in the plot, but the cleverly placed foreshadowing made the revelation all the more satisfying. Since I haven’t had the opportunity to read the original version, I cannot pinpoint the specific changes made in the revisions. Nevertheless, I must express my genuine admiration for the captivating storyline, the well-developed characters, and the enthralling world of Ile-Rien. Despite not being familiar with the original, I found the book to be a truly enjoyable and immersive experience, leaving me eager to explore more of Martha Wells’ literary creations.

Review – The Death of A Necromancer

Is it too bad to say I loved The Death of A Necromancer more than The Element of Fire, because I DID! This book was filled with humor, suspense and YES! heists! Oh, I love myself a good hiest!

Right from the beginning, the story thrusts us into the midst of a heist-in-action, introducing us to a motley crew of endearing misfits. We meet Nicholas Valiarde, whose brooding and sarcastic demeanor conceals a brilliant criminal mastermind alter ego. Joining him is Madeline Denare, a skilled practitioner of disguise, acrobatics, and directness, leading a double life as a stage actress. Completing the ensemble is Reynard Morane, a charming gentleman soldier who fell from grace due to scandal and dishonor. Together, this group of colorful characters embarks on a thrilling journey that promises intrigue and excitement.

The narrative weaves a rich and meticulously crafted world that immerses readers in a genuine and well-established setting. The atmosphere exudes an aura of old-world decay, with strong elements of spiritualism and the haunting presence of the characters’ pasts, which imbue their struggles with depth and authenticity. The detailed descriptions of societal traditions, historical events, and even architectural features paint a vivid picture, revealing the city as a mask for its gradually evolving and modernizing society. In parallel, the main characters’ personas, shaped by their criminal backgrounds, add another layer of complexity, making them intriguing and multidimensional. The book successfully merges the essence of its characters with the intricate fabric of the world they inhabit, providing an engrossing and satisfying reading experience.

It is undeniable that Wells possesses an extraordinary talent for crafting intricate worlds. She skillfully breathes life into the city and kingdom of Ile-Rein in The Death of A Necromancer, making it a truly immersive experience for readers. Whether wandering through the bustling streets of the city or exploring the eerie catacombs below, you can genuinely feel yourself transported to these places. While the individual elements of the world may not be entirely novel, the way she meticulously constructs the atmosphere and setting is truly exquisite.

The majority of the characters in the story are exceptionally vibrant and captivating. Rather than making Nicholas an exaggerated and unoriginal imitation of a vigilante, Wells skillfully portrays his genuine development throughout the narrative. Additionally, she breathes life into the supporting characters. For instance, there’s Madeline, a courageous young woman with a natural knack for magic who chose to become an actress instead. Reynard, a gentleman soldier, carries the burden of disgrace after his former lover’s tragic demise. Arisilde, a gifted sorcerer, struggles with drug addiction. Lastly, Crack and Cusard, although occasionally confusing, play their parts well. As the story unfolds, more fascinating characters join the mix. If there’s one aspect I wish for improvement, it would be the inclusion of more female characters. Nonetheless, the book manages to avoid performing poorly in this aspect.

The casual and inclusive portrayal of bisexuality within the narrative was refreshing and added a layer of representation. The engaging banter between characters was enjoyable without being overshadowed by unnecessary relationship drama, keeping the interactions lively and entertaining. The brisk pace of the plot ensured an exciting and captivating read from start to finish. Moreover, the well-crafted fantasy world, backed by thorough research, provided a compelling backdrop that immersed me in its richness and intricacies. The presence of entertaining side characters added depth and charm to the overall story, complementing the bold and daring female lead who became a captivating and empowering central figure. All these elements combined to create an enjoyable and memorable reading experience.

While this story may not be the absolute pinnacle of originality in literature, it does offer a fresh take on the classic trope of a man seeking revenge while living a double life. The narrative goes beyond predictable clichés and manages to be unique. It is an understatement to say that I am extremely happy that I finally got to read the first two books of the Ile-Rien series after all this time. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

My sincere thanks to Netgally, Tor books and Martha Wells for giving me this advance reader copy.

Rating (combined): 4.5

I thought this was pretty good! My first Martha Wells so didn't really know what to expect. Definitely keen to read more by this author.

Is anyone else jumping up and down in joy because Martha Wells is finally having her moment? These gorgeous revised editions of her work have me pre-ordering like crazy. Though best known today for the Murderbot Diaries, Wells has written many excellent fantasy novels, including the Ile-Rien novels, The Element of Fire and The Death of the Necromancer. She builds complex and rich stories that any fantasy lover should read. Highly recommend.

I love the way this author writes, everything was on point, from the world building to the plot execution. I absolutely loved how the storyline unfolded and found myself entranced by this story.