Book 3), The Wheel of Osheim (Red Queen’s War

Leave it to author Mark Lawrence to bring our heroes heartthrob down a few notches in a most hilarious way. This was a delightful series full of action, folklore and humor. In the Wheel of Osheim, our hero returns home only to discover trouble powered by magic will go through great lengths to find you. After a tedious battle with the Dead King that leaves his home in ruins, Prince Jalan rejoins Snorri and heads for the final showdown at Osheim. This book is a perfect summer read for teens, young adults and fantasy nuts. I found this read deserving of 5-stars. Can't wait for what the author comes up with in his next series.

Mark Lawrence impresses again. I have read the entire Trilogy, and his conclusion of The Red Queen's War , was exceptional. The characters, are developed wonderfully, and despite their flaws are easy to like. Throughout the stories we see the characters struggle with various moral issues, and given how they have been developed it easy to understand each individual's choices. The action is crisp, the humor both wonderful and dry. On more than one occasion his style hints of Joe Abercrombie, but overall his style is unique. I certainly hope this is not the last visit we have to the Broken Empire, but whatever he writes, I will be following.

Mark Lawrence is, without a doubt, one of the best writers we've ever had working in the fiction genre. The third, and sadly last, book in the Red Queen's War is as amazing as expected, weaving together all the threads so carefully laid out by Mr. Lawrence in the last two books into an ending that is as satisfying as the journey to reach it was. The dialogue is sharper than ever, Jalan's sarcastic wit comes through often as bittersweet as it is cutting, Snorri finds the answers he's been seeking and, although he has less to say this time around, his wisdom has become even more profound. He is the heart that drives the duo in their quest even through Jalan's expected reticence to continue being the hero everyone else sees in him.
I predict this trilogy will become one of the timeless classics that will stand the test of time, one which future generations will seek out and read time and again. Although it was The Broken Empire that brought Mark Lawrence to the attention of so many fans, it's the Red Queen's War that will solidify his place in the ranks of great writers.
Cannot recommend this book enough. I really hope that someday we'll be treated to another book set in this universe. Hopefully Jalan and Jorg will have another conversation someday...

I loved theBroken Empire trilogy so decided to read this one also. It was never as profound or thought-provoking as the earlier trilogy. The siege of the city went on and on. The ending was a little too pat for my tastes. Best thing is, I no longer feel compelled to read about Jalan's womanizing - YEAH!!! Maybe a guy can relate to this frat boy protagonist better than me...

I love Mark Lawrence's writing style and cleverness he puts in his characters.

And I was very excited when the Wheel of Osheim was released in June having read and listened to the other two books in the trilogy several times. I immediately started reading the newly released kindle book plus the new Audiobook (Tim Gerad-Reynolds is excellent). However, after reading the Wheel of Osheim, I was very disappointed in the lack of depth to the characters, former cleverness and humor, and I found it hard to follow. I truly missed the relationship Jalan had with Snorri, Hennen and Cara. It seems weak in comparison to the other two books in this series. The ending was very unsatisfying with the characters just floating away without much detail.

Mr. Lawrence is a wonderful and talented writer, but this book seems rushed. I enjoyed many parts of the book but not to the point of many rereads like the others.

That was some tasty reading! A very rich world of the Broken Empire was made even richer with Jalan Kendeth's journey to far north, far south and far beyond.

The folklore, the characters and the story are complex and colourful. But as usual what makes the ending to the Red Queen's War trilogy shine above most of the fantasy is the writing. It cannot be stressed enough how skilled Mark Lawrence is with words.

"Everyone's lost. Any direction will take you where you're going. You just have to hope that's where you want to be."

Full review, and reviews of previous Mark Lawrence's book can be found on my Goodreads profile:[...]

Another rollercoaster ride with Mr. Lawrence. His books read quickly and efficiently which is a quality that can be hard to find in this genre. I have read many of the negative reviews on his perceptions of women and as a man my opinion is skewed but personally I see those perceptions through the eyes of his characters. Characters that spend the arc of their journey overcoming their many flaws. The fact that it brings forth such a visceral reaction with some of his readers is simply evidence of his ability to draw the reader in and convey a strong message.