Furies Of Calderon: The Codex Alera: Book One (Codex Alera, #1)

by Jim Butcher

A compulsively fast-paced fantasy adventure, set in Alera, a 'great world in which any reader can get lost' (SF Site)

For a thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the furies - elementals of earth, air, fire, water and metal. But now, Gaius Sextus, First Lord of Alera, grows old and lacks an heir. Ambitious Lords manoeuvre to place their Houses in positions of power, and a war of succession looms on the horizon.

Far from city politics in the Calderon Valley, young Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting. At fifteen, he has no wind fury to help him fly, no fire fury to light his lamps. Yet as the Alerans' most savage enemy - the Marat - return to the Valley, his world will change. Caught in a storm of deadly wind furies, Tavi saves the life of a runaway slave. But Amara is actually a spy, seeking intelligence on possible Marat traitors to the Crown. And when the Valley erupts into chaos - when rebels war with loyalists and furies clash with furies - Amara will find Tavi invaluable. His talents will outweigh any fury-born power - and could even turn the tides of war.

'Butcher has created a wonderful new world of fantasy...This first book in the series introduces all the main characters and the creatures and events that make Alera a great world in which any reader can get lost' --SF Site

• ISBN10: 0748111549
• ISBN13: 9780748111541
• Publish Date: 28 May 2009 (first published 5 October 2004)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Orbit
• Edition: Digital original
• Format: eBook (EPUB)
• Pages: 512
• Language: English

Reviews

[Ben Pick]

This is a strong opener to the fantasy series. However, I did not feel much attachment to any of the star characters or their voices. Hopefully, that will change as the series progresses. There were parts that I wanted to delve into further and parts which were too detailed. Much of the novel felt like fetch quests during an RPG.

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

The worldbuilding in this one was wicked cool. The social structure and military is Roman-based, which you don't find too often in fantasy. Additionally, Furies of Calderon gives us a magical system that is elementals meets familiars. Powers are well balanced and varied, but the magic exists so easily in the world that it doesn't take over the feel of the fantasy. Still, it was a thrill. Furies has a wide cast of characters, so there's someone for everyone in this book.

My personal favorite is Tavi, who really stumbles unaware into the adventure and ends up not only contributing importantly to the main storyline, but has an excellent little side-adventure of his own. Tavi is a great character - raw and honest in the way that young adults can be but he's also kind-hearted and genuine. I really liked following him.

Furies is definitely not meant for the light of heart - there's everything from slavery to cannibalism mentioned in the book, and there was a scene where I was sort of waiting to see if someone was going to get raped, because it was getting very sketchy. Do know that this has a lot of adult themes between the magic and war, and be prepared for that going in.

[ross91]

This was fun!
A little predictable, a little tropey, but really entertaining!
Tavi and Amara are my fav.