The tweed! 😂 I agree about the wonderful way magic was introduced, and you’re not the only one who was surprised by some of the gory scenes! You’re making me regret not waiting to read this with the audiobook. Great review!
I can confirm that Philip is a nice chap. This was a very good review, you had considering things I didn't before, such as the slavery thing. I didn't really think of Imharr as Dayraven's slave, more like an indentured servant (which I suppose is a form of slavery, but I digress.) I viewed Imharr and Dayraven's relationship as akin to Frodo and Sam's, sure Sam is Frodo's servant, but they're also close friends as well. I should also note, based on what I read and the conversations I've had with Philip, I don't think that Philip is critiquing religion in general, but the ways that people misuse religion for their own purposes, rather it be delusional, singular purpose (Bledla), using religion in order to gain more power and prestige (Earconwald), or using religion to gain knowledge for selfish reasons (Joruman.) He shows how spirituality and religion can be a beautiful thing for people, while also a way to people to unleash destruction onto others because God told them to do so. He's not Philip Pullman...he's another Philip entirely. I'll admit I thought Allen was going to put out all three audiobooks, considering how long it took to get this one out. I was wrong about that one. Keep up the good work!
I found "Way of Edan" to be a real blast! Loved the many nods to real life history and myths, JRR Tolkien, Ursula Le Guin, Robert Jordan, Lloyd Alexander etc. (+ a troll ⚽🏀s reference from John Gwynne’s “The Bloodsworn Saga”? 😅) The name Dayraven is from "Beowulf":, a Frankish Standard Bearer killed by Beowulf in a “bear-hug” during the Geatish King Hygelac’s Raid on Frisia (North Coast of Modern Day Netherlands). Professor Chase mentioning “Beowulf”: “I’m shocked, shocked I tell you!» 😂! Some other "easter eggs" are Imharr (Imar/Imhar: An Irish male name, and the name for Ivar Boneless (Viking King of Dublin and son of Ragnar Lodbrok) in Irish Chronicles), Urd (one of the Norns, the weavers of fate, «past»/ «origin»: A good name for an old crone!), Guthere (Anglo Saxon form of Gundahar/Gunnar/Gunther: A legendary king of Burgundy in the German Epic Poem "Nibelunglied", the Norse "Volsung" Saga and Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle", *cue "Ride of the Valkyries"*!), Oswy (Oswiu, a 7th Century Anglo Saxon King of Northumbria), Bagsac (Bagsecg, one of the commanders of the Norse Great Heathen Army), Dragvandil (The name of the Sword to the famous Viking and Skald Egil Skallagrimson from the Icelandic Sagas, as well as a Grimes-tune and a “Final Fantasy” weapon!), Orvandil (Aurvandil 1) Father of Thor’s stepson Ull, gets a frozen toe, which Thor turn into a star, possibly Venus (“the morning star”), Sirius, Rigel or Alcor 2) Jutish King and father of Amleth (Hamlet) in the Danish Chronicle “Gesta Danorum” by Saxo 3) Origin of Tolkien’s Earendel, father of Elrond and the first king of Numenor Elros), Eormenland (Ermanaric, King of the Goths, «Eormenric» in «Beowulf»), Heremod ( 1) Legendary Danish and Anglian King, father of Scyld, ancestor of the Scyldings found in “Beowulf”. 2) Hermod: Son and Messenger of Odin, brother of Balder), Bledla (Bleda, brother of Attila the Hun), Kiriath (Kiryat: Old Testament City, hometown of the Prophet Uriah and temporarily home of the Ark of Covenant), Folcwalda (Folcwald, father of Finn from «Finn and Hengest»: Beowulf/Widseth. «fólcvaldi goða»- «he who rules the host of the Gods» : Epithet of Frøy/Freyr) and Galdor (2 of Tolkien's Elves of Middleearth: A Noldorian Lord at “The Fall of Gandolin” and the Representative of Ciridan of the Grey Havens at Elrond’s Council in Rivendell in "FOTR". The Wizard Galdor in ElLond=Galdor, member of ElRond’s Council as representative of the Grey Havens: I see what the Good Professor did there😉!) And I loved the nods to "Beowulf", "Finn & Hengist", the tale of Kullervo from the "Kalevala" and the heroes Seigfried and Brunhilde from Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle", in the in-universe story of Wilfar and Aelfscyn! Could not help but think of CCR's "Run through the Jungle" during the Hasumere Campaign, it was Beowulf meeting the Vietnam War! 😅 I found the Magic/Religion of Asdralad and of Urd very inspired by the dualism of the Taoism found in Le Guin's "Earthsea", but then again, without being a follower or expert of either, both the faiths/philosophies of Taoism and Buddhism have a history of co-existance. Also, the gods of the Torrlonders Original Pantheon turned into saints/heroes, reminded me of the Tuatha De Danann, the Aesir in Snorre Sturlason's "Heimskringa Saga" and the Valar of the Silmarilion. Also the robes of white and yellow of The Way (another callback to both the Early Church AND Taoism) reminded me as much of Hindu and Buddhist Clergy (as well as the Whitecloaks and Aes Sedai of "The Wheel of Time") as Catholic (I also had to try to be my very ecomenical best to not make either transubstantiation or "Temple of Doom" jokes during one scene!) and the shunned stories of Aldmund reminded me of the Islamic "Satanic Verses" (made famous through the novel by Salman Rushdie), the Mormons cleanup of Joseph Smith and "The Da Vinci Code" (as a direct descendant of the builder of Rosslyn Chapel and the Sinclair Clan, I do not support in any way or shape Dan Brown's "claim" that I then is a descendant of Our Lord and Saviour!😅). I felt it more clearly in book #2, “The Prophet of Edan”, but there is my mind (given the period Professor Chase started writing the series) a reaction to the use of Religion as justification and Religious Language in the Post-9/11 Middle East Wars (as well as hinting to the Vietnam War from his Childhood) and the Nepalese Civil War (with him being married into a Nepalese Family). The theme of exile/exiles and melancholic entropy in general, is a recurring theme of Anglo-Saxon Poems such as "The Wanderer". "The Sea-farer" and "The Ruin", so again the Professor is showing his background! Also: I got to meet Professor Chase this Summer when he visited Scandinavia on Holidays, he was very generous with his time (and food, I owe him a taco or two next time we ever meet!😄) and we even attended Sunday Service together at Oslo Cathedral! 😊
I don't know if Chase is an atheist, but he said in one of his BOTNS videos that he is not a Christian. I'm not interested in reading fantasy from atheists, to be quite frank- especially if the church is the antagonist.
Everyone’s allowed to read what they want I suppose, but personally I don’t mind reading books from a variety of beliefs. I think his observations and questions about religion were well thought out.
@iSamwise unfortunately he's about 20 years too late to be writing a book that's critical of religion. Anyway, I do read atheist authors, but mostly in horror and scifi. When it comes to fantasy there are two things that make atheists unsuitable to write the genre: 1. They're designing a secondary world yet they reject the design that is obvious in our own 2. They want me to believe their fantasy world is full of magic and wonder while falsely believing the real world is not Both of these things make atheist fantasy seem shallow and unconvincing. In my opinion.
Hilarious setting. Great review.
Thank you so much!
The tweed! 😂 I agree about the wonderful way magic was introduced, and you’re not the only one who was surprised by some of the gory scenes! You’re making me regret not waiting to read this with the audiobook. Great review!
Thank you! The audiobook is fantastic and definitely should be considered for any reread in the future.
@@Johanna_reads I second this. The audiobook is one of the best. Allen made an outstanding job.
I can confirm that Philip is a nice chap.
This was a very good review, you had considering things I didn't before, such as the slavery thing. I didn't really think of Imharr as Dayraven's slave, more like an indentured servant (which I suppose is a form of slavery, but I digress.) I viewed Imharr and Dayraven's relationship as akin to Frodo and Sam's, sure Sam is Frodo's servant, but they're also close friends as well.
I should also note, based on what I read and the conversations I've had with Philip, I don't think that Philip is critiquing religion in general, but the ways that people misuse religion for their own purposes, rather it be delusional, singular purpose (Bledla), using religion in order to gain more power and prestige (Earconwald), or using religion to gain knowledge for selfish reasons (Joruman.) He shows how spirituality and religion can be a beautiful thing for people, while also a way to people to unleash destruction onto others because God told them to do so. He's not Philip Pullman...he's another Philip entirely.
I'll admit I thought Allen was going to put out all three audiobooks, considering how long it took to get this one out. I was wrong about that one.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Britton. I think your assessment on the religion issue is corrects and better put than how I described it in my review.
Super impressed with how you broke down this work and reviewed it. First video and certainly not the last of yours I watch.
@@helgestrm9670 thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it.
The jacket is truly a master stroke of art.
@@Chance.Dillon 🫡 🫡
I found "Way of Edan" to be a real blast! Loved the many nods to real life history and myths, JRR Tolkien, Ursula Le Guin, Robert Jordan, Lloyd Alexander etc. (+ a troll ⚽🏀s reference from John Gwynne’s “The Bloodsworn Saga”? 😅) The name Dayraven is from "Beowulf":, a Frankish Standard Bearer killed by Beowulf in a “bear-hug” during the Geatish King Hygelac’s Raid on Frisia (North Coast of Modern Day Netherlands). Professor Chase mentioning “Beowulf”: “I’m shocked, shocked I tell you!» 😂! Some other "easter eggs" are Imharr (Imar/Imhar: An Irish male name, and the name for Ivar Boneless (Viking King of Dublin and son of Ragnar Lodbrok) in Irish Chronicles), Urd (one of the Norns, the weavers of fate, «past»/ «origin»: A good name for an old crone!), Guthere (Anglo Saxon form of Gundahar/Gunnar/Gunther: A legendary king of Burgundy in the German Epic Poem "Nibelunglied", the Norse "Volsung" Saga and Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle", *cue "Ride of the Valkyries"*!), Oswy (Oswiu, a 7th Century Anglo Saxon King of Northumbria), Bagsac (Bagsecg, one of the commanders of the Norse Great Heathen Army), Dragvandil (The name of the Sword to the famous Viking and Skald Egil Skallagrimson from the Icelandic Sagas, as well as a Grimes-tune and a “Final Fantasy” weapon!), Orvandil (Aurvandil 1) Father of Thor’s stepson Ull, gets a frozen toe, which Thor turn into a star, possibly Venus (“the morning star”), Sirius, Rigel or Alcor 2) Jutish King and father of Amleth (Hamlet) in the Danish Chronicle “Gesta Danorum” by Saxo 3) Origin of Tolkien’s Earendel, father of Elrond and the first king of Numenor Elros), Eormenland (Ermanaric, King of the Goths, «Eormenric» in «Beowulf»), Heremod ( 1) Legendary Danish and Anglian King, father of Scyld, ancestor of the Scyldings found in “Beowulf”. 2) Hermod: Son and Messenger of Odin, brother of Balder), Bledla (Bleda, brother of Attila the Hun), Kiriath (Kiryat: Old Testament City, hometown of the Prophet Uriah and temporarily home of the Ark of Covenant), Folcwalda (Folcwald, father of Finn from «Finn and Hengest»: Beowulf/Widseth. «fólcvaldi goða»- «he who rules the host of the Gods» : Epithet of Frøy/Freyr) and Galdor (2 of Tolkien's Elves of Middleearth: A Noldorian Lord at “The Fall of Gandolin” and the Representative of Ciridan of the Grey Havens at Elrond’s Council in Rivendell in "FOTR". The Wizard Galdor in ElLond=Galdor, member of ElRond’s Council as representative of the Grey Havens: I see what the Good Professor did there😉!) And I loved the nods to "Beowulf", "Finn & Hengist", the tale of Kullervo from the "Kalevala" and the heroes Seigfried and Brunhilde from Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle", in the in-universe story of Wilfar and Aelfscyn! Could not help but think of CCR's "Run through the Jungle" during the Hasumere Campaign, it was Beowulf meeting the Vietnam War! 😅
I found the Magic/Religion of Asdralad and of Urd very inspired by the dualism of the Taoism found in Le Guin's "Earthsea", but then again, without being a follower or expert of either, both the faiths/philosophies of Taoism and Buddhism have a history of co-existance. Also, the gods of the Torrlonders Original Pantheon turned into saints/heroes, reminded me of the Tuatha De Danann, the Aesir in Snorre Sturlason's "Heimskringa Saga" and the Valar of the Silmarilion. Also the robes of white and yellow of The Way (another callback to both the Early Church AND Taoism) reminded me as much of Hindu and Buddhist Clergy (as well as the Whitecloaks and Aes Sedai of "The Wheel of Time") as Catholic (I also had to try to be my very ecomenical best to not make either transubstantiation or "Temple of Doom" jokes during one scene!) and the shunned stories of Aldmund reminded me of the Islamic "Satanic Verses" (made famous through the novel by Salman Rushdie), the Mormons cleanup of Joseph Smith and "The Da Vinci Code" (as a direct descendant of the builder of Rosslyn Chapel and the Sinclair Clan, I do not support in any way or shape Dan Brown's "claim" that I then is a descendant of Our Lord and Saviour!😅). I felt it more clearly in book #2, “The Prophet of Edan”, but there is my mind (given the period Professor Chase started writing the series) a reaction to the use of Religion as justification and Religious Language in the Post-9/11 Middle East Wars (as well as hinting to the Vietnam War from his Childhood) and the Nepalese Civil War (with him being married into a Nepalese Family).
The theme of exile/exiles and melancholic entropy in general, is a recurring theme of Anglo-Saxon Poems such as "The Wanderer". "The Sea-farer" and "The Ruin", so again the Professor is showing his background!
Also: I got to meet Professor Chase this Summer when he visited Scandinavia on Holidays, he was very generous with his time (and food, I owe him a taco or two next time we ever meet!😄) and we even attended Sunday Service together at Oslo Cathedral! 😊
That’s very cool that you got to meet him in person! That sounds like a real treat!!!
I don't know if Chase is an atheist, but he said in one of his BOTNS videos that he is not a Christian. I'm not interested in reading fantasy from atheists, to be quite frank- especially if the church is the antagonist.
Everyone’s allowed to read what they want I suppose, but personally I don’t mind reading books from a variety of beliefs. I think his observations and questions about religion were well thought out.
@iSamwise unfortunately he's about 20 years too late to be writing a book that's critical of religion.
Anyway, I do read atheist authors, but mostly in horror and scifi. When it comes to fantasy there are two things that make atheists unsuitable to write the genre:
1. They're designing a secondary world yet they reject the design that is obvious in our own
2. They want me to believe their fantasy world is full of magic and wonder while falsely believing the real world is not
Both of these things make atheist fantasy seem shallow and unconvincing.
In my opinion.
@@MusicEnjoyerSLS To be fair, fantasy is fictional. I think an atheist can write a fantasy just as well as a Christian can.
@@someokiedude9549 I'd love to be wrong
@@MusicEnjoyerSLS ok.