The Price of War: An Autumn War, The Price of Spring (Long Price Quartet)

This second omnibus collection of Daniel Abraham's The Long Price Quarter, The Price of War, is a page turner from beginning to end in a complete contrast to the first omnibus that was characterized by being a slow burner. Otah and Maati again dominate the two novels that tell the two sides of a devastating war and its long disastrous consequences in which both men take different paths to solve, in both novels previous secondary characters return as well as new tell about how high the price of war is.An Autumn War: Otah governs over the city of Machi continuing is nontraditional life with only one wife and one heir, in addition to hosting not one but two poets, one of which his friend Maati. Even as Otah thinks and plans about a possible problem with the neighboring power, Galt, he doesn't know that events are in motion to end the Khaiem as he knows it. Balasar Gice, the greatest general in Galt, has spent is life wanting to end the threat the andat present not only to his country but the world. After retrieving information from the lifeless dessert that the Old Empire became thanks to the powers of the andat, Gice plans to forever end the threat that the poets and andat pose to the world. These good men face off and the foundations of two great empires are shaken to their core.The Price of Spring: A Third Empire as arisen after the Galtic War with Otah at its head looking to his old foes to save not only his people but theirs as well, but his former friend the poet Maati looks save his people by returning the andat to the world to heal the wounds he blames the Emperor for creating and neglecting with his scheme. These two old men must navigate an uncertain future through women like that of Eiah Machi, who's loyalty is divided between her father and Uncle Maati, and Vanjit, a survivor of the sacking of Udun. The fate of the world, let alone the Khaiem and Galt, is in the balance as two men realize the price their previous decisions have cost.I am going to be honest, if there are any flaws in either of these two novels I didn't notice them. From the beginning I was gripped by the tale Abraham continued from Shadow and Betrayal. If you are a fan of fantasy, you must read The Long Price Quartet and I recommend you read this book.

There, a review in a title sentence. As noted, the first two novels of the set were excellent, but the second pair of novels... well, it had the reek of a publisher demanding two books when there was only enough plot for one. Lots of drawn out journeys, endless introspection by the main characters, with an occasional unexpected change impacting the characters' plans. Should have been a three book trilogy instead of a set of two double books. If you read the first two books, you'll want to read the second two, but don't be surprised if you nod off when reading it.

This is a great series and the second half only gets better. I really enjoyed this fantasy series and its a bit different from others i have read. The idea of the poets is unique and interesting. I also enjoyed following basically two main characters throughout the series and watch them change in the years. Many surprises to come in this half but i don't want to spoil anything. I would highly recommend the book though.

This guy can sure write. I'll read anything by him. Loved loved loved the magic system.

Interesting story, but often goes on and on too much. It took me awhile to read. But overall I enjoyed the book.

Daniel Abraham is proving to be one of the finest writers in fantasy and the LP quartet was a great start

great read

The Long Price quartet was a wonderful read for me. So much can be said about it, without exhausting the many layered feelings and thoughts we are left with. The writing is elegant, simple, poetic, without lacking conciseness and bluntness when necessary, the dialogues are perfect, with a dark sense of humour. One can say it is the story of Otah Machi: a man who defied his destiny and assumed responsibility for the world. Much more than than, I believe it to be a story about power: how it corrupts, how it makes people lazy and complacent, how some fear is and most long for it, how to fight against it, how to wield it and when to let it go; also about responsibility and acceptance of the past and one's mistakes. And, ultimately, about love: it is love that effuses every page of the booked, as unlikely and improbable and fragile and permanent as the seasons. Simply amazing!

Great book and story, it was captivating. thanks Daniel

I just finished reading the entire series of four books. And I am trying to decide whether to reread them immediately or in a few weeks. The language is wonderful, the characters are fleshed out and complete and the plot is many-levelled, dense and riveting. I found myself laughing and crying and unlike so many books that disappoint, this series involves the reader fully. At least this reader.