The Codex Alera

[Highlander II]

It seems all of the threads here center around Dresden (which does seem to be the more popular of Jim's current works), but he does have this other series. It's a high-fantasy series (sort of in the vein of the Tolkein types) and it's called The Codex Alera - generally shortened to just 'Alera'.

It starts with The Furies of Calderon and progresses through the next several books (I think there are five, currently), with the sixth being the last in the series. (I'll double check the number of books, but I think 6 is the last one.)

I've just gotten started working on this series - I'm usually focused on Dresden - and getting into the first book takes a little while. It's a little slow and spends some time setting up locales and such, but it's starting to move along here in chapter 3.

I think you also just have to be 'ready' to read the series or it won't be interesting. (Esp'ly if you're not typically a fan of the high-fantasy genre.)

Anyone else working their way through Alera?

[Taltos]

Thought about it ... as I'm running out of Dresden books. I'll probably order the first book soon.

[Highlander II]

I've had 'Furies' since it's release... actually, I joined Jim's mailing list right about the time he put the first chapter or so up for 'preview' before he sold the book, I think... (don't quote me on that part) - but I couldn't get into it then... and I tried. I really did.

It's only just recent 'clicked' for me to get into it. Not that I didn't *get* it, I did, it just didn't interest me until recently. Which is cool - b/c now I have something to read between Dresden releases.

[Bibliophile]

I had the same experience. It didn't click for me either at first. I was in the Dresden mindset. Now however I am awaiting those releases with the same anxiousness as the new Dresden books.

[Highlander II]

I figure, by the time I get through the first Furies book, the series will be done and I can read 'em all as a one-shot.

And, IIRC, Jim's working on another book series. The man just has so many ideas!

[Bibliophile]

Wow. Another series would be great (assuming the Dresden books kept coming out on schedule). I am glad he is relatively young. With all the tragedy that has been affecting my favorite authors lately (Jordan, Pratchett, Asprin) it's nice to read someone so inventive that (hopefully) has many years left!

[Highlander II]

I think Jim's a perpetual writer!

Dresden has about 10 - 12 more books to come. So we should have those for a little while yet.

Then, I think he's got another series in the hopper. At least one. I'm sure he's got several ideas hiding out in his wicked little brain.

[hikari-sa]

The Codex Alera is one of my favorite series at this moment in time. I am currently waiting for the next book to come out. It should b out sometime soon if it is not already but since i am in to the book 2 of The Enduring Flame right now i guess it can wait a bit longer. I can say that i do enjoy Tavi and Katai litle escapades and the taunting.

[Highlander II]

The fifth and final book of the Codex Alera is out in bookstores.

(I believe Jim said that book 5 is the last one... if I'm wrong, I'll come back with a correction!)

=)


ETA: book 6 is the last book... which I mention a couple comments after this... just updating.

[hikari-sa]

Yeah i know there is a waiting list at the library for it rrrggghhhh!!!! its okay i have a couple of series that i am reading at the moment. I like to spread myself around when it comes to reading.

[soulsinging]

What's the verdict on this series? I'm hooked on Dresden now (just started Blood Rites) but very intrigued by Codex Alera. Is it worth diving into? How close is it to done?

[Highlander II]

It's a good series and, IIRC, there is one more book to be published this year and it's finished. I think it's a 6 book series.

It's a little slow out of the gate in the first book, but once you get past the first several chapters, it picks up speed.

[The44]

I have not read Princep's Fury, as I am only buying the paperbacks in that series. I have read the ending as I am not afraid of spoilers. I do not see how that ending could be the end of the series. It is just the latest book in the series. Yes, JB could easily wrap it up in the next book if he so chooses.

What has interested me is the development and growth of Octavius. His slow develoment in the ability to control the furies has led him to be extremely powerful in the natural and cunning use of his physical skills.

I see the power of his grandfather as just short of being completely frightening. I always think of "Who will guard the guardians?" when I read about these very powerful people.

I like JB's writng and I plan on pretty much buying anything he writes. However, to date, I have missed the later short stories and I do need to catch up.

[Saeltari]

Saw this thread and thougth I would take a peak. It is good to hear that several of you tried it once and weren't able to get into it but had it click for you later. I am in the same boat. I actually read the first one when it came out but just couldn't get into it and I love fantasy. I may try rereading the first one and see if I get motivated to go on to the second one.

[The44]

Oh, I am into it. I just am not willing to spend the bucks for a hardback. I can be patient. I like the series and I find the psychic control of the furies to be a very interesting magic system, if one desires to call it that.

It does seem to me that the humans on this planet are comparative interlopers and have interjected themselves into the world. I am not clear about some of the humans we see. It seems to me that Tavi's love is human, but is a result of isolated breeding from the original stock that landed on the world.

I like the series because the heir to the throne is such a likeable character. He is not his grandfather, thank goodness. Sextus is a pretty serious piece of work.

I am not sure when I twigged to the reality that his Aunt was actually his mother and that he was the grandson of the Emporer. I think it was somewhere in book 2.

Fidelias scares the crap out of me. He is a very interesting character and as deadly as a viper in your boot.