Cursor's Fury by Jim Butcher Series: Codex Alera #3
Published by Ace in December 2006
Format: ebook
Source: Library
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The power-hungry High Lord of Kalare has launched a rebellion against the aging First Lord, Gaius Sextus, who with the loyal forces of Alera must fight beside the unlikeliest of allies-the equally contentious High Lord of Aquitaine.
Meanwhile, young Tavi of Calderon joins a newly formed legion under an assumed name even as the ruthless Kalare unites with the Canim, bestial enemies of the realm whose vast numbers spell certain doom for Alera. When treachery from within destroys the army's command structure, Tavi finds himself leading an inexperienced, poorly equipped legion-the only force standing between the Canim horde and the war-torn realm.
**SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series. Please do not read this review if you have not yet read Furies of Calderon or Academ’s Fury.
Cursor’s Fury was my FAVORITE in the Codex Alera series thus far. It was fast-paced, action-packed, and didn’t have a whole lot of new characters. It was so much easier to follow, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
In Cursor’s Fury, High Lord Kalare has teamed up with the Canim and is poised to start a civil war. There are two main battles. One in Ceres and one at Elinarch. (You can find a map of Alera on Jim Butcher’s website here.) Elinarch is where Tavi is fulfilling his duty as a Cursor for First Lord Gaius. He’s playing the role of Rufus Scipio, the Third Subtribune Logistica, in the First Aleran legion and has to battle the Canim. Reading Cursor’s Fury, it felt as if Tavi was finally the main character. His growth was very evident in this story.
In Ceres, Isana, Bernard, and Amara meet up in what is meant to be a reunion of sorts. However, their reunion is cut short by an assassination attempt on Isana and the rest of the Dianic League. Tensions are heightened when Kalare declares himself responsible and declares his desire to take the crown. Isana spends most of her time trying to heal Fade while the battle ensues around her. Bernard and Amara leave with Lady Aquitaine to retrieve loved ones kidnapped by Kalare.
I think things are finally coming together in Cursor’s Fury for the series. Tavi’s growing as a character along with his relationship with Kitai. Isana’s history is finally revealed, which plays a huge role in Tavi’s life. Bernard and Amara’s relationship continues to flourish despite everything that’s going on around them. We also learn a lot more about Fade and Max in this story, which was nice. Every story needs some awesome side characters.
As always, there were a few twists towards the end. I’m really curious to see what First Lord Gaius ends up doing with the knowledge he knows.
All-in-all, Cursor’s Fury was fantastic. I think if you’ve made it this far, you’ll have to finish the series. I know I’m dying to get my hands on Captain’s Fury. I’m just waiting for the library copy to be available. (I may end up just buying it though.)
Let me know what you think of Cursor’s Fury or the Codex Alera series as the whole. Do you agree with my thoughts on this one? If you haven’t read the Codex Alera series, I would highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy fantasy novels.
