Title: A Pride of Princes
Author: Jennifer Roberson
Series: Chronicles of the Cheysuli
Sexual Content: minimal
Objectional Content: Violence, torture
Synopsis: (from Goodreads) Brennan, Hart and Corin were the three Cheysuli sons of Niall, ruler of Homana, and the next link in the generations-old prophecy of the Firstborn. Now the time had come for all three to take the paths for which they were fated:
Brennan, heir to the throne of Homana, would face the menance of unknown assassins and trecherous Ihlini magic.
Hart, Brennan’s younger twin, must journey to Solinde, the kingdom which would one day be his to rule—a land that longed to see the Cheysuli prince overthrown.
And Corin, the youngest prince, must battle sorcery and madness in the court of distant Atvia.
Three princes, three destinies—and if even one should fail to fulfill the patterns of prophecy, Homanan and Cheysuli alike would pay a deadly price…
My Review
Much as I expected, there was a time jump of about 20 years from the Track of the White Wolf. However, in A Pride of Princes, the story isn’t following just one character, but 3, the sons of Niall. So far, this is the first book in the Chronicles of Cheysuli that has multiple points of view.
I found A Pride of Princes to be much more engaging as the story follows the three brothers. Each of them are very different from one another, something the author takes pains to establish from the very beginning. Each man has had his life planned out for him basically from birth. Which kingdom they will rule and who they will marry has already been established.
We also get to see some of Lillith and her brother, Strahan, the ongoing villains of this series. Strahan wants Niall’s sons so he can turn them into puppet kings and rule the kingdoms through them. It begins to become evident what exactly the fulfillment of the prophecy may mean. It could be the end of both the Ilhini and the Cheysuli.
There are instances of emotional and psychological manipulation as well as physical torture, which some readers may find disturbing or triggering.
The female characters continue to leave something to be desired. Their only purpose seems to be marrying the right person and having sons.
Of the five books so far, A Pride of Princes has been the most interesting and engaging. I enjoyed the differences in the three brothers, even as I railed against some of their choices. I think this book also highlights the dangers of a gambling addiciton.
My rating for A Pride of Princes is 4 out of 5 stars.