Quick Word:I adored Carol Berg’s previous novels and I have devoured every one. Yet, I spent a month attempting to read this one. The characterization and world building was decent, even solid. Yet my pleasure in a good novel must come from either brilliant plotting or enjoyable characterization. Valen was miserable to read about; he was a survivor (I’ll give him that) but he was also a compulsive liar, a drug addict, and lacking morals. There was a certain sense of… hopelessness… in his situation, and the land he lived in was brutal, unforgiving and crude. Unlike Seyonne, who also endured a civil war, Valen lacks a sense of humor, and this, I feel, is the first greatest flaw of the novel. As tired, troubled, angry, and frustrated Seyonne was, he always had a dry comment or keen observation to make that kept me rooting for him. Valen just cursed the world and took advantage of the kindnesses presented to him. And then there’s the fact that Seyonne was always fighting for something worthwhile: his people, his soul, his dignity, his wife, his son. These things made him a hero, that even when he was looking out for himself, he was faithful to his beliefs as he could. Valen was merely interested in saving his own skin. And then there is the situation of the villains who populate Flesh and Spirit. A credible villain can be motivated by anything from simple greed to self-preservation, from patriotism to revenge, from religious fervor to ambition to romantic love. Vallen’s nemesis (actually, all of them) were motivated by… evil? Sadism? Empty pride? Villains should be people. Not twisted figures of darkness or caricatures of ignorance and conceit. I realize that it could be argued that Valen is just human, and realistic to boot. But you know what? Who cares. Sorties aren’t good just because they are realistic, they should say something of importance too. ( )

Don't let this DNF deter you! This fantasy is densely atmospheric, with complex, thoughtful worldbuilding, and an interesting main character. I just don't do well when a lot of info is thrown at me, so this duology isn't for me. But I understand now why so many readers love it, even though I didn't get far. DNF at 28%, when my library loan ended. ( )

This book was really interesting, especially in its character development. There were times when I had a bit of trouble following what was actually going on, but I stayed rather fascinated with how Valen continued to grow and change. This is a book that I think will require a re-read to get all the little details, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. Valen is an amazing character! ( )

Pretty good. After a slow beginning (my problem, not the author's), the book picked up for me as I got drawn into the web of intrigue and mystery which surrounded Valen, the Abby of Gillarine and the good brothers therein. Valen is not the most likable of characters, but he's an interesting one nonetheless and I look forward to reading the follow up book soon. ( )

Valen is a renegade pureblood, with magic in his veins that he can’t risk using. Suffering a nearly fatal wound, he ends up an abbey where he tries to take refuge, but his drug addiction and his dyslexia may keep him from being accepted, even setting aside that it’s unlawful to give sanctuary to a pureblood. Valen is selfish, self-pitying, and scared through most of the book, but I have to admit that the story grew on me as he discovered more about the abbey’s mysteries and its connection with what seems like the forthcoming end of the world. ( )