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mishamiga's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
Although I was entertained and interested in most of the storlines in this book, I found it very hard to follow at times. The way the author describes things is a bit too much, and I was unable to even visualize what they were talking about and describing. It took me a while to get invested in some of the stories, but by the end, I was enjoying it and wanting to know what happened next. Overall it was an enjoyable book.
10000bees's review
Not really in the mood to read from the POV of a government committing a genocide rn
rhhapsodos's review against another edition
i just honestly don’t care about any of this. the writing is confusing, it’s never clear which pov the chapter will be and it feels very blah blah to me
girish0731's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The narrative style is something that needs time getting accustomed to but as a whole, very grim dark book with absolute wretched characters. The prose and story flows extremely fluid.The good characters we tend to like all turn up dead eventually and always in gut wrenching and painful manner.
jasminehall497's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
datakitten's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
readtheblurb's review against another edition
5.0
4.25 rounded up!
The Fangs of War is an indie published book by E.J Doble, which I picked up through a recommendation and a fantastic sounding premise that drew me in.
I will start by saying this is about as grimdark as it can get – think Anna Smith Spark levels. I’m a huge fan of grimdark, so I can safely say this more than satisfied that need. So, if you like your stories bloody then read on.
The Fangs of War is set in a world hanging on the balance of an uneasy rivalry between two nations which last ended in bloodshed, and by the looks is on its way to returning to those roots. The book begins with the death of the King of Provenci, brutally murdered, instigating a bloody war. The story follows a path of visceral destruction, betrayal and brutality as the two nations (Provenci and Tarraz) duke it out. Elements of magic and monsters are thrown into the mix, making for an interesting and at times edge of the seat read, like some kind of bloody adventure through the unknown and alien. On top of the focus on war, there is definitely a political aspect going on, with characters vying for positions of power and control, ready to step over or even kill anyone in their way of it.
There was quite a lot of world-building and scene setting involved at the beginning, meaning the start was on the slower side. I will say, despite this, it picks up hugely half way through and ends with a bang and a cliff-hanger, ready for book two. I need answers Mr Doble!
In terms of characters I felt like there was a real mix, some completely unlikeable, yet enjoyable to read and others that showed there was some hope left in this world. Firstly we have Revek who is the brutal commander of the Provencian forces. He is a despicable character who is in no way likeable, yet made for some unique reading. I really did want to find out what would happen to the dirtbag! Next up was Cavara a general within Revek’s army, who doesn’t quite agree with his methods. What follows is a series of betrayals after which Cavara finds herself face to face with some…interesting beings. Markus was probably my favourite character, probably as he seemed the most human, and because his character development and motivations really drove the plot forward. He works beside Savanta and the two of them make quite a pair…There are of course other characters, but I’ll let everyone discover those!
I would say the characters in this story really made the story, as each was extremely well written. I imagine some of them were made unlikeable for a reason, however some redeeming qualities might have made them more rounded. Also, a POV from the Tarraz side would have added some intrigue in terms of seeing what the “other” sides motivations are.
Doble’s writing is excellent, being highly imaginative and even vivid in detail. It did take me a while to get into the prose of the story, especially due to it being very descriptive and even complex at times. However, it did fit the narrative of the story and made The Fangs of War feel like a satisfying read.
If you’re a fan of Anna Smith Spark or even looking to quench that grimdark thirst, then this is most definitely the read for you. Strap in and get comfortable, because you’re in for a wild blood filled ride.
The Fangs of War is an indie published book by E.J Doble, which I picked up through a recommendation and a fantastic sounding premise that drew me in.
I will start by saying this is about as grimdark as it can get – think Anna Smith Spark levels. I’m a huge fan of grimdark, so I can safely say this more than satisfied that need. So, if you like your stories bloody then read on.
The Fangs of War is set in a world hanging on the balance of an uneasy rivalry between two nations which last ended in bloodshed, and by the looks is on its way to returning to those roots. The book begins with the death of the King of Provenci, brutally murdered, instigating a bloody war. The story follows a path of visceral destruction, betrayal and brutality as the two nations (Provenci and Tarraz) duke it out. Elements of magic and monsters are thrown into the mix, making for an interesting and at times edge of the seat read, like some kind of bloody adventure through the unknown and alien. On top of the focus on war, there is definitely a political aspect going on, with characters vying for positions of power and control, ready to step over or even kill anyone in their way of it.
There was quite a lot of world-building and scene setting involved at the beginning, meaning the start was on the slower side. I will say, despite this, it picks up hugely half way through and ends with a bang and a cliff-hanger, ready for book two. I need answers Mr Doble!
In terms of characters I felt like there was a real mix, some completely unlikeable, yet enjoyable to read and others that showed there was some hope left in this world. Firstly we have Revek who is the brutal commander of the Provencian forces. He is a despicable character who is in no way likeable, yet made for some unique reading. I really did want to find out what would happen to the dirtbag! Next up was Cavara a general within Revek’s army, who doesn’t quite agree with his methods. What follows is a series of betrayals after which Cavara finds herself face to face with some…interesting beings. Markus was probably my favourite character, probably as he seemed the most human, and because his character development and motivations really drove the plot forward. He works beside Savanta and the two of them make quite a pair…There are of course other characters, but I’ll let everyone discover those!
I would say the characters in this story really made the story, as each was extremely well written. I imagine some of them were made unlikeable for a reason, however some redeeming qualities might have made them more rounded. Also, a POV from the Tarraz side would have added some intrigue in terms of seeing what the “other” sides motivations are.
Doble’s writing is excellent, being highly imaginative and even vivid in detail. It did take me a while to get into the prose of the story, especially due to it being very descriptive and even complex at times. However, it did fit the narrative of the story and made The Fangs of War feel like a satisfying read.
If you’re a fan of Anna Smith Spark or even looking to quench that grimdark thirst, then this is most definitely the read for you. Strap in and get comfortable, because you’re in for a wild blood filled ride.
hugallthecatss's review against another edition
3.5
Read the entire thing and I'm still not sure whether I actually liked it or not. I liked the writing style and the overall plot but I found it difficult to care about most of the characters.
elizabethberger's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0