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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
This novel is criminally overhyped. It is not bad, the prose is ok while bordering on dull pretentiousness at times, but all the superlatives are extremely exaggerated.
The main gripe I had is that it is severely under-edited. A lot of events serve nothing but to emphasise the same point over and over again. I struggled every single time Kyra was mentioned. The middle of the book just drags on like a game filled with repetitive side-quests until we finally get to the main story that seems to start somewhere around 70% mark. It is wild that a book takes such a wild turn so late in the game, and it leaves you wondering if all the 400 hundred pages really necessary. However, all the storylines connect at the end.
Hadrian is kinda annoying but I hope he improves in the following books. And I hope that he ditches that famous Marlowe smile (seriously, how cringe is that?). 1st person POV is a boring choice, especially if the character is boring/pretentious. Once again, I hope he improves in the following books.
On the other hand, the main story - the one that truly comes to life in the final quarter of the book - is a fun read and I'll probably continue with the series. But I'll completely understand anyone that won't because the first installment ... It really isn't all that great.
Solid 3 stars, nothing more.
The main gripe I had is that it is severely under-edited. A lot of events serve nothing but to emphasise the same point over and over again. I struggled every single time Kyra was mentioned. The middle of the book just drags on like a game filled with repetitive side-quests until we finally get to the main story that seems to start somewhere around 70% mark. It is wild that a book takes such a wild turn so late in the game, and it leaves you wondering if all the 400 hundred pages really necessary. However, all the storylines connect at the end.
Hadrian is kinda annoying but I hope he improves in the following books. And I hope that he ditches that famous Marlowe smile (seriously, how cringe is that?). 1st person POV is a boring choice, especially if the character is boring/pretentious. Once again, I hope he improves in the following books.
On the other hand, the main story - the one that truly comes to life in the final quarter of the book - is a fun read and I'll probably continue with the series. But I'll completely understand anyone that won't because the first installment ... It really isn't all that great.
Solid 3 stars, nothing more.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I went into this one knowing I was signing up for a sprawling space opera epic and it did not disappoint. Empire of Silence comes highly recommended, and it’s often grouped alongside books I already adore, so I had a strong feeling this would be a hit for me.
The story is narrated by the main character, which means there’s plenty of foreshadowing and sharp retrospective insight. Done well, this technique can make a series land beautifully, and based on this start, I have high hopes Ruocchio will pull it off.
What really hooked me was the mix of elements: family dynamics, politics, moral dilemmas, reflections on choices both wise and ruinous. It’s set in a far future where Earth no longer exists, yet humanity remains as flawed and invaluable as ever.
This was a phenomenal entry point into the series. It was compelling, addictive, and impossible to put downI was distracted from work because I just wanted to keep turning the pages. I’ll be continuing on, novellas and all, in the right order, and I hope the rest of the saga proves just as rich and intriguing as this first book.
The story is narrated by the main character, which means there’s plenty of foreshadowing and sharp retrospective insight. Done well, this technique can make a series land beautifully, and based on this start, I have high hopes Ruocchio will pull it off.
What really hooked me was the mix of elements: family dynamics, politics, moral dilemmas, reflections on choices both wise and ruinous. It’s set in a far future where Earth no longer exists, yet humanity remains as flawed and invaluable as ever.
This was a phenomenal entry point into the series. It was compelling, addictive, and impossible to put downI was distracted from work because I just wanted to keep turning the pages. I’ll be continuing on, novellas and all, in the right order, and I hope the rest of the saga proves just as rich and intriguing as this first book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Okay, this was a very interesting book! I honestly didn't know what to expect, so there were a lot of surprises. I loved how the book begins with a young man who just wants to study but is forced to do what his father tells him. The theme of human supremacy/speciesism was strong throughout, and I really enjoy this topic in general already. I really liked being in this guy's head, despite the fact that he does meander a lot in the narrative and sometimes it's hard to remember what's happening in the "present." I'm excited to see where it goes as the series continues, and I'm soooo glad to have FINALLY started it!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, War
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Homophobia
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes