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imperfectedness's review
adventurous
3.0
I had fun with the story initially, but you really can‘t focus too hard on the plot choices. Unfortunately this continues to get worse, the longer it goes on. Matters are not made better by a hero who stumbles through this „mystery“ ( feels more like a scavenger hunt) and who‘s only personality traits are liking alcohol and liking his sidekick, Flea.
slavicreader's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Think I went into this with somewhat skewed expectations. For one, I was expecting the writing to be solid, if anything else. Especially given that it's a chunky fantasy.
Unfortunately the writing is ultimately what brought it down for me. The story really needed a heavier editing hand. So much of the page count is just characters talking about what's just happened. Telling eachother. Then comes a new character and they have to tell them too.
If they weren't talking about what's just happened, they were thinking about it.
I wouldn't have minded it, had there been less of this. But imagine witnessing an event. You as a reader, are there. You know what's just happened. Then you have to go through pages upon pages of the characters... Talking about it. I just wanted things to happen! Less talk, more action.
What I did like was some of the banter. Made me laugh out loud a couple times. It also sucked me in straight away and I could not put a the book down for the first half. The story showed promise and was intriguing!
Alas the execution lacked finesse. You know it's not great if you have to read through several pages of the villain doing The Monologue.
I'm still inclined to read the second book, with the hopes that it is better!
Unfortunately the writing is ultimately what brought it down for me. The story really needed a heavier editing hand. So much of the page count is just characters talking about what's just happened. Telling eachother. Then comes a new character and they have to tell them too.
If they weren't talking about what's just happened, they were thinking about it.
I wouldn't have minded it, had there been less of this. But imagine witnessing an event. You as a reader, are there. You know what's just happened. Then you have to go through pages upon pages of the characters... Talking about it. I just wanted things to happen! Less talk, more action.
What I did like was some of the banter. Made me laugh out loud a couple times. It also sucked me in straight away and I could not put a the book down for the first half. The story showed promise and was intriguing!
Alas the execution lacked finesse. You know it's not great if you have to read through several pages of the villain doing The Monologue.
I'm still inclined to read the second book, with the hopes that it is better!
the_midwest_library's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
What to say about this one, firstly it's a solid debut. The characters were interesting, but not without flaws, the story itself is interesting and the overall concept of the world I enjoyed.
But what holds this book back from being excellent is the prose and narration style. The characters are CONSTANTLY having conversations where they explain the plot over and over where we should have been shown that plot through more robust worldbuilding. The characters also have some dialogue that is....cringey? Almost tropey. I think it's because the characters aren't developed enough so the emotional impact moments just didn't hit the way the author intended at times.
All that said, I did enjoy this. I think there is great potential here in this world and I can see a lot of people really loving this!
But what holds this book back from being excellent is the prose and narration style. The characters are CONSTANTLY having conversations where they explain the plot over and over where we should have been shown that plot through more robust worldbuilding. The characters also have some dialogue that is....cringey? Almost tropey. I think it's because the characters aren't developed enough so the emotional impact moments just didn't hit the way the author intended at times.
All that said, I did enjoy this. I think there is great potential here in this world and I can see a lot of people really loving this!
chasecain's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
book_bird_anja's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
awesomeautumn's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
misterwisp's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A lively strong debut! There is good stuff here. The biggest strength is probably the smooth fast pacing and how easy it is to read. The characters are another strong point. The main character feels well rounded as a person and has witty and stubborn streaks that make for an enjoyable time. He's an underdog type trying to run from his past yet continuing to get himself into trouble. The supporting characters are equally distinct in their own ways with their own voices. The fantasy setting is well written and does enough of it's own thing creatively to stand out. It's built up in the writing organically without reliance on prolonged exposition. There is regular action keeping things moving.
The plot arc wraps up in a satisfying way while still providing a compelling case to check out the sequel. Everything is done pretty well and nothing stands out as a real low point. It's worth checking out!
The plot arc wraps up in a satisfying way while still providing a compelling case to check out the sequel. Everything is done pretty well and nothing stands out as a real low point. It's worth checking out!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Blood, Alcoholism, Confinement, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual content, Xenophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
soozasaurus_rex's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
dcswhitehouse's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75