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shanaqui's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I had a really good time with Daniel M. Ford's The Warden. The components are fairly familiar: cocky new graduate is dispatched to a place she believes is below her station and capabilities, becomes part of the community there, and quickly discovers that there are dangers aplenty that require her skills. Aelis looks down a little on the community, and stands upon her dignity, but in part that's what she's been taught to do -- and she makes up for it with hard graft, never failing in her duty to put her skills and her life on the line for the people she must, as Warden, protect. She's impatient at times, but ultimately she does her best by her responsibilities, and that wins you a lot.
I did find that one aspect of the plot -- Aelis kind of dropping a subject that was actually really important -- wasn't well handled and didn't really make sense. It's explained later, but I felt somewhat blindsided by the explanation; I think it needed a little more foreshadowing.
Stylistically, I could have done with a bit less of Aelis talking to herself, and the flashbacks didn't always feel smooth; it was obviously being used to fill in the world, character and background info needed, but sometimes felt a touch clunky. Aelis' relationship with Maurenia could have done with some fleshing out, too, but I really feel like I'm nitpicking here. I had fun, I loved Tun and Aelis' scenes with him, and I think the types and bounds of magic that Aelis can wield (and which exist in general) are interesting. Obviously we have much to learn about the history of the world, and Aelis has a heck of a job left to do.
I'm definitely eager to read Necrobane. I'm even going to try and break my usual mould and read it right away!
I did find that one aspect of the plot -- Aelis kind of dropping a subject that was actually really important -- wasn't well handled and didn't really make sense. It's explained later, but I felt somewhat blindsided by the explanation; I think it needed a little more foreshadowing.
Stylistically, I could have done with a bit less of Aelis talking to herself, and the flashbacks didn't always feel smooth; it was obviously being used to fill in the world, character and background info needed, but sometimes felt a touch clunky. Aelis' relationship with Maurenia could have done with some fleshing out, too, but I really feel like I'm nitpicking here. I had fun, I loved Tun and Aelis' scenes with him, and I think the types and bounds of magic that Aelis can wield (and which exist in general) are interesting. Obviously we have much to learn about the history of the world, and Aelis has a heck of a job left to do.
I'm definitely eager to read Necrobane. I'm even going to try and break my usual mould and read it right away!
rhbubbles's review
2.0
By time I finished this, I didn't have anything good to say. It'll be for some people but not for me, mostly because the book overstayed it's welcome. Could have ended 20+ pages before it did. And whoever said it's like Twin Peaks has never seen Twin Peaks or watched a very very different show than me. I would say, market this a bit different (not Twin Peaks) to actually get the right audience so people like me don't read it hoping for one thing and being very disappointed.
waysus1p1's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.5
Wasn't bad, just meh. Nothing g groundbreaking and the style wasn't very elegant. May read the second one. Undecided.
momitch's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
jennareadsmore's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
smolhousewitch's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I'm so glad I can start book 2 immediately. I love Aelis, Tun, and Maurelia and the world building is quite fun. The reveal at the very end made me laugh - a perfect little twist for our poor Warden.
miraclesnow's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A truly wonderful book for people who want an oldschool fantasy world but with strong characters who hold a lot of promise. I do think there were some pacing issues by the last 10% that could have been moved into book 2 instead. Super excited to start on Necrobane!
lunaballz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lagnew15's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5