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n_asyikin_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
Amok is a Nusantara Historical Fantasy that focuses on the plight of a young prince who had his world turned upside down when he was held prisoner, enslaved by a long-time adversary after the fall of his kingdom. While fighting for freedom, Putera Mikal struggles with his faith in those he thought he could trust, the God that was supposed to provide him with the strength to protect his kingdom - and ultimately, his faith in his own capacity.
The story progressed at a thrilling pace, captivating its readers by throwing us right into the melee of Mikal's emotions. Like Mikal, you'd find yourself suspicious of every person's intention as many lusted for power; no matter the cost to others. The political intrigue was an element central to the story; every hindrance to Mikal's plan of escape, every discovery of betrayal, made it difficult for you to put the book down. Not to mention, the special powers gifted by their God, Kudus, made for a fascinating system. (The Perantaraan gift was a personal favourite!)
I quite enjoyed how the naivetè & verve of Mikal's tender age & status shaped his personality; I thought it was rather realistic; his arrogance, fitting to that of a monarch who was raised to be catered to, coddled. However, you'd most likely find him infuriating (especially, if you're not so fond of elistists like me). For me, that provocativeness wasn't a bad thing. In fact, you'd likely appreciate it more as you observe how he'd changed as the story progresses.
Although I fully enjoyed the book, I was hoping that the worldbuilding could've been expanded a bit. More descriptions relating to the Mahan environment & culture, e.g. details on their architecture, artwork on the lattice, local customs, would ground the story better. Furthermore, I thought that some parts of the story could use better pacing & context, i.e the lack of context meant some scenes felt rather sudden. For example, Mikal was initially rebellious despite being enslaved. Though it was noted he was tortured, I think some paragraphs that touch upon the shift in his psyche from rebellious to submissive would make that transition more believable.
Nevertheless, the story was emotionally evocative with its depictions of class struggles, and the consequences of having & complying to irresponsible leaders (Something that is very much applicable in current Malaysian society). Some proses were aptly lyrical & tender, especially towards the end - at the height of Mikal's struggle with his faith & his losses; after all that political intrigue, Mikal's eventual willingness to be vulnerable was touching.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
The story progressed at a thrilling pace, captivating its readers by throwing us right into the melee of Mikal's emotions. Like Mikal, you'd find yourself suspicious of every person's intention as many lusted for power; no matter the cost to others. The political intrigue was an element central to the story; every hindrance to Mikal's plan of escape, every discovery of betrayal, made it difficult for you to put the book down. Not to mention, the special powers gifted by their God, Kudus, made for a fascinating system. (The Perantaraan gift was a personal favourite!)
I quite enjoyed how the naivetè & verve of Mikal's tender age & status shaped his personality; I thought it was rather realistic; his arrogance, fitting to that of a monarch who was raised to be catered to, coddled. However, you'd most likely find him infuriating (especially, if you're not so fond of elistists like me). For me, that provocativeness wasn't a bad thing. In fact, you'd likely appreciate it more as you observe how he'd changed as the story progresses.
Although I fully enjoyed the book, I was hoping that the worldbuilding could've been expanded a bit. More descriptions relating to the Mahan environment & culture, e.g. details on their architecture, artwork on the lattice, local customs, would ground the story better. Furthermore, I thought that some parts of the story could use better pacing & context, i.e the lack of context meant some scenes felt rather sudden. For example,
Nevertheless, the story was emotionally evocative with its depictions of class struggles, and the consequences of having & complying to irresponsible leaders (Something that is very much applicable in current Malaysian society). Some proses were aptly lyrical & tender, especially towards the end -
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Gore, and Xenophobia
Minor: Death
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