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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
Interesting premise and the world was wonderful. It was a good time and did not take long to read. However the pace was strange in the middle, and dragged on. Though my biggest issue is the strange relationship between Senlin and Marya as she was his student and I really disliked that aspect of this story.
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really enjoyed this overall, even if there were some things I wish had been done better.
I enjoyed the world of the Tower and really appreciated how inventive the ringdoms were (love love love the idea behind the Parlor). Interesting metaphors, interesting characters.
The commentary on class relations isn't new, but I can never get enough of it. I think thematically there's a lot of room for grander statements, there was a lot of gesturing at a thesis that may feel empty to other people just taking this book on its own. Like, yeah, we know the rich exploit the poor and death isn't romantic, now what?
I will say I was initially uneasy about the treatment of women in this book. Marya gets fridged in the first chapter and Edith gets maimed while he gets ushered up the Tower. But later on we start getting quotes about how Senlin needs to stop idealizing, literally objectifying, Marya and when/if he finds her, he needs to be ready to accept how she may have changed. This is one of those things that I think will age better as the series goes on and the author has more time to develop the themes. I am still wary because Bancroft could fuck it up at any point in the next three books. I do think having them be student/teacher is weird and I would have written them meeting in any other way.
I'm excited for the next books, maybe a buddy read in the future. The book club discussion was lively and made me like it more.
I enjoyed the world of the Tower and really appreciated how inventive the ringdoms were (love love love the idea behind the Parlor). Interesting metaphors, interesting characters.
The commentary on class relations isn't new, but I can never get enough of it. I think thematically there's a lot of room for grander statements, there was a lot of gesturing at a thesis that may feel empty to other people just taking this book on its own. Like, yeah, we know the rich exploit the poor and death isn't romantic, now what?
I will say I was initially uneasy about the treatment of women in this book. Marya gets fridged in the first chapter and Edith gets maimed while he gets ushered up the Tower. But later on we start getting quotes about how Senlin needs to stop idealizing, literally objectifying, Marya and when/if he finds her, he needs to be ready to accept how she may have changed. This is one of those things that I think will age better as the series goes on and the author has more time to develop the themes. I am still wary because Bancroft could fuck it up at any point in the next three books. I do think having them be student/teacher is weird and I would have written them meeting in any other way.
I'm excited for the next books, maybe a buddy read in the future. The book club discussion was lively and made me like it more.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Senlin I’d die for you. This book is like a steampunk Mesopotamian version of Dante’s inferno and it carries that idea with such style
I was unsure about this at first but I quite enjoyed it. A very interesting plot and some fun characters. Although I thought it a little dull at first it got better and I will look forward to eventually getting around to the rest of the series.
A good start to the series, hopefully the rest is as enjoyable.
A good start to the series, hopefully the rest is as enjoyable.
The Tower reminded me a bit of Ankh-Morpork, only crueler. Senlin's observations about the tower as a machine are intriguing, as is the general mystery about the painting. I wanted Senlin to be more of a wife guy though. I would maybe read the next book but I'm not like dying to.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The pacing was unbelievably painful for me, it was dragging me into a reading slump. The world is unique but the plot is too simple to keep me engaged for that long.
Hmmmm, not sure. I liked it but I aren't exactly clamouring for more. I don't know if I like any of the characters strongly and the story on paper should be awesome but the story on paper isn't that thrilling and exciting.
It doesn't feel slow and powerfully building to an incredible climax.
It also doesn't feel fast, thrilling and a rollercoaster ride.
Onto second book hopefully it gets better.
It doesn't feel slow and powerfully building to an incredible climax.
It also doesn't feel fast, thrilling and a rollercoaster ride.
Onto second book hopefully it gets better.