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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
At the very beginning I was in love with the absurdity of the tower, the eloquent writing style and the naive, sheepish headmaster and his lovely, extroverted wife and I devoured page after page. I was sure this was going to be one of my favourite books.
However, this enthusiasm started to dwindle at the beginning of the New Babel arc. I felt it was boring and not fully realised, simply put.
Overall, I still enjoyed the majority of the book a lot and I don't regret reading it at all. I was just not a big fan of the last part. There were so many thought provoking and quotable parts, well-written characters and scenery that made this read truly amazing.
Edit: I realised what exactly bothered me at the end. I liked Senlin the way he was. I liked how naive, helpless, clueless and nerdy he was when we met him. I wasn't a big fan of the whole concept of him being toughened by the tower and becoming stoic.
Also a little side note: can men finally stop saving women? The concept is really annoying. It automatically establishes a hierarchy between the savior and the saved. Why can't women also be an active agent instead of just sitting around waiting for men? That would make for much more interesting stories where women are not just there as a mere device for the plot. I hope Marya will get a more active role in the next book(s).
However, this enthusiasm started to dwindle at the beginning of the New Babel arc. I felt it was boring and not fully realised, simply put.
Overall, I still enjoyed the majority of the book a lot and I don't regret reading it at all. I was just not a big fan of the last part. There were so many thought provoking and quotable parts, well-written characters and scenery that made this read truly amazing.
Edit: I realised what exactly bothered me at the end. I liked Senlin the way he was. I liked how naive, helpless, clueless and nerdy he was when we met him. I wasn't a big fan of the whole concept of him being toughened by the tower and becoming stoic.
Also a little side note: can men finally stop saving women? The concept is really annoying. It automatically establishes a hierarchy between the savior and the saved. Why can't women also be an active agent instead of just sitting around waiting for men? That would make for much more interesting stories where women are not just there as a mere device for the plot. I hope Marya will get a more active role in the next book(s).
4.5 stars
I think this is the first fantasy novel I've read that sits just right. It is not overly dramatic, has no cheesiness and is certainly not your typical "tortured hero saves the day". The protagonist is not the Special One to save mankind, he has no ideas of self-importance and isn't so self-deprecating as well; there is no pity party to bring you down. Senlin has one overarching goal, but he doesn't come off as ride-or-die to me, as is the case in many of these stories. He is so layered and it makes for one of the best character developments I've read.
The straightforward storytelling is deceiving; it makes for an easy read but the author manages to transport you into a worlds within a world. The author doesn't over describe, which is my pet peeve. Each ringdom is described really solidly and I see each differently in my mind's eye.
The only reason it is 4.5 to me is because I wasn't so emotionally drawn in. While I prefer heroes to be in agony over a lost loved one, Senlin's emotional steadfastness didn't detract from the story. This was truly remarkable, especially for a debut novel.
I think this is the first fantasy novel I've read that sits just right. It is not overly dramatic, has no cheesiness and is certainly not your typical "tortured hero saves the day". The protagonist is not the Special One to save mankind, he has no ideas of self-importance and isn't so self-deprecating as well; there is no pity party to bring you down. Senlin has one overarching goal, but he doesn't come off as ride-or-die to me, as is the case in many of these stories. He is so layered and it makes for one of the best character developments I've read.
The straightforward storytelling is deceiving; it makes for an easy read but the author manages to transport you into a worlds within a world. The author doesn't over describe, which is my pet peeve. Each ringdom is described really solidly and I see each differently in my mind's eye.
The only reason it is 4.5 to me is because I wasn't so emotionally drawn in. While I prefer heroes to be in agony over a lost loved one, Senlin's emotional steadfastness didn't detract from the story. This was truly remarkable, especially for a debut novel.
A fantastic debut, and a wonderful first entry. Senlin Ascends is a really unique fantasy book with a very engaging setting, an intriguing plot, well-written characters, and good twists. Most of all, this book is really fun. I had a great time reading it.
I do recommend reading the Tower of Babel just from book one alone. I can't wait to see whats next.
I do recommend reading the Tower of Babel just from book one alone. I can't wait to see whats next.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reddit loves this book, but I give up. I'm 63% done, and I still don't care about what's happening. Senlin is dumb, and his wife is better off without him. One reviewer mentioned her problem with the wife-as-grail quest, and I agree. Apparently there's a lot more female agency in the sequels, but if the first one can't stand on its own, I'm not interested in investing more time.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
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:
Complicated