Reviews

In this book, the fusion of sci-fi elements within a fantasy backdrop initially intrigued me. However, the pacing in the initial third of the narrative left much to be desired. Additionally, there was a point of view (POV) thread that seemed disjointed from the main storyline until its eventual convergence towards the conclusion. While I understand the need for setup, this particular POV could have been more tightly woven into the narrative without sacrificing its impact.

On the positive side, the concept of the society of primes and the intricate inner galactic conflict fascinated me. Exploring the dynamics of the keepers and their role within this society felt reminiscent of other well-established sci-fi worlds, adding depth to the narrative. Moreover, the setting of Barrow transcended mere backdrop status, evolving into a character in its own right. The twist involving Barrow was a testament to the author's ability to seamlessly integrate plot twists that felt organic and well-founded within the established world.

Despite these strengths, pacing remained a persistent issue throughout the book. The initial fluctuations in pacing made it challenging to fully immerse myself in the story until a pivotal incident between Sanda and Tomas propelled the plot forward. From that point onward, the narrative gained momentum, though I found the brother's POV, focused on space science politics, less engaging compared to other aspects of the story.

The climax of the book, particularly the last 15%, served as a redeeming factor. Here, the narrative transitioned smoothly into setting up future developments, providing a glimpse into what promises to be a sprawling trilogy. This segment not only tied up loose ends but also left me eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of the world and its characters in subsequent installments.

In summary, while the book offered a captivating blend of genres and compelling world-building, its pacing issues detracted from the overall reading experience. Nevertheless, the promising setup for future installments leaves ample room for anticipation and further exploration of this richly crafted universe.