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cheye13's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a very unique and interesting story. I didn't love it as much as I wanted to, but it does a lot of heavy lifting world-building-wise that I figure sets up the following books well.
It's a bit slower than I would like. There's a story-within-the-story of Fetch's history and personal role in the current state of the world that is entirely predictable and drawn out, breaking up the action (and perhaps drudgery) of his current case. Those segments do a lot to slow the pace of the story, but also a lot to inform characters, relationships, and the world, both current and past. A lot of the character development and case breakthroughs are heavy-handed, but in a way I don't mind – I read this more as a fantasy than an actual mystery, and given the dips in pacing, I appreciated certain moments being so straightforward.
The shining gem of this story is the noir tone. So many projects pitch a take on noir and then don't follow through, either falling short of the tone or approaching with irony. The fantasy direction lets this typical jaded P.I. narrate genuinely through his hopelessness while keeping things fresh and intriguing for the audience. A wonderfully unique premise that follows through!
It's a bit slower than I would like. There's a story-within-the-story of Fetch's history and personal role in the current state of the world that is entirely predictable and drawn out, breaking up the action (and perhaps drudgery) of his current case. Those segments do a lot to slow the pace of the story, but also a lot to inform characters, relationships, and the world, both current and past. A lot of the character development and case breakthroughs are heavy-handed, but in a way I don't mind – I read this more as a fantasy than an actual mystery, and given the dips in pacing, I appreciated certain moments being so straightforward.
The shining gem of this story is the noir tone. So many projects pitch a take on noir and then don't follow through, either falling short of the tone or approaching with irony. The fantasy direction lets this typical jaded P.I. narrate genuinely through his hopelessness while keeping things fresh and intriguing for the audience. A wonderfully unique premise that follows through!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Body horror, Murder, War, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Torture, Alcoholism, and Genocide
Minor: Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Child death
Like a lot of fantasy, there is prejudice between fantasy races that, while not a direct allegory, may be close enough to certain real world issues (racism, homophobia, misogyny, etc.) as to warrant caution. Also of note: a natural disaster and instance of drowning occur.
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