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cfitz13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Death, Violence, and War
Minor: Kidnapping
deedireads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Martha Wells, author of the Murderbot books, is a legend in the sci-fi world. But she also writes fantasy, and I was excited to finally see what she’s capable of in the genre with Witch King. Plus, it’s nominated for this year’s Hugo Award for Best Novel. Unfortunately, I’m in the same camp as a lot of other readers: this book had a lot of potential, but it was missing the spark.
When I started reading, I was excited: a map AND a cast list? Bring on the world-building! I read a lot of SFF and trust me, I’m no world-building weenie. Unfortunately, this story required way too much for a standalone 400-page book, especially one with two timelines (and hence two plots). I just didn’t have time to really feel fully connected to these characters or internalize the stakes of the story enough to get invested. If this were the start of a series, or even an 800-page book, this would NOT have been a complaint, because the world was rich and interesting and the characters were deeply lovable. It was just a lot of “work” for a little bit of book!
I’m going to go back and read some of Wells’ backlist fantasy — something that has multiple books in a series — because I still think she’s an incredibly talented storyteller. This one just left me wanting more.
Graphic: Violence, Death, War, and Genocide
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Confinement
schnaucl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I liked the various magic systems and political alliances.
It was really interesting that Kai always seemed to make a point of identifying people as male or female based on their dress, but that demons didn't match gender when matching with a host body, only matching social rank
Moderate: Death, Confinement, Gore, Blood, Bullying, Colonisation, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Dysphoria, Xenophobia, Violence, and War
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Grief, War, Violence, Death, Body horror, and Slavery
genorgana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Slavery, Death, Violence, Genocide, Grief, and War
Moderate: Confinement
dosxhime's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The best parts were Kai, the sprawling world-building, and just how raw and gritty Wells can write emotions for non-human protagonists. I found myself quite surprised how the syntax reminded me a little bit of Murderbot, but it managed to be completely different. Kai's voice and perspective was very different and I was utterly charmed over his journey and his part in the fight against the Hierarches.
I also found myself confused (but wanting more) of the world-building. It feels that there are pieces missing yet intrigued over the parts that I did understand. I love the Saredi/Demon pact, the Benais-arik conspiracy, and even the mystery on the Hierarches' origins. It feels that there is much more to explore in the Rising World and I would be so excited to see if Wells returns to this work.
One of the things that fell flat to me would be the flatness of the characters. I would have loved to learn more about Sanja, Tenes, and Tahren, but I understand that the spotlight was on Kai. And I would have be so invested to understand more of Demon culture in the underearth as well as more about the Fourth House.
4 / 5 B
Moderate: Slavery, Torture, Murder, Violence, War, and Colonisation
beckyraines's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
On audiobook, it was hard to keep the characters straight; around hour four they locked in a bit for me.
But I do love found family and I do love a sad demon boy.
Graphic: Violence, Genocide, and War
superstar_y2k's review against another edition
Graphic: Confinement, Blood, Violence, Cursing, Death, War, Self harm, and Murder
waterwolves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Moderate: Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Slavery, Kidnapping, Colonisation, Confinement, Violence, and War
jennikreads's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, War, Confinement, Death, and Violence