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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
Refreshing new Space Opera, with a thoroughly engaging protagonist called Trouble Dog. Loved it.
I'm a bit embarrassed that as a keen reader of sci-fi and someone partial to the occasional space opera, I had never read any of Gareth Powell's work until now. This one seemed like a good place to start, being the first book in his current trilogy. And it was. I am completely hooked on this story and I can't wait to read the next volume, Fleet of Knives.
So, then, why didn't I give this book 5 stars? If I was judging it only on the plot, I would have. The concepts? Tick. And if I was rating it purely on how much I enjoyed the final hundred or so pages, again, yes. Such a satisfying conclusion.
Here's the thing. The story is written in first person, from multiple points of view. No problem, but if you do this, the points of view should be distinct. This was the case with Trouble Dog and Nod, but the voices of the three human characters were just too similar to each other. They had terrific backstories that differentiated them, but their voices didn't reflect this, which gave their narration an inauthentic feel, leaving me wanting more.
Still, a solid 4 stars and a guarantee I'll be reading the next book very soon.
So, then, why didn't I give this book 5 stars? If I was judging it only on the plot, I would have. The concepts? Tick. And if I was rating it purely on how much I enjoyed the final hundred or so pages, again, yes. Such a satisfying conclusion.
Here's the thing. The story is written in first person, from multiple points of view. No problem, but if you do this, the points of view should be distinct. This was the case with Trouble Dog and Nod, but the voices of the three human characters were just too similar to each other. They had terrific backstories that differentiated them, but their voices didn't reflect this, which gave their narration an inauthentic feel, leaving me wanting more.
Still, a solid 4 stars and a guarantee I'll be reading the next book very soon.
I do love a good space opera, and this is a really good one. Other commentators have mentioned the similarities between this story and ones by [a:Iain Banks|7628|Iain Banks|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1374456581p2/7628.jpg] and [a:Ann Leckie|3365457|Ann Leckie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1402526383p2/3365457.jpg] which is a valid point, but I think I enjoyed this story more because I found it much more readable and fast paced than those of aforementioned authors.
Looking forward to the next book.
Looking forward to the next book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A bit slow, but good enough that I want to keep reading. It has some large scope ideas that makes you think. It could definitely do more, but maybe it just needed to build up some steam... it's not without excitement towards the end. *fingers crossed for part 2*
Book one in a new trilogy, Gareth L. Powell’s Embers of War is the first instalment of an instantly familiar-feeling sci-fi story, a tale of sentient ships and down-at-heel characters in the aftermath of a terrible war. Captain Sal Konstanz and the crew of the Trouble Dog race to the site of a downed ship, among whose passengers is someone of surprising importance to both sides of the war. Members of the humanitarian House of Reclamation, the Trouble Dog and its crew are on a rescue mission, but they soon find themselves tangled in something much more complex and dangerous.
It’s a book that feels familiar enough to be instantly engaging without ever feeling derivative, instead content to wear its influences on its sleeve. It’s hugely entertaining, and hints at a wider universe with the tantalising prospect of filling a Banksian hole in modern sci-fi.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/02/20/embers-of-war-gareth-l-powell/
It’s a book that feels familiar enough to be instantly engaging without ever feeling derivative, instead content to wear its influences on its sleeve. It’s hugely entertaining, and hints at a wider universe with the tantalising prospect of filling a Banksian hole in modern sci-fi.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/02/20/embers-of-war-gareth-l-powell/
I feel bad giving this only 2, and I am willing to possibly change it if I re-read it. For some reason with the audible version, I found myself unable to stay focused. BUT the moments where I was paying attention, I was enjoying it. It's also a really good concept, so I'm not sure what was wrong with me. I might purchase the physical book and give it another go one day.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes