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talenyn's review
4.0
A slow burn character study exploring another corner of Bear's intricate fantasy world from the Eternal Sky trilogy, which is loosely inspired by 14th century Asia. The writing is exquisite, as usual, but there is no driving force to the plot. It still worked for me because the characters are so realistic and engaging. But I can also tell that readers unfamiliar with the previous trilogy may be lost or bored by this first book. For those people, I would highly recommend reading both trilogies even though this one starts off slow.
yuck1209's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I think I read this years ago from the library and vaguely remember enjoying it. Overall it’s solidly written, with interesting characters and an imaginative world. What I enjoyed most were the smaller moments of connection between people (e.g., the Gage and the Dead Man pushing one another about grief, loss, and continuing on).
Some minor complaints:
Some minor complaints:
- I had trouble with the long chapters (20-30 pages), which made the story feel slower.
- Some of the characters develop romantic relationships that move unexpectedly quickly. It feels a bit abrupt.
- While there’s a lot being set up for a sequel, it does mean this first installment feels somewhat incomplete.
kpeterzen's review
I just don’t care anymore! Flavorless and slow. Interesting female dominated world that lost my interest because if a lack of flow and inspiration.
catbooking's review
2.0
If I had to sum up this book, and my feelings on it, in one line it would be “The rest of the f*cking owl.” There were really interesting bits, chapters that had me glued to every page, and there were very boring bits, where I kept checking to see when the chapter would end. But worst of all, all the bits that I wanted to know more about happened off the page or were dismissed with a single line. That's where the owl comes in. I would get all eager for the 'tires to hit the road' and would instead get a single dismissive line before moving on to more boring things.
The other issue I had was being surprised by character actions. I am not sure how much it was my fault for zoning out during boring parts or how much it was the fault of the author for not communicating something to me well enough, but on more than one occasion I had to ask why this or that character was doing what they were doing. Like “Why are they flirting” and “Why are they flirting?” and “Why is she acting like that? Is she hiding something?” Being surprised by character actions means that I either missed massive sections of character building or the author just did not tell me about them. In either case, it is a sign that continuing the journey is not worth it.
I am a bit sad to quit at this point. I really enjoyed the previous trilogy and was reluctant to leave the world. But this book just left me confused and disoriented and not interested in digging deeper to see if anything is worth salvaging.
PS: I wish the authors would start numbering their series and 'extra' content written in the same world. Or at least make a note if something needs to be read before the 'main' books. There are short stories set in the same world and I feel like maybe I should have read those before I picked up this book. But then other readers say it is not necessary. It would be nice to have the author speak with authority on the topic instead of forcing readers to search for answers or take their chance.
The other issue I had was being surprised by character actions. I am not sure how much it was my fault for zoning out during boring parts or how much it was the fault of the author for not communicating something to me well enough, but on more than one occasion I had to ask why this or that character was doing what they were doing. Like “Why are they flirting” and “Why are they flirting?” and “Why is she acting like that? Is she hiding something?” Being surprised by character actions means that I either missed massive sections of character building or the author just did not tell me about them. In either case, it is a sign that continuing the journey is not worth it.
I am a bit sad to quit at this point. I really enjoyed the previous trilogy and was reluctant to leave the world. But this book just left me confused and disoriented and not interested in digging deeper to see if anything is worth salvaging.
PS: I wish the authors would start numbering their series and 'extra' content written in the same world. Or at least make a note if something needs to be read before the 'main' books. There are short stories set in the same world and I feel like maybe I should have read those before I picked up this book. But then other readers say it is not necessary. It would be nice to have the author speak with authority on the topic instead of forcing readers to search for answers or take their chance.
katewutz's review
4.0
Good? Probably? The prose was occasionally brilliant and more often a little self-conscious, but the characters were interestingly drawn (with the exception of the young rajni…is she a trope? Is she actively living out a trope? What is she apart from sexual attractiveness and a tRaGiC pAsT?).
majkia's review
4.0
Mixed emotions about this book. There was a lot of it I just didn't understand. I think I need to read the first trilogy Range of Ghosts before I attempt to tackle the second of this trilogy. Seems to be set in the same universe and perhaps that will explain some things for me, like why is he 'A Dead Man' and what does that mean?
Anyway, very nicely written with a slow but good plot. Slower for me because of so much pondering on what the heck is happening now and what the heck is the Godmade.
Anyway, very nicely written with a slow but good plot. Slower for me because of so much pondering on what the heck is happening now and what the heck is the Godmade.
pirate_frog's review
got an hour in but my brain wasn’t comprehending enough to understand the characters and what they were saying
xoa's review
3.0
It's nice to read something that has more than one trans person in it as well as fairly fleshed-out considerations of how different people relate to gender in-universe!
For me this felt like unremarkable middle of the road fantasy, which itself was nice; it's easy and fun to read. Narrative elements are well-balanced. The pacing is good, the world building is good, the characterization is good. All the characters are distinct and memorable while still retaining nuance. The worldbuilding is given just enough time without feeling boring or distracting from the story. Solid!
The writing was a bit uneven in places - it seemed like it couldn't quite keep establish a consistent voice - but not disruptively so. There's a tendency towards sort of unnecessarily wordy turns of phrase in an attempt to make it sound historical, but that's almost universal in fantasy fiction and doesn't distract too much and certainly isn't the worst culprit of that.
I'm not totally in love with the book, but I liked it and feel generally warm and positive about it. I'll probably read more stuff from the author! I'm invested enough in the story to want to know how it turns out for sure. I'll probably even buy more of their books.
A nice read, definitely a solid pick for anybody who likes fantasy. Vaguely reminds me of Tamora Pierce? I think Brenna might like it.
For me this felt like unremarkable middle of the road fantasy, which itself was nice; it's easy and fun to read. Narrative elements are well-balanced. The pacing is good, the world building is good, the characterization is good. All the characters are distinct and memorable while still retaining nuance. The worldbuilding is given just enough time without feeling boring or distracting from the story. Solid!
The writing was a bit uneven in places - it seemed like it couldn't quite keep establish a consistent voice - but not disruptively so. There's a tendency towards sort of unnecessarily wordy turns of phrase in an attempt to make it sound historical, but that's almost universal in fantasy fiction and doesn't distract too much and certainly isn't the worst culprit of that.
I'm not totally in love with the book, but I liked it and feel generally warm and positive about it. I'll probably read more stuff from the author! I'm invested enough in the story to want to know how it turns out for sure. I'll probably even buy more of their books.
A nice read, definitely a solid pick for anybody who likes fantasy. Vaguely reminds me of Tamora Pierce? I think Brenna might like it.
katybug25's review
5.0
This book was so good! The Lotus Kingdom was beautifully imagined. The religions, cultures, languages, and peoples were are so cool! The imagery of the physical world were descriptive and really set the scene. The magic and creatures in this world are interesting as well (wyrms, wizards, godmades, automatons (gages), beardogs, dragons (in myths), phoenixes, huge vultures, and tiger people. The pacing was nice (a lot of action).
I loved most of the characters. The friendship between the Gage and the Dead Man was entertaining. Their differences in opinions and world views was fun to read (I loved the bickering). The Gage is an automaton created by a wizard, who has outlived his creator and purpose. The Dead Man is one of the survivors of a caliphate’s downfall. The parallels between these two characters was interesting. I loved the philosophy that came up in their conversations. The character Nizhvashiti was intriguing and mischievous. They were also a Godmade, which was a cool concept (it mirrored the Gage being wizard made). Sayeh was one of my favorites. She is a regent ruler, and a strong character. I hope to see more of her in the sequel.
The part I didn’t really like was the hurried romance between Mrithuri and the Dead Man, or the Gage and Chaeri. I know that the author most likely added the relationships as an incentive for the Dead Man and the Gage to stay. Maybe their relationships will grow in the sequel. I did not think the Dead Man’s instant dedication and care for Mrithuri was reasonable, but maybe other people do that? I also felt that Chaeri’s attraction to the Gage was pretty sudden. (Is she a spy? I feel like something is up with her).
I rounded up my rating to 5 stars, but I would really give it 4.5 (the weird sudden romance detracted the rating a little bit). This book was really good, and I am looking forward to reading its sequel The Red Stained Wings.
I loved most of the characters. The friendship between the Gage and the Dead Man was entertaining. Their differences in opinions and world views was fun to read (I loved the bickering). The Gage is an automaton created by a wizard, who has outlived his creator and purpose. The Dead Man is one of the survivors of a caliphate’s downfall. The parallels between these two characters was interesting. I loved the philosophy that came up in their conversations. The character Nizhvashiti was intriguing and mischievous. They were also a Godmade, which was a cool concept (it mirrored the Gage being wizard made). Sayeh was one of my favorites. She is a regent ruler, and a strong character. I hope to see more of her in the sequel.
The part I didn’t really like was the hurried romance between Mrithuri and the Dead Man, or the Gage and Chaeri. I know that the author most likely added the relationships as an incentive for the Dead Man and the Gage to stay. Maybe their relationships will grow in the sequel. I did not think the Dead Man’s instant dedication and care for Mrithuri was reasonable, but maybe other people do that? I also felt that Chaeri’s attraction to the Gage was pretty sudden. (Is she a spy? I feel like something is up with her).
I rounded up my rating to 5 stars, but I would really give it 4.5 (the weird sudden romance detracted the rating a little bit). This book was really good, and I am looking forward to reading its sequel The Red Stained Wings.