Scan barcode
elicia_95's review
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
qalminator's review
5.0
So good. Much as I like Yoon Ha Lee's works, I feel like this is what he often tries to do, and just doesn't quite succeed. There's too little to connect to. Gladstone creates a world with so much to connect to and draws you in immediately.
cynt's review
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
1.75
buuboobaby's review
3.0
3 stars
I'll give this 3 stars. It is so short that there is really no plot development, but I found the basic premise interesting. I wish it had been longer. As it stands, it's more of a teaser than a complete story
I'll give this 3 stars. It is so short that there is really no plot development, but I found the basic premise interesting. I wish it had been longer. As it stands, it's more of a teaser than a complete story
rivensbane's review
2.0
2.5 stars? It wasn't bad, exactly, it just felt incomplete. I'm relatively inexperienced with short fiction, so that might just be me not having an appreciation for it yet. idk.
curgoth's review
5.0
Mohist space wizard in a fallen star-spanning civilization's Dark Age. Love the implied world building.
fenny_42's review
5.0
"Stories about the Scholast proliferate among the uneducated. They say she was a god, or not. She seduced the Princess Martial, or was saved by her. She has been credited with miracles. But history owes its pride of place to the truth of its tales, and since many of the war’s principles will soon pass beyond reference, your humble scholars have prepared this meticulously sourced account to endure for future generations."
Although the story’s tone begins as a legend or myth, the Scholast (Jane) quickly becomes a vivid being in the telling of the guidance and help she gives before and during a vicious battle.
The story is wonderfully paced by sounds and rhythms—the ko drums in the throne room and in battle, the silence of a prison, the beating of a solitary heart. These rhythms, and at times even the absence of sound, make this “legend” feel incredibly present and real.
Gladstone gracefully toes the line between dialogue and exposition--not too much worldbuilding and not too little character development. I especially enjoyed the interactions between the Princess Martial and the Scholast--just lovely.
The legend of the Scholast reads like a recording of an oral history that you might happen upon when doing research. In that way, Gladstone creates a unique world without leaving you wanting more. I'm not sure I would enjoy an entire book or series written this way, but the style is perfect for a short story.
Here's the link to read the story for free on Tor.com: http://www.tor.com/2017/03/29/the-scholast-in-the-low-waters-kingdom/
Although the story’s tone begins as a legend or myth, the Scholast (Jane) quickly becomes a vivid being in the telling of the guidance and help she gives before and during a vicious battle.
The story is wonderfully paced by sounds and rhythms—the ko drums in the throne room and in battle, the silence of a prison, the beating of a solitary heart. These rhythms, and at times even the absence of sound, make this “legend” feel incredibly present and real.
Gladstone gracefully toes the line between dialogue and exposition--not too much worldbuilding and not too little character development. I especially enjoyed the interactions between the Princess Martial and the Scholast--just lovely.
The legend of the Scholast reads like a recording of an oral history that you might happen upon when doing research. In that way, Gladstone creates a unique world without leaving you wanting more. I'm not sure I would enjoy an entire book or series written this way, but the style is perfect for a short story.
Here's the link to read the story for free on Tor.com: http://www.tor.com/2017/03/29/the-scholast-in-the-low-waters-kingdom/
anaelwynn's review
4.0
This is the fourth short story by Max Gladstone that I have read. His writing always captivates me and I can't stop reading his stories. The concept behind The Scholast in the Low Waters Kingdom was fascinating, as have been the concepts of the other stories that I have read by him. I just love his stories! I enjoyed learning more about the world and what was going on with the Scholast. I definitely need to get my hands on a novel by Max Gladstone, I just adore his writing so much!
anuragsahay's review
5.0
Amazing novella - I'm already a fan of Gladstone, and this story hits all the beats that I like from his writing. The writing style in particular is a little more poetic than his usual novels, mostly due to the narrative frame, I think.
The story itself is not as compelling as the ideas it puts across, and the beautiful world-building that it belies, but in a story of this length it doesn't detract from enjoyment too much. The story also interests me because it's based on Mohism, according to the internet, and makes me want to read more about Mohism as well.
Highly recommended read.
The story itself is not as compelling as the ideas it puts across, and the beautiful world-building that it belies, but in a story of this length it doesn't detract from enjoyment too much. The story also interests me because it's based on Mohism, according to the internet, and makes me want to read more about Mohism as well.
Highly recommended read.