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evamaren's review
4.0
This is a very well-written novella - poetic, deep, and creative. I loved it even though it has a very melancholy feel (something I personally dislike), simply because it's done so well. It does leave you with a few intriguing questions, which I've heard will be answered in the sequel/novelization.
Longer review to follow when I have more time. :-)
Longer review to follow when I have more time. :-)
talesofteacups's review
3.0
"But there was something noble, romantic even, in accepting an unjust punishment. There, I made a decision. I bear the consequences (...). And I'll find a way to return, to get back what they've taken from me."
3.5⭐
Tower of Mud and Straw tells us the story of Shea Ashcroft, a man who, after refusing an order from queen Daelyn, is sent to the Owenbeg tower to oversee its construction as punishment. Shea will soon find out that there's more to his task than meets the eye, and that the completion of the tower might actually lead the world to its imminent doom.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really liked it overall, but because it was so short, I was left wanting a lot more from it. Nevertheless, I really liked the way the author managed to create such an interesting world in just a small number of pages. The complexity of the "tulips" and their dangerous powers were something I found to be very unique, and I really liked that we got to learn more about them little by little, along with Shea. The Drakiri are still a mystery to me in many ways, and I wish we got more information about them. In the end, the answer to their origins was somewhat explained, but since it was almost reaching the end of the book, some of my questions were left unanswered.
What I enjoyed the most was definitely Shea himself. I liked his personality from page one, and I loved how the writing —which, by the way, was PHENOMENAL— matched his character in some way. My favourite parts were the flashbacks in which we got to see his relationship with his sister (we know how much I love family dynamics).
The rest of the characters, although not as developed, were also interesting and varied, but I did have trouble at times to tell them apart —I got confused with Patrick and the duke a lot for some reason—. Also, the romance was just... irrelevant to me. It felt too insta-lovey, again, probably due to the length of the novella, and it sort of came out of nowhere.
I had a lot of fun with this book, and I would totally recommend it if you're into fantasy and looking for something short but still intricate, with amazing writing and a compelling protagonist.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
cathepsut's review
2.0
“Minister Shea Ashcroft refuses the queen’s order to gas a crowd of protesters. After riots cripple the capital, he’s exiled to Owenbeg, a duchy bordering the kingdom of Duma, to oversee the construction of the biggest anti-airship tower in history. Shea doesn’t want the task, but sees it as the only way to reclaim his life.“
We start our trip on an airship. And we come in contact with advanced, „other“ technology. It doesn‘t really fit the bill for Steampunk, but is reminiscent of it at first.
The prologue was very clunky and hard to get into, heavy on adverbs. Luckily, once the main narrative started, the story telling got a lot smoother. However, part two started just as clunky as part one.
I had a hard time picturing the settings. The prose was very flowery, but not as descriptive as I would’ve liked. The language was very modern despite the fantasy setting, which is unusual and did not sit particularly well with me. I also felt as if I was missing part of the story or a prequel.
The author packed a lot into 200 pages. I didn‘t mind that so much. I actually think he could have done a more thorough job with the world building, even in such a short book / novella. The pacing felt off for me as well. Telling so much of the backstory in paragraphs alternating with the present storyline so far towards the ending did not flow well.
The idea was intriguing, but I never really got immersed in the storytelling or connected with the characters. I did not like the style and skimmed the last part of the story. Sorry, this wasn‘t for me. Pretty cover though! Maybe I have to try and re-read this another time, when I am more in the mood for such a meandering style.
I received this free e-copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
*+*+*
Can be found and read online and for free here:
Tower of Mud and Straw I: The Duchy
Tower of Mud and Straw II: The Adversary
Tower of Mud and Straw III: The Tulips
Tower of Mud and Straw IV: The Tower
We start our trip on an airship. And we come in contact with advanced, „other“ technology. It doesn‘t really fit the bill for Steampunk, but is reminiscent of it at first.
The prologue was very clunky and hard to get into, heavy on adverbs. Luckily, once the main narrative started, the story telling got a lot smoother. However, part two started just as clunky as part one.
I had a hard time picturing the settings. The prose was very flowery, but not as descriptive as I would’ve liked. The language was very modern despite the fantasy setting, which is unusual and did not sit particularly well with me. I also felt as if I was missing part of the story or a prequel.
The author packed a lot into 200 pages. I didn‘t mind that so much. I actually think he could have done a more thorough job with the world building, even in such a short book / novella. The pacing felt off for me as well. Telling so much of the backstory in paragraphs alternating with the present storyline so far towards the ending did not flow well.
The idea was intriguing, but I never really got immersed in the storytelling or connected with the characters. I did not like the style and skimmed the last part of the story. Sorry, this wasn‘t for me. Pretty cover though! Maybe I have to try and re-read this another time, when I am more in the mood for such a meandering style.
I received this free e-copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
*+*+*
Can be found and read online and for free here:
Tower of Mud and Straw I: The Duchy
Tower of Mud and Straw II: The Adversary
Tower of Mud and Straw III: The Tulips
Tower of Mud and Straw IV: The Tower
lindzy's review
3.0
Full Review Here
Tower of Mud and Straw is a short, fantasy novel by Yaroslav Barsukov. The premise sounded engaging and I liked the idea of a compact book after reading lots of lengthy ones recently.
For a short novel, I was surprised by the pacing. We’re thrown straight in at the deep end, with hints of a back story and a protagonist who follows his heart rather than what is expected of him. The strong start drew me into what seemed a complex world.
But after that, it’s hard to identify exactly what happens. He wants to build the tower. Wants to pull it down. Save it: destroy it. The forward momentum of the plot is stunted by the main character continuously changing his mind. Although this is a character flaw pointed out to him and he tries to address it, it meant the plot didn’t feel it was going anywhere.
At the same time, we’ve got portals to other dimensions, mysterious technology that doesn’t appear to be connected to the portal, warring communities without any explanation as to why. There is a lot packed into a book that didn’t feel it was going anywhere. It’s hard to draw the connections between events and characters. I liked the book, but at the same time, am a little baffled by what actually happened.
Shea is a good protagonist. He wants to do what is right, which instantly makes him likeable. He follows his instincts, which is why he keeps changing his mind as he learns more about what is going on. He’s got a complicated back story and a lot is left unsaid about how he rose to his position. I like the mystery: we don’t know everything about him, and what we do know, we learn in snippets as the story unfolds.
I’m writing this review a little after finishing the book, but it’s not just the distance that means I can’t remember some of the other characters. There’s a love interest who is more than she seems for their short-lived affair. There’s the mystery benefactor/potential threat whose motives stem from revenge. And the friend who helps Shea make decisions – once they’ve stopped drinking themselves into a stupor. Again, for a short book, it’s interesting how many didn’t make it to the end.
This is a good book. It’s engaging, it’s full of potential and I read it in a day. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what works or didn’t, however, as I got to the end and wasn’t sure I fully understood what had happened. The world-building has a good structure in place and I think if this had the time to expand and breathe, go into a little more depth, it would have been a strong read.
If you’re looking for a fantasy book that won’t take you long to get through, and offers enjoyable escapism, then I’d recommend Tower of Mud and Straw. If you’re after in-depth characters and an intricate world, this maybe isn’t the one for you.
Tower of Mud and Straw is a short, fantasy novel by Yaroslav Barsukov. The premise sounded engaging and I liked the idea of a compact book after reading lots of lengthy ones recently.
For a short novel, I was surprised by the pacing. We’re thrown straight in at the deep end, with hints of a back story and a protagonist who follows his heart rather than what is expected of him. The strong start drew me into what seemed a complex world.
But after that, it’s hard to identify exactly what happens. He wants to build the tower. Wants to pull it down. Save it: destroy it. The forward momentum of the plot is stunted by the main character continuously changing his mind. Although this is a character flaw pointed out to him and he tries to address it, it meant the plot didn’t feel it was going anywhere.
At the same time, we’ve got portals to other dimensions, mysterious technology that doesn’t appear to be connected to the portal, warring communities without any explanation as to why. There is a lot packed into a book that didn’t feel it was going anywhere. It’s hard to draw the connections between events and characters. I liked the book, but at the same time, am a little baffled by what actually happened.
Shea is a good protagonist. He wants to do what is right, which instantly makes him likeable. He follows his instincts, which is why he keeps changing his mind as he learns more about what is going on. He’s got a complicated back story and a lot is left unsaid about how he rose to his position. I like the mystery: we don’t know everything about him, and what we do know, we learn in snippets as the story unfolds.
I’m writing this review a little after finishing the book, but it’s not just the distance that means I can’t remember some of the other characters. There’s a love interest who is more than she seems for their short-lived affair. There’s the mystery benefactor/potential threat whose motives stem from revenge. And the friend who helps Shea make decisions – once they’ve stopped drinking themselves into a stupor. Again, for a short book, it’s interesting how many didn’t make it to the end.
This is a good book. It’s engaging, it’s full of potential and I read it in a day. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what works or didn’t, however, as I got to the end and wasn’t sure I fully understood what had happened. The world-building has a good structure in place and I think if this had the time to expand and breathe, go into a little more depth, it would have been a strong read.
If you’re looking for a fantasy book that won’t take you long to get through, and offers enjoyable escapism, then I’d recommend Tower of Mud and Straw. If you’re after in-depth characters and an intricate world, this maybe isn’t the one for you.
e_flah's review
1.0
Tower of Mud and Straw just wasn't for me. The writing style had a lot of time jumps in the narration that were incredibly confusing. I found the characters largely unlikeable and flat, particularly the main character Shea who seemed to be the most indecisive protagonist I have ever encountered. A lot of the story is just Shea trying to figure out what to do about a problem I never really cared about.
C/W:death of loved ones, grief, death by suicide
C/W:
mburnamfink's review
4.0
Tower of Mud and Straw is a lyrical fantasy novel about a disgraced politician overseeing a construction megaproject. Shea Ashcroft is one of the Queen's ministers, who refused to use violence against the mob. His new assignment is out on the frontier, where a 1000 foot air-defense tower is being built. He arrives to find a paranoid and insular group of experts around the local Duke, and that exotic and dangerous antigravity magitech that he has a family history with is being used to build the power. Events move like an avalanche towards the only possible conclusion.
Tower is built around moments of lyric beauty, self-consciously artistic descriptions of the play of light or stormclouds, and then secondly Shea's unravelling psychology and personal neurosis. The plot and other characters are dreamlike at best. But as a novella, this book doesn't wear out its welcome, and the literary qualities are worth savoring.
Tower is built around moments of lyric beauty, self-consciously artistic descriptions of the play of light or stormclouds, and then secondly Shea's unravelling psychology and personal neurosis. The plot and other characters are dreamlike at best. But as a novella, this book doesn't wear out its welcome, and the literary qualities are worth savoring.
bcbirrer's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
This was a quick read that I zipped through in one sitting. It’s very plot driven which makes it fast paced and easy to follow. As a character driven reader I would prefer diving into the internal dilemmas and the feelings a bit more, but that’s just not this style of book. It’s an interesting world and I wanted to learn more about the Drakiri. There was so much plot packed into the little space that I would love to see it expanded and really drawn out.
diletto_amanda's review
4.0
Editing to say congrats to Yaroslav Barsukov for being a NEBULA FINALIST!!!! That is so amazing!! Congrats!!!!
Tower of Mud and Straw was an excellent story. I really loved the idea of a mysterious tower, and the even more mysterious Mimic Tower. The story manages to build complex characters, give you the right amount of detail for a little bit of a mysterious world building (that fits with the tone), and create a sense of wonder that makes you keep reading.
Heartbeat.
#
Throughout reading this novella I, along with Shae, I felt myself having trust issues with the characters, not knowing who was hiding something and who was telling the truth. What was real and what was a superstition/legend? It builds up the world to be believable enough that when the fantastical starts to happen, you almost wonder if this could really be happening (which is in contrast to many fantasy novels that are so fantastical, you can't forget that it's an entirely different world).
Heartbeat.
#
I also loved the connection between Lena, Shae's sister, and Lena at the tower. How they blended together to the readerr and to Shae, just as the reader is also questioning what/who to believe. It was definitely interesting, and added to Shae's depth.
Heartbeat.
#
Overall, It was a fun novella with a perfect amount of mystery. I do wonder why this tower is being built in the first place, and what the Duke's motivations are. They never seem to be entirely clear, but perhaps that is part of the magic.
Heartbeat.
#
(Also, this heartbeat section felt like a movie, which is why I replicated it here. I could SEE the cinematography in action. Definitely a fun moment!)
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Tower of Mud and Straw was an excellent story. I really loved the idea of a mysterious tower, and the even more mysterious Mimic Tower. The story manages to build complex characters, give you the right amount of detail for a little bit of a mysterious world building (that fits with the tone), and create a sense of wonder that makes you keep reading.
Heartbeat.
#
Throughout reading this novella I, along with Shae, I felt myself having trust issues with the characters, not knowing who was hiding something and who was telling the truth. What was real and what was a superstition/legend? It builds up the world to be believable enough that when the fantastical starts to happen, you almost wonder if this could really be happening (which is in contrast to many fantasy novels that are so fantastical, you can't forget that it's an entirely different world).
Heartbeat.
#
I also loved the connection between Lena, Shae's sister, and Lena at the tower. How they blended together to the readerr and to Shae, just as the reader is also questioning what/who to believe. It was definitely interesting, and added to Shae's depth.
Heartbeat.
#
Overall, It was a fun novella with a perfect amount of mystery. I do wonder why this tower is being built in the first place, and what the Duke's motivations are. They never seem to be entirely clear, but perhaps that is part of the magic.
Heartbeat.
#
(Also, this heartbeat section felt like a movie, which is why I replicated it here. I could SEE the cinematography in action. Definitely a fun moment!)
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*