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trinforeman's review against another edition
3.0
For a good majority of this book, I didn't understand why people were rating this book so low. I thought it was a fun adventure story with great humor and high stakes. I enjoyed the writing and found the story to be highly engaging.
However, I can see where this may not be for everyone. It reads much like a D&D campaign. If that's not your thing, you may not like it. There is a lot of detail in this story but not a lot of world building. Nor is there much character development.
If you are a fan of stories like Paladin Unbound or Never Die, I can see you thoroughly enjoying this one.
The one thing that dropped this book's rating for me was The abrupt ending. I don't mind a cliffhanger but this one left me underwhelmed.
However, I can see where this may not be for everyone. It reads much like a D&D campaign. If that's not your thing, you may not like it. There is a lot of detail in this story but not a lot of world building. Nor is there much character development.
If you are a fan of stories like Paladin Unbound or Never Die, I can see you thoroughly enjoying this one.
The one thing that dropped this book's rating for me was The abrupt ending. I don't mind a cliffhanger but this one left me underwhelmed.
floyd_jpg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
hanicolenah's review against another edition
3.0
A really strong start that began to unravel a bit about halfway through. The dialogue was lacking and there were a few too many things that didn’t quite make sense narratively. I enjoyed the world building and the characters, but it felt like many of the scenes were rushed - odd pacing overall.
rocinantebookcrew's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
5.0
kay_slayerofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Ancient tales give me the shivers in a good way
I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could send Aaslo to save me - from what? Idk, but that part isn't important
I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could send Aaslo to save me - from what? Idk, but that part isn't important
pageboundreader's review against another edition
1.0
I wanted to love this book, I really did.
The chosen one who is not really the chosen one, the side-kick going on an epic quest for the chosen one - that was what this book promised. However, it is not what the book delivered. Instead, I found myself slogging through pages - taking days to read a book I was fairly certain I could read in one night - as well as being constantly confused by all the info drops and the different names and places that were being brought up left and right with no explanation.
And the ending.... I just wanted to slam my head against the table because I CALLED IT from like 30 pages in but told myself that wouldn't be what actually happened, but no. It was.
The chosen one who is not really the chosen one, the side-kick going on an epic quest for the chosen one - that was what this book promised. However, it is not what the book delivered. Instead, I found myself slogging through pages - taking days to read a book I was fairly certain I could read in one night - as well as being constantly confused by all the info drops and the different names and places that were being brought up left and right with no explanation.
And the ending.... I just wanted to slam my head against the table because I CALLED IT from like 30 pages in but told myself that wouldn't be what actually happened, but no. It was.
bookwormerica's review against another edition
4.0
Another book of the month book I've had a while. But I liked this one lol great story and fun characters. Dolt is the best
thinde's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars
There were moments that I thought this book was going to be one of the greats. Sadly, greatness stayed out of reach. Instead, the emotional level would occasionally swell and quickly drop back into a sea of ambivalence.
The protagonist, Aaslo, is defined by his refusal to surrender to certain defeat. That's terrific. I like it. But where does that motivation come from? We know about his history. We witness the defining moments in his young life... none of which explain his core motivation. Sure he's taken on his brother's burden, but his brother didn't seem to be overly devoted to the mission, thus there's no investment to redeem.
That seems to be a recurring problem in the book. We have a mage that latches onto Aaslo for no clear reason. Two thieves that develop loyalty to him seemly overnight. The pattern is clear. Perhaps Kade believes a person's character is inborn and thus requires no formative event. I don't believe that.
There were moments that I thought this book was going to be one of the greats. Sadly, greatness stayed out of reach. Instead, the emotional level would occasionally swell and quickly drop back into a sea of ambivalence.
The protagonist, Aaslo, is defined by his refusal to surrender to certain defeat. That's terrific. I like it. But where does that motivation come from? We know about his history. We witness the defining moments in his young life... none of which explain his core motivation. Sure he's taken on his brother's burden, but his brother didn't seem to be overly devoted to the mission, thus there's no investment to redeem.
That seems to be a recurring problem in the book. We have a mage that latches onto Aaslo for no clear reason. Two thieves that develop loyalty to him seemly overnight. The pattern is clear. Perhaps Kade believes a person's character is inborn and thus requires no formative event. I don't believe that.
jeristotle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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
4.25