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mwplante's review against another edition
4.0
What a wonderfully creative series. The only flaw is perhaps that Mr Redick is TOO creative and the books wind up a little too crowded with ideas, characters, flora and fauna for their britches. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to the final chapter of this monster ride, and, (dare I hope), Redick's next big fantasy!
feyn's review
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ppigg81's review
4.0
Not as good as book 2, it kind of drifted. But I give it the 4th for originality
kadomi's review
4.0
The third book of the series continues right where the 2nd book has left off. The Chathrand has passed through a magical storm and has ended up across the enormous Ruling Sea, discovering an empire none have heard of before, Bali Adro. Arunis, the evil mage trying to destroy the world with the Nilstone is still a threat, and soon the Chathrand ends up stranded in a fantastical city of the natives.
The change in perspective away from the eternal voyage on-board to adventures in Bali Adro makes this book so much more enjoyable than the previous book in the series. However, there are still pacing issues. The book spends a long time on the situation in Masalym, and the resolution to the somewhat annoying love-triangle of the protagonists takes up entirely too much time as well.
However, as soon as the plot breaks off into more traditional fantasy tropes, and the Fellowship of the Ring, erm, Red Wolf, starts chasing Arunis cross-country, my enjoyment improved immensely. The whole last 15% of the adventurers moving through an area called The Infernal Forest was magical to me. It just screamed Numenera to me, weird, strange, fantastical and dangerous. It's given me a ton of adventure ideas for a trek through a scary, dark fungal forest.
I am looking forward to the resolution of the series now and hope it is as satisfying as this book was.
The change in perspective away from the eternal voyage on-board to adventures in Bali Adro makes this book so much more enjoyable than the previous book in the series. However, there are still pacing issues. The book spends a long time on the situation in Masalym, and the resolution to the somewhat annoying love-triangle of the protagonists takes up entirely too much time as well.
However, as soon as the plot breaks off into more traditional fantasy tropes, and the Fellowship of the Ring, erm, Red Wolf, starts chasing Arunis cross-country, my enjoyment improved immensely. The whole last 15% of the adventurers moving through an area called The Infernal Forest was magical to me. It just screamed Numenera to me, weird, strange, fantastical and dangerous. It's given me a ton of adventure ideas for a trek through a scary, dark fungal forest.
I am looking forward to the resolution of the series now and hope it is as satisfying as this book was.
glowbump's review
adventurous
dark
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
'The River of Shadows' is a third novel in a Chathrand Voyages series. After unveiling The Red Wolf Conspiracy and crossing over The Ruling Sea, our heroes are faced with a new challenge: they need to reach the River of Shadows where dreams and real worlds collide.
While 'The Red Wolf Conspiracy' blew me away with imaginative narration and Chathrand impressed me and made me his worshiping fan, 'The Ruling Se'a was a little bit boring to me at times. There are just so many things that can happen when you are stuck on a boat in the middle of the sea.
'The River of Shadows' after a slow start becomes the same whirlwind of adventures and intrigue that I loved so much in the first book.
While 'The Red Wolf Conspiracy' blew me away with imaginative narration and Chathrand impressed me and made me his worshiping fan, 'The Ruling Se'a was a little bit boring to me at times. There are just so many things that can happen when you are stuck on a boat in the middle of the sea.
'The River of Shadows' after a slow start becomes the same whirlwind of adventures and intrigue that I loved so much in the first book.
dark_reader's review
5.0
Every character will surprise you. The Chathrand and crew will visit unique, imaginative, fantastic locations. The nautical adventure—unparalleled. The secrets—still unfolding. The stage is set for the final stage in this epic struggle between good and evil, between life and love and death and pain.
The brief interlude chapters and footnotes by "the Editor" tickle me to no end. These touches are endearing to the consummate book lover, and often hilarious to boot. My current theory as to the Editor's identity is Felthrup.
Absolute top-notch storytelling. Did you know that Redick's latest book, [b:Sidewinders|55711345|Sidewinders (The Fire Sacraments, #2)|Robert V.S. Redick|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625084680l/55711345._SY75_.jpg|83969177], sequel to [b:Master Assassins|35437058|Master Assassins (The Fire Sacraments, #1)|Robert V.S. Redick|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1506971662l/35437058._SY75_.jpg|56817764], was just released? Support your beloved mid-listers, please.
The brief interlude chapters and footnotes by "the Editor" tickle me to no end. These touches are endearing to the consummate book lover, and often hilarious to boot. My current theory as to the Editor's identity is Felthrup.
Absolute top-notch storytelling. Did you know that Redick's latest book, [b:Sidewinders|55711345|Sidewinders (The Fire Sacraments, #2)|Robert V.S. Redick|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625084680l/55711345._SY75_.jpg|83969177], sequel to [b:Master Assassins|35437058|Master Assassins (The Fire Sacraments, #1)|Robert V.S. Redick|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1506971662l/35437058._SY75_.jpg|56817764], was just released? Support your beloved mid-listers, please.
joabroda's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
The 3rd book of 4 from a little know fantasy writer. Needless to say, more people should read his books.
Redick has taken me on a fantasy adventure that I am loving. So many twists and turns, good VS. bad, mages, animals that are "woken" meaning they can speak to you, small humans (think the borrowers). Normally when an author stacks the deck like this, I get confused and angry with them for not knowing when to stop. This was the exception. And to top it all off Redick adds a sense of humor to the story like no other fantasy author I have read.
In a nut shell: I loved it! Anticipating the finale, but know I will be sad when it is over.
Redick has taken me on a fantasy adventure that I am loving. So many twists and turns, good VS. bad, mages, animals that are "woken" meaning they can speak to you, small humans (think the borrowers). Normally when an author stacks the deck like this, I get confused and angry with them for not knowing when to stop. This was the exception. And to top it all off Redick adds a sense of humor to the story like no other fantasy author I have read.
In a nut shell: I loved it! Anticipating the finale, but know I will be sad when it is over.