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ncscienic's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
youmeandem's review against another edition
3.0
vex'halia, my beloved, please know that i'm not only willing but eager to consume any content that features you, but man this was a rough read.
while i'm sure marieke nijkamp writes great contemporary YA fiction, i'm not entirely sure as to why critical role decided to have them write this, for as far as i understood it, adult fantasy novel. the entire book felt off to me, with the writing just not being good enough to support the complicated political storyline the author tried to get across. the characters of derowen and thorn that were introduced to us were decently interesting, but it was so obvious they both had to be “morally gray” to make both sides of the conflict equal to each other and as a result have neither vex nor vax seem like an idiot for siding with either party that they just fell off. in the end i didn’t care about the center conflict and its involved parties at all, regardless of how much vex and vax did.
there was also just so much emphasis on certain things (the miners were responsible for the ash walkers & the ring on derowen’s finger was at the center of the “simple quest” that had brought them there in the first place) that, on top of the weak descriptions and the vague characterization of vex and vax that i jus can’t say the writing was at all close to the quality we’re used to seeing from these characters in this world. it was just... not good, in my opinion.
what helped a lot was the fact that robbie daymond narrated this novel, supported by laura bailey and liam o’brien to reprise their roles as vex and vax, which, while at times clunky because of situations where laura or liam would say their dialogue and robbie would have to add the dialogue tags, were a delight to listen to. if it weren’t for them, i’m not sure i would’ve continued to struggle through the novel.
anyways, i would not necessarily recommend this read to anyone, and even less to those without prior attachment to vex and/or vax, but i don’t regret reading at all. i just wish i had enjoyed my time with this book a bit more. 2.5 stars rounded up because 2 stars seems overly harsh on someone who got hired to write this book rather than writing out of their own accord.
while i'm sure marieke nijkamp writes great contemporary YA fiction, i'm not entirely sure as to why critical role decided to have them write this, for as far as i understood it, adult fantasy novel. the entire book felt off to me, with the writing just not being good enough to support the complicated political storyline the author tried to get across. the characters of derowen and thorn that were introduced to us were decently interesting, but it was so obvious they both had to be “morally gray” to make both sides of the conflict equal to each other and as a result have neither vex nor vax seem like an idiot for siding with either party that they just fell off. in the end i didn’t care about the center conflict and its involved parties at all, regardless of how much vex and vax did.
there was also just so much emphasis on certain things (the miners were responsible for the ash walkers & the ring on derowen’s finger was at the center of the “simple quest” that had brought them there in the first place) that, on top of the weak descriptions and the vague characterization of vex and vax that i jus can’t say the writing was at all close to the quality we’re used to seeing from these characters in this world. it was just... not good, in my opinion.
what helped a lot was the fact that robbie daymond narrated this novel, supported by laura bailey and liam o’brien to reprise their roles as vex and vax, which, while at times clunky because of situations where laura or liam would say their dialogue and robbie would have to add the dialogue tags, were a delight to listen to. if it weren’t for them, i’m not sure i would’ve continued to struggle through the novel.
anyways, i would not necessarily recommend this read to anyone, and even less to those without prior attachment to vex and/or vax, but i don’t regret reading at all. i just wish i had enjoyed my time with this book a bit more. 2.5 stars rounded up because 2 stars seems overly harsh on someone who got hired to write this book rather than writing out of their own accord.
ashbash_567's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
jiundoan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hikstii's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
An action-packed story that leans on the best aspects of our favourite half-elven twins and their bond with one another, as well as the world of Exandria. Not sure I'd recommend to a non-Critical Role fan, but easily accessible for anyone who's seen Legend of Vox Machina. Robbie Daymond does an excellent job with the entire cast, but shines as Thorn, while Liam and Laura are wonderful as usual. Fantastic for anyone missing the old days of the first campaign.
arrk33's review
4.0
Great intro, slow middle, and heartbreaking end. Definitely made for Critical Role fans and this captured Liam and Laura’s characters and attitudes so well! Even though I read a physical copy, their voices were in my head the whole time.
It was a little Rogue One-ish in we know what happens after and we know no love interest can really last but everything was written with so much heart that I still really enjoyed it.
Also love that we get the intro to Simon!!
It was a little Rogue One-ish in we know what happens after and we know no love interest can really last but everything was written with so much heart that I still really enjoyed it.
Also love that we get the intro to Simon!!
calamario's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
siraeth's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75