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nathaliesdv's review against another edition
3.0
If you like something that has minimal world building but where every turn of the page something new happens and the leading character is distracted by every boobycarrier that walks by.... then this is the book for you.
If you like some depth and explaining about the magic system and why things happen then you better skip this one.
If you like some depth and explaining about the magic system and why things happen then you better skip this one.
fromlindenmere's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
k_lindberg's review
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
lexand's review against another edition
3.0
Aranthur is a student. He showed a little magical talent, is studying at the local academy, and is nothing particularly special. Others are smarter. Others are more talented. Others are quicker to pick up techniques. But none of them are with him when he breaks his journey home for the holidays in an inn. None of them step in to help when a young woman is thrown off a passing stage coach into the deep snow at the side of the road. And none of them are drawn into a fight to protect her.
One of the others might have realised she was manipulating him all along . . .
A powerful story about beginnings, coming of age, and the way choosing to take one step towards violence can lead to a slippery and dangerous slope, this is an accomplished fantasy series driven by strong characters and fast-paced action.
thinde's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciate the way Cameron managed to set his protagonist into the middle of all significant events in a credible way. Aranthur starts out as a farm boy who, due to his above-average wits, is sponsored to the local college. His personal turning point comes after getting involved in a tavern brawl with some soldiers, which eventually leads him to be an object of suspicion, then bait, and finally a valued asset.
There's a lot to like in this novel. The world-building is both familiar and fresh. The magic system is fuzzy, but constrained by limits. The characters are authentic and nuanced. The plot is twisty but mostly well-paced. Despite all these advantages, I wasn't swept off my feet. I'll most likely get back to this series soon, but I didn't feel compelled to do so after what felt like a stuttering ending.
There's a lot to like in this novel. The world-building is both familiar and fresh. The magic system is fuzzy, but constrained by limits. The characters are authentic and nuanced. The plot is twisty but mostly well-paced. Despite all these advantages, I wasn't swept off my feet. I'll most likely get back to this series soon, but I didn't feel compelled to do so after what felt like a stuttering ending.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
It's really hard to review this book as I cannot find the word to express how much I liked.
Everything is perfect: the style of writing, the characters, the world building.
It's enthralling and you cannot put it down because you want to go on reading. Even if it's 3 am.
It's one of those books that make you feel sad when they're over and wish that a new instalment will be out soon.
I love fantasy and this book reminded of those of the master of fantasy.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Gollancz and Netgalley for this ARC
Everything is perfect: the style of writing, the characters, the world building.
It's enthralling and you cannot put it down because you want to go on reading. Even if it's 3 am.
It's one of those books that make you feel sad when they're over and wish that a new instalment will be out soon.
I love fantasy and this book reminded of those of the master of fantasy.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Gollancz and Netgalley for this ARC
nightresplendent's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
As always when reading the work of an author I've never encountered before, I began Cold Iron with an open mind.
I found the pacing to be perfect, the main character to very very likeable and the worldbuilding to be utterly fantastic.
I also found the description of the mixed-race Aranthur as a "mongrel" to be an unacceptable choice of word for a book being published in 2018.
"Arnauts were a race of mongrels, all the shades of the earth. Aranthur himself was betwixt and between, like most of his people; he was green-eyed, but coloured like old wood."
The problem I had with this description is that it wasn't just used as a slur from one character to another, but used matter of factly as part of the narrative.
I think if it were omitted I would have raised my rating to 4.5 stars and I don't know if I'm just being sensitive but I just couldn't get past that description.
Thank you to Gollancz for providing me with a free review copy of Cold Iron.
As always when reading the work of an author I've never encountered before, I began Cold Iron with an open mind.
I found the pacing to be perfect, the main character to very very likeable and the worldbuilding to be utterly fantastic.
I also found the description of the mixed-race Aranthur as a "mongrel" to be an unacceptable choice of word for a book being published in 2018.
"Arnauts were a race of mongrels, all the shades of the earth. Aranthur himself was betwixt and between, like most of his people; he was green-eyed, but coloured like old wood."
The problem I had with this description is that it wasn't just used as a slur from one character to another, but used matter of factly as part of the narrative.
I think if it were omitted I would have raised my rating to 4.5 stars and I don't know if I'm just being sensitive but I just couldn't get past that description.
Thank you to Gollancz for providing me with a free review copy of Cold Iron.
drakey's review against another edition
2.0
I just found the story lacklustre in the fact the Characters are never really developed enough. The lack of chapters is a big disappointment for me to indulge in the story.
srlemons42's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book a lot! At first I was unsure about whether or not I found anything about the book interesting enough to continue reading but suddenly I was hooked! The only thing that stopped me from reading it all in one night was obligations like work and my family.
Aranthur is a promising young mage who shows skill with a blade and who is suddenly thrust into a political revolt. I felt that the plot meandered a bit in the middle and I was unsure who (if anyone) the main character could trust. Which may have been the point but it made reading the book slightly confusing at times. However, I felt like everything came together in the end and left me wanting more.
I really liked the main character (although he was a bit grating at times) and the plot is interesting enough that I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Aranthur is a promising young mage who shows skill with a blade and who is suddenly thrust into a political revolt. I felt that the plot meandered a bit in the middle and I was unsure who (if anyone) the main character could trust. Which may have been the point but it made reading the book slightly confusing at times. However, I felt like everything came together in the end and left me wanting more.
I really liked the main character (although he was a bit grating at times) and the plot is interesting enough that I am looking forward to the next in the series.
retrogirl20's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.0
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did! It grabs you right from the start and keeps you engaged the entire way through! The diversity and amazing world building was such a great change of pace as compared to other fantasy novels. I can’t wait to pick up book two!