Scan barcode
crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this book through the First Reads program on Goodreads.com. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book or really even what to expect after reading the short teaser description. I started off very intrigued and was quickly sucked into the world that Hoffman created for this first novel in a series.
I was worried that I wasn't going to like the book because the title and first couple of chapters made me worry that it was going to be religious fiction, which is not really my cup of tea. But as it turns out, the religious aspect is a catalyst to the story and instead it seems (from this first book at least) that it is more a criticism of blind religious zealotry (while also providing interesting critiques of other aspects of society as other groups of people are introduced).
This book definitely had all the elements that keep my attention: dystopian themes, a fantasy setting, conflicted characters, and, at times, a seemingly anti-hero protagonist. The setting is a timeless one, as many arguments could be made both for the idea that it is in the future and that it is set in the past - which really allowed me to set that question aside and just focus on the story.
The author's use of language to describe what is happening is excellent. He uses unique metaphors so I had little trouble understanding the tastes, smells, etc. of things that only exist in the world of this book. I also had no trouble vividly imagining the various battle scenes - while they aren't overly-described, the descriptions are just enough to get a clear picture without slowing down the action.
I would say I had a hard time putting down this book and the only reason it took me a week to read it was that I was busy and didn't have as much time to read as I would like. I definitely recommend to anyone who likes fantasy novels, especially with dystopian overtones.
I was worried that I wasn't going to like the book because the title and first couple of chapters made me worry that it was going to be religious fiction, which is not really my cup of tea. But as it turns out, the religious aspect is a catalyst to the story and instead it seems (from this first book at least) that it is more a criticism of blind religious zealotry (while also providing interesting critiques of other aspects of society as other groups of people are introduced).
This book definitely had all the elements that keep my attention: dystopian themes, a fantasy setting, conflicted characters, and, at times, a seemingly anti-hero protagonist. The setting is a timeless one, as many arguments could be made both for the idea that it is in the future and that it is set in the past - which really allowed me to set that question aside and just focus on the story.
The author's use of language to describe what is happening is excellent. He uses unique metaphors so I had little trouble understanding the tastes, smells, etc. of things that only exist in the world of this book. I also had no trouble vividly imagining the various battle scenes - while they aren't overly-described, the descriptions are just enough to get a clear picture without slowing down the action.
I would say I had a hard time putting down this book and the only reason it took me a week to read it was that I was busy and didn't have as much time to read as I would like. I definitely recommend to anyone who likes fantasy novels, especially with dystopian overtones.
hollie_taynton's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
super_squirrel's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
flijn's review against another edition
2.0
I was in de mood for some fantasy and picked this one because it had a promise of combining a fantasy plotline with religious imagery.
Can't say I liked it. First of, it was a little too graphic for my taste. I'm not a fan of gore. Second, the female chracters were just so very... whiney (with the exeption of one hitwoman), and the main character seems to have two emotions: determination and anger.
But it was well-written and I thought I could as well finish it, because nothing is as frustrating as not knowing how a story ends. So I continued and I could appreciate the writing (good!), the horror-esque scenes (scary!) and the convincing descriptions of fights (bloody!). Nearing the end of the book, I started to worry. Was Hoffmann really going to answer all the questions he raised (what on earth was that redeemer doing to that girl, and why?)?
No, he wasn't. This is just the start of the series. So, maybe, I will read the next volumes, because I still want to know why, what, who. But maybe I won't, because it's just not my thing.
Can't say I liked it. First of, it was a little too graphic for my taste. I'm not a fan of gore. Second, the female chracters were just so very... whiney (with the exeption of one hitwoman), and the main character seems to have two emotions: determination and anger.
But it was well-written and I thought I could as well finish it, because nothing is as frustrating as not knowing how a story ends. So I continued and I could appreciate the writing (good!), the horror-esque scenes (scary!) and the convincing descriptions of fights (bloody!). Nearing the end of the book, I started to worry. Was Hoffmann really going to answer all the questions he raised (what on earth was that redeemer doing to that girl, and why?)?
No, he wasn't. This is just the start of the series. So, maybe, I will read the next volumes, because I still want to know why, what, who. But maybe I won't, because it's just not my thing.
codyhb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
margaretkearney's review against another edition
4.0
I was really surprised how much I liked this book.The blurb at the back made me think there'd long parts that'd drag.But the entire book was just fantastic.I loved the sly bits of humour a la Douglas Adams.Sarky,occasionally inappropriate and a bit weird.The characters were all wonderful.My fave was Kleist with all his comments.And theres a sequel!Hazza.
The only downside to the book, and the reason I gave it only 4 stars,is that the author had the habit of glossing over whole events.Some of which were quiet important to the storyline.That annoyed me.Whats the point of making something a vital part of the story only to have it culminate in a side note and a few flashbacks?
Shall def read the sequel.
The only downside to the book, and the reason I gave it only 4 stars,is that the author had the habit of glossing over whole events.Some of which were quiet important to the storyline.That annoyed me.Whats the point of making something a vital part of the story only to have it culminate in a side note and a few flashbacks?
Shall def read the sequel.
vbroes's review against another edition
2.0
Puerile tripe. Smooth read though. But so's the Daily Mail.
asafae26's review against another edition
I couldn’t get over how poorly written and flat the characters were. The world-building was flimsy at best. 220 pages in and I just couldn’t bring myself to continue.