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2.9 AVERAGE
2.9 AVERAGE
I feel bad for giving it only two stars, because the idea was good and I was given a free copy (but I guess it was digital so I don't feel that bad about not liking it). This book just really didn't do it for me. I don't know if it was because the point of views changed every chapter (something I'm already not fond of), or that it changed time periods most chapters (as in, the characters are one age and then another age only a couple chapters away). I think one or the other is fine, personally, but together it's just not for me.
I think, also, I didn't like the way it explained things. For the first couple chapters I was actually struggling to understand what the heck they were talking about (and writing 'ATH-uh-May' every ten seconds to push the pronunciation into people's heads was super annoying. Like, I get it, but still not something I enjoyed). I just think things could've been explained a little better, which I guess the flashbacks were good for that but some of them didn't help so much.
Along with poor explanations, some things just didn't have any. Like, how did the main character learn Chinese if she's spent her whole life in one place in Scotland with like six other people? When was she training to become a healer, if she's supposed to be training to become a seeker? And what are they seeking, anyways?
All in all, I don't want to say too many negative things because congratulations to the author for actually finishing a book. Like, that's not an easy thing to do. The writing for this was still good (except maybe the tiny thing where it switches between "Scottish" words like, "cannae" and then in the same sentence it says "cannot").
Okay, I have to get back on topic. Let's try this again:
All in all, I didn't like this book. I only got about 75% of the way through and if I ever finish it and the ending is surprisingly great, then I'll come back and edit my review.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for this eBook.
I think, also, I didn't like the way it explained things. For the first couple chapters I was actually struggling to understand what the heck they were talking about (and writing 'ATH-uh-May' every ten seconds to push the pronunciation into people's heads was super annoying. Like, I get it, but still not something I enjoyed). I just think things could've been explained a little better, which I guess the flashbacks were good for that but some of them didn't help so much.
Along with poor explanations, some things just didn't have any. Like, how did the main character learn Chinese if she's spent her whole life in one place in Scotland with like six other people? When was she training to become a healer, if she's supposed to be training to become a seeker? And what are they seeking, anyways?
All in all, I don't want to say too many negative things because congratulations to the author for actually finishing a book. Like, that's not an easy thing to do. The writing for this was still good (except maybe the tiny thing where it switches between "Scottish" words like, "cannae" and then in the same sentence it says "cannot").
Okay, I have to get back on topic. Let's try this again:
All in all, I didn't like this book. I only got about 75% of the way through and if I ever finish it and the ending is surprisingly great, then I'll come back and edit my review.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for this eBook.
First I need to say that I DNF'd (did not finish) this book. I read till page 125 and had to put it down!
Synopsis: Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’.
Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin's new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her.
What I did like: Te plot sounded intriguing and the fact that on the back of my ARC copy it said that it was going to be made in to movie soon! Here are the latest detail on that!
What I didn't like:
The writing style was just plain off especially in the first couple of chapters. Speaking of chapters they are written in third person omniscient but the focus is on a specific character, which you would think would make it easier to stay on track with what was going on but it didn't. The dialogue between characters and inner dialogue just didn't flow and did not seem natural at all. Most of the characters in the book are close family members but they speak to each other like strangers. All of these negative things about the writing style and dialogue is very apparent in the first 5-10 chapters of the book and just made it to where I could not get into the storyline or attached to the characters. I wanted to like this book really bad, but I just couldn't. I think the movie is going to be much much better!! I gave it that 1.5 star only because I think the plot was intriguing jut not intriguing enough for me to keep reading.
Would I recommend it?
Sure, to people who can get past the writing style and anyone who likes a book with science fiction and fantasy mixed together! I think this is one of those books that people are either going to hate or they are going to absolutely love it!
Synopsis: Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’.
Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin's new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her.
What I did like: Te plot sounded intriguing and the fact that on the back of my ARC copy it said that it was going to be made in to movie soon! Here are the latest detail on that!
What I didn't like:
The writing style was just plain off especially in the first couple of chapters. Speaking of chapters they are written in third person omniscient but the focus is on a specific character, which you would think would make it easier to stay on track with what was going on but it didn't. The dialogue between characters and inner dialogue just didn't flow and did not seem natural at all. Most of the characters in the book are close family members but they speak to each other like strangers. All of these negative things about the writing style and dialogue is very apparent in the first 5-10 chapters of the book and just made it to where I could not get into the storyline or attached to the characters. I wanted to like this book really bad, but I just couldn't. I think the movie is going to be much much better!! I gave it that 1.5 star only because I think the plot was intriguing jut not intriguing enough for me to keep reading.
Would I recommend it?
Sure, to people who can get past the writing style and anyone who likes a book with science fiction and fantasy mixed together! I think this is one of those books that people are either going to hate or they are going to absolutely love it!
medium-paced
I wasn't sure if I was going to like the book when I started it but it got so much better. Such a fantastic book, definitely going to re-read.
That extra star is for Maud. Maud was definitely my favorite character and the only reason I'll be continuing with the series.
I really liked the concept of the athames and the interesting traveling, it was just a bit confusing at first. I finally realized about halfway through that it was confusing mostly because that's how it felt the author wanted it, especially with the mystery surrounding what they did as Seekers.
The characters were definitely my favorite part. As I stated above, Maud is amazing. She's definitely my clear favorite. The main characters were interesting and complex, all with their motives for doing what they felt needed to happen. Though John was super creepy from the beginning to me, and my girl Maud better not help him in any way. I do wish the side characters like Fiona and Brian were fleshed out a little more. Brian especially seemed more a convenient plot point than a character.
I really don't know what the possible endings are for this series. Are the Seekers destroyed, like Quin alluded to? Does Briac or John keep the athame? I guess I'll have to continue on...
I really liked the concept of the athames and the interesting traveling, it was just a bit confusing at first. I finally realized about halfway through that it was confusing mostly because that's how it felt the author wanted it, especially with the mystery surrounding what they did as Seekers.
The characters were definitely my favorite part. As I stated above, Maud is amazing. She's definitely my clear favorite. The main characters were interesting and complex, all with their motives for doing what they felt needed to happen. Though John was super creepy from the beginning to me, and my girl Maud better not help him in any way. I do wish the side characters like Fiona and Brian were fleshed out a little more. Brian especially seemed more a convenient plot point than a character.
I really don't know what the possible endings are for this series. Are the Seekers destroyed, like Quin alluded to? Does Briac or John keep the athame? I guess I'll have to continue on...
ARC by NetGalley
I'm half and half on this book. On the one hand, I read it virtually in one sitting. One sitting minus four chapters, but it's close enough for me. For a book to have that sort of hold on me is rare, so there must be some aspects of Dayton's story that I like. And certainly there were. What stands out the most to me are Dayton's characters. The four viewpoint characters are well thought out with backstories that get explored and decisions that make sense for them. I also enjoyed the general plot of the novel.
However, I think it was trying to do a lot of things and never quite got there. My biggest critique is it's overall vagueness. I'm all for a little mystery in a novel. I love novels that leave one or two aspects to be explained over the course of the plot. Seeker, however, explained virtually nothing. It got to the point where I almost gave up on the book twice before finishing the first third of the book. The only reasons I did not stop were that I always try to finish the books I start and with it being a lazy Sunday with not much else to do, I had the time to give the book the longer chance it obviously needed. I started to get a broader understanding at about the halfway mark, and it was also there that I finally became really interested in what I was reading. With exception to the characters, I had trouble understanding the world, the Seeker and Dread concepts, and even the intended time period. I never got a good understanding if this was an alternate Earth or an Earth set in the future. Even the attempted discussion on what is right was so vague that it virtually said nothing. Just a small increase in specificity would have left me significantly less frustrated.
All in all, reading Seeker was a great way to spend a slow Sunday. I enjoyed meeting these characters and spending time with them. On a surface level, the book was quite good, but a slightly deeper read reveals little more than what is on the surface. I will be picking up the next book when it is published in 2016. I would recommend reading this if you enjoy fantasy, because although it is not your typical fantasy - it feels like it is. Just be aware that it will take some patience to get to a point where you understand what is happening. I think, that in most cases, the characters will pull you through to a point where things start to get explained.
I'm half and half on this book. On the one hand, I read it virtually in one sitting. One sitting minus four chapters, but it's close enough for me. For a book to have that sort of hold on me is rare, so there must be some aspects of Dayton's story that I like. And certainly there were. What stands out the most to me are Dayton's characters. The four viewpoint characters are well thought out with backstories that get explored and decisions that make sense for them. I also enjoyed the general plot of the novel.
However, I think it was trying to do a lot of things and never quite got there. My biggest critique is it's overall vagueness. I'm all for a little mystery in a novel. I love novels that leave one or two aspects to be explained over the course of the plot. Seeker, however, explained virtually nothing. It got to the point where I almost gave up on the book twice before finishing the first third of the book. The only reasons I did not stop were that I always try to finish the books I start and with it being a lazy Sunday with not much else to do, I had the time to give the book the longer chance it obviously needed. I started to get a broader understanding at about the halfway mark, and it was also there that I finally became really interested in what I was reading. With exception to the characters, I had trouble understanding the world, the Seeker and Dread concepts, and even the intended time period. I never got a good understanding if this was an alternate Earth or an Earth set in the future. Even the attempted discussion on what is right was so vague that it virtually said nothing. Just a small increase in specificity would have left me significantly less frustrated.
All in all, reading Seeker was a great way to spend a slow Sunday. I enjoyed meeting these characters and spending time with them. On a surface level, the book was quite good, but a slightly deeper read reveals little more than what is on the surface. I will be picking up the next book when it is published in 2016. I would recommend reading this if you enjoy fantasy, because although it is not your typical fantasy - it feels like it is. Just be aware that it will take some patience to get to a point where you understand what is happening. I think, that in most cases, the characters will pull you through to a point where things start to get explained.
Gostei mesmo deste livro. A história é envolvente e a escrita é muito fluida e viciante. As personagens são interessantes, embora eu tenha tido alguma dificuldade em me conectar com elas. Só não dei 5 estrelas porque não me deixou sem fôlego de tanto entusiasmo em nenhuma parte mas recomendo muito a quem gosta de fantasia com mistério à mistura.
The best way to describe this book is as a modern tale of knighthood, with the added twist of vying for power and position. Seekers are a special group of individuals who are supposed to work for the good of humanity, but Quin quickly learns that not all the protectors of the truth are actually protecting it and some are out for personal gain.
What's great about this fantasy book is the way that the author incorporates human interest through the power struggles and search for truth. The mission of the Seekers has obviously been distorted, but determining absolute truth proves more difficult than anticipated. This is a creative modern fantasy that kept my interest during the entire read with lots of action, some great plot development, and interesting/ likeable characters.I'm hooked and happy to read more when the sequels are released.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Let me state that the publisher compared the book to The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones. I'm not sure that these are the best comparison books, as it is neither dystopian nor historical. So if you're looking for something in the vein of these two books, you may find your expectations unmet. It is, however, a unique adventure tale in it's own right and very enjoyable.
What's great about this fantasy book is the way that the author incorporates human interest through the power struggles and search for truth. The mission of the Seekers has obviously been distorted, but determining absolute truth proves more difficult than anticipated. This is a creative modern fantasy that kept my interest during the entire read with lots of action, some great plot development, and interesting/ likeable characters.I'm hooked and happy to read more when the sequels are released.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Let me state that the publisher compared the book to The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones. I'm not sure that these are the best comparison books, as it is neither dystopian nor historical. So if you're looking for something in the vein of these two books, you may find your expectations unmet. It is, however, a unique adventure tale in it's own right and very enjoyable.
When I added this book for my thesis, I had to write that first chapter within the week. My adviser thought I was crazy. I was, but I just had a FEELING that I needed this book in my thesis. Mostly because it was published in 2015. Well, it was perfect for my thesis alright. In all the right wrong ways.
This is going to be a spoilery review because I have a lot of things to say.
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat. This is not Quin’s story. Quin is the pretend main character of this novel. (It’s also told in rotating POV from her, Shinobu and John.) Maybe this will change in later books, but that is certainly the case here. She is de facto main character because everything revolves around her, but after the first section she literally does nothing. More on that later.
Anyways, the book opens up with John, Quin, and Shinobu training to be Seekers, this high and mighty fighting force that they are apparently the last apprentices of. John and Quin are together, and Shinobu is jealous of John. Love triangle time, surprise! After the opening training scene, Quin’s father, Briac–their leader–tells Shinobu and Quin that they are ready to take the oath. While they run off to get ready, Briac kicks out John.
Quin has no idea this is happening, though, so she and Shinobu go through with their initiation. The book doesn’t reveal what exactly happens during their initiation night until much later, but the big reveal here is that the Seekers aren’t high and mighty anymore. They’re assassins for hire. Briac just forced his kid to kill children. What a guy. Quin wants to leave, but she doesn’t. She feels like she can’t. So she goes on killing people on her dad’s orders.
Back to John. It turns out that Briac killed John’s mom, and John’s been out for revenge the whole time. So after he gets kicked out, he goes back to the Seeker headquarters and burns the place to the ground, trying to get to Briac and some special Seeker weaponry. In the process, he kills Shinobu’s dad and kidnaps Quin’s mom. Quin and Shinobu are having none of that, so they save Quin’s mom and run away together–and Quin and John are over. At least to Quin anyways.
Now, honestly, if the story had gone somewhere different from here, maybe I could have liked it more. Quin’s struggle with what she’d done for her father could have been really good. Shinobu and Quin’s mission to avenge their parents and stop John could have been really good. But, instead, we get the whole middle of this book.
The middle in which Quin goes into self-inflicted amnesia where she can’t handle what she’s done and Shinobu turns to drugs and they’re all separated and not doing anything.
Yep, that’s right. Instead of dealing, Quin forgets everything. Which means that when the action finally kicks back up again, she ends up sort of helping John because the only thing she remembers is that she vaguely loved him once and then ends up falling for Shinobu because he keeps showing up to save her. You know, since she can’t save herself because she’s forced herself to forget every bit of training she’s ever had. She starts remembering towards the end, but not enough to totally take herself out of damsel in distress territory.
By the end of the book she declares that she loves Shinobu and that John has to be stopped, so she’s going to be the Seeker she always wanted to be and stop him. Maybe, just maybe, she has a more active role in the next two books, but I certainly won’t be reading them.
It’s frustrating too, because I wanted to like this book. It started off fairly promising, if you could get past the love triangle and the fairly generic characters. I liked the lore of the Seekers a lot. I would have read on just for that. However, if I hadn’t been reading this for my thesis, I would have jumped ship to DNF land in the middle. I cannot stand that trope, and here it was just used to further the love triangle.
Like I’ve said, my thesis is about tropism in YA fantasy literature featuring female assassins so … Quin fit to the T when I was describing a bunch of things wrong with the genre. So that’s why this book was perfect for all the wrong reasons. If you’re doing a similar project, I present a perfect exhibit. If you’re looking to read this book but can’t stand tropes? Not so much.
This is going to be a spoilery review because I have a lot of things to say.
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat. This is not Quin’s story. Quin is the pretend main character of this novel. (It’s also told in rotating POV from her, Shinobu and John.) Maybe this will change in later books, but that is certainly the case here. She is de facto main character because everything revolves around her, but after the first section she literally does nothing. More on that later.
Anyways, the book opens up with John, Quin, and Shinobu training to be Seekers, this high and mighty fighting force that they are apparently the last apprentices of. John and Quin are together, and Shinobu is jealous of John. Love triangle time, surprise! After the opening training scene, Quin’s father, Briac–their leader–tells Shinobu and Quin that they are ready to take the oath. While they run off to get ready, Briac kicks out John.
Quin has no idea this is happening, though, so she and Shinobu go through with their initiation. The book doesn’t reveal what exactly happens during their initiation night until much later, but the big reveal here is that the Seekers aren’t high and mighty anymore. They’re assassins for hire. Briac just forced his kid to kill children. What a guy. Quin wants to leave, but she doesn’t. She feels like she can’t. So she goes on killing people on her dad’s orders.
Back to John. It turns out that Briac killed John’s mom, and John’s been out for revenge the whole time. So after he gets kicked out, he goes back to the Seeker headquarters and burns the place to the ground, trying to get to Briac and some special Seeker weaponry. In the process, he kills Shinobu’s dad and kidnaps Quin’s mom. Quin and Shinobu are having none of that, so they save Quin’s mom and run away together–and Quin and John are over. At least to Quin anyways.
Now, honestly, if the story had gone somewhere different from here, maybe I could have liked it more. Quin’s struggle with what she’d done for her father could have been really good. Shinobu and Quin’s mission to avenge their parents and stop John could have been really good. But, instead, we get the whole middle of this book.
The middle in which Quin goes into self-inflicted amnesia where she can’t handle what she’s done and Shinobu turns to drugs and they’re all separated and not doing anything.
Yep, that’s right. Instead of dealing, Quin forgets everything. Which means that when the action finally kicks back up again, she ends up sort of helping John because the only thing she remembers is that she vaguely loved him once and then ends up falling for Shinobu because he keeps showing up to save her. You know, since she can’t save herself because she’s forced herself to forget every bit of training she’s ever had. She starts remembering towards the end, but not enough to totally take herself out of damsel in distress territory.
By the end of the book she declares that she loves Shinobu and that John has to be stopped, so she’s going to be the Seeker she always wanted to be and stop him. Maybe, just maybe, she has a more active role in the next two books, but I certainly won’t be reading them.
It’s frustrating too, because I wanted to like this book. It started off fairly promising, if you could get past the love triangle and the fairly generic characters. I liked the lore of the Seekers a lot. I would have read on just for that. However, if I hadn’t been reading this for my thesis, I would have jumped ship to DNF land in the middle. I cannot stand that trope, and here it was just used to further the love triangle.
Like I’ve said, my thesis is about tropism in YA fantasy literature featuring female assassins so … Quin fit to the T when I was describing a bunch of things wrong with the genre. So that’s why this book was perfect for all the wrong reasons. If you’re doing a similar project, I present a perfect exhibit. If you’re looking to read this book but can’t stand tropes? Not so much.
This book was OK. I had trouble getting into the story because the first half (and a good part of the second) relied too heavily on "something important happened but you'll have to wait for the big reveal." I got so bored with the hints or flashes of something without there being enough actual story. Please, just tell us what happened or what the character remembered! It was tedious. The basic meat of the story (outside of the love triangle) was OK. I'm not sure whether or not I'll pick up the next book.
3 and a half stars-good first book, although it was a slower read than I expected. The book defies category - Steampunk, fantasy, warrior epic... Which is actually a good thing.