Reviews

The Gutter Prayer by Gareth Hanrahan

arwenak's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

3.75

bookishmey_'s review against another edition

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3.0

Si me hubieran dicho que este libro era una mezcla entre Arcane y Six of Crows, lo habría comprado inmediatamente. Pero como me lo regaló mi hermana, os lo vendo a vosotros así.

En La Plegaria de la Calle nos encontramos con uno de los worldbuildings más complejos que he leído hasta el momento. Se basa sobre todo en la política y la religión para entender la historia de la ciudad, Guerdon, pero es todo tan detallado que hay momentos en los que te explota la cabeza con tanta información. Además, hay que añadirle la magia y todos los seres fantásticos, así que el libro está bastante cargadito y completito. Al principio esto desanima un poco, pero una vez pasadas las primeras 200 páginas tienes más idea del mundo y empiezas a enterarte de todo mejor, por lo que las ganas de seguir leyendo aumentan. Por ello, aunque complejo y rico en matices, es un mundo super interesante y poco común.

No puedo decir que haya conectado con los personajes, siento que esto ha sido solo una “breve” introducción y que les queda mucho desarrollo en la continuación de la saga, que el autor solo nos da una pincelada de su potencial y posibilidades.

Una cosa que me ha llamado mucho la atención es que, a pesar del ser el primer libro de una saga, se puede leer como autoconclusivo. No estoy muy de acuerdo teniendo en cuenta el final, pero definitivamente creo que es un punto a favor para darle una oportunidad, ya que si lo terminas y no te gusta, puedes no seguir con la saga.

Y la única decepción… la edición. Este libro viene de manos de una nueva y pequeña editorial, por lo que se puede justificar un poco para pasarlo por alto, pero necesita un tremendo trabajo de revisión y reedición, lo cual tampoco ayuda a la ya tediosa lectura debido al worldbuilding.

Sinceramente, no sé si seguiré con la saga, pero me ha parecido un libro increíble y con mucho potencial.

merrysociopath's review against another edition

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2.0

Meno male che oggi ho passato tutta la mattina in ospedale altrimenti non l'avrei mai finito. Tanto interessante la città di Guerdon, quanto scontati e già visti (e, in almeno un caso, estremamente irritanti) i personaggi. Alla fine c'è scritto "to be continued in book two..." ma onestamente non credo mi prenderò la briga di leggerlo.

chromatick's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars

This was a really, really great book. The first in a new series that has some excellent world-building, following the exploits of three thieves and how they tie into each other and a larger plot involving old gods in an ancient war. I really enjoyed the world that the author created. Everything made sense and fit well together and he had some really cool ideas for some of his creatures. I also liked the ideas he came up with for the iron gods. cool stuff!

The story moves along at a good clip. I never found myself being bored and wanted to find out what would happen next. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Also, the audio narration was a fantastic 5 stars for me. Well done!

stuckonamber's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the first novel I have read by Hanrahan, and I really enjoyed it. A fantastic original setting, with a dark storyline, where it is difficult to tell friend from foe. The city of Guerdon is ancient, set in a land where gods are continually at war. As the war seems set to come to the city, three thieves: Cari, Spar and Rat find themselves at the centre of events. Cari has developed powers that seem like more of a curse, Spar seeks to regain control of the Brotherhood while Rat is a link between the surface world and the the ghouls who inhabit the undercity. As academics, alchemists and clerics all seek to use Cari for their own ends, the three must work out who to trust, and how to avert the destruction of the city.

odunayo_y's review

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adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • 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

5.0

realis's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

foostickuk's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

tayvaan's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

hquin's review against another edition

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2.0

Honestly, I was so close to DNF'ing this @ 60 pgs but decided to continue (kinda regret it now). This book was confusing - the world and the characters (so many characters). I had to write down each character and who they were to follow through (wish this book had a character list). I was bored half way through and did not care about the plot at all. This book sounded like it was just for me regarding a group of thieves but it just didn't do it for me but it may for someone else.