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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
The Shroud of Prophecy Book 1
Fantasy Series | 344 pages
Aaslo grew up with Mathias and they have been best friends since they were babies. They study together, they train together, and sometimes they work together. They are “brothers in all things”. However Aaslo is a Forester, one of the revered folk who tend the forests and help them grow, while Mathias is a noble training to be a Mayor.
When a rider arrives, shot with arrows, it is revealed that Mathias is actually the Chosen One. The only one who can save all of Aldrea (the world) from death. It’s a shame that he dies that same night trying to escape the town with his grandmother.
Aaslo will not let Mathias’ task fall to the wayside, though. They are “brothers in all things” and he will see this through, even if it means leaving the forest, his home behind.
This story was really interesting, and it was really funny! The silly horse, Dolt, especially made me laugh several times. All of the characters (even the horse) feel unique and the story progression feels natural, and yet is full of exciting events.
The story isn’t quite perfect. I found some of the battle scenes hard to imagine and the magic system has not been fully explained. I think that is partly to add mystery of the book. Some of the things that are revealed at the end make the beginning make a lot more sense. I would also like to know what the actual prophesy is, but I guess that would also give too much away.
I really enjoyed this book, and I thought about it a lot even when I didn’t have time to read. I definitely want to continue with the story and find out what happens to this world.
I bought this book as one of recent Book of the Month choices. I am happy to make room on my shelf for it.
Fantasy Series | 344 pages
Aaslo grew up with Mathias and they have been best friends since they were babies. They study together, they train together, and sometimes they work together. They are “brothers in all things”. However Aaslo is a Forester, one of the revered folk who tend the forests and help them grow, while Mathias is a noble training to be a Mayor.
When a rider arrives, shot with arrows, it is revealed that Mathias is actually the Chosen One. The only one who can save all of Aldrea (the world) from death. It’s a shame that he dies that same night trying to escape the town with his grandmother.
Aaslo will not let Mathias’ task fall to the wayside, though. They are “brothers in all things” and he will see this through, even if it means leaving the forest, his home behind.
This story was really interesting, and it was really funny! The silly horse, Dolt, especially made me laugh several times. All of the characters (even the horse) feel unique and the story progression feels natural, and yet is full of exciting events.
The story isn’t quite perfect. I found some of the battle scenes hard to imagine and the magic system has not been fully explained. I think that is partly to add mystery of the book. Some of the things that are revealed at the end make the beginning make a lot more sense. I would also like to know what the actual prophesy is, but I guess that would also give too much away.
I really enjoyed this book, and I thought about it a lot even when I didn’t have time to read. I definitely want to continue with the story and find out what happens to this world.
I bought this book as one of recent Book of the Month choices. I am happy to make room on my shelf for it.
This is my first review so forgive the incoherent mumbling.
I was quite intrigued when learning of the premise of this book in its subverting a popular trope, but it was something that could not be escaped throughout the book. Constantly, characters are reminding the characters as well as the reader that the resistance is futile as long as the failure of the chosen one is prevalent. As a reader, I can understand the implications of actions and words, but it is when they are repeatedly forced into my brain that I start to have problems.
Other than this, my only chief complaint is that the story feels as if it has a bit of fluff to fill the page count. It is my firm belief that this book could have been an entire story without the need for a sequel (we shall see if that argument stands when subsequent books are released), but I understand why certain things were left in even if they were seemingly unnecessary. There also seems to be an irrational amount of random conflicts just for the sake of putting the plot on hold.
Overall, my experience was average even if there were a few instances where things got bogged down. The ending was captivating but could have been rewritten in a way that introduces fewer problems down the line, in my opinion. If I could, I’d rate it 3.5 stars, but idk if I can as this is my first review (let me know if that’s a thing).
I was quite intrigued when learning of the premise of this book in its subverting a popular trope, but it was something that could not be escaped throughout the book. Constantly, characters are reminding the characters as well as the reader that the resistance is futile as long as the failure of the chosen one is prevalent. As a reader, I can understand the implications of actions and words, but it is when they are repeatedly forced into my brain that I start to have problems.
Other than this, my only chief complaint is that the story feels as if it has a bit of fluff to fill the page count. It is my firm belief that this book could have been an entire story without the need for a sequel (we shall see if that argument stands when subsequent books are released), but I understand why certain things were left in even if they were seemingly unnecessary. There also seems to be an irrational amount of random conflicts just for the sake of putting the plot on hold.
Overall, my experience was average even if there were a few instances where things got bogged down. The ending was captivating but could have been rewritten in a way that introduces fewer problems down the line, in my opinion. If I could, I’d rate it 3.5 stars, but idk if I can as this is my first review (let me know if that’s a thing).
was a fun read quick read. Reminded me of a video game, like the witcher. There was a little too much world-building for me--2 pages of character list in the back 9 with A names and 9 with m names! so I never got too attached to any character
This is a great example of a story that goes against the grain. What happens when the hero fails? When the prophecy doesn't come true? Who steps in to try to save the world? In this story, it's a nature preserving introvert, his idiot horse, a couple of theives, and a magus that got kicked out of magic school. What could go wrong? The amount of crazy BS Aaslo deals with in his attempts to save the world are both amusing and baffling.
Some things I liked about this book:
1. The dialogue was amazing. I was highly entertained by the banter between characters
2. This story had several unpredictable plot twists throughout so there was never a slow point in the story.
3. Having the perspective of the gods on Aaslo's adventure and how they intervene.
Something I didn't like:
The story seems to be told from the perspective of a reaper, who allows the reader to view Aaslo's adventure, as well as the gods' involvement. This was a wonderful way for the reader to be omnicient, but at times the perspective was unclear. It's one of my pet peeves when I feel the author is jumping between knowing what the narrator is thinking and experiencing, to a perspective of a different character without any clear seperation, like a page break or chapter change.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the story and I can tell the author is just getting started. I look forward to the release of book 2 in March 2022.
Some things I liked about this book:
1. The dialogue was amazing. I was highly entertained by the banter between characters
2. This story had several unpredictable plot twists throughout so there was never a slow point in the story.
3. Having the perspective of the gods on Aaslo's adventure and how they intervene.
Something I didn't like:
The story seems to be told from the perspective of a reaper, who allows the reader to view Aaslo's adventure, as well as the gods' involvement. This was a wonderful way for the reader to be omnicient, but at times the perspective was unclear. It's one of my pet peeves when I feel the author is jumping between knowing what the narrator is thinking and experiencing, to a perspective of a different character without any clear seperation, like a page break or chapter change.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the story and I can tell the author is just getting started. I look forward to the release of book 2 in March 2022.
Torn about I feel about the book. Nothing really wrong with it but it just didn’t really grab me. Good moments and confusing moments. Not sure if I’ll continue with the coming series.
This book was the most confusing fantasy I have ever read. I read this for a book club pick. Unfortunately, it was not my cup of tea. It had potential; however, things came out of no where that I didn’t understand. Character were also very random.
I did listen to the audiobook which could be the reason I was confused. The narrator was not engaging. He was a very slow drawn out reader. I found my mind wondering ALOT. I do not think I am going to read the second book.
I did listen to the audiobook which could be the reason I was confused. The narrator was not engaging. He was a very slow drawn out reader. I found my mind wondering ALOT. I do not think I am going to read the second book.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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:
No
I loved this book. Aaslo was the perfect reluctant hero. This book is the book form of a buddy cop movie. Aaslo is constantly being slowed down because people like him so much. And as a Forester he is not used to being around many people outside of Mathias. But when he decides to shoulder the burden of his "Brother in everything" we see him going out into the wide world to try to save it even when everyone else believes it is impossible. Then throw in the talking head, who is more likely to be sarcastic and snarky than actually helpful. It made for a hilarious read that caused me to laugh several times as well as tear up.
Overall, it was fine, but I struggled to get through most of it. Parts of it were good. The characters weren’t all that interesting. I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t work for me.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The bones for this story were there. On paper (har har) this seemed to be everything I'd want in a fantasy story. But there were so many elements that fell flat or were under developed, that it ended up leaving me disappointed. The idea of the Chosen One dying and dooming the world to destruction while his best friend tries to pick up that mantle despite all odds is fascinating! I was so excited to read about it. But from the get-go, there was so much that held me back from enjoying the story. Firstly, the dialogue is pretty poorly written. Not only does it feel unrealistic, but also stilted and unnatural. Characters swung between wildly overreacting and responding inappropriately given the context of the conversation.
So many characters fit into neat little tropes that felt boring and tired. Aaslo is the fearless, stoic leader that can do no wrong. But we also have the cocky nobleman, the spunky street rats, the fiery love interest, and the aloof wizard. Characters falling into tropes isn't bad in and of itself, but when you have a cast of characters that are nothing but tropes, I get bored.
While I did find the story interesting, the pacing was all over the place. There were long drawn out sections of the story where the characters were stagnant for seemingly no reason, breakneck action and story development, then back to stagnation throughout the whole book.
However, my largest complaint about this first book is that it had no story of its own. It had no resolution or meaningful conflict that was conquered. No built-up antagonist that needed to be defeated. In my opinion, this book's gravest sin was that it served only as an introduction to the over-arching conflict of the series and did not stand on its own. This always makes me feel unfulfilled and like I wasted my time. It does not compel me to continue the series. It makes me question why the story couldn't include a better three act arc. Bummed that this didn't live up to what I hoped it would be.
So many characters fit into neat little tropes that felt boring and tired. Aaslo is the fearless, stoic leader that can do no wrong. But we also have the cocky nobleman, the spunky street rats, the fiery love interest, and the aloof wizard. Characters falling into tropes isn't bad in and of itself, but when you have a cast of characters that are nothing but tropes, I get bored.
While I did find the story interesting, the pacing was all over the place. There were long drawn out sections of the story where the characters were stagnant for seemingly no reason, breakneck action and story development, then back to stagnation throughout the whole book.
However, my largest complaint about this first book is that it had no story of its own. It had no resolution or meaningful conflict that was conquered. No built-up antagonist that needed to be defeated. In my opinion, this book's gravest sin was that it served only as an introduction to the over-arching conflict of the series and did not stand on its own. This always makes me feel unfulfilled and like I wasted my time. It does not compel me to continue the series. It makes me question why the story couldn't include a better three act arc. Bummed that this didn't live up to what I hoped it would be.