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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
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.
3.75*
Kinda liked beginning, but then slowly was losing interest until about the middle of the book, then suddenly I was interested again in the plot and characters.
Kinda liked beginning, but then slowly was losing interest until about the middle of the book, then suddenly I was interested again in the plot and characters.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Damn, what a great book! Destroyed my expectations for the story - in all the best ways. This one goes on the short list of those books I stayed up too late reading because I HAD TO KNOW what the next page would hold. Highest recommendation.
The Chosen is one of my favorite fantasy tropes and it's part of one my favorite fantasy series (The Wheel of Time).
This book contains an unusual twist to the trope and I loved it.
It's an excellent read, gripping and entertaining.
I loved the style of writing, the amazing world building, and the well thought cast of characters.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
This book contains an unusual twist to the trope and I loved it.
It's an excellent read, gripping and entertaining.
I loved the style of writing, the amazing world building, and the well thought cast of characters.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
From start to finish, this book was an unexpected surprise and it was so enjoyable.
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I was kind enough to have been gifted a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this one really intrigued me. The idea of flipping the chosen one trope completely on its head really appealed to me and I'm pleased so say it didn't disappoint. I found the plot really interesting. I loved the idea of the Foresters and the use of magic and it was because of these things that I enjoyed the story. The book itself wasn't actually very long for an adult fantasy however, it did take me a while to read. I did find it to be a bit slow in places but that being said I still enjoyed my reading experience.
The main thing that I felt let this one down was the characters. I enjoyed the ideas behind them, as I said before, the Foresters and the magic however, they fell a bit flat for me. I would of liked some more character development, especially of the main character and a little bit more of an exploration of the character himself as opposed to his constant inner monologue.
Overall I enjoyed the story and I thought the plot was interesting. It's because of this that I am planning on continuing on with the series and I hope we dive a bit deeper into the characters in the next one.
The premise of this one really intrigued me. The idea of flipping the chosen one trope completely on its head really appealed to me and I'm pleased so say it didn't disappoint. I found the plot really interesting. I loved the idea of the Foresters and the use of magic and it was because of these things that I enjoyed the story. The book itself wasn't actually very long for an adult fantasy however, it did take me a while to read. I did find it to be a bit slow in places but that being said I still enjoyed my reading experience.
The main thing that I felt let this one down was the characters. I enjoyed the ideas behind them, as I said before, the Foresters and the magic however, they fell a bit flat for me. I would of liked some more character development, especially of the main character and a little bit more of an exploration of the character himself as opposed to his constant inner monologue.
Overall I enjoyed the story and I thought the plot was interesting. It's because of this that I am planning on continuing on with the series and I hope we dive a bit deeper into the characters in the next one.
Holy crap I loved this SO MUCH. The narration of the audiobook was incredible. Great characters, loved every one of their personalities, want to hug each and every one of them. Teza is sassy af, and I am already shipping her with Aaslo. I can not wait for book 2!!