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kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
The book that got me started on Barbara Hambly. This was a buy!
mariah123456's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
nordiccowgirl's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
3.0
3.25-3.5 stars
When summer hits I like to read an older book, it might be one that I remember reading as a teen, or something fun, light and magical. I can't believe that books from the '80's are now considered "old", but my kids inform me they are positively ancient. As far as they know Hambly was Austen's best friend (but I digress.)
The Silent Tower was originally published in 1986. As with all the books I like from this decade, the female protagonist is strong, but she still has weaknesses. I was surprised by the complexity of Hambly's plot and had to pay attention to keep up with the parallel universes, the computer jargon and magic. I liked this series because ...
To read the review for the entire series go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
When summer hits I like to read an older book, it might be one that I remember reading as a teen, or something fun, light and magical. I can't believe that books from the '80's are now considered "old", but my kids inform me they are positively ancient. As far as they know Hambly was Austen's best friend (but I digress.)
The Silent Tower was originally published in 1986. As with all the books I like from this decade, the female protagonist is strong, but she still has weaknesses. I was surprised by the complexity of Hambly's plot and had to pay attention to keep up with the parallel universes, the computer jargon and magic. I liked this series because ...
To read the review for the entire series go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
hank's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars rounded down. It was fine. Kind of a standard portal fantasy with one or two twists. I never really got invested in the outcome and will probably stop here. I would have liked Caris to be developed more. Towards the end he was fading into the background.
arwenstelter's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This series would benefit from a better editor. I know the author knows in her head where we are, but there are frequent, unexplained scene changes without any segue at all. It is confusing. One second they are outside talking, then she’s tied to a chair. Is the chair in the street?! No, we’re in completely new location without any indication of how we got there. This happens over and over again.
wazbar's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I have really liked all the Hambly I've read so far and this was similarly charming. Be aware that it does not fully resolve its own plot, which presumably concludes in the sequel.
I think Hambly's advantage over her peers is in her craft of perspective and characterization. The plot centers on the actions of three characters and we get meaningful insight into the perspective of each one. This is done while maintaining reasons for mistrust and incomplete knowledge on both their part and the reader's.
This isn't a requirement for me to like a book but I really liked the characters. I liked how people from another universe, upon meeting one character's shitty boyfriend, immediately conclude that he sucks. Furthermore, these are some good wizards. They don't do a lot of wizardry but you don't need to to, really; it's all in the vibes. Hambly knows how to write a wizard.
I think Hambly's advantage over her peers is in her craft of perspective and characterization. The plot centers on the actions of three characters and we get meaningful insight into the perspective of each one. This is done while maintaining reasons for mistrust and incomplete knowledge on both their part and the reader's.
This isn't a requirement for me to like a book but I really liked the characters. I liked how people from another universe, upon meeting one character's shitty boyfriend, immediately conclude that he sucks. Furthermore, these are some good wizards. They don't do a lot of wizardry but you don't need to to, really; it's all in the vibes. Hambly knows how to write a wizard.
jvilches's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5