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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A deeply complex political fantasy story with outstanding writing
Navola follows a reluctant heir to his powerful banking family, expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and learn the tricks of the trade (literally). He is weak, considered not a strong fit but he is tangled in fate’s net. As enemies plot, Davico’s connection with the girl he calls sister, who was captured by his family, grows strong, along with the crystalline orb that tombs a dragon’s soul.
This was honestly one of the most well-written books I have ever had the privilege of reading. It was complex don’t get me wrong, but the writing was absolutely phenomenal. This author knows how to WRITE. He manipulates vocabulary, connects the reader and fully immerses you in this horrific world. I devoured every single word.
I hated every single character in this book. That was the point. Each character was inexplicably evil and their core damaged. It was dark, tense and everything you expect of a historical, political fantasy. When the action happens, it HAPPENS. I was completely and utterly part of the plots and schemes.
I think the reason for the dropped star was the pacing of the story. The last quarter of this book was by far some of the best narrative writing I have ever read. But it took a while to get there. I think because the main character is so unlikeable, the story relies so heavily on the action, so when there is none and it’s more world building, it becomes a little more difficult to read. These parts definitely were verging on slumping me but I do understand their need after reading the end as it does all become one big jigsaw piece, needing those smaller parts to make the bigger picture. It truly was worth it.
Overall, I really recommend this to anyone looking for a dark, historical and political fantasy. It was an incredibly complex read but one that becomes so worth it at the end. And need I say again, the writing is exquisite.
Navola follows a reluctant heir to his powerful banking family, expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and learn the tricks of the trade (literally). He is weak, considered not a strong fit but he is tangled in fate’s net. As enemies plot, Davico’s connection with the girl he calls sister, who was captured by his family, grows strong, along with the crystalline orb that tombs a dragon’s soul.
This was honestly one of the most well-written books I have ever had the privilege of reading. It was complex don’t get me wrong, but the writing was absolutely phenomenal. This author knows how to WRITE. He manipulates vocabulary, connects the reader and fully immerses you in this horrific world. I devoured every single word.
I hated every single character in this book. That was the point. Each character was inexplicably evil and their core damaged. It was dark, tense and everything you expect of a historical, political fantasy. When the action happens, it HAPPENS. I was completely and utterly part of the plots and schemes.
I think the reason for the dropped star was the pacing of the story. The last quarter of this book was by far some of the best narrative writing I have ever read. But it took a while to get there. I think because the main character is so unlikeable, the story relies so heavily on the action, so when there is none and it’s more world building, it becomes a little more difficult to read. These parts definitely were verging on slumping me but I do understand their need after reading the end as it does all become one big jigsaw piece, needing those smaller parts to make the bigger picture. It truly was worth it.
Overall, I really recommend this to anyone looking for a dark, historical and political fantasy. It was an incredibly complex read but one that becomes so worth it at the end. And need I say again, the writing is exquisite.
Great writing, intriguing Italian renaissance/mafia vibes but I can’t say anything is happening. It’s both great to read but also very slow and whilst this book may be brewing to something happening, having read over 170 pages I’m not all that fussed now to find out what. Has a lot of potential though to be loved by a lot of people!
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
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:
Yes
I really wanted to like it as I love this author, especially the Wind Up Girl, but I found this one to be just a complete slog to get through.
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A sprinkle of myth and magic, woven tightly with intrigue, and finished with a bucket of blood.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Gore, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Cannibalism, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes