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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book wasn't what I was expecting. It's listed as fantasy (due to the existence of dragons and the gids in the in-universe lore), but it was mostly about a son growing up in a political and very tense business family environment. He learns how to take on the grim and sometimes gritty business. Great writing style and world building, just not the type of story for me. This will definitely be someone's favorite book, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Cursing, Death, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, War
I’m not sure I’d call this book historical fantasy so much as maybe political fantasy?
I got excited about the dragons, I mean there’s an eye on the cover. But this book is 90% politics. Not in a bad way, just not quite what I expected. The plot moved a little slow, but was still enough to keep my attention. And it picked up a good bit at the end. I’m curious enough to read the next one, but I can’t say I recommend this one to everyone. Maybe only read it if you like *dense* books. The writing is excellent though, which makes up for a bit of the dense.
I received an advance copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own and a review was not required.
I got excited about the dragons, I mean there’s an eye on the cover. But this book is 90% politics. Not in a bad way, just not quite what I expected. The plot moved a little slow, but was still enough to keep my attention. And it picked up a good bit at the end. I’m curious enough to read the next one, but I can’t say I recommend this one to everyone. Maybe only read it if you like *dense* books. The writing is excellent though, which makes up for a bit of the dense.
I received an advance copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own and a review was not required.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love the worldbuilding, and faux-Renaissance fantasy is always a favorite. It got really dark, though, as in I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading, but I took a break and then plowed on. Although there is hope at the end, it's so tempered with darkness at the protagonist's elbow (as he would himself admit), that while I'm interested to see how this world plays out, I'm not sure how actively excited I am to see it all end miserably. The writing is excellent, and the characters are very compelling--I just think I don't have the same taste for grimdark that I used to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Torture, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Blood
Minor: Animal cruelty, Sexual content, Excrement, Alcohol, Classism
There are definitely parts of this book that are interesting and I enjoyed some of it but I just cannot seem to care what happens. I just felt like this book said a lot of stuff without really saying much at all. This book seems to move in slow motion for me and as much as I wanted to love it I just can't see myself finishing it. Sadly I have to DNF at 50%. I am sure plenty of readers will love this one and it's not bad, it's just not for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very slow but the last quarter really made it for me. Wish there had been a bit more fantasy but I’m excited for the sequel