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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
A romance between two nuns (ex-nuns cause their religion is gone?) who are cousins (I mean the pov girl said they were cousins) and I think there's a weird subplot about one of their virginities, so I'm sure there will be weird ideas about that later. Sounds like something thought up by a pervert.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Solid storyline with interesting likable characters. Sometimes the world building is a touch fuzzy
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This books is for the epic high fantasy lover. It's slow paced with massive world building and a LOT of characters.
I really enjoyed it and the ending was a shocker.
I really enjoyed it and the ending was a shocker.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Quote:
“Hate is the shield the weak use against the knife thrusts of acceptance.”
Setting:
The story takes place in a mediaeval fantasy setting. In the capital and surrounding area of an empire as it is overthrown.
Plot:
Kagen is tasked with protecting the children of the Royal family. When the empire is overthrown and the children are all murdered he goes on a quest for vengeance.
Writing:
I don't know what it is, I can't put my finger on it but I can't stand the writing of this book. Also I got so sick of "almost un-manned him" that I was thankful it disappeared from the second half of the novel.
Characters:
The characters are a high point for this book, many are very well fleshed out and you find yourself wanting to bounce around between them so you keep up with all of them.
Pros:
Action packed story
Dark themes and interesting universe
Cons:
Prose
Very repetitive dialogue
Recommendation:
I sat on this review for over a week to let myself brew on how I felt. I still don't know, I liked the story and the characters but the writing was painful. I still can't decide of I recommend that which I suppose is an answer in of itself.
“Hate is the shield the weak use against the knife thrusts of acceptance.”
Setting:
The story takes place in a mediaeval fantasy setting. In the capital and surrounding area of an empire as it is overthrown.
Plot:
Kagen is tasked with protecting the children of the Royal family. When the empire is overthrown and the children are all murdered he goes on a quest for vengeance.
Writing:
I don't know what it is, I can't put my finger on it but I can't stand the writing of this book. Also I got so sick of "almost un-manned him" that I was thankful it disappeared from the second half of the novel.
Characters:
The characters are a high point for this book, many are very well fleshed out and you find yourself wanting to bounce around between them so you keep up with all of them.
Pros:
Action packed story
Dark themes and interesting universe
Cons:
Prose
Very repetitive dialogue
Recommendation:
I sat on this review for over a week to let myself brew on how I felt. I still don't know, I liked the story and the characters but the writing was painful. I still can't decide of I recommend that which I suppose is an answer in of itself.
On paper, this should be one of my favorite books. Epic grimdark fantasy using the gods of Lovecraft and Chambers? It would be difficult to come up with a concept that sounds more my jam.
Plus, throw in the fact that this was written by Jonathan Maberry, whose Pine Deep books are some of my favorite horror novels of all time?
Unfortunately, though, this book has some issues that are difficult to ignore. First, the main characters aren't especially likeable, Kagen especially. I found myself much more interested in what the villains were doing than the heroes.
Two, there is some serious deus ex machina plot stuff that happens just before the final showdown that was way too convenient.
And three, it leans way, way too hard on grimdark elements. I want a dark, gritty world, but I don't need rape and torture referenced in almost every chapter. The weight of that awfulness seems trivial when it is constantly brought up, and I don't ever want rape or torture to feel trivial.
So, ultimately a book with some incredible ideas, thrilling action, solid twists and turns, but one with some big flaws. And one that is DEFINITELY not for all readers.
Plus, throw in the fact that this was written by Jonathan Maberry, whose Pine Deep books are some of my favorite horror novels of all time?
Unfortunately, though, this book has some issues that are difficult to ignore. First, the main characters aren't especially likeable, Kagen especially. I found myself much more interested in what the villains were doing than the heroes.
Two, there is some serious deus ex machina plot stuff that happens just before the final showdown that was way too convenient.
And three, it leans way, way too hard on grimdark elements. I want a dark, gritty world, but I don't need rape and torture referenced in almost every chapter. The weight of that awfulness seems trivial when it is constantly brought up, and I don't ever want rape or torture to feel trivial.
So, ultimately a book with some incredible ideas, thrilling action, solid twists and turns, but one with some big flaws. And one that is DEFINITELY not for all readers.
4.5 stars
This is a great start to a new Sci-Fi Fantasy series by Jonathan Mayberry. Emphasis on the Sci-Fi part. (Very heavily influenced by H.P. Lovecraft)
This is a dark story about our main character, Kagen, losing his family and his gods. Kagen is faced with hardships that have him questioning all he has ever known.
I thought Maberry did a wonderful job keeping the reader engaged and wanting more throughout the book. This is a multi POV story with multi dimensional characters that add so much to the world building and plot of the story.
I loved Maberry's take on religion and how it affects politics. There are no "good" or "bad" guys in this story, just people who have been oppressed and want to do something about it. There are characters struggling with fear, depression, PTSD, and more throughout the story and Maberry is not afraid to address those issues.
And I really appreciated how Maberry wrote such strong women as well. No damsels in distress (thank god).
I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series! Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dark fantasy.
This is a great start to a new Sci-Fi Fantasy series by Jonathan Mayberry. Emphasis on the Sci-Fi part. (Very heavily influenced by H.P. Lovecraft)
This is a dark story about our main character, Kagen, losing his family and his gods. Kagen is faced with hardships that have him questioning all he has ever known.
I thought Maberry did a wonderful job keeping the reader engaged and wanting more throughout the book. This is a multi POV story with multi dimensional characters that add so much to the world building and plot of the story.
I loved Maberry's take on religion and how it affects politics. There are no "good" or "bad" guys in this story, just people who have been oppressed and want to do something about it. There are characters struggling with fear, depression, PTSD, and more throughout the story and Maberry is not afraid to address those issues.
And I really appreciated how Maberry wrote such strong women as well. No damsels in distress (thank god).
I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series! Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dark fantasy.
It was fun and interesting. Very, very graphic so be sure to look up the trigger warnings. There were instances where the writing was annoying and I don't really plan on continuing if it becomes a series.
I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone with this one. A fantasy book with a made up kingdom?! What the heck was I thinking? Actually, it is pretty darn good if you can get past all the drunkeness and well men having a good time at a woman's expense.
Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for this advanced readers copy. This book is schedule for release on May 3, 2022.
Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for this advanced readers copy. This book is schedule for release on May 3, 2022.
Jonathan Maberry’s foray into epic dark fantasy is a fantastic start to a new series. It features Kagen Vale, the captain of the palace guard and protector of the royal children of the Silver Empire. One night when he is off-duty, the entire imperial family is killed and the empire is in ruins throughout all of its nation states. Kagen feels abandoned, heartbroken, and haunted. He turns to alcohol and vows to kill as many of the enemy as he can until he can kill the Witch-king of Hakkia who will soon be crowned emperor. His rage fuels him as he wanders the lands and gathers allies.
Kagen is a strong character with plenty of good qualities, but also many flaws. However, he initially isn’t very likeable. His petulance, guilt, and rage consume him. Can he find a way to regain his balance and overcome magic and sorcery?
Kagen is not the only one that wants to kill the Witch-King. The nun Miri and a fifteen year old girl Ryssa manage to escape the capital city. What role, if any, will they play? Another nun, Mother Frey, and her cabal of friends have plans as well. But can any of them succeed or is all lost? Who is the Witch-King that came from nowhere and is so enigmatic with a veil covering his face? The characters are well drawn and unforgettable.
Maberry’s writing is always great, but his world-building in this novel was fantastic. There was a strong sense of time and place causing me to feel transported, as though living the events alongside the characters. There was a balance between cultural elements, historical events, and action that made the reading experience an immersive one.
The book ends with more of a cliffhanger than I would have liked. While the epilogue helped, there are still a lot of unresolved threads for future books in the series. Themes include different cultures and religions, battles, heroes, how history can be altered or slanted by those recording it, treatment of the defeated and dead, magic, sorcery, and much more.
Overall, this was suspenseful and action packed with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It’s an impressive start for the first novel in a new series. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. If you are looking for a dark epic fantasy with twists, action, and a few surprises, then this is one you may want to check out.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 10, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------
My 4 star review of this epic dark fantasy will be posted 3-4 days after it appears in Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Kagen is a strong character with plenty of good qualities, but also many flaws. However, he initially isn’t very likeable. His petulance, guilt, and rage consume him. Can he find a way to regain his balance and overcome magic and sorcery?
Kagen is not the only one that wants to kill the Witch-King. The nun Miri and a fifteen year old girl Ryssa manage to escape the capital city. What role, if any, will they play? Another nun, Mother Frey, and her cabal of friends have plans as well. But can any of them succeed or is all lost? Who is the Witch-King that came from nowhere and is so enigmatic with a veil covering his face? The characters are well drawn and unforgettable.
Maberry’s writing is always great, but his world-building in this novel was fantastic. There was a strong sense of time and place causing me to feel transported, as though living the events alongside the characters. There was a balance between cultural elements, historical events, and action that made the reading experience an immersive one.
The book ends with more of a cliffhanger than I would have liked. While the epilogue helped, there are still a lot of unresolved threads for future books in the series. Themes include different cultures and religions, battles, heroes, how history can be altered or slanted by those recording it, treatment of the defeated and dead, magic, sorcery, and much more.
Overall, this was suspenseful and action packed with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It’s an impressive start for the first novel in a new series. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. If you are looking for a dark epic fantasy with twists, action, and a few surprises, then this is one you may want to check out.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 10, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------
My 4 star review of this epic dark fantasy will be posted 3-4 days after it appears in Mystery and Suspense Magazine.