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mich394's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
La grandezza del romanzo fa paura, è vero, e non è certo la cosa più comoda da leggere sdraiati a letto, ma è inaspettatamente scorrevole e in poco tempo si è totalmente immersi nel mondo magico, in mezzo a draghi e magia. I personaggi sono molto diversi da loro e guidati da una propria morale (anche se avrei voluto che alcuni avessero più spazio), in particolare ho trovato la regina Sabran un personaggio particolarmente realistico.
Tuttavia, ho una sola grande critica da fare.
Capisco perfettamente che l'idea fosse quella di offrire al pubblico di lettori un'avventura fantastica tutta d'un fiato, senza dover aspettare altri libri di un'ipotetica saga; ma con me ha sortito l'effetto opposto. La trama è interessante, elaborata è c'è una giusta varietà di personaggi tuttavia è l'esecuzione che mi ha lasciata interdetta: cose affrettate, momenti con grande pathos rilegato ad un paio di righe che mi hanno rattristata solo perché sapevo che dovevano rattristarmi. Cose che sarebbero state evitabili o con un romanzo ancora più lungo (come se non lo fosse abbastanza) o, ahimè, con la divisione della storia in più libri.
Con ciò non intendo dire che il romanzo non mi è piaciuto, anzi, ne consiglio comunque la lettura, ma lo ritengo un progetto fin troppo ambizioso che mi ha parzialmente delusa.
Tuttavia, ho una sola grande critica da fare.
Capisco perfettamente che l'idea fosse quella di offrire al pubblico di lettori un'avventura fantastica tutta d'un fiato, senza dover aspettare altri libri di un'ipotetica saga; ma con me ha sortito l'effetto opposto. La trama è interessante, elaborata è c'è una giusta varietà di personaggi tuttavia è l'esecuzione che mi ha lasciata interdetta: cose affrettate, momenti con grande pathos rilegato ad un paio di righe che mi hanno rattristata solo perché sapevo che dovevano rattristarmi. Cose che sarebbero state evitabili o con un romanzo ancora più lungo (come se non lo fosse abbastanza) o, ahimè, con la divisione della storia in più libri.
Con ciò non intendo dire che il romanzo non mi è piaciuto, anzi, ne consiglio comunque la lettura, ma lo ritengo un progetto fin troppo ambizioso che mi ha parzialmente delusa.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion
lattefairies's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Abortion, Alcoholism, and Grief
ribbonroad's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Mental illness, Pregnancy, and Suicidal thoughts
5aru's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I feel like this is a very much needed book.
The book has every ingredient to be a perfect epic fantasy, the story capable of satisfying even the most purist fans of the genre, except (and this is a hot take) it's better than The Lord of the Rings, because the diversity of characters in this tale is astounding.
The best part is definitely what varied representation there is in this book, of both men and women of colour and LGBTQ characters who are thoughtfully planned, their personalities fleshed-out throughout the tale; the relationships between them develop naturally, not forced or rushed - and the characters feel human. Flawed and scared, yet resilient. Indeed, they're probably the best thing about the book; don't get me wrong, the plot is solid, but classic - a battle between the forces of good and evil, with a dash of morally-grey areas for flavour. It develops throughout many different parts of the world, and the narration is focalized through different characters, so we get to watch the events unfold from wildly distinct perspectives. The worldbuilding is complex, though not so much that it becomes hard to follow or overly detailed - which, conversely, may lead to some plot holes, even if that hasn't been an issue for me. The mechanics around religion and dragons develop in particularly interesting ways, following original premises despite the fact that the author clearly draws inspiration from existing cultures and folklore.
I was debating between four and five stars, since it sort of dragged on for me at some points, yet it had me so hooked I read non-stop for three days until my head hurt. So, 4.5 it is.
The book has every ingredient to be a perfect epic fantasy, the story capable of satisfying even the most purist fans of the genre, except (and this is a hot take) it's better than The Lord of the Rings, because the diversity of characters in this tale is astounding.
The best part is definitely what varied representation there is in this book, of both men and women of colour and LGBTQ characters who are thoughtfully planned, their personalities fleshed-out throughout the tale; the relationships between them develop naturally, not forced or rushed - and the characters feel human. Flawed and scared, yet resilient. Indeed, they're probably the best thing about the book; don't get me wrong, the plot is solid, but classic - a battle between the forces of good and evil, with a dash of morally-grey areas for flavour. It develops throughout many different parts of the world, and the narration is focalized through different characters, so we get to watch the events unfold from wildly distinct perspectives. The worldbuilding is complex, though not so much that it becomes hard to follow or overly detailed - which, conversely, may lead to some plot holes, even if that hasn't been an issue for me. The mechanics around religion and dragons develop in particularly interesting ways, following original premises despite the fact that the author clearly draws inspiration from existing cultures and folklore.
I was debating between four and five stars, since it sort of dragged on for me at some points, yet it had me so hooked I read non-stop for three days until my head hurt. So, 4.5 it is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion and Gore
Minor: Death
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