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ronitjauthor's review
2.0
Honestly, I think reading this in between the Paternus trilogy, or after, would've made this more enjoyable.
Now about the short - it's a long flashback to Bödvar's meeting his father. While it was interesting to see how the character feels, there was more info dump than actual action throughout. The setting is a great battle, which in itself is super exciting. However, there's more time spent expanding on history and mythology than on character development or plot. To some extent, Ashton even abandons the plot in favour of highlighting the connections to history and mythology. A little editing would've helped fix the pacing issues these info-dumps cause.
Don't get me wrong, Ashton has a real talent for words. The action (however scant) was exciting. The concept itself is so awesome that you can't help but feel hyped about it right from the first page. Unfortunately, the story fizzled out with an anticlimax, leaving me wondering if this story was worth reading as a stand-alone. This is most certainly not a good entry point into the series. If I had no context to this series and only read this short, I probably wouldn't pick it up.
All that being said, I might just give Ashton's writing a try soon, especially because of how rich his knowledge on history and mythology is. It's something I love, and that's probably why I didn't have much problem with the info dumps. I had so many tabs open in my browser just because of all the name drops. Maybe I'll revisit this short after I've read the trilogy and see if my opinion changes.
At the moment, the short was only okay. The characters were interesting at first but ended up seeming only flat (a limitation of the medium I guess). The overall structure of this short (a missing chapter from the book) felt flawed.
Okay read
TL;DR:
WHAT I LIKED: Ashton's writing, connections to history & mythology
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Flat characters, pacing, structure, anticlimax
Now about the short - it's a long flashback to Bödvar's meeting his father. While it was interesting to see how the character feels, there was more info dump than actual action throughout. The setting is a great battle, which in itself is super exciting. However, there's more time spent expanding on history and mythology than on character development or plot. To some extent, Ashton even abandons the plot in favour of highlighting the connections to history and mythology. A little editing would've helped fix the pacing issues these info-dumps cause.
Don't get me wrong, Ashton has a real talent for words. The action (however scant) was exciting. The concept itself is so awesome that you can't help but feel hyped about it right from the first page. Unfortunately, the story fizzled out with an anticlimax, leaving me wondering if this story was worth reading as a stand-alone. This is most certainly not a good entry point into the series. If I had no context to this series and only read this short, I probably wouldn't pick it up.
All that being said, I might just give Ashton's writing a try soon, especially because of how rich his knowledge on history and mythology is. It's something I love, and that's probably why I didn't have much problem with the info dumps. I had so many tabs open in my browser just because of all the name drops. Maybe I'll revisit this short after I've read the trilogy and see if my opinion changes.
At the moment, the short was only okay. The characters were interesting at first but ended up seeming only flat (a limitation of the medium I guess). The overall structure of this short (a missing chapter from the book) felt flawed.
Okay read
TL;DR:
WHAT I LIKED: Ashton's writing, connections to history & mythology
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Flat characters, pacing, structure, anticlimax
shell_s's review
4.0
Don't miss this if you are a fan of mythology or ancient epics! I wish this short story had made it into the first Paternus book as a chapter.
As always this talented writer paints with words, especially his visceral verbs! I haven't been so struck by descriptive language since reading the Beowulf epic's passages about Grendel.
[MILD SPOILER to follow]
The succinct illumination of just how horrendous and overwhelming and extreme patermania can get was particularly welcome. As was insight into what Bodvar the Bear's relationship was like with his father, and insight into the only time they were (pardon the pun) on the same page.
As always...
IF YOU LOVE A STORY, SPEAK UP---BOOST THE SIGNAL!
As always this talented writer paints with words, especially his visceral verbs! I haven't been so struck by descriptive language since reading the Beowulf epic's passages about Grendel.
[MILD SPOILER to follow]
The succinct illumination of just how horrendous and overwhelming and extreme patermania can get was particularly welcome. As was insight into what Bodvar the Bear's relationship was like with his father, and insight into the only time they were (pardon the pun) on the same page.
As always...
IF YOU LOVE A STORY, SPEAK UP---BOOST THE SIGNAL!
alwroteabook's review
5.0
A fun, short set before the time of Paternus, that gives some insight into the world the author has created. It makes a lot more sense if you read the novel first, but it's a fine read regardless.
bookishchas's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely thrilling!
I could not put this book down! If you're a fan of ancient history and myth, then you must read this book! Ashton has deftly crafted a tale reminiscent of American Gods, but aside from a similar subject, the book is completely unique and to itself. The author weaves together myths, tales, and religious pantheons in a way that is truly above par. The battles are breathtaking and exciting, the characters are well written and deep, and the myths behind them are extremely well researched. I can't recommend this book enough!
I could not put this book down! If you're a fan of ancient history and myth, then you must read this book! Ashton has deftly crafted a tale reminiscent of American Gods, but aside from a similar subject, the book is completely unique and to itself. The author weaves together myths, tales, and religious pantheons in a way that is truly above par. The battles are breathtaking and exciting, the characters are well written and deep, and the myths behind them are extremely well researched. I can't recommend this book enough!
amia's review against another edition
4.0
This is a short story about a character from Ashton’s awesome epic, Paternus: Rise of Gods. I enjoyed it very but I’m really glad I had already read Paternus and knew something about The Bear.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
I just nominated Berserker for best books of 2019 Choice Awards here on Goodreads! Go vote for it, please.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
I just nominated Berserker for best books of 2019 Choice Awards here on Goodreads! Go vote for it, please.
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