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emancipatedindividual's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
loe_ming's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 stars
just not invested with the characters, although in one scene I truly felt emotional
just not invested with the characters, although in one scene I truly felt emotional
lkay398's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
pstlaurent's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
kalinhitrov's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-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
katie37's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
4.75
veganmashuu's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nsheehan1228's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
4.5
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
3.0
Rating:
Characters-3 My fave by far was Grub.
Writing - 3
Plot - 2.5 Took so long to get to the actual plot.
Enjoyment - 3.5
Relationships - 3 The friendships were tight.
World Building - 3
Originality- 2
For a total of 2.85 rounded up to 3
Characters-3 My fave by far was Grub.
Writing - 3
Plot - 2.5 Took so long to get to the actual plot.
Enjoyment - 3.5
Relationships - 3 The friendships were tight.
World Building - 3
Originality- 2
For a total of 2.85 rounded up to 3
book_bird_anja's review against another edition
5.0
multiple POV (female, male) • classic fantasy adventure • grimdark elements • invaded country • hero tales
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story ★★★★★
Characters ★★★★★
Action ★★★★★
Setting/Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★★
"The Ember Blade" by Chris Wooding is an absolute masterpiece of epic fantasy, with morally grey characters and themes prevalent in the grimdark subgenre. Although I have read many fantasy books, this was the best contribution to the classic fantasy genre in a long time. It definitely got its place in my list of favourite books! It skillfully combines new and traditional elements without being repetitive. Furthermore, it didn't feel like almost 1000 pages at, it read so smooth and I couldn't put it down.
From the first page, I was completely captivated by the story and the world Wooding has created. The characters are richly drawn, and the plot is both intricate and compelling.
The story follows two young men, Aren and Cade, who embark on a perilous journey to overthrow the tyrannical rulers of their land and restore freedom to their people. Although similar to other classic and especially older fantasy series, it never got boring, but surprised me in many ways. I got deeply involved with the characters, even the ones I didn't particularly like. The ones I liked the most were Grub and Vika. And I really liked the multiple perspectives after the first third of the book, which gave me a closer connection to all the characters.
The plot mechanics are cleverly executed and engaging, combining elements of humour, horror and intimacy with a sense of unpredictability. Although the second half of the book is a little slower due to the introduction of new perspectives and the shift to character development, the explosive and satisfying ending won me over.
This is an impressive start to a trilogy that has the potential to become one of my favourite epic fantasy series. I am very much looking forward to the next book and hope that it will exceed the expectations of the first book.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story ★★★★★
Characters ★★★★★
Action ★★★★★
Setting/Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing ★★★★★
"The Ember Blade" by Chris Wooding is an absolute masterpiece of epic fantasy, with morally grey characters and themes prevalent in the grimdark subgenre. Although I have read many fantasy books, this was the best contribution to the classic fantasy genre in a long time. It definitely got its place in my list of favourite books! It skillfully combines new and traditional elements without being repetitive. Furthermore, it didn't feel like almost 1000 pages at, it read so smooth and I couldn't put it down.
From the first page, I was completely captivated by the story and the world Wooding has created. The characters are richly drawn, and the plot is both intricate and compelling.
The story follows two young men, Aren and Cade, who embark on a perilous journey to overthrow the tyrannical rulers of their land and restore freedom to their people. Although similar to other classic and especially older fantasy series, it never got boring, but surprised me in many ways. I got deeply involved with the characters, even the ones I didn't particularly like. The ones I liked the most were Grub and Vika. And I really liked the multiple perspectives after the first third of the book, which gave me a closer connection to all the characters.
The plot mechanics are cleverly executed and engaging, combining elements of humour, horror and intimacy with a sense of unpredictability. Although the second half of the book is a little slower due to the introduction of new perspectives and the shift to character development, the explosive and satisfying ending won me over.
This is an impressive start to a trilogy that has the potential to become one of my favourite epic fantasy series. I am very much looking forward to the next book and hope that it will exceed the expectations of the first book.