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themanfromdelmonte's review against another edition
3.0
When this author hits his stride he's phenomenal. Dogs of War is one of the best novels of its kind that I've ever read.
This is formulaic and I could see the end coming a mile off. Disappointing
This is formulaic and I could see the end coming a mile off. Disappointing
nclcaitlin's review against another edition
3.25
Ogres is a novella set in a world dominated by massive creatures who rule over humans with an iron fist. Although the downtrodden humans use the epithet of ogre for them, they prefer a more appropriate name: The Masters.
Torquell is an impetuous, brash, and hot-headed human who has to flee into the wider world after striking the Landlord’s son, a cruel ogre.
Torquell is not a likeable main character but his discoveries propels the story and really makes us think of our own world, structures, and ideas.
It’s a novella that poses a powerful thoughtful introspection.
Torquell is an impetuous, brash, and hot-headed human who has to flee into the wider world after striking the Landlord’s son, a cruel ogre.
Torquell is not a likeable main character but his discoveries propels the story and really makes us think of our own world, structures, and ideas.
It’s a novella that poses a powerful thoughtful introspection.
colbard's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting idea, unrealised potential, not a fan of the second person narrative style.
rogoreads's review against another edition
3.0
I probably would have enjoyed this story more in shorter form. As is, I had to work to keep going, especially in the first half. I found the second-person narration clunky here, a little too distant for me to sink into the story. Too reliant on archetypes as well--they're frequently called out, which created a mood that the story itself doesn't fully care either. Basically, it's a concept story, and the concept has to be very good for me to overlook a shallow main character. I might have been more impressed if I hadn't already read [b:Elder Race|50663055|Elder Race|Adrian Tchaikovsky|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1614008015l/50663055._SY75_.jpg|75680379] last year, because (mild spoilers) I've literally seen the author play with the concept of fantasy vs. sci fi/magic vs. science in that story, and I preferred it there.
I'm in a minority, though; if the story intrigues you, give it a shot and you might also love it. There are some interesting twists to discover.
I'm in a minority, though; if the story intrigues you, give it a shot and you might also love it. There are some interesting twists to discover.
defaultnamespace's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
silversteez's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
fermqs's review against another edition
5.0
Ogres rule the world in this novella, subjugating every human to get what they feel is their right as their "betters". It is a cruel and unrelenting life. One day Torquell does something that may change everything.
This book is simply extremely good and it's impossible not to draw parallels to what is happening right now in the world (the last pages of the novella specially). His writing is so good; he is able to completely draw the world and its structures whilst developing the narrative and moving it along. I really like the second person narrative; it could be done really badly but the author is very competent. How he inserts little snippets and musings through this voice is so well crafted. He blends fantasy and sci-fi so well and so seamless that the switch is made swiftly between the two, and it expands the world and the story. When everything starts to be revealed, it is so satisfying even if some plot points I could see coming, there was enough to keep me highly entertained and surprised (the main plot twist I could not guess).
All of the characters are so interesting, layered, and well developed; even characters that have little screen time are extremely real (the monologue about the Gerald is specially good in this situation). Our main character is really compelling and charismatic; it's easy to root and despair for him, while still seeing his limitations and faults. I specially loved Minith. The section of the book where he tries to piece it all together because we see his development and we are following along with the discovery.
My favorite part is the plot; it's just so smart and well-crafted. The first parte sets up everyhting perfectly for the last part, and the latter delivers an amazing view in revolution and its leaders and their goals. I could not predict the last twist but it fits so well with the rest of the narrative. I loved the ending so much, specially the last page.
I have to comment about something that can be seen as spoilers so I'll leave it to the end of the review (marked as spoilers).
Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.
This book is simply extremely good and it's impossible not to draw parallels to what is happening right now in the world (the last pages of the novella specially). His writing is so good; he is able to completely draw the world and its structures whilst developing the narrative and moving it along. I really like the second person narrative; it could be done really badly but the author is very competent. How he inserts little snippets and musings through this voice is so well crafted. He blends fantasy and sci-fi so well and so seamless that the switch is made swiftly between the two, and it expands the world and the story. When everything starts to be revealed, it is so satisfying even if some plot points I could see coming, there was enough to keep me highly entertained and surprised (the main plot twist I could not guess).
All of the characters are so interesting, layered, and well developed; even characters that have little screen time are extremely real (the monologue about the Gerald is specially good in this situation). Our main character is really compelling and charismatic; it's easy to root and despair for him, while still seeing his limitations and faults. I specially loved Minith. The section of the book where he tries to piece it all together because we see his development and we are following along with the discovery.
My favorite part is the plot; it's just so smart and well-crafted. The first parte sets up everyhting perfectly for the last part, and the latter delivers an amazing view in revolution and its leaders and their goals. I could not predict the last twist but it fits so well with the rest of the narrative. I loved the ending so much, specially the last page.
I have to comment about something that can be seen as spoilers so I'll leave it to the end of the review (marked as spoilers).
Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.
Spoiler
I loved reading this novella after I read Upgrade by Blake Crouch; this one feels like as extra exploration of the effects of the main theme that is talked about in Upgrade.tani's review against another edition
4.0
I kind of like that way Tchaikovsky has of taking something that seems like a fantasy world, and then turning it thoroughly SF. It reminds me of Le Guin. I wish the writing on this had been a touch less dense, though that stylistic choice makes sense in retrospect. It just makes the book feel longer than it really is, to its detriment. But I really liked the ending on this one.
bethtabler's review against another edition
5.0
Adrian Tchaikovsky takes on a dark satire in Ogres.
"Ogres are bigger than you.
Ogres are stronger than you.
Ogres rule the world."
Adrian Tchaikovsky, the uber-talented, multi-genre author, has brought us a new novella that delves deeply into a science fiction dystopia where humans are bifurcated between the "haves" and "have nots." The "haves" are those that exist modification free. They are societies workers, cooks, maids, and craftsmen. They serve the "haves," who are the lords and ladies of all by blood and economic level and they only eat the "have nots..." occasionally.
"But when you're property, it doesn't matter if your owner treats you well or badly. The ownership is all. We don't split hairs about who is a better slave master. And you would have been the best owner of all, and that still isn't enough reason to keep you alive once you've decided that owning people is fine, just so long as it's you that owns them."
Torquell is the protagonist of Ogres, and while he is tall and over 6', he is undoubtedly not an ogre. "But when the headman's son, Torquell, dares lift his hand against the landlord's son, he sets himself on a path to learn the terrible truth about the Ogres and the dark sciences that ensured their rule." I wish I could say more, but this is a concise and tight book. It would ruin the conflict, surprise, and resolution. But let's just say that Ogres is such a surprising book. Tchaikovsky writes about the power inblalances such a system would cause and the slow realization Torquell has as everything he knows comes crumbling down. It is superbly written. I have never read a Tchaikovsky story that missed the mark. Stories that are long-form, serial, novella, or short story, he nails it, and this is no exception.
I loved this story, and I finished it in a single sitting once I picked it up.
"Ogres are bigger than you.
Ogres are stronger than you.
Ogres rule the world."
Adrian Tchaikovsky, the uber-talented, multi-genre author, has brought us a new novella that delves deeply into a science fiction dystopia where humans are bifurcated between the "haves" and "have nots." The "haves" are those that exist modification free. They are societies workers, cooks, maids, and craftsmen. They serve the "haves," who are the lords and ladies of all by blood and economic level and they only eat the "have nots..." occasionally.
"But when you're property, it doesn't matter if your owner treats you well or badly. The ownership is all. We don't split hairs about who is a better slave master. And you would have been the best owner of all, and that still isn't enough reason to keep you alive once you've decided that owning people is fine, just so long as it's you that owns them."
Torquell is the protagonist of Ogres, and while he is tall and over 6', he is undoubtedly not an ogre. "But when the headman's son, Torquell, dares lift his hand against the landlord's son, he sets himself on a path to learn the terrible truth about the Ogres and the dark sciences that ensured their rule." I wish I could say more, but this is a concise and tight book. It would ruin the conflict, surprise, and resolution. But let's just say that Ogres is such a surprising book. Tchaikovsky writes about the power inblalances such a system would cause and the slow realization Torquell has as everything he knows comes crumbling down. It is superbly written. I have never read a Tchaikovsky story that missed the mark. Stories that are long-form, serial, novella, or short story, he nails it, and this is no exception.
I loved this story, and I finished it in a single sitting once I picked it up.
corita's review against another edition
4.0
Social Satire!
The beginning of “Ogres” by Adrian Tchaikovsky seems like a fantasy. Ogres are the masters in this society, which at first seems feudal with humans as the underlings, servants, and slaves living in the country on farms or hiding in the woods.
When the masters, an ogre and his son, arrive at the village leader's farm in a modern vehicle, the idea of a fantasy setting shifts.
Events change Tocqueville’s circumstances. He finds himself in a modern city, where humans work as servants, factory workers, etc., while the wealthy, ruling class Ogres live in luxury.
From this point forward, the story feels like a post-apocalyptic science fiction novella with a clear dystopian slant. The helicopter on the cover is a clue to genre that I overlooked.
As the story progresses, the reader learns more and more about the present and past of this society. I’m not going into detail because “spoilers.”
What I liked:
I was excited about this story because I’ve wanted to read an Adrian Tchaikovsky book.
Here's a look into the heart of the story:
“But when you’re property, it doesn’t matter if your owner treats you well or badly. The ownership is all. We don’t split hairs about who is a better slave master. And you would have been the best owner of all, and that still isn’t enough reason to keep you alive once you’ve decided that owning people is fine, just so long as it’s you that owns them.”
This is a story about the enslavement of the lower class and the oppression, brutality, bigotry, and racism that accompanies slavery.
The book takes many twists and turns, and has a bit of a surprise ending; however, if a reader pays attention, the ending isn’t quite so surprising. Rather it's another twist and makes sense.
The protagonist’s name is Tocqueville, which clearly references the comte de Tocqueville, the French aristocrat who wrote “Democracy in America” after touring the USA in the 1830s and 40s. The name also hints at what’s coming in the novella and throws a little humor into a story that is often bleak.
What I Wasn’t Crazy About:
I don’t like second person point of view, and the only reason I finished the book is because I’ve been wanting to read this author for a long time. So I pushed onward. To give Tchaikovsky another chance, I bought one of his other books, which is written in third person.
My biggest issue with the second person is I cannot get lost in the story, and I’m always aware of the storytelling and the storyteller.
Although a lot happened, the pacing felt slow and sometime tedious. To be fair, I believe those two critiques come from my strong dislike of the point of view.
Recommendation:
If you don’t mind the second person point of view (“you” rather than “he” or “she” or “I”) give this book a try. The story is worth reading and perfect for the moment with authoritarianism on the rise.
If you don’t care for second person narratives, go into the story knowing what to expect. "Ogres" is worthwhile and thought provoking.
I’d like to thank NetGalley for an ARC copy of “Ogres”!
The beginning of “Ogres” by Adrian Tchaikovsky seems like a fantasy. Ogres are the masters in this society, which at first seems feudal with humans as the underlings, servants, and slaves living in the country on farms or hiding in the woods.
When the masters, an ogre and his son, arrive at the village leader's farm in a modern vehicle, the idea of a fantasy setting shifts.
Events change Tocqueville’s circumstances. He finds himself in a modern city, where humans work as servants, factory workers, etc., while the wealthy, ruling class Ogres live in luxury.
From this point forward, the story feels like a post-apocalyptic science fiction novella with a clear dystopian slant. The helicopter on the cover is a clue to genre that I overlooked.
As the story progresses, the reader learns more and more about the present and past of this society. I’m not going into detail because “spoilers.”
What I liked:
I was excited about this story because I’ve wanted to read an Adrian Tchaikovsky book.
Here's a look into the heart of the story:
“But when you’re property, it doesn’t matter if your owner treats you well or badly. The ownership is all. We don’t split hairs about who is a better slave master. And you would have been the best owner of all, and that still isn’t enough reason to keep you alive once you’ve decided that owning people is fine, just so long as it’s you that owns them.”
This is a story about the enslavement of the lower class and the oppression, brutality, bigotry, and racism that accompanies slavery.
The book takes many twists and turns, and has a bit of a surprise ending; however, if a reader pays attention, the ending isn’t quite so surprising. Rather it's another twist and makes sense.
The protagonist’s name is Tocqueville, which clearly references the comte de Tocqueville, the French aristocrat who wrote “Democracy in America” after touring the USA in the 1830s and 40s. The name also hints at what’s coming in the novella and throws a little humor into a story that is often bleak.
What I Wasn’t Crazy About:
I don’t like second person point of view, and the only reason I finished the book is because I’ve been wanting to read this author for a long time. So I pushed onward. To give Tchaikovsky another chance, I bought one of his other books, which is written in third person.
My biggest issue with the second person is I cannot get lost in the story, and I’m always aware of the storytelling and the storyteller.
Although a lot happened, the pacing felt slow and sometime tedious. To be fair, I believe those two critiques come from my strong dislike of the point of view.
Recommendation:
If you don’t mind the second person point of view (“you” rather than “he” or “she” or “I”) give this book a try. The story is worth reading and perfect for the moment with authoritarianism on the rise.
If you don’t care for second person narratives, go into the story knowing what to expect. "Ogres" is worthwhile and thought provoking.
I’d like to thank NetGalley for an ARC copy of “Ogres”!