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velauthoraptor's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.75
indoorswoman's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
bhnmt61's review against another edition
5.0
Kaiisteron, Demon Prince of the Fourth House of the underearth, comes blearily awake to realize he has no idea where he is or what happened to him. His body has been held in stasis for almost a year in an underwater coffin. He has only minutes to figure out how to respond, save an innocent victim, and rescue his friend Ziede. And that’s just the first ten pages.
The publisher’s blurb is fairly accurate, except that it sounds like Witch King will be a fun adventure through magical lands. There is some humor (“I have an idea” “Is it a terrible idea?” “Probably”) but mostly this is a deeply heartfelt story of Kai and his devoted friends figuring out how to respond to oppression, betrayal, and grief. There is magic, but it is sometimes dark and desperate.
It is also almost too complex. I felt like Kai at the beginning, trying to get my bearings as I was thrown in at the deep end with little help. When I was twenty, I would have had no trouble with it—and I’m pretty sure I would have thought this was the best book I’d ever read (at the time, that dubious honor was held by the Thomas Covenant books). If I hadn’t immediately loved Kai, I might not have been motivated to finish.
I still loved it but I had to read it twice to really understand what happened. There is a lot going on across two different time lines, and Wells resists the temptation to info dump—which takes far more work on the part of the author. And the reader, for that matter.
But on the second read-through, most of my confusion was resolved, and there were moments when I was in awe of what Wells was doing. There is no indication that this will be anything but a standalone, but I will be disappointed if she doesn’t write at least one follow-up. A main plot point is wrapped up in each of the timelines but there are many other stories to be told.
Highly recommended if you enjoy complex world-building and a loyal band of friends fighting impossible odds. I went back and forth between the ebook version and the audio version, and the narrator is great. Plunge in, because it’s a great story.
The publisher’s blurb is fairly accurate, except that it sounds like Witch King will be a fun adventure through magical lands. There is some humor (“I have an idea” “Is it a terrible idea?” “Probably”) but mostly this is a deeply heartfelt story of Kai and his devoted friends figuring out how to respond to oppression, betrayal, and grief. There is magic, but it is sometimes dark and desperate.
It is also almost too complex. I felt like Kai at the beginning, trying to get my bearings as I was thrown in at the deep end with little help. When I was twenty, I would have had no trouble with it—and I’m pretty sure I would have thought this was the best book I’d ever read (at the time, that dubious honor was held by the Thomas Covenant books). If I hadn’t immediately loved Kai, I might not have been motivated to finish.
I still loved it but I had to read it twice to really understand what happened. There is a lot going on across two different time lines, and Wells resists the temptation to info dump—which takes far more work on the part of the author. And the reader, for that matter.
But on the second read-through, most of my confusion was resolved, and there were moments when I was in awe of what Wells was doing. There is no indication that this will be anything but a standalone, but I will be disappointed if she doesn’t write at least one follow-up. A main plot point is wrapped up in each of the timelines but there are many other stories to be told.
Highly recommended if you enjoy complex world-building and a loyal band of friends fighting impossible odds. I went back and forth between the ebook version and the audio version, and the narrator is great. Plunge in, because it’s a great story.
mzinky's review against another edition
2.0
Read like fan fiction of its own world, where insider knowledge is assumed despite there being no literary precedent
asagecalledq's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
zwinning's review against another edition
- 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
2.0
Couldn't really stay engaged. Lost track of who was who with all of the different names. Definitely not Murder Bot.
elrohir's review against another edition
I think I need to read this book rather than listen to the audiobook
dosxhime's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
An immersive epic fantasy by Martha Wells. That's literally all you have to say for me to pick this book up. After reading the Murderbot Diaries, I had so many hopes for this book and I have to say it delievered on some points and failed on others.
The best parts were Kai, the sprawling world-building, and just how raw and gritty Wells can write emotions for non-human protagonists. I found myself quite surprised how the syntax reminded me a little bit of Murderbot, but it managed to be completely different. Kai's voice and perspective was very different and I was utterly charmed over his journey and his part in the fight against the Hierarches.
I also found myself confused (but wanting more) of the world-building. It feels that there are pieces missing yet intrigued over the parts that I did understand. I love the Saredi/Demon pact, the Benais-arik conspiracy, and even the mystery on the Hierarches' origins. It feels that there is much more to explore in the Rising World and I would be so excited to see if Wells returns to this work.
One of the things that fell flat to me would be the flatness of the characters. I would have loved to learn more about Sanja, Tenes, and Tahren, but I understand that the spotlight was on Kai. And I would have be so invested to understand more of Demon culture in the underearth as well as more about the Fourth House.
4 / 5 B
The best parts were Kai, the sprawling world-building, and just how raw and gritty Wells can write emotions for non-human protagonists. I found myself quite surprised how the syntax reminded me a little bit of Murderbot, but it managed to be completely different. Kai's voice and perspective was very different and I was utterly charmed over his journey and his part in the fight against the Hierarches.
I also found myself confused (but wanting more) of the world-building. It feels that there are pieces missing yet intrigued over the parts that I did understand. I love the Saredi/Demon pact, the Benais-arik conspiracy, and even the mystery on the Hierarches' origins. It feels that there is much more to explore in the Rising World and I would be so excited to see if Wells returns to this work.
One of the things that fell flat to me would be the flatness of the characters. I would have loved to learn more about Sanja, Tenes, and Tahren, but I understand that the spotlight was on Kai. And I would have be so invested to understand more of Demon culture in the underearth as well as more about the Fourth House.
4 / 5 B
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Torture, Murder, Violence, War, and Colonisation
james_dean's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.75