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toasted_honey's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The worldbuilding and history of the city was definitely the highlight of this book, but everything else kinda falls flat. The constant switching of perspectives is interesting, but there's far too many characters that we see, so it's hard to keep track of who's who, and which ones are actually the main ones. The characters are also kinda. flat. Some of them were compelling, but with all the POV-switching you hardly spend enough time with any of them, even the main characters, to really learn about or get attached to them. The only one I really had any attachment to was the old witch, but even then we hardly spend that much time with her considering her importance to the plot. It was enjoyable enough, but based off the cover and synopsis I was expecting a lot more.
rovie_reads's review
4.0
This is a story heavily inspired by Filipino mythology which was a great way to be reminded of how rich our legends and myths are.
This is a perfect read for fans of short chapters! We were introduced to different characters per chapter as well but in the end, they all tied up real nice. The book has an interesting storytelling. Not similar to most books I’ve read, which made the experience a lot interesting.
Although the story is fantasy, it did reflect a lot of realities in our society. My greatest takeaway is to cherish and to hold on to whatever dream you have. No single person can tell you if your dream matters or not. It’s yours to own and to work hard for.
Thank you so much to penguinsea for sending me a review copy!
verdict: highly recommended ☕️
This is a perfect read for fans of short chapters! We were introduced to different characters per chapter as well but in the end, they all tied up real nice. The book has an interesting storytelling. Not similar to most books I’ve read, which made the experience a lot interesting.
Although the story is fantasy, it did reflect a lot of realities in our society. My greatest takeaway is to cherish and to hold on to whatever dream you have. No single person can tell you if your dream matters or not. It’s yours to own and to work hard for.
Thank you so much to penguinsea for sending me a review copy!
verdict: highly recommended ☕️
anushka_adishka_diaries's review
4.0
“And with every re-telling of my story, the voice of the truth will become stronger until all the lies have been silenced.”
Thank you Penguin Books SEA for the #ARC copy in return for honest reviews.
“The End of All Skies” by Vincent C. Sales, is the next Asian Fantasy you need to have on your shelves! It's magical, adorned with the classic fantastical elements—Witches, Dragons, Giants & Gods but there's much more to what meets the eyes.
The city of ‘Sun Girna Ginar’ is ruled by a Tyrant Sultan who draws his power from the God of Destruction, Kalaon; but just like the cycle of Life, Sun Girna Ginar will also meets its destruction & this destruction won't be fought in the battlefields but will bloom in the dreams of the common folk; from the fires of The Witch's bottle of Dreams, who dreams of the city's end.
The End of All Skies welcomes you to one epic adventure, where the destiny is drawn out to you from the beginning but the desire to see it run its course will keep you on your toes till the end.
We are introduced to a lot of characters & we see their growth behind the lens and even though a lot of effort isn't invested on carving their tumultuous journey, we still feel their sheer will flowing in every words & the short glimpses of their struggles towards their end goal grips your heart.
The author craftly orchestrates his story, setting up the chess pieces on the board, until he finally calls out checkmate.
The non-linear narrative & too many characters with their own arc might take some time to adjust if you aren't acquainted with the style but once you find a common ground the book will keep you intrigued.
I loved the short chapters & it was pretty fast paced. Though I didn't necessarily form a deep connection with the characters except for one or two, I did empathise with all & the ripple they set in the motion.
I have only got a byte sized knowledge of Fillipino Mythology but after reading this book I'm definitely intrigued to explore the culture.
I really enjoyed the essence of this read & its social themes of power, tyranny, class & gender divide, destruction & a new beginning. The power of people & calling upon their longings might seem weak to many but holds much greater strength than one can fathom & this message, especially in the current times we're living in is a powerful rendition.
This was definitely a different read than most of the Fantasy books I get recommended but it's much more special. I know I'll be coming back to it.
I'm definitely recommending this to y'all!
Thank you Penguin Books SEA for the #ARC copy in return for honest reviews.
“The End of All Skies” by Vincent C. Sales, is the next Asian Fantasy you need to have on your shelves! It's magical, adorned with the classic fantastical elements—Witches, Dragons, Giants & Gods but there's much more to what meets the eyes.
The city of ‘Sun Girna Ginar’ is ruled by a Tyrant Sultan who draws his power from the God of Destruction, Kalaon; but just like the cycle of Life, Sun Girna Ginar will also meets its destruction & this destruction won't be fought in the battlefields but will bloom in the dreams of the common folk; from the fires of The Witch's bottle of Dreams, who dreams of the city's end.
The End of All Skies welcomes you to one epic adventure, where the destiny is drawn out to you from the beginning but the desire to see it run its course will keep you on your toes till the end.
We are introduced to a lot of characters & we see their growth behind the lens and even though a lot of effort isn't invested on carving their tumultuous journey, we still feel their sheer will flowing in every words & the short glimpses of their struggles towards their end goal grips your heart.
The author craftly orchestrates his story, setting up the chess pieces on the board, until he finally calls out checkmate.
The non-linear narrative & too many characters with their own arc might take some time to adjust if you aren't acquainted with the style but once you find a common ground the book will keep you intrigued.
I loved the short chapters & it was pretty fast paced. Though I didn't necessarily form a deep connection with the characters except for one or two, I did empathise with all & the ripple they set in the motion.
I have only got a byte sized knowledge of Fillipino Mythology but after reading this book I'm definitely intrigued to explore the culture.
I really enjoyed the essence of this read & its social themes of power, tyranny, class & gender divide, destruction & a new beginning. The power of people & calling upon their longings might seem weak to many but holds much greater strength than one can fathom & this message, especially in the current times we're living in is a powerful rendition.
This was definitely a different read than most of the Fantasy books I get recommended but it's much more special. I know I'll be coming back to it.
I'm definitely recommending this to y'all!
stacyaj's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
dexterous_totalus's review
5.0
Full review on the blog:
https://dexteroustotalus.wordpress.com/2022/10/17/the-end-of-all-skies-by-vincent-c-sales/
Here's a sneak peek!
"At the outset, the book exposes the underbelly of Sun Girna Ginar’s tight clutch to power anchored on the very backs of its people whom it has taken lives and liberty from. The Sultan is worshipped as a god but is at the same time its tyrant. On the one side, its people celebrate glory to wit."
"In this offering, Sales presented stories that are both familiar and refreshing. I am proud that the Philippines have these tales to boast of which he masterfully reshaped into this cohesive fantastical landscape.
"The many themes tackled in this book predominantly aligns with contemporary struggles and the country’s current political climate. As these characters paint the backdrop in good and evil, there is another plethora of individuals equally troubled in the raking clashes."
"The End of All Skies stands a proud representative of Southeast Asian fantasy in our bid to promote our culture and our bountiful talents. Sales is triumphant in weaving this multi-layered story that bring our culture and identity to the fore."
https://dexteroustotalus.wordpress.com/2022/10/17/the-end-of-all-skies-by-vincent-c-sales/
Here's a sneak peek!
"At the outset, the book exposes the underbelly of Sun Girna Ginar’s tight clutch to power anchored on the very backs of its people whom it has taken lives and liberty from. The Sultan is worshipped as a god but is at the same time its tyrant. On the one side, its people celebrate glory to wit."
"In this offering, Sales presented stories that are both familiar and refreshing. I am proud that the Philippines have these tales to boast of which he masterfully reshaped into this cohesive fantastical landscape.
"The many themes tackled in this book predominantly aligns with contemporary struggles and the country’s current political climate. As these characters paint the backdrop in good and evil, there is another plethora of individuals equally troubled in the raking clashes."
"The End of All Skies stands a proud representative of Southeast Asian fantasy in our bid to promote our culture and our bountiful talents. Sales is triumphant in weaving this multi-layered story that bring our culture and identity to the fore."
gotathingforthings's review
3.0
I received this from Penguin Random House SEA, check out more thoughts in this vlog: https://youtu.be/6uAVJQEL56s
brinipor's review
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.5
It was good, but it was also confusing. Too many times I had to flip back and see if I knew this character and which one they were. I liked that we were seeing how the city came to ruin and I liked the non-linear timeline, but I wished there were a few characters we followed all the way through instead of ten.
the_bookarazzii's review
5.0
The End of all Skies is based on Asian Mythology, specifically that of the Philippines. This is a blend of fantasy and mythology, which made this book more enjoyable.
The book talks about different mankind societies linked up with each other and their tactics to conquer the country. The main story revolves around the city of Sun Girna Ginar which is ruled by the Sultan and the skyworld which was inhabited by gods. Most of the gods of the skyworld have vanished because of the Sultan and the remaining are cursing him for the destruction. There are so many people who are seeking some ideas to destroy Sultan.
There are a lot of characters such as Magat, Baligat, Hamitau, Adlao and many more telling their problems. And there is one old witch who knows that the city will be destroyed soon and she uses her power to influence humans to destroy the city of Sun Girna Ginar by selling dreams. Isn’t this part interesting? I was hooked right from here and couldn’t stop.
This novel is fast-paced with many magical creatures such as tikibalang, giant birds, Betkakang, Gawi- Gawen. With everything in the story, the book also leaves an impression of karma, acceptance, love, loss and eternal life.
This was my first filipino folklore, and i loved reading it so much. I love Knowing more about other cultures and lifestyles. The reason I read read this book was the title.
I don’t know whether I have used the right words to justify this beautiful book but it was amazing and something unique.
The book talks about different mankind societies linked up with each other and their tactics to conquer the country. The main story revolves around the city of Sun Girna Ginar which is ruled by the Sultan and the skyworld which was inhabited by gods. Most of the gods of the skyworld have vanished because of the Sultan and the remaining are cursing him for the destruction. There are so many people who are seeking some ideas to destroy Sultan.
There are a lot of characters such as Magat, Baligat, Hamitau, Adlao and many more telling their problems. And there is one old witch who knows that the city will be destroyed soon and she uses her power to influence humans to destroy the city of Sun Girna Ginar by selling dreams. Isn’t this part interesting? I was hooked right from here and couldn’t stop.
This novel is fast-paced with many magical creatures such as tikibalang, giant birds, Betkakang, Gawi- Gawen. With everything in the story, the book also leaves an impression of karma, acceptance, love, loss and eternal life.
This was my first filipino folklore, and i loved reading it so much. I love Knowing more about other cultures and lifestyles. The reason I read read this book was the title.
I don’t know whether I have used the right words to justify this beautiful book but it was amazing and something unique.