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collinmcclutchy's review
4.0
Took me a bit to really get into this book. The plot moves at a breakneck speed, but it took a while to start caring about the characters.
That said, the ending made it all worth it and I cannot wait to jump into book 2.
That said, the ending made it all worth it and I cannot wait to jump into book 2.
chippyfiend'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? No
3.5
iancann's review against another edition
4.0
A lot of fun this one, a novel that definitely gets you deeply involved and lost in the world its created. The characters are well drawn and relatable and at times good fun. The only criticism is that this is the first of a trilogy and thus takes a while to get going as it sets everything in place just in time for the sequels. Otherwise top stuff :)
elenesedai's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
caseofspades's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
sprinkles109's review
4.0
I haven’t been this intrigued by a fantasy world since the Stormlight Archives’ Roshar. I don’t think any individual element of the world in this book is wholly unique, but it’s certainly made up of a very large, eclectic collection of features that add up to very, very strange and unique setting. And somehow it all really works! That’s the strongest part of the book for me. Again, it’s such a weird and wide assortment that the author brings together skillfully and interestingly.
Without getting into any spoilers, the plot is mysterious and compelling, and I really enjoyed all three main POV characters. Not a ton of action. But super interesting world building and great characters and character dynamics. Strong recommendation for anyone who likes fantasy.
There were some weak points. The way the action is written simply does not stack up. I’ve read authors with way fewer publishings than Williams and even debut authors who write gripping, concise action scenes. Here it was mostly very vaguely written, and evening confusing at times to the point where I physically and like spatially didn’t understand what exactly was happening.
Pacing was a HOT MESS in the final third or even the whole 2nd half of the book. We came to a screeching halt for a few chapters of very forced romance development about 60% of the way through the book. The chemistry between characters was there but the timing could not have been anymore immersion breaking. I won’t go into my full rant because spoils, but BIG OOF. Completely broke my immersion and enjoyment for almost 50 pages. thankfully things mostly recovered with still similar but much more minor stumbles.
However, despite those strong complaints, I loved the book and am excited to definitely continue this trilogy.
Without getting into any spoilers, the plot is mysterious and compelling, and I really enjoyed all three main POV characters. Not a ton of action. But super interesting world building and great characters and character dynamics. Strong recommendation for anyone who likes fantasy.
There were some weak points. The way the action is written simply does not stack up. I’ve read authors with way fewer publishings than Williams and even debut authors who write gripping, concise action scenes. Here it was mostly very vaguely written, and evening confusing at times to the point where I physically and like spatially didn’t understand what exactly was happening.
Pacing was a HOT MESS in the final third or even the whole 2nd half of the book. We came to a screeching halt for a few chapters of very forced romance development about 60% of the way through the book. The chemistry between characters was there but the timing could not have been anymore immersion breaking. I won’t go into my full rant because spoils, but BIG OOF. Completely broke my immersion and enjoyment for almost 50 pages. thankfully things mostly recovered with still similar but much more minor stumbles.
However, despite those strong complaints, I loved the book and am excited to definitely continue this trilogy.