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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
A good story but I didn’t really connect with the narrative style. A little too much exposition and expository dialogue.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
finished 2/3, couldnt finish the rest, too many confusing names, but i liked it some
adventurous
Even after reading the Imaro series I enjoyed listening to the audio book narrated by Mirron Willis. Definitely recommended!
adventurous
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
one star off for its inconsistent treatment of women, .25 off for Saunders' apparent intense aversion to the word "muscles". I don't think it shows up once throughout the whole book — he only ever uses "thews".
I got this book based on a recommendation that it was an excellent example of classic sword and sorcery, but set in Africa. What I forgot was how much I dislike classic sword and sorcery. If you like Conan, Elric, Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser, or even Game of Thrones, you should definitely read this ( or listen, as the reader is quite good). For me, there is only so much burning anger, mighty thews, and indomitable will I could stand.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I like the author's writing, it is descriptive and evocative. I didn't find myself really hooked by the story - it centers around the main character Imaro and his incredible strength and warrior skills. Much of the book is detailed descriptions of fight scenes and landscapes that Imaro travels. Imaro is a relatively good person, but we don't get to know him in substantial depth, and I am personally more interested in character and political development than fight scenes and landscapes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Violence, War
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
The good: I loved the alternate Africa, and it had the classic "magic is rare and mostly evil" of sword & sorcery. I also enjoyed Imaro's adventures in the wider world.
The bad: I was supremely unimpressed by the quality of the writing itself, and I found the two setup stories (before [very mild spoilers]Imaro leaves the Ilyassai ) rather boring (though I recognize they're important for setting up the ongoing conflicts).
3.5 stars for the mostly novel sword & sorcery setting and the sense of adventure.
The bad: I was supremely unimpressed by the quality of the writing itself, and I found the two setup stories (before [very mild spoilers]
3.5 stars for the mostly novel sword & sorcery setting and the sense of adventure.