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mellhay's review
3.0
Jontuk is of Stonekin and one of many under the service of the Cruel barren. Jontuk has a way to help his people, through the mirror gate to another world, to find a trinket. A venture none other his kind will make. Jontuk has to trust his kind are faring well while on his mission.
Niksabella, a female tinker who's not accepted of her creations in gnomish tinkering community or any where in gnome community. Nika has created a device of never-ending power with her recursive mirror. A device that could be deadly dangerous as a weapon, if in the wrong hands, or a great help to their way of life if used properly. But with this forbidden creation, if the High Council finds she continued working on and finished it...she could be imprisoned - for life. Niksabella doesn't realize until her unknown guardian, Jancy, saves her that Nika's design has caught the attention of many, who will do anything for the tin doll or even her mind. Nika doesn't feel at home in Hightower where she's spent her life - near death experiences and meeting a man from the mountains, helps her realize it.
Niksabella's brother, Nikseltuk, is asked (more told) to accompany troops out to a mysterious murder of a simple farming family. Nikseltuk's ability to interpret the dead could help. What Nikseltuk comes across as the murderer, is not of this world. And Nikseltuk will have to choose which battle to fight - these things or return to help his sister.
Magic. Tinkering. Aerostats. Gnomes. Humans and more. Interesting world built here. A blend of fantasy magic and Industrial and steam with clockworks. The way of delivering drinks at Bombuck's tavern. COOL! They come from the air. I'd love to have a place to go to with this.
Prelude's and I don't always get along. They confuse me to what's happening in a new world which I don't know yet. This one wasn't a strong one for me. I wasn't sure of what was to happen as things of a wold I don't know are mentioned. It kinda felt out of sink with the story. And I didn't see much of Jontuk again afterward. I would have liked to have seen him more in the world we are in with Nika. Jontuk does show up briefly for us, but felt the story was nothing to do with him and all to do with Niksabella. Once past the Prelude, you are good with Nika and her brother - Nikseltuk. But in the end, I understood the Prelude and what it was setting for the world.
There are different magical Disciplines and many gnomes of this world feel they should not be blended. Me, I liked that they are blended, and every world needs rules to be followed - or broken. Nika has been looked down on as she is one who has mixed these magics, a Polymagician and maybe even a touch of sorcery added too.
The world opens to a greater one slowly with an easy read through different characters. Even though the first Wizard has warned Nika away from this project and will reprimand her for meddling in areas she should not, he wants to profit from her creation as well. A greedy man of power and money, never good. But there are others, unexpected others, that are here in this world that don't belong. And they are after something as well...
This feels like a light fantasy read. Not all of the story is about the fight, although we do have some battles Nikseltuk has to fight. Interesting battles. As you know there are different styles and draws to a story. I didn't feel part of the crowd in this world, but more someone standing back watching everything happen. I'm okay with being an observer here. Makes the story feel light and I read through it quicker.
I'm curious to see where the author goes with this gnome story to come. There is a battle waiting to happen, and a few that will have to be fought, in this world and another. A nice start to a new world and series.
Niksabella, a female tinker who's not accepted of her creations in gnomish tinkering community or any where in gnome community. Nika has created a device of never-ending power with her recursive mirror. A device that could be deadly dangerous as a weapon, if in the wrong hands, or a great help to their way of life if used properly. But with this forbidden creation, if the High Council finds she continued working on and finished it...she could be imprisoned - for life. Niksabella doesn't realize until her unknown guardian, Jancy, saves her that Nika's design has caught the attention of many, who will do anything for the tin doll or even her mind. Nika doesn't feel at home in Hightower where she's spent her life - near death experiences and meeting a man from the mountains, helps her realize it.
Niksabella's brother, Nikseltuk, is asked (more told) to accompany troops out to a mysterious murder of a simple farming family. Nikseltuk's ability to interpret the dead could help. What Nikseltuk comes across as the murderer, is not of this world. And Nikseltuk will have to choose which battle to fight - these things or return to help his sister.
Magic. Tinkering. Aerostats. Gnomes. Humans and more. Interesting world built here. A blend of fantasy magic and Industrial and steam with clockworks. The way of delivering drinks at Bombuck's tavern. COOL! They come from the air. I'd love to have a place to go to with this.
Prelude's and I don't always get along. They confuse me to what's happening in a new world which I don't know yet. This one wasn't a strong one for me. I wasn't sure of what was to happen as things of a wold I don't know are mentioned. It kinda felt out of sink with the story. And I didn't see much of Jontuk again afterward. I would have liked to have seen him more in the world we are in with Nika. Jontuk does show up briefly for us, but felt the story was nothing to do with him and all to do with Niksabella. Once past the Prelude, you are good with Nika and her brother - Nikseltuk. But in the end, I understood the Prelude and what it was setting for the world.
There are different magical Disciplines and many gnomes of this world feel they should not be blended. Me, I liked that they are blended, and every world needs rules to be followed - or broken. Nika has been looked down on as she is one who has mixed these magics, a Polymagician and maybe even a touch of sorcery added too.
The world opens to a greater one slowly with an easy read through different characters. Even though the first Wizard has warned Nika away from this project and will reprimand her for meddling in areas she should not, he wants to profit from her creation as well. A greedy man of power and money, never good. But there are others, unexpected others, that are here in this world that don't belong. And they are after something as well...
This feels like a light fantasy read. Not all of the story is about the fight, although we do have some battles Nikseltuk has to fight. Interesting battles. As you know there are different styles and draws to a story. I didn't feel part of the crowd in this world, but more someone standing back watching everything happen. I'm okay with being an observer here. Makes the story feel light and I read through it quicker.
I'm curious to see where the author goes with this gnome story to come. There is a battle waiting to happen, and a few that will have to be fought, in this world and another. A nice start to a new world and series.
pekoegal's review
4.0
When you think of fantasy races, the first thing that springs to mind is probably Elves. After all, Elves get a lot of good press and movie deals. It's time for Gnomes to get their day in the sun, and Soward offers them that chance.
This book has a lot of stuff going on in it, and only about half of it is explored in any depth in this book. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does set up expectations for any future books to tie up all the loose ends.
Nik and Nika, the main characters, have an interesting sibling relationship - not exactly sibling rivals, but definitely not the "inseparable force of power" you usually see. They both have their own specialties and distinct personalities so it's easy to remember who is who, even with similar names. The other characters, particularly Jontuk the Stonekin, aren't heavily fleshed out in this book, but it leaves you something to hope for in later installments.
The romance in this book felt like it was tacked on as sort of an afterthought, especially with all of the action and drama/tension throughout the rest of the book. Plus, the "love interest" wasn't especially interesting beyond being from another town and extremely intelligent and instantly-accepting of Nika's quirks.
The pacing of the book could be a little slow at times, and then everything gets ramped up very intensely at the end, so it's easy to miss stuff going on at times.
Overall, this book is a pretty good diversion from every-day life. Plus, it does give you a different fantasy world to play in. I'll definitely be picking up the next book.
This book has a lot of stuff going on in it, and only about half of it is explored in any depth in this book. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does set up expectations for any future books to tie up all the loose ends.
Nik and Nika, the main characters, have an interesting sibling relationship - not exactly sibling rivals, but definitely not the "inseparable force of power" you usually see. They both have their own specialties and distinct personalities so it's easy to remember who is who, even with similar names. The other characters, particularly Jontuk the Stonekin, aren't heavily fleshed out in this book, but it leaves you something to hope for in later installments.
The romance in this book felt like it was tacked on as sort of an afterthought, especially with all of the action and drama/tension throughout the rest of the book. Plus, the "love interest" wasn't especially interesting beyond being from another town and extremely intelligent and instantly-accepting of Nika's quirks.
The pacing of the book could be a little slow at times, and then everything gets ramped up very intensely at the end, so it's easy to miss stuff going on at times.
Overall, this book is a pretty good diversion from every-day life. Plus, it does give you a different fantasy world to play in. I'll definitely be picking up the next book.
faileskye's review
4.0
Enjoyable, if a little hard to initially get into.
It's refreshing to find a fantasy book that isn't all about politics, religion, or any kind of large statements or allegories. Instead we are presented with two, for now, separate plots of two siblings, Niksabella and Nikselpik. The former is your typical tinkering gnome, who doesn't know when to leave well enough alone. The latter is 'dark wizard' who screws with things others leave well enough alone. Both are antiheroes to varying degrees, and that is likely the reason why it is hard to get into at first. But if you stick around you see a decent amount of logical and believable growth. Niksabella starts out as an untrusting shut-in and later learns that that was for the best, but grows anyway. Her brother is a drugged jerk that no one really likes except for his closest friends, but then he is forced to prove himself. So, typical stories but not typical characters.
I ended up liking the brother's plotline more as he was the deeper, more interesting character that was given better opportunities to show off. This included seeing some pretty dark stuff that, surprise, could best be fought off because he was kind of a dark guy himself. Makes for an interesting story. Niksabella on the other hand? UGH! I am so tired of the 'spunky genius gets railroaded and crushed by the well like corrupt politician' plot. HOWEVER, I foresee good things coming from her, she really is a good character.
One of the better straight up entertainment fantasy books I've finished in a while. I'll finish the series, so it made enough of an impact on me for that. I recommend it to any fans of fantasy that miss the days of just stories or fairytales and none of that thinking stuff. That or if you like gnomes a lot. Seriously, it was weird imagining some of those scenes.
It's refreshing to find a fantasy book that isn't all about politics, religion, or any kind of large statements or allegories. Instead we are presented with two, for now, separate plots of two siblings, Niksabella and Nikselpik. The former is your typical tinkering gnome, who doesn't know when to leave well enough alone. The latter is 'dark wizard' who screws with things others leave well enough alone. Both are antiheroes to varying degrees, and that is likely the reason why it is hard to get into at first. But if you stick around you see a decent amount of logical and believable growth. Niksabella starts out as an untrusting shut-in and later learns that that was for the best, but grows anyway. Her brother is a drugged jerk that no one really likes except for his closest friends, but then he is forced to prove himself. So, typical stories but not typical characters.
I ended up liking the brother's plotline more as he was the deeper, more interesting character that was given better opportunities to show off. This included seeing some pretty dark stuff that, surprise, could best be fought off because he was kind of a dark guy himself. Makes for an interesting story. Niksabella on the other hand? UGH! I am so tired of the 'spunky genius gets railroaded and crushed by the well like corrupt politician' plot. HOWEVER, I foresee good things coming from her, she really is a good character.
One of the better straight up entertainment fantasy books I've finished in a while. I'll finish the series, so it made enough of an impact on me for that. I recommend it to any fans of fantasy that miss the days of just stories or fairytales and none of that thinking stuff. That or if you like gnomes a lot. Seriously, it was weird imagining some of those scenes.
disastrouspenguin's review
4.0
3.5/5
Consumed as an audiobook.
The story and characters were generally interesting and engaging. It's difficult at times to tell what is thought and what is spoken. At the end of this book, only a couple minor conflicts are resolved, and so you're forced to continue on if you want any closure. Fortunately, the book was good enough that I'd continue the series anyways. Good for a light fantasy read.
Notes on the audiobook: The narrator, Scot Aiello, is clearly talented but SO over-dramatic all of the time that it distracted and detracted from what was happening in the book.
Consumed as an audiobook.
The story and characters were generally interesting and engaging. It's difficult at times to tell what is thought and what is spoken. At the end of this book, only a couple minor conflicts are resolved, and so you're forced to continue on if you want any closure. Fortunately, the book was good enough that I'd continue the series anyways. Good for a light fantasy read.
Notes on the audiobook: The narrator, Scot Aiello, is clearly talented but SO over-dramatic all of the time that it distracted and detracted from what was happening in the book.
seak's review
4.0
Of all the fantastical peoples and races, creatures and magics, I've read I've never read a book that even contained a gnome let alone displayed one as its main character(s). I haven't even seen the movie Gnomeo and Juliet about garden gnomes.
So you can imagine my intrigue when I was offered a copy of Rough Magic, book one of the GnomeSaga, by one of my friends here on Goodreads. I was both intrigued and highly interested to see how a world of Gnomes works together. It turns out, it works pretty well.
Almost immediately we're introduced to some creatures that can only be compared to something out of China Mieville's imagination. They're strange, weird, gross (like really icky gross), and completely captivating. I had to read more.
After a compelling prologue, we jump into the bulk of the story of Niksabella, the tinkerer, and her brother Nikselpik, the magician/addict (to bugging, another highly imaginative, yet repulsive creation). This is where the story slows down quite a bit. It's interesting, but it felt like a lot of that could have been cut out to make it more streamlined. I was also confused about the ages Nikselpik and Niksabella. He was really old but she seemed young even though they grew up together. I mean it's believable, but it also felt like she was treated young. I know it was going for poor, but I couldn't shake the young feeling too. This was however, nowhere near a game-changer, just a passing thought really.
Even through the slow opening, the characters are interesting and it's never to the point of being too slow that you wouldn't want to continue. Niksabella is a tinkerer who invents useful items, but who is stopped at every turn by the powerful guilds who control patents. Her POV introduces some of the magic, but more importantly the level of technology. The world is actually technically advanced in certain ways although for the most part it is more medieval and you can see why when powerful people are threatened by the likes of Niksabella and her obviously important work.
As a small note (the smallest of side-notes), the technological progress and magics are probably intended to be unique to gnomes, but nothing really stood out or was explained as being particularly gnomish or being due to gnomes as opposed to what any other race could be doing.
Nikselpik is another great character who is hard to pin down at first. He seems irresponsible and untrustworthy, but sometimes he surprises. He was probably my favorite character because he was so diverse and his characterization is well done. I wanted to keep reading him every time.
As far as gnomes go, I'm definitely looking forward to reading more. Kenny Soward has created a unique and fascinating world that will both surprise and astound you. If you're looking for something new and completely different, look no further.
3.5 out of 5 Stars (recommended!)
Note: I have to add that for an independently published book, this was extremely well edited, especially when it comes to line edits. Kudos to Nine Worlds Media. I counted maybe two or three typos/spelling errors throughout the entire book and any large house has a couple errors every other page at least.
So you can imagine my intrigue when I was offered a copy of Rough Magic, book one of the GnomeSaga, by one of my friends here on Goodreads. I was both intrigued and highly interested to see how a world of Gnomes works together. It turns out, it works pretty well.
Almost immediately we're introduced to some creatures that can only be compared to something out of China Mieville's imagination. They're strange, weird, gross (like really icky gross), and completely captivating. I had to read more.
After a compelling prologue, we jump into the bulk of the story of Niksabella, the tinkerer, and her brother Nikselpik, the magician/addict (to bugging, another highly imaginative, yet repulsive creation). This is where the story slows down quite a bit. It's interesting, but it felt like a lot of that could have been cut out to make it more streamlined. I was also confused about the ages Nikselpik and Niksabella. He was really old but she seemed young even though they grew up together. I mean it's believable, but it also felt like she was treated young. I know it was going for poor, but I couldn't shake the young feeling too. This was however, nowhere near a game-changer, just a passing thought really.
Even through the slow opening, the characters are interesting and it's never to the point of being too slow that you wouldn't want to continue. Niksabella is a tinkerer who invents useful items, but who is stopped at every turn by the powerful guilds who control patents. Her POV introduces some of the magic, but more importantly the level of technology. The world is actually technically advanced in certain ways although for the most part it is more medieval and you can see why when powerful people are threatened by the likes of Niksabella and her obviously important work.
As a small note (the smallest of side-notes), the technological progress and magics are probably intended to be unique to gnomes, but nothing really stood out or was explained as being particularly gnomish or being due to gnomes as opposed to what any other race could be doing.
Nikselpik is another great character who is hard to pin down at first. He seems irresponsible and untrustworthy, but sometimes he surprises. He was probably my favorite character because he was so diverse and his characterization is well done. I wanted to keep reading him every time.
As far as gnomes go, I'm definitely looking forward to reading more. Kenny Soward has created a unique and fascinating world that will both surprise and astound you. If you're looking for something new and completely different, look no further.
3.5 out of 5 Stars (recommended!)
Note: I have to add that for an independently published book, this was extremely well edited, especially when it comes to line edits. Kudos to Nine Worlds Media. I counted maybe two or three typos/spelling errors throughout the entire book and any large house has a couple errors every other page at least.
mlejoy's review
1.0
Tried really hard to finish this (got to 56%)...but I just can't make myself care about anyone in it and I can't get into the story. Every time the word "gnomestress" is used I want to gouge out my eyes. Good thing it was cheap on Amazon.
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