Reviews

Weird how this is a good story but also a deeply unsatisfactory one. I couldn't come to like Foolish Cur, having so much difficulty with the depth of his selfishness. Ultimately he started out as a child, and we see his progression from that childish desire to conquer. But he's not a likable person, even on the final pages of this book.

Content Warnings

pdmcguire's review

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.0

neilsef's review

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adventurous mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Due to the title, I had assumed this book would be set in a culture based on the Inca civilization and mythology, so I was surprised to realise it is a more Asian-orientated culture.

I was immediately gripped by the story, which is narrated in the first person, by the main character, Alder (Foolish Cur), and is written in a style that is both engaging and easy to read.

The plot follows Alder from a young age, as he is being tutored to pass Imperial exams so that he may gain a high governmental position in his father's culture, while also secretly being tutored in the magic's and mysticism of his mother's culture, by her mother. It then follows him after the examinations as he pursues his desire to learn magic while also trying to reconcile his conflicting cultural identities.

The plot is a fascinating mixture of ambition, political intrigue, friendship and betrayal, with wonderfully crafted characters in a world that is beautifully brought to life.

desolation73's review

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5.0

Personally I really enjoyed this debut and I do think this is worth a read for most fantasy readers. As a newbie too the genre what I'd say is that while its well written its also uncomplicated which is high praise in my opinion because some fantasy books do become a bit confusing at times. I think most readers will enjoy this book.

The way its executed it probably is a five star book but as its a debut and an introduction to JT Greathouse work heres to even greater things to come from this writer.

A little while after reading thos I read another Asian inspired fantasy debut called she who becomes the sun our the two I believed in this book more thsn the latter and for that reason I did up this too a five star.

reathr's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ventuxho's review against another edition

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adventurous 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? Yes

4.0

birte's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative mysterious sad 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

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