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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
This was just ok for me. When it says a story in four parts it actually means four story’s in the same world. There are two stories from each author and the book read like a collection of novellas. They were all of a good standard but I can’t help but wish it was one narrative set in this world. I feel like it would be so much better this way.
The Brambles were really interesting though and a little bit creepy. And I liked the overall message the book conveyed.
The Brambles were really interesting though and a little bit creepy. And I liked the overall message the book conveyed.
A collection of four short stories about a fantasy land called Khaim that's being slowly brought low by a deadly bramble that is fed by the magic abused by the people of the land.
While the premise itself is lovely I found four unrelated short stories weren't enough to quench my desire to know more about this land. Wish it was a full on book instead.
While the premise itself is lovely I found four unrelated short stories weren't enough to quench my desire to know more about this land. Wish it was a full on book instead.
I had already read the first two novellas in this collection, so only half of it was new to me. I thought perhaps the authors intended to weave all four stories together into a loose narrative, but that was not the case. They are each independent pieces all set in the same world, which is infested with scary, murderous bramble slowly overtaking the countryside and forcing refugees into the cities. The four stories have limited references to each other. Oddly, the first story is about a guy who figures out a way to eliminate the bramble, but that invention never comes up again. I sort of thought that would be a bigger deal.
really liked the stories, and the writing style. Couldn't put it down!
This wasn't exactly what I was expecting but I really enjoyed this! Lots of different POVs and consistent writing between the two authors. I was expecting them to try and solve the toxic magic stuff destroying the town but that's not the point of the book. Really cool and fast read and A FANTASY STAND ALONE!
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I didn't like how each was a different story and the first two didn't really have an ending. It was frustrating but the writing was good and from what we saw of the characters, they were enjoyable.
No matter how much you beg, this never becomes a novel with any kind of resolution. Nevertheless, I was riveted by this world. One only hopes that one day the writers will come back with a contained plot and triumph for our heroes.
A dystopian world, set with magic, and alchemy and an evil curse? Sign me up.
This book is told in Four parts: Four novellas written by two writers. Each story gives more insight into the Bramble that grows and thrives under the use of magic. This causes the corrupt rulers (The Jolly Mayor, and the terrible Skax) to outlaw magic conjured by any but themselves, beheading any caught using evil minor spells.
These stories go beyond the fantastical or dystopic, often falling into the tragic: We have four stories of likeable characters, pushed into terrible deeds by the powerful... and not succeeding. However, these stories are not without hope, with each story ending in survival and determination.
Hopefully there's follow up stories in this richly presented setting.
This book is told in Four parts: Four novellas written by two writers. Each story gives more insight into the Bramble that grows and thrives under the use of magic. This causes the corrupt rulers (The Jolly Mayor, and the terrible Skax) to outlaw magic conjured by any but themselves, beheading any caught using evil minor spells.
These stories go beyond the fantastical or dystopic, often falling into the tragic: We have four stories of likeable characters, pushed into terrible deeds by the powerful... and not succeeding. However, these stories are not without hope, with each story ending in survival and determination.
Hopefully there's follow up stories in this richly presented setting.