Scan barcode
half2happy's review against another edition
2.0
Light on main character development and science fiction. Heavy on action scenes and unlikeable anti-heros. Secondary characters are all flat and expendable.
I couldn't figure out how long since the collapse of this civilization the book was set. Long enough ago to have clearly defined tourism of unsafe areas and yet so recent that people put cans of soda in their cargo shorts or are still wearing the same jeans for the last decade.
Don't regret buying it or supporting self-pub authors, was definitely adequately entertained for the cost per hour. If there were any redeeming overarching poignant moments, I missed them.
I couldn't figure out how long since the collapse of this civilization the book was set. Long enough ago to have clearly defined tourism of unsafe areas and yet so recent that people put cans of soda in their cargo shorts or are still wearing the same jeans for the last decade.
Don't regret buying it or supporting self-pub authors, was definitely adequately entertained for the cost per hour. If there were any redeeming overarching poignant moments, I missed them.
pltavormina's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t read much dystopia, but the blurb and reviews on this book were compelling to me, for themes of faith and individual struggle, as well as the interpersonal dynamics that form a strong part of the narrative.
There’s lots to like here, especially for fans of dystopia. The voice in the piece is incredible, and the story is told confidently and expertly. Great editing. Gritty, non-stop action. If you’re looking for a ‘guy read’ with a cast of characters facing off in a world of upheaval, lots of guns and booze, this book is right up your alley.
The narrative style is my favorite—third person past tense with decent immersion. The author uses a multi viewpoint approach, which I like for ‘big issue’ books like this one. The story is readable enough that you can tear through it in one long sitting. Certainly over the course of a weekend.
Here’s where I have difficulty: I tired of how bleak this story is. Every page includes negative language or behaviors. This approach is not uncommon in dystopia, but I did keep wondering when we would get a breath of fresh air.
Paradoxically, the author’s fantastic writing—which draws the reader in—probably compounds the issue because the ‘bleak’ was really bone-deep. It took me a couple days to come out of the funk this book put me in.
I liked the epilogue. It had some of the vibe I wanted within the story—a wise character who could contextualize the horror of life as it was lived, an archetypal wise woman or wise man, offering perspective about what really matters in the world. I wanted that voice woven into the novel, or some other source of hope, to help me fully enjoy this book. I was looking for some hints of light, a healthy relationship or two, a clear character that I wanted to anchor my psyche into, but I could not really find that.
Additionally, if you prefer balanced character casts, be warned that this one is light on women. It’s "aggressive men in authority." The lead woman is well written, however, which is nice.
The writing is some of the best I’ve seen in self-published fiction. It’s really good. The author is intelligent and thoughtful … and that shines through.
There’s lots to like here, especially for fans of dystopia. The voice in the piece is incredible, and the story is told confidently and expertly. Great editing. Gritty, non-stop action. If you’re looking for a ‘guy read’ with a cast of characters facing off in a world of upheaval, lots of guns and booze, this book is right up your alley.
The narrative style is my favorite—third person past tense with decent immersion. The author uses a multi viewpoint approach, which I like for ‘big issue’ books like this one. The story is readable enough that you can tear through it in one long sitting. Certainly over the course of a weekend.
Here’s where I have difficulty: I tired of how bleak this story is. Every page includes negative language or behaviors. This approach is not uncommon in dystopia, but I did keep wondering when we would get a breath of fresh air.
Paradoxically, the author’s fantastic writing—which draws the reader in—probably compounds the issue because the ‘bleak’ was really bone-deep. It took me a couple days to come out of the funk this book put me in.
I liked the epilogue. It had some of the vibe I wanted within the story—a wise character who could contextualize the horror of life as it was lived, an archetypal wise woman or wise man, offering perspective about what really matters in the world. I wanted that voice woven into the novel, or some other source of hope, to help me fully enjoy this book. I was looking for some hints of light, a healthy relationship or two, a clear character that I wanted to anchor my psyche into, but I could not really find that.
Additionally, if you prefer balanced character casts, be warned that this one is light on women. It’s "aggressive men in authority." The lead woman is well written, however, which is nice.
The writing is some of the best I’ve seen in self-published fiction. It’s really good. The author is intelligent and thoughtful … and that shines through.
inkishkingdoms's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Read the full review here: https://inkishkingdoms.com/2021/11/10/editorial-review-as-vaan-made-us-by-jonathan-sobe/
More...