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amartz's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting world, but the plight of the characters didn't grasp me
mellhay's review against another edition
3.0
Jon has produced a story with a strong epic fantasy feel. The story moves along with major event after another with great descriptions of the town, buildings, rooms, and people as we go. The world building of the culture Horace comes into and the magic that is cherished here is powerful.
****FULL REVIEW****
Horace wakes in a home of strangers speaking a language quite different from any he's ever heard after being washed off the deck of the ship he worked on. Horace is in his countries enemy land, and learns the magic that lays within him when a frightening chaos storm of green lightning rolls in while he's chained with other slaves heading to a temple. Horace meets Jirom, a champion fighter and mercenary captured into slavery months ago. A keen friendship is quickly made when both men see how strong the other is, and not simply muscle strength. While in the grace of the Queen Byleth, Horace meets Alyra. Alyra is a strong slave to the Queen and yet so much more in the world. Horace grows in this town of constant danger and political games.
Jon has produced a story with a strong epic fantasy feel. The story moves along with major event after another with great descriptions of the town, buildings, rooms, and people as we go. I can see some thinking this slows the pace of the story as it stretches the events longer in reading, but it's part of what draws the epic fantasy picture. The world building of the culture Horace comes into and the magic that is cherished here is powerful.
There are three main characters we follow, yet possibly five. First we meet Horace. He's a simple man. He seems to be of a passive personality, not wanting much from the world or life as he's lost what was dear to him before. Yet he survives through the tortures the world puts on him. Horace even ends in a stronger sense than when he started. And he learns of a magic awakened in him. Cool. And I have so many questions about how he's different too. I'm curious of the potential he shows and where it will go.
We then meet Jirom. I have my eye on this man. I seem to love a good mercenary in fantasy and a man with a firm direction.
Then we have Alyra. Alyra caught my attention right off and held it. Her purpose in life and her whereabouts are fully active. I'm curious of her surroundings, even how cruel it can be. I love her determination and will for what she is here to do. She is in the perfect position for what she has to do.
The other two characters we see more of are Queen Byleth and Lord Mulcibar. Mmm, the Queen. I love her. Maybe it's the evil in me, but I enjoyed reading her. She's cunning, powerful, and smart. She knows she's being cornered and will do anything to keep herself safe. And even her people. Lord Mulibar is a likeable character as well. Though there was a few moments I wasn't sure I should trust him. (Yes I'm a suspicious one.) He is the teacher to Horace for the new magic he has found within himself. Mulibar is the way we learn of the magic in this part of the world, and it's interesting to learn with Horace.
There is a question of who is the lesser of two evils present in this book. Which is the worst to rule the city and land? It's a political game to get on top, and keep it.
I'm looking forward to the next three books of the series to see where our characters go and what happens in this city. And there is one that is thought to be an ally that may be something else, but we will see how that plays out in the coming books.
****FULL REVIEW****
Horace wakes in a home of strangers speaking a language quite different from any he's ever heard after being washed off the deck of the ship he worked on. Horace is in his countries enemy land, and learns the magic that lays within him when a frightening chaos storm of green lightning rolls in while he's chained with other slaves heading to a temple. Horace meets Jirom, a champion fighter and mercenary captured into slavery months ago. A keen friendship is quickly made when both men see how strong the other is, and not simply muscle strength. While in the grace of the Queen Byleth, Horace meets Alyra. Alyra is a strong slave to the Queen and yet so much more in the world. Horace grows in this town of constant danger and political games.
Jon has produced a story with a strong epic fantasy feel. The story moves along with major event after another with great descriptions of the town, buildings, rooms, and people as we go. I can see some thinking this slows the pace of the story as it stretches the events longer in reading, but it's part of what draws the epic fantasy picture. The world building of the culture Horace comes into and the magic that is cherished here is powerful.
There are three main characters we follow, yet possibly five. First we meet Horace. He's a simple man. He seems to be of a passive personality, not wanting much from the world or life as he's lost what was dear to him before. Yet he survives through the tortures the world puts on him. Horace even ends in a stronger sense than when he started. And he learns of a magic awakened in him. Cool. And I have so many questions about how he's different too. I'm curious of the potential he shows and where it will go.
We then meet Jirom. I have my eye on this man. I seem to love a good mercenary in fantasy and a man with a firm direction.
Then we have Alyra. Alyra caught my attention right off and held it. Her purpose in life and her whereabouts are fully active. I'm curious of her surroundings, even how cruel it can be. I love her determination and will for what she is here to do. She is in the perfect position for what she has to do.
The other two characters we see more of are Queen Byleth and Lord Mulcibar. Mmm, the Queen. I love her. Maybe it's the evil in me, but I enjoyed reading her. She's cunning, powerful, and smart. She knows she's being cornered and will do anything to keep herself safe. And even her people. Lord Mulibar is a likeable character as well. Though there was a few moments I wasn't sure I should trust him. (Yes I'm a suspicious one.) He is the teacher to Horace for the new magic he has found within himself. Mulibar is the way we learn of the magic in this part of the world, and it's interesting to learn with Horace.
There is a question of who is the lesser of two evils present in this book. Which is the worst to rule the city and land? It's a political game to get on top, and keep it.
I'm looking forward to the next three books of the series to see where our characters go and what happens in this city. And there is one that is thought to be an ally that may be something else, but we will see how that plays out in the coming books.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
Ok let me explain this one as, European like crusader is shipwrecked and ends up on eastern enemy lands. But this East is a mix of every culture, old and older and well made up :)
Right so we have Horace, who becomes a slave but then they see he has magic and he is saved. His country does not have magic just over zealous priests so this is new to him. But he slowly finds his way.
The we have Jirom, another slave turned gladiator and who is sold yet again. Poor guy. But he mostly fought and fought so I was never really in his head a lot.
Last we have Alyra, a slave and spy who spies for another country. With her comes questions, what is going on? Seems to be a lot of city states in this empire. Then the neighbors wants control too (because the empire is evil), and then we have the idiot priests that wants to take over too. So everyone wants something, and all our players may not always realize what they are fighting for.
Magic, an old eastern touch and that is just the beginning. I really do not have an idea how this will all turn out. That is the problem when many countries are at war and there are priests, arghh those priests!
Right so we have Horace, who becomes a slave but then they see he has magic and he is saved. His country does not have magic just over zealous priests so this is new to him. But he slowly finds his way.
The we have Jirom, another slave turned gladiator and who is sold yet again. Poor guy. But he mostly fought and fought so I was never really in his head a lot.
Last we have Alyra, a slave and spy who spies for another country. With her comes questions, what is going on? Seems to be a lot of city states in this empire. Then the neighbors wants control too (because the empire is evil), and then we have the idiot priests that wants to take over too. So everyone wants something, and all our players may not always realize what they are fighting for.
Magic, an old eastern touch and that is just the beginning. I really do not have an idea how this will all turn out. That is the problem when many countries are at war and there are priests, arghh those priests!
moirwyn's review against another edition
3.0
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2015/12/26/blood-and-iron-by-john-sprunk/
Blood and Iron is an epic fantasy novel about three enslaved protagonists who overcome hardship only to be entangled in politics and war. The main protagonist, Horace, is shipwrecked and forced into slavery. A chaos storm strikes the caravan, and he discovers his own affinity for lightning. Jirom is an ex-mercenary who was forced to become a gladiator. Inspired by seeing Horace stand up to their oppressive masters, he becomes involved in an underground resistance among conscripted soldiers. And finally, Alyria chose to be sold into slavery to give her the opportunity to spy on Queen Byleth, but the more she learns, the more she begins to doubt in her mission.
Blood and Iron had a slow start. We didn’t even meet Alyria until 1/4 of the way through the book, and she’s pretty important to the story. That said, the book’s pacing did pick up around the time she was introduced, and after that it was a pretty quick read.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the characterization of the three protagonists. Horace was too much of a special snowflake—not only does he magically have magical powers, but he has a very rare kind of power that doesn’t occur very often and that no other living person has. That’s too much of a coincidence, and makes him less believable. Jirom doesn’t seem terribly complex, although I did enjoy that he’s gay. And Alyria was so incredibly selfless and perfect that she’s just not an interesting character.
Queen Byleth, on the other hand, was fascinating. She’s not a good person at all, as we first see in a rather telling scene in which she orders a 10-year-old (give or take) slave girl to be whipped in order to punish Alyria. And yet at the same time, Byleth is cast as a sympathetic character who is all that’s left standing between her kingdom and a hostile takeover from mad cultists. She has very little political power and is being forced into a marriage that will effectively dethrone her, and she’s doing everything she can to stay in power. Byleth is the lesser of two evils, and our characters slowly come to the realization that despite her flaws, she’s the best hope they have. I love it when fantasy politics mirror those of real life, and where there is no easy solution or perfect answer. And the politics in Blood and Iron really worked for me, because everyone had their own agenda and there wasn’t a clear-cut line between right and wrong.
Overall, there wasn’t anything about Blood and Iron that seemed particularly new or innovative. It was a typical epic fantasy novel with a pulpy vibe, and I found it enjoyable despite its flaws. I’m looking forward to continuing the series, mostly to see what Byleth will do next.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2015/12/26/blood-and-iron-by-john-sprunk/
Blood and Iron is an epic fantasy novel about three enslaved protagonists who overcome hardship only to be entangled in politics and war. The main protagonist, Horace, is shipwrecked and forced into slavery. A chaos storm strikes the caravan, and he discovers his own affinity for lightning. Jirom is an ex-mercenary who was forced to become a gladiator. Inspired by seeing Horace stand up to their oppressive masters, he becomes involved in an underground resistance among conscripted soldiers. And finally, Alyria chose to be sold into slavery to give her the opportunity to spy on Queen Byleth, but the more she learns, the more she begins to doubt in her mission.
Blood and Iron had a slow start. We didn’t even meet Alyria until 1/4 of the way through the book, and she’s pretty important to the story. That said, the book’s pacing did pick up around the time she was introduced, and after that it was a pretty quick read.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the characterization of the three protagonists. Horace was too much of a special snowflake—not only does he magically have magical powers, but he has a very rare kind of power that doesn’t occur very often and that no other living person has. That’s too much of a coincidence, and makes him less believable. Jirom doesn’t seem terribly complex, although I did enjoy that he’s gay. And Alyria was so incredibly selfless and perfect that she’s just not an interesting character.
Queen Byleth, on the other hand, was fascinating. She’s not a good person at all, as we first see in a rather telling scene in which she orders a 10-year-old (give or take) slave girl to be whipped in order to punish Alyria. And yet at the same time, Byleth is cast as a sympathetic character who is all that’s left standing between her kingdom and a hostile takeover from mad cultists. She has very little political power and is being forced into a marriage that will effectively dethrone her, and she’s doing everything she can to stay in power. Byleth is the lesser of two evils, and our characters slowly come to the realization that despite her flaws, she’s the best hope they have. I love it when fantasy politics mirror those of real life, and where there is no easy solution or perfect answer. And the politics in Blood and Iron really worked for me, because everyone had their own agenda and there wasn’t a clear-cut line between right and wrong.
Overall, there wasn’t anything about Blood and Iron that seemed particularly new or innovative. It was a typical epic fantasy novel with a pulpy vibe, and I found it enjoyable despite its flaws. I’m looking forward to continuing the series, mostly to see what Byleth will do next.
jasmyn9's review against another edition
4.0
Welcome to the Crusades - only a little different. Horace is a ship's carpenter and finds himself shipwrecked on the shores of the heretics - the Akeshians. Horace seems to be the main player in the story as he discovers he has a magical ability not seen in ages. Because of this ability, he is offered a place at court where he meets Alyna. Alyna's role in the story is that of a spy for another country. Through her we see some of the inner workings of the Akeshian court that we may not have realized was going on. Our third player is Jirom, a slave-fighter that helps Horace at the beginning, but I'm not quite sure what his role long term is going to be.
There is a lot going on throughout this story. There is political and religious strife and conflict that the story is built around. Horace is lost as he tries to navigate this deadly set up and there are times he makes critical errors that come back to haunt him. You must like the political and religous intrigue/strife storylines to enjoy this story. While there is some good old fashioned sword and sorcery fighting, much of the tension and build up doesn't involve actual fighting.
I thought the author did a great job keeping the story on track (with the exception of Jirom - I still don't understand his part long run, but maybe book two will explain more). There were a handful of times that I thought the story moved a little too slowly, but never to the point that it became burdensome. This is a great read for fantasy lovers that like a little more of the politics in their story than you traditionally see.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-blood-and-iron-by-jon-sprunk.html#sthash.dEHIwZgy.dpuf
There is a lot going on throughout this story. There is political and religious strife and conflict that the story is built around. Horace is lost as he tries to navigate this deadly set up and there are times he makes critical errors that come back to haunt him. You must like the political and religous intrigue/strife storylines to enjoy this story. While there is some good old fashioned sword and sorcery fighting, much of the tension and build up doesn't involve actual fighting.
I thought the author did a great job keeping the story on track (with the exception of Jirom - I still don't understand his part long run, but maybe book two will explain more). There were a handful of times that I thought the story moved a little too slowly, but never to the point that it became burdensome. This is a great read for fantasy lovers that like a little more of the politics in their story than you traditionally see.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-blood-and-iron-by-jon-sprunk.html#sthash.dEHIwZgy.dpuf
leontiy's review against another edition
4.0
I happily received a copy of Jon Sprunk’s latest book, Blood and Iron direct from the publisher—and I ate through it. Despite a relatively slow start and an environment I couldn’t easily envisage, characters I couldn’t quite connect with, and a questionable sense of the wider plot, I soon found myself engrossed in a deep and richly imagined world that was both entirely inclusive and open-minded, and a refreshing change from the usual whitewashed canvas of sword and sorcery.
Fairly often, if I am already on board with a writer—usually if I’ve read one book of a series, or a completed one—I won’t even read the cover copy. This means I end up going into a book “blind”, but it also means that I avoid revealing cover copy and experience the book entirely as a new and unknown story. I think this enhances the experience—it did with Blood and Iron. I’ll admit to still not knowing the cover copy!
In this colourful fantasy with two men with different histories, and two women brimming with agency, Sprunk has crafted something that really pulls the reader in, desperate to know more, eager to see what will happen next. The opening is somewhat slow and it feels as though much of it could have been condensed, but the middle doesn’t sag as middles sometimes do and the end is pacy, exciting and draws the book towards a thrilling end that will leave readers eager to dive into the second book of the trilogy.
Sprunk is a natural storyteller and this talent really shines through in his detailed and engaging prose. I was thrilled to find the inclusion of POC characters—never mind that they have narrative POVs!—and a varied assortment of religion and sexuality. To have a gay POV narrative character, a male, is not just a demonstration of how progressive and obviously determined to write the fantasy of the future, Sprunk is, but also refreshing and reassuring. Sexuality is approached casually, as is the difference of religious belief and ritual: there is the natural comparison and curiosity of the main characters, but it is tempered with experience and the constant reiteration that not everything taught about opposing creeds must be true. The protagonists certainly become more educated as to the wide variety of difference their world has to offer, and this was presented expertly.
Blood and Iron tells the converging stories of four main characters, two male, two female, who find themselves in very close quarters with one another, thanks to the hand of fate. Their meetings, their relationships and experiences of and with one another are thrilling and charged with possibility. When the unexpected happens to Horace, a simple ship’s carpenter, he finds himself both powerful and threatened in a strange land far, far from home. With his homeland crusading against the heathens who refuse to worship the True Church, Horace finds himself deeply mistrusted and suspected of being a spy. When he finds himself suddenly thrust into a game played with intrigue and subtlety, he must learn to become a member of a society he scarcely understands in order to survive. But Horace has never trained in the art of politicking and when a single mistake could mean death, he must keep his wits about him, and adapt quickly to this new part of himself—a part he never knew about before now. A part that makes him a heretic.
It’s easier for Jirom, a slave or a mercenary all his life. All he must do is fight and survive. Yet when he meets Horace, something about him stirs a part of him to life, something deep inside. It’s not attraction—although Jirom’s desires do fall towards the same sex—but something else. Horace intrigues him. Unbeknownst to the dark-skinned slave, banished from his village so many years ago, what he is about to become involved in—all on the word of a charismatic and handsome man—will plunge him deeply into the tides of revolution, rebellion and war. But is it really Jirom’s war at all and why should he fight it? But then, does he really have anything better to do?
Alyra, the slave and queen’s favourite handmaiden, and the beautiful Queen Byleth are stunningly deep and developed characters that add further layers to the story. I enjoy seeing events transpire from the POV of royalty and Byleth was engaging and exciting and with a desperation to her story and narrative that was hopelessly compelling. Alyra enjoys a tightly woven story with surprises and difficult choices ahead. She is complex and will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals—whatever they might be. But in the same boat as Horace, a stranger from another land, she is embroiled deeply in the same game of whispers and intrigue that Horace must play. Their paths could cross and be beneficial to one another—or their agendas might ultimately clash.
Essentially Blood and Iron is a richly constructed and colourful novel with a diverse and intelligent cast. The opening could have been pacier, could have pulled the reader in sooner and might have offered more than the slow trudge towards the main bulk of the action. But all said, Blood and Iron is a fantastic book that shows just how easy it is to stray from the familiar paths now well-trod in fantasy, and venture towards the unusual, the different and the exotic. The diverse cast and real representation of a real and developed world, Sprunk has hit the mark. I am looking forward to the next book, desperate to know what will happen next and where the plot will go. Just as good as his Shadow Saga, Sprunk is, again, a winner.
Fairly often, if I am already on board with a writer—usually if I’ve read one book of a series, or a completed one—I won’t even read the cover copy. This means I end up going into a book “blind”, but it also means that I avoid revealing cover copy and experience the book entirely as a new and unknown story. I think this enhances the experience—it did with Blood and Iron. I’ll admit to still not knowing the cover copy!
In this colourful fantasy with two men with different histories, and two women brimming with agency, Sprunk has crafted something that really pulls the reader in, desperate to know more, eager to see what will happen next. The opening is somewhat slow and it feels as though much of it could have been condensed, but the middle doesn’t sag as middles sometimes do and the end is pacy, exciting and draws the book towards a thrilling end that will leave readers eager to dive into the second book of the trilogy.
Sprunk is a natural storyteller and this talent really shines through in his detailed and engaging prose. I was thrilled to find the inclusion of POC characters—never mind that they have narrative POVs!—and a varied assortment of religion and sexuality. To have a gay POV narrative character, a male, is not just a demonstration of how progressive and obviously determined to write the fantasy of the future, Sprunk is, but also refreshing and reassuring. Sexuality is approached casually, as is the difference of religious belief and ritual: there is the natural comparison and curiosity of the main characters, but it is tempered with experience and the constant reiteration that not everything taught about opposing creeds must be true. The protagonists certainly become more educated as to the wide variety of difference their world has to offer, and this was presented expertly.
Blood and Iron tells the converging stories of four main characters, two male, two female, who find themselves in very close quarters with one another, thanks to the hand of fate. Their meetings, their relationships and experiences of and with one another are thrilling and charged with possibility. When the unexpected happens to Horace, a simple ship’s carpenter, he finds himself both powerful and threatened in a strange land far, far from home. With his homeland crusading against the heathens who refuse to worship the True Church, Horace finds himself deeply mistrusted and suspected of being a spy. When he finds himself suddenly thrust into a game played with intrigue and subtlety, he must learn to become a member of a society he scarcely understands in order to survive. But Horace has never trained in the art of politicking and when a single mistake could mean death, he must keep his wits about him, and adapt quickly to this new part of himself—a part he never knew about before now. A part that makes him a heretic.
It’s easier for Jirom, a slave or a mercenary all his life. All he must do is fight and survive. Yet when he meets Horace, something about him stirs a part of him to life, something deep inside. It’s not attraction—although Jirom’s desires do fall towards the same sex—but something else. Horace intrigues him. Unbeknownst to the dark-skinned slave, banished from his village so many years ago, what he is about to become involved in—all on the word of a charismatic and handsome man—will plunge him deeply into the tides of revolution, rebellion and war. But is it really Jirom’s war at all and why should he fight it? But then, does he really have anything better to do?
Alyra, the slave and queen’s favourite handmaiden, and the beautiful Queen Byleth are stunningly deep and developed characters that add further layers to the story. I enjoy seeing events transpire from the POV of royalty and Byleth was engaging and exciting and with a desperation to her story and narrative that was hopelessly compelling. Alyra enjoys a tightly woven story with surprises and difficult choices ahead. She is complex and will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals—whatever they might be. But in the same boat as Horace, a stranger from another land, she is embroiled deeply in the same game of whispers and intrigue that Horace must play. Their paths could cross and be beneficial to one another—or their agendas might ultimately clash.
Essentially Blood and Iron is a richly constructed and colourful novel with a diverse and intelligent cast. The opening could have been pacier, could have pulled the reader in sooner and might have offered more than the slow trudge towards the main bulk of the action. But all said, Blood and Iron is a fantastic book that shows just how easy it is to stray from the familiar paths now well-trod in fantasy, and venture towards the unusual, the different and the exotic. The diverse cast and real representation of a real and developed world, Sprunk has hit the mark. I am looking forward to the next book, desperate to know what will happen next and where the plot will go. Just as good as his Shadow Saga, Sprunk is, again, a winner.
jasonoffer's review against another edition
2.0
Was looking forward to having a read of Jon Sprunk. Unfortunately the experience was not very memorable. The story is very one dimensionable and lacking in character.
The world building was poor at the beginning and did not pick up greatly. The characterization was quite dull and yet again did not improve much, essentially the book was only relevant around one character. The writing was ok. Overall there is not much to say the overall story is pretty dull and lacking in anything exciting with the intrigue and politics lacking in creativity.
The world building was poor at the beginning and did not pick up greatly. The characterization was quite dull and yet again did not improve much, essentially the book was only relevant around one character. The writing was ok. Overall there is not much to say the overall story is pretty dull and lacking in anything exciting with the intrigue and politics lacking in creativity.
denizyildiz's review against another edition
2.0
This had so much promise. But sadly I found myself being bored at times. I think many hard core Fantasy (guys) will like this however, it's more for lover of the Wheel of time, than me.
The world building was quite intriguing, quite classic epic fantasy with it's own unique world inspired by the ancient world. I think it's actually my favorite part.
The writing style and Character building were ok, but I seriously found it really hard to keep myself interested. It was just too slow for me. I had started it ages ago, feeling excited about it. Then I put it down and read the odd chapter here and there. But I never got into it. So finally I forced myself to finish it. And the epilogue.. Damn!! So now I don't know if I will read the next one or not. I guess I'll wait and see if any of my friends adore the next one before giving it a try
The world building was quite intriguing, quite classic epic fantasy with it's own unique world inspired by the ancient world. I think it's actually my favorite part.
The writing style and Character building were ok, but I seriously found it really hard to keep myself interested. It was just too slow for me. I had started it ages ago, feeling excited about it. Then I put it down and read the odd chapter here and there. But I never got into it. So finally I forced myself to finish it. And the epilogue.. Damn!! So now I don't know if I will read the next one or not. I guess I'll wait and see if any of my friends adore the next one before giving it a try
b00kwyrm's review against another edition
3.0
Overall for me the story was good, but the problems I ran into were basically these two: It was another "powerless to powerful" story where of course everyone else saw how powerful Horace was except for Horace, and two: the characters were completely un-engaging. I read the book cover to cover and by the end of it I honestly couldn't have cared much less whether they all lived or got hit by a fourth wall-breaking bus. I don't think I'll be reading the sequel, but if I decide to I'll get it from the library so I don't have to spend money on it. If I had to sum it up in a word, it would be "dry."
One thing I did find refreshing was that one of the major side characters was gay and another was bisexual, but there was no sex in the story. It was nice to see LGBT characters and not have the sex overblown (I'm looking at you Mr. Morgan...). It's hard for me to find LGBT fantasy novels without it turning into LGBT "sexual fantasy" novels. I don't want to read smut, I want to read an engaging story with magic and dragons and stuff. *Climbs off soapbox but keeps it handy...*
One thing I did find refreshing was that one of the major side characters was gay and another was bisexual, but there was no sex in the story. It was nice to see LGBT characters and not have the sex overblown (I'm looking at you Mr. Morgan...). It's hard for me to find LGBT fantasy novels without it turning into LGBT "sexual fantasy" novels. I don't want to read smut, I want to read an engaging story with magic and dragons and stuff. *Climbs off soapbox but keeps it handy...*
danadanny's review against another edition
2.0
I thought the premise was interesting, and I wanted to like it, but it leaned a little too heavily on tropes, and I kept thinking, "why is everything being explained to me?" way too often...