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rouver's review
1.0
I really wanted to like this book, but the writing style was overwrought & sloooow. This sort of thing can be forgiven in a book written in the 1800's, but the publication date on this massive sucker was 2015. I can appreciate that you want to set a certain tone, but it just wasn't done correctly to keep me interested. Loved the cover art, and wanted to love the book.
ethancf's review against another edition
5.0
Audio.
Finishing this a second time was even more of a joy. Not only is Heybourne's narration exquisite, but knowing the story beats in advance negates some of the slowness of the opening, giving you more time to relish in the beautiful prose. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Finishing this a second time was even more of a joy. Not only is Heybourne's narration exquisite, but knowing the story beats in advance negates some of the slowness of the opening, giving you more time to relish in the beautiful prose. I cannot wait for the sequel!
ashleyjhere's review against another edition
Ugh, it was just so slow. Story wasn’t my fav either. Was going to try to make it halfway but I want to enjoy my reading, not suffer through it.
wynwicket's review
Beautifully and intelligently written, but unrelentingly grim. I made it through 350 pages, with no hope for Our Hero in sight -- putting this one down for a while.
thebookofnicole's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like I'll definitely look back on this a lot fonder than I did while reading it.
The book is brilliant — every part of it. Zebulon being an antihero in his own story, the format in which it is written, the meaning of immortality in this fiction, how nothing he holds dear stays with him. It's tragic and beautifully written. It's just so long, and I cared a lot more about certain parts than I did about others.
I will definitely finish the second one, only because I want to know who brought this life on him, but it will... Most likely be a few months, at least. This book has been happening for two months, and I need a breath of fresh air.
The book is brilliant — every part of it. Zebulon being an antihero in his own story, the format in which it is written, the meaning of immortality in this fiction, how nothing he holds dear stays with him. It's tragic and beautifully written. It's just so long, and I cared a lot more about certain parts than I did about others.
I will definitely finish the second one, only because I want to know who brought this life on him, but it will... Most likely be a few months, at least. This book has been happening for two months, and I need a breath of fresh air.
emdoux's review against another edition
5.0
this surpassed itself the second time.
and the third time.
and the third time.
apersonfromflorida's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, War, Blood, Torture, and Child death
Moderate: Racism, Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, and Gun violence
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Drug use
beeutch's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
summerw04's review
4.0
I liked it way more than I thought I would. It is dark and sad and at times it is very funny. Zebulon Finch is not likable, which ends up working out for the overall tone. He is arrogant and mean, but he is still a very interesting main character.
abetterjulie's review
4.0
This was excellent. Great characters, crisp visuals, and an original voice. The writing itself was poetic in many places, and I would pause to linger over the words. The scope of history involved was fun and kept the bounce for the story. I'll definitely read the next one, and may seek out his other works. The only complaint is that there's no way I'd label this as YA as our library did.