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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
The B plot was an unnecessary extended distraction from what was an enormously promising premise of rigging an election on behalf of a bunch of wizards. I'm dropping a star off my review for the author's terrible instincts and the editor(s) not doing his/her/their job. We do get to see more Father Chains, the Sanzas, and past & present Sabetha... but in long departures from the main story that aren't entertaining or illuminating enough to justify being more than glimpses. The big revelations at the end just seem tired.
When I'm this unkind in a review, it's because I had higher expectations than the material actually delivered on.
When I'm this unkind in a review, it's because I had higher expectations than the material actually delivered on.
It took a couple of years, going from ebook to physical, and back to ebook, but I finally finished this book.
Scott Lynch once again does an amazing job of crafting a world and tying together the past and the present. I feel that this one isn't quite as great as the previous books, but I still put it in among the best fantasy being produced right now.
I can't wait for the next to come out, hopefully this year.
e:I just checked, I started reading this book on July 20, 2014. It took me 903 days to finish this...
Scott Lynch once again does an amazing job of crafting a world and tying together the past and the present. I feel that this one isn't quite as great as the previous books, but I still put it in among the best fantasy being produced right now.
I can't wait for the next to come out, hopefully this year.
e:I just checked, I started reading this book on July 20, 2014. It took me 903 days to finish this...
So, I'm finally caught up and book 3 did not disappoint!
After two books of Sabetha being mentioned only in pained whispers it was nice to finally find out more about her, in fact I think her story really made this book. Firstly it was ingeniously cruel to begin with a flashback when clearly everyone was desperate to find out what happened to Locke following his drinking of the poison at the end of the previous book. But it was also a really interesting flashback as we got to learn more about Locke's origins and also about Sabetha which is a mystery we've all wanted to know more about since the first book. So whilst the first few chapters were really interesting and enjoyable, I for one was still desperate to get on to present day.
Once the present day plot started, the flashback plot was very neatly interwoven with the current timeline,.
The heist aspect of this book wasn't as strong as in the previous books, however learning more about the magi and apparently about Locke's origins (is it true or not?!) more than made up for the slightly simpler plot that ran through most of the book. It did get very fun towards the end of the flashback plot after Good fun!
Although the culmination of the present day plot was definitely a surprise, I couldn't really have expected that the election finished and they all just went home happy! Luckily not long to wait till the next one...
After two books of Sabetha being mentioned only in pained whispers it was nice to finally find out more about her, in fact I think her story really made this book. Firstly it was ingeniously cruel to begin with a flashback when clearly everyone was desperate to find out what happened to Locke following his drinking of the poison at the end of the previous book. But it was also a really interesting flashback as we got to learn more about Locke's origins and also about Sabetha which is a mystery we've all wanted to know more about since the first book. So whilst the first few chapters were really interesting and enjoyable, I for one was still desperate to get on to present day.
Once the present day plot started, the flashback plot was very neatly interwoven with the current timeline,
Spoiler
so that their first coming together in the flashbacks nicely reflected their reunion in KarthainThe heist aspect of this book wasn't as strong as in the previous books, however learning more about the magi and apparently about Locke's origins (is it true or not?!) more than made up for the slightly simpler plot that ran through most of the book. It did get very fun towards the end of the flashback plot after
Spoiler
Boulidazi is killed and the ridiculous lengths they went to in order to get away with it and try to implicate Moncraine at the same time.Although the culmination of the present day plot was definitely a surprise, I couldn't really have expected that the election finished and they all just went home happy! Luckily not long to wait till the next one...
Wrapped up the trilogy nicely, and left room for more. Was fun.
Interesting. I did not find the story of this book as compelling as the first two, particularly after the big reveal near the end. However, Scott Lynch's narrative style and particularly the banter and lunge/riposte dialog between the main characters kept things moving along nicely.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
An excellent continuation of an excellent series, although it feels more interested in nre introductions and world building than narrative and a sense of danger. Hopefully, in context to what comes after this, this book could be looked upon as the calm before the storm.
If I attempt to be unbiased, perhaps I should give the book three stars instead of four. However, I enjoyed it enough for four, so even though I see some (relatively serious) flaws, reading it was worth it nevertheless. Big improvement from the previous one in the series.
Spoiler
The main problem for me is that nothing really happened. The book kept going and going, but the build-up lead to no real culmination. All the enjoyment came from getting to know the characters better and watching them interact. This was enjoyable enough, but could become a problem if the series continue the same way.
The whole you're a reincarnated wizard bit threw me off like woah. I like the reintroduction of the falconer at the end though, as well as the 2 timestreams.
Didn't like it as much as I liked the first two, but I'm still looking forward to their next adventures!