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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
I am not sure what I am missing with these low ratings for this book, but holy shit it was a ride and as soon as I can I will be hitting book two.
Admittedly, this book is rather weird (ha) with its mixing of different genres such as steampunk and fantasy in an ordinary world, but I think this is exactly the point. I couldn't put it down and at least I know that I am in agreement with Klaus the Contradictorian. Books are so subjective, but for me, this was an amazing ride and I am so grateful Klaus brought it to my attention.
There are not enough words to explain how great this story was and I am probably not wordy enough to do it justice anyway.
Admittedly, this book is rather weird (ha) with its mixing of different genres such as steampunk and fantasy in an ordinary world, but I think this is exactly the point. I couldn't put it down and at least I know that I am in agreement with Klaus the Contradictorian. Books are so subjective, but for me, this was an amazing ride and I am so grateful Klaus brought it to my attention.
There are not enough words to explain how great this story was and I am probably not wordy enough to do it justice anyway.
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Premise: very original
Character: interesting characters, although I didn’t really connect with any of them
Plot: Convoluted, to the point of being a slog to read, but I did want to keep reading, but couldn’t get caught up. Read in aliquots.
Writing: Really enjoyed the writing, very atmospheric, with humor. Some wonderful setpieces, like the coracle race and the play
Location/worldbuilding: excellent.
Ending: satisfying
Enjoyment/engagement: Although I found it a slog, I did want to continue with it so ???
It's interesting reading some of the other reviews on this book. I can see why they are somewhat divided.
On the one hand, the world building is fantastic. The town itself, the idea of the history - it does feel fleshed out and straight out enjoyable. On the other hand, as others have suggested, it does require some suspension of disbelief. Not only in the improbability of such a thing being possible, but maybe moreso in the general acceptance of it by the characters. This doesn't bother me a ton, I can just accept it for what it is, but I do see how others mentioned it. I definitely raised an eyebrow, but nothing more.
I did find some of the characters a little hard to follow - Finch, Fanguin, Ferenson - maybe all a little similar not only in name but in character type so sometimes I found myself pausing to remember who it is we are talking about here.
I also found some of the anagrams to be a bit of a stretch. Maybe it would have been more appropriate to have the devisors of the anagrams reveal them - rather than to have people solve anagrams that are all but impossible. Specifically the Box Calle anagram. But, then again, maybe that is just part of the magic and intelligence of Rotherweird. People there have minds that work differently than ours. But, also then again, maybe I'm being too forgiving here.
All of that said, I loved it. I'm excited to read the next one. The plot unfolds slowly. Most of the fun in the first 2/3 of the book is just enjoying the town. Again, if you're hung up on verisimilitude, it's going to be a little difficult. But if you can accept things for what they are, you'll have a really enjoyable experience. I look forward to the next book.
On the one hand, the world building is fantastic. The town itself, the idea of the history - it does feel fleshed out and straight out enjoyable. On the other hand, as others have suggested, it does require some suspension of disbelief. Not only in the improbability of such a thing being possible, but maybe moreso in the general acceptance of it by the characters. This doesn't bother me a ton, I can just accept it for what it is, but I do see how others mentioned it. I definitely raised an eyebrow, but nothing more.
I did find some of the characters a little hard to follow - Finch, Fanguin, Ferenson - maybe all a little similar not only in name but in character type so sometimes I found myself pausing to remember who it is we are talking about here.
I also found some of the anagrams to be a bit of a stretch. Maybe it would have been more appropriate to have the devisors of the anagrams reveal them - rather than to have people solve anagrams that are all but impossible. Specifically the Box Calle anagram. But, then again, maybe that is just part of the magic and intelligence of Rotherweird. People there have minds that work differently than ours. But, also then again, maybe I'm being too forgiving here.
All of that said, I loved it. I'm excited to read the next one. The plot unfolds slowly. Most of the fun in the first 2/3 of the book is just enjoying the town. Again, if you're hung up on verisimilitude, it's going to be a little difficult. But if you can accept things for what they are, you'll have a really enjoyable experience. I look forward to the next book.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is completely bonkers. I loved it.
I had no idea what was going on for the first 25% but once it got going, there was so much mystery to be had.
The fantasy/ magic element was very different to anything I'd read before. People have compared it to Harry Potter in other reviews but I cannot see the comparison other than the fact there are 12 children in it at the beginning. I mean those 12 children didn't feature that heavily, and you don't even learn most of their names.
There is a cast list at the beginning which normally gives me the fear there will be 500 subplots etc, but I can say that they are all linked and generally have contact with one another so it all makes sense, eventually.
All in all, fun, engaging, bloody weird. Will be reading the sequels.
I had no idea what was going on for the first 25% but once it got going, there was so much mystery to be had.
The fantasy/ magic element was very different to anything I'd read before. People have compared it to Harry Potter in other reviews but I cannot see the comparison other than the fact there are 12 children in it at the beginning. I mean those 12 children didn't feature that heavily, and you don't even learn most of their names.
There is a cast list at the beginning which normally gives me the fear there will be 500 subplots etc, but I can say that they are all linked and generally have contact with one another so it all makes sense, eventually.
All in all, fun, engaging, bloody weird. Will be reading the sequels.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The story was interesting but a little convoluted. The pacing and emphasis was off so what should have been important and exciting just seemed dull.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
wow that was long. started at the end of october and finished in the beginning of december...
I didn’t give it 1 star because i was in a slump while reading it. It’s because the world building was bad, there were too many characters introduced in the same time, the plot is confusing in a bad way, the pace was too slow. The characters weren’t memorable, they are too forgettable. Many times have I found myself flipping it back to the characters list to remind myself who they were.
The plot twist was so poorly executed, it was just given to us readers. We were not even expecting it and it was just said by one of the characters. Like what? There’s no build up, no suspense with the plot twist.
The idea is great but so poorly executed.
I didn’t give it 1 star because i was in a slump while reading it. It’s because the world building was bad, there were too many characters introduced in the same time, the plot is confusing in a bad way, the pace was too slow. The characters weren’t memorable, they are too forgettable. Many times have I found myself flipping it back to the characters list to remind myself who they were.
The plot twist was so poorly executed, it was just given to us readers. We were not even expecting it and it was just said by one of the characters. Like what? There’s no build up, no suspense with the plot twist.
The idea is great but so poorly executed.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this book but didn't love it. It took me a while to understand the world and what was going on, and I think the use of language didn't help in this case. I might check out the other two books, but this one wasn't my favourite by any stretch.
It's still objectively a good book, maybe just not for me.
It's still objectively a good book, maybe just not for me.