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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is a truly odd book that is more an experience than a story.
I feel like I've been on holiday to Rotherweird and made the acquaintance of various residents, rather than being led through world-building, plot and lore.
I am generally a fan of world-building moments that have no direct bearing on the plot but this book chopped and changed between the two so much that I didn't notice the plot happening. So, when we were in the approach to the final show-down, I had to look back and puzzle out how the characters got there. It's effective in making me feel like one of the inhabitants of the town but it is slightly irritating when you can feel the author withholding information that would make everything obvious.
The revelations in the coda segment were mostly obvious, except the one of which I'm still skeptical, but in a "oh, you guys are finally on the same page, cool" sense, not a "why hadn't you worked that out already" sense.
Perfectly good book, just nothing earth-shattering
I feel like I've been on holiday to Rotherweird and made the acquaintance of various residents, rather than being led through world-building, plot and lore.
I am generally a fan of world-building moments that have no direct bearing on the plot but this book chopped and changed between the two so much that I didn't notice the plot happening. So, when we were in the approach to the final show-down, I had to look back and puzzle out how the characters got there. It's effective in making me feel like one of the inhabitants of the town but it is slightly irritating when you can feel the author withholding information that would make everything obvious.
The revelations in the coda segment were mostly obvious, except the one of which I'm still skeptical, but in a "oh, you guys are finally on the same page, cool" sense, not a "why hadn't you worked that out already" sense.
Perfectly good book, just nothing earth-shattering
adventurous
challenging
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
DNF
I hate to DNF a book, as it plays havoc with my OCD, so it is very rare indeed.
In this case, it's not that this was a terrible book; it is well-written, with an interesting plot premise and a very appealing title/cover combo.
I just found myself unable to fully engage with the plot or characters, to the point I was having to force myself to pick it up, instead of my usual reverse.
With so many books piling up to be read, I just can't justify keep kidding myself I'm ever going to finish this one!
I hate to DNF a book, as it plays havoc with my OCD, so it is very rare indeed.
In this case, it's not that this was a terrible book; it is well-written, with an interesting plot premise and a very appealing title/cover combo.
I just found myself unable to fully engage with the plot or characters, to the point I was having to force myself to pick it up, instead of my usual reverse.
With so many books piling up to be read, I just can't justify keep kidding myself I'm ever going to finish this one!
Something pretty darn original is hard to find these days, and this had that in spades. Its also got more mysteries to unravel than most books, keeping me glued from page one 'til the end. Why is this little English town so hidden away from the rest of the world? What's up with the ban on teaching history?
My only complaint really is that there are a few too many POV characters, making things a little less clear than they could have been. But I did love the 'history' interludes between sections, revealing a little more each time.
Full review is up on my blog.
My only complaint really is that there are a few too many POV characters, making things a little less clear than they could have been. But I did love the 'history' interludes between sections, revealing a little more each time.
Full review is up on my blog.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A weird blend of history and fantasy. Very unique storyline, magic system and plot which is highly refreshing. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the storyline, but the writing style distances the reader from the characters a little too much in places.