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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
This book had me furrowing my brow, tipping my head sideways and mumbling away to myself with sentences starting 'but what about...?' I really enjoyed the worlds that were created, the realm of characters and the steam-punkish flavour; maybe I shouldn't have overlooked Mervyn Peake in the dim and distant past...
One other book kept springing to mind while I was reading Rotherweird - Gormeghast.
For some, that may appear to be sacrilege, putting Rotherweird on a pedestal it doesn't deserve. To others, damning with faint praise. For me... well, for me, it was mostly that fact that the town - set apart from the rest of the country - and its inhabitants - quirky, peculiar and downright odd, just brought Peake's apparent masterpiece to mind.
The difference is that I was able to read Rotherweird to the end and, while I probably didn't get everything that went on in the novel, I definitely enjoyed it more that the earlier (bloated) tome. I liked the characters, I found their stories intriguing, their town enthralling and the mystery about it and its history, forbidden as it is, a relatively riveting read, one that almost demands a second run-through.
For some, that may appear to be sacrilege, putting Rotherweird on a pedestal it doesn't deserve. To others, damning with faint praise. For me... well, for me, it was mostly that fact that the town - set apart from the rest of the country - and its inhabitants - quirky, peculiar and downright odd, just brought Peake's apparent masterpiece to mind.
The difference is that I was able to read Rotherweird to the end and, while I probably didn't get everything that went on in the novel, I definitely enjoyed it more that the earlier (bloated) tome. I liked the characters, I found their stories intriguing, their town enthralling and the mystery about it and its history, forbidden as it is, a relatively riveting read, one that almost demands a second run-through.
adventurous
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:
Complicated
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
Rotherweird is an extremely weird and wonderful science fantasy. Although it is set in the present day the town of Rotherweird has not moved with the times. It is a jumble of old buildings, towers and bridges, no cars are allowed, only bicycles and rickshaws, and history from before the year 1800 must not be studied or discussed. Something terrible occurred in the 16th century and Rotherweird was given independence from the rest of the country. And with good reason it transpires.
The story has an almost Dickensian feel about it and the author has done a fantastic job inventing such a fantastical place and amazing characters. However, I found the story a little difficult to get in to. It is so descriptive in the world building and character development that it all becomes slightly overwhelming at times. Once I did get in to it though, and everything clicked, I loved it. Although it isn't a comedy there is a fair bit of wry humour. The coracle race in particular is hilarious and something straight out of Wacky Races.
Rotherweird is a very original fantasy which is worth the effort and will ultimately satisfy if you can persevere with the extensive descriptions and world building, which is truly fantastic. I am looking forward to the sequel.
Rotherweird is an extremely weird and wonderful science fantasy. Although it is set in the present day the town of Rotherweird has not moved with the times. It is a jumble of old buildings, towers and bridges, no cars are allowed, only bicycles and rickshaws, and history from before the year 1800 must not be studied or discussed. Something terrible occurred in the 16th century and Rotherweird was given independence from the rest of the country. And with good reason it transpires.
The story has an almost Dickensian feel about it and the author has done a fantastic job inventing such a fantastical place and amazing characters. However, I found the story a little difficult to get in to. It is so descriptive in the world building and character development that it all becomes slightly overwhelming at times. Once I did get in to it though, and everything clicked, I loved it. Although it isn't a comedy there is a fair bit of wry humour. The coracle race in particular is hilarious and something straight out of Wacky Races.
Rotherweird is a very original fantasy which is worth the effort and will ultimately satisfy if you can persevere with the extensive descriptions and world building, which is truly fantastic. I am looking forward to the sequel.
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
2.5 - not for me. I was looking for a good magical/fantasy novel to tide me over until the new Nevermoor book comes out later this year, and hoped this would fit the bill. Unfortunately, the writing felt much like the town of Rotherweird - dead ends, twisting alleys, and nonsensical staircases leading nowhere. I couldn't get plugged into any of the characters or their stories.
An okay book, but incredibly slow pace wise, and too many characters to keep track of.
Fun fiction, nicely written. I wanted to know what happened next, to understand the history of Rotherweird and figure out what was going to happen. Elements of shitty classsism and toxic masculinity, dealt with well in a still light novel.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I found it a little bit confusing at first but the illustrations are lovely