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0uterspacebookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kayteeem's review against another edition
2.0
Slower paced than other novel sets in this world -- not too surprising since many of those are trilogies. Kirball still seems like a space-filler. It was a nice uncomplicated read for a sick day.
books_n_critters's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book, but it was another one where the author told a good story in a long and boring way. It could have been much shorter, but some parts were stretched out almost to the point of my losing interest. I skimmed through about a third of the book and still didn't miss anything.
catherine_t's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Herald-Trainee Mags has come a long way: from child slave in a gem mine to hero of the Kirball field. He's made friends with his year-mates and team-mates. He's been working with King's Own Herald Nikolas, learning the tricks of the spy trade. In fact, he's doing so well at this last, Nikolas decides to let him run an undercover operation in town on his own.
But one night, Mags is opening the pawnshop--the front for the operation--when he's hit from behind. When he wakes up, he's blindfolded and trussed up like a chicken for the roasting pan, in a conveyance of some kind. Worse, he's head-blind: his Gift of Mindspeech is gone. He can't even sense Dallen, his Companion. If he can't sense Dallen, then Dallen can't sense him, either. And if Dallen can't sense him, then Mags may be on his way to his end...
I found Redoubt rather slow-going. The actual impelling event doesn't happen until halfway through the book. The first half is mainly about Mags' relationships with his friends and Nikolas (and more games of Kirball). Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed it, all of it. But when I read the precis on the back cover, I expected events to move along faster.
On the other hand, the pace definitely allows for more character development. Lackey definitely knows what she's doing. Recommended.
But one night, Mags is opening the pawnshop--the front for the operation--when he's hit from behind. When he wakes up, he's blindfolded and trussed up like a chicken for the roasting pan, in a conveyance of some kind. Worse, he's head-blind: his Gift of Mindspeech is gone. He can't even sense Dallen, his Companion. If he can't sense Dallen, then Dallen can't sense him, either. And if Dallen can't sense him, then Mags may be on his way to his end...
I found Redoubt rather slow-going. The actual impelling event doesn't happen until halfway through the book. The first half is mainly about Mags' relationships with his friends and Nikolas (and more games of Kirball). Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed it, all of it. But when I read the precis on the back cover, I expected events to move along faster.
On the other hand, the pace definitely allows for more character development. Lackey definitely knows what she's doing. Recommended.
pamma's review against another edition
2.0
I was rather disappointed in this book. It was not as captivating as some of the earlier works by Lackey. It almost feels as though she rushed it. I found the story did not hold my attention. At least in this fourth book of the Collegium series there was not the multitude of spelling errors that there were in the first three paperback editions.
fyrekatz's review against another edition
5.0
I can't wait for the next novel in this series... I believe my goal for 2013 besides getting a job would be to real all the Valedmar Books! Lets Go!
kraley's review against another edition
2.0
I feel sad that I am giving a Valdemar book so few stars, but this just wasn't up to par. The story was slow, repeated too many things from past books, and we STILL had to suffer through a Quiddich, I mean Kirball game. Ugh. Earlier renditions have had a plot that kept the story moving. This one was tiresome and we really didn't have anything added to Mags' story. I'll read the next one in hopes of better fair. This didn't even rate as mediocre.
alboyer6's review against another edition
2.0
I had listened to the first three audiobooks of this series. It looks like this volume isn't going to be one so I read it. I was really disappointed with the second half of the story and though Mags was rescued there wasn't much more resolution.
jmoses's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a sucker for this world, so 4 stars is pretty much a given. It's more of the same, so if you haven't liked any, you won't like this.
silverhawk3799's review against another edition
3.0
Been following all of Lackey's books. However, I found that Redoubt did not hold my interest like the others have in the past. Usually I sit down and read the book cover to cover. Redoubt one took me weeks while I put it down and read other books. Not quite sure why, maybe it was the slower pace, the covering and re-covering of material already covered in previous books, lack of significant character development? Not sure exactly. Still enjoyed the book, but am somewhat disappointed I spent my money on a hardcover copy rather than just getting it from the library. I doubt I'll ever read this one a second time.