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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
It is a good novel for those who prefer political intrigue to be the main part of their fantasy novels. Unfortunately, I am not one of those and didn't have the best of times.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This author is one on my list of "should read something by," so when this book popped up on Kindle sale I had to grab it. I started it before I left on my road trip, but didn't read it much at all while traveling, so most of it was read over the past week. This turned out to be a fantastic book, and I will definitely be looking at more by this author in the future.
The story follows a man, Cazaril, as he tries to begin his life over again after harrowing near-death adventures that were set upon him by various people for their own gain. Unwillingly drawn into court politics yet again, including facing off against some of those who harmed him in the past, Caz must work to protect the young princess that is his charge against those who would use her for their own gains. Adding to the challenge is that this is a world where the gods quite literally take matters into their own hands when opportunities and openings allow, and Cazaril must figure out what help and usage of himself he can accept by his gods.
There are layers to this story, spun together with pieces popping into place neatly as the overall story arc progresses. While the story got off to a slow start, once it gets going and begins building it rises like the tide and takes you along with it, drawing the reader in by developing characters that you'll care about and putting them in situations where you root for them to succeed. The details of the world make it very realistic and clearly show quite a bit of thought, especially with regards to the religion and gods which play such a role in the second half of the story. Smaller psychological details also prove out, such as manipulation techniques including gaslighting and other means of discrediting another in order to keep oneself in power, which while uncomfortable to see used were used and called out appropriately.
The story is a complete arc in and of itself, so despite being listed as "#2" I don't feel that I missed anything by not reading whatever book is ranked "#1" in this series. Definitely a solid and very good entry in the fantasy genre, and one I'd recommend to just about anyone who enjoys this sort of story.
The story follows a man, Cazaril, as he tries to begin his life over again after harrowing near-death adventures that were set upon him by various people for their own gain. Unwillingly drawn into court politics yet again, including facing off against some of those who harmed him in the past, Caz must work to protect the young princess that is his charge against those who would use her for their own gains. Adding to the challenge is that this is a world where the gods quite literally take matters into their own hands when opportunities and openings allow, and Cazaril must figure out what help and usage of himself he can accept by his gods.
There are layers to this story, spun together with pieces popping into place neatly as the overall story arc progresses. While the story got off to a slow start, once it gets going and begins building it rises like the tide and takes you along with it, drawing the reader in by developing characters that you'll care about and putting them in situations where you root for them to succeed. The details of the world make it very realistic and clearly show quite a bit of thought, especially with regards to the religion and gods which play such a role in the second half of the story. Smaller psychological details also prove out, such as manipulation techniques including gaslighting and other means of discrediting another in order to keep oneself in power, which while uncomfortable to see used were used and called out appropriately.
The story is a complete arc in and of itself, so despite being listed as "#2" I don't feel that I missed anything by not reading whatever book is ranked "#1" in this series. Definitely a solid and very good entry in the fantasy genre, and one I'd recommend to just about anyone who enjoys this sort of story.
There’s not a long of magic in this book until there is a lot of magic. There’s definitely a lot of politics and court intrigue. There are a couple of convenient plot twists and I’m not sure I believe that Iselle is 16. However it was solid. Sometimes it was hard to picture all the lands and my book lacked a map. However, I understood Cazaril’s desire to just rest. A lot. Definitely understand that. Pace of the book picks up in the last half. First half is a lot of set up. Enjoyable overall.
This was a bit slow-paced at times, and somewhat predictable, but still thoroughly enjoyable. I did not think everything was going to get wrapped up in a single book, but it did, and very neatly too. But you don't realize that until about 40-50 pages from the end. The wrap up after the climax was a bit long I think, but probably necessary to set the stage for later books.
It feels like a long while since I've read a book that I enjoyed as much as this one.
Read-alikes: Tigana (Guy Gavriel Kay) and The Bone Doll's Twin (Lynn Flewelling)
Read-alikes: Tigana (Guy Gavriel Kay) and The Bone Doll's Twin (Lynn Flewelling)
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
With a fantastic writing style, a wonderfully unique story, and a intriguing, intelligent and unconventional hero, The Curse or Chalion was a pleasure to read.
It's not a fantasy filled with fighting, and the fictional religion of the story plays a major part of it, but I never once found myself bored or abbreviated by the lack of things happening, because things DO happen, in all sorts of ways. It's always a great experience to read a fantasy where the protagonist thinks things through intelligently and inadvertently draws others to them as a result.
It's not a fantasy filled with fighting, and the fictional religion of the story plays a major part of it, but I never once found myself bored or abbreviated by the lack of things happening, because things DO happen, in all sorts of ways. It's always a great experience to read a fantasy where the protagonist thinks things through intelligently and inadvertently draws others to them as a result.