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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
It took until page 182 for me to really get into it, but then I was totally hooked. Bujold is a great writer and I really enjoyed the world and the sort of magic system in this book. I love how she thanked her history professor in the acknowledgements!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The best book I've read in a while! A lovely read. I could use so many more words to describe it. Heartwarming, tender, exciting, satisfying. The story of a man who sees himself as broken but is worth so much more than he realizes. All the best things for Cazaril.
When the souls rise up in glory, yours shall not be shunned nor sundered, but shall be the prize of the gods' gardens. Even your darkness shall be treasured then, and all your pain made holy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Slavery, Terminal illness, Violence
Moderate: Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief
Minor: Animal death, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Alcohol
What makes one medieval High Fantasy power struggle book better than another? In this case, for me, it's interesting characters who grow, including a middle-aged, non-royal protagonist, and a number (three, I believe, is the number) of strong women; a fascinating and not-overly-complex religion, including gods that take a disturbing amount of interest in human affairs but interestingly are not very efficacious on the human plane; good writing and humor.
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is one of those books I stayed up late reading, telling myself "Just one more chapter!"
Magic only brushes the edges of the setting, with more of a focus on gods and goddesses, although what magic there is is dark and mysterious. The protagonist has a unique point of view, and he is flawed, complex, and well-rounded. The supporting characters were interesting and even the villains had their sympathetic moments (with one exception, but that character was utterly without redemption). There is a solid sense of history to the world, and my only quibble would be the use or roya and royina instead of king and queen felt unnecessary.
The writing is excellent. This is fantasy without elves and dwarves, but focuses instead on one of the side characters in an epic story. He actually is the driving force behind major events, and the author shows him in both flattering and ugly lights, his weakest moments and rallying points. Gender and violence is handled deftly, and this is mainly a book about politics, not sweeping battles. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes fantasy with well-developed characters.
Magic only brushes the edges of the setting, with more of a focus on gods and goddesses, although what magic there is is dark and mysterious. The protagonist has a unique point of view, and he is flawed, complex, and well-rounded. The supporting characters were interesting and even the villains had their sympathetic moments (with one exception, but that character was utterly without redemption). There is a solid sense of history to the world, and my only quibble would be the use or roya and royina instead of king and queen felt unnecessary.
The writing is excellent. This is fantasy without elves and dwarves, but focuses instead on one of the side characters in an epic story. He actually is the driving force behind major events, and the author shows him in both flattering and ugly lights, his weakest moments and rallying points. Gender and violence is handled deftly, and this is mainly a book about politics, not sweeping battles. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes fantasy with well-developed characters.
This was a DNF for me, I got over halfway through and still didn't care about any of the characters or the plot. I can see from reviews that I'm in the minority with this opinion, but I think I prefer my fantasy with a bit more going on and a faster pace.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars. It's older school fantasy and it took me a bit to get into the world, but a solid story.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated