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wardenred's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
People do not exist to serve their governments or their kings. Governments exist to serve the people.
This was a pretty epic read. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding with all of its different magic systems and the gradually unveiled secrets. Also, I found the overall concept of the story super interesting. There are lots of stories where overthrowing a king who's been harming the kingdom is the goal; here, it's an inciting incident. The story is about what happens after that one big change, and all the small changes that needs to be done, and the not-so-nice-and-shiny decisions that need to be made, and the payoff of the risks that had been taken, and all sorts of previously unknown information coming to light a little too late for contingency plans. I drew a lot of parallels with the real world events as I read, both from the faraway past and the recent history, and generally found this portrayal of a changing country compelling.
For the most part, I liked how the multiple POVs worked here, though sometimes I felt the need for some extra points of view. In particular, I'm sad that we never got into Ka-poel's head; I loved her so much. There were also times I wished the narration lingered more in a particular POV before the imminent switch to another one, or simply went deeper. That is mostly like a case of "it's not you, and me"; while objectively the characterization in general is pretty good here and the depth of character building is 100% appropriate for a more setting and plot focused story like this, subjectively I enjoy a slightly more character-driven approach.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Ableism, War, Gun violence, Death, Violence, and Racism
hopepunkmonk's review
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
Hated this book. Almost did not finish. This review described my feelings exactly. https://papertigertale.wordpress.com/2017/10/12/promise-of-blood-powder-mage-1-by-brian-mcclellan-review/?fbclid=IwAR2N6NKNcdu_cXX7srsOdLe5uYzi5jB6NCn9EOMwTOEu8SP1CIPdO1MeKNM
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Xenophobia, War, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Rape
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, Infidelity, Racism, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Forced institutionalization
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