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emmalouise_k's review
Didn't enjoy the storyline that much. Seemed like a well written book though.
her_little_library's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mackenziedmh's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I originally read this book in middle school, so about eight years ago (a few years after they were released in the US). I absolutely loved this book then, and I think it still holds up. It’s interesting and a quick read; there’s nothing too complex or intense, and the world and characters are interesting enough.
hopeevey's review
4.0
Well written with very compelling characters. Even while I want to smack Galen upside the head I want to know what's going to happen next.
The author has created a rich fantasy setting, with a twist I don't think I've ever read before. I'm nervous about reading the remaining; I don't see how this twist can possibly resolve in a satisfying way. However, if she does manage to pull it off, it has the potential to be amazing.
Hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, I've already started listening to the second book :)
The author has created a rich fantasy setting, with a twist I don't think I've ever read before. I'm nervous about reading the remaining; I don't see how this twist can possibly resolve in a satisfying way. However, if she does manage to pull it off, it has the potential to be amazing.
Hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, I've already started listening to the second book :)
stellathereader's review
3.0
I needed more from this book. I kept on looking for it and even with my sister's constant: OMG STELLA. YOU HAVE TO READ IT." I was disappointed by Fisher.
When introduced to a brand new fantasy world, description of the setting is key. I find Fisher fell short on this and at no time did I feel like I was actually present in the world of Anara. Sorry Ashley, I just didn't like this book and felt no guilt when I skipped a couple of the pages. Well, frankly, I didn't really care if I missed some of the stuff because I felt no connection to the story and characters.
3 stars for an interesting concept.
When introduced to a brand new fantasy world, description of the setting is key. I find Fisher fell short on this and at no time did I feel like I was actually present in the world of Anara. Sorry Ashley, I just didn't like this book and felt no guilt when I skipped a couple of the pages. Well, frankly, I didn't really care if I missed some of the stuff because I felt no connection to the story and characters.
3 stars for an interesting concept.
adubrow's review
5.0
(Originally posted @ CSI:Librarian.)
From start to finish, I was enthralled by this book. It is just sort of thing I really wish I could have stumbled upon as a kid, but am still completely delighted to have discovered now.
I loved everything, especially the plotting, the pacing, and the world-building. The dilemmas that characters faced were intense, powerful, and believable. In terms of Galen, Raffi, and Carys, there was no way to keep from feeling for them as they struggled to overcome great hardships because of themselves, one another, and the situations they were thrust into. They were all quite likable too,and I cannot wait to read more about the Sekoi and his people.
Although I'm usually not a fan of pages that consist only of fragments from some non-existent text, scroll, or tome, I think The Dark City actually benefited from including so many of them since they actually added or enhanced the sections they proceeded. As both the keeper and apprentice headed toward their goal, the world became more and more vivid even as it became more and more complicated in terms of factions, magic, and the relics that need to be gathered in order to save the world from itself as well as a good percentage of its own people. There are a lot of mysteries left to puzzle out, and I am thrilled to find yet another YA novel that was about mentors, students, friendship, trust, and a really, really unique setting. The way Fisher combined technology, magic, science fiction, and fantasy was simply terrific and so well-done.
In conclusion, an excellent first book and one that ought to have come out in the states a long, long time ago. I think fans of any kind of fantasy will find something to enjoy here and ought to seriously consider taking a look at The Dark City. It is a short read and a vastly entertaining one. I for one can't wait to read the rest of the Relic Master books and then as much Catherine Fisher as I can get my hands on.
From start to finish, I was enthralled by this book. It is just sort of thing I really wish I could have stumbled upon as a kid, but am still completely delighted to have discovered now.
I loved everything, especially the plotting, the pacing, and the world-building. The dilemmas that characters faced were intense, powerful, and believable. In terms of Galen, Raffi, and Carys, there was no way to keep from feeling for them as they struggled to overcome great hardships because of themselves, one another, and the situations they were thrust into. They were all quite likable too,and I cannot wait to read more about the Sekoi and his people.
Although I'm usually not a fan of pages that consist only of fragments from some non-existent text, scroll, or tome, I think The Dark City actually benefited from including so many of them since they actually added or enhanced the sections they proceeded. As both the keeper and apprentice headed toward their goal, the world became more and more vivid even as it became more and more complicated in terms of factions, magic, and the relics that need to be gathered in order to save the world from itself as well as a good percentage of its own people. There are a lot of mysteries left to puzzle out, and I am thrilled to find yet another YA novel that was about mentors, students, friendship, trust, and a really, really unique setting. The way Fisher combined technology, magic, science fiction, and fantasy was simply terrific and so well-done.
In conclusion, an excellent first book and one that ought to have come out in the states a long, long time ago. I think fans of any kind of fantasy will find something to enjoy here and ought to seriously consider taking a look at The Dark City. It is a short read and a vastly entertaining one. I for one can't wait to read the rest of the Relic Master books and then as much Catherine Fisher as I can get my hands on.
lorny's review
4.0
Summary: Raffi and his Relic Master Galen are in a bit of a bind. Upon being captured by some shady men, they’ve been forced to journey to the dangerous city of Tasceron—the supposed holy land of Relics, mysterious pieces of technology from the past. On the way, Raffi and Galen are joined by Carys, a young girl with questionable loyalties. The three must keep each other safe from the Watchmen, people who persecute Relic Masters, and make it to Tasceron in one piece.
My thoughts: Relic Master: The Dark City is a non-stop action-adventure novel that might be better suited to a middle-grade audience. The simple yet flourishing writing style easily captures the reader’s attention, and the world of Anara, though slightly underdeveloped, is intriguing. Though the characters leave a bit to be desired, the story of the first Relic Master installment is a whirlwind of adventure and impossible to put down.
Though I really couldn’t connect with any of the main characters, I did find Galen, Raffi, and Carys to be fine protagonists. I enjoyed their interactions, and was constantly pondering their loyalties. The student/master relationship between Raffi and Galen was endearing, though the latter character was often much too moody for my tastes (I can’t believe Raffi put up with him!).
Like I mentioned earlier, the first Relic Master book is really an adventure. The characters journey to the land of Tasceron, and encounter many exciting obstacles along the way. The most intriguing parts of the story, I think, were the mysterious Relics that our band of travelers were searching for. It was fun to guess which pieces of today’s technology they represent.
All in all, Relic Master: The Dark City was an enjoyable read. I think the book has great crossover appeal for middle-grade readers; the style of storytelling and the overall adventure feel will easily capture their attention.
My thoughts: Relic Master: The Dark City is a non-stop action-adventure novel that might be better suited to a middle-grade audience. The simple yet flourishing writing style easily captures the reader’s attention, and the world of Anara, though slightly underdeveloped, is intriguing. Though the characters leave a bit to be desired, the story of the first Relic Master installment is a whirlwind of adventure and impossible to put down.
Though I really couldn’t connect with any of the main characters, I did find Galen, Raffi, and Carys to be fine protagonists. I enjoyed their interactions, and was constantly pondering their loyalties. The student/master relationship between Raffi and Galen was endearing, though the latter character was often much too moody for my tastes (I can’t believe Raffi put up with him!).
Like I mentioned earlier, the first Relic Master book is really an adventure. The characters journey to the land of Tasceron, and encounter many exciting obstacles along the way. The most intriguing parts of the story, I think, were the mysterious Relics that our band of travelers were searching for. It was fun to guess which pieces of today’s technology they represent.
All in all, Relic Master: The Dark City was an enjoyable read. I think the book has great crossover appeal for middle-grade readers; the style of storytelling and the overall adventure feel will easily capture their attention.
julieputty's review
3.0
Short and feels rushed, but an interesting idea. I do get tired of tropes where our modern technology shows up as some arcane magical item in fantasy novels.