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cerviallacarica's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
fae269's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
siavahda's review
4.0
So I think the reason the Chosen are white and all the 'slave races' are dark-skinned is because the Chosen are horrifically, disgustingly evil, and flipping the trope around - brown Chosen and white slaves - would be...pretty dodgy.
Although making everyone brown, in your Aztec-inspired world, might have negated the issue and also made more sense?
Other than that...the worldbuilding is phenomenal, and the writing is great. I despise the Chosen, but I'm pretty sure you're supposed to. If you're not up to dealing with a *lot* of casual violence, murder, and slavery, this is definitely not for you, but this is a very unique take on not-exactly-grimdark.
I hope Carnelian sets his whole society on fire, but I guess we'll see how that goes in book two.
Although making everyone brown, in your Aztec-inspired world, might have negated the issue and also made more sense?
Other than that...the worldbuilding is phenomenal, and the writing is great. I despise the Chosen, but I'm pretty sure you're supposed to. If you're not up to dealing with a *lot* of casual violence, murder, and slavery, this is definitely not for you, but this is a very unique take on not-exactly-grimdark.
I hope Carnelian sets his whole society on fire, but I guess we'll see how that goes in book two.
micksland's review
4.0
4 stars
This is a grimdark fantasy novel set in a world of harsh laws and social stratification. The worldbuilding is excellent. Despite a very basic plot, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
First, the political system of the novel is complex and intriguing. The ruling caste (the Chosen) have instituted a strict system of social rankings and voting laws based on perceived purity of blood. People who are closely related to the God Emperor are considered to have purer blood and thus get more votes than distant relations. Additionally, it is forbidden to see the face of anyone with a higher social ranking. If you accidentally see a superior without their ceremonial mask, they’ll cut out your eyes… or worse. It’s very bloody and perfect for anyone who likes horror novels.
The plot of the first book was basically a fetch quest; a Chosen family must return from exile and journey to the capital to elect a new God Emperor. The plot is therefore very simple and linear, and a lot of the set pieces are used for exposition. The writing is also Hemingway-esque, which works to move the plot quickly at the expense of detailed settings. I would have preferred more elaborate descriptions and slower-moving plot, but that is merely a personal preference. I already purchased the second book!
This is a grimdark fantasy novel set in a world of harsh laws and social stratification. The worldbuilding is excellent. Despite a very basic plot, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
First, the political system of the novel is complex and intriguing. The ruling caste (the Chosen) have instituted a strict system of social rankings and voting laws based on perceived purity of blood. People who are closely related to the God Emperor are considered to have purer blood and thus get more votes than distant relations. Additionally, it is forbidden to see the face of anyone with a higher social ranking. If you accidentally see a superior without their ceremonial mask, they’ll cut out your eyes… or worse. It’s very bloody and perfect for anyone who likes horror novels.
The plot of the first book was basically a fetch quest; a Chosen family must return from exile and journey to the capital to elect a new God Emperor. The plot is therefore very simple and linear, and a lot of the set pieces are used for exposition. The writing is also Hemingway-esque, which works to move the plot quickly at the expense of detailed settings. I would have preferred more elaborate descriptions and slower-moving plot, but that is merely a personal preference. I already purchased the second book!
jcravo's review
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thomas_hense's review
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautiful prose, great world building and very dark, gritty dark.
daybreak's review
Sorry to say it but this book is 70% useless description and 30% plot, character time and dialogue combined.
The issue might have been that the author really wanted to worldbuild. As far as this is concerned, he does build quite the rich world, one that is quite distinct from usual fantasy settings, with interesting hierarchies and lore.
However, there is just no balance at all : we cannot spend 3/4 of a chapter reading how the sea roils, how birds fly, how the MC is crossing a river then get only a few lines that actually advances the plot and build the characters.
I feel like the book was fine enough at first but as soon as they set out for the journey, it becomes a real chore to read. From what I gather from the titles, this would have continued for the rest of this first book too as they would only reach their destination in the last chapter.
Anyway, aside from this, the prose is quite beautiful but, unfortunately, at times (more than a few) too obscure or very clunky which takes the attention away as one has to go over the line again and again.
The issue might have been that the author really wanted to worldbuild. As far as this is concerned, he does build quite the rich world, one that is quite distinct from usual fantasy settings, with interesting hierarchies and lore.
However, there is just no balance at all : we cannot spend 3/4 of a chapter reading how the sea roils, how birds fly, how the MC is crossing a river then get only a few lines that actually advances the plot and build the characters.
I feel like the book was fine enough at first but as soon as they set out for the journey, it becomes a real chore to read. From what I gather from the titles, this would have continued for the rest of this first book too as they would only reach their destination in the last chapter.
Anyway, aside from this, the prose is quite beautiful but, unfortunately, at times (more than a few) too obscure or very clunky which takes the attention away as one has to go over the line again and again.
dinosaursatwork's review
4.0
I love this series for its unique setting and its brutal honesty. The Stone Dance of the Chameleon tells a story of violence and racism, fundamentalism and intrigue through the eyes of one who has grown up protected from this ugly world. Reading this book is mystical and like watching a car crash. The further one gets in the story, the more people suffer and die. It is not an easy read, but one (having read the complete first edition) that comes to a satisfying conclusion.
As of now, I am unsure why this new version was necessary - if narrative changes were made I did not notice them and as of now, I believe the first edition's first book worked well as one piece and did not have to be separated. The prose continues to be confusing (to me) at times.
As of now, I am unsure why this new version was necessary - if narrative changes were made I did not notice them and as of now, I believe the first edition's first book worked well as one piece and did not have to be separated. The prose continues to be confusing (to me) at times.
barb4ry1's review
3.0
It's intriguing and bleak. This book has a complicated history (some google-fu will reveal it). While I appreciate unique world-building, I didn't relate to Carnelian and I wasn't immersed in the plot. The end of the book resolves nothing and offers no closure. Perhaps I'll check book two. Perhaps I won't.
TL;DR: intriguing and with unique world-building. Rather bleak. The pacing is off. The ending isn't actually an ending.
TL;DR: intriguing and with unique world-building. Rather bleak. The pacing is off. The ending isn't actually an ending.