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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
As the saying goes: I, for one, welcome our robot overlords.
I don't know why, but I haven't had the patience for YA fantasy in a really long time, but the premise of this was too fascinating to ignore: alchemical magic and science created a new race of homunculus-inspired beings called Automae...who then overthrow their human creators, becoming the new rulers of society and essentially enslaving humans. Throw in a little rebellion, a little magic, and a LOT of forbidden romance (between a high lady of Automae society and a human servant, no less!) and the creativity had me totally sold. And I did in fact rip and tear through this book! The only reason it isn't rated higher is because I felt like I had so many questions after that I wanted the text to have fleshed out, particularly with regards to Automae society. It's strongly suggested throughout that Automae do not experience love or even much affection for each other--so why do they bother with human conventions such as marrying and having heirs built for them? Hesod specifically designed and commissioned Crier to be his heir, so why is he so eager to pawn her off on Kinok, and so resistant to the idea of her being involved in his work (which, presumably, will one day be her work)? There was so much that didn't feel as fleshed out as it could have, and that disappointed me, because I was really fascinated with this world.
That said, however, I really enjoyed reading this! I was a big fan of the forbidden romance and thought it was done authentically given the circumstances and the imbalance of power--the characters' reactions to their individual come-to-Jesus moments made complete sense, and especially given how much I still feel Crier has to learn where we leave her at the end of the book, there's an opportunity for the sequel to really delve into these issues in a thoughtful way. I'm excited to read it!
I don't know why, but I haven't had the patience for YA fantasy in a really long time, but the premise of this was too fascinating to ignore: alchemical magic and science created a new race of homunculus-inspired beings called Automae...who then overthrow their human creators, becoming the new rulers of society and essentially enslaving humans. Throw in a little rebellion, a little magic, and a LOT of forbidden romance (between a high lady of Automae society and a human servant, no less!) and the creativity had me totally sold. And I did in fact rip and tear through this book! The only reason it isn't rated higher is because I felt like I had so many questions after that I wanted the text to have fleshed out, particularly with regards to Automae society. It's strongly suggested throughout that Automae do not experience love or even much affection for each other--so why do they bother with human conventions such as marrying and having heirs built for them? Hesod specifically designed and commissioned Crier to be his heir, so why is he so eager to pawn her off on Kinok, and so resistant to the idea of her being involved in his work (which, presumably, will one day be her work)? There was so much that didn't feel as fleshed out as it could have, and that disappointed me, because I was really fascinated with this world.
That said, however, I really enjoyed reading this! I was a big fan of the forbidden romance and thought it was done authentically given the circumstances and the imbalance of power--the characters' reactions to their individual come-to-Jesus moments made complete sense, and especially given how much I still feel Crier has to learn where we leave her at the end of the book, there's an opportunity for the sequel to really delve into these issues in a thoughtful way. I'm excited to read it!
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
tense
medium-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
A New Favorite Shall I Say?
I Typically Don't Read Fantasy And Well This One Surprised Me
I Loved Crier's War And I Am Beyond Excited To Read The Sequel
I Typically Don't Read Fantasy And Well This One Surprised Me
I Loved Crier's War And I Am Beyond Excited To Read The Sequel
Great start
The thing about queer sf/f is that the gems come in all shapes and sizes. Crier's War is no different, coming in with a quiet start that quickly expands into something delicate and elaborate.
The people, places and politics of this world feel lived in in a way that fits it perfectly. Automated perfection on one side just emphasises the messiness of personhood and humanity on the other.
It's set up as a romance, but it also brgs the question of what it means to be real and to treat others as people. It's a well-trod road but one that's well done here all the same.
The thing about queer sf/f is that the gems come in all shapes and sizes. Crier's War is no different, coming in with a quiet start that quickly expands into something delicate and elaborate.
The people, places and politics of this world feel lived in in a way that fits it perfectly. Automated perfection on one side just emphasises the messiness of personhood and humanity on the other.
It's set up as a romance, but it also brgs the question of what it means to be real and to treat others as people. It's a well-trod road but one that's well done here all the same.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
This was a book that I had anticipated greatly when I first bought it. As a sapphic, I was so excited to have a fantasy book with a main sapphic couple.
The introduction for Ayla and Crier are pretty good. I enjoy that the goal for Ayla and Crier are laid out at the beginning and they have motivations to reach these goals. Ayla's grief is so carnal, and so real - which is so nice to see.
I'm not usually an enemies to lovers reader, but I do think that the reason for the enemy part of Crier's War is well justified, especially when Ayla's grief is eating her alive. Crier being someone who does not understand what is happening in the Kingdom while she is wanting to get on the Red Hand Council is wonderfully ironic.
The introduction for Ayla and Crier are pretty good. I enjoy that the goal for Ayla and Crier are laid out at the beginning and they have motivations to reach these goals. Ayla's grief is so carnal, and so real - which is so nice to see.
I'm not usually an enemies to lovers reader, but I do think that the reason for the enemy part of Crier's War is well justified, especially when Ayla's grief is eating her alive. Crier being someone who does not understand what is happening in the Kingdom while she is wanting to get on the Red Hand Council is wonderfully ironic.
adventurous
mysterious
sad
fast-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
it was slowburn. it was romantic. it was beautifully written. but nina… one kiss??? really??? crying in lesbian