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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
I despised the female protagonist before the first two chapters were over.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plot is ok-ish, in a very Expanse-like universe but that's a bad book, a terrible one. I finished it but I almost dropped it two or three times.
- it's first person narrative but narration often becomes annoyingly repetitive (MC's internal monologue). It feels a stream of consciousness from the author role-playing/directing his character in a movie/video-game. Interesting way to work through a story if it was better edited afterward (but after edition, it would be thin, pretty thin).
- the relationship between characters can be seen coming from miles away. It's pretty obvious the author is aware and tries to fight against it by letting the MC's anger at the heiress resurface out of nowhere to try to slow down the evolution.
- the sexual innuendos come across as immature or very awkward especially as frequent they are
- there's a very detailed strangulation attempt with some sexual/arousal attached. Rape is never cited but it feels it could have gone there and considering that scene, it's hard not to think it wasn't done on purpose.
- the heiress is well in her adulthood but she's described as very petite and naive when it comes to sex. The AI is from a copy of the mind of a 12yo and teases the MC repeatedly. Freud would have a field day psychanalysing the author...
- To summarize the last three points, I wasn't expecting something that could pass for the SFW version of a hentai/harem light novel...
- it's first person narrative but narration often becomes annoyingly repetitive (MC's internal monologue). It feels a stream of consciousness from the author role-playing/directing his character in a movie/video-game. Interesting way to work through a story if it was better edited afterward (but after edition, it would be thin, pretty thin).
- the relationship between characters can be seen coming from miles away. It's pretty obvious the author is aware and tries to fight against it by letting the MC's anger at the heiress resurface out of nowhere to try to slow down the evolution.
- the sexual innuendos come across as immature or very awkward especially as frequent they are
- there's a very detailed strangulation attempt with some sexual/arousal attached. Rape is never cited but it feels it could have gone there and considering that scene, it's hard not to think it wasn't done on purpose.
- the heiress is well in her adulthood but she's described as very petite and naive when it comes to sex. The AI is from a copy of the mind of a 12yo and teases the MC repeatedly. Freud would have a field day psychanalysing the author...
- To summarize the last three points, I wasn't expecting something that could pass for the SFW version of a hentai/harem light novel...
A Space Opera Adventure With Room for Improvement
"Theft of Fire" is the first book in Devon Eriksen's Orbital Space series. This story throws us into the life of Marcus Warnoc, a skilled space pilot whose world is turned upside down when he crosses paths with Miranda Foxgrove. Miranda is a wealthy and determined researcher on the hunt for a mysterious alien artifact known as the Snark.
What I Liked:
- Immersive Setting: Eriksen shines when it comes to world-building. The descriptions of space travel, the inner workings of spaceships, and the gritty details of space battles are all incredibly detailed and engaging. It felt like I was right there in the cockpit. This attention to detail really makes the story come alive.
- Compelling Mystery: The central mystery of the Snark and the events it triggers are enough to keep you hooked and wanting to know what happens next. I definitely plan to read the sequel!
What Could Be Improved:
- Predictable Plot: While the story has some twists and turns, they often lacked a sense of genuine surprise. This predictability made the plot feel a bit less exciting than it could have been.
- Inconsistent Protagonist: Marcus Warnoc, while seemingly well-developed, sometimes acts in ways that don't quite align with his internal thoughts and experiences. He comes across as naive and stubborn at times, which clashes with his supposed depth.
- Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: The supporting characters, especially the female characters, are sadly underdeveloped. They rely on clichés, lack intellectual depth, and end up feeling like they are simply props for the main character rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.
Overall:
"Theft of Fire" is a promising start to the series. It offers a captivating space opera adventure with a detailed and immersive setting. While the plot could benefit from more surprises and the characters need further development, the book still managed to keep me engaged and eager for the next installment. If the author can address these inconsistencies, this series has the potential to be a standout in the genre.