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mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
A not bad fantasy read, though given the call out reference to the "Gunpowder Plot" I have a feeling that others more knowledgeable would find it derivative. But it was an enjoyable good read. This is a world with a hidden religion with various psychic powers versus the corrupt established religion. Yet the plot moved along and the characters were interesting. The system of magic was interesting if not as intricate as I prefer. A good read though. 3.5 of 5.
metaphorosis's review against another edition
3.0
I've been reading Dave Duncan for a long time now - since A Man of His Word's first book ([b:Magic Casement|57691|Magic Casement (A Man of His Word, #1)|Dave Duncan|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348029581s/57691.jpg|1310959]), at least. I've read a lot his books, and enjoyed most of them ([b:The Alchemist's Apprentice|53541|The Alchemist's Apprentice (The Alchemist, #1)|Dave Duncan|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1170427571s/53541.jpg|52216] was an exception that I found dull). Mostly, Duncan specializes in the very real feeling, likeable young hero. His characters may have special skills, but they act like you think you might, not like demi-gods.
So, a new book by Dave Duncan is a thing to look forward to, and I downloaded Against the Light without having much idea what it was about. (Though I'm a little irked that it's now 1/5th the price I paid.)
The book (without using these exact words), deals with a land where witches are persecuted, and believers live in fear of being caught. One particular family falls foul of powerful clerics, and pays the price. The story follows surviving family members as they cope in various ways. Strangely, though it's indicated the best witches are women, most of the witches here are men.
So far, so good, and fodder for a good Duncan story. Unfortunately, much of the first half (and some of the second) feels more like a thorough sketch than a complete and edited novel. Though Duncan doesn't aim to be Vance, and his style is simple, here it's a little too plain - even oversimple. The same is true of several of the plot elements, which are laid out and then followed without elaboration. One or two of the plot devices are just not credible, and overall, it feels half-hearted.
It's a fun read, but it's not up to the Duncan standard. This is especially true of the ending. The book just stops, quite suddenly, without even quite putting the final touches on the resolution we've almost reached. Apparently this is a standalone novel, but it reads very much like the first book in a series. If it were, I'd buy the next one; this may not have been great, but Duncan is usually pretty consistent, and I'm willing to believe the quality will improve.
All in all, fun light reading, but not of the caliber Duncan usually produces.
So, a new book by Dave Duncan is a thing to look forward to, and I downloaded Against the Light without having much idea what it was about. (Though I'm a little irked that it's now 1/5th the price I paid.)
The book (without using these exact words), deals with a land where witches are persecuted, and believers live in fear of being caught. One particular family falls foul of powerful clerics, and pays the price. The story follows surviving family members as they cope in various ways. Strangely, though it's indicated the best witches are women, most of the witches here are men.
So far, so good, and fodder for a good Duncan story. Unfortunately, much of the first half (and some of the second) feels more like a thorough sketch than a complete and edited novel. Though Duncan doesn't aim to be Vance, and his style is simple, here it's a little too plain - even oversimple. The same is true of several of the plot elements, which are laid out and then followed without elaboration. One or two of the plot devices are just not credible, and overall, it feels half-hearted.
It's a fun read, but it's not up to the Duncan standard. This is especially true of the ending. The book just stops, quite suddenly, without even quite putting the final touches on the resolution we've almost reached. Apparently this is a standalone novel, but it reads very much like the first book in a series. If it were, I'd buy the next one; this may not have been great, but Duncan is usually pretty consistent, and I'm willing to believe the quality will improve.
All in all, fun light reading, but not of the caliber Duncan usually produces.
sun_dog's review against another edition
3.0
Last half of the book - 4 stars. First half - 2. Obscenely cliched theme--sensitive, good, earth-loving Mother-worshipers being cruelly oppressed by a patriarchal, corrupt and cruel, male-dominated Father-Sky worshiping church in political power--I mean, seriously?? The magic theory is weak and just sort of happens to fit the plot needs.
But...great characters. Really lifelike, with subtle traits that make them stand distinct to each other, and personalities that almost vie for the reader's trust and sympathy. The author has a gift in creating characters, and a very deft hand in describing them as they move through scenes. They carry the first half of the book.
Then, suddenly the plot kicks it up a notch, and the plot is compelling, driving forward consistently, and keeps one turning pages. That continues through the last page of the book, with an 'argghhh' experience at 98% knowing this won't get resolved in one book and a series is setting sail. Perhaps an 'ahhhhhh' if that second half becomes the norm, and there's more to enjoy. But argghhh now as I wanted a resolute and resounding conclusion. Still, great second half. So 3 stars to average...
But...great characters. Really lifelike, with subtle traits that make them stand distinct to each other, and personalities that almost vie for the reader's trust and sympathy. The author has a gift in creating characters, and a very deft hand in describing them as they move through scenes. They carry the first half of the book.
Then, suddenly the plot kicks it up a notch, and the plot is compelling, driving forward consistently, and keeps one turning pages. That continues through the last page of the book, with an 'argghhh' experience at 98% knowing this won't get resolved in one book and a series is setting sail. Perhaps an 'ahhhhhh' if that second half becomes the norm, and there's more to enjoy. But argghhh now as I wanted a resolute and resounding conclusion. Still, great second half. So 3 stars to average...
shanijeanius's review against another edition
4.0
Dave Duncan has written several of my favorite books over the years--the Man of his Word Quartet followed by A Handful of Men are some of the best eight books I have ever read. The Kinds Blades series are all worth a read, especially the first three which are worth a re-read. And this may be the beginning of another solid series.
Set in a pseudo-England during a time of religious conflict, one upstart religion is trying to squelch an older one. For the moment, the new religion, the Children of the Light, have the upper hand over the Children of the Earth. Mother Earth grants several of her children special talents, though, and the Woodbridge family have more than average. The book follows the stories of three of the children separately, working toward the climax.
Very solid and nothing weird glared out to me while I was reading it that made me want to stop.
Set in a pseudo-England during a time of religious conflict, one upstart religion is trying to squelch an older one. For the moment, the new religion, the Children of the Light, have the upper hand over the Children of the Earth. Mother Earth grants several of her children special talents, though, and the Woodbridge family have more than average. The book follows the stories of three of the children separately, working toward the climax.
Very solid and nothing weird glared out to me while I was reading it that made me want to stop.
froggye9dcc's review
3.0
It's ok,not his best but still well written. I'm just not a big fan of rival religious groups trying to kill each other off.
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