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poisonenvy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-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
5.0
This book is a beautifully written and illustrated book about mental illness, homelessness, and healing (or not healing) from trauma. Overall beautifully realized.
You can also see the seeds of Realm of the Elderlings, especially Fitz, in this book which made my fangirl heart sing.
You can also see the seeds of Realm of the Elderlings, especially Fitz, in this book which made my fangirl heart sing.
pallavi_sharma87's review against another edition
1.0
1 star
I love robin hobb but looks like Megan Lindholm is a different person.
Maybe be pick it up later in life.
RTC
I love robin hobb but looks like Megan Lindholm is a different person.
Maybe be pick it up later in life.
RTC
archergal's review
4.0
I have heard about this book that I wanted to read it for a couple of decades now, I guess. It was OOP for a long time, so when I saw it was going to be reissued and available for Kindle, I ordered it.
I can really see how reactions to this book might fracture along generational lines. The titular Wizard is a Vietnam vet who came back from the war changed, and not in a good way. The whole book deals with how you react to life-changing events, like wars that turn you into a killer when you're barely out of childhood.
I wasn't really happy with the role of Lynda as a woman who drags a man out of his place. But this is a fairly early work by this author, so I'll sigh and move on, I guess.
There's not a lot of magic here, but I liked the bits that were there. It's a good book about healing in the aftermath of trauma. But I'm old enough that I lived through the Vietnam war and worried about my brother being drafted. So I might have a slightly different perspective than some.
I can really see how reactions to this book might fracture along generational lines. The titular Wizard is a Vietnam vet who came back from the war changed, and not in a good way. The whole book deals with how you react to life-changing events, like wars that turn you into a killer when you're barely out of childhood.
I wasn't really happy with the role of Lynda as a woman who drags a man out of his place. But this is a fairly early work by this author, so I'll sigh and move on, I guess.
There's not a lot of magic here, but I liked the bits that were there. It's a good book about healing in the aftermath of trauma. But I'm old enough that I lived through the Vietnam war and worried about my brother being drafted. So I might have a slightly different perspective than some.
justjoel's review
2.0
Honestly not sure whether this was urban fantasy or a journey into mental illness courtesy of PTSD, and maybe that's the point. Considering when this was written and how little about PTSD was known, I think it brings up some interesting points and encourages empathy for those suffering from it, particularly homeless combat veterans.
Overall, it was just okay for me.
2 out of 5 stars.
Overall, it was just okay for me.
2 out of 5 stars.
jselliot's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Definitely a growing pains book for Robin Hobb. Not surprising, given it came out 37 years ago. The ending helped tie everything together, at least, but half of the book was written like a fever dream. That quality made it difficult to follow the point of the story at times, because it'd wander like a bored goat, but there are threads of Hobb's fascination with grief even in this early book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Drug use, and Violence
Minor: War
meganh123's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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
3.0
shaekin's review against another edition
2.0
I don't deal well with animal injuries/pain in books, so made it and hour plus into the audiobook before I had to quit.
empyrealcrown's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
gerbilreads's review against another edition
5.0
I mean, obviously I loved this. But what I especially love is noticing the subtle differences between Hobb and Lindholm, how they write. I’m finding that where Hobb suggests a theme, threading it out over time with care and love, Lindholm wants to grab your labels and scream it in your face. This book deals with a lot, and I found myself honestly torn at many points as to whether I wanted the character to stop all this silliness and return to normal, or for him to embrace his beautiful magic and live with it fully. Quite challenging, in its own way and peopled with the rich and vast personalities that are to be expected of Hobb, or Lindholm.