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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I saw reviews for this book on both ends of the spectrum: that it was worse, and better, than the first book. Both views are right lol.
The book isn't quite as wishy washy and poetic as the first book. So the plot is easier to grasp and all the different stuff going on feels more connected. So, structurally and comprehensibly, it's better. BUT, because it's better focused, the misogyny and little bits that were bad in the first book are now more glaring and more awful. His favoritism of Ishmael is even more stark, and his character is becoming worse and worse, almost insufferable. The women are even more hardcore old school women: fawning over babies, everything revolving around their love interest, just ugh.
I still liked the book, but its flaws can't be ignored, and in no way is this series fantastic. It's lost a large chunk of it's New Weird-ness, and I don't think it can gain it back.
The book isn't quite as wishy washy and poetic as the first book. So the plot is easier to grasp and all the different stuff going on feels more connected. So, structurally and comprehensibly, it's better. BUT, because it's better focused, the misogyny and little bits that were bad in the first book are now more glaring and more awful. His favoritism of Ishmael is even more stark, and his character is becoming worse and worse, almost insufferable. The women are even more hardcore old school women: fawning over babies, everything revolving around their love interest, just ugh.
I still liked the book, but its flaws can't be ignored, and in no way is this series fantastic. It's lost a large chunk of it's New Weird-ness, and I don't think it can gain it back.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
God I love the way Catling plays with words. Every little ridiculous moment is imbued with monumental drama and strange eye-opening meanings. I was able to get through this one faster than The Vorrh, and it didn't drain my mental stamina as much either, both of which I appreciate. I had to take a long break between books 1 and 2, but I feel ready to jump straight into the next one this time.
it's not quite as strong as The Vorrh #1 but i'm still in love with the story and excited to read the next book :^)
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Cannibalism, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Weird in the best sense
The Erstwhile feels more coherent than the Vorrh—fewer inconsequential subplots to be brushed aside like stray hairs.
It also feels more like a remake than a sequel. Much of the plot is moved from colonial Africa to Europe, previously starring characters are placed in the background, and the mythology feels more succinct.
Professor Schumann meets one of the Erstwhile (Angels?) in Essenvaldt and travels to London to meet more. Ishmael goes on another quest into the Vorrh.
It also feels more like a remake than a sequel. Much of the plot is moved from colonial Africa to Europe, previously starring characters are placed in the background, and the mythology feels more succinct.
Professor Schumann meets one of the Erstwhile (Angels?) in Essenvaldt and travels to London to meet more. Ishmael goes on another quest into the Vorrh.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
So the cover of this book and the chapter involve William Blake, which is very fitting as this whole tale and its world are like something he or Hieronymus Bosch might have dreamt up from the depths of the Vorr - and some very British touches like the erstwhile Nicholas Parson who talks about hesitation, deviation and repetition whilst also awarding 'points' for making him laugh, which is a wonderful moment.
The rest of this beast is dark and weiyrd and everything like that and the next book is something I can't wait to read.
The rest of this beast is dark and weiyrd and everything like that and the next book is something I can't wait to read.