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wickham's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
This is officially my favorite series. I love it even more than The Priory of the Orange Tree, which I didn't think would be possible.
mattapod's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
ckeeve's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The main character is constantly suffering (physically, emotionally, etc) to the point where I'm like this is a bit much. Also interesting underlying themes about the violence and inevitable failure of eugenics and empire (and a sort of grand scheme civilizational struggle).
killersloth's review
4.0
The best part about this series by far is the plot. It's sapphic Game of Thrones with wonderfully woven plot threads that all tie up neatly at the end for a satisfying conclusion. (I actually just learned that there's a 4th book planned, but if not for the very last chapter in the book I honestly thought that book 3 would be a totally reasonable way to wrap up the series). But generally I really liked how well the underlying themes of imperialism and nature vs nurture were explored. I liked Baru's ploting and scheming- i always enjoy when smart characters have a grand master plan that's meticulously thought out and executed, so it was really fun to see it all play out. I'm excited to find out how it all works in the 4th book.
I also thought that there were some really interesting concepts throughout the series. The different cultures in this world and how they view things like gender, the history that we learn bit by bit, the idea of Trim, that crazy lightning stuff at the very end, all super interesting. The concept of the Cancrioth especially is really cool, with the whole idea of immortality through cancer. I thought it could have been explored more though, and there were some plot-device inconsistencies that took away from it a bit. Like the cancrioth is simultaneously an ancient "immortal" secret society with weath and resources to bankroll Abdumasi's fleet, but also they all live in this one boat that's like falling apart and shitty. People are terrified of them and they're built up as this mysterious technologically advanced force, but then they're basically taken down by a single falcrest ship. Would have also liked a bit more explanation about what exactly their "magic" is, like what the green glowy stuff is all about and what exactly Iraji did against the Brain, that kind of thing. I'm sure it's supposed to be left vague so the reader wonders whether there is actually any magic happening or if it's just the power of belief and superstition. But I was left wanting more concrete answers. Maybe I'm just spoiled by reading so much Sanderson.
I thought the characters were the weakest aspect. Or ok, I liked some of them. Tau-indi and Xate Yawa were my favorites by the end. But most of the rest fell flat for me to be honest. The added perspectives in books 2-3 did help give some characters more life, but I never felt like I really got to know most of them. For instance I felt like all the navy people in books 2-3 suffered the same way the dukes in book 1 did, where I felt like you could have switched around all the names and the story wouldn't change. Tain Shir was also pretty cringe, to be honest. Baru's arc was pretty good though, I appreciated that she had to become quite unlikeable in book 2 to get a satisfying redemption, and it was a fun journey to read.
I thought her tendency to fall in love/lust with literally every moderately attractive woman she met was a little unrealistic and kind of annoying tbh though! I also kept thinking about how if Baru was a male character with all the same thoughts it would come off as a bit creepy. that could be taken as an interesting commentary on how we as a society view male vs female gaze, but for me it gave me the same feeling as if it was a male character objectifying the women's bodies in the same way, which was kinda just gross and unlikable. The gender of the observer doesn't make the objectification less weird to read about as a woman. But maybe that says more about me than about the book, idk!
Finally, the writing. In general, I liked the style of the prose, Dickinson clearly has a talent for metaphors and creative descriptions. However, some of the book is written in such a smug voice that i could not shake the feeling that he thinks he's the smartest person in the room and he wants to show off how much he knows or how clever he is. Maybe that's just because it's written mostly from Baru's perspective though and that's generally her outlook. But I thought that at some points he sacrificed clarity of plot for flowery prose, and it disrupted the flow of the story for me.
But overall, I liked it and I will probably read book 4 once it comes out!
I also thought that there were some really interesting concepts throughout the series. The different cultures in this world and how they view things like gender, the history that we learn bit by bit, the idea of Trim, that crazy lightning stuff at the very end, all super interesting. The concept of the Cancrioth especially is really cool, with the whole idea of immortality through cancer. I thought it could have been explored more though, and there were some plot-device inconsistencies that took away from it a bit. Like the cancrioth is simultaneously an ancient "immortal" secret society with weath and resources to bankroll Abdumasi's fleet, but also they all live in this one boat that's like falling apart and shitty. People are terrified of them and they're built up as this mysterious technologically advanced force, but then they're basically taken down by a single falcrest ship. Would have also liked a bit more explanation about what exactly their "magic" is, like what the green glowy stuff is all about and what exactly Iraji did against the Brain, that kind of thing. I'm sure it's supposed to be left vague so the reader wonders whether there is actually any magic happening or if it's just the power of belief and superstition. But I was left wanting more concrete answers. Maybe I'm just spoiled by reading so much Sanderson.
I thought the characters were the weakest aspect. Or ok, I liked some of them. Tau-indi and Xate Yawa were my favorites by the end. But most of the rest fell flat for me to be honest. The added perspectives in books 2-3 did help give some characters more life, but I never felt like I really got to know most of them. For instance I felt like all the navy people in books 2-3 suffered the same way the dukes in book 1 did, where I felt like you could have switched around all the names and the story wouldn't change. Tain Shir was also pretty cringe, to be honest. Baru's arc was pretty good though, I appreciated that she had to become quite unlikeable in book 2 to get a satisfying redemption, and it was a fun journey to read.
I thought her tendency to fall in love/lust with literally every moderately attractive woman she met was a little unrealistic and kind of annoying tbh though! I also kept thinking about how if Baru was a male character with all the same thoughts it would come off as a bit creepy. that could be taken as an interesting commentary on how we as a society view male vs female gaze, but for me it gave me the same feeling as if it was a male character objectifying the women's bodies in the same way, which was kinda just gross and unlikable. The gender of the observer doesn't make the objectification less weird to read about as a woman. But maybe that says more about me than about the book, idk!
Finally, the writing. In general, I liked the style of the prose, Dickinson clearly has a talent for metaphors and creative descriptions. However, some of the book is written in such a smug voice that i could not shake the feeling that he thinks he's the smartest person in the room and he wants to show off how much he knows or how clever he is. Maybe that's just because it's written mostly from Baru's perspective though and that's generally her outlook. But I thought that at some points he sacrificed clarity of plot for flowery prose, and it disrupted the flow of the story for me.
But overall, I liked it and I will probably read book 4 once it comes out!
andrepithon's review
4.0
Bingo de Fantasia/Sci-fi 2023
Casa 1.1: Título com um Título
The Masquerade é uma obra complicada, com infinitas tramas políticas, estranhas tangentes filosóficas, dezenas de culturas interligadas, nomes impronunciáveis, traição e chantagem. É uma trama que parece muito mais interessante do que realmente é, que dá voltas e voltas para permanecer estática no mesmo lugar. Ainda assim, é uma obra simples, sobre sacrifício, amor, confiança. As vezes, as duas coisas se entrelaçam em uma perfeição poderosa, capaz de lhe transformar em um caco emocional por dias, como o primeiro livro. Outras, o resultado é tédio e monotonia, como o segundo. E, aqui, temos o meio termo.
Neste terceiro livro, Baru alcança o Cancrioth, pelo qual ela buscou durante toda a duração do segundo livro, uma ordem que adora o cancer, passando células doentes de geração para geração, alcançando assim a imortalidade, acreditando que a personalidade é passada junto. Não há magia, mas há "magia", crenças que em momentos aproximam-se do sobrenatural, vagando pelo incompreensível. É um conceito forte, uma mitologia interessante, que já mostra potencial desde o livro anterior, mas, mesmo sendo impressionante, não realmente faz um impacto tão grande quando eu esperava na trama.
O coração da série ainda continua sendo a relação entre Baru e, como isso a molda e a faz lidar com sua sexualidade. Nesse aspecto, a conclusão de Tirana trás um evento de poderosa catarse, finalmente sentindo um grande progredir na trama, e preparando o terreno para um livro final espetacular. São magníficas 100 páginas finais, mas que demandam força de vontade para alcançá-las. O começo, em suas reviravoltas iniciais, com o primeiro posicionar das peças, saindo do clímax do segundo, também trás passagens poderosas e emocionais. Começo muito bom, final espetacular, um meio que deveria ser editado para perder umas 100-150 páginas.
Eu gostei de tirana. Eu gostaria se tivesse sido mais curto, mas é difícil reclamar do ritmo. Dickinson escreve um prosa inteligente e direta, mas fluída, que nos carrega rápido de cena em cena, e abusa de mudança de PoV, o que as vezes é irritante, mas nos permite entender as motivações de muitos dos jogadores. É um livro difícil, de muitos nomes e personagens, com conceitos sendo introduzidos constantemente, mas carrega uma carga emocional que faz tudo valer a pena.
É uma série que está longe da perfeição, mas este livro é um retorno à forma após um segundo decepcionante, e traz eventos ecoando desde o primeiro, concluindo um de seus principais arcos de forma satisfatória, nos dando finalmente algum relento.
Ainda assim, não cumpre tudo que prometeu.
Algumas séries eu consigo atestar meu amor antes de ver o final, e por mais que eu ame A traidora Baru Cormorant, não tem como decidir o valor da obra antes de sua conclusão.
Pode ser facilmente uma de minhas favoritas, pode ser uma decepção imensa.
Tudo depende do quarto livro, pois o segundo e o terceiro foram pesados em posicionar as peças, mesmo que o terceiro já tenha nos dado algumas jogadas para aplacar a fome.
Agora é esperar pelo xeque-mate.
E que seja belo.
Casa 1.1: Título com um Título
The Masquerade é uma obra complicada, com infinitas tramas políticas, estranhas tangentes filosóficas, dezenas de culturas interligadas, nomes impronunciáveis, traição e chantagem. É uma trama que parece muito mais interessante do que realmente é, que dá voltas e voltas para permanecer estática no mesmo lugar. Ainda assim, é uma obra simples, sobre sacrifício, amor, confiança. As vezes, as duas coisas se entrelaçam em uma perfeição poderosa, capaz de lhe transformar em um caco emocional por dias, como o primeiro livro. Outras, o resultado é tédio e monotonia, como o segundo. E, aqui, temos o meio termo.
Neste terceiro livro, Baru alcança o Cancrioth, pelo qual ela buscou durante toda a duração do segundo livro, uma ordem que adora o cancer, passando células doentes de geração para geração, alcançando assim a imortalidade, acreditando que a personalidade é passada junto. Não há magia, mas há "magia", crenças que em momentos aproximam-se do sobrenatural, vagando pelo incompreensível. É um conceito forte, uma mitologia interessante, que já mostra potencial desde o livro anterior, mas, mesmo sendo impressionante, não realmente faz um impacto tão grande quando eu esperava na trama.
O coração da série ainda continua sendo a relação entre Baru e
Spoiler
a falecida Tain HuEu gostei de tirana. Eu gostaria se tivesse sido mais curto, mas é difícil reclamar do ritmo. Dickinson escreve um prosa inteligente e direta, mas fluída, que nos carrega rápido de cena em cena, e abusa de mudança de PoV, o que as vezes é irritante, mas nos permite entender as motivações de muitos dos jogadores. É um livro difícil, de muitos nomes e personagens, com conceitos sendo introduzidos constantemente, mas carrega uma carga emocional que faz tudo valer a pena.
É uma série que está longe da perfeição, mas este livro é um retorno à forma após um segundo decepcionante, e traz eventos ecoando desde o primeiro, concluindo um de seus principais arcos de forma satisfatória, nos dando finalmente algum relento.
Ainda assim, não cumpre tudo que prometeu.
Algumas séries eu consigo atestar meu amor antes de ver o final, e por mais que eu ame A traidora Baru Cormorant, não tem como decidir o valor da obra antes de sua conclusão.
Pode ser facilmente uma de minhas favoritas, pode ser uma decepção imensa.
Tudo depende do quarto livro, pois o segundo e o terceiro foram pesados em posicionar as peças, mesmo que o terceiro já tenha nos dado algumas jogadas para aplacar a fome.
Agora é esperar pelo xeque-mate.
E que seja belo.
andreatufekcic's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
4.5
Exhausting in its vastness, like the feeling after a run. Baru comes to her dark night of the soul surprisingly quickly and is then free to carry on with her business for 400 pages in a complex network of feints and counterfeits and negotiations. The political fabric runs a little threadbare in spots but it picks itself back up. Amazingly somehow has a happy ending.
skycrane's review
5.0
I loved this book. I'm so glad I reread Traitor and especially Monster before reading this, since it really feels like the second half of a single sequel. The plot, the themes, and the character arcs are all a continuation of what started in Monster, and all the threads left hanging at the somewhat unsatisfying ending of Monster are wrapped up nicely. This leads to some kind of odd pacing if you take the book on its own, but if you put these two books together, it all fits together perfectly. I think after this that Seth Dickinson is probably my favorite author.
tenpn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
Part 2 of book 2 is the best way to approach this. At times relentlessly grim, but also very readable for a 800 page book. It has a decent conclusion, considering a fourth book is coming. Baru remains an exciting protAgonist(!), excited to see what happens next.
apousson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
pegasusjones's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The first and final thirds of this novel are excellent – even if the latter ties things together too neatly – but the bridge connecting the two is wobbly enough to nearly bring down the entire structure.
This middle third is bogged down by truly clumsy plotting; it’s easy for readers to imagine author Seth Dickinson determining where he wants his characters to be for the novel’s (admittedly enrapturing) conclusion, but having no good notion of how to get the pieces to their proper place. (It’s also difficult for readers to imagine Dickinson writing a line of dialogue he didn’t see fit to end with an exclamation point.)
This same flaw, of having a great Point A and Point C but a Point B that barely manages to engage, is present in some of the character developments, where often-pivotal elements of entire character arcs are told rather than shown.
Even so, if a story is going to have one third that’s notably worse than the others, the optimal weak point has to be the middle slice of that triptych. The opening is good enough to buy readers’ patience, and the ending satisfying enough to justify that purchase.
All in all, The Tyrant Baru Cormorant manages to overcome its flaws, but not by any wide margin. The lasting impression after reading this novel is less of celebrating what was, and more of lamenting what could have been.