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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
I adored this book. It was not the western adventure I was expecting, it was better. This is not a plot file book, though it implies some twists and turns to come, but it is a story that draws you in. The world is presented slowly, you discover more as the novel progresses. Magic is a intrinsic part of life in the territory, not flash but subtle and ingrained within those who live there. This first book is exploring who Isobel and Gabriel are and who they may become because of the roles they play in the territory. Laura Anne Gilman has written an enchanting novel about becoming a different version of yourself; and about choosing your path. I highly recommend it.
I feel like I spent forever reading this book and nothing happened... is that a spoiler? I adore westerns, and thought that this would be thematically great, but I really ended up being quite bored reading it. There was more introspection than action... the characters were all meh. Maybe it will pick up some in the next book in the series, but I won't be reading it... life is too short.
I'm pretty skeptical when it comes to new fantasy series. This seemed interesting enough to try and I am glad that I did.
The world building is familiar enough that it doesn't take away from plot, but different enough to be clear that it isn't exactly the world we know. The characters were relatable - I liked the protagonist, Isobel. As a sixteen year old, she is on the precipice of being an adult, but still learning and still determining her path. Her deal with the Boss was interesting and gave a very different spin to the 'deal with the devil' typically seen.
I'll definitely keep reading this series and this would be a good addition to my classroom library, though I rarely get kids who like exactly what I like.
The world building is familiar enough that it doesn't take away from plot, but different enough to be clear that it isn't exactly the world we know. The characters were relatable - I liked the protagonist, Isobel. As a sixteen year old, she is on the precipice of being an adult, but still learning and still determining her path. Her deal with the Boss was interesting and gave a very different spin to the 'deal with the devil' typically seen.
I'll definitely keep reading this series and this would be a good addition to my classroom library, though I rarely get kids who like exactly what I like.
I thought it was well-written, so it gets an extra star. The story bored me but the world was quite interesting.
Amazing world building. I've never enjoyed fantasies with "western" settings, but I loved this one. I guess I've lived in New Mexico long enough to absorb a sense of place.
This book was much longer than I expected but it was pretty interesting. I liked the mechanics of magic in this universe and the mixing of cultures an old west themes. I feel neutral about the role reversal of good and evil in this book, but that was its premise and it performed well based on that. I'm pretty sure I'll pick up the next book later this year if I ever get through my other library holds.
When Silver on the Road was selected as the VF may choice, I was pretty excited. I think there was and is such promise. Ultimately my low rating is just due to nothing really happening for so long, and then when events did start to pick up, it seemed almost forced.
I appreciated the richness of the world Gilmin built, and think that she does a fantastic job at creating interesting and likable characters. I enjoyed Izzy & Gabriel (minus the constant inner conflict of finding themselves or inner peace). Farron was my favorite, but there really wasn't a character I didn't enjoy. I also really enjoyed the Boss/Old Man/Devil and honestly could have read an entire book just about him, where he came from & everything else.
All that being said, while I appreciate a slow build up, this book was a little too slow. I understand that life on the road isn't always exciting, but I could have done with a LITTLE less road/need a bath/identity angst in the story and could have done with more intensity.
I appreciated the richness of the world Gilmin built, and think that she does a fantastic job at creating interesting and likable characters. I enjoyed Izzy & Gabriel (minus the constant inner conflict of finding themselves or inner peace). Farron was my favorite, but there really wasn't a character I didn't enjoy. I also really enjoyed the Boss/Old Man/Devil and honestly could have read an entire book just about him, where he came from & everything else.
All that being said, while I appreciate a slow build up, this book was a little too slow. I understand that life on the road isn't always exciting, but I could have done with a LITTLE less road/need a bath/identity angst in the story and could have done with more intensity.
I want to read the next one so that's a good sign. The mystery of Gabriel is frustrating and I hope we get some resolution there. I loved the descriptions of traveling and living on the road. Outdoors and alone. The dust and the tiredness. The resolution was good, unexpected and logical for the rules of this universe as we know them so far. I enjoyed Isobel's journey to understand what she has agreed to and I look forward to her next steps.
This book introduced some interesting possibilities, but did not bring the whole package together.
Fantasy elements in an Old West setting was pretty neat, I did enjoy the setting. Our main characters Isobel and Gabriel were pretty likable, although development didn't get especially deep with either of them.
My biggest problem is probably the fact that the rules of this world are not sufficiently explained, the way the magic works and such, and so we have no idea what to expect, or not. We are therefore completely unable to be at all surprised or delighted with how things go, because the book continually introduces a brand new concept, explains it, deals with it, and then we never see it again. Similarly, any time they encounter a challenge, Isobel without fail will just suddenly know how to deal with it, without knowing how she knows. How are we supposed to experience any dramatic tension this way?
Working for the devil had potential, except it's not clear why he's the devil, since the only trait he shares with the way that character is commonly perceived is he fact that he strikes deals with people. In fact, late in the book it is implied that he may not actually be THE devil, but is called that only because he makes deals. But he's clearly not human. Regardless of what he is or is not, it would have been nice to have dug a little deeper with the relationship between him and Isobel. Does he see her as a daughter?
The story elements had potential here, but I felt those were squandered In the telling, and so don't have any great interest in continuing the series.
Fantasy elements in an Old West setting was pretty neat, I did enjoy the setting. Our main characters Isobel and Gabriel were pretty likable, although development didn't get especially deep with either of them.
My biggest problem is probably the fact that the rules of this world are not sufficiently explained, the way the magic works and such, and so we have no idea what to expect, or not. We are therefore completely unable to be at all surprised or delighted with how things go, because the book continually introduces a brand new concept, explains it, deals with it, and then we never see it again. Similarly, any time they encounter a challenge, Isobel without fail will just suddenly know how to deal with it, without knowing how she knows. How are we supposed to experience any dramatic tension this way?
Working for the devil had potential, except it's not clear why he's the devil, since the only trait he shares with the way that character is commonly perceived is he fact that he strikes deals with people. In fact, late in the book it is implied that he may not actually be THE devil, but is called that only because he makes deals. But he's clearly not human. Regardless of what he is or is not, it would have been nice to have dug a little deeper with the relationship between him and Isobel. Does he see her as a daughter?
The story elements had potential here, but I felt those were squandered In the telling, and so don't have any great interest in continuing the series.