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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I returned to this book as I just couldn't reconcile the different tone of voice from Ender's game. Not for me.
I did like it but I felt like some things were overly explained. I think I like the perspective of Wad the best. When the book got to his sections, it flowed so much better.
Admittedly, this is the ultimate magic power I want to have. Teleportation, gift with languages, healing, the perfect trifecta. So it's exciting to read a story with a slightly different take on magic.
I love the plot and concept. Not overly fond of the characters though. I mean, some of the characters are really obvious from the beginning, but it's not the same quality of characters as Ender's Game provided. I know it's a different world, but my expectations for this writer were set in that series. Danny, however, is a fairly convincing adolescent boy, except that he wants revenge on his family (in all fairness, most people probably would too, but it's a boring hinge for a plot). "Wad" is less convincing (but I knew who he was the moment that he showed up). They are, sadly, a little boring.
The plot is fascinating though. I like the idea of having to reconnect the worlds while staying under the radar. I like some of the political games that are played, although some of them are unbelievable. I wish there was more about the experiments to figure out the magic. But I'm not the writer. I look forward to reading the next book, although I did prefer this book as audiobook as opposed to a physical copy.
I love the plot and concept. Not overly fond of the characters though. I mean, some of the characters are really obvious from the beginning, but it's not the same quality of characters as Ender's Game provided. I know it's a different world, but my expectations for this writer were set in that series. Danny, however, is a fairly convincing adolescent boy, except that he wants revenge on his family (in all fairness, most people probably would too, but it's a boring hinge for a plot). "Wad" is less convincing (but I knew who he was the moment that he showed up). They are, sadly, a little boring.
The plot is fascinating though. I like the idea of having to reconnect the worlds while staying under the radar. I like some of the political games that are played, although some of them are unbelievable. I wish there was more about the experiments to figure out the magic. But I'm not the writer. I look forward to reading the next book, although I did prefer this book as audiobook as opposed to a physical copy.
Not soo keen on the ending... Where is the next book?!? That would justify this kind of ending!!
I debated about rating it 3 or 4 stars. I really enjoyed all the parts about the magic of gates and gatemages. I didn't like the sometimes "adult" situations Danny found himself in when he was in the "real" world. For this reason I would not recommend this book to anyone who finds compromising situations embarrassing.
Great Percy Jackson style take on mythology--mostly Norse in this one. Great MC even through his youthly flaws. Will likely continue with the series.
As always, what really sparkles in Card's books is his sarcastic and witty dialog. The rhythm of his words as his characters insult (with great affection) each other is always a highlight to me. That said, I enjoyed the book although I felt that a lot of it was a set-up for the later books. It's understandable since there is a lot of worldbuilding going on and a magic system that takes time to explain.
That's the other thing. I felt as if I could see the workings behind Card's thinking as he was writing the book. I don't know if it's because I've been reading a lot of articles on writing lately or whatever, but it seemed as if I glimpsed behind the curtain a bit and that kinda threw me out of the moment. However, overall, I'm glad I read it and it ended satisfactorily and I am looking forward to the next. (Just not with baited breath like some other sequels I'm waiting for.)
ETA: It's been 11 months since I read this book and for some reason, almost every other morning when I feed my toddler his oatmeal breakfast, I think of this book. I keep remembering (vaguely) a scene where Danny is talking to the couple who "adopted" him and he is saying how all the mundane daily things they did for him made him feel as if he were part of a family and that is what taught him what love is. I am completely butchering the scene (or of what I recall).
I keep returning to this moment because sometimes, feeding my toddler his oatmeal can be difficult, but I believe that the daily ritual of feeding him and caring for him is an embodiment of love. I seriously have to re-read this book just to have a better understanding of why it sticks in my mind so vividly. Therefore, simply because it has had such a profound impact (although, much stupider sounding now that I've written it out), I am adding a star, thus making it a 4 star book.
That's the other thing. I felt as if I could see the workings behind Card's thinking as he was writing the book. I don't know if it's because I've been reading a lot of articles on writing lately or whatever, but it seemed as if I glimpsed behind the curtain a bit and that kinda threw me out of the moment. However, overall, I'm glad I read it and it ended satisfactorily and I am looking forward to the next. (Just not with baited breath like some other sequels I'm waiting for.)
ETA: It's been 11 months since I read this book and for some reason, almost every other morning when I feed my toddler his oatmeal breakfast, I think of this book. I keep remembering (vaguely) a scene where Danny is talking to the couple who "adopted" him and he is saying how all the mundane daily things they did for him made him feel as if he were part of a family and that is what taught him what love is. I am completely butchering the scene (or of what I recall).
I keep returning to this moment because sometimes, feeding my toddler his oatmeal can be difficult, but I believe that the daily ritual of feeding him and caring for him is an embodiment of love. I seriously have to re-read this book just to have a better understanding of why it sticks in my mind so vividly. Therefore, simply because it has had such a profound impact (although, much stupider sounding now that I've written it out), I am adding a star, thus making it a 4 star book.
This was a fun series of books to read, but I won't call them excellent. I enjoyed reading them yet the development of the characters and plot were not as strong as I see in 5 star books. I definitely recommend this book. It is a great twist on the fantasy books I've read before....not just your run of the mill fairy tale.
Disappointed with this book. Felt like it jumped around a lot.