fae_noir's review

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A very well told, fast paced adventure story. I was given an eARC through Netgalley and Serial Box in exchange for an honest review. 

As already stated, this plot was heavy on the action and quick to read- in a good way. I agree with other reviewers that this story would have particularly shone as a graphic novel adaptation. It reads very much like a graphic novel and the idea of full color illustrations to go with the plot would have been *chef's kiss*. 

My biggest concern while reading was that the story seemed to be suffering from speculative fiction's oldest nemesis- the incompetent villain and incompetent henchmen trope. This does get addressed to a degree, but I would have liked to have felt either like our heroes were getting more of a workout (we know they're up to it), or that it was a bigger plot point that the enemy seemed so inferior. (Not going to go further to avoid spoilers.)

Being moderately familiar with Black Panther lore (mostly through the Marvel films), this was a perfectly accessible entry point for someone who's not a comics expert. There was enough context for me to get the gist of the lore, though I'm glad I had the experience of watching the films to supplement the reading experience. For someone with no Marvel background, there's a lot of things to take at face value and trust they will be explained in due time. I still think the story is an accessible entry point, but would recommend having the Marvel wiki on standby just in case. As a side note- this plot is separate from the Marvel film universe, so no worries about being spoiled for those.

mad_about_books's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

4.0

I stopped reading comic books a long, long time ago. No, it was not a conscious decision to do so but rather just something that happened. I feel like I have traded the images and speech balloons for movie and TV adaptations of the themes. I really love what I call "comic book movies!" Although Black Panther has been around since 1966, I met him for the first time in a darkened theatre. The movie blew me away.

If there is one thing we have all come to expect from the Marvel superheroes, it is action, and SINS OF THE KING certainly has that. The multiple authors have managed to write scenes you can see quite clearly in your imagination. There is also a message here that we should all take to heart. That message is that history matters. As King T'Challa moves Wakanda forward, he is neglectful of its past. History is something we all need to learn no matter our country. Mistakes can be made, horrors can happen, and these must be addressed before reform can matter.

As an ex-comic book reader, there are characters that I am meeting here for the first time. Although I do enjoy the Avengers films, I must confess that I've not seen enough of the movies where they team up to recognize quite a few of the newer superheroes and supervillains. I didn't find that this distracted from enjoying the overall story.

SINS OF THE KING is a well-written novel where the voices of the various authors blend well into a single voice to bring the action alive.

I would add that I read the entire book as an ARC provided by NetGalley. I have never found  
SINS OF THE KING available as a book. I have read several ARCs provided by NetGalley, from Serial Box, that became serialized audio books without a corresponding print or eBook becoming available. I found that to be most disappointing.
 

mommasaystoread's review against another edition

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3.0

I kind of expected a comic book or graphic novel here, but what I received reads like a comic book but without pictures. So, just reading what was in front of me, the story is exciting, and when I read along with daughter #2, who loves comic books and graphic novels, she felt the same way. She knows more about the Black Panther world than I do, but what information I gleaned from watching the movie gave me enough to grasp the story here. I think anyone who likes Black Panther will probably enjoy this book. As I said, the story is exciting and full of action. It's creative and intriguing, and fans of the genre should be all over this one.

skye_izzy's review

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2.0

I won this in a giveaway! Therefore it showed up on my kindle, without me having done much research or looking into what it actually was. I was expecting a comic. I'm not exactly sure what I received, it was just writing and no cartoons/ illustrations. This wasn't exactly written well, but it was a fun read.

quirkycatsfatstacks's review

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5.0

I received a copy of Marvel's Black Panther: Sins of the King in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Marvel's Black Panther: Sins of the King is a Serial Box series I've been counting down the days for. No, seriously. I'm not exaggerating there. I've absolutely loved what Serial Box has done with the other Marvel series (Thor, Jessica Jones, and Black Widow), and thus really couldn't wait to see their take on Black Panther.

In true Serial Box fashion, Black Panther: Sins of the King has a full complement of authors working together. Season one was written by Ira Madison III, Geoffrey Thorne, Tananarive Due, Mohale Mashigo, and Steven Barnes. The version found on Serial Box will also be narrated by William Jackson Harper (I loved his character on the Good Place!).

You know how the legend goes. Wakanda is a wonderful kingdom, full of technology and culture. Yet for most of its history, it has been closed off to the rest of the world. That is, until T'Challa stepped up to the throne, and the title of Black Panther.

He may have started outreach programs for those that need it, yet it will not immediately erase all the pain caused by Wakanda's isolationist history. Still, with the help of Avengers and allies such as War Machine and Misty Knight, T'Challa's odds of surviving what is to come must surely be higher than normal.

“T'Challa considered how to respond. It was no coincidence the dream-memory came to him on the anniversary of his father's death.”

As I said above, I've been so anxious to get my hands on this series. So when I saw Marvel's Black Panther: Sins of the King available on NetGalley, you better believe I jumped on that request button!

It's something that I have no regrets about doing. Just like how I don't regret reading the entire season all in one sitting. I know full well that I'm also going to listen to each episode as they become available on Serial Box, and I am still highly looking forward to that.

What I'm trying to say is this: Black Panther: Sins of the King is worth the wait. It's also worthy of a binge-fest, and is going to have some serious re-read/listen to value. And I'm not just saying that because I'm excited to hear William Jackson Harper's narration.

If you're a fan of Black Panther, I honestly believe you'll enjoy what was done with this series. It did an excellent job of holding onto the roots of his character, and his people. All while also taking the time to explore other elements of the story and world.

The inclusion of other Marvel characters helped to ground the series in a world full of Avengers. While the inclusion of lore and ancestors provided a full look at the history of Wakanda and Black Panthers – one that will be appreciated by fans old and new.

I was surprised (yet pleased) by the antagonists chosen for this story. I think it allowed for a cohesive and interesting story, and honestly I really hope that we'll be seeing more than one season of Black Panther. Fingers crossed!

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

simply_kelly05's review

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2.0

I received this sample (15 pages) as a Goodreads giveaway, was expecting more of a graphic novel/comic book. This is not my typical read, more my teen’s choice. Decent enough episode for someone who doesn’t follow the Avengers much.

thecozyarchivist's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced

4.0

This was a fun book to read. It took me a bit to get into it, but it was still a good book that addressed a lot of cultural issues. The Avengers team up brought some humor and honestly just love Misty Knight so much. Seriously a badass. 
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