Scan barcode
A review by pala_untamed
Avempartha by Michael J. Sullivan
3.75
(I read the first two books together in a joint omnibus edition - which did confuse me!)
This second book - or second half of my double edition - was definitely better than the first as it truly embraces the 'fantasy' element of its genre, and we get significantly less stuffy medieval castle drama. I enjoyed what is effectively LOTR-lite, an exciting albeit unoriginal world conveyed without the flowery language, in a simple and accessible manner. I enjoyed the explanation of the magical system and its long history, Esra's character, and the theme of Church-sponsored empire building.
The church's scheming makes for a really compelling enemy/'bad guy' although we're not really yet sure if/why it's bad. Royce and Hadrian are equally compelling, again, and I enjoyed the fleshing out of both characters - plus, what a reveal at the end!!
I was less keen on the village 1-a-night plot because I wasn't particularly sold on the farm characters. The only ones seemingly imbued w much depth are Theron and Thrace and the former is dead boring while the latter is, although overall a good character, irritatingly willing to put up w her father's bs. Also please can we talk about how the author seems to revere Theron's characteristics when this man never once told his wife he loved her, nor his daughter and even went so far as to wish his daughter dead because she'd be an economic burden?? What's up w that? Someone please explain why Thrace travelled with her life savings and paid to save him - and was willing to give up her life for his?!?! Ughh
I also remain unconvinced by Arista's characterisation - sometimes she'd down to earth, other times conceited and self-obsessed. I'm interested to see how the author develops her in book 3 and if we get a fully decent female character or not?
A good read - this plot is quite gripping.
This second book - or second half of my double edition - was definitely better than the first as it truly embraces the 'fantasy' element of its genre, and we get significantly less stuffy medieval castle drama. I enjoyed what is effectively LOTR-lite, an exciting albeit unoriginal world conveyed without the flowery language, in a simple and accessible manner. I enjoyed the explanation of the magical system and its long history, Esra's character, and the theme of Church-sponsored empire building.
The church's scheming makes for a really compelling enemy/'bad guy' although we're not really yet sure if/why it's bad. Royce and Hadrian are equally compelling, again, and I enjoyed the fleshing out of both characters - plus, what a reveal at the end!!
I was less keen on the village 1-a-night plot because I wasn't particularly sold on the farm characters. The only ones seemingly imbued w much depth are Theron and Thrace and the former is dead boring while the latter is, although overall a good character, irritatingly willing to put up w her father's bs. Also please can we talk about how the author seems to revere Theron's characteristics when this man never once told his wife he loved her, nor his daughter and even went so far as to wish his daughter dead because she'd be an economic burden?? What's up w that? Someone please explain why Thrace travelled with her life savings and paid to save him - and was willing to give up her life for his?!?! Ughh
I also remain unconvinced by Arista's characterisation - sometimes she'd down to earth, other times conceited and self-obsessed. I'm interested to see how the author develops her in book 3 and if we get a fully decent female character or not?
A good read - this plot is quite gripping.