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A review by helynalc
Perception Check by Astrid Knight
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
Oh man, I was into this so much. And now I'm left with this ending and what am I supposed to do?!
Somehow, the "author/player gets sucked into their fictional world"-type of stories have found me recently, and I'm really not complaining because yay, this trope is an endless source of angst and suffering...I mean, FUN, haha! Anyway, I was immediately interested in this book when I heard it involves a TTRPG world, because I love and do peruse the hobby once in a while. Even though that element is not too deeply present in the book. Sure, the fantasy world is based on a roleplaying game world, but the mechanics and stuff don't appear too much (I guess, the magic does). It's only there very occasionally as little colorful additions and some nerdy comments here and there which are always entertaining if done in moderation, so I was alright with it.
What the book is, though, is a heartbreaking exploration of trauma and PTSD and a quest to save a loved one. It's dark, or at least it was for me; the real-life implications, emotions, and involvement always there in the background while the characters explored the magical world of Velmyra. It didn't mean I couldn't get immersed, it was just less of a fun adventure mostly, and more of a pressing, anxiety-inducing issue (even during whimsical fight scenes or while trying to flirt with an elf and stuff like that). The group of characters also each have their own wounds and troubles, and the voyage to save their friend brings the worst and occasionally the best out of them. Although the dynamics between Vi, Eddie, Jackson, and Adrian killed me, it was also masterfully done. I loved to suffer through their conversations, their "bumping into-pushing-pulling-cutting-tearing each other"-s. The characters were likeable in their own ways, and also each had loads of flaws, as real people do...somehow, I think I should have been annoyed by some of their conflicts, but I really wasn't, it was realistically done and (mostly) resolved (although, sequel stuff, of course).
I did like Melandrich, Kai, and Gren too, of course, they were more in the background, and only had a little time to shine, but I was happy they were present. My fave was unabashadly Adrianwhat a mess, I love people ruined by magic (sorry) . And my fave scene was definitely Violet putting the Dagger together with the Magic of Friendship! (I'm uh, strongly paraphrasing here) . That was so heartwarming, I loved it. One bright moment in the darkness.
I suppose some of the twists could be guessed (at least the fact that there will be a twist somewhere there) but it wasn't the point? The story was nicely told, the writing was interesting (even the fights! which is always a big thing for me, I don't usually like to read fights), the pacing is not too fast, but I never felt we were just lounging around.The man in the high tower part poked a little bit out of the established style of writing, but I mean at that point I wanted a long explanation so I ate it up lol. Okay, I was a bit hurt by the fact that we didn't actually get to May by the end...I would have loved to at least glimpse her and Crystalline for a sec, even if the big questions ultimately were left unresolved. It's fine though, I mean, the ending did not let me down. I sure didn't expect it; and by "it" I mean what happened to Violet! I don't know if I should have, but I didn't. The ending was left nice and open though, full of new and old questions and fears and challenges. Truthfully, I'm very scared for Violet. :S
Oh, also, the crystal magic system was very cool. Hope (terrified?) that the rest of the Mages appear more in the sequel!
Needless to say, I'm here for the next book!!
Somehow, the "author/player gets sucked into their fictional world"-type of stories have found me recently, and I'm really not complaining because yay, this trope is an endless source of angst and suffering...I mean, FUN, haha! Anyway, I was immediately interested in this book when I heard it involves a TTRPG world, because I love and do peruse the hobby once in a while. Even though that element is not too deeply present in the book. Sure, the fantasy world is based on a roleplaying game world, but the mechanics and stuff don't appear too much (I guess, the magic does). It's only there very occasionally as little colorful additions and some nerdy comments here and there which are always entertaining if done in moderation, so I was alright with it.
What the book is, though, is a heartbreaking exploration of trauma and PTSD and a quest to save a loved one. It's dark, or at least it was for me; the real-life implications, emotions, and involvement always there in the background while the characters explored the magical world of Velmyra. It didn't mean I couldn't get immersed, it was just less of a fun adventure mostly, and more of a pressing, anxiety-inducing issue (even during whimsical fight scenes or while trying to flirt with an elf and stuff like that). The group of characters also each have their own wounds and troubles, and the voyage to save their friend brings the worst and occasionally the best out of them. Although the dynamics between Vi, Eddie, Jackson, and Adrian killed me, it was also masterfully done. I loved to suffer through their conversations, their "bumping into-pushing-pulling-cutting-tearing each other"-s. The characters were likeable in their own ways, and also each had loads of flaws, as real people do...somehow, I think I should have been annoyed by some of their conflicts, but I really wasn't, it was realistically done and (mostly) resolved (although, sequel stuff, of course).
I did like Melandrich, Kai, and Gren too, of course, they were more in the background, and only had a little time to shine, but I was happy they were present. My fave was unabashadly Adrian
I suppose some of the twists could be guessed (at least the fact that there will be a twist somewhere there) but it wasn't the point? The story was nicely told, the writing was interesting (even the fights! which is always a big thing for me, I don't usually like to read fights), the pacing is not too fast, but I never felt we were just lounging around.
Oh, also, the crystal magic system was very cool. Hope (terrified?) that the rest of the Mages appear more in the sequel!
Needless to say, I'm here for the next book!!