Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Warlock by Wilbur Smith
One-Line Summary:
Epic historical fantasy adventure.
Mood in Three Words:
Exciting
Adventure
Swashbuckler
What Stood Out: The interesting magic paradigm.
Aesthetic or voice: This book is definitely the product of a 20th century male, no doubt about that. Exotic, fantastical gaze of ancient Egypt. Think heptatonic scales.
Structure: Blockbuster, cinematic.
What I felt most while reading: Charged, stimulated.
Themes or Ideas:
Power, corruption, loyalty, betrayal, fate and destiny.
Not For Everyone If:
Some gratuitous sex scenes, male gaze.
My Verdict (1–2 lines):
A very easy-to-digest and exciting historical fantasy novel. The plot is certainly epic, yet it culminates rather abruptly. The characters are enticing and somewhat believable but lack depth. The power of a character like Taita unintentionally drains conviction from the overall, at times seeming almost too capable. Some gratuitous sex scenes within, the first time the "male gaze" made me feel so uneasy. Otherwise, an easy blockbuster.
Content Warnings (optional):
SA
One-Line Summary:
Epic historical fantasy adventure.
Mood in Three Words:
Exciting
Adventure
Swashbuckler
What Stood Out: The interesting magic paradigm.
Aesthetic or voice: This book is definitely the product of a 20th century male, no doubt about that. Exotic, fantastical gaze of ancient Egypt. Think heptatonic scales.
Structure: Blockbuster, cinematic.
What I felt most while reading: Charged, stimulated.
Themes or Ideas:
Power, corruption, loyalty, betrayal, fate and destiny.
Not For Everyone If:
Some gratuitous sex scenes, male gaze.
My Verdict (1–2 lines):
A very easy-to-digest and exciting historical fantasy novel. The plot is certainly epic, yet it culminates rather abruptly. The characters are enticing and somewhat believable but lack depth. The power of a character like Taita unintentionally drains conviction from the overall, at times seeming almost too capable. Some gratuitous sex scenes within, the first time the "male gaze" made me feel so uneasy. Otherwise, an easy blockbuster.
Content Warnings (optional):
SA
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence