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kalkn 's review for:
Howling Dark
by Christopher Ruocchio
A good entry into the series. Good to see more of Hadrian’s growth, his attempts at peace, and his earning his trust of the people.
What I liked -
Hadrian - he’s still very much the main star of the show and we spend a lot of time with him and in his head with flashforwards of author Hadrian telling his story. If not for his character, I don’t know that I’d continue the series.
Other characters - we don’t spend time in the heads of the other characters, which makes sense considering the framing. The parts of the characters we do see feel human, like they could exist. Stitch… poor Stitch, so relatable and heartbreaking at the same time.
Cultures - the Cielcin we get to see seem like a very distinct culture and group of people. I know the ending is teased in the first chapter of the first book, but I do like seeing Hadrian’s attempts and trying to go understand them, and get to know them.
What I’m neutral about -
Plot - two books down and still unclear what the story is supposed to be. Book 1 was a giant prologue and book 2 was a giant detour. Hoping to see something come of all soon.
What I didn’t like -
Vorgossos - this felt like a giant detour. I understand some of the setup with the Brethren and putting Hadrian in the peace talks; but holy cow… this was a couple of hundred pages we could’ve easily skipped and still get the point across.
Swearing - like I’ve mentioned before, the swearing takes me out of the world and is distracting from the story. Lack of creativity really shows through here.
What I liked -
Hadrian - he’s still very much the main star of the show and we spend a lot of time with him and in his head with flashforwards of author Hadrian telling his story. If not for his character, I don’t know that I’d continue the series.
Other characters - we don’t spend time in the heads of the other characters, which makes sense considering the framing. The parts of the characters we do see feel human, like they could exist. Stitch… poor Stitch, so relatable and heartbreaking at the same time.
Cultures - the Cielcin we get to see seem like a very distinct culture and group of people. I know the ending is teased in the first chapter of the first book, but I do like seeing Hadrian’s attempts and trying to go understand them, and get to know them.
What I’m neutral about -
Plot - two books down and still unclear what the story is supposed to be. Book 1 was a giant prologue and book 2 was a giant detour. Hoping to see something come of all soon.
What I didn’t like -
Vorgossos - this felt like a giant detour. I understand some of the setup with the Brethren and putting Hadrian in the peace talks; but holy cow… this was a couple of hundred pages we could’ve easily skipped and still get the point across.
Swearing - like I’ve mentioned before, the swearing takes me out of the world and is distracting from the story. Lack of creativity really shows through here.