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A review by analenegrace
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Read for the June 2024 Meeting of the Guild book club at Blue Cypress Books in New Orleans, LA.
I was a little wary going into this book with a woman MC being written by a man, but Sancia was a fantastic MC and I loved the main cast of characters!
The magic system in this world is so fantastically written and thought out and so grounded that as we learned more, it made sense, which often doesn't happen in fantasy novels. I really enjoyed the way the plot dug into the inequities of the universe and how difficult it is to fix these things, particularly slavery and the control of others. Once I saw Bennett was from Louisiana, I understood the use of plantations in this book, as our state is constantly reckoning with it and its continued influences on our contemporary state.
Gregor was probably my favorite character, closely followed by Clef, because it was clear how desperately he wanted his own agency, even as he had so much seeming power as basically a royal in this world. The twist regarding him was absolutely heartbreaking, and when itseemed he was dead , I got really emotional. Clef was both the most interesting character and the comedic relief in this book, and it made me just want to put him in my pocket and let him rest.
Sancia was such a compelling character, and her PTSD, but also her strength is so gorgeously written. She is struggling with the abuse she dealt with for her entire life, and as we learn, she has only been free for a few years and is still in the trenches of her trauma. She cares so deeply for others, even though she hasn't ever really been cared for. She's an amazing representative of the strength needed for a revolution and also how a revolution can never come quietly.
The last thing: the communal ownership in the last bit—I loved it! I hope capitalism gets eliminated in this universe, although I doubt it.
Best Line: "Sometimes you need a little revolution to make a lot of good."
I was a little wary going into this book with a woman MC being written by a man, but Sancia was a fantastic MC and I loved the main cast of characters!
The magic system in this world is so fantastically written and thought out and so grounded that as we learned more, it made sense, which often doesn't happen in fantasy novels. I really enjoyed the way the plot dug into the inequities of the universe and how difficult it is to fix these things, particularly slavery and the control of others. Once I saw Bennett was from Louisiana, I understood the use of plantations in this book, as our state is constantly reckoning with it and its continued influences on our contemporary state.
Gregor was probably my favorite character, closely followed by Clef, because it was clear how desperately he wanted his own agency, even as he had so much seeming power as basically a royal in this world. The twist regarding him was absolutely heartbreaking, and when it
Sancia was such a compelling character, and her PTSD, but also her strength is so gorgeously written. She is struggling with the abuse she dealt with for her entire life, and as we learn, she has only been
The last thing: the communal ownership in the last bit—I loved it! I hope capitalism gets eliminated in this universe, although I doubt it.
Best Line: "Sometimes you need a little revolution to make a lot of good."