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A review by seamtressstenny
Dragonoak: The Complete History of Kastelir by Sam Farren
3.0
I wanted this series to be better. Farren creates an exquisite world in which same-sex couples, transgender folks, and gender non-binary folks are so commonplace that it’s almost jarring when a straight cis character shows up. I can’t overstate how incredibly refreshing that is. Meanwhile, Farren weaves an intricate tapestry of messy history, deep-rooted prejudice, family secrets, slow-burn romance, adrenaline-filled action sequences, and pragmatic fantasy that is almost - almost - delightful enough to allow me to forgive the abundant and obvious flaws technical.
The books read like drafts - like really good drafts, but drafts that still need work. From the more minor copy editing mistakes (which are pervasive - typos, missing words, incorrect words, etc) to the broader thematic and structural flaws, there are just too many distractions to overlook.
One of my biggest issues is that the books are written in first person, but the narrator almost has an omniscient voice as she describes other character’s feelings, reactions, and motivations. In fact, I’d argue that she reveals more about other characters’ inner dialogue than she does her own. She is also one of the least-developed and least complex characters, although only a few of the characters have greater than one dimension that is manifested in their one dominant trait. The ones that are more developed and complex are some of the most intriguing characters I’ve come across in quite some time. I only wish Farren had given the same amount of attention to all of the characters.
Another major issue is the entire lack of exposition. Farren leaves the reader to discover the story along with the narrator, which is a great way to drive suspense, but fails to give us even a hint of the background knowledge that the main character already possesses. They leave it up to the reader to piece together the necessary information to make sense the action, and sometimes we aren’t given vital pieces of information until the very end of the book or indeed, the end of the series. For example (not a spoiler, and by far not the only example), many references are made to the Bloodless Lands and how humans cannot look at the Lands without being harmed. We find out eventually - in the one section of true exposition in the entire series - how and why the Bloodless Lands were created; but I cannot tell you what happens to a human if they look at the Bloodless Lands. Does it really matter? No, I suppose not. But in order for the series to feel real and fully fleshed and complete, it’s necessary.
My point is that these books are one or two steps away from being something truly spectacular. I’m honestly saddened that they were published as they were. Another round or two of revisions, with some frank feedback and a fresh set of critical eyes, could put these works of fiction among the greats.
If you are a generally forgiving reader and like to be swept away into a world of fantasy and intrigue, these are wonderful books. If you are a more discerning reader and get distracted by mechanical errors, you may still enjoy them, but perhaps not to the extent that you wish you could.
The books read like drafts - like really good drafts, but drafts that still need work. From the more minor copy editing mistakes (which are pervasive - typos, missing words, incorrect words, etc) to the broader thematic and structural flaws, there are just too many distractions to overlook.
One of my biggest issues is that the books are written in first person, but the narrator almost has an omniscient voice as she describes other character’s feelings, reactions, and motivations. In fact, I’d argue that she reveals more about other characters’ inner dialogue than she does her own. She is also one of the least-developed and least complex characters, although only a few of the characters have greater than one dimension that is manifested in their one dominant trait. The ones that are more developed and complex are some of the most intriguing characters I’ve come across in quite some time. I only wish Farren had given the same amount of attention to all of the characters.
Another major issue is the entire lack of exposition. Farren leaves the reader to discover the story along with the narrator, which is a great way to drive suspense, but fails to give us even a hint of the background knowledge that the main character already possesses. They leave it up to the reader to piece together the necessary information to make sense the action, and sometimes we aren’t given vital pieces of information until the very end of the book or indeed, the end of the series. For example (not a spoiler, and by far not the only example), many references are made to the Bloodless Lands and how humans cannot look at the Lands without being harmed. We find out eventually - in the one section of true exposition in the entire series - how and why the Bloodless Lands were created; but I cannot tell you what happens to a human if they look at the Bloodless Lands. Does it really matter? No, I suppose not. But in order for the series to feel real and fully fleshed and complete, it’s necessary.
My point is that these books are one or two steps away from being something truly spectacular. I’m honestly saddened that they were published as they were. Another round or two of revisions, with some frank feedback and a fresh set of critical eyes, could put these works of fiction among the greats.
If you are a generally forgiving reader and like to be swept away into a world of fantasy and intrigue, these are wonderful books. If you are a more discerning reader and get distracted by mechanical errors, you may still enjoy them, but perhaps not to the extent that you wish you could.