You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
njdarkish 's review for:
Kagen the Damned
by Jonathan Maberry
On paper, this should be one of my favorite books. Epic grimdark fantasy using the gods of Lovecraft and Chambers? It would be difficult to come up with a concept that sounds more my jam.
Plus, throw in the fact that this was written by Jonathan Maberry, whose Pine Deep books are some of my favorite horror novels of all time?
Unfortunately, though, this book has some issues that are difficult to ignore. First, the main characters aren't especially likeable, Kagen especially. I found myself much more interested in what the villains were doing than the heroes.
Two, there is some serious deus ex machina plot stuff that happens just before the final showdown that was way too convenient.
And three, it leans way, way too hard on grimdark elements. I want a dark, gritty world, but I don't need rape and torture referenced in almost every chapter. The weight of that awfulness seems trivial when it is constantly brought up, and I don't ever want rape or torture to feel trivial.
So, ultimately a book with some incredible ideas, thrilling action, solid twists and turns, but one with some big flaws. And one that is DEFINITELY not for all readers.
Plus, throw in the fact that this was written by Jonathan Maberry, whose Pine Deep books are some of my favorite horror novels of all time?
Unfortunately, though, this book has some issues that are difficult to ignore. First, the main characters aren't especially likeable, Kagen especially. I found myself much more interested in what the villains were doing than the heroes.
Two, there is some serious deus ex machina plot stuff that happens just before the final showdown that was way too convenient.
And three, it leans way, way too hard on grimdark elements. I want a dark, gritty world, but I don't need rape and torture referenced in almost every chapter. The weight of that awfulness seems trivial when it is constantly brought up, and I don't ever want rape or torture to feel trivial.
So, ultimately a book with some incredible ideas, thrilling action, solid twists and turns, but one with some big flaws. And one that is DEFINITELY not for all readers.