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A review by ninetalevixen
Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft
2.5
I received a review copy from Orbit Books through Netgalley; all opinions are my own and honest.
Firstly, I have to admit I anticipated more of a linguistic element based on the series title (I mean, y'know, the Tower of Babel? Come on), though I can see the argument that a successfully-built Tower of Babel wouldn't necessarily have the same linguistic outcome, so it does make sense.
Initial impression aside, the setting and worldbuilding are fascinating on an intellectual level - though I had some trouble really getting into it until perhaps the Westworld-esque Parlor scenes. The prose is a bit dramatic and the pacing irregular; the plot and setting somewhat overshadowed the protagonist and his character arc, which I also found disappointing. Still, the sequel hook is effective and I will be picking up the second book, though I'm not sure yet if I'll finish the series.
Firstly, I have to admit I anticipated more of a linguistic element based on the series title (I mean, y'know, the Tower of Babel? Come on), though I can see the argument that a successfully-built Tower of Babel wouldn't necessarily have the same linguistic outcome, so it does make sense.
Initial impression aside, the setting and worldbuilding are fascinating on an intellectual level - though I had some trouble really getting into it until perhaps the Westworld-esque Parlor scenes. The prose is a bit dramatic and the pacing irregular; the plot and setting somewhat overshadowed the protagonist and his character arc, which I also found disappointing. Still, the sequel hook is effective and I will be picking up the second book, though I'm not sure yet if I'll finish the series.