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A review by fermqs
Ogres by Adrian Tchaikovsky
5.0
Ogres rule the world in this novella, subjugating every human to get what they feel is their right as their "betters". It is a cruel and unrelenting life. One day Torquell does something that may change everything.
This book is simply extremely good and it's impossible not to draw parallels to what is happening right now in the world (the last pages of the novella specially). His writing is so good; he is able to completely draw the world and its structures whilst developing the narrative and moving it along. I really like the second person narrative; it could be done really badly but the author is very competent. How he inserts little snippets and musings through this voice is so well crafted. He blends fantasy and sci-fi so well and so seamless that the switch is made swiftly between the two, and it expands the world and the story. When everything starts to be revealed, it is so satisfying even if some plot points I could see coming, there was enough to keep me highly entertained and surprised (the main plot twist I could not guess).
All of the characters are so interesting, layered, and well developed; even characters that have little screen time are extremely real (the monologue about the Gerald is specially good in this situation). Our main character is really compelling and charismatic; it's easy to root and despair for him, while still seeing his limitations and faults. I specially loved Minith. The section of the book where he tries to piece it all together because we see his development and we are following along with the discovery.
My favorite part is the plot; it's just so smart and well-crafted. The first parte sets up everyhting perfectly for the last part, and the latter delivers an amazing view in revolution and its leaders and their goals. I could not predict the last twist but it fits so well with the rest of the narrative. I loved the ending so much, specially the last page.
I have to comment about something that can be seen as spoilers so I'll leave it to the end of the review (marked as spoilers).
Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.
This book is simply extremely good and it's impossible not to draw parallels to what is happening right now in the world (the last pages of the novella specially). His writing is so good; he is able to completely draw the world and its structures whilst developing the narrative and moving it along. I really like the second person narrative; it could be done really badly but the author is very competent. How he inserts little snippets and musings through this voice is so well crafted. He blends fantasy and sci-fi so well and so seamless that the switch is made swiftly between the two, and it expands the world and the story. When everything starts to be revealed, it is so satisfying even if some plot points I could see coming, there was enough to keep me highly entertained and surprised (the main plot twist I could not guess).
All of the characters are so interesting, layered, and well developed; even characters that have little screen time are extremely real (the monologue about the Gerald is specially good in this situation). Our main character is really compelling and charismatic; it's easy to root and despair for him, while still seeing his limitations and faults. I specially loved Minith. The section of the book where he tries to piece it all together because we see his development and we are following along with the discovery.
My favorite part is the plot; it's just so smart and well-crafted. The first parte sets up everyhting perfectly for the last part, and the latter delivers an amazing view in revolution and its leaders and their goals. I could not predict the last twist but it fits so well with the rest of the narrative. I loved the ending so much, specially the last page.
I have to comment about something that can be seen as spoilers so I'll leave it to the end of the review (marked as spoilers).
Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.