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A review by josiah17
The Lesser Devil by Christopher Ruocchio
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This novella was alright. It provides some insight on Crispin's points of view, and I liked getting a quick glimpse of Devils Rest after the years that pass during Empire of Silence. I really don't like Crispin's characterization much, especially because he continues acting like a teenager at 55 years old. However, the character development by the is somewhat serviceable. I hope he appears more in the series because he could become someone I'm more interested to read about.
Another criticism I have is how almost "preachy" this story is. Most of the novellas takes place in a Catholic village where the Priest is pretty adamant about expressing his beliefs. Even as someone mildly religious, I simply don't want to be preached to in a sci-fi story, especially in a novella. Additionally, I thought the prose felt more wonky and unpolished compared to Empire of Silence. I don't know if that's due to editing since this novella is self-published or if it's because Hadrian is supposed to be a more elegant writer with his memoir. Either way, I found the prose to be a little underwhelming after loving Ruocchio's writing in the first Sun Eater book.
Otherwise the action was cool I suppose. I liked seeing Crispin putting a highmatter sword to use. I also enjoyed a little more of Kyra and the introduction of Sabine, even though this novella really didn't try to flesh her out at all.
Another criticism I have is how almost "preachy" this story is. Most of the novellas takes place in a Catholic village where the Priest is pretty adamant about expressing his beliefs. Even as someone mildly religious, I simply don't want to be preached to in a sci-fi story, especially in a novella. Additionally, I thought the prose felt more wonky and unpolished compared to Empire of Silence. I don't know if that's due to editing since this novella is self-published or if it's because Hadrian is supposed to be a more elegant writer with his memoir. Either way, I found the prose to be a little underwhelming after loving Ruocchio's writing in the first Sun Eater book.
Otherwise the action was cool I suppose. I liked seeing Crispin putting a highmatter sword to use. I also enjoyed a little more of Kyra and the introduction of Sabine, even though this novella really didn't try to flesh her out at all.