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A review by princessleopard
By Sea & Sky: An Esowon Story by Antoine Bandele
4.0
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
This was a fun read! I really dug the setting and diverse cast, especially how it's not just face-value diversity. There's real effort into creating several different cultures/languages/belief systems, vs everyone behaving exactly the same, just with different skin tones. I really liked pretty much the whole cast, especially Fon and the pakka character. They were good fantasy touches, and I love their relationship. Seeing both sides of the plot was also interesting - both are sympathetic, without either being painted as overtly immoral, though Karim does some questionable things.
I was disappointed with the plot, however. Because we're split between two smaller plotlines, it feels like it moves quite slowly, and unfortunately by the end, nothing is really ever gained on either side. It's a bit of a downer, really, since the big thing our heroine was after falls through and people get hurt, and our hero doesn't really accomplish anything but not dying. Obviously it's all set-up for the rest of the series, but I was left with a pretty hollow feeling by the last page. Maybe that's the point, but I feel like a swashbuckling adventure should have at least a few moments of triumph.
Overall, though, I was pleased with the story, especially the world/setting, and am very eager to continue the series! I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys pirate stories, or fantasy novels in general. For a series with a similar setting, I'd also recommend Knightmare Arcanist by Shami Stovall, it's a fun little ride with a focus on the high seas.
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
This was a fun read! I really dug the setting and diverse cast, especially how it's not just face-value diversity. There's real effort into creating several different cultures/languages/belief systems, vs everyone behaving exactly the same, just with different skin tones. I really liked pretty much the whole cast, especially Fon and the pakka character. They were good fantasy touches, and I love their relationship. Seeing both sides of the plot was also interesting - both are sympathetic, without either being painted as overtly immoral, though Karim does some questionable things.
I was disappointed with the plot, however. Because we're split between two smaller plotlines, it feels like it moves quite slowly, and unfortunately by the end, nothing is really ever gained on either side. It's a bit of a downer, really, since the big thing our heroine was after falls through and people get hurt, and our hero doesn't really accomplish anything but not dying. Obviously it's all set-up for the rest of the series, but I was left with a pretty hollow feeling by the last page. Maybe that's the point, but I feel like a swashbuckling adventure should have at least a few moments of triumph.
Overall, though, I was pleased with the story, especially the world/setting, and am very eager to continue the series! I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys pirate stories, or fantasy novels in general. For a series with a similar setting, I'd also recommend Knightmare Arcanist by Shami Stovall, it's a fun little ride with a focus on the high seas.