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A review by dosxhime
Witch King by Martha Wells
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
An immersive epic fantasy by Martha Wells. That's literally all you have to say for me to pick this book up. After reading the Murderbot Diaries, I had so many hopes for this book and I have to say it delievered on some points and failed on others.
The best parts were Kai, the sprawling world-building, and just how raw and gritty Wells can write emotions for non-human protagonists. I found myself quite surprised how the syntax reminded me a little bit of Murderbot, but it managed to be completely different. Kai's voice and perspective was very different and I was utterly charmed over his journey and his part in the fight against the Hierarches.
I also found myself confused (but wanting more) of the world-building. It feels that there are pieces missing yet intrigued over the parts that I did understand. I love the Saredi/Demon pact, the Benais-arik conspiracy, and even the mystery on the Hierarches' origins. It feels that there is much more to explore in the Rising World and I would be so excited to see if Wells returns to this work.
One of the things that fell flat to me would be the flatness of the characters. I would have loved to learn more about Sanja, Tenes, and Tahren, but I understand that the spotlight was on Kai. And I would have be so invested to understand more of Demon culture in the underearth as well as more about the Fourth House.
4 / 5 B
The best parts were Kai, the sprawling world-building, and just how raw and gritty Wells can write emotions for non-human protagonists. I found myself quite surprised how the syntax reminded me a little bit of Murderbot, but it managed to be completely different. Kai's voice and perspective was very different and I was utterly charmed over his journey and his part in the fight against the Hierarches.
I also found myself confused (but wanting more) of the world-building. It feels that there are pieces missing yet intrigued over the parts that I did understand. I love the Saredi/Demon pact, the Benais-arik conspiracy, and even the mystery on the Hierarches' origins. It feels that there is much more to explore in the Rising World and I would be so excited to see if Wells returns to this work.
One of the things that fell flat to me would be the flatness of the characters. I would have loved to learn more about Sanja, Tenes, and Tahren, but I understand that the spotlight was on Kai. And I would have be so invested to understand more of Demon culture in the underearth as well as more about the Fourth House.
4 / 5 B
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Torture, Murder, Violence, War, and Colonisation