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A review by mikasana
The Land Beyond the Waste: A Novel by B. F. Peterson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
** NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW **
Bit of a slow start, this story takes place in a world where magic powers are not uncommon. We have Speaking (similar to "the Voice" from Dune), Perceiving, Showing, Knowing, and a few others I cannot recall off my head. The magic system and history are particularly interesting and clearly thought out. The world, divided by kingdoms, is on the brink of all-out war and our heroine and her brother are doing their best to save their people and civilization (as they know it) from those who want to destroy it.
While I enjoyed the world details and overall plot goals, I did feel like the characters were a tad impersonal to me. I would have liked to see more for them, maybe a bit of humor. Maybe more sibling chemistry between the brother and sister who are extremely loyal to each other. Maybe a little bit of humor here and there or the characters just having a moment to themselves to be themselves. Something along those lines that allow us to see a little further into their relationships and lenses. I think it would have made me get more attached to them and make the story easier to immerse myself into.
I did really love the description of the Elves and their land/cultural practices. It was one of my favorite parts of the book. In fact I was more interested in their land than I was with most of the other activities elsewhere. And by god, their language? Super super cool. I love the detail put into their world in general, definitely a favorite part of the story.
I am not quite sure about how everything resolved though and have mixed feelings. I feel for the build up it didn't quite match the outcome. But that's my personal opinion, others will see it differently.
Overall, this was a 3.75./5 for me (personally). I feel those who love high stakes fantasy will enjoy this as well.
Bit of a slow start, this story takes place in a world where magic powers are not uncommon. We have Speaking (similar to "the Voice" from Dune), Perceiving, Showing, Knowing, and a few others I cannot recall off my head. The magic system and history are particularly interesting and clearly thought out. The world, divided by kingdoms, is on the brink of all-out war and our heroine and her brother are doing their best to save their people and civilization (as they know it) from those who want to destroy it.
While I enjoyed the world details and overall plot goals, I did feel like the characters were a tad impersonal to me. I would have liked to see more for them, maybe a bit of humor. Maybe more sibling chemistry between the brother and sister who are extremely loyal to each other. Maybe a little bit of humor here and there or the characters just having a moment to themselves to be themselves. Something along those lines that allow us to see a little further into their relationships and lenses. I think it would have made me get more attached to them and make the story easier to immerse myself into.
I did really love the description of the Elves and their land/cultural practices. It was one of my favorite parts of the book. In fact I was more interested in their land than I was with most of the other activities elsewhere. And by god, their language? Super super cool. I love the detail put into their world in general, definitely a favorite part of the story.
I am not quite sure about how everything resolved though and have mixed feelings. I feel for the build up it didn't quite match the outcome. But that's my personal opinion, others will see it differently.
Overall, this was a 3.75./5 for me (personally). I feel those who love high stakes fantasy will enjoy this as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Racism