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A review by trbartly
The Sons of Thestian by M.E. Vaughan
4.0
4.5 stars
Before I get started, I want to thank M.E. Vaughan who gave me this e-book in exchange for an honest review. So, thank you. It was a pleasure, truly.
*rubs hands together* Now, let’s get started.
I was approached by Vaughan during an epic reading slump and to be honest, I was a little nervous that a high fantasy novel would make it worse or that I would feel bogged down by learning a new world. However, this book was thrilling and witty and full of twists. If school hadn’t taken up so much of my time, there is no doubt that I would have finished this book in two or three days tops. Even when I put it down, I was thinking about the characters and praying my classes would be canceled so I could continue reading. For me, that is always the sign of a good book.
Vaughan’s writing style is rich, full of color and charm. I loved how her description of both characters and places really immersed me into the story. The only aspect of her style that took some getting used to was the formal dialogue, but once I did (and it didn’t take long, really), I felt it fit the world and characters.
Speaking of characters, I haven’t felt this invested this in love with characters since the Raven Boys. Rufus, Fae and Jionat stole my heart within the first 100 pages of the book. I wanted nothing more than their safety and happiness. I ached when they did and laughed when they did. Their development throughout the novel, both as characters and friends was vast and wonderful to read. They weren’t the only ones, though. I loved all of the supporting characters as well. They all added so much to the plot and culture of the novel. Vaughan certainly knows how to craft her characters.
The world was well built, the magic system clear and well explained. I was never confused by it as in some high fantasy. The culture was vast and I loved the comparison between the Bethean, Sarrin and Harmatia cultures and traditions. It was very interesting, and, I think important for both the plot and audience. Although, the construction of the world did sometimes come at the price of extended exposition and explanation. I think Vaughan handled this well as there were only a couple of times that it overwhelmed me.
Vaughan is a master plotter--plot-ician? plot-ist? It doesn’t matter. Whatever the title, she designed a plot with the suspense of a thriller, the surprises of a mystery and the detail of a fantasy. I was so immersed and thrilled, it was a wonder I slept at all while reading this book. There were only a few times when I felt the book moved to slow or fast, but that may have been me wanting to know what happened next and not wanted it to end respectively.
In fact, I literally sat there after I finished this book and said, “What am I to do with myself now? How am I supposed to wait for the next one?” My reading slump is cured, but this wonderful story is paused until book two comes out and I can honestly say that I can’t wait to read it and go on more adventures with Rufus and other the other characters of this book.
Before I get started, I want to thank M.E. Vaughan who gave me this e-book in exchange for an honest review. So, thank you. It was a pleasure, truly.
*rubs hands together* Now, let’s get started.
I was approached by Vaughan during an epic reading slump and to be honest, I was a little nervous that a high fantasy novel would make it worse or that I would feel bogged down by learning a new world. However, this book was thrilling and witty and full of twists. If school hadn’t taken up so much of my time, there is no doubt that I would have finished this book in two or three days tops. Even when I put it down, I was thinking about the characters and praying my classes would be canceled so I could continue reading. For me, that is always the sign of a good book.
Vaughan’s writing style is rich, full of color and charm. I loved how her description of both characters and places really immersed me into the story. The only aspect of her style that took some getting used to was the formal dialogue, but once I did (and it didn’t take long, really), I felt it fit the world and characters.
Speaking of characters, I haven’t felt this invested this in love with characters since the Raven Boys. Rufus, Fae and Jionat stole my heart within the first 100 pages of the book. I wanted nothing more than their safety and happiness. I ached when they did and laughed when they did. Their development throughout the novel, both as characters and friends was vast and wonderful to read. They weren’t the only ones, though. I loved all of the supporting characters as well. They all added so much to the plot and culture of the novel. Vaughan certainly knows how to craft her characters.
The world was well built, the magic system clear and well explained. I was never confused by it as in some high fantasy. The culture was vast and I loved the comparison between the Bethean, Sarrin and Harmatia cultures and traditions. It was very interesting, and, I think important for both the plot and audience. Although, the construction of the world did sometimes come at the price of extended exposition and explanation. I think Vaughan handled this well as there were only a couple of times that it overwhelmed me.
Vaughan is a master plotter--plot-ician? plot-ist? It doesn’t matter. Whatever the title, she designed a plot with the suspense of a thriller, the surprises of a mystery and the detail of a fantasy. I was so immersed and thrilled, it was a wonder I slept at all while reading this book. There were only a few times when I felt the book moved to slow or fast, but that may have been me wanting to know what happened next and not wanted it to end respectively.
In fact, I literally sat there after I finished this book and said, “What am I to do with myself now? How am I supposed to wait for the next one?” My reading slump is cured, but this wonderful story is paused until book two comes out and I can honestly say that I can’t wait to read it and go on more adventures with Rufus and other the other characters of this book.