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A review by js_2301
An Autumn War by Daniel Abraham
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did #2, although it is probably on a par with #1.
I found the first half a bit of a slog: the plot slow and I wasn't invested in the characters. I would possibly have DNF'd had I not trusted Abraham as a writer, and the second half was much more engaging plot-wise.
I did struggle to connect to the characters throughout this one. Possibly because they are now older than me, so there's some distance between my experiences/concerns and theirs. I have also noticed that the time-gaps between stories in this series means you are (to some extent) (re)introduced to new characters in each book. The strength of the Quartet's timescale you see the impact of previous events across unfolding lives, as characters pay their 'price'. The weakness is finding it harder to feel like you know them, as you drop in and out of their lives with decade long intervals.
Although I became more aware of the Quartet's weaknesses reading 'An Autumn War', it is still very solid story-telling. The characters act like real people, the plot resolves in a coherent way, the themes are poignant and not shoved in your face.
I aim to read #4 in the next month and would recommend.
I found the first half a bit of a slog: the plot slow and I wasn't invested in the characters. I would possibly have DNF'd had I not trusted Abraham as a writer, and the second half was much more engaging plot-wise.
I did struggle to connect to the characters throughout this one. Possibly because they are now older than me, so there's some distance between my experiences/concerns and theirs. I have also noticed that the time-gaps between stories in this series means you are (to some extent) (re)introduced to new characters in each book. The strength of the Quartet's timescale you see the impact of previous events across unfolding lives, as characters pay their 'price'. The weakness is finding it harder to feel like you know them, as you drop in and out of their lives with decade long intervals.
Although I became more aware of the Quartet's weaknesses reading 'An Autumn War', it is still very solid story-telling. The characters act like real people, the plot resolves in a coherent way, the themes are poignant and not shoved in your face.
I aim to read #4 in the next month and would recommend.