A review by literaturesciencealliance
Shadows of the Short Days by Alexander Dan Vihjálmsson

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was disappointing to me. I really liked the beginning and was excited that this was going to be a more modern rebellion fantasy set in Iceland. I really loved the aesthetic and how the world was brought to life and I think the reason I didn't love this story could be a reason a lot of readers should pick it up. This is a very grim dark type fantasy that I thought would be more standard epic high fantasy. Both of our main characters were very difficult for me to root for because of how morally grey to black they were. I remember a scene where one of the perspective did something about 25% of the way in and I basically could never get back on board to giving that character any sympathy and the other character just kept going lone wolf and doing things I felt kind of dumb. It was an interesting take on modern day rebellion in a high fantasy world and lots of fascinating elements but I think if I don't care about characters it really hard for me to enjoy a story this long. I also have no idea what happened at the end and I know there is a sequel but have no intention of continuing.