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robincarey 's review for:
Spiderlight
by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Spiderlight is a fantastic read that cleverly subverts classic fantasy tropes or pushes them to their logical extremes. The story follows a band of adventurers—a priest, mage, knight, ranger, and rogue—on their quest to defeat the dark lord Darvezian. At first, the plot feels like a typical Dungeons & Dragons-style quest, but Tchaikovsky shifts focus to the characters' histories, motivations, and convictions as their journey unfolds.
The group faces profound philosophical and moral dilemmas as their actions grow more ethically complex. Are their deeds inherently good simply because they are the "heroes"? Do the creatures they slay—some disturbingly humanlike—deserve their fate merely due to their association with evil? The story starts with humor and lightheartedness but gradually adopts a darker, more serious tone. The ending strikes a satisfying balance: it’s both realistic within the world’s rules and emotionally fulfilling.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Tchaikovsky himself, and it was a standout experience. His pacing was perfect—one of the few audiobooks where I didn’t feel the need to speed it up—and his distinct voice work for each character added depth and clarity to the dialogue. My only minor complaint was the occasional fluctuation in volume, requiring quick adjustments.
Overall, Spiderlight is a must-read, even for those who don’t usually gravitate toward fantasy. Tchaikovsky doesn’t rely on standard tropes; instead, he offers a thoughtful exploration of human nature and morality within a rich fantasy setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The group faces profound philosophical and moral dilemmas as their actions grow more ethically complex. Are their deeds inherently good simply because they are the "heroes"? Do the creatures they slay—some disturbingly humanlike—deserve their fate merely due to their association with evil? The story starts with humor and lightheartedness but gradually adopts a darker, more serious tone. The ending strikes a satisfying balance: it’s both realistic within the world’s rules and emotionally fulfilling.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Tchaikovsky himself, and it was a standout experience. His pacing was perfect—one of the few audiobooks where I didn’t feel the need to speed it up—and his distinct voice work for each character added depth and clarity to the dialogue. My only minor complaint was the occasional fluctuation in volume, requiring quick adjustments.
Overall, Spiderlight is a must-read, even for those who don’t usually gravitate toward fantasy. Tchaikovsky doesn’t rely on standard tropes; instead, he offers a thoughtful exploration of human nature and morality within a rich fantasy setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.