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A review by settleforhalf
Paladin's Strength by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
For the last 20% alone, I leave this at a near 4 stars. And also for Brindle. And for resolving the smooth men mystery, that was fun.
However, I must admit I was quite bored for much of the remaining 80%. I like Istvhan and Clara, but, this being my third Kingfisher book, I'm starting to really tire of the painfully circular, angsty, insecure and repetitive inner monologueing. I've hit my limit on miscommunication as well.
Speaking of, what happened to Istvhan the sexually liberated, loudmouthed goofball? Much of his personality in this is pretty much Stephen-lite, which was already basically Sarkis-lite, which I'm sure is some other Kingfisher MMC-lite as well. Really, all these men are frightfully similar and I'm past the point of viewing it as commentary.
Nice to know Istvhan has done butt stuff, though, that's a new one for any of them as far as I remember.
Also, I'm a bit underwhelmed so far with everyones berserker modes. They seem very rational given their infamy, and I've yet to see anyone get bashed over the head or choked unconscious over it. Would have been cool, given the presence of a werebear strongwoman, but I feel like the author realised a bit too late in the game that 'honourable feminist king' and 'murderous mindless beast' don't mesh very well as character traits. I would argue they can, though, if done right.
I will be checking out the next one, mostly because I've been told its gay and I'm curious to see how lusting over something other than large breasts will go. Hopefully Galen delivers on the berserker front, too. But for now I need a break.
However, I must admit I was quite bored for much of the remaining 80%. I like Istvhan and Clara, but, this being my third Kingfisher book, I'm starting to really tire of the painfully circular, angsty, insecure and repetitive inner monologueing. I've hit my limit on miscommunication as well.
Speaking of, what happened to Istvhan the sexually liberated, loudmouthed goofball? Much of his personality in this is pretty much Stephen-lite, which was already basically Sarkis-lite, which I'm sure is some other Kingfisher MMC-lite as well. Really, all these men are frightfully similar and I'm past the point of viewing it as commentary.
Nice to know Istvhan has done butt stuff, though, that's a new one for any of them as far as I remember.
Also, I'm a bit underwhelmed so far with everyones berserker modes. They seem very rational given their infamy, and I've yet to see anyone get bashed over the head or choked unconscious over it. Would have been cool, given the presence of a werebear strongwoman, but I feel like the author realised a bit too late in the game that 'honourable feminist king' and 'murderous mindless beast' don't mesh very well as character traits. I would argue they can, though, if done right.
I will be checking out the next one, mostly because I've been told its gay and I'm curious to see how lusting over something other than large breasts will go. Hopefully Galen delivers on the berserker front, too. But for now I need a break.