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neilsef's reviews
285 reviews
Into the Hourglass by Emily R. King
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Unfortunately, this book was a bit of a disappointment. I struggled with the first book due to its first-person writing style, which had a disjointed, sing-song cadence that I found distracting. This sequel seemed to suffer from that same style even more, making it difficult to engage with and enjoy.
The story itself is interesting and well-paced, and like the first book, it draws inspiration from classical novels. However, it also adopts a classical storytelling approach where the cause-and-effect relationships between characters' actions often lack logical sense.
While the characters are generally likeable, they fail to be engaging. I believe this is a byproduct of the writing style, which doesn’t inject much emotion into the characters or create a sense of tension or suspense in the unfolding drama.
I've bought all the books in the trilogy since they were on Kindle's monthly deals, so I will be reading the third book. However, I doubt I would have continued if I had purchased the books individually.
The story itself is interesting and well-paced, and like the first book, it draws inspiration from classical novels. However, it also adopts a classical storytelling approach where the cause-and-effect relationships between characters' actions often lack logical sense.
While the characters are generally likeable, they fail to be engaging. I believe this is a byproduct of the writing style, which doesn’t inject much emotion into the characters or create a sense of tension or suspense in the unfolding drama.
I've bought all the books in the trilogy since they were on Kindle's monthly deals, so I will be reading the third book. However, I doubt I would have continued if I had purchased the books individually.
The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This basically chronicles the events immediately leading up to a battle, the battle itself, and the ramifications of that battle. The battle is for, and the land around a hill topped with standing stones known as "The Heroes", and is fought between the Union and the Northmen.
Like Abercrombie's previous books, the events unfold as seen by the various characters, from the lowest to the highest ranks in both armies, showing you their motivation for being there, and the effects the battle has on them each individually, as well as the groups these individuals are part of. It also highlights how wasteful and senseless a lot of battles can be, because of the tremendous loss of life and suffering they cause, for little or no gain for either side.
There are several returning characters from the previous books, and events from those books also play a part in this book, with the whole mix combining to make another entertaining and engrossing read.
Like Abercrombie's previous books, the events unfold as seen by the various characters, from the lowest to the highest ranks in both armies, showing you their motivation for being there, and the effects the battle has on them each individually, as well as the groups these individuals are part of. It also highlights how wasteful and senseless a lot of battles can be, because of the tremendous loss of life and suffering they cause, for little or no gain for either side.
There are several returning characters from the previous books, and events from those books also play a part in this book, with the whole mix combining to make another entertaining and engrossing read.
Doing Time by Jodi Taylor
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is a spin off from the St. Mary's books, and as such has a similar feeling to it, but this time the main characters are three new recruits who aren't the typical types who join the time police, and who also approach situations in a novel and unorthodox manner, which causes them problems integrating into the existing status quo.
We follow Luke, Jane and Matthew as they go through their basic training and gruntwork period which sees them going out on missions, first supervised, and then on their own. There is a backdrop to the plot which revolves around the commander of the time police trying to change the ethos of 'shoot everyone', to a more enlightened approach to solving problems, which is being resisted by a faction of original recruits, within the police, and which our hapless team becomes embroiled in.
This has the same mixture of drama, emotion, humour and historical facts, as the St. Mary's books, making it a delight to read, and a must if you have read those books.
We follow Luke, Jane and Matthew as they go through their basic training and gruntwork period which sees them going out on missions, first supervised, and then on their own. There is a backdrop to the plot which revolves around the commander of the time police trying to change the ethos of 'shoot everyone', to a more enlightened approach to solving problems, which is being resisted by a faction of original recruits, within the police, and which our hapless team becomes embroiled in.
This has the same mixture of drama, emotion, humour and historical facts, as the St. Mary's books, making it a delight to read, and a must if you have read those books.
Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is set in the same world as the First Law trilogy with several of the characters from that trilogy appearing here, though this tale is set several years after those events and in Styria, the home of Grand Duke Orso, whose cold-blooded betrayal of his mercenary General, Monzcarro Murcatto and her subsequent brutal and murderess revenge on him and those who were complicit in the act comprise the plot, however, betrayal and revenge drives most of the subplots too.
This is Abercrombies darkest book so far, it's almost on a par with Terry Goodkind's in its horrifyingly detailed and visceral intensity of the violence and murder depicted within its pages, fortunately, this darkness is elevated just enough with the accompanying humour and witticisms to make it a compelling story. However, it would not be suitable for readers who are squeamish, nervous or of a sensitive disposition.
There is a wide variety of characters and personalities portrayed, some of whom are transformed due to repercussions of the events they are involved in, and while they are all engaging and interesting personalities, none are what you would call likeable.
Overall, this is tremendous fun to read and Abercrombie's best book so far.
This is Abercrombies darkest book so far, it's almost on a par with Terry Goodkind's in its horrifyingly detailed and visceral intensity of the violence and murder depicted within its pages, fortunately, this darkness is elevated just enough with the accompanying humour and witticisms to make it a compelling story. However, it would not be suitable for readers who are squeamish, nervous or of a sensitive disposition.
There is a wide variety of characters and personalities portrayed, some of whom are transformed due to repercussions of the events they are involved in, and while they are all engaging and interesting personalities, none are what you would call likeable.
Overall, this is tremendous fun to read and Abercrombie's best book so far.
Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Being the last book in this trilogy most of the plot threads from the previous two books are resolved, though not all as I was anticipating and a couple not in as satisfying a manner as I had hoped. Additionally, several new plot twists are introduced in this book, most coming out of the blue, though one seemed too obvious, but maybe that was the point because the results of this twist were the catalyst for a string of interesting events. The last hundred or so pages of the book were a bit underwhelming as it felt more like an extended epilogue, though the actual epilogue was brilliant and brought the trilogy full circle.
As in the previous books, the characters are all well written, no matter what their role or significance to the story is, as are the various action scenes, of which there is an abundance. Everything is richly described, from facial expressions and mannerisms to the horrifyingly engaging torture scenes, but it's the dark humour that accompanies these scenes that allows you to be entertained rather than repulsed, making these books a great read.
As in the previous books, the characters are all well written, no matter what their role or significance to the story is, as are the various action scenes, of which there is an abundance. Everything is richly described, from facial expressions and mannerisms to the horrifyingly engaging torture scenes, but it's the dark humour that accompanies these scenes that allows you to be entertained rather than repulsed, making these books a great read.
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Having just read a few pages, it initially reminded me of 'Interview with a Vampire', but in this case, it is from the point of view of the vampire hunter, with the vampire as the interviewer.
Gabriel de León is a Silversaint, a holy order within the church tasked with fighting vampires. This order becomes more relevant when a natural disaster or some cataclysmic event causes the light from the sun to be almost totally obscured, allowing vampires to roam freely during the day. Their numbers increase, threatening the existence of humanity.
Gabriel is the last Silversaint and has been captured by the vampires, who want to record his story for posterity before they execute him, so Gabriel is coerced into telling his story, which begins before the day the sun díed.
This has been one of the most enjoyable and engaging books I have ever read, that has a storyline which was never anything other than gripping. The cast of characters contained within this book are some of the most interesting I have come across, with wonderful personalities that almost instantly endear themselves to you.
There is a lot of dry, dark humour, as well as an abundance of some of the most inventive swearing I have come across, that fits the dark tone and horrifying nature of the story perfectly, and undoubtedly gives the book a sort of endearing charm, however, anyone of a more sensitive disposition might find it anathema to their sensibilities.
With a pace that never truly slows and an underlying current of tension throughout, this is a tale that ensures you will keep turning the pages.
I'm glad to know there is at least another book in this series, which I will now be looking to add to my TBR pile.
Gabriel de León is a Silversaint, a holy order within the church tasked with fighting vampires. This order becomes more relevant when a natural disaster or some cataclysmic event causes the light from the sun to be almost totally obscured, allowing vampires to roam freely during the day. Their numbers increase, threatening the existence of humanity.
Gabriel is the last Silversaint and has been captured by the vampires, who want to record his story for posterity before they execute him, so Gabriel is coerced into telling his story, which begins before the day the sun díed.
This has been one of the most enjoyable and engaging books I have ever read, that has a storyline which was never anything other than gripping. The cast of characters contained within this book are some of the most interesting I have come across, with wonderful personalities that almost instantly endear themselves to you.
There is a lot of dry, dark humour, as well as an abundance of some of the most inventive swearing I have come across, that fits the dark tone and horrifying nature of the story perfectly, and undoubtedly gives the book a sort of endearing charm, however, anyone of a more sensitive disposition might find it anathema to their sensibilities.
With a pace that never truly slows and an underlying current of tension throughout, this is a tale that ensures you will keep turning the pages.
I'm glad to know there is at least another book in this series, which I will now be looking to add to my TBR pile.
Curse of the Orcs by Jonathan Moeller
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In this instalment, Gareth and his friends set off to follow the trail of Waystones left by Niara, which they hope will eventually lead them to the Dragonskull. This is a race against time as both the spiderling priestess Azalmora, and the Orc Warlock Mharoslav are also embarked on the same trail having stolen blood from Gareth to aid their quest.
The first stage of their journey takes them back to the Qazaluuskan Forest and a meeting with old acquaintances amongst the Qazaluuskan Orcs, and new adventures that will test their abilities as Swordbearers to the full as they negotiate safe passage through the forest.
These books are highly entertaining and well worth reading if you like Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, encompassing a good quest and engaging characters.
The first stage of their journey takes them back to the Qazaluuskan Forest and a meeting with old acquaintances amongst the Qazaluuskan Orcs, and new adventures that will test their abilities as Swordbearers to the full as they negotiate safe passage through the forest.
These books are highly entertaining and well worth reading if you like Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, encompassing a good quest and engaging characters.
Blade of the Elves by Jonathan Moeller
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In this book, Gareth and his fellow knights accompany Prince Tywall to Tarlion as part of Dux Constantine's company, in the capacity of escorts. There he reunites with his parents, his sister, his brother, and most significantly, with Iseult. All the reunions are emotionally charged to one degree or another and don't tend to go as Gareth is expecting or hoping they will.
Several new characters are introduced, along with a powerful and dangerous threat that Gareth and his fellow knights get drawn into, all of which builds to a tense and gripping ending to this book, and the jumping-off point for the next.
My only gripe with these books is the grammatical errors they contain, which thankfully are relatively few, but they are significant enough to be distracting. They tend to take the form of either a missing word or the wrong word, which I would assume is an issue with autocorrect.
Overall, this is a compelling series that has improved and become more engaging with each subsequent book.
Several new characters are introduced, along with a powerful and dangerous threat that Gareth and his fellow knights get drawn into, all of which builds to a tense and gripping ending to this book, and the jumping-off point for the next.
My only gripe with these books is the grammatical errors they contain, which thankfully are relatively few, but they are significant enough to be distracting. They tend to take the form of either a missing word or the wrong word, which I would assume is an issue with autocorrect.
Overall, this is a compelling series that has improved and become more engaging with each subsequent book.
Shield of the Knight by Jonathan Moeller
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
At the start of this book Gareth and his friends have been Knights for a year now, and are travelling to Cintarra with Dux Constantine to escort Prince Tywall to Tarlion, where he is to be married.
The events of the book are centred around their arrival at the city and the subsequent preparations for their departure to Tarlion. The action comes thick and fast, including several encounters with undead Orcs in the Shadow Ways below Cintarra. The action is nicely interspersed with light-hearted moments between the friends and some of their newer acquaintances, giving you insights into their various backgrounds and personalities. There is also a growing mystery surrounding Gareth, about how he has been affected since he touched the Waystone and what significance this will hold for his future.
All of these elements combine to create another enjoyable, engaging and entertaining story.
The events of the book are centred around their arrival at the city and the subsequent preparations for their departure to Tarlion. The action comes thick and fast, including several encounters with undead Orcs in the Shadow Ways below Cintarra. The action is nicely interspersed with light-hearted moments between the friends and some of their newer acquaintances, giving you insights into their various backgrounds and personalities. There is also a growing mystery surrounding Gareth, about how he has been affected since he touched the Waystone and what significance this will hold for his future.
All of these elements combine to create another enjoyable, engaging and entertaining story.
The Bleeding Stone by Joseph John Lee
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I bought this on the spur of the moment, having been captivated by both the cover and the synopsis, which place the story in a setting reminiscent of when the Conquistadors invaded/colonised South America, which as a fantasy setting is unique, as far as I have seen.
Overall, the story was enjoyable to read with an interesting cast of characters. The story is spread out over different periods, which are related to the number of years since the Island was invaded, with the majority of the events in this book taking place fifteen years after the invasion, focusing on Sen, who is the daughter of the Stone tribes Chief, and her interactions with the rest of the tribe, most of whom view her as an outcast. This also coincides with the tribe's first contact with the invaders, who are hunting escaped slaves, whom the tribes have taken in.
The vast majority of the book is devoted to setting the stage and developing the personalities of the characters, as well as the circumstances, both past and present, for events that take place in the latter half of the book, so while they were interesting and enjoyable, they weren't altogether engaging. One thing that I did thoroughly enjoy was how the members of the tribe were depicted, which was as the more enlightened and civilised society, which was also conveyed by the dialogue.
Halfway through I had mixed feelings about whether or not I would continue with the series, but the events in the latter half convinced me that I should.
Overall, the story was enjoyable to read with an interesting cast of characters. The story is spread out over different periods, which are related to the number of years since the Island was invaded, with the majority of the events in this book taking place fifteen years after the invasion, focusing on Sen, who is the daughter of the Stone tribes Chief, and her interactions with the rest of the tribe, most of whom view her as an outcast. This also coincides with the tribe's first contact with the invaders, who are hunting escaped slaves, whom the tribes have taken in.
The vast majority of the book is devoted to setting the stage and developing the personalities of the characters, as well as the circumstances, both past and present, for events that take place in the latter half of the book, so while they were interesting and enjoyable, they weren't altogether engaging. One thing that I did thoroughly enjoy was how the members of the tribe were depicted, which was as the more enlightened and civilised society, which was also conveyed by the dialogue.
Halfway through I had mixed feelings about whether or not I would continue with the series, but the events in the latter half convinced me that I should.