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nerdyreferencelibrarian89's Reviews (1.18k)
Honestly, I was shocked how much I enjoyed this book. I was a huge fan of R. A. Salvatore in high school, but when I tried to go back and reread the Icewind Dale trilogy recently I couldn't stand the writing, the characters were shallow, Drizzt was overbearing and endlessly too insightful and too introspective.
I think a major strength of this story is that Drizzt is not the main focus, instead, many of the more interesting side characters take the fore front, such as the Bouldershoulder Brothers, an emphasis on Regis and Brunor.
The chapters are still started with the extremely annoying "introspective" Drizzt journal entries. These are a little more bearable then the Icewind dale Rendition, but still break up the pacing and are unnecessary. However, Drizzt himself is more regulate as part of the group, rather then everyone being foils for him. Drizzt mostly does what he does best (similar to Wolverine) fight and scout, and leave actual interesting character development and dialogue to his friends :).
In addition, the action descriptions at time felt VERY awkward and hard to picture. At one point a pair of elves are fighting supposedly very in-tuned to each other, weaving arms together, block for each other, ect. However, the fight is so awkwardly written all I was unable to truly picture what Salvatore was describing, beyond "elves are nimble, they fight good."
Salvatore also tried to force in some relationship drama with Drizzt and Cattle-brie which felt forced, and unnecessary. I don't mind romance at all in my books, but this romance didn't work. It felt like someone shoe horned it in to add drama, but it wasn't needed.
Overall, if you are looking to read a story set in the Forgotten Realms, or get familiarized with Drizzt this is where I would start. I plan to read further in this trilogy.
I think a major strength of this story is that Drizzt is not the main focus, instead, many of the more interesting side characters take the fore front, such as the Bouldershoulder Brothers, an emphasis on Regis and Brunor.
The chapters are still started with the extremely annoying "introspective" Drizzt journal entries. These are a little more bearable then the Icewind dale Rendition, but still break up the pacing and are unnecessary. However, Drizzt himself is more regulate as part of the group, rather then everyone being foils for him. Drizzt mostly does what he does best (similar to Wolverine) fight and scout, and leave actual interesting character development and dialogue to his friends :).
In addition, the action descriptions at time felt VERY awkward and hard to picture. At one point a pair of elves are fighting supposedly very in-tuned to each other, weaving arms together, block for each other, ect. However, the fight is so awkwardly written all I was unable to truly picture what Salvatore was describing, beyond "elves are nimble, they fight good."
Salvatore also tried to force in some relationship drama with Drizzt and Cattle-brie which felt forced, and unnecessary. I don't mind romance at all in my books, but this romance didn't work. It felt like someone shoe horned it in to add drama, but it wasn't needed.
Overall, if you are looking to read a story set in the Forgotten Realms, or get familiarized with Drizzt this is where I would start. I plan to read further in this trilogy.
I listened to this on audio, and the narrator was amazing!
Despite that, I couldn't finish the book, I got a little over halfway thru and found I didn't care.
The book starts off sort of interesting; however, after the first few chapters you have basically gotten what the series seemed to be about, which is pointing out the absurdity in human interactions, cultures, and society, by using aliens to take those absurd things to the furthest point.
There didn't seem to be really a central plot, instead it is just about the two main characters bouncing around meeting weird aliens, and finding out how ridiculous they are.
The quirky observations and interactions was amusing at first, but I kept tuning out after 1/5th of the book.
I gave this a 2 star, as I didn't hate the story, and actually found the beginning amusing, but saw no reason to finish it, since it wasn't going anywhere.
This reminded me a lot of the Phantom Tollbooth, it is absurd in a funny way, it uses quirky characters and beings to make draw comparison to human culture, and it is more about bouncing around and meeting these quirky characters, rather then anything solid happening as a central plot.
If quirky characters, humor, and a very, VERY loose plot are your thing give this a try, otherwise I would say read like the first 2-3 chapters and you are fine.
Despite that, I couldn't finish the book, I got a little over halfway thru and found I didn't care.
The book starts off sort of interesting; however, after the first few chapters you have basically gotten what the series seemed to be about, which is pointing out the absurdity in human interactions, cultures, and society, by using aliens to take those absurd things to the furthest point.
There didn't seem to be really a central plot, instead it is just about the two main characters bouncing around meeting weird aliens, and finding out how ridiculous they are.
The quirky observations and interactions was amusing at first, but I kept tuning out after 1/5th of the book.
I gave this a 2 star, as I didn't hate the story, and actually found the beginning amusing, but saw no reason to finish it, since it wasn't going anywhere.
This reminded me a lot of the Phantom Tollbooth, it is absurd in a funny way, it uses quirky characters and beings to make draw comparison to human culture, and it is more about bouncing around and meeting these quirky characters, rather then anything solid happening as a central plot.
If quirky characters, humor, and a very, VERY loose plot are your thing give this a try, otherwise I would say read like the first 2-3 chapters and you are fine.
Yet another surprisingly good entry into this series, if anything better then the first.
The development and growth of the villains, specifically the orc king Obould was excellent. The brute turning into someone with a thought out plan was very entertaining.
There is also some nice drama between emissaries from Mirabar and Mithral Hall, with Regis really coming into his own as a steward for the Hall.
There is also an awesome, desperate plan that is done, with Pikel and the gnome working together and while it was obvious what they were trying for, I think climax lived up to the hype.
Yet again; however, several things kept this book from receiving a 4 star rating.
The biggest one is Drizzt annoying and pointless section diary entries. Who needs this whiny introspection that basically repeats exactly what happened already in the story. We get it, you are torn and like your friends...!
There is also an annoying chapter where Cattle-brie and Wulfgar have a very odd and forced conversation about her feelings about Drizzt, while in the middle of a battle, and their adoptive father is dying. Just seemed weird and pointless. We didn't need this sledgehammer style of romance, show me it, don't have awkward forced conversations.
Finally, again the description of the fighting style, specifically of the elves is excessively hard to picture. I think in part because what they are doing doesn't actually seem possible. The dwarves battle descriptions make sense, I see them and enjoy it. But the elves are all unrealistic dashing, weird slashes, and things that aren't described well.
Overall I think this was a strong addition to the Drizzt storyline, but still suffers from the central problem to Drizzt stories, their whiny and annoying main character, who bounces from being perfectly emotionally balanced, to crying, to raging, to "introspective" at the drop of a hat, an untouchable main characters (again Drizzt) who seems to get into extreme danger repeatedly and leave largely untouched, and finally combat descriptions that at times are extremely bad and impossible to visualize (again Drizzt).
The development and growth of the villains, specifically the orc king Obould was excellent. The brute turning into someone with a thought out plan was very entertaining.
There is also some nice drama between emissaries from Mirabar and Mithral Hall, with Regis really coming into his own as a steward for the Hall.
There is also an awesome, desperate plan that is done, with Pikel and the gnome working together and while it was obvious what they were trying for, I think climax lived up to the hype.
Yet again; however, several things kept this book from receiving a 4 star rating.
The biggest one is Drizzt annoying and pointless section diary entries. Who needs this whiny introspection that basically repeats exactly what happened already in the story. We get it, you are torn and like your friends...!
There is also an annoying chapter where Cattle-brie and Wulfgar have a very odd and forced conversation about her feelings about Drizzt, while in the middle of a battle, and their adoptive father is dying. Just seemed weird and pointless. We didn't need this sledgehammer style of romance, show me it, don't have awkward forced conversations.
Finally, again the description of the fighting style, specifically of the elves is excessively hard to picture. I think in part because what they are doing doesn't actually seem possible. The dwarves battle descriptions make sense, I see them and enjoy it. But the elves are all unrealistic dashing, weird slashes, and things that aren't described well.
Overall I think this was a strong addition to the Drizzt storyline, but still suffers from the central problem to Drizzt stories, their whiny and annoying main character, who bounces from being perfectly emotionally balanced, to crying, to raging, to "introspective" at the drop of a hat, an untouchable main characters (again Drizzt) who seems to get into extreme danger repeatedly and leave largely untouched, and finally combat descriptions that at times are extremely bad and impossible to visualize (again Drizzt).
Well, the first like 175 pages of this was riveting, I could not put it down. If you are looking for information on how scientists are trying to find or contact actual alien life (rather then just stories of abductions) this is the book for you.
There were so many theories and experiments I was unaware of. While a great deal of the discussion revolved around where microbiological alien life may be, there is also discussion of more complex life.
I did not know much about SETI entering the book, and this really opened my eyes.
The author's writing style is conversational and witty, while still giving you a nice overlay of complex scientific theories and ideas.
So why did I only give this 3 stars. Well right after about page 175 the book really bogs down in complicated and boring discussion of equations that relate to the chances of life developing on earth. It then moves into more earth focused science theories and seemed to go on a 75 page tangent with little to no connection to the search for alien life.
The book tries to pull it back by discussing animals on earth that may also have language or forms of civilization, and how until we can understand these life forms better, understanding aliens will be a struggle. However, this small section pops up only in the last 20 or so pages, and still isn't a strong finish, especially when compared to the amazing beginning of the book.
I would recommend this book to people looking to read about the search for alien life, but I would stop after the 3rd or 4th chapter, and maybe skip to the final section.
There were so many theories and experiments I was unaware of. While a great deal of the discussion revolved around where microbiological alien life may be, there is also discussion of more complex life.
I did not know much about SETI entering the book, and this really opened my eyes.
The author's writing style is conversational and witty, while still giving you a nice overlay of complex scientific theories and ideas.
So why did I only give this 3 stars. Well right after about page 175 the book really bogs down in complicated and boring discussion of equations that relate to the chances of life developing on earth. It then moves into more earth focused science theories and seemed to go on a 75 page tangent with little to no connection to the search for alien life.
The book tries to pull it back by discussing animals on earth that may also have language or forms of civilization, and how until we can understand these life forms better, understanding aliens will be a struggle. However, this small section pops up only in the last 20 or so pages, and still isn't a strong finish, especially when compared to the amazing beginning of the book.
I would recommend this book to people looking to read about the search for alien life, but I would stop after the 3rd or 4th chapter, and maybe skip to the final section.
This was a great way to read several of Ito's stories. The thing I really liked about this is that it is a collection of short stories, so if the current story isn't quite doing it for you, there is another one right around the corner.
I found two of the stories in here particularly chilling and good, these were "the Red Turtleneck," and "Gentle Goodbye." These were amazing, great pacing, creepy illustrations, and amazing stories.
They manage to play on the expectations of the audience while still delivering some unexpected shocks.
The "Whispering Woman," and "Dissection-chan" I think were also good, managing some very creepy and odd moments. The "Whispering Woman," in particular I think was really improved by some stellar creepy imagery.
The other stories are good, but these were the ones I found to be stand outs.
Ito's style, his pacing, and his illustrations all combine for a fun and scary experience. I highly recommend this to any fans of horror, even if you don't like some of the stories I am guessing you will love at least one.
I found two of the stories in here particularly chilling and good, these were "the Red Turtleneck," and "Gentle Goodbye." These were amazing, great pacing, creepy illustrations, and amazing stories.
They manage to play on the expectations of the audience while still delivering some unexpected shocks.
The "Whispering Woman," and "Dissection-chan" I think were also good, managing some very creepy and odd moments. The "Whispering Woman," in particular I think was really improved by some stellar creepy imagery.
The other stories are good, but these were the ones I found to be stand outs.
Ito's style, his pacing, and his illustrations all combine for a fun and scary experience. I highly recommend this to any fans of horror, even if you don't like some of the stories I am guessing you will love at least one.
Parts of this book I was immensely entertained by. The gunslinger in Tuul (sp?), his interactions with several of the people of the wastelands, and even some of his flashbacks were highly interesting, both in their action and their dialogue.
However, for every segment I loved, there was at least double that that I found boring and struggled to connect to the larger plot of the book. The gunslinger meets up with a boy Jake, and this is where I found myself struggling to get thru the story.
Jake and his interactions are weird. Purposefully so I think, but still weird. The second half of the book also leans heavily on the dream-like qualities of the story, which is not an aspect I particularly enjoyed.
I also found the final confrontation between the gunslinger and the man in black extremely anticlimatic. The books starts on such a high note, and it just sort of fizzles and ends with a cough.
I will not be continuing further into the series, as this did not really wow me.
If you like weird dream-like books, where several characters and plot points seem purposefully weird and random, this may be the book for you :).
However, for every segment I loved, there was at least double that that I found boring and struggled to connect to the larger plot of the book. The gunslinger meets up with a boy Jake, and this is where I found myself struggling to get thru the story.
Jake and his interactions are weird. Purposefully so I think, but still weird. The second half of the book also leans heavily on the dream-like qualities of the story, which is not an aspect I particularly enjoyed.
I also found the final confrontation between the gunslinger and the man in black extremely anticlimatic. The books starts on such a high note, and it just sort of fizzles and ends with a cough.
I will not be continuing further into the series, as this did not really wow me.
If you like weird dream-like books, where several characters and plot points seem purposefully weird and random, this may be the book for you :).
I am a big H.P. Lovecraft fan, so I was particularly excited about this. I am not 100% certain that the slow dread quite transfers in the manga format though. Lovecraft's stories are often slower paced to allow a lot of build up, but the stories in this volume whizzed by.
I thought the final story worked amazing, and had the perfect pacing and tone to achieve that sense of dread and build up, while still using some evocative descriptions to accompany the illustration.
Overall worth reading for Lovecraft or manga fans, but I think I prefer Junji Ito's work in horror.
I thought the final story worked amazing, and had the perfect pacing and tone to achieve that sense of dread and build up, while still using some evocative descriptions to accompany the illustration.
Overall worth reading for Lovecraft or manga fans, but I think I prefer Junji Ito's work in horror.
This story happens immediately after A New Hope. The Empire is reeling from the lose of the Death Star, and the rebels are desperately trying to make up for its loss.
I think the strongest part of the story was seeing the anger and frustration Princess Leia felt after losing her plant to Darth Vader, something that never quite made an appearance in the movies.
It was also interesting seeing some of the conflict within Luke, who is still trying to figure out if he really even is a Jedi.
Overall worth a read, it's fun, it's quick, and tell an interesting in between story.
I think the strongest part of the story was seeing the anger and frustration Princess Leia felt after losing her plant to Darth Vader, something that never quite made an appearance in the movies.
It was also interesting seeing some of the conflict within Luke, who is still trying to figure out if he really even is a Jedi.
Overall worth a read, it's fun, it's quick, and tell an interesting in between story.
The action and battles in this book were great. There were several amazing moments between the dwarves and the orcs. If you are reading this for the action this made it worth it.
However; this was definitely the weakest book of this trilogy. It struggled on several fronts.
Firstly, it harped even more on the forced romance angle with Cattle-brie and Drittz... bleh.
Compounding on this, Salvatore introduces this ridiculous and out of place arc with Delly, where she is unhappy with being stuck in the dwarven caves. With literally thousands of orcs swarming around Mithral Hall, Wulfgar nearly dying several times, and hundreds of refugees without a home, this is the story salvatore decides to tell with this character. It comes out of no where, and contradicts the supportive and strong female he built up in the first two books. It's almost as if he realized he had created a more natural romance and so needed to destroy it with forced drama!
Besides these failings, which have continued throughout most of salvatore's work I have read, "the Two Swords" doesn't actually give any conclusion to the story it builds up. Without giving spoilers you could have stopped with book two and largely the characters and the realm is in the same place. The only major difference is some forced and awkard emotional growth on the part of a few characters...
Overall a big disappointment. I enjoyed parts of this, flying thru the battles, the tension, only to have characters like Galen Firth with his smug boorishness survive, and have the poorly written relationship angst thrown in my face :/.
However; this was definitely the weakest book of this trilogy. It struggled on several fronts.
Firstly, it harped even more on the forced romance angle with Cattle-brie and Drittz... bleh.
Compounding on this, Salvatore introduces this ridiculous and out of place arc with Delly, where she is unhappy with being stuck in the dwarven caves. With literally thousands of orcs swarming around Mithral Hall, Wulfgar nearly dying several times, and hundreds of refugees without a home, this is the story salvatore decides to tell with this character. It comes out of no where, and contradicts the supportive and strong female he built up in the first two books. It's almost as if he realized he had created a more natural romance and so needed to destroy it with forced drama!
Besides these failings, which have continued throughout most of salvatore's work I have read, "the Two Swords" doesn't actually give any conclusion to the story it builds up. Without giving spoilers you could have stopped with book two and largely the characters and the realm is in the same place. The only major difference is some forced and awkard emotional growth on the part of a few characters...
Overall a big disappointment. I enjoyed parts of this, flying thru the battles, the tension, only to have characters like Galen Firth with his smug boorishness survive, and have the poorly written relationship angst thrown in my face :/.