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romankurys's reviews
493 reviews
Day of the Dragon by Richard A. Knaak
4.0
So, I am very biased and these are very biased 4 stars.
Characters: 4
I'm a World of Warcraft veteran player, and was familiar with main characters over 10 years of playing the game. Just reading the name of each of them brought tons of memories of who they are and what they have done. Each of the characters resonated deeply and the only reason it's a 4 and not 5 stars is because most of the resonance was from stories in the game's quest. I felt like I've known them for a long time so it was nice to go on a new adventure together.
Story: 4
I actually thought the story was really good. Good amount of intrigue, good amount of mystery, action and some plot twists that were a bit unexpected. (At least for me). Big kudos for this book actually feeling like a book and not like a video game, that was a pleasant surprise. Writing was a tad bit awkward and maybe too simple, but hey, it allowed me to focus and immerse into Knaak's story and not decipher what the meaning of a word could be.
Setting: 5
So Azeroth, Burning Legion gate by Azshara..errr I mean. I'm sold. Then Illidan walked in (before he became the betrayer). Even though he IS a character, in my mind it added to the setting itself, if that makes sense. I loved it.
Like I said in the beginning. I am very biased, and I liked this story a lot! Definitely recommend the game and the book!
Roman "Ragnar"
Characters: 4
I'm a World of Warcraft veteran player, and was familiar with main characters over 10 years of playing the game. Just reading the name of each of them brought tons of memories of who they are and what they have done. Each of the characters resonated deeply and the only reason it's a 4 and not 5 stars is because most of the resonance was from stories in the game's quest. I felt like I've known them for a long time so it was nice to go on a new adventure together.
Story: 4
I actually thought the story was really good. Good amount of intrigue, good amount of mystery, action and some plot twists that were a bit unexpected. (At least for me). Big kudos for this book actually feeling like a book and not like a video game, that was a pleasant surprise. Writing was a tad bit awkward and maybe too simple, but hey, it allowed me to focus and immerse into Knaak's story and not decipher what the meaning of a word could be.
Setting: 5
So Azeroth, Burning Legion gate by Azshara..errr I mean. I'm sold. Then Illidan walked in (before he became the betrayer). Even though he IS a character, in my mind it added to the setting itself, if that makes sense. I loved it.
Like I said in the beginning. I am very biased, and I liked this story a lot! Definitely recommend the game and the book!
Roman "Ragnar"
Spellfire by Ed Greenwood
I really wanted to like this book. The first book that started all the Forgotten Realms adventures and with a lot of promise to boot! Cover art made me salivate and then I started reading and the more book progressed the more angry it made me.
Characters: 2
Very unlikable characters made this book very boring to read for me. It was as if everyone in this book wants to protect Shandril. (A genius name, probably he best part about characters was their name). And I mean...everyone. From the first moment they lay their eyes on her they want to ether kill her or protect her. What???
Such good potential to make great characters and it just did not work for me. Maybe Greenwood is banking on more development on the next books? I'm not sure, but in this one story drove the characters, not the other way around and it made for boring characters.
Plot: 2
So overall the plot here had great promise. It just didn't pan out for me in the end. First quarter of the book or so happens in the cave, where people die and get resurrected and healed by potions...this is NOT a forgotten realms video game. This is a Forgotten Realms BOOK!!! AARRGGHH! That drove me crazy!!!
All sorts of different villains, which I liked.
All these villains are basically incompetent to the core. Which I didn't like.
If a villain hurts someone...let's just heal them. All of them. All of the time. Cause we got priests. WHAT??? I mean, c'mon!!!
The whole story just felt like you could just have had Shandril and Elminster and just delete everyone else. I mean she's smashing dragons back to back...defeating the strongest villans with a moderate effort, given.
Just silly. Very silly. I get the coming of age story, but this was just dumb.
Setting: 1
I love the Forgotten Realms setting idea. Execution is so poor here that the entire time I was reading this book, I literally imagines Ed Greenwood with a few buddies in a room playing a Dungeons and Dragons table top and recording what happens. Greenwood was the dungeon master in my head, his best friend played Elminster and his daughter was Shandril (not sure if he had a daughter, that's just what I saw in my head while reading). Then 3-4 other friends on the table's sides.
I was infuriated that the entire book, and I mean the entire book felt like a long D&D tabletop session. It did NOT feel like I'm reading a book.
Now. With that off my chest. I am going to read Part 2 because
1. My OCD won't let me not read it.
2. I NEED to see how this trilogy got as popular as it did. There has to be light at the end of a tunnel. Here HAS to be! Please let there be light at the end of the tunnel.
Roman "Ragnar"
2.0
I really wanted to like this book. The first book that started all the Forgotten Realms adventures and with a lot of promise to boot! Cover art made me salivate and then I started reading and the more book progressed the more angry it made me.
Characters: 2
Very unlikable characters made this book very boring to read for me. It was as if everyone in this book wants to protect Shandril. (A genius name, probably he best part about characters was their name). And I mean...everyone. From the first moment they lay their eyes on her they want to ether kill her or protect her. What???
Such good potential to make great characters and it just did not work for me. Maybe Greenwood is banking on more development on the next books? I'm not sure, but in this one story drove the characters, not the other way around and it made for boring characters.
Plot: 2
So overall the plot here had great promise. It just didn't pan out for me in the end. First quarter of the book or so happens in the cave, where people die and get resurrected and healed by potions...this is NOT a forgotten realms video game. This is a Forgotten Realms BOOK!!! AARRGGHH! That drove me crazy!!!
All sorts of different villains, which I liked.
All these villains are basically incompetent to the core. Which I didn't like.
If a villain hurts someone...let's just heal them. All of them. All of the time. Cause we got priests. WHAT??? I mean, c'mon!!!
The whole story just felt like you could just have had Shandril and Elminster and just delete everyone else. I mean she's smashing dragons back to back...defeating the strongest villans with a moderate effort, given.
Just silly. Very silly. I get the coming of age story, but this was just dumb.
Setting: 1
I love the Forgotten Realms setting idea. Execution is so poor here that the entire time I was reading this book, I literally imagines Ed Greenwood with a few buddies in a room playing a Dungeons and Dragons table top and recording what happens. Greenwood was the dungeon master in my head, his best friend played Elminster and his daughter was Shandril (not sure if he had a daughter, that's just what I saw in my head while reading). Then 3-4 other friends on the table's sides.
I was infuriated that the entire book, and I mean the entire book felt like a long D&D tabletop session. It did NOT feel like I'm reading a book.
Now. With that off my chest. I am going to read Part 2 because
1. My OCD won't let me not read it.
2. I NEED to see how this trilogy got as popular as it did. There has to be light at the end of a tunnel. Here HAS to be! Please let there be light at the end of the tunnel.
Roman "Ragnar"
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
2.0
So finally I was able to make my way through the boring maze of a large collection of unnecessary words, Hugo called: "Notre Dame de Paris."
I really wanted to like this book. In fact, I enjoyed Bug Jargal and Hans of Iceland, he previous books but this...this was just torture. (And I'm no stranger to classics.)
2 stars is as high a rating I can honestly give it.
Characters: 2
I kept thinking it would get better, there would be better characters coming along. As a matter of fact Gringoire is the most sensible of them all. Maybe Quasimodo after but the rest behaved in such unrealistic manner that it was just a pain to read.
Esmeralda...I kept secretly hoping that the priest would just kill her and have it all over with. (No spoilers, that's just what I wanted him to do).
Just not impressed at all by any characters.
Plot: 2
While plot had very good potential, it really got quagmires by tens of pages of unnecessary information that was randomly and for no reason at all put as full chapters in between the actual story chapters. Just when I found myself getting immersed into the story. BAM! Let's talk about how the printing press killed architecture. For a WHOLE chapter. No connection to anything. Just a very random immersion killing technique.
Setting: 1
I just could not make myself care for the setting. There was something there, but the level of descriptive details ruined it.
There is absolutely no reason to spend 30 or 35 pages talking just about every street Paris has...
Or another 20-30 pages talking about architecture and art. It literally felt like Hugo felt that his PhD thesis was being wasted and decided to just randomly plug it into a book. It's just not needed and destroys the whole mood, making me want to just stop reading.
Overall, books should be a fun time spend. This one wasn't. I'll probably try Hugo's another work as I liked his other books I've read, but I need to go into Hugo detox after this travesty of a book.
Would absolutely not recommend. Unless you maybe get an abridged version? Do yourself a favor and skip a full one.
Roman "Ragnar"
I really wanted to like this book. In fact, I enjoyed Bug Jargal and Hans of Iceland, he previous books but this...this was just torture. (And I'm no stranger to classics.)
2 stars is as high a rating I can honestly give it.
Characters: 2
I kept thinking it would get better, there would be better characters coming along. As a matter of fact Gringoire is the most sensible of them all. Maybe Quasimodo after but the rest behaved in such unrealistic manner that it was just a pain to read.
Esmeralda...I kept secretly hoping that the priest would just kill her and have it all over with. (No spoilers, that's just what I wanted him to do).
Just not impressed at all by any characters.
Plot: 2
While plot had very good potential, it really got quagmires by tens of pages of unnecessary information that was randomly and for no reason at all put as full chapters in between the actual story chapters. Just when I found myself getting immersed into the story. BAM! Let's talk about how the printing press killed architecture. For a WHOLE chapter. No connection to anything. Just a very random immersion killing technique.
Setting: 1
I just could not make myself care for the setting. There was something there, but the level of descriptive details ruined it.
There is absolutely no reason to spend 30 or 35 pages talking just about every street Paris has...
Or another 20-30 pages talking about architecture and art. It literally felt like Hugo felt that his PhD thesis was being wasted and decided to just randomly plug it into a book. It's just not needed and destroys the whole mood, making me want to just stop reading.
Overall, books should be a fun time spend. This one wasn't. I'll probably try Hugo's another work as I liked his other books I've read, but I need to go into Hugo detox after this travesty of a book.
Would absolutely not recommend. Unless you maybe get an abridged version? Do yourself a favor and skip a full one.
Roman "Ragnar"
Zaragoz by Brian Craig
3.0
A very solid read and a very solid 3 stars. I wished for a bit more, but it just wasn't there.
I do love Warhammer universe the more I delve into it, especially it's darker feel then other Fantasy Universes out there.
It's grim, it's nasty, its a world full of demons of all kinds, and at any time all sorts of things can go wrong.
Characters: 3
An interesting set of characters I'd say. Kept me interested but I could not really get into it or immerse in fully. For some reason I had a hard time to really buy into the whole story. I think it was how the story was framed that turned me off from the beginning. Right in the first few pages you know that this is a story being told by a story teller to someone. Kinda like "1001 Nights". It's very hard to immerse if I know it's someone telling a story. (I know it sounds odd, since it's all stories in the end.)
Plot: 3
Solid plot as well. Some twists but overall story went by chapter by chapter. It was good, I liked it, but I could stop at any time without that urge of having to come back.
Setting: 3
Warhammer setting is great to me because of all the mystical elements and deities co existing together with the people. There was certainly a lot of that in the text which was why I liked it. It would be nice to have mythical beings take a more active part throughout the whole story but I suppose this is one of the first Warhammer novels written so the universe was still forming. Solid 3 again.
I'll definitely be reading the next book published in the Warhammer universe, that's for sure. There's something about it that draws me in. I hope for the world to get more and more fleshed out as it grows!
Roman "Ragnar"
I do love Warhammer universe the more I delve into it, especially it's darker feel then other Fantasy Universes out there.
It's grim, it's nasty, its a world full of demons of all kinds, and at any time all sorts of things can go wrong.
Characters: 3
An interesting set of characters I'd say. Kept me interested but I could not really get into it or immerse in fully. For some reason I had a hard time to really buy into the whole story. I think it was how the story was framed that turned me off from the beginning. Right in the first few pages you know that this is a story being told by a story teller to someone. Kinda like "1001 Nights". It's very hard to immerse if I know it's someone telling a story. (I know it sounds odd, since it's all stories in the end.)
Plot: 3
Solid plot as well. Some twists but overall story went by chapter by chapter. It was good, I liked it, but I could stop at any time without that urge of having to come back.
Setting: 3
Warhammer setting is great to me because of all the mystical elements and deities co existing together with the people. There was certainly a lot of that in the text which was why I liked it. It would be nice to have mythical beings take a more active part throughout the whole story but I suppose this is one of the first Warhammer novels written so the universe was still forming. Solid 3 again.
I'll definitely be reading the next book published in the Warhammer universe, that's for sure. There's something about it that draws me in. I hope for the world to get more and more fleshed out as it grows!
Roman "Ragnar"
The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
4.0
So...for some odd reason, I really liked this book. It appears to be very much out of my age group. By about a double. I've come to peace with it, because this book is very fun to read.
I actually wanted to give it 5 Stars by impulse but to be more fair a 4 star rating is a it more fitting.
Character: 3
Characters were not a strength of this story, although considering the audience to be kids they are pretty solid. Each has their quirks and moves the story along at a good pace.
Plot: 5
I absolutely loved the storytelling style here. From the title and the first page I was absolutely hooked.
I don't usually like when the writer breaks that wall by letting the reader in that it's a story being told. I prefer for the story to unfold "on its own" but this really hooked me. What also floored me is that the "Secret" turned out (no spoilers) to be something I would have never guessed it would be. I couldn't stop reading from start to finish.
One could argue about writing style, content etc etc...but the main point still stands: it was very fun to read. What else do I read for?
Setting: 4
I never read "Series of Unfortunate Events", that I see many people here compare this one to, so I suppose one more to add to my "To Read List". Overall the settings worked very well with the plot. A bit on a simple end of things, but as to be expected given the type of book it is. I wasn't expecting an epic world building here and what was here was surprising enough and fun enough to immerse into that 4 stars are well earned here.
No matter that voice in my head telling me that I'm supposed to think that Im too old to read this, I'm going to read the next part. That voice told me the same about many other books, even Narnia series and I never listened to it. Which I'm happy about.
I refuse to "grow up" and lose that magical spark. Who knows, maybe one day I'll find my Narnia :)
Definitely reading the next part!
Roman "Ragnar"
I actually wanted to give it 5 Stars by impulse but to be more fair a 4 star rating is a it more fitting.
Character: 3
Characters were not a strength of this story, although considering the audience to be kids they are pretty solid. Each has their quirks and moves the story along at a good pace.
Plot: 5
I absolutely loved the storytelling style here. From the title and the first page I was absolutely hooked.
I don't usually like when the writer breaks that wall by letting the reader in that it's a story being told. I prefer for the story to unfold "on its own" but this really hooked me. What also floored me is that the "Secret" turned out (no spoilers) to be something I would have never guessed it would be. I couldn't stop reading from start to finish.
One could argue about writing style, content etc etc...but the main point still stands: it was very fun to read. What else do I read for?
Setting: 4
I never read "Series of Unfortunate Events", that I see many people here compare this one to, so I suppose one more to add to my "To Read List". Overall the settings worked very well with the plot. A bit on a simple end of things, but as to be expected given the type of book it is. I wasn't expecting an epic world building here and what was here was surprising enough and fun enough to immerse into that 4 stars are well earned here.
No matter that voice in my head telling me that I'm supposed to think that Im too old to read this, I'm going to read the next part. That voice told me the same about many other books, even Narnia series and I never listened to it. Which I'm happy about.
I refuse to "grow up" and lose that magical spark. Who knows, maybe one day I'll find my Narnia :)
Definitely reading the next part!
Roman "Ragnar"
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath by H.P. Lovecraft
4.0
This book deserves a solid 4 stars in my book. I was honestly pleasantly surprised as my previous encounter with Lovecraft's early work was sort of ok.
Admittedly, Lovecraft used this story as practice for his novel writing and as some other folks on here said, it shows.
For me, however is was still a very good read.
Character: 4
In short, I liked Carter as a character despite his deficiencies. (Or really Lovecraft's.) The pure concept of a dreamer who is so engrossed in it that it just might be real is mesmerizing. Carter is a fascinating person and whether his adventures are induced by hashish, over active imagination or are real, the bottom line was that I enjoyed following his footsteps.
Plot: 3
Plot was actually very solid, I thought. Lots of fun adventures and unexpected twists. This is certainly not a standard tale and anything goes. I thought it was fun to not really ever feel the need to guess what will happen next.
Walls and walls of text without sufficient dialogue or some sort of separations for an easier read would have been more immersive.
Setting: 5
Now I really enjoyed the tale's setting and general ambiance. Was it over the top descriptive? Yes, it sure was, but it felt creepy and weird and it made me want to slow down and just spend some in that strange world myself.
Overall, this was much better then the previous book, still rough, but it evoked a good deal of emotion out of me, especially the setting, which makes me think about what some of the later written stories might bring to the table.
Looking forward to it.
Roman "Ragnar"
Admittedly, Lovecraft used this story as practice for his novel writing and as some other folks on here said, it shows.
For me, however is was still a very good read.
Character: 4
In short, I liked Carter as a character despite his deficiencies. (Or really Lovecraft's.) The pure concept of a dreamer who is so engrossed in it that it just might be real is mesmerizing. Carter is a fascinating person and whether his adventures are induced by hashish, over active imagination or are real, the bottom line was that I enjoyed following his footsteps.
Plot: 3
Plot was actually very solid, I thought. Lots of fun adventures and unexpected twists. This is certainly not a standard tale and anything goes. I thought it was fun to not really ever feel the need to guess what will happen next.
Walls and walls of text without sufficient dialogue or some sort of separations for an easier read would have been more immersive.
Setting: 5
Now I really enjoyed the tale's setting and general ambiance. Was it over the top descriptive? Yes, it sure was, but it felt creepy and weird and it made me want to slow down and just spend some in that strange world myself.
Overall, this was much better then the previous book, still rough, but it evoked a good deal of emotion out of me, especially the setting, which makes me think about what some of the later written stories might bring to the table.
Looking forward to it.
Roman "Ragnar"
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold by John le Carré
4.0
This was a fantastic, emotion evoking read.
I was going in, expecting a spy novel and while it certainly was that, it was much more as well.
Some disclaimers:
-If you're looking for Bond like fast paced action, move on. None of that here.
-If you don't know the history of East/West Germany and their relationship with the Soviet Union, move on. You will be confused.
- If you're looking for an easy read of a thriller you can read while watching TV or doing some random stuff in the background, move on.
If you're still here, you will love this book. It will suck you in and keep you there.
It will get emotional.
It will get tense.
It will get awesome.
I absolutely love LeCarre's writing style. What could have easily been pulp, under his pen turned into good literature.
Character: 3
Characters were ok in this book, although I felt they were not the strength of this story. However, what they were, was very accurate representation of mundane. Every day people, in every day situations, except someone who looks like an everyday person going through everyday situations. None of us would ever tell him apart from the crowd, and that is the point.
But what's inside his head...is what makes this book.
Story: 5
Leamus might not be a very exciting character but the story he's involved in is nothing short of stellar. I found it exhilarating as I flipped he pages and dazzled at the same time. I read a lot of fantasy/ sci-fi, so to get completely immersed into mundane is very hard for me. Clancy makes me do it, and now I know leCarre can as well.
Story managed to be nothing short of great despite the lack of any real action I expected from a spy novel going in.
Setting: 5
Dark. Grim. Hopeless. Mundane.
All of that sounds like a recipe for a disaster. Except it is not. The setting drew me in and never let go. I remembered all the history lessons and all the stories my grandparents told me about those times. I remembered that I live in a very spoiled world and should not take it for granted. It was a moral lesson I got from the setting. Mundane evoked thought and emotion long after I finished reading the book.
Grab a glass of scotch. (Glenfidditch preferably)
Sit in your lazy boy.
Put on a small light by your side.
#sleepisfortheweak.
Roman "Ragnar"
I was going in, expecting a spy novel and while it certainly was that, it was much more as well.
Some disclaimers:
-If you're looking for Bond like fast paced action, move on. None of that here.
-If you don't know the history of East/West Germany and their relationship with the Soviet Union, move on. You will be confused.
- If you're looking for an easy read of a thriller you can read while watching TV or doing some random stuff in the background, move on.
If you're still here, you will love this book. It will suck you in and keep you there.
It will get emotional.
It will get tense.
It will get awesome.
I absolutely love LeCarre's writing style. What could have easily been pulp, under his pen turned into good literature.
Character: 3
Characters were ok in this book, although I felt they were not the strength of this story. However, what they were, was very accurate representation of mundane. Every day people, in every day situations, except someone who looks like an everyday person going through everyday situations. None of us would ever tell him apart from the crowd, and that is the point.
But what's inside his head...is what makes this book.
Story: 5
Leamus might not be a very exciting character but the story he's involved in is nothing short of stellar. I found it exhilarating as I flipped he pages and dazzled at the same time. I read a lot of fantasy/ sci-fi, so to get completely immersed into mundane is very hard for me. Clancy makes me do it, and now I know leCarre can as well.
Story managed to be nothing short of great despite the lack of any real action I expected from a spy novel going in.
Setting: 5
Dark. Grim. Hopeless. Mundane.
All of that sounds like a recipe for a disaster. Except it is not. The setting drew me in and never let go. I remembered all the history lessons and all the stories my grandparents told me about those times. I remembered that I live in a very spoiled world and should not take it for granted. It was a moral lesson I got from the setting. Mundane evoked thought and emotion long after I finished reading the book.
Grab a glass of scotch. (Glenfidditch preferably)
Sit in your lazy boy.
Put on a small light by your side.
#sleepisfortheweak.
Roman "Ragnar"
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
2.0
This was probably the hardest 2 stars to give ever...if for no other reason then: "ITS NARNIA!!!"
How can this blasphemy of 2 stars even enter my mind, right?
If I do remove Narnia from this book however, all of a sudden 2 stars seems like an appropriate overall rating.
Characters: 3
The talking horse wins. And it's kinda silly that the talking horse is my most favorite character out of everyone in the tale, but it really was. Others just did not grip me. They felt dry and not someone I could care about. The story was driving them forward, and they were in for a ride. Things happened and they reacted. Also stereotypes galore...all the way through, I did my best to understand but it's boring if I can tell what he character is going t do or say next.
With the horse...I could never tell and that was fun.
Plot: 1
I don't know what happened here, it I feel like there almost was no plot. I usually never guess how stories are going to end but this one I just knew. Beginning was very promising and I thought I was in for a ride, like the previous Narnia books, but that didn't happen. This also did not feel like Narnia, since most of the story didn't even happen in Narnia. Although bringing some of the familiar heroes was a nice touch. Not enough to keep me truly interested.
Setting: 2
Here I felt conflicted on many levels. I understand that many people love the desert settings in their stories but I am not a fan of the hot places so that was a turn off right from the beginning. I much preferred foresty Narnia to a desert.
Also, Lewis does go a little overboard wth stereotypes in this book, much more then what he's done in the past, and today, I would imagine it does not read the same as it did at the time of writing.
Not judging him, this is his creation so it is what it is, but all the blatantly obvious stereotypes made it very difficult to get into a setting that I already was not a fan of in the first place.
Love and respect Narnia so 2 suggestions:
1. If you read for enjoyment, skip this book.
2. If you're a completionist and must finish all Narnia books, well then...get on with it :)
Roman "Ragnar"
How can this blasphemy of 2 stars even enter my mind, right?
If I do remove Narnia from this book however, all of a sudden 2 stars seems like an appropriate overall rating.
Characters: 3
The talking horse wins. And it's kinda silly that the talking horse is my most favorite character out of everyone in the tale, but it really was. Others just did not grip me. They felt dry and not someone I could care about. The story was driving them forward, and they were in for a ride. Things happened and they reacted. Also stereotypes galore...all the way through, I did my best to understand but it's boring if I can tell what he character is going t do or say next.
With the horse...I could never tell and that was fun.
Plot: 1
I don't know what happened here, it I feel like there almost was no plot. I usually never guess how stories are going to end but this one I just knew. Beginning was very promising and I thought I was in for a ride, like the previous Narnia books, but that didn't happen. This also did not feel like Narnia, since most of the story didn't even happen in Narnia. Although bringing some of the familiar heroes was a nice touch. Not enough to keep me truly interested.
Setting: 2
Here I felt conflicted on many levels. I understand that many people love the desert settings in their stories but I am not a fan of the hot places so that was a turn off right from the beginning. I much preferred foresty Narnia to a desert.
Also, Lewis does go a little overboard wth stereotypes in this book, much more then what he's done in the past, and today, I would imagine it does not read the same as it did at the time of writing.
Not judging him, this is his creation so it is what it is, but all the blatantly obvious stereotypes made it very difficult to get into a setting that I already was not a fan of in the first place.
Love and respect Narnia so 2 suggestions:
1. If you read for enjoyment, skip this book.
2. If you're a completionist and must finish all Narnia books, well then...get on with it :)
Roman "Ragnar"
Lord of the Clans by Christie Golden
5.0
Warning. I am super biased about this book. I played Warcraft aeries as a kid and put in a good amount of time into the World of Warcraft as well. To be able to see where Thrall (who is iconic in Warcraft universe) came from in a book, was like a wet dream that went on for a few days.
I do not think I am really able to write a balanced review here. Well, maybe I am, but I really do not want to.
I feel like this story was a 5 stars for ME, so that is what it gets. Thank you to Christie Golden for writing this.
Character: 5 (But realistically more like a 3).
If you remove a Thrall, characters are more like a 3. Throw Thrall in the mix and it becomes legendary. A great show of "Rags to Riches" story that detailed the iconic characters rise to fame, his relationship wit other clans and the fel magic. He grows each chapter as he learns and becomes more and more aware of the world around him.
You throw Durotan into this mix...and its game over. Every horse fanboi desire satisfied.
Plot: 5 (Realistically more like a 4).
While simple on a surface the plot is actually pretty solid all around. Very character driven, which I enjoyed. Every twist showed Thrall's personality grow and shape. His interactions had a purpose that made me want to see what happens next. There really wasn't anything extra spectacular here or a tons of "oh snap!!!" moments as far as plot goes, but what was most memorable and important to me is that it was a whole lot of fun to follow.
Setting: 5 (Even after thinking about it, it is still a 5).
No matter how objectively I try to look at the setting and environment this story takes place in, it's just awesome. From the snowy peak of Alterac to the Orc Internment Camps things just fall into place with a great visual. I enjoyed a lot the changes in points of views as the story progressed as it helped see the world through different lenses or perception.
While humans could be labeled as the "bad guys" in this story, since the story is very much orc centric it still is very interesting to follow and see human and or character perspective on the same reality.
All in all, I expected a direct sequel, given that this is Book 2 in the trilogy and while it was a sequel of sorts as far as the timeline is concerned, it was a whole new story all together.
Definitely sign me up for Book 3!
Roman "Ragnar"
I do not think I am really able to write a balanced review here. Well, maybe I am, but I really do not want to.
I feel like this story was a 5 stars for ME, so that is what it gets. Thank you to Christie Golden for writing this.
Character: 5 (But realistically more like a 3).
If you remove a Thrall, characters are more like a 3. Throw Thrall in the mix and it becomes legendary. A great show of "Rags to Riches" story that detailed the iconic characters rise to fame, his relationship wit other clans and the fel magic. He grows each chapter as he learns and becomes more and more aware of the world around him.
You throw Durotan into this mix...and its game over. Every horse fanboi desire satisfied.
Plot: 5 (Realistically more like a 4).
While simple on a surface the plot is actually pretty solid all around. Very character driven, which I enjoyed. Every twist showed Thrall's personality grow and shape. His interactions had a purpose that made me want to see what happens next. There really wasn't anything extra spectacular here or a tons of "oh snap!!!" moments as far as plot goes, but what was most memorable and important to me is that it was a whole lot of fun to follow.
Setting: 5 (Even after thinking about it, it is still a 5).
No matter how objectively I try to look at the setting and environment this story takes place in, it's just awesome. From the snowy peak of Alterac to the Orc Internment Camps things just fall into place with a great visual. I enjoyed a lot the changes in points of views as the story progressed as it helped see the world through different lenses or perception.
While humans could be labeled as the "bad guys" in this story, since the story is very much orc centric it still is very interesting to follow and see human and or character perspective on the same reality.
All in all, I expected a direct sequel, given that this is Book 2 in the trilogy and while it was a sequel of sorts as far as the timeline is concerned, it was a whole new story all together.
Definitely sign me up for Book 3!
Roman "Ragnar"
The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
4.0
It was interesting for me to read how polarized reviews of this book are. I've read many 1 star reviews and many 5 stars reviews out of pure interest as to why. I've noticed allegories and connections that other reviewers pointed out that I did not. Not sure if it was intended by Lewis or we see what we want to see, but the fact remains that this book is a pretty controversial one. Perhaps more so than others in the series.
For me, personally, this rates at a solid 4 Stars and is my 2nd favorite book in the series after "The Magician's Nephew." and "The Witch, the Lion, and the Wardrobe"
"Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and "Prince Caspian" placed firmly in the middle.
"The Horse and His Boy" and "The Silver Chair" were not enjoyable reads to me.
But back to the Last Battle.
Characters: 4
What I enjoyed most was how Lewis brought everyone back together for a final goodbye. Well, almost everyone, you'll see. I enjoyed seeing all his books brought together, in one arguably happy ending. From a strange beginning where all I kept thinking was: "What does a donkey or an ape have to do with all this?" to an ending where it almost felt like a series reunion. I enjoyed seeing everyone I like placed together, regardless of any limitations, including time.
Plot: 4
I thought the plot was actually pretty well crafted. Given there is a weird time when I was reading and thinking about how on earth will they get themselves out of this mess and, of course, Aslan is the all-powerful etc. etc. That felt a bit corny. Understanding the context, however, it all makes sense. He created it all and can do what he pleases when it pleases him to do it.
If I did not take that into consideration and this was any other book series, I'd have most likely given the plot a 2-star rating. Out of context, it felt too much as a cop-out. "Oh wait, I have no idea how to get them out of this mess. OH! I KNOW! A superpower! BAM. Problem solved.
Setting: 5
Now, this is where the book shone the most for me. I am a huge fan of the Book of Revelations. It has captivated my imagination since I was a little kid. Now, it has nothing to do with it being Christian, if that is what you are thinking. The sheer concept of higher level beings and the end of the world theme grabs my attention very quickly. It can be Christian, Vikings, ancient Greeks, Hebrew, Egyptian, Buddhist...I don't care.
I just like seeing apocalyptic world setting where a higher order of supernatural/preternatural beings are involved. (Had enough with plagues and viruses).
This, albeit on a very primitive level, was exactly what I wanted it to be. Keeping in mind that the book's intended for kids, so it could not be too graphic, the details filled themselves in my brain as I re-read the last 50 pages of the book three times back to back.
The setting made the book for me!
And now...I am sad that there is no Book 8. I do not re-read books often, actually pretty much never, since once I know the story's details, I move on, so the series comes to an end for me. It had its ups and downs. Some books were great, some mediocre and some I did not like, but overall it is a great classic series that I would absolutely recommend for a read.
Enjoy!
Roman "Ragnar"
For me, personally, this rates at a solid 4 Stars and is my 2nd favorite book in the series after "The Magician's Nephew." and "The Witch, the Lion, and the Wardrobe"
"Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and "Prince Caspian" placed firmly in the middle.
"The Horse and His Boy" and "The Silver Chair" were not enjoyable reads to me.
But back to the Last Battle.
Characters: 4
What I enjoyed most was how Lewis brought everyone back together for a final goodbye. Well, almost everyone, you'll see. I enjoyed seeing all his books brought together, in one arguably happy ending. From a strange beginning where all I kept thinking was: "What does a donkey or an ape have to do with all this?" to an ending where it almost felt like a series reunion. I enjoyed seeing everyone I like placed together, regardless of any limitations, including time.
Plot: 4
I thought the plot was actually pretty well crafted. Given there is a weird time when I was reading and thinking about how on earth will they get themselves out of this mess and, of course, Aslan is the all-powerful etc. etc. That felt a bit corny. Understanding the context, however, it all makes sense. He created it all and can do what he pleases when it pleases him to do it.
If I did not take that into consideration and this was any other book series, I'd have most likely given the plot a 2-star rating. Out of context, it felt too much as a cop-out. "Oh wait, I have no idea how to get them out of this mess. OH! I KNOW! A superpower! BAM. Problem solved.
Setting: 5
Now, this is where the book shone the most for me. I am a huge fan of the Book of Revelations. It has captivated my imagination since I was a little kid. Now, it has nothing to do with it being Christian, if that is what you are thinking. The sheer concept of higher level beings and the end of the world theme grabs my attention very quickly. It can be Christian, Vikings, ancient Greeks, Hebrew, Egyptian, Buddhist...I don't care.
I just like seeing apocalyptic world setting where a higher order of supernatural/preternatural beings are involved. (Had enough with plagues and viruses).
This, albeit on a very primitive level, was exactly what I wanted it to be. Keeping in mind that the book's intended for kids, so it could not be too graphic, the details filled themselves in my brain as I re-read the last 50 pages of the book three times back to back.
The setting made the book for me!
And now...I am sad that there is no Book 8. I do not re-read books often, actually pretty much never, since once I know the story's details, I move on, so the series comes to an end for me. It had its ups and downs. Some books were great, some mediocre and some I did not like, but overall it is a great classic series that I would absolutely recommend for a read.
Enjoy!
Roman "Ragnar"