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sipping_tea_with_ghosts's reviews
54 reviews
A Blight of Blackwings by Kevin Hearne
3.0
As much as I rather enjoyed Plague of Giants, I unfortunately can't say I enjoyed its followup nearly as much. The strengths of the first entry are still here: the world building is interesting and diverse, there are some real gut punches in self-contained war stories, and a good amount of the characters are fun to follow around.
My problems start with overall character development of some of the key players such as Dervan and Fintan, and how their supposed chances to grow were thrown onto completely different characters instead. Dervan went through a lot in the first book, learning a lot about the world outside of Survivor's Field, and having to come to grips with what happened to his beloved. One could reasonably say he had enough exposure in the first book, but with how he's the central narrator (or at least the guy writing down the thoughts of the main voice), its a little distracting how sterile he comes across compared to everyone else. There are some nice moments with him but they get lost in an avalanche of other character highlights and superfluous romance plots told by Fintan.
Also if you're expecting a bit of a recap since your read of the first entry was quite a ways back, you're not getting it. You might be like me and be confused for a little while on who ____ is and why them getting _____ was a big deal. The character glossary up front is far too barren and lacking in information for a cast this large.
Second issue is the amount of time dedicated to the previously said unneeded romance plots and secondary characters. When we're delving into the struggles of Abhi, Olet, Gondel, Koesha and otherwise, I'm having a great time. When the narrative decides to focus on the Sixth Kenning children such as Hamina and her rogue's gallery of juveniles, I roll my eyes and honestly skim most of the sections. These sections highlight an overly verbose writing style, dedicating paragraphs to describe a child's thinking and their ghost hand grip on philosophy of power. One chapter literally read like it was half Viva la Revolution and half fart jokes.
I only highlight these negatives so profusely because they regrettably take up a fair amount of the book. I should've finished this book much sooner than I did (took about 4 months I think). It starts really strong and then falls into a ditch for about 150 pages. The climax finally picks things back up and then the ending comes and goes like a fart in the wind.
Like I said before, there's still really good stuff here and I might pick up Hearne's Hounded series in the future because of it. You just have to get through a fair amount of doldrums to get to those awe inspiring world views and heartbreaking losses of life.
My problems start with overall character development of some of the key players such as Dervan and Fintan, and how their supposed chances to grow were thrown onto completely different characters instead. Dervan went through a lot in the first book, learning a lot about the world outside of Survivor's Field, and having to come to grips with what happened to his beloved. One could reasonably say he had enough exposure in the first book, but with how he's the central narrator (or at least the guy writing down the thoughts of the main voice), its a little distracting how sterile he comes across compared to everyone else. There are some nice moments with him but they get lost in an avalanche of other character highlights and superfluous romance plots told by Fintan.
Also if you're expecting a bit of a recap since your read of the first entry was quite a ways back, you're not getting it. You might be like me and be confused for a little while on who ____ is and why them getting _____ was a big deal. The character glossary up front is far too barren and lacking in information for a cast this large.
Second issue is the amount of time dedicated to the previously said unneeded romance plots and secondary characters. When we're delving into the struggles of Abhi, Olet, Gondel, Koesha and otherwise, I'm having a great time. When the narrative decides to focus on the Sixth Kenning children such as Hamina and her rogue's gallery of juveniles, I roll my eyes and honestly skim most of the sections. These sections highlight an overly verbose writing style, dedicating paragraphs to describe a child's thinking and their ghost hand grip on philosophy of power. One chapter literally read like it was half Viva la Revolution and half fart jokes.
I only highlight these negatives so profusely because they regrettably take up a fair amount of the book. I should've finished this book much sooner than I did (took about 4 months I think). It starts really strong and then falls into a ditch for about 150 pages. The climax finally picks things back up and then the ending comes and goes like a fart in the wind.
Like I said before, there's still really good stuff here and I might pick up Hearne's Hounded series in the future because of it. You just have to get through a fair amount of doldrums to get to those awe inspiring world views and heartbreaking losses of life.
Road Brothers by Mark Lawrence
4.0
After the ending of Emperor of Thorns, I debated on how soon I wanted to return to the world of the Broken Empire. Even as I delved into other books, I found myself wanting to see more of Jorg's band of misfits, which Road Brothers thankfully provides. The summary on the back implies that you can enjoy this collection of stories without reading the Broken Empire trilogy first but I disagree. Sure, you might get a small resemblance of the world through these tales but I imagine newbies will be very confused on who the Builders are and how the world is divided and run.
My edition came with 14 stories, and the only reason this isn't 5 stars is because one or two of them didn't hold my interest all the way through. These are great little asides however and give screen time to more of my favorite characters such as Makin, Red Kent and Sim.
Favorite tales would have to be Mercy, Bad Seed and No Other Troy. Least would be Select Mode and Three is The Charm. (Don't get me wrong, I like Jalan from the other series but this story kind of felt like a simple joke wrapped up in an advertisement)
My edition came with 14 stories, and the only reason this isn't 5 stars is because one or two of them didn't hold my interest all the way through. These are great little asides however and give screen time to more of my favorite characters such as Makin, Red Kent and Sim.
Favorite tales would have to be Mercy, Bad Seed and No Other Troy. Least would be Select Mode and Three is The Charm. (Don't get me wrong, I like Jalan from the other series but this story kind of felt like a simple joke wrapped up in an advertisement)
This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
3.0
Short and sweet.
If you like the idea of a series of love letters between two competitive time traveling gals, then this book might be for you. There are little bits of worldbuilding and fun concepts about Atlantis-esque societies and perfected futures, but it's nothing especially detailed. You're here for the relationship and little jabs between the two main characters more than anything. I personally don't find that love to be the most convincing, feeling like a relationship of happenstance, but its entertaining and melodramatic in prose, which can be more important.
Factions and antagonists are mostly one-note or lacking in screen time, so if the borderline minimalist approach doesn't appeal, you might be better off looking elsewhere. The scenes with those tertiary aspects will likely be the thing you remember the least.
If we do get more from this world and this dynamic duo though...I'll be looking forward to it.
If you like the idea of a series of love letters between two competitive time traveling gals, then this book might be for you. There are little bits of worldbuilding and fun concepts about Atlantis-esque societies and perfected futures, but it's nothing especially detailed. You're here for the relationship and little jabs between the two main characters more than anything. I personally don't find that love to be the most convincing, feeling like a relationship of happenstance, but its entertaining and melodramatic in prose, which can be more important.
Factions and antagonists are mostly one-note or lacking in screen time, so if the borderline minimalist approach doesn't appeal, you might be better off looking elsewhere. The scenes with those tertiary aspects will likely be the thing you remember the least.
If we do get more from this world and this dynamic duo though...I'll be looking forward to it.
The Wheel of Osheim by Mark Lawrence
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After being lukewarm on The Liar's Key, I put off finishing the series for a few months before the thorns of the Broken Empire sunk back in somewhere once again and I found myself taking this concluding installment thankfully in big chunks instead of meager bits like with the second book. TLK suffered from a pacing that infuriated me, with a series of events that could've been condensed down by at least 200 pages for how much was actually relevant. Wheel of Osheim counters this criticism right away with a strong introduction that will leave you confused at how it follows the ending of Liar's Key but will overflow with mystery, humor and action as Jalan is thrown into an area of the world he knows nothing about and is ill-equipped to deal with the local terrors.
Much like Lawrence's other works in this universe, Wheel of Osheim follows two different timelines, switching on and off at opportune times so that the pacing never gets dull and the revelations are unceasing. Even then, there will still be questions on certain matters right up until the end, even as the main plot goes into overdrive and pieces fall into play for a big showdown. It all makes for an extremely compelling and addictive read, especially with all the character and world building done prior. I would say the only real detriment to this roller coaster would be the ending itself - Mark's way of ending stories always feels simultaneously overelaborate and crushingly short at the same time, like its in a hurry to tie things up. While it does conclude things admirably, I can't help but always feel a sense of anti-climax with these books, kind of hoping that Mark will just slow down and let the scene breathe. The solution itself is also a bit deflating, we're told of only two real outcomes of this epic journey and I honestly thought we would get a subversion on this or a hidden third way, but no, what you think Jalan will do with this power to change things...he will absolutely do. At least I'm happy for that tender bastard.
The ending aside, the journey there was more than worth it. The character work on Jalan especially has made him one of my favorites in recent memory, even surpassing Jorg Ancrath. He's gone from a guy I would willingly smack with a bottle of wine for complaining too loudly, to a man I'd buy a drink for and let him blather on about his conquests as the all important Prince (of dozens) of Red March. The bratty 20-something grows in believable ways throughout this journey, having bouts of bravery and selfless actions when pushed to the brink but will still regress into his old ways whenever he's allowed. Will he still turn and run at the sight of danger? Most likely, but he'll damn and curse himself while simultaneously trying to justify it.
The writing overall has a perfect flow - particularly on the chapters of a city under siege and interludes concerning abominations of flesh and hatred. Action scenes are a massive improvement and the dives into horror and military strategy is making me think of a Rage of Dragons crossover I never knew I wanted. The funny parts are some of the best in the series, with a particular highlight being a fist fight Jalan has with an angry father for reasons I'm sure you can surmise if you read even the first book of this trilogy.
Overall, this left me thirsty for more Broken Empire in a good and bad way. Good for the world building and character work that's relevant in Mark's other books, and bad for the lack of complete closure for some of the side characters, making me hope we might return to this doomed world once more and see what becomes of them. Regardless, Wheel of Osheim was way too fun to put down for long and the thorns of the empire are leaving affectionate scars at this point.
Much like Lawrence's other works in this universe, Wheel of Osheim follows two different timelines, switching on and off at opportune times so that the pacing never gets dull and the revelations are unceasing. Even then, there will still be questions on certain matters right up until the end, even as the main plot goes into overdrive and pieces fall into play for a big showdown. It all makes for an extremely compelling and addictive read, especially with all the character and world building done prior. I would say the only real detriment to this roller coaster would be the ending itself - Mark's way of ending stories always feels simultaneously overelaborate and crushingly short at the same time, like its in a hurry to tie things up. While it does conclude things admirably, I can't help but always feel a sense of anti-climax with these books, kind of hoping that Mark will just slow down and let the scene breathe. The solution itself is also a bit deflating, we're told of only two real outcomes of this epic journey and I honestly thought we would get a subversion on this or a hidden third way, but no, what you think Jalan will do with this power to change things...he will absolutely do. At least I'm happy for that tender bastard.
The ending aside, the journey there was more than worth it. The character work on Jalan especially has made him one of my favorites in recent memory, even surpassing Jorg Ancrath. He's gone from a guy I would willingly smack with a bottle of wine for complaining too loudly, to a man I'd buy a drink for and let him blather on about his conquests as the all important Prince (of dozens) of Red March. The bratty 20-something grows in believable ways throughout this journey, having bouts of bravery and selfless actions when pushed to the brink but will still regress into his old ways whenever he's allowed. Will he still turn and run at the sight of danger? Most likely, but he'll damn and curse himself while simultaneously trying to justify it.
The writing overall has a perfect flow - particularly on the chapters of a city under siege and interludes concerning abominations of flesh and hatred. Action scenes are a massive improvement and the dives into horror and military strategy is making me think of a Rage of Dragons crossover I never knew I wanted. The funny parts are some of the best in the series, with a particular highlight being a fist fight Jalan has with an angry father for reasons I'm sure you can surmise if you read even the first book of this trilogy.
Overall, this left me thirsty for more Broken Empire in a good and bad way. Good for the world building and character work that's relevant in Mark's other books, and bad for the lack of complete closure for some of the side characters, making me hope we might return to this doomed world once more and see what becomes of them. Regardless, Wheel of Osheim was way too fun to put down for long and the thorns of the empire are leaving affectionate scars at this point.
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As haunting as you could imagine for the war it is portraying. The opening and closing lines of this brief horror show brings forth the utmost sympathy for the men and their families I will never meet or ever know. It's not a non-stop gore-fest describing men barely old enough to drink getting mortared, but a morose recounting of the author's time in what will likely be considered the greatest tragedy that should have never happened for all the nothing that was gained. The battlefields, the infirmaries and the fleeting joys of being away from a battle that scars if not maims - all of these and more are described in relentless detail that feels too easy to understand for even the most detached civilian.
An important piece of rebellion through literature that I easily recommend for anyone even slightly interested, even if you're not as big of a history nerd like myself.
An important piece of rebellion through literature that I easily recommend for anyone even slightly interested, even if you're not as big of a history nerd like myself.
Awakened by James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I had fun with this book, but I'd be lying if I said if it was anything but aggressively ok. Awakened plays out like an action-horror movie from the early 2000s that no one but FX or those dedicated rerun channels remembers fondly. There's nothing wrong with just being ok, it's just that if you're looking for something that has a grounded plot, fleshed out characters, the usual - you won't find that here.
First off, what I liked - the setup: during the lavish reveal of a subway line, the train meant to crown the achievement never reaches its destination. Upon further investigation, the train was stopped before leaving the subway roof and is covered in blood, not a body in sight. The initial classification of this is a particularly sadistic terrorist attack and we spend a fair amount of time investigating and revealing the true foe that everyone is up against.
There are some good and genuinely creepy moments throughout the story involving the many disposable characters, but as time goes on andconspiracy nonsense starts taking the front seat, that's when I started to check out of the plot. Again, if it's deliberately trying to evoke that old action-horror vibe of Hellboy derivatives, that's fine but it feels like it tries to overcomplicate itself and has some very sudden character developments.
The characters in this story are also very one note and feel more like they're simply programs meant to further along the plot. What character traits you can surmise from these people boils down to Generic Man Who is Determined or fun facts such as Firefly T-Shirt ex-con and Aggressively French.
The last act confrontations and resolution admittedly didn't sell me on diving into the next book right away, but like I said, I enjoyed myself. On the whole, Awakened's plot is bonkers but in a way you've probably seen before if you were born in the 90s. The humor can be very hit and miss, and the characters are fading from my memory already. However, the action is fun and intense, the monsters are simple yet effective and there is a morbid curiosity in seeing how far this can go - like a Resident Evil level of disaster.
First off, what I liked - the setup: during the lavish reveal of a subway line, the train meant to crown the achievement never reaches its destination. Upon further investigation, the train was stopped before leaving the subway roof and is covered in blood, not a body in sight. The initial classification of this is a particularly sadistic terrorist attack and we spend a fair amount of time investigating and revealing the true foe that everyone is up against.
There are some good and genuinely creepy moments throughout the story involving the many disposable characters, but as time goes on and
The characters in this story are also very one note and feel more like they're simply programs meant to further along the plot. What character traits you can surmise from these people boils down to Generic Man Who is Determined or fun facts such as Firefly T-Shirt ex-con and Aggressively French.
The last act confrontations and resolution admittedly didn't sell me on diving into the next book right away, but like I said, I enjoyed myself. On the whole, Awakened's plot is bonkers but in a way you've probably seen before if you were born in the 90s. The humor can be very hit and miss, and the characters are fading from my memory already. However, the action is fun and intense, the monsters are simple yet effective and there is a morbid curiosity in seeing how far this can go - like a Resident Evil level of disaster.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, and Gore
Minor: Pregnancy