tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71765970957920874182024-03-06T02:08:23.144+11:00Fixed on FantasyJoin me on my quest to conquer and record my addiction to buying and reading fantasy novels!Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-88400484788771362032014-10-05T14:40:00.002+11:002014-10-05T14:40:37.473+11:00REVIEW: The Broken Eye by Brent Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJDl5tG2zOAcZcp09xJ2u1ElVTLNALar2FBDQLV0MK45Swo9fmxHSKsyo9kF0MPHmptOzQuaMJJiXSKR6EEVETf7mq_RG80nvVBESUWlyokNk0KYf0W5fiT9Z1LarwRpTcyvXQ-uaBjM/s1600/The-Broken-Eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJDl5tG2zOAcZcp09xJ2u1ElVTLNALar2FBDQLV0MK45Swo9fmxHSKsyo9kF0MPHmptOzQuaMJJiXSKR6EEVETf7mq_RG80nvVBESUWlyokNk0KYf0W5fiT9Z1LarwRpTcyvXQ-uaBjM/s1600/The-Broken-Eye.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm a huge fan of Brent Weeks' work and this series in particular; they're fresh, fast paced and engaging. It is a huge sadness to me then to have found the third installment of the <i>Lightbringer</i> series somewhat disappointing.<br /><br />I must preface this by saying that I think a large part of my opinions of books are coloured by the context in which I am reading them and what books I have read immediately preceding. In this case I had just finished reading Robin Hobb's debut trilogy including <i>Assassin's Apprentice</i>, <i>Royal Assassin</i> and <i>Assassin's Quest</i>; truly great fantasy works with incredible depth. <i>The Broken Eye</i> in comparison felt shallow in terms of development, investment and length.<br /><br />Before I get into that, I do want to talk about what I loved. I love this world and its magical and political systems; this is where Weeks' excels. Previously I have admired the great and diverse cast of characters, especially Gavin and Kip who bring some great humour and wit to the narrative.<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Broken Eye</i> however falls down on so many levels, as can be common for a mid-series novel. Firstly, nothing much actually happens in this book. Weeks' bogs us down with an enormous amount of unnecessary and repetitive introspection from every character, sometimes in the most wildly inappropriate and unrealistic places ('even though I am currently watching my friend die, I'm going to spend a page and a half thinking about myself and my general life goals'). Each characters' journey in this installment can be boiled down to one small action or decision and this is not nearly satisfying enough. Liv for instance manages to walk into a tavern, talk with her father and find a mysterious object - and that's more than some.<br /><br />The worst crime <i>The Broken Eye</i> committed was forcing me to skim. Skimming, ladies and gentlemen can never be forgiven.<br /><br />Character viewpoints switch too often for the reader to really be able to sink their teeth into what is happening in each scene. Each chapter is woefully short, especially if like me you have been reading other novels that have a single character viewpoint.<br /><br />I think the story itself has been horribly muddied at this point and left me confused about where everyone stands, and not in a good way. With the growing yet vague presence of The Broken Eye cult, on top of the war with the Colour Prince, I am left feeling insure about where this story is going. The previous two books had fantastic growth and defined purpose, but this third book just felt like a joiner with some fill.<br /><br />Some characters became flimsy and not consistent with previous books, especially the twist at the end, which I found hard to stomach.<br /><br />Ultimately it felt like Weeks' has unnecessarily drawn out this series. There needed to be some hard editing/cutting of waffling inner monologue and then another 50% more story added to make this release satisfying enough. <br /><br />At the end of the day I'm still a fan of <i>Lightbringer</i> and will be sure to snap up Weeks' next release, but this book is definitely a weak part of the series.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-80937651931786323772014-07-20T09:14:00.000+10:002014-07-20T09:58:00.314+10:00REVIEW: The Splintered Gods by Stephen Deas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFbNCpn6AWQ8JNjUKo-aG0ka-vsXzJCkUl7x-RNevwyl4fwu8qSWbUiuiwzY5iNBd-GxTt_JbHAZXgSDuGOgnXJhswflpaT0Q7Mybp6fIWNC2ZpS6RqtFiVXMQwM0YmjujB7mTJyPyBg/s1600/The-Splintered-Gods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFbNCpn6AWQ8JNjUKo-aG0ka-vsXzJCkUl7x-RNevwyl4fwu8qSWbUiuiwzY5iNBd-GxTt_JbHAZXgSDuGOgnXJhswflpaT0Q7Mybp6fIWNC2ZpS6RqtFiVXMQwM0YmjujB7mTJyPyBg/s1600/The-Splintered-Gods.jpg" height="320" width="209"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Splintered Gods</i> is the second installment in Deas' <i>The Silver Kings</i> trilogy, making it book six in the series including <i>The Memory of Flames</i> trilogy and the standalone novel, <i>The Black Mausoleum</i>. Keeping in mind also that his <i>Thief'-Taker's Apprentice</i> trilogy also ties in to this novel, so all in all it's turning into a saga for the ages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recently wrote a rave <a href="http://www.fixedonfantasy.com/2014/06/review-dragon-queen-by-stephen-deas.html" target="_blank">review for <i>Dragon Queen</i></a> and this one for <i>The Splintered Gods</i> will be no different, except perhaps more brief. Deas has delivered another meticulously crafted, gripping novel - the perfect sequel to <i>Dragon Queen</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our protagonists only grow stronger in this book. Zafir is by far my favourite; strong, viscious, resilient, yet now even more complex as she begins to grow weary and her resolve changes. The introduction of The Arbiter Red Lin Feyn as a primary viewpoint adds a tremendous amount to the story, allowing us to learn more about the ancient past of the Taiytakei and further tying elements from the previous trilogies together. Berren/Skyrie becomes even more enigmatic as his character grows significantly in influence, yet we see much less from his viewpoint as the reader.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Deas still keeps the reader on a short leash when it comes to some information, leaving us almost begging for answers. The best part is when they are revealed in tantalizing tidbits that surface at the most unexpected and often undramatic times. Deas continues to draw intriguing links to the previous trilogies, some of which we have been waiting for many years and many books to see resolved.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a fan of dragons, this series is an absolute must read. Deas' incarnation of this timeless beast is fresh, fascinating and one of the best I have encountered. Even when I'm reading while working at the reception of the gym, I have no hesitation in sharing with members what I'm reading, even though they become puzzled and confused at the dragons on the cover because I'm sure they were expecting me to be reading either <i>The Fault in Our Stars</i> or the biography of some quesionably famous sports player.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Silver Kings</i>, to be released next year, will be the final installment and I'm told by Deas himself, will see the return of characters from<i> The Black Mausoleum</i>. This is incredibly exciting as not only has it been some time since we've heard from the dragon realms, but I'm dying to know what will happen there after now learning about the other worlds from this trilogy. I'm also now hopeful that the confusing and somewhat anticlimactic events from <i>The Black Mausoleum</i> will now have a chance to come to fruition and it will all be worth it.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-5301132417462903852014-06-28T10:09:00.000+10:002014-06-28T10:09:09.190+10:00REVIEW: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUubiFx5IsrKA9meCT-Y8uzEbTfi2u4MW-KA90P3694xqYdaJWuwVkkFbqQtvITmbUmYW0rrdALCOqbK_v90XvBbf-6qAop5gwI5Rzyk2IC6MXilqz4FK8mbNJamr3W6gPgakMkrp_AU/s1600/The-Golem-and-the-Jinni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUubiFx5IsrKA9meCT-Y8uzEbTfi2u4MW-KA90P3694xqYdaJWuwVkkFbqQtvITmbUmYW0rrdALCOqbK_v90XvBbf-6qAop5gwI5Rzyk2IC6MXilqz4FK8mbNJamr3W6gPgakMkrp_AU/s1600/The-Golem-and-the-Jinni.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
I'm not sure why I decided to read <i>The Golem and the Jinni</i>, with it not
being my usual type of fantasy novel and with so many others on my shelf
to read. I think I was intrigued by the title and some of the good
reviews. <br /><br />I'm really glad I gave it a go. The book starts out
with and mostly maintains a quiet pace, simmering along on a low burn.
Most fantasies have to pummel you with exposition before unwaveringly
diving straight into the drama. <i>The Golem and the Jinni </i>does away with
both of these, primarily because it is set on Earth (mostly at the end
of 19th century New York).<br /><br />Fantasy smacking of ordinary fiction
is usually a turn off for me, but Wecker finds the perfect balance in
this, her first novel. She cleverly ties together and blends the stories
of the two protagonists, Chava the Golem and Ahmad the Jinni, as well
as a cast of intriguing, fully developed secondary characters. Having
viewpoints from characters from a range of times, countries and
ethnicities gives the story the intrigue that we usually get from
fantasy.<br /><br />Much to my surprise the story intensifies quite a lot,
including some darker moments and unexpected revelations, making for an
ultimately meaty read. <br /><br />Wecker's writing style is calm and
consistent, leaving no room for dissatisfaction. I couldn't have asked
for anything more in this book!
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-27935170328222095302014-06-11T18:15:00.002+10:002014-06-11T18:15:39.110+10:00REVIEW: Dragon Queen by Stephen Deas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8aikk9_QsMoBaJKXReOJ-dbukVc8fMygya_PgjSkCJByUPYqB3O7tfSBlStudOeNQYoW1Cduq0hByw9i1jHfzvtcm1anqEcmoYRXo6-bkzhUb3P5W4UjzpuutfJDdyWjrPPHDGsltv0/s1600/Dragon-Queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8aikk9_QsMoBaJKXReOJ-dbukVc8fMygya_PgjSkCJByUPYqB3O7tfSBlStudOeNQYoW1Cduq0hByw9i1jHfzvtcm1anqEcmoYRXo6-bkzhUb3P5W4UjzpuutfJDdyWjrPPHDGsltv0/s1600/Dragon-Queen.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been a big fan of Deas' previous works, especially the <i>Memory of Flames</i> sequence, yet it took me some time to get around this this one, what is essentially book five.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a brief overview, the original trilogy was brutal and razor sharp - fantastic! The sequel, <i>The Black Mausoleum</i> however, fell extremely short for me ... it was slow, uninteresting and lacking the flair of its prequels. Deas' until now separate <i>Thief-Taker's Apprentice</i> trilogy was a story cut from a different cloth, still great until the final book, which ended quite disappointingly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In <i>Dragon Queen</i>, Deas manages to fuse the two series into one, through the common link we have all previously been wondering about, the Taiytekai. We see the return of characters from both the <i>Memory of Flames</i> series and the <i>Thief-Taker's Apprentice</i> trilogy such as Berren, Zafir and Bellepheros, set primarily now in the world of the Taiytekai. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In short, <i>Dragon Queen</i> a masterpiece of fantasy and easily Deas' best work to date.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After <i>The Black Mausoleum</i>, I was despairing for the fate of this series as it appeared to be running out of fuel. <i>Dragon Queen</i> almost completely abandons the story arc from its prequel and instead goes back in time to follow characters we thought dead and lost - and thank goodness for that!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cast of this novel is unsurprisingly great - fleshed-out characters and meticulous world building being two of Deas' greatest strengths. Grand Master Alchemist Bellepheros' disappearance in the original trilogy seems somewhat unremarkable and unresolved and to be honest I can't even remember the supposed fate of Speaker Zafir, but Deas has obviously had sneaky plans up his sleeve from the beginning. As two of our new protagonists we finally see the world of the Taiytekai and it is so much more than we could have imagined. Zafir is a real standout and is surely up there with some of fantasy's feistiest and most powerful women. She reminds me of a crueler Daenerys Targaryen. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Berren the Crowntaker, Bloody Judge of Tethis (as we are constantly reminded) also takes a leading role as Deas finds a way to fuse the two worlds (and many others) in a way I was not expecting. As events unfold, Berren or 'Crazy Mad' moves drastically away from the character we once knew, alongside his new found comrade Tuuran, once an Adamantine Man, now a slave to to Taiytekai. <i>Dragon Queen</i> begins the next part of Berren's story that I thought was abandoned so despairingly at the end of his trilogy, making it all worthwhile in the end.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I first saw it coming I was skeptical about fusing these worlds together and initially predicted it would patchy and questionable. What is now clear is that Deas must have planned this all along. Not only do the characters, histories, magic systems and more start coming together in a cleverly engineered way, there are obscure references from both sequences that are only now becoming clear, such as Saffran Kuy's prophecy about Berren ... "<span class="st"><em>Dragons for one</em> <i>of you.</i> <em>Queens for both</em>! <em>An empress</em>!" Deas has transformed this collection of trilogies into one kick ass series with some serious weight behind it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st">Tekai'Tarr, the world of the Taiytekai is shown in incredible detail - it's physical environment, architecture, political structure, social structure, science, magic systems, recent and ancient history all unfold within <i>Dragon Queen</i> with masterful care. We also get another dose of Deas' unique take on dragons - one of the best I have encountered.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st">One of my (only) criticisms from the <i>Memory of Flames</i> trilogy was that it was all over so quickly. In <i>Dragon Queen</i>, Deas now paces himself to give a story that is just as fiery and fast paced, but also one we can really sink our teeth into without having protagonists killed off left, right and centre. This installment also answers a lot of questions, but continues to create more in some great foreshadowing and obscure building of suspense.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st">I can honestly not think of a single criticism of this book. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st">For other readers I would definitely recommend that you read both the <i>Memory of Flames</i> and <i>Thief-Taker's Apprentice</i> trilogies before starting <i>Dragon Queen</i>, but that <i>The Black Mausoleum</i> is largely irrelevant and unnecessary at this point (but who knows when that will change). It is possible to enter the series at the point, but if you're like me you'll be disappointed and frustrated at missing all the references, of which there are many.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st">I can't wait for the next installment, <i>The Splintered Gods</i> and luckily I don't have to - it's being released in just eight days and I have it on pre-order!</span></div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-37282107206080976722014-05-22T22:05:00.001+10:002014-05-22T22:05:18.515+10:00REVIEW: Divergent/Insurgent/Allegiant by Veronica Roth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEr-LEOIqmLaffRjcrvtjP_FLtUaWuRIE7hWPposY_UBRFyEv2J-PwxF9Gbf_twOZT_KpmPGyRAUZ_Cv1qb3eCEskvlFTK13dJyNdKkSHG_D9P3KZRmyyp-yBk6ERnTMZav3tXwl0xSA/s1600/Divergent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEr-LEOIqmLaffRjcrvtjP_FLtUaWuRIE7hWPposY_UBRFyEv2J-PwxF9Gbf_twOZT_KpmPGyRAUZ_Cv1qb3eCEskvlFTK13dJyNdKkSHG_D9P3KZRmyyp-yBk6ERnTMZav3tXwl0xSA/s1600/Divergent.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've always been someone who likes to read the latest fad novel/series, rather than turn up my nose and deem them as pop trash, which happens far too often I think. Just because something has become part of popular culture, appeals to the masses or has been picked up by Hollywood doesn't automatically negate any literary integrity ... I mean, it must have had something going for it? Which is why over the last week I have been reading the <i>Divergent</i> trilogy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started reading <i>Divergent</i> after first seeing the film, which suprisingly didn't colour my opinion that much other than dampening the effect of the novel as a consequence of spoilers. I actually thought the film was better after restructuring the story to achieve a better impact, which isn't usually the case with book to film adaptions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think the trilogy's success can be largely attributed to writing style, which is very comparable to <i>Twilight</i>, <i>The Hunger Games</i> et al. It's perfectly paced, easy to process and it's addictive in a way that you can easily sit down and read one novel in a day without needing a break. Dystopian-future-Earth fantasies are all the rage these days too, especially if they also include a teen romance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ultimately I really enjoyed reading the trilogy. Roth was incredibly successful in her world building and particularly in developing characters that we connect with and invest in. Their teenage confusion/angst/hormones can become a little frustrating at times, but really that's probably testament to Roth keeping true to the characters given their age, so one can't really complain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But let's get into what really let this series down, which is that the whole premise was so ridiculously unrealistic that it beggars belief.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In <i>Divergent</i>, we discover that an isolated city of people are divided in five factions based on their predominant personality trait. Anyone who doesn't fit, or even make it through initiation is made 'factionless' and basically lives as a homeless bum. You missed the train on initiation day? Too bad, you're now a social outcast with no future. I'm sorry, but WTF. Roth handles every member of society as if they are one of five archetypes ... I cringed every time I read about the Dauntless running around, jumping off things, wooping. So many things are avoided, omitted or vaguely explained for the convenience of it all, which really just comes down to Roth being incredibly uncreative or just plain lazy. Where do old people go in Dauntless? Oh they just kill themselves or become factionless ... because that's what you do to loyal and longstanding members of your society and who cares what their family and friends think.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's all so very shallow and two-dimentional.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU28sYb4XFf2xbJH9w5LqSMKT1K-MBz6hRkNlgcmPeVI9A4pjeCkfnd6HwrIVYWglRzJyVaU3fFzDwTO7lGjuFN3BbYHPl7PuQ-LJhW1qJW3qklGZyYTx5KHDBxqx1zIJJd-lVmSaad8/s1600/Insurgent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU28sYb4XFf2xbJH9w5LqSMKT1K-MBz6hRkNlgcmPeVI9A4pjeCkfnd6HwrIVYWglRzJyVaU3fFzDwTO7lGjuFN3BbYHPl7PuQ-LJhW1qJW3qklGZyYTx5KHDBxqx1zIJJd-lVmSaad8/s1600/Insurgent.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thankfully it's easy to let all the idiocy fade into the background for most of the book as we focus on Tris, her initiation and her first forays into romantic feels, which aren't overly mushy and very well handled by Roth. The final conflict is where we really get hooked (even if Roth has the same grasp of the workings of IT as a toothpick) and it's easy to move right into book two, <i>Insurgent</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was by far and away the best novel out of the three. In it we focus on the conflict continued from book one and move away from the ridiculous faction system and focus more on the characters themselves and their dealings with one another, which grow in complexity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The most satisfying part is that by the end Roth unexpectedly delivers information that to an extent justifies how this society exists in a way that is vague enough to be believable. It's a slow clap moment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That is until book three, <i>Allegiant</i>, where she ROYALLY fucks it up. Like big time. I'm talking like she had some kind of stroke between books one and two.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Within the first few chapters of the final book Roth vomits out a huge chunk of under developed exposition in the most ill-timed and unceremonious way you could imagine. It somehow manages to kill off the entire story to date and makes wading through the middle 50% of the book an absolute chore because frankly, we don't care anymore.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All credibility is thrown out the window as Roth soars to new heights of 'that-would-never-fucking-happen' socially, technologically, logistically and chronologically. I can't give any specific examples without including spoilers, but if you're going do something that affects everyone that someone has ever known in a negative way, you don't invite that someone to the planning meetings about it. Roth is so incredibly naive that I truly think her and her editors thought that only the dimmest of teenagers would read this book and therefore probably wouldn't be scrutinised.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGK4ylhbgonOmP2uGqki0T9xGfVq4GG9IppqssCSSNkUbsr19tr9WNo0DVhP9ilIVKwolz8MQnIEhb5nIjQHO63VlBhpRwWQgXcvuDypeVLcApRfgyMri6_CKa974TL06ecTkpeHqubs/s1600/Allegiant.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGK4ylhbgonOmP2uGqki0T9xGfVq4GG9IppqssCSSNkUbsr19tr9WNo0DVhP9ilIVKwolz8MQnIEhb5nIjQHO63VlBhpRwWQgXcvuDypeVLcApRfgyMri6_CKa974TL06ecTkpeHqubs/s1600/Allegiant.png" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's such a shame because the writing itself isn't bad at all. Roth seems to be a more than capable wordsmith and is great at writing about people and relationships ... she's just absolutely incapable of crafting a story of this magnitude without gaping logistical holes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That being said, the final chapters saw the trilogy come back to and draw upon the strengths I just mentioned to give us a sentimental and resolved ending. The fact that I found that I was still intensely invested in all of the key characters was really the saving grace of <i>Allegiant</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think if you have enjoyed the last few series turned Hollywood blockbusters then you should give this one a go. It's certainly nowhere near as well crafted as <i>The Hunger Games</i> trilogy, but it shares many of the same themes and settings and while the romance doesn't rival that of Bella and Edward, tragic teens will have something to heartache over. I think perhaps if you're not such an Erudite (logical and factual person) you might even be able to look past the flaws in the narrative.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-47403708595671834712014-05-20T16:18:00.001+10:002014-05-20T16:18:48.388+10:00REVIEW: Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbz3YktW2c19iyaS0jUuxdAbkmuth6Tl_XhEtI_lPctGLlGTWeZHVnuRs6yxxnWybEeMtpvJJzUyc5_BHhjyFSuVYzc23zg3ViykSSUgJDL7hczYbkgZ12ucJ2hb8DHDItN1O2Z49N8I/s1600/Prince-of-Fools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbz3YktW2c19iyaS0jUuxdAbkmuth6Tl_XhEtI_lPctGLlGTWeZHVnuRs6yxxnWybEeMtpvJJzUyc5_BHhjyFSuVYzc23zg3ViykSSUgJDL7hczYbkgZ12ucJ2hb8DHDItN1O2Z49N8I/s1600/Prince-of-Fools.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was a massive fan of Mark Lawrence's <i>The Broken Empire</i> trilogy; it had brutally honest, raw and sadistic protagonist in Jorg, a dry, witty brand of humour and was one of the most well executed settings of post-apocalyptic Earth I have encountered.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With his latest novel, <i>Prince of Fools</i>, Lawrence decided there was more to be found within the world of The Broken Empire and we follow the journey of the somewhat cowardly Prince Jal, which occurs alongside the events of the original trilogy - we even get a glimpse of some of our favourite characters as they cross paths with Jal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />It is easy then for loyal readers to expect more of the same, in terms of both quality of writing and the feel of the story and characters themselves. It's perhaps a trial for every author who presents their first new work after the one that brought them acclaim and I have no doubt draws more scrutiny for it. For this reason I have spent a lot of time considering my opinion and how it has been hugely coloured by a comparison to the first trilogy. I think it really comes down to that they are inherently part of the same series, being a part of the same world and conflict.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My initial reaction was that <i>Prince of Fools</i> fell extremely short of <i>The Broken Empire</i> trilogy. Even though Prince Jal was a fully developed, stand alone character, he always felt like a watered-down Jorg to me. I think for Lawrence this was always going to be inescapable and is more a reflection on how powerful Jorg was, rather than on his ability to create a new protagonist.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The world-building, magic system and political intrigue were definitely not as strong as I felt Lawrence heavily depended on what had come before in previous novels, like <i>Prince of Fools</i> was piggy-backing on it's more burly cousin. The fact that in an indirect way <i>Prince of Fools</i> and <i>The Broken Empire</i> share the same conflict and antagonist also means that we as readers ultimately know how it ends. Yes, yes, your dead come back to life and The Dead King is coming, we know ... this for me was the biggest killer for the story.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It must be noted too though that that <i>Prince of Fools</i> is perhaps a smaller, quieter tale of a personal journey, rather than more of the epic, world changing events we experienced with Jorg.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some elements were not handled as deftly as they could have been, with some jarring moments in the narrative. I have to admit that some instances were partially due to the awful formatting of the eARC I received, but one example is the introduction of the voices in Jal and Snorri's heads, which happens abruptly and unexpectedly, so much so that I turned back a few pages to see if I had missed something. The protagonists also seem to learn things and come to conclusions with little to no information, such as deducing who one of the villains is, which just seemed like a rushed plot convenience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am being quite critical but I now must say, trying to distance myself from comparisons, that I never once thought about not finishing <i>Prince of Fools</i> or anything of the sort. I still very much enjoyed Lawrence's style of writing and particularly, once again, his exemplary wit. Every time I think of 'the heir apparently not' I have a little giggle. It must also be noted that in some cases I am comparing one novel with a whole trilogy, which is really not fair. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am interested to see where this story goes and how it and my opinions will develop and change over the coming books.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For other readers, I would recommend giving <i>Prince of Fools</i> a go if you read and enjoyed <i>The Broken Empire</i> trilogy, but not to simply expect another shot of Jorg and his cutthroat ways. For those who haven't read anything by Mark Lawrence, I would strongly suggest reading the first trilogy before this novel - even though they are standalone I think contextually the latter relies on the former.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-83684058140895258702013-12-19T07:06:00.003+11:002013-12-19T07:06:44.270+11:00REVIEW: The Warlock's Shadow by Stephen Deas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvNx4mUD0AfmiXjVbDnrU3NWz6wmhD9Sr67CoSvxFbfra0omwb0ZZk_bPKlEnEj0yC6AGIOErXaX9i7bwVw4ML3EYcjIa3qVjExP3yiyBy9wzLVAaqye44mjeUJfsN_I2X37qy1l1Hps/s1600/The-Warlocks-Shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvNx4mUD0AfmiXjVbDnrU3NWz6wmhD9Sr67CoSvxFbfra0omwb0ZZk_bPKlEnEj0yC6AGIOErXaX9i7bwVw4ML3EYcjIa3qVjExP3yiyBy9wzLVAaqye44mjeUJfsN_I2X37qy1l1Hps/s320/The-Warlocks-Shadow.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is something so simple and comforting about this series, of which <i>The Warlock's Shadow</i> is book two of three. After reading the likes of N. K. Jemisin who really like to shake up their fantasy world building, it's nice to return to a bread and butter Medieval Europe setting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Warlock's Shadow</i> feels oddly familiar at times, as though I could once again be reading about Pug or Kvothe. At a comparatively short 304 pages however, Deas wastes little time with the non-essentials and I think a more traditional setting has assisted him in this.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Book one, <i>The Thief-Taker's Apprentice</i>, had quite a low risk storyline, not really venturing into any unknown territory, but still providing an entertaining read. For this reason and the length, I would definitely shelve it amongst youth fiction.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The same can be said again for the first three quarters of <i>The Warlock's Shadow</i>, but by the last quarter Deas decides that he has had enough of that and completely ups the anti. As the title perhaps suggests, we see the introduction of magic, which darkens the tone of the novels significantly and adds a layer of complexity not yet seen. The story becomes somewhat more graphic with the corpse tally growing exponentially. But more so than any of that, it is the final chapter that sees the greatest change in this series - let's just say that not everything ends well for our protagonists. While book one concluded with a nice little wrap up, book two is a good old cliffhanger (luckily I have book three, <i>The King's Assassin</i>, sitting on my shelf!). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As predicted, there is nothing to be said against Deas' writing or story crafting, which is meticulous, well thought out and extremely easy to read.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is such a great little series that requires little time and investment for a great return so I recommend it to all fantasy fans!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-56073015822549154482013-12-16T16:23:00.003+11:002013-12-16T16:23:49.999+11:00REVIEW: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS7i7u3YPfabPU_pC1zovYC3hjOOANYk10N1doUCbG8v_kWC7PcBzcwCw3CMm1NEOyvHoJGeEyq9waINz57o4IqQwT3astYNBFY36WILsdiDB7YgBIda2j3bohGx8qij8OAsw38KVvOA/s1600/Enders-Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJS7i7u3YPfabPU_pC1zovYC3hjOOANYk10N1doUCbG8v_kWC7PcBzcwCw3CMm1NEOyvHoJGeEyq9waINz57o4IqQwT3astYNBFY36WILsdiDB7YgBIda2j3bohGx8qij8OAsw38KVvOA/s320/Enders-Game.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'd only seen passing references to <i>Ender's Game</i> before I went and saw the film at the cinemas last week. I was so incredibly blown away by the film that I just had to read the book immediately. I will be talking a little about the film in this review too, so please be aware of potential spoilers. <br /><br />I'm always amazed when fantasy books written decades ago can still seem fresh and relevant when read today, as if they were written this year. Ursula LeGuin's <i>Earthsea</i> books are a brilliant example of this, as is <i>Ender's Game</i>, originally published in 1985. Even though some of the technology in the book is no where near as spectacular as it is in the film (and is slightly reminiscent of the original <i>Tron</i> film) Card demonstrates incredible imagination and foresight for his time. <br /><br />In my opinion the best fantasy and sci-fi novels aren't the ones with the best world building or magic systems, but the ones that use those elements as a platform to explore the human condition and/or psyche. I'm also a massive fan of really getting inside the minds of the characters and seeing a pure honesty as they grapple with conflict. <br /><br /><i>Ender's Game</i> is a perfect example of this. Much like Katniss in Suzanne Collins' <i>Hunger Games</i> trilogy, we see the young protagonist struggle psychologically under extreme and unwanted pressure. While Katniss is interesting because she has little that is remarkable about her and is thrust into the spotlight circumstantially, Ender follows the child prodigy trope a little more closely. What is brilliant about Ender is how is constantly aware about what is happening and how he is being manipulated, but still struggles with his own inner demons. <br /><br />I really appreciated how even though Card's characters are all incredibly young children, there is a lot of discussion and justification within the story on why. Through his characters Card also reflects on the exceptional and even unnatural state of the children and the concerns over their well being. <br /><br />Another element that I enjoyed was the shift in perspective from beginning to end of the nature of the buggers, particularly within Ender. I think this was enhanced and therefore more successful in the film than in the book. Card creates the perfect enemy from the outset, which only sets us up for some beautifully tragic moments later on. <br /><br />The final chapters were a little flat for me and seemed like Card wanted to get through as much story in the least amount of words possible. The film handled this much better, really playing up the climax for maximum investment and editing the story to a crisp and clean ending.<br /><br />I have a feeling that the following novels in the series by Card won't be as good as <i>Ender's Game </i>(anyone?)<i>,</i> but I am definitely going to give <i>Speaker for the Dead</i> a go. I will definitely be seeing the movie again though!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-55406352236231363722013-12-16T16:16:00.000+11:002013-12-16T16:19:24.730+11:00REVIEW: Mitosis by Brandon Sanderson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Tv1m8ME21iVaAZ4QcpkmL59nc_IT6xUQPHbZnxXo2xODkMcHs6S6adr4tlUBMepxNxyboL4IGMozkhJ4P63mYisvtRWOdzIeWKphaiz387rJXXOPHe9r9_v1DQDXDopcUPR64GyQhqk/s1600/Mitosis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Tv1m8ME21iVaAZ4QcpkmL59nc_IT6xUQPHbZnxXo2xODkMcHs6S6adr4tlUBMepxNxyboL4IGMozkhJ4P63mYisvtRWOdzIeWKphaiz387rJXXOPHe9r9_v1DQDXDopcUPR64GyQhqk/s320/Mitosis.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Mitosis</i> is a short story (more like a chapter really) that follows on from Sanderson's most recent novel, <i>Steelheart</i>. I think it's really great in this digital age that authors can publish tidbits, short stories and novellas rather than being confined to conventional novels. Sanderson has been really successful in keeping the appetites of fans consistently sated through a number of shorter works including <i>The Emperor's Soul,</i> <i>Legion</i> and <i>Infinity Blade: Awakening</i>, all of which I have eagerly anticipated as much as his full length novels. Not only does it make his works richer, but it keeps a steady connection with his fan base. <br />
<br />
<i>Mitosis </i>is a great little addition to the <i>Steelheart</i> story before it continues with book two, <i>Firefight</i>. I don't feel like I really need to go into all the things that makes Sanderson's writing brilliant. My only tiny reservation is that Sanderson was really quick to get back on the somewhat forced character motif bandwagon, such as David being really bad with metaphors. <br />
<br />
You can get <i>Mitosis</i> as an eBook from your favourite online retailers.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-16230328202197215042013-12-02T21:16:00.003+11:002013-12-02T21:16:45.982+11:00REVIEW: The Killing Moon by N. K. Jemisin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfRIQq3pedBqTKV1NvRO2wxg6_kfJi138bFC9foyQUr6FjP6Vpmrj22zJt2YhVL7QQ-CxHgxIdD2-ucsfvl06o5k49rToPFgXjGm0u80uYs-xvXRZiYFKI4uS7lQTZdGYarXNzN3fSSM/s1600/The-Killing-Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfRIQq3pedBqTKV1NvRO2wxg6_kfJi138bFC9foyQUr6FjP6Vpmrj22zJt2YhVL7QQ-CxHgxIdD2-ucsfvl06o5k49rToPFgXjGm0u80uYs-xvXRZiYFKI4uS7lQTZdGYarXNzN3fSSM/s320/The-Killing-Moon.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have to say right off the bat that <i>The Killing Moon</i> is definitely leaps and bounds above Jemisin's previous work, the <i>Inheritance</i> trilogy, which I liked, but had far too many flaws and frustrating elements to it. Jemisin's work has been consistently fresh and free from the regular world-building and magic-system tropes, but I felt her debut novels lacked logic and relied too heavily on just being able to make stuff up at the last moment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not only has she managed to remedy this completely in this novel, but I can hardly think of any flaws at all ... someone should start a slow clap for this woman.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jemisin claims that the nation of Gujaareh is based off Egyptian culture, although if no one had told me, I never would have guessed. She does not immediately go for the imagery we all automatically reach for when we think Egypt; other than a city surrounded by desert sands. Jemisin draws upon Ancient Egyptian magic, which seamlessly blends religious and medical disciplines, but then also throws in some Freudian dream theory. Suffice to say <i>The Killing Moon</i> is worlds away from your popular medieval Europe fantasy setting. In her interview at the end of the book Jemisin goes as far as saying that she purposefully moves away from this setting as she believes modern fantasy has a fetishization with medieval Europe and that many authors over-simplify things and end up doing "Simplistic British Isles Fantasy Full of Lots of Guys with Swords and Not Much Else". Can't say that I disagree with her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The religious and ceremonial beliefs of the Hetawa and that of two of our protagonists Nijiri and Ehiru are intriguing, but even more interesting is the way in which they are challenged by fellow protagonist, Sunandi. The followers of the dreaming goddess Hananja believe in a kind of ritualized killing that brings peace to the recipient and the benefit of dreamblood magic to everyone else. However outsiders like Sunandi simply see it as murder and Jemisin demonstrates how the strength of faith and belief moves each character and what happens when this is challenged.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Killing Moon</i> finds the perfect balance between delivering exposition and withholding information enough to keep the reader puzzling, without causing confusion or frustration (in excess anyway). There's quite a lot (like a lot) of foreign names and terms thrown in to the beginning chapters, which seems a little overwhelming at first, but quickly becomes more than manageable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are a myriad of small touches that add up to make this a great read. Each chapter begins with selections of text from Hananjan law, which gives just tidbits of information that enlighten previous and following chapters. Jemisin's also places an ambiguity on sexuality and in Gujaareen society there is no 'gay', only people who love who they love. All feelings are accepted and unjudged, which is a refreshing perspective coming from a society obsessed with labels and hetero-normalcy. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The only thing I can say that is missing from <i>The Killing Moon</i> is the incredible passion and the constant need for more that great books instill in readers. Jemisin ticks all the boxes with this novel and leaves me incredibly satisfied, but I had very little emotional attachment to it. Considering this was one of the stronger points in her <i>Inheritance</i> trilogy, maybe she is just yet to find the right balance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll be moving swiftly on to the last installment in this duology, <i>The Shadowed Sun</i> and recommend that you give <i>The Killing Moon</i> a go if you haven't already.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-58823251260733330172013-11-17T20:33:00.001+11:002013-11-17T20:38:35.607+11:00REVIEW: The Tower Broken by Mazarkis Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUfShDMuC1l_NZopMHmSIQnDk-Y5YuofkfXFAFLHy_KaZ3jGEeYhRgoyxW6WJUgH0fd61gbhZBjptvnUyvKzS1eK0yn6_AUMQ4KwixPKYFme2NvQZPT7JMCZcQZnwaKvofNuKnGlM1hE/s1600/The-Tower-Broken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUfShDMuC1l_NZopMHmSIQnDk-Y5YuofkfXFAFLHy_KaZ3jGEeYhRgoyxW6WJUgH0fd61gbhZBjptvnUyvKzS1eK0yn6_AUMQ4KwixPKYFme2NvQZPT7JMCZcQZnwaKvofNuKnGlM1hE/s320/The-Tower-Broken.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Tower Broken</i> by Mazarkis Williams is the third and final installment in the <i>Tower & Knife</i> trilogy, following on from <i>The Emperor's Knife</i> (<a href="http://www.fixedonfantasy.com/2012/12/review-emperors-knife-by-mazarkis.html" target="_blank">review here</a> - with spoilers!) and <i>Knife Sworn</i> (<a href="http://www.fixedonfantasy.com/2013/09/review-knife-sworn-by-mazarkis-williams.html" target="_blank">review here</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me, each of these books had a markedly different feel, due mostly to the notable changes in nature of the protagonists and their respective relationships. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I still think <i>The Emperor's Knife</i> is the strongest book in this trilogy; the opening chapter is definitely one of the most striking and memorable I have come across. The characters were diverse and interesting and the story was a beautiful mix of melancholia, ferocity and the best political intrigue that fantasy can offer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Knife Sworn</i>, while still a great read was a little disappointing in comparison. This story, especially when experienced through the view-points of Grada and the visions of the Many, became much more obscure and almost confusing in its politics and magic system. I also felt most of the characters lost a lot of their strength and tended to float through the story.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Tower Broken</i> is best described as a combination between it's two predecessors; somewhat hazy in parts, but also strong and gripping in others. On the cover, Ben Aaronovitch describes is simply as 'Compelling' and this is certainly the word to describe Williams' latest book. The prose is engaging and seamless and Williams never allows the pace to fall below where it should. <i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Tower Broken</i> reminds me a lot of Bradley P. Beaulieu's <i>The Lay's of Anuskaya</i> trilogy and in parts of Brent Weeks' <i>Night Angel</i> trilogy. The former for the incredible complexity of the story line and the fantastical elements therein, to the point where as the reader I question if it has moved past a one-dimensional story into something far more intricate, or whether it's all just getting a bit too messy to follow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I struggled in the beginning to fully recall elements from the previous novels even though I read them both in the last year, especially given the growing complexity and changing nature of 'The Pattern'. <i>The Tower Broken</i> further complicates this by involving the god Mogyrk and Cerana's enemy, Yrkmir, which has until now only been floating under the surface. However, while I thought I might struggle a little as in <i>Knife Sworn</i>, the elements of story quickly resolve themselves to create a beautifully constructed world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The empire of Cerana really is spectacular and could easily go unnoted, such is the skill in which Williams has woven it into the story. Most of all I loved the hierarchy and ceremony that has been built around Sarmin and The Petal Throne that wholely supports but does not intrude upon the plot. While I missed the beautiful idea of The Pattern and The Many, Williams does well (by the end) to integrate the Mogyrk religion further into the story and making it the focus of the final book was a great move.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even though this series has some fantastic characters, characterisation and consistency of has always been a problem for Williams, as well as expecting the reader to invest in a character who plays a major role on the plot, but only pops up randomly out of nowhere part way through. I have to say though that The Tower Broken is a definite improvement in this regard - every character has a much clearer and defined nature and intention, which they stay true to throughout. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sarmin was a definite highlight in this book and found his balls in spectacular fashion. I do miss the powerful female characters such as Mesema and Nessaket from book one, who, particularly the latter, have been severely diminished through recent events. The choice of perspectives in this book were also interesting, with nothing from Grada, Nessaket or Rushes, but instead focusing primarily on Sarmin, Mesema, Govnan and newcomers Duke Didryk and Farid, none of whom are particularly odd, dangerous or ruthless.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was getting worried near the end that the conclusion might become rushed but I think it resolves quite satisfactorily in terms of both pace and content. There were some moments where I think it got a bit too ethereal and I wanted something of more definite substance, but I guess it is always best to leave the audience wanting more.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've been reading this series then I definitely recommend finishing it with <i>The Tower Broken</i>, which sees some remarkable improvement in Williams' writing and a brilliant conclusion. I would also recommend the series to fantasy fans who want a captivating read, but perhaps not if you're the kind of reader who will be irked by the more sketchier and inconsistent areas of the story.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'd like to thank Mazarkis Williams and the publisher Jo Fletcher Books for providing me with a copy of this book for review. I also want to mention that while the digital version of the cover features a super strange and creepy man with a goatee, he is much more tastefully shadowed and mysterious in the hard copy.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-57131108673297392712013-10-24T08:53:00.002+11:002013-10-24T08:53:39.817+11:00Orbit releases first two chapters of The Broken Eye by Brent WeeksI've never been one to read these early release chapters because they tend to make me unnecessarily worked up (as I'm sure they're intended to do) and then I just get depressed about having to wait for the rest. But for those of you who need your fix of Weeks, Orbit has released <a href="http://orbit.createsend5.com/t/ViewEmail/y/8BE8456E49E5C403/482F1B0B9312960AA29558A201773426" target="_blank">the first two chapters of book three of the <i>Lightbringer</i> series, <i>The Broken Eye</i></a>.<br />
<br />
If you haven't read <i>The Black Prism</i> or <i>The Blinding Knife</i>, doooo nooooooottt click this link, there be spoilers ahoy! Instead, reprimand yourself for not reading them immediately upon their release and rectify immediately.<br />
<br />Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-49443808168194928762013-10-24T08:47:00.000+11:002013-10-24T08:47:02.694+11:00REVIEW: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fKwF5benBY39b5d97sFRmqXhleHRIll49HZGEpjxKvdjtNNgQF9Mu3UAgbmJKZPS3nzSti3Je1EBQnaGi4sTJ-ulfc37g0RlveD04zXpBAkpNcapFR3xwDUxs9MyyK8bsxuCqPKdGrs/s1600/Steelheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fKwF5benBY39b5d97sFRmqXhleHRIll49HZGEpjxKvdjtNNgQF9Mu3UAgbmJKZPS3nzSti3Je1EBQnaGi4sTJ-ulfc37g0RlveD04zXpBAkpNcapFR3xwDUxs9MyyK8bsxuCqPKdGrs/s320/Steelheart.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The premise of <i>Steelheart</i> really doesn't sit with what I usually like in a book and I discovered this when I tried explaining it to a non-fantasy/sci-fi reader.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"It's set on Earth, where this weird star has appeared in the sky and given some people super powers, like the ability to turn everything into steel or make it night all the time. But everyone who gets these powers are really awful people, or the powers turn them awful (we don't know yet) and so the world is being run by tyrannical super villians. The story is about a group of normal people who are trying to take down the villains, including the most powerful, Steelheart."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not only does it sound like the corniest sci-fi trope that you could think of, it also sound suspiciously like Sanderson's previous novel, <i>The Final Empire</i>. Nevertheless, Sanderson's previous record of sensational writing and post-apocalyptic power struggles with the divine yet evil always has back for more.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I enjoyed <i>Steelheart</i>, but I would have to say it is my least favourite Sanderson novel so far. Previously this was <i>Alloy of Law</i>, which was only saved because it belonged to the <i>Mistborn</i> universe; I think I just have a beef with anything that moves into more sci-fi and modern day territory. Give me a traditional swords and sorcery fantasy any day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The world-building and plot of <i>Steelheart </i>felt a lot shallower compared to previous works, due mostly of course to the relatively shorter length of the book and the fact that it was set on Earth. For the very first time in a Sanderson novel I felt myself becoming dissatisfied, or even <i>bored</i> halfway through. Things do get a little predictable in there.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Without giving anything away, it is the final chapters that really make up for the rest of the book, where Sanderson appears in all his shining glory to not only prove he had us fooled the whole time (as always) but to finally give us the meatiness we were craving.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because of those final chapters alone I am now eagerly anticipating (Let's not kid ourselves, I was always going to throw any other book across the room as soon as a Sanderson appeared) to release of the sequel, <i>Firefight</i>, apparently in Fall 2014. But first, I want me some <i>Words of Radiance</i>!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-51254191026921453222013-09-19T06:34:00.001+10:002013-09-19T06:34:26.492+10:00Brent Weeks shares new draft blurb for The Broken Eye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjMB40bmDbLpvpnR3d5KA9ueOKyBTCQ8sJKimGESeF3ld509NHslCIDs35UY33CqTjz4-YujIu6j_5EKRgu8JZlGeJwN1vi3tIE1522iXrLxNTkAXWL80rWvX65TtIHSb9c3ymAwsOlg/s1600/The-Broken-Eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjMB40bmDbLpvpnR3d5KA9ueOKyBTCQ8sJKimGESeF3ld509NHslCIDs35UY33CqTjz4-YujIu6j_5EKRgu8JZlGeJwN1vi3tIE1522iXrLxNTkAXWL80rWvX65TtIHSb9c3ymAwsOlg/s320/The-Broken-Eye.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Broken Eye</i> is Weeks' third installment in his <i>Lightbringer </i>series and one of my most anticipated releases of 2014. In an email to fans, Week's shared a new draft blurb for the 900-page book, which is set to be released next August!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>As the old gods awaken and satrapies splinter, the Chromeria races to find its lost Prism, the only man who may be able to stop catastrophe. But Gavin Guile is enslaved on a pirate galley. Worse, he no longer has the one thing that defined him — the ability to draft.<br /><br />Without the protection of his father, Kip Guile will have to face a master of shadows alone as his grandfather moves to choose a new Prism and put himself in power. With Teia and Karris, Kip will have to use all his wits to survive a secret war between noble houses, religious factions, rebels, and an ascendant order of hidden assassins, The Broken Eye.</i></blockquote>
Read my review for <a href="http://www.fixedonfantasy.com/2012/09/review-black-prism-by-brent-weeks.html" target="_blank"><i>The Black Prism</i> here</a> and <a href="http://www.fixedonfantasy.com/2012/10/review-blinding-knife-by-brent-weeks.html" target="_blank"><i>The Blinding Knife</i> here</a>.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-60277604623726314182013-09-08T17:14:00.004+10:002013-09-08T17:14:30.614+10:00REVIEW: Knife Sworn by Mazarkis Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX3lvjkGFswqldZpsQpRTmHauPnYThOgybsqHiCvsTkW6TN-Ti9OUnzif5r3thkA9h__6qexHhhYnnTv_E0X1g_y9SEx6gBnO2Bpb9tO2Hq8tSUjkJIF6ewzgnpasQ-t0Z6S6NyfPIfI/s1600/Knife-Sworn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX3lvjkGFswqldZpsQpRTmHauPnYThOgybsqHiCvsTkW6TN-Ti9OUnzif5r3thkA9h__6qexHhhYnnTv_E0X1g_y9SEx6gBnO2Bpb9tO2Hq8tSUjkJIF6ewzgnpasQ-t0Z6S6NyfPIfI/s320/Knife-Sworn.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Knife Sworn</i> is the second installment in the <i>Tower and Knife Trilogy</i> after <i>The Emperor's Knife</i> (see my review - with spoilers - <a href="http://www.fixedonfantasy.com/2012/12/review-emperors-knife-by-mazarkis.html" target="_blank">here</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What was frustrating earlier on quickly became a highlight for me in this novel - it was confusing as all hell. There's a lot to say about reading a story through the experience and perception of protagonists that are probably a little unhinged. As readers we take their word as gospel truth, especially after being privy to their internal dialogue. But when that view is limited, so too is ours, sometimes without us realising it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Emperor Sarmin, affected by his closeted upbringing and now left with the aftershocks of being one of the Many as well as trying to rule Cerana, is not having a great time. There are gaps in his logic and memory, and we are swept into it without so much as a paddle, let alone a life raft. Grada is also one very strange individual, who the pressure has obviously gotten to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first third of the book leaves you struggling to keep up, giving you only snatches of information and certainly no solid ground to get your bearings. Characters such as as Nessaket and Rushes give us enough reprieve to get a semblance of a story together, but Sarmin remains thoroughly batty until the end. The magic and religion layered into the story are never explicitly explained or handed over to reason, although I found it easy in the end to roll along with the complex mystery of it all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did find that in comparison with book one, <i>Knife Sworn</i> feels like it was written by a different author, such is the change in tone and direction. Not even the characters feel the same. Even though the blurb claims that the book is the story of Sarmin and Mesema and focuses on Sarmin's decision to name a new Knife Sworn, this is hardly the case.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mesema has been relegated to the role of bedside table, which is a real shame as she was a great presence in <i>The Emperor's Knife</i>. Sarmin and Mesema's relationship which seems to strong at the end of book one now seems almost non-existent. And on the matter of the <i>Knife Sworn</i> ... well it couldn't have had a less signficant role if it tried, not to mention that it was extremely late to the party.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Knife Sworn</i> for me just felt like a watered-down version of <i>The Emperor's Knife</i>. Sarmin is once again faced with a new magical plague, tenuously linked to the Patterning. There's a half-hearted attempt at some political undertakings, but they really just die in the rear. What it ultimately feels like is that <i>The Emperor's Knife</i> was a story in itself, and that <i>Knife Sworn</i> is just left to find a sequel amongst the pieces, after most of the good characters have been killed off. The ending did have potential, but was extremely rushed and fell flat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Honestly I don't really know how I feel about it all. It was truly a complex, mature and enjoyable read, and I was particularly drawn to the world that Williams created ... but some things were just a little inconsistent and rough for me; it lacked a clear purpose or drive. Nevertheless, still an interesting read if you like high fantasy with a strong signatory world and magic system.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Book three, <i>The Tower Broken</i>, comes out this November - still on my to be read list!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-34631939818054177392013-08-31T20:35:00.000+10:002013-09-01T06:58:54.834+10:00REVIEW: The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptcTdDP-F5h3U-p2xp5KI66SEGM8OTsF5YJpUuyXm1pbCblU8My2aD6jmjOp7gjRY8QIp9kqfByeWyhzqyEXRJvAhcfd817KdxpNGoAe9qSZv3zmrGlUL7QmxJH-cOcNSWdDYd3XSB7M/s1600/The-Republic-of-Thieves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptcTdDP-F5h3U-p2xp5KI66SEGM8OTsF5YJpUuyXm1pbCblU8My2aD6jmjOp7gjRY8QIp9kqfByeWyhzqyEXRJvAhcfd817KdxpNGoAe9qSZv3zmrGlUL7QmxJH-cOcNSWdDYd3XSB7M/s320/The-Republic-of-Thieves.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Firstly, to anyone out there who has been waiting to read <i>The Republic of Thieves</i> since finishing <i>Red Seas Under Red Skies</i> in 2007 ... my sincerest apologies to you. I on the other hand, read them both in the last two weeks. I mention this only partly as a glib taunt, but also because the lack of wait and anticipation colours my view in much the same way it did for my reviews of <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i>, compared to those who waiting years between installments.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a series that has definitely been slow to grow on me. I found <i>The Lies of Locke Lamora</i> somewhat unremarkable and it took more than half of <i>Red Seas</i> to really start getting into a position of favour. I hit the ground running with <i>Thieves</i>, which picks up seamlessly from the events of book two, which was great for me, in much the same way as an accelerating getaway car avoids the long arm of the law.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But to the actual review! <i>Thieves</i> follows an almost identical formula from it's two predecessors, alternating between past and present. In this case, the past returns us to a time when the Gentlemen Bastards are still under the tutelage of Father Chains except that this time, lo and behold, we finally learn all about the mysterious Sabetha. It is not surprising in fact, that this whole book, in both timelines, revolves around Sabetha, or rather, her relationship with Locke.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All things considered, the choice to put off this part of the story until now worked quite well. The mystery of Sabetha was only referenced lightly in previous books; enough to create some suspense, but not nearly enough to frustrate or impede the story at hand. What I really loved was being able to go back and once again experience the characters (such as Calo and Galdo) that have since departed the story - there's nothing better than the joy of experiencing something that you thought lost. My only issue with Lynch's formula for each novel is that I feel that these 'past' events should have affected or at least have been referenced in 'present' events of previous books. While there are no major oversights, it still does feel a little bit like Lynch is creating or adding history retroactively.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The present day arc is equally as entertaining and flows smoothly alongside its past counterpart. Lynch cleverly mirrors both storylines; both telling of the kindling and rekindling of Locke and Sabetha's relationship respectively.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Locke Lamora continues to shine as the golden boy of this series and more and more brings to mind a younger and perhaps more adventurous Tyrion Lannister. Locke's unfailing wit reaches new heights in this installment and as things go from bad to worse, so too does his regard for his own well-being. This translates directly for us as the reader, to some downright laugh out loud moments. Even in his exposition, Lynch doesn't hold back on the colourful language.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sabetha still remains a bit of a mystery to me and I can't help but feel only some of it can be put down to 'it's because she's a woman OoOoOoO.' Her and Locke obviously have a complicated relationship, but when you get down to the nitty gritty, I still can't figure out why. She seems to be incapable of handling even the slightest argument, instead choosing to flee the continent at any given moment. It all seems a bit too convenient for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The standalone highlight of this book is Lynch's masterful use of prose and vocabulary, making for a thoroughly crafted and intelligent read. I can't really elaborate more or give it higher praise than that, other than by saying he has the writer's equivalent of the comic timing of the world's best comedian. When the character's pause, you pause, when the action is happening, your adrenaline starts going and you read god damn faster!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The world of Locke Lamora continues to expand within the new settings of Karthain and Espara. While Lynch has never been one to spend copious amount of time describing the environment in detail, a colourful and unique world is built nonetheless. I think that by the end of the series the protagonists will have taken us through every city, one by one, book by book.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tone of <i>Thieves</i> really surprised me and I actually found it very light on, especially compared to book two. <i>Red Seas</i> had us in dire straits (see what I did there) and managed to get some real emotional hooks in. This book not only felt briefer, but a lot safer. Although it could be seen as a nice respite it certainly makes <i>Thieves</i> stand out as a transitional book in a larger series, rather than a milestone in it's own right - a shame considering the six-year wait fans have endured.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know how or why, but I was under the impression that <i>Thieves</i> was the last of a trilogy. Imagine my surprise when I encountered a shock ending, riddled with foreshadowing and catastrophic potential and then ask my good friend Google who tells me there are in fact seven books. Ladies and gentlemen, we are in for the long haul. And in that case, Lynch definitely needs to shake up the formula before things get downright repetitive and boring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Which brings me to my biggest criticism of not only this book, but the series in general and certainly it's biggest downfall. Lynch ticks all the right boxes as I have mentioned above but somehow I'm still not hooked; there is no fire. I am definitely not aching to read the next book. Don't get me wrong, I will be sure to read it to get my next dose of scathing Lamora humour, but not because I care about the fate of the characters or story. I can't put my finger on why exactly this is the case, but it's a pretty major drawback. It's certainly a combination of feelings I have not experienced before.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think if you have enjoyed the series so far then it is worth continuing with it; <i>The Republic of Thieves</i> maintains the elements that you have grown to love and gives you another shot of Lamora goodness (or wickedness). I'll be looking out for book four,<i> The Thorn of Emberlain</i>!<br />
<br />
<i>This is a review of an advanced reading copy supplied by the publisher. </i>The Republic of Thieves<i> is expected to be published on October 8th, 2013.</i></div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-66771171676409389862013-08-24T08:30:00.002+10:002013-08-24T08:30:25.343+10:00REVIEW: Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcsUoiiRHfFbaXPvE8GxKgqpK4AH8mtSIirIWTRwy-31cIazgdheLmGhmFWnjEPeEd7TKkHHplG20Kjya7ngbmIZdy9rzqA-mtqg8NtjzukUkWo9EToeXiu-KwK82HAtBGNQT7BcxOgE/s1600/Red-Seas-Under-Red-Skies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcsUoiiRHfFbaXPvE8GxKgqpK4AH8mtSIirIWTRwy-31cIazgdheLmGhmFWnjEPeEd7TKkHHplG20Kjya7ngbmIZdy9rzqA-mtqg8NtjzukUkWo9EToeXiu-KwK82HAtBGNQT7BcxOgE/s320/Red-Seas-Under-Red-Skies.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wasn't a huge fan of <i>The Lies of Locke Lamora</i> and I remember writing in my review that I would probably only read <i>Red Seas Under Red Skies</i> when I had nothing better to do. I was given an ARC for <i>The Republic of Thieves</i>, book three in this series, and thought I better do the right thing and you know, read the series in order.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm happy to say that I am now sold on the Locke Lamora franchise.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a slow start however. I found that almost the first half of <i>Red Seas</i> featured the some of the same elements of <i>Lies</i> that turned me off - chiefly, that it just didn't make me care about anything or anyone. I was never able to empathise with or experience the humanity of Locke or Jean. Sure they're hilariously witty and fabulous characters in their own regard, but I could have walked away from the book at any moment and not felt a pang of regret or curiosity. The Spire heist also felt very familiar to the Salvara gig in <i>Lies</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 'flashback' storytelling makes a return in this installment, but it by and large more successful than in book one, where it was just darn frustrating. Luckily (for me) this was abandoned by half way through, leaving us with a clear, linear chronology, as I think the whole series should have been. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's a point in the story when events take a swift turn left off the road and go careening into the sea, which let's face it was to be expected. There's an ocean on the cover after all. To begin with I'm not sure how I felt about this ... it seemed like Lynch was doing a cut and run on the story so far, getting bored with current events and taking a sudden interest in all things nautical. I found myself thinking, "Ugh, how long is this going to take?".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, that's where things finally got interesting. Firstly, we got some great fresh characters that weren't absurdly rich or powerful pompous asses with targets on their foreheads. And females at that too! Locke and Jean's relationship really starts to develop and that in turn increases the depth of their characters ten-fold. There's even a love interest, which was a highlight for me in this book.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last fifth of this book was sheer brilliance. Lynch masterfully combines an incredible and mind-boggling triumph with more than a few tragic moments for our protagonists that had me considering whether I was going to put the book down and have a 'moment'.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lynch's wit shown vicariously through Locke is prodigious and definitely on par with authors like Terry Pratchett. I mentioned this in my review for <i>Lies</i> but I'll say it again, Locke really is a protagonist for the ages. He's like those naughty kids in class who you know you shouldn't laugh at, but you can't help yourself because they're so inappropriately hilarious. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Red Seas Under Red Skies</i> was a big step up for me from <i>The Lies of Locke Lamora</i>, with definite growth evident in all areas of the story. It did take quite a while to warm up, but I guess I can say in the end it was worth it. This isn't a fantastically groundbreaking novel or series, especially if you're looking for something really fantastical to bite your teeth into, but it does offer excellent prose and intelligent humour abound. I'll be moving straight onto <i>Republic of Thieves</i>, which I must admit seems a luxury as some fans have been waiting six years since <i>Red Seas</i> was released ... sucks to be them!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-31942982333343327952013-08-04T14:27:00.000+10:002013-08-04T14:27:29.802+10:00REVIEW: Emperor of Thorns by Mark Lawrence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmwDKn8AmqZZCB-l30BQsU30OuaPSNmFgFYWLySVDEPUJmNsFRS-FSAnwFhJpXbuW_U4vF0VvrcieEcWgAr4w3_V1lLS_A6FEHle5iOdle0AeW1e3RORjQbZ-OfEmqbNHLXxoyf0oic4/s1600/Emperor-of-Thorns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmwDKn8AmqZZCB-l30BQsU30OuaPSNmFgFYWLySVDEPUJmNsFRS-FSAnwFhJpXbuW_U4vF0VvrcieEcWgAr4w3_V1lLS_A6FEHle5iOdle0AeW1e3RORjQbZ-OfEmqbNHLXxoyf0oic4/s320/Emperor-of-Thorns.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was one of my most anticipated books of 2013 after reading <i>Prince of Thorns</i> and <i>King of Thorns</i> last year and wow did it live up to expectations! It takes a certain kind of book to keep me reading until 1:00am and this is one of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bravery is a quality that I regard highly when it comes to novels, and <i>The Broken Empire</i> trilogy is oozing with it, both in terms of Lawrence's writing and the infamous protagonist, Jorg Ancrath. I was so pleased to see that even though some goodness and maturity had crept into Jorg as he grew older, he retained his ruthless and somewhat sociopathic tendencies that so endeared me to him. There is something so satisfying about being constantly caught off guard by a protagonist, particularly one written in first person. There are some truly delicious scenes (almost always involving a smattering of gruesome murder) that got my adrenaline going every time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The structure of <i>Emperor of Thorns</i> is similar to it's predecessors, alternating between present and past events in a way that expertly reveals facts just in time to be of use, while eliminating premature spoilers. Some events in <i>EoT</i> take place before those in <i>KoT</i> and are used to flesh out and explain the shock ending to book two. Genius!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The world building in this installment introduces much more information about this post-apocalyptic Earth, creating stronger links to the now ancient past before 'The Day of A Thousand Suns'. This ticked so many boxes for me and my obsession with anything eschatological. Lawrence becomes more generous with detail and the story begins to rely more heavily on technology as well as real-world references, particularly geographical ones. There is even a comical inclusion involving a janitor. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did feel like to elements of the story that were introduced in this book and then became crucial to the conclusion arrived a little late to be fully credible, such as Kai Summerson and the 'sworn'. The conclusion was undeniably fantastic with some great choices and balance by Lawrence, although I couldn't help but feel it was a little too fantastical a climax for a story that was so grounded and gritty. I also questioned the level of skill and intelligence some characters, Jorg included, acquired at such a ridiculously young age.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Broken Empire</i> trilogy has undoubtedly become of my favourite series to date, up there with the works of Brandon Sanderson and George R. R. Martin. I was constantly impressed with the wickedly fast pace, the humour and wit, the fascinating story in an epic post-apocalyptic world and most of all, arguably the most engaging protagonist I have ever encountered. Here's to you Mark Lawrence!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-45795411905446223512013-07-02T17:56:00.002+10:002013-07-02T17:56:27.230+10:00REVIEW: The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDPD8zJIZb5lEeKgZgxWg9fql5ABwJYKx5Dv0XVwqP0tjbOTkVfvLiibFspjIXazXs6XtwgeJ6rBQ1WW_yCZEC4_wGA4kcS8ZC0VkTkAqtRK6mfveOFeA2DFkZAkZr-5l5zT_NfxckXo/s796/The-Crimson-Crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDPD8zJIZb5lEeKgZgxWg9fql5ABwJYKx5Dv0XVwqP0tjbOTkVfvLiibFspjIXazXs6XtwgeJ6rBQ1WW_yCZEC4_wGA4kcS8ZC0VkTkAqtRK6mfveOFeA2DFkZAkZr-5l5zT_NfxckXo/s320/The-Crimson-Crown.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Crimson Crown</i> is an absolutely brilliant conclusion to the Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and my only continual criticism is that it isn't long enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Elements that irked me from book three, <i>The Gray Wolf Throne</i>, were swiftly remedied in this installment. It felt as if Chima had held off all the good bits for the final book, leaving the penultimate novel a little safe and uneventful. The character of Crow for instance, finally became an integral part of things and his mysterious past revealed, although admittedly with little fanfare.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like its predecessors, <i>The Crimson Crown</i> is fast-moving, easy to read, easy to love and well thought out. The plot is relatively simple, but absolutely water-tight, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves without the slightest interruption to the suspension of disbelief. This is a great book to sit down with for a day-long reading session (I did 8 hours today).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chima does tend to skimp a bit on any kind of conflict, even though there is quite a lot of potential for it (there being a war going on and all). There is some half-hearted murdering and an attempt at some hostage situations, but it gets nowhere gritty enough and is glossed over a little. Of course this may just be the author aiming at a more YA audience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All of the characters are instantly loveable, if more than a little archetypal. Raisa and Han make the perfect protagonists, backed up with some great secondary characters like Cat and Fire Dancer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the best thing about this series as I have mentioned is how easy it is to read and enjoy. After being immersed in Bradley P. Beaulieu's Lays of Anuskaya, which requires constant attention, it was really nice to not have to do any extra thinking. Not that that's always desirable, just an observation of this series in general. Give it a go for engaging, entertaining and fast read!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-83107077083127372132013-06-28T11:04:00.002+10:002013-06-28T11:06:54.829+10:00REVIEW: The Flames of Shadam Khoreh by Bradley P. Beaulieu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiyYxE04qZcB9cu6Dc3_rbrIK7DD55WZ4t0x1WrF73T1vcLIgIAMPyILCZgvGRH6xI7dMYnScuJzR0V63x89P9taF5J8LTo-ZkXhgN8MLuMDP-a4DY0o42PUPbLkXE7J3b48rhhr74yg/s582/The-Flames-Of-Shadam-Khoreh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiyYxE04qZcB9cu6Dc3_rbrIK7DD55WZ4t0x1WrF73T1vcLIgIAMPyILCZgvGRH6xI7dMYnScuJzR0V63x89P9taF5J8LTo-ZkXhgN8MLuMDP-a4DY0o42PUPbLkXE7J3b48rhhr74yg/s320/The-Flames-Of-Shadam-Khoreh.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
Concisely: this story is brilliant and you should definitely read the entire trilogy.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The Flames of Shadam Khoreh</i> is an intensely satisfying and captivating read and a great ending to this series. Beaulieu has crafted an incredibly mature and complex story that seemingly never takes the easy way out. It was refreshing to experience characters that have changes of heart, who get things wrong and even at times, lead the reader completely astray with their conjecture. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me this book was a much truer reflection of humanity, which is more of a tangled web rather than a single thread. At times the story felt messy and unclear but I appreciated this for the complexity and touch of realism it gave.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While <i>The Winds of Khalakovo</i> dealt primarily with the politicking and conflict between and within the Grand Duchy and the Maharrat, <i>The Straits of Galahesh</i> and then more so <i>The Flames of Shadam Khoreh</i> not only bring more factions to the party, but begin to deal with the fate of the world on a grand, cosmic level - very similarly to Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. While I felt this was a great and natural progression for the story, I did miss the days of <i>Winds</i>, which I think is by far the best installment in this series. I would have been quite satisfied the remain in the realm of the courts of Anuskaya and seeing how that panned out, but instead the story takes vast leaps and bounds into infinitely bigger territory.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is where it falls down a little for me. The protagonists in this series are great; Nikandr, Atiana, Nasim, Styophan, all consistent and well formed. However it is the secondary characters and antagonists that remain thoroughly confusing to me. Sukharam, Kaleh, Sariya, Bahett, Ushai ... all are so ill-defined that it actually seems that their presence is required only as plot devices when the need arises. Their motivations and allegiances change more often than the Prime Minister of Australia does and with very little justification. One moment Kaleh is a ruthless killer supporting Muqallad and Sariya and then she isn't and then she is and then she's is an innocent girl who's siding with the good guys ... Admittedly in some of these examples the characters are playing a ruse, but still. I mean, what the hell Ushai? WHAT IS YOUR DEAL!?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I swear some characters are brought along for the ride just to be petulant and/or obtuse.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This brings about problems in the story that I mentioned in my review of <i>Straits</i>, where it seems like Beaulieu has only a tentative grip on the hugely multifaceted magic system and tends to cut corners to position things where he needs them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Taking all that into consideration, <i>Flames</i> is still brilliant and a credit to the fantasy genre. There are many strengths in this book I haven't even touched on (mostly because I brought them up in reviews of the two prequels) such as the exquisite use of language and names, impressive world-building and incredibly rich cultures that have been ingrained in the characters and story.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will definitely be reading more of Beaulieu and you should too!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-9406669162287806042013-06-10T00:19:00.000+10:002013-06-10T00:19:20.221+10:00REVIEW: The Straits of Galahesh by Bradley P. Beaulieu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdLFDjukXCKcre7MBjeK-kF73LWb3KCSXrzYuOyU7SOyuot2BvAIVN6sPeWBoCqa4HPCEAbKD3QbS3_t-3URlAKX_l1HeyMDJPss5di2YNpGUOFr_4NswwzsmY1QlUOa_OdobB_kvJ8M/s1600/The-Straits-of-Galahesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdLFDjukXCKcre7MBjeK-kF73LWb3KCSXrzYuOyU7SOyuot2BvAIVN6sPeWBoCqa4HPCEAbKD3QbS3_t-3URlAKX_l1HeyMDJPss5di2YNpGUOFr_4NswwzsmY1QlUOa_OdobB_kvJ8M/s320/The-Straits-of-Galahesh.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It really took me a long time to get through this, not because of the book itself but because of my lack of reading time due to my various choreographic projects. But I finally found some free time this weekend and polished it off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After reading and loving <i>The Winds of Khalakovo</i> I had high expectations for <i>The Straits of Galahesh</i>, some of which were met and some not. The brilliant things about this book were so easy to overlook because they resumed seamlessly from where they left off in <i>Winds</i> and because of the confident manner in which Beaulieu employed them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The use of Russian culture and language was once again an absolute highlight, allowing this series to completely standout from a genre that is all about inventing a plethora or original place and character names. Unlike <i>Winds</i>, I found I was completely across the entire cast of characters and even most of the duchies/islands/cities/mountains/palotzas, which I have to admit made the second installment in the trilogy a lot easier to maneuver through.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The world of <i>Straits</i> is not described with great depth, yet it is still incredibly rich and well built and like most elements of the series, fresh. Built into the geography itself is (one of) the magic systems that I also found intriguing - matriarchs of each royal family who can enter the aether, which along with the spires, assist with the flight of the airships.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The story crafted by Beaulieu in Straits is complex, original, captivating and successful on many levels, however for me there were some things that really let it down. I have to preface this by saying that I, or my reading and understanding, may possibly be to blame and I stand ready to be corrected!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It seemed to be that Beaulieu had some pretty big plot holes in this one - well, not so much holes as parts that were totally contradictory or made little logical sense. Of course we take into consideration that magic is, well, magic and in essence is mysterious and unexplainable. But that's no get out of jail free. Worst of all were some examples where Beaulieu *seemed* to demonstrate that he didn't have a real grasp over elements of his own story.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The role of the akhoz was always dubious. They were created to stabilise the rift over Ghayavand, but the theory behind this is never explained at all and they then became a multipurpose tool and carted out for this and that ceremony. Then there is a conveniently easy ritual between Khamal and an akhoz which has such a huge effect with very little reasoning behind it. Yet (without giving too much away) when Sariya and Muqallad perform the same ritual with Nasim (a choice in itself that has no logic) it has an outcome that does not align with Khamal's at all. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are even just silly little things, like when one protagonist has to kill someone to achieve his goal, even though it is plain to every character in the scene that if he waited approximately 3.4 seconds longer, it wouldn't actually be necessary. It's OK though, because apparently everyone who is killed can be magically unkilled and keep living a little longer. Even more ridiculous is the fact that this protagonist develops the ability to stop time and somehow doesn't kill the bad guy who is an arms length away. But the bad guys can control anyone's mind at will ... they just choose not to sometimes ...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's stuff like that that belongs in bad, overpriced Hollywood fantasy epics. It makes my blood boil.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Other than that I was still very confused about a few things, chiefly Sariya's true intentions and Muqallad's goals, but I think some of that came down to both my understanding of the text and Beaulieu's intentional vagueness (ie, saving it for later). There were a lot of twists and double-crossing which was great and made for a keep-you-guessing plot, but I don't feel like it was concluded very well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While these provided some epic eye-roll moments for me, I still really enjoyed the essential story and craftsmanship of Straits and I was never even close to a moment where I was prepared to give up or anything of the like. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm now a total BPB fan and will be moving straight onto <i>The Flames of Shadam Khoreh</i> to finish of the series. I would totally recommend that all fantasy fans give this series a go, just be prepared for some irksome moments if you're an anally retentive want-to-know-it-all like me!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-40406524146653560662013-03-01T11:14:00.003+11:002013-03-01T11:14:49.250+11:00REVIEW: Going Postal by Terry Pratchett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1RTcoN_KW0nXZgA2KjD5O1gj95tQXaQmbLNTK4BEDht1JXe5o-gEFKOT-Xwyav0n4tvH6pb10INbIAQ-gPtXrKflbXTY4QP3hQwUFyPmfrbDGxSpq51mlY6U3m_qLUfrjuNTj5b957w/s1600/Going-Postal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1RTcoN_KW0nXZgA2KjD5O1gj95tQXaQmbLNTK4BEDht1JXe5o-gEFKOT-Xwyav0n4tvH6pb10INbIAQ-gPtXrKflbXTY4QP3hQwUFyPmfrbDGxSpq51mlY6U3m_qLUfrjuNTj5b957w/s320/Going-Postal.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a very long time since I've ready a Discworld novel ... I started buying them and rereading them from the beginning in these lovely smart black covers. However, I've only ever read about a third of them in total, and I remember a friend really liking this one, so I skipped a few.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also have to add that I've been on a bit of a reading hiatus and there is only one entity to blame: Pokemon. For some reason or another I have become heavily addicted to my Pokemon Black 2 game for the DS, brought on by the revelation that I can connect to the Internet and open up a whole other realm of possibilities, much to the dismay of my Pokemon-hating partner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anywho, I did get around to finishing off <i>Going Postal</i>, which I have to say stands up there with the best of the Discworld novels. I mean, pretty much anything featuring Vetinari is a winner for me as he is the epitome of the dry-as-a-nun's-vagina-humour that Pratchett does oh so very well.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"This woman might have been two women. She certainly had the cubic capacity and, since she was dressed entirely in white, looked rather like an iceberg. But chillier. And with sails. And with a headdress starched to a cutting edge. Two smaller women stood behind and on either side of her, in definite danger of being crushed if she stepped backwards."</i></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have become aware of the fact that most male protagonists of Pratchett's are in essence quite similar, as well as the use of the same humour book to book, and so even though I have loved and admired the Discworld series from a young age, I find myself in constant fear of finding it repetitive and tired. I mean, it hasn't happened quite yet, but no longer do I cry with laughter as I used to (I merely chuckle inwardly).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did enjoy reading from the viewpoint of Moist von Lipwig, who while also constantly aware of the madness of the world around him, isn't quite so passive and downright petrified as a character like Rincewind. He likes to take charge and make the impossible possible, and if you can't, well it was impossible to begin with right?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The biggest highlight of the book was the use of the best pun I have to say I have ever come across in 'Deliver Us' at which I 'lost my shit'. I was a little disappointed at the turn of events part way through in which said delivering was rendered not applicable, however the thread of the story remained satisfying and relevant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even though Discworld is entirely fictional, I can't help but see the
mirror that it holds up to the real world - and it's a brutally honest
one. I have a feeling that if everyone in the world thought like Mr. Terry Pratchett, then it would be a hell of lot better a place. Not only would we be calling a spade a spade, but the spade would then not be offended by being called a spade (rather than it's preferred name, manual handled digging device); none of this PC bull crap. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So really, a very rambling and non-informative not-really-a-review. Ain't nobody got time for actually analyzing Discworld. Alright, back to Pokemon!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-73367196842579522332013-02-03T21:25:00.001+11:002013-02-03T21:25:15.156+11:00REVIEW: Vengeance by Ian Irvine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_Jxbvkrt0FeIVKt1i7OqAC3Ybq3cvBInn1QSx_2Gh3jnRzjx7dnv4U6OpjcOz9WTEZO1rHTF6HdJW8NjmD2k4rfe5GaJ_ydO7KNmsQ7JU-p2kRU8Z0Pb63JuKWg9lBk4eJ5x474yKmE/s1600/vengeance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_Jxbvkrt0FeIVKt1i7OqAC3Ybq3cvBInn1QSx_2Gh3jnRzjx7dnv4U6OpjcOz9WTEZO1rHTF6HdJW8NjmD2k4rfe5GaJ_ydO7KNmsQ7JU-p2kRU8Z0Pb63JuKWg9lBk4eJ5x474yKmE/s320/vengeance.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is with a large amount of sadness that I say that this is one of the most disappointing reads I have ever encountered. Irvine has for many years been an author I have held in high esteem, if not one of my favourites, for his <i>Three Worlds</i> saga. Apart from being the first book I ever bought, <i>The View From the Mirror</i> series had such a profound effect on me (I even did an independent study on it in high school) and so I was really looking forward to a new work by Irvine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To put it bluntly, this book felt like it was written by an inexperienced teenager. Nearly every element of <i>Vengeance</i> was so clumsy and inconsistent, I had to pause at least once every two pages to roll my eyes or wrinkle my nose with distaste. I even completely gave up a quarter of the way through and after a week's break, had to force myself to finish it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rix is by far the most perplexing protagonist in the history of everything. Even by the end I had no idea what his character actually was. His reactions and reasoning are so ridiculous in some scenes, it sounds like he is being narrated by a six year old girl. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many of the books problems come from the pace. In two pages, Rix lusts after another character, swears to remain chaste, meets said character, leers, becomes revolted by her and then randomly rides away, leaving his companion behind for no discernible reason other than it helps the plot along. Absolutely nothing about the characters is precedented or follows through other than Tobry's 'mortal fear of shifters', which Irvine mentions no less than fifty bajillion times.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are even many situations where the characters leave a climactic and dire situation, which should leave them emotionally and mentally if not physically wounded, and yet mere hours later they are chilling on the couch with wine. Absolutely zero consistency in anyway shape or form.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't even get me started on the gaping plot holes, not the least of which is a glaringly obvious oversight in the chronology of things which leaves a good sixty year gap in a part of the backstory.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Vengeance</i> in some ways is very similar to Irvine's previous work; he definitely knows how to stick it to his protagonists, getting them in sticky (that's putting it lightly) situation again and again without reprieve. However, while I think this really worked in the <i>Three Worlds</i> saga, it was overkilled in <i>Vengeance</i> to the point where it became exasperating and unbelievable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The story itself, while improving dramatically in the last half when elements finally started coming together, was unnecessarily complicated in parts and vastly underdeveloped in others. The terminology introduced in Cython was ridiculously confusing and more than a little naff - actually a lot of things in this book were naff ... like naming the volcanoes 'the vomits'. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The greatest problem I had was that in fact I believed the antagonists to be in the right and began rooting for them ... and it wasn't done in any kind of clever 'there are no clearly good or evil' way either, it was just that the protagonists were clearly on the side that started the whole thing and were in the wrong. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Were there any good things about <i>Vengeance</i>? I have to admit that by the last half I was a lot more invested in the story and it became generally easier to read, although whether this was because it had actually gotten better or that I had just become accustomed to it, I'm not sure. Tali is a character is far more consistent and interesting and was honestly this books saving grace - she reminded me quite a lot of Karan and Tiaan, two of Irvine's previous strong female protagonists. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By the end of the book I was really ready for it all to wrap up, and it could have, except Irvine then throws in some extremely late minute curve balls, setting up for the next two books. I do feel like I want to continue with the story, but only out of obligation rather than because I actually enjoyed it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So other than harbouring some bitter disappointment, I am now genuinely perplexed as to how an author can produce works of such vastly different quality ... one friend suggested that he got a ghost writer to do it ... it wouldn't surprise me.</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-1065384440819029922013-01-01T10:04:00.001+11:002013-01-01T10:05:54.580+11:002012 in Retrospect<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So it's been a big reading year for me, literally reading double the amount of books that I read in 2011. This probably has a lot to do with not studying the final year of my degree, which involved over 50 contact hours a week. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Obviously there aren't enough books here to make up a top ten or some such list and I even struggle to pick my top/favourite read for the year (usually my favourite book is the one I most recently finished). I can pick a few standouts however. Firstly I have to mention the <i><b>A Song of Ice and Fire </b></i>series (an obvious choice) but one that I think is always understated. <b><i>Warbreaker</i></b> by Brandon Sanderson, <i><b>Mockingjay</b></i> by Suzanne Collins, <i><b>Prince of Thorns</b></i> by Mark Lawrence and <i><b>The Blinding Knife</b></i> were my favourites for the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't think 2013 will bring another doubling of books read (unless I quit my job) but I will be aiming for a similar amount. I've been thinking for a while that this year I want to tackle the Malazan Book of the Fallen series.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A visual list is below. Happy New Year everyone!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5uS5FVTfSNmqvgzIJk1bjrBC8plfJfZyUZAyi9taTtZ66x2BQro9V4QZ1Su5Edvnuh7c6QMkYCh_Of-zptRbaZ_WvYYjjZajJ7za09H1OzcN2Q5_qgWzqN6hZK00D4cm2ozAuIvKkns/s1600/The-Winds-of-Khalakovo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5lc5xYT6DESKCfn74GTEIIbUUewgRNgfrz5MUs1rskmq1pJs18e_EfEvlHj2G0PkxpC1xXvRk7CEVP2374dl6YBsz95scEL3GTYERpcztRJeyQiCQHLhLX9OnfEnJ6sC_SLQXdONQ_U/s1600/The_Land_of_the_Painted_Caves.jpg"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5lc5xYT6DESKCfn74GTEIIbUUewgRNgfrz5MUs1rskmq1pJs18e_EfEvlHj2G0PkxpC1xXvRk7CEVP2374dl6YBsz95scEL3GTYERpcztRJeyQiCQHLhLX9OnfEnJ6sC_SLQXdONQ_U/s200/The_Land_of_the_Painted_Caves.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK8mpbL0kYrDSNe7-CnyeP7qiuq5UDrxvz_iEACYUSLpMB4B8Edfyf_sO8SsL_j1MmRl8bP5cZVew5a4JfD-1sACg38dXwDLfaG9XX1jVc6lJPWI2NtZFNg7vYzkHGCs0F2_NuiY8Z30/s1600/Optimized-medium_the-kingdom-of-gods-by-nk-jemisin.jpg"> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK8mpbL0kYrDSNe7-CnyeP7qiuq5UDrxvz_iEACYUSLpMB4B8Edfyf_sO8SsL_j1MmRl8bP5cZVew5a4JfD-1sACg38dXwDLfaG9XX1jVc6lJPWI2NtZFNg7vYzkHGCs0F2_NuiY8Z30/s200/Optimized-medium_the-kingdom-of-gods-by-nk-jemisin.jpg" /> </a><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIoxlzRSbORV_NTNMI9FmEBMFeXtsvZdL7vJqjb911PbVsUVigtIBX62ORru6sTEzzTVorP6qx7y3bLGVueYL2-8pg7IBQbdN3zcz_ZEaSTH0VAzbxI-pZVpQZ_b3DCa_I07xfR191aA/s200/the-novice" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVX0foGCRaUouY8nU5lkvNO2PEO6JKETpsQwmqqI2gME1AUak1gSyBugGwi-2TyX61UGyJTWC4Qj-MSLDfiB2tZXsl_QuiTqHzIls0S5-k5VPWzcgvf_l9fInGYpnMsimPq4gvTMnD4vs/s200/High-Lord.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxj39fdTNc5gdCbydrGIptg1t2YT6jdLewgK7IWqWv1pMhoMx9xASAqN4UrdmEbpqdFwniB_Tkt7flqhzxCVOZasWCFHztB59R6qEqkLODuT_f_ef_Rcp30pvzw__64E0BMzL6tukmgw/s200/silverthorn.jpg" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnFJpf5DklUYQoyytp4ihWrToyAZtR5z740vrJ-AhCHh1scWNmu-Mu7_PlZVsm6066DXZFwVjMDNHrMGq0XZqiUXVhlCTQRPgUcBk9IM6AceSRSft3zfDooPSQ5lYKwcCiCoYDA6wHe8/s1600/a-darkness-at-sethanon.jpg"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnFJpf5DklUYQoyytp4ihWrToyAZtR5z740vrJ-AhCHh1scWNmu-Mu7_PlZVsm6066DXZFwVjMDNHrMGq0XZqiUXVhlCTQRPgUcBk9IM6AceSRSft3zfDooPSQ5lYKwcCiCoYDA6wHe8/s200/a-darkness-at-sethanon.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wgwFcXLxIyHANzVgrBmehdDQPpMXGCPIC1TokC0ZoRjNR1YVv5Z3mkFWKIi2Vbw6Ufi_rAE0Q0d6bu5YvLvA5mntwp_R8uyEnXgKjX2YilUMmTT8A-5JoSvxndZXgcn-k09q9kk2JjU/s1600/out-of-oz.jpg"> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wgwFcXLxIyHANzVgrBmehdDQPpMXGCPIC1TokC0ZoRjNR1YVv5Z3mkFWKIi2Vbw6Ufi_rAE0Q0d6bu5YvLvA5mntwp_R8uyEnXgKjX2YilUMmTT8A-5JoSvxndZXgcn-k09q9kk2JjU/s200/out-of-oz.jpg" /> </a><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngps24fjUrGmP-o9GPTbiYSjEjdm3O2qwkN0DktUkgPiQ2OY-dI9XR0lvev3utK9wQQNbYcv2-MONXklR0AHO83FI5HhXO_BUysb8HGVUnHA09J-s79k4i_LTU3SPvKgAbTa5CSZsiKw/s200/warbreaker.jpg" /><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8k7LlwZwJuvtq9Uudt6RNTFFSbADgqyrmYkWS4-4faqTogufsprmjXSHMWMXSUE4IqU1VcHSg6xmSsaAIjGHw94X4EjJR8CiBztanYKOKCk6QFBSLC05APEb2M_pIG68lskr5pQfnBU/s200/images.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx92l-SCXF-9GSD36RBOSWR7GotDn5IdsfysQ4SeFboBLyR7cfIe51DlatPjMBqJHH0w3S7Tpcwdo3sOD4tllaa_iziV6z9nSb6T3DS5ExjqX6oIoaPEvLoNNet3Z70MoslHsmdX4CWI/s200/treason-keep.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsJhtyoU1CWRr_K1qZ-AXJ6H4cuV1-WRiLm5_8GFpFyoN_Pr7N7XeeLGjvkRkM_dvmCC60ZPNWCtWiy7FCTSaEABW50BKrzwhs4ymHYU7PXvnWOsxBbTyVnSBF1vgINOqfD-2tXTlVr8/s200/harshini.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_J61EfIzNEDJzmTgHqtmoNnU4NXKGLkO9c4jV8zJp6YdjgnSlq3ydfm7-OnelOOH91edAdzRP4vEXDeqa9oL1nykUynM-gMLojfQjiVC86Kb7wvuQ9YiB35_Wdh1TB4rQ_s9NL0kv0w/s200/Hunger_games.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd7Y30axiU4hTQ0Sx_GHAT7fTbAUb7y1OyXG7v0oIgr81mywpQBQE4Kz8-pf6Nf7BjrwncaTZj0-PArHWrGNb0CiXl7rQDIjx35rPmo4zJgITi7raaHxBv68LER4HVLzfsaGNgZ5aILI/s1600/catching-fire.jpg"> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd7Y30axiU4hTQ0Sx_GHAT7fTbAUb7y1OyXG7v0oIgr81mywpQBQE4Kz8-pf6Nf7BjrwncaTZj0-PArHWrGNb0CiXl7rQDIjx35rPmo4zJgITi7raaHxBv68LER4HVLzfsaGNgZ5aILI/s200/catching-fire.jpg" /></a> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPoknrofPZeoc9CAwipc8-qDn1lp2dzP3qlOX_alnzJR78H_xTIR6OHlFeCaxyvafUOa81tU6V6-XbfhRwEiDsHpeBureCXHX0hGcB-VvvnHMX0AJphKLL7TT4HCHBU4i0HsDfA7ti54/s200/mockingjay.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigc0Yi1Woevu5184qN4puH74a7kQ6R3SdbI5wCwwIp7cAJG6KETlE6-kd4Spc2HzxUHelgXHl6Drra-zXV-Piy7hxvbKcFSweUv6pkE9Zw9XFCBo3lckzdzKE_UvlX3vI_CB1-QW4ifCY/s200/game-of-thrones.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tQcIQm__zX-hZqsoslc_pEAw-8W36mUKZY2gHt-qdBTserTjpBxvF3a2XbcBbWNjYYMg_jBfD1YdBhQxZbJN43r3liU_QYKF-mBIJ2-CSqrr7QYoyUZmcXuAts54eMq4Ix8G5h1OQBA/s200/clash-of-kings.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4Ej9ko9cQeKtyBOlA5fMEGaKWlE0cRLeBRZRYZ57_LXD_kcS2b5xg_sQ5IthAFgC0LOe1Fx1pQYtzk1A9NxRVaoWXNCbtI132N5WbeBDuYTp-yxCmcrEZpImfO3L7xNjX3dX8QSfpSE/s200/bitterblue.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE3jOGYTUJxR_TJLvKSr4pSRlIDc-Cuo4CS0icjUdI0Q4spJKn-EsP1G6xgk2NS615TLz6pdswnb9O51PQkX33TEF-EULF_HkxTscOvIi3RutEiNqfOtUGM3NlmL77_JVU5FHKvZL_FY/s200/Lies-of-Locke-Lamora.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14nzZkOplDbpzQeIdWEOvphfQg94f2Tp66gYlmmZ5lscZIiW4lyigzdpbr9XuJnXICVgBlOC4y7IVyTcmR1Pz3QSRUV7cWE303B1dbi0Z-rQamG1PPuxt0EJ936_-5Io_x-FdXFz0I3I/s200/Storm-of-Swords-Steel-and-Snow.jpg" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3344_95ornOMlCXTPWXGCXdhXVJGfkP0V1WXx2D0lDrK5N4OJ1ZhfEOIDGnPPeKYsd_eddWbvDWbRhlr80xWxO845QlJjFlwhqncYNP17DV6o_95429t7bFJBg1rfUPvHewOIps2xXTM/s1600/feast_for_crows.jpg"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3344_95ornOMlCXTPWXGCXdhXVJGfkP0V1WXx2D0lDrK5N4OJ1ZhfEOIDGnPPeKYsd_eddWbvDWbRhlr80xWxO845QlJjFlwhqncYNP17DV6o_95429t7bFJBg1rfUPvHewOIps2xXTM/s200/feast_for_crows.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZCJBRY2b68mC6iYGwEJh7SySFeRZV_JmMiS_tY3gfLwoWx2VWbFmCYy27dOZ5xve2u0rQDg8WxJdMRU2qzm2147uBLloksXKRQOKQ2BhAT9RK5DYg9i5h9w30OkXMrF_L48zHdwn3_I/s1600/Prince-of-Thorns.jpg"> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZCJBRY2b68mC6iYGwEJh7SySFeRZV_JmMiS_tY3gfLwoWx2VWbFmCYy27dOZ5xve2u0rQDg8WxJdMRU2qzm2147uBLloksXKRQOKQ2BhAT9RK5DYg9i5h9w30OkXMrF_L48zHdwn3_I/s200/Prince-of-Thorns.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFYeo9iZkb10cH_W96onJQadwx70gMJEEFs0gs65gAU4RKh4lGpWlFG-Q-qDXSc1m8U2SSqsYPiWyz95u96siUgOeZDG_Inc0Cetdrz6nFpQ3LCXYOHMW_OZb8YISwIHgjsfVSSsxbgg/s1600/King-of-Thorns.jpg"> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFYeo9iZkb10cH_W96onJQadwx70gMJEEFs0gs65gAU4RKh4lGpWlFG-Q-qDXSc1m8U2SSqsYPiWyz95u96siUgOeZDG_Inc0Cetdrz6nFpQ3LCXYOHMW_OZb8YISwIHgjsfVSSsxbgg/s200/King-of-Thorns.jpg" /></a> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPYswrllquxfjvqV4PDts4hdq5lOP7qj1f7H6kTbk2HOfsZDspd1X_rw-oYCS1GfwaKkd0LEDoSu1t25w-9vGBlIcuA-Iu1UWv4J_-7JSgrH8dvcfp35_sjCRLKYCAQzw9hvQJM-0bVw/s200/City-of-Dreams-and-Nightmare.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHvPz1VrrMlyLNbnk2iQsSTp0lbIiXiK6Ud8hKKE7lgDO7PARkyadOGMmhsMjv78tLc0534MXRfaPY8DqQFB4PG6QIIQAfo1Lc0PbKmQuGHupTKwANexFsDmzQRPb7zjETr2Qf2Tsipg/s1600/A-Dance-With-Dragons.jpg"> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHvPz1VrrMlyLNbnk2iQsSTp0lbIiXiK6Ud8hKKE7lgDO7PARkyadOGMmhsMjv78tLc0534MXRfaPY8DqQFB4PG6QIIQAfo1Lc0PbKmQuGHupTKwANexFsDmzQRPb7zjETr2Qf2Tsipg/s200/A-Dance-With-Dragons.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh317q8Viu60cf1oWd_sLEQAEnDOjsEqaa9zzs2-ZgX0rwgm_ttRAYar7jF7bVR1vzzhlcsVx9TuAnxsIRgvL7Cg_GX26SzV_6a5tceKXvqhBuWQRauH0zjZd_zwztVHau033E0At-2Yao/s1600/Legion.jpg"> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh317q8Viu60cf1oWd_sLEQAEnDOjsEqaa9zzs2-ZgX0rwgm_ttRAYar7jF7bVR1vzzhlcsVx9TuAnxsIRgvL7Cg_GX26SzV_6a5tceKXvqhBuWQRauH0zjZd_zwztVHau033E0At-2Yao/s200/Legion.jpg" /></a> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgW6fTJQMqFWyMheEQ18GNbDUPmJXeb89Gkd5G6QJSOeIW3eFbHkjAVFYCUoIcwxy8tzXw1Zx-33nKybGVjBVZmdBRe-JZm_k559YJ-i_s0JHVYWxUaiW4WkVE3YomhBhxi1mosUheyg/s200/200px-TheBlackPrism_cover.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcXY4x9uyvopTAGpJGGk7LDBozVZUonhBdqPn28DXnIgq2Aay1YEwJvzckIswO_dJ24zj4XFP2Ut_UZAOepkU1Sq364QB9Wnc2InsbEJlU0OMhFs9X5jU-mJtzcLiIGT3LfmrRDQ_DAM/s200/Throne-of-the-Crescent-Moon.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje0fVb1y-oQUIlEddXrPyCgScg79TUPP68V7tA8JWJzkx9vfuHc4NHeDekkj9_rBRJW-xJ0dxdp3jQ1OsAOX-hNGYdXonn5RWG0rba85c-o4fndo9inWShlHc71O0fOu42bqWgJjKVz8/s200/The-Blinding-Knife.jpg" /><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7dwX8wzv35Yk1EfgGfLDnp4aJyqcG66WbU4NA_DToX-9oUoaDTPkp_cu46EozDTRzBbhRFongFWTWVHVRK8rJeP8lSlLLEnQF8WLN_5NkluAVKXSgot0DbnWJz049q6XVaLpPOKKrHo/s200/Fallen.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgwzSZnURRZrOLLfkcC24qKwhb73vU2x5XsvN6un5YKhMM0mswMTXbjpkb5iUc8Kajkcs6ySz6J-3mKSMRm7Ux_TPN6bGX5sNIs0U52udZDHPM0fqg3XsuPHthJ7a1Fw-5lSrRTlkXWE/s200/The-Shattering.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs2bH4YIt2xwXxGIVCgDo7uxUDZJ4Gu0ebDrkMbpQ0U-7P_M33lY2KFfXTt86wHBWqz4IbAurABfgvxhWk3PweEe4dJXhB8ka08zRj0CKqQ1s4HvbXLx-F3aGM6Fq2x3dQaUWJstWMz8/s200/American-Gods.jpg" /> <img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRQ-VOi6JeVwToXkyeEOn2_0wNtl2Yxk4gpzWmj7zTWkP1DkfuLap5NQmyhoB8lffRJfOzMtxPP7Nxo1kTUifQMqyIwrEYxnw7dOnSIoUmljSj3MVkmXGEZbPc2xXIjRaO_brg1wd40w/s200/The-Emperors-Knife.jpg" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGfuxBCCXrKQ5bEiNqzb88OQyFXn8N6m4p3AlfkKJS4nO-Wm2EveRgfY2FOjhzAnq6Ivs1CwEer6890kwVMnhKFwKCAhx7X0ZFwXuhxgZDt5SPAlbsIbDwWZ8EI9vH6KXjrxWdqoMEuw/s1600/The-Thief-Takers-Apprentice.jpg"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGfuxBCCXrKQ5bEiNqzb88OQyFXn8N6m4p3AlfkKJS4nO-Wm2EveRgfY2FOjhzAnq6Ivs1CwEer6890kwVMnhKFwKCAhx7X0ZFwXuhxgZDt5SPAlbsIbDwWZ8EI9vH6KXjrxWdqoMEuw/s200/The-Thief-Takers-Apprentice.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5uS5FVTfSNmqvgzIJk1bjrBC8plfJfZyUZAyi9taTtZ66x2BQro9V4QZ1Su5Edvnuh7c6QMkYCh_Of-zptRbaZ_WvYYjjZajJ7za09H1OzcN2Q5_qgWzqN6hZK00D4cm2ozAuIvKkns/s1600/The-Winds-of-Khalakovo.jpg"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5uS5FVTfSNmqvgzIJk1bjrBC8plfJfZyUZAyi9taTtZ66x2BQro9V4QZ1Su5Edvnuh7c6QMkYCh_Of-zptRbaZ_WvYYjjZajJ7za09H1OzcN2Q5_qgWzqN6hZK00D4cm2ozAuIvKkns/s200/The-Winds-of-Khalakovo.jpg" /> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ddJDtONp4Po6mG6tVdzIkJ-3Dx1t7Olp46QuIMdTLCm-A41qzidxhQoLhLE0fdM1YFzOWXACfds2NSkRnpQShucVZ7AEdD0sEV66VIY7zlOJptt48TtMXuWKI4adLQP3DXAhyYK1jB0/s1600/The-Daylight-War.jpg"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ddJDtONp4Po6mG6tVdzIkJ-3Dx1t7Olp46QuIMdTLCm-A41qzidxhQoLhLE0fdM1YFzOWXACfds2NSkRnpQShucVZ7AEdD0sEV66VIY7zlOJptt48TtMXuWKI4adLQP3DXAhyYK1jB0/s320/The-Daylight-War.jpg" /></a></div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176597095792087418.post-6894040447324205372012-12-29T18:22:00.000+11:002012-12-29T18:22:09.513+11:00REVIEW: The Daylight War by Peter V. Brett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ddJDtONp4Po6mG6tVdzIkJ-3Dx1t7Olp46QuIMdTLCm-A41qzidxhQoLhLE0fdM1YFzOWXACfds2NSkRnpQShucVZ7AEdD0sEV66VIY7zlOJptt48TtMXuWKI4adLQP3DXAhyYK1jB0/s1600/The-Daylight-War.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ddJDtONp4Po6mG6tVdzIkJ-3Dx1t7Olp46QuIMdTLCm-A41qzidxhQoLhLE0fdM1YFzOWXACfds2NSkRnpQShucVZ7AEdD0sEV66VIY7zlOJptt48TtMXuWKI4adLQP3DXAhyYK1jB0/s320/The-Daylight-War.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are like me, you have been been awaiting the release of <i>The Daylight War</i> for the last two and a half years and have been contemplating ringing in sick to work when you finally get your hands on a copy. Luckily for me my reception day job pretty much means I stand around and read for eight hours a day, so no 'gastro' or 'dead relative' excuses necessary!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For those who did read <i>The Desert Spear</i> in early 2010, the first thing I would recommend is a reread, or at least a quick skim, which is what I did. The first speed bump I found was that I couldn't remember the specifics of any of the Krasian terms (like the difference between <i>dal'Sharum</i>, <i>kai'Sharum</i> and <i>kha'Sharum</i>). Never fear! <i>The Daylight War</i> comes with a nifty glossary at the back, giving you succinct definitions for all the terminology, plus the extensive range of relatives to boot. Unfortunately for me I didn't discover this until I <i>finished</i> the book, but at least now I can pass on the advice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A large chunk of the beginning of <i>The Daylight War</i> is devoted to the back story of Inevera (<i>Damajah,</i> and Jardir's wife), much like Jardir's in book two. I know many readers became bogged down in the large amount of time spent on Jardir's life and the ins and outs of The Desert Spear, and unfortunately I think you guys are in for much of the same. Personally I love every'ting (badoom-ch!) Krasian and could have happily read about Jardir for the entire book. While large parts of Inevera's story are interesting and incredibly insightful into the ways of the <i>dama'ting</i>, it can get a little repetitive, especially when some scenes reoccur word for word from <i>The Desert Spear</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I felt that Arlen began to change significantly in this book, and perhaps not for the better. Deciding to shed his mysterious ways in an effort to shake this darn title of 'Deliverer' the commoners have labelled him with, he quickly goes from dark and mysterious hooded man to straw-chewing hillbilly faster than you can say 'apple pie'. Arlen and Renna were always a bit rural from memory, but Brett really lays it on thick with more abbreviated words than you can shake a stick at. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the same time however, Arlen (and Jardir) develop some cool new super powers, becoming even more mysterious and Deliverer-like. Pro: they're super awesome. Con: They kinda just seem to come out of nowhere, like Brett only just now thought them up but pretends they've actually been there for a while and the only reason we don't know is because no one thought to bring them up. It does also get a smidge <i>deus ex machina</i>, and the narrative itself begins to rely on these new powers to reveal key details. Brett saves himself a little by making the enemies even stronger, preventing Arlen from simply cleaning up the corelings like last night's dishes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Leesha is interesting yet annoying at the same time. While she's a strong character and looked to as a leader, she remains indecisive and more than a little lost especially when it comes to her love-life, mooning over one guy, while missing another and sleeping with a third ... and fourth. I couldn't tell if she had the characteristic definition of a wad of gum, or whether she was actually incredibly complex with some really meaty flaws.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdQqRa4KatiYCN9TxZiPt-Hhdt5zasGuPK47B9Vb2AsvrSSiIWKRd7VveDktR98BMVZoyLlzHZ9gqn6c52RBqakHKul6WqYuiwocfT6WpEg-d4BXH40KAZSdbiXQtVhPxfQEovfKadHQ/s1600/The-Daylight-War-Cover-Art.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdQqRa4KatiYCN9TxZiPt-Hhdt5zasGuPK47B9Vb2AsvrSSiIWKRd7VveDktR98BMVZoyLlzHZ9gqn6c52RBqakHKul6WqYuiwocfT6WpEg-d4BXH40KAZSdbiXQtVhPxfQEovfKadHQ/s400/The-Daylight-War-Cover-Art.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
We learn quite a lot more about the core and the mind demons from the end of <i>The Desert Spear</i>, which strangely turned the whole conflict between humans and demons from a one sided battle of humans vs nature, to a fully-fledged two sided war between two sentient races. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brett's prose and flow remains virtually flawless, providing for a smooth read during which you don't feel guilty for skipping two meals so you can lay on the couch and keep reading. Heck, I ignored so many people coming into work because let's face it, what's more important here?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the grand scheme of things I don't think enough actually happened in this book, especially given the wait for the next installment we will most likely have to endure. The majority of it was tied up with back story and fleshing out other characters, which while definitely a great experience for all involved, meant the overall story didn't progress as far as I would have like it to. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I feel that there is not a lot of cohesion between the two main story arcs (Jardir/Inevera and the Krasians vs Arlen/Renna/Leesha and the Hollowers) but I think it's simply because they are so vastly different, predominantly due to the culture and beliefs of the respective people. At times I wished the book would devote itself to one or the other, because jumping between the two really cut some of the build up and reader investment potential. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And now at the end, because I haven't actually said it, I really, really loved this book (and the series). I haven't read any other fantasy based on Middle-Eastern culture (other than the dismal failure that was <i>Throne of the Crescent Moon</i>) and the methodical and meticulous nature of their hierarchical system ticks all the right boxes for my personality type. The world that Brett has created is rich with detail and innovation and I am itching with anticipation to find out how humans will fare against their enemies from the core!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And best/worst of all, I have to tell you that this one ends in a SERIOUS cliffhanger - you know the ones, where you gasp and then turn the page expecting to see one more chapter (and instead see a glossary of Krasian terms) and scream '<i>NOOOOOOOO!</i>'. Yeah, it's one of those.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A huge thanks to Random House for sparing me the excruciating wait and sending me an eARC!</div>
Joshua Lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05660987767660028351noreply@blogger.com0