While on the hunt for some modern fantasy, I came across this recommendation, feeling its high praise, and I suppose I got a bit more enthusiastic, evWhile on the hunt for some modern fantasy, I came across this recommendation, feeling its high praise, and I suppose I got a bit more enthusiastic, even over-enthusiastic for the tale.
If I could go back in time, I'd say to myself, "Hey, buddy. Manage those expectations. This isn't a gorgeous panorama of a world filled with wonderful characters that will come together to accomplish something we'd never see in our reality."
I'd go, "Huh. Okay. So what is it?"
Solid characters, low-key quests and journeys, and even a bit of skills progression. The pacing is good and the journey is very much in line with MOST fantasies. It's real hook is how it treats its HERO. I admit, this twist got me pretty worked up and excited. It reminded me of the old adage of: "A hero is someone who leaves a multitude of corpses in his/her wake". Only, this one was a bit more interesting. No spoilers.
Unfortunately, the rest of it is pretty standard fare. I've been reading so many fantasies--and this one doesn't stand out THAT much from the multitude.
It is, however, a decent romp.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
While I appreciate the roundness of the story for what it is, weaving the events of the first two, with their different PoVs, I have to admit I didn'tWhile I appreciate the roundness of the story for what it is, weaving the events of the first two, with their different PoVs, I have to admit I didn't think this one was all too interesting. I loved the events in the second novel, mind you. I felt the need and the drive. This one was a bit bland in comparison, or I was hoping to see it build something rather more interesting here.
I'm not going to say it was bad. But honestly, with all the Military Fantasy I've read over the years, this is pretty middle of the road. The demon names angle is in the background, and sometimes at the fore, but it's hardly the core of the page time. I'll continue his writing, eventually, but I think I'm gonna take a break from straight Mil-F for a moment.
To my synesthesia, I must say that I had the distinct impression of an old stone hallway with recently disturbed a layer of dust reaching my nose.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Solid flintlock epic fantasy. The story is your basic evil advisor plots and takes over the kingdom, with a strong female lead dressing up as a man toSolid flintlock epic fantasy. The story is your basic evil advisor plots and takes over the kingdom, with a strong female lead dressing up as a man to join and then lead an army, but don't let that deter you from reading it.
It's solid. Good characters. The buildup to the rebellion and the things that happen after are both satisfying and expected.
If this doesn't sound like a resounding endorsement, it's only because I've read quite a lot just like it. I do like the magic that shows up, but it's more like an ultimate cheat code rather than an integral part of what makes the rebellion work. That's how it goes, though, for good or ill.
At least to my synesthesia, it has the feel of dust in my face, a smoky gravy on the tongue. Not unpleasant at all, but it can grate when the dust builds up a bit too much.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
By this point, I can I say I've read a ton of epic fantasy, and a good deal of those are full of gunpowder and mages, generally landing on the full waBy this point, I can I say I've read a ton of epic fantasy, and a good deal of those are full of gunpowder and mages, generally landing on the full war-campaign side of the fantasy genre.
This novel, I must admit, is kinda old-hat. Of course, back when it came out, I'm sure it was a huge success.
That being said, I did enjoy it on its own merits. It has everything a war-campaign fantasy fan would want, including some intrigue, big bads that genuinely surprise the heroes, and a sprawling world.
I like it in small doses, myself, unless it really goes above and beyond the norm. I'm willing to keep on with this, knowing that he's been a respected name in the field.
It even has the feel of military rations. So, at least to my synesthesia, it hits all the targets on my tongue. :)
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
Honestly, I thought the year would be a lot crappier than it was. It's like books. Sometimes you go into a tome with a certain expectation that just gets blown up like fish in a dynamited pond.
The year wasn't exactly chum. But it did HAVE chum.
Overall, however, at least when it came to books, I had a relatively great time. Tons of LitRPG which is my version of snack foods and popcorn. Lots of classics, which comes out to comfort food and often full, memory-laden 7-course meals. And then there was my fair share of fast, forgettable food.
But my memories are all for the carefully crafted, savory mind-meals. The steaming soup-books, the spicy tomes, the heartwarming oatwords, and yes, the candies. And of course, the non-fiction veggies.
Let me mention a few of my all-time favorites for the year that weren't re-reads of already-favorites.
FRIEREN Beyond Journey's End.
This was something I started as an anime and ended buying every volume I could find, plus plushies. I watched the anime 5 -- yes, 5 -- times. It makes me laugh, and cry, fills my heart to overflowing, and keeps me awake late into the night. When I need real comfort, I turn to this now, and have been turning to it for smiles, deep melancholy, and sometimes deep glee. It has some brilliant fights, but it is all about the quiet moments, the small details, and everything that's utterly human. Even if there is a thousand year elf in it.
My FAVORITE.
There's really nothing that comes close.
As for everything else, I have to include rereads, like Broken Earth or Stormlight Archive. Or Three Body Problem, or Hannu Rajaniemi's Quantum Thief trilogy.. All of these are great. Let's not forget Terry Pratchett, of course.
Some books that really stood out for quality and worldbuilding are Ken Liu's fantasy, Alastair Reynold's Prefect books. Or the light-hearted Juveniles of Heinlein.
For LitRPGs, standouts were Mother of Learning books and All The Skills.
For light, fun space operas, my go-to gal is Suzanne Palmer's Finder series. But all-around great SF belongs to just about everything Adrian Tchaikovsky writes. He's a go-to always-trust.
But let's not forget the joy of Robert Greenberg's TLC series for music!
As for all the rest, this is far from being a comprehensive list, but if I'm honest, these are the books that my memory allows in the list late at night after a couple of glasses of wine. In other words, those books that shine brightest in memory.
And who's to say if this is a BAD way to do it? If a book stays with you, it's gotta be GOOD.
Happy New Year!
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
The third book in the Tyrant Philosophers is a whirlwind of great worldbuilding, carefully set up philosophical quandaries displayed in full force in The third book in the Tyrant Philosophers is a whirlwind of great worldbuilding, carefully set up philosophical quandaries displayed in full force in memorable characters, and yet more epic-fantasy war.
It may not be my favorite novel of the three (that honor goes to the second book) but Tchaikovsky continues to be a marvel of a storyteller. His less impressive works, such as this, is still on par with anything Joe Abercrombie writes. A bit of grim, sure, and a lot of great war action, but this statement is just as true for its oftentimes hilarious characters, complicated personalities/choices, and payoff.
I may not say it's brilliant, and it did somewhat meander until the last third of the book, but when we got to the fascinating end, I thought it was entirely worth it.
A synesthesia review of this would probably be a nutmeg-laden tart that is actually really tarty, but dangerous because it has a bunch of sparklers sticking out of it. Lit, of course. I felt like I had to be very, very careful eating it. It was tasty, and pretty, but I almost got burned!
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
This was a really fun read. I was totally down with Kai, the Witch King, from the get-go. It never gets bogged down, switching effortlessly from the aThis was a really fun read. I was totally down with Kai, the Witch King, from the get-go. It never gets bogged down, switching effortlessly from the aftermath of a great betrayal, waking up mostly dead and having an adventure, to perfectly-paced flashbacks from when he DID become the Witch King.
All told, it was just really fun. It helps that he's a pretty good guy, for a demon -- and the Hierarchs are pretty horrible. For an epic fantasy-type, it really has all the earmarks of a great popcorn fiction read. I won't say it is the best, ever, but I had a good time, so that IS something.
This is a particularly difficult novel to review because it took me quite some time to realize that it was based on a rather more thorough, expanded BThis is a particularly difficult novel to review because it took me quite some time to realize that it was based on a rather more thorough, expanded Buddhist concept of heaven and hell -- and not a Lovecraftian-lite exploration of a thoroughly transformative and consistently transforming city that literally sprang up out of the mind of a mortal god.
Confusing? Yeah, well, it was a bit for me, too. I was tempted to just roll with the immersion, try to figure out what being raised to murder a god-who-is-your-father had to do with seeing otherwise invisible demons on the streets or enjoying a masterfully imagined city that reminded me a LOT of Christopher Priest's later novels.
Honestly, however, even though I appreciated what was attempted here, I can't say I thoroughly ENJOYED either the story or the writing. At times it seemed to be trying too hard. Conversely, when it did manage to relax into greater descriptions, I enjoyed it much more.
I suppose I would have enjoyed it much more had I known more about the Buddhist realms and the teachings and how to directly apply it to a more subtle fantasy-realist storytelling, a-la the older Christian mythology novels.
I had nothing but a great time with this novella. New (and very funny) radiants on a trip across the open seas to foreign lands, learning great new CoI had nothing but a great time with this novella. New (and very funny) radiants on a trip across the open seas to foreign lands, learning great new Cosmere secrets and securing allies while also giving us a great story.
To me, this is just more of the great worldbuilding and core story to the rest of the Stormlight Archives. I can't see how it shouldn't belong in the huge core novels, other than the fact that it IS a side story.
But since I'm loving every part of the journey, I just can't separate a damn thing.
I went ahead and re-read the original trilogy in preparation for this, but oddly, I wonder if that was necessary.
Yes, it's great to know the growth ofI went ahead and re-read the original trilogy in preparation for this, but oddly, I wonder if that was necessary.
Yes, it's great to know the growth of the characters from before, but really, there wasn't much of a direct continuation aside from things we'd have to learn afresh, anyway.
That being said, Kylar has issues. Guilt from what happened before (no spoilers) only grows into new, fresher pain and guilt through the events in this novel. It's fine, mind you, but he truly likes to beat himself up for a guy whose profession is ASSASSINATION.
I actually rather loved this book. It doesn't have a lot of the characters we grew to love except Vi and Kylar, except by off-action mention, but we DO have a lot of Kylar and his growing misadventures as he tries to save a baby or two. Of course, these are rather important babies, and the Chantry also wants them, so there's no lack of tension.
Indeed, the whole Nemesis part of the book truly seemed to be this one RATHER interesting guy who ALWAYS had Kylar's number, but upon reflection, I do think the true nemesis is Kylar, himself.
Great action, and a long, crazy adventure. And even if it is rather more focused on him, I didn't mind it. Just don't expect this to hit quite the same highs as the previous ones. It's a slightly different beast. ...more
Indeed, it is not only fantastically written, practically overflowing with great lines and references and wordpI cannot recommend this series enough.
Indeed, it is not only fantastically written, practically overflowing with great lines and references and wordplay, it is also one of those rare, beautifully blooming world-building exercises that straddle the fence between the oh-so-familiar and the expertly sharp Lovecraftian-mythos-turned-legalistic-actuarial-oligarchy.
Sound too complicated?
Yes -- and no.
Max Gladstone is one of those writers that can suck you in, make everything JUST FINE -- right before he throws you into godzilla vs cthuhlu scale conflict.
So why isn't EVERYONE reading these Craft books?
Honestly... I have NO IDEA. They're WILD, creative, emotional, and exciting.
In this particular novel, we get to have ALL of the great PoVs that came from the original 5 book series in what could only be described as an Avengers-Level narrative.
And here's where *I* love it most: As I read all of these, originally, I was giddy with the idea that it was pulling off a Charlie Stross Laundry Files moment, but instead of secret service, it was legal challenges, industrial espionage, and ELDER GOD corporate wars.
Not only do we get all of that here, but it just keeps raising the stakes.
Now, was I rather surprised to see it go in quite this direction after Dead Country, where it felt so down-to-earth and shaped like a western? Yep! But getting back into the lovecraftian-fueled big cities IS a fantastic literary device, custom tailored to keep us on our toes or skeleton wings or alchemical marriages.
My only desire is to turn EVERYONE on to these wonderful novels, to make sure that they never get lost, that they become as truly big as they OUGHT to be.
So, I received it on Friday, started reading it right away, and here it is on Wednesday, a book thoroughly devoured. I switched back and forth from auSo, I received it on Friday, started reading it right away, and here it is on Wednesday, a book thoroughly devoured. I switched back and forth from audio to text, but mostly, I just reveled in the text. Sometimes that's all you can do -- as you're torn from Roshar, tumbling through many realms as you desperately try to escape your fate.
Yeah, this was one of those books. Staying up way too late, begrudging any time keeping me away from the book, and getting shocked by reveals, awesome references to other Cosmere events/personages, and, as always, great joy. It is always Journey Before Destination, isn't it? And BS was always great with journey.
And in this case, he absolutely lands this Herald of a book. There is always slow bits, but those bits always have a deeper purpose. The payoff is glorious. I'll just say that.
Am I sad? Of course. Am I freaking out about all those high points and the despair? Of course. But I'm HAPPY. Thus ends the first part of this absolutely enormous series.
And if I feel sad, maybe I'll go back into therapy. Or rather, I'll seek Kaladin's aid. :)
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.
I enjoyed Lift in book 2 much better AFTER having read this novella, but like most things with this particular series, it only gets better on each subI enjoyed Lift in book 2 much better AFTER having read this novella, but like most things with this particular series, it only gets better on each subsequent read.
Lift, our newest Knight Radiant, is such a little trickster, so focused on food and just making sure that the forgotten aren't entirely forgotten. I love her so much.
I mean, seriously. Anyone that slippery as a thief, with THAT kind of a personality, that of a chaotic good, is always gonna be fun as hell.
I remember reading this back around 20 years ago and being blown away by the epic-level magic, the mixing of mythologies, and the beautiful core of thI remember reading this back around 20 years ago and being blown away by the epic-level magic, the mixing of mythologies, and the beautiful core of this retelling of the Arthurian legend.
On re-read, I'm no less blown away.
There's so much to love in this. We get the genealogies of angels and demons under a very creative worldbuilding banner, the genealogies of Arthur's ancestors and the world into which he was born, a LOT of the extremely interesting take on Merlin, the demon who lives backwards, and especially Arthur's (or rather, Arthor's) parents and their peaceful mix of the ancient Druidic magics and Christianity.
Every page in this book shows a love of ALL mythologies and the desire to include them all under a single banner, just like the High King did for all the savages. The mirroring is gorgeous.
I look at so many modern epic fantasies and it's hard not to think we've lost something by comparison. I'm not saying the focus on Christianity is the thing that's missing. I'm saying the RICHNESS of it and all the others is what's missing, interwoven in a truly archetypal and gorgeous plethora of storytelling. :)
Granted, I didn't truly fall into the magic of this book until around half-way through, the slow build really aided in my love for the rest.
The magic in this book, even by today's jaded consumption of magic... is still quite amazing. There are always limits, balances, and rules.
I loved this fantasy, but I need to be very clear on something: it's unique. What I love about it is not the things it does to emulate other epic fantI loved this fantasy, but I need to be very clear on something: it's unique. What I love about it is not the things it does to emulate other epic fantasies, but how it goes well into its own thing.
So why call it an epic, sweeping, grandiose fantasy, then?
Because it has immense depth of story to it, a real focus on stories within stories, a need to draw a constantly shifting line between stories that are alive and stories that are dead and the overwhelming desire to make a reality at the cost of losing the deeper truth of the past.
The spirit is not always the same thing as the immortal word.
All of this is part of the wonderful, wonderful theme, but I'd be doing the book a great disservice by ignoring the immense care put into exploring these two vastly different cultures, the Dara and the Pékyu, and the multi-generational schemes and the true attempts at assimilation -- or a brewing war.
It's the focus on the cultures and the hard-won victories and failures that make this book brilliant. What makes it weird and unique is how it will spend its first parts in wonderful adventure and sea battles and its latter portions in funny and awesome culinary battles.
I'm still reeling with how DIFFERENT this is. Believe me, that's pretty amazing.
Even though this book had a lot of very cool elements in it, having Indian (not Native American) culture in it, a very evocative type of plant-based mEven though this book had a lot of very cool elements in it, having Indian (not Native American) culture in it, a very evocative type of plant-based magic that I really quite love, and some pretty great emotional scenes, I have to admit that most of the book reads rather middle-of-the-road when it comes to epic fantasies.
Sure, there are the star-crossed lovers with complicated political realities, an almost pre-requisite LGBTQ+ romance, rebellion, and empire-building, but all of this is only as good as the execution. The pacing isn't always there, but it is still rather good.
When it comes to certain characters, however, I feel like we're getting into the territory of certain modern carbon-copy male anti-hero machinations. I won't get into it here, but I see this kind of thing a lot in modern fantasy and it's awfully tiring. What can I say? I like the idea that all people are gloriously complicated, beautiful, and ugly. I don't like to see these kinds of new stereotypes being spread as gospel in every new fantasy I read. Maybe I'm just too sensitive, or maybe I read too much and therefore see a much larger trend. But the trend is real and it is disturbing and alienating. It's almost like men are being told they ought to be excluded from modern SF/F.
Other than my obviously personal problems when it comes to this class of novels, this particular novel WAS enjoyable as a whole. The other, smaller issues merely reduced my enjoyment. You know, like reading fantasy from the '70s with cardboard female cutouts -- I have a lot of issues with that, too. Take what I say with a grain of salt. Neither side is all that good.
While this series has always been pretty solid on pretty big-scope online world scenarios, I have to say it jumps ahead and enters epic-fantasy levelsWhile this series has always been pretty solid on pretty big-scope online world scenarios, I have to say it jumps ahead and enters epic-fantasy levels here. Not that it is grimdark despite heavy reliance on necromancy and dark magics, of course. All of that is actually rather sweet.
But as for the adventure itself and character progression, I can't say anything but good things about this. I'm having a great time. LitRPG has become a sweet spot for me. It's just plain fun. This one rather turns a lot of the old tropes on its head, however, and it's interesting to just watch the crossovers between a real-life player who plays an Evil Chaotic character works through his own desires, and comes to grips with massive consequences -- in-game and out. I don't read a lot of LitRPG that does the real world all that well and I generally scoff and say, "get back to the game, damnit," but not this time. I'm enjoying everyone's character arcs and it's interesting on all counts.
AI branching out into the real world, ethical and moral questions, friendship... all of this is examined in a heartwarming way. I'm loving it. Oh, and the whole "I'll devour the world" goodness is fun, too.
Not only is this imminently readable, it's also ghoulishly clever.
A little admission: I didn't read the blurb, so going entirely by passive recommendaNot only is this imminently readable, it's also ghoulishly clever.
A little admission: I didn't read the blurb, so going entirely by passive recommendations and a bit of judging a book by its cover, I figured this would be a rather standard horror tale.
I'm so glad I was wrong. Indeed, this is a lusciously crafted fantasy with necromantic elements, deep worldbuilding with careful plotting, and quite reasonable developments that kept me asking new questions.
It's a mystery, first and foremost, but with all the other hard questions about sex work, abuse, mental rape, and body horror -- AS AN INSTITUTION -- I wouldn't say this is a light tale. Indeed, it is handled very well and with poise and even a little charm. Because, let's face it, sometimes the only weapon anyone might have in a bad situation is charm.
I often got upset, but never with our MC. I was right there and invested the entire time. I was most impressed with how much epic fantasy intrigue, SF worldbuilding, and careful characterizations. It reminded me fondly of Gideon the Ninth, but more of a standard mystery tale.
I'm looking forward to reading a lot more by Mueller. ...more
Solid epic fantasy with a pretty vast setup between the ones who follow the Crows and those who follow the Sun. It's the characters that really make tSolid epic fantasy with a pretty vast setup between the ones who follow the Crows and those who follow the Sun. It's the characters that really make the novel, however, and like all middle novels, it is almost all meat, buildup, and reversals.
I'm really enjoying this even if I don't fanboy all over it. All said, I tend to give a lot of credit for big, glorious, and evocative epic fantasies even if it sometimes drags in the middle.
I seriously appreciate the magic, the images it evokes, and the atmosphere. The love bits don't suck, either, but it's the magic and the issues it keeps bringing up that takes the center of the stage.
This is a really good book as long as you take a few things in mind before you read it. For one, it is an epic fantasy -- full of a long list of charaThis is a really good book as long as you take a few things in mind before you read it. For one, it is an epic fantasy -- full of a long list of characters and a setting that is vast even if it mainly takes place in a single city. For another, its magic, while quite present, takes a back seat to the totalitarian regime, rebellion, and a bit of worldbuilding mystery.
That being said, I followed the tale with some decent interest and appreciated the layered approach to the city's ongoing history.
Did always fall in love with the characters? No. But a few were consistently great.
I suppose my main concern or complaint is a purely personal one. I have always fallen absolutely in love with Adrian Tchaikovsky's SF and tend to find something a bit off about his Fantasy. I can't quite put my finger on it but it's still true. The places where I want exploration were shunted off track and while I DID like the social commentary on poverty and fascism and even the importance of language to frame the issues properly, I found myself wanting a different kind of book that has nothing to do with the quality of his writing.
I'm entirely certain that other people will get a lot more out of this novel than I did. ...more