I know everyone and their goldfish have already read and loved this book (series) and i'm very late to the party but I thoroughly enjoyed experiencingI know everyone and their goldfish have already read and loved this book (series) and i'm very late to the party but I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing this book
while it was slow in pacing, the character development and introduction to the world and magic system was masterfully done. I don't need to tell robin hobb how incredible her world building is but i will say it anyways (bc i was raised with manners!)
fitz is a fantastic main character. we get to join him on journey of life, starting from when he is 6 years old and brought into the royal household. we get to see him grow and train and become skilled in so many artforms. we get to accompany him on journeys, test, and multiple attacks. we get to see him create bonds and friendships with animals that are stronger than expected (really interested to find out more about that btw)
the last portion of the book was exhilarating. it really speeds up from there and makes revelations that I had not anticipated (honestly, i couldn't anticipate anything from this book. i was just going along for the ride)
I can't wait to continue with this series
“When you cut pieces out of the truth to avoid looking like a fool you end up looking like a moron instead.”
I read this for the yearlong(??) Elderlingalong readathon ...more
i have no idea how to convey my feelings towards this MASSIVE book and even MASSIVE-ER series so instead, i present to you, the stormlight characters i have no idea how to convey my feelings towards this MASSIVE book and even MASSIVE-ER series so instead, i present to you, the stormlight characters as mincing mockingbirds
(bc this is so much better than what i could come up with)
i think this book is incredibly unique and has such a strong voice. you can definitely tell the author put incredible effort into creating the in-depti think this book is incredibly unique and has such a strong voice. you can definitely tell the author put incredible effort into creating the in-depth society and caste systems that belong to this world. there are so many layers to the characters, with their race, status, powers, personalities
the book is told from 3 point of views, one of them being told in 2nd perspective, which is thought was really clever but also really ??jarring?? for me as a reader (view spoiler)[ESPECIALLY BC ALL THE POINT OF VIEWS ARE FROM THE SAME CHARACTER DURING DIFFERENT TIMES IN HER LIFE!!! (hide spoiler)] the identity reveals were pretty creative and well done
BUT
i was so confused
for the entire book, i was just trying to wrap my head around the world. it was really strange and heavy and hard for me to get into, especially bc a lot of it is being told from our unreliable narrator
when i finished the book i was still at such a loss for what took place and IT TOOK me to read the wiki recap for everything to FIT TOGETHER and MAKE SENSE
and okay, yeah i admit, the plot and revelations are genius but i just wish i was able to grasp that from the book rather than having to read a freaking recap about it (.....maybe this is my brain's problem)
anyways, im, FOR SURE, going to continue this series. the ending left a pretty great set-up for the next books and im curious where this is going to go
Talking about this book from an objective view is hard because it’s a highly, highly, highly character driven book.
It’s sole mission is to make you beTalking about this book from an objective view is hard because it’s a highly, highly, highly character driven book.
It’s sole mission is to make you believe these characters are as realistic as possible and I think in that regard, Abercrombie excelled. Because wow are these characters incredibly authentic and flawed.
I am a person who enjoys character driven books when there is a strong side plot that brings them together, it has to be realistic and believable and have an end goal in mind.
That’s my biggest problem with this book, I have no idea where anything is headed because we are focusing SOLELY on these characters and their current situations. And that spills over into the other problem which is that the world, magic system, and direction are not explored in a deep way, making me feel disconnected and confused over a lot of things.
I think when there’s a fantasy book rooted in a specific world, it’s important that the reader is fed information on the boundaries of the magic, the causes, the abilities just to keep involved in the book.
So when a book spends 500+ pages establishing characters and only having side quests and side plots with NO REAL STORY, it’s frustrating for me as a reader to keep up (especially bc it could be condensed down to 200+ pages hmmm). I feel like it’s leading to something GREAT (and I keep hearing that it’s all a set up for the next books) but WHY YOU GOTTA PUT ME THROUGH THAT FIRST.
And now let’s dive a little into the characters because they were so well done.
- You have characters like Glokta, the inquisitor, who is a crippled interrogator. He is a terrible person who lives to hurt others for his cause but he has this awful backstory that makes you sympathize with his current situation. You never excuse his actions because he’s just sO EVIL but you see how he arrived here and understand him a little bit
- Then there’s characters like Jezal who are arrogant and proud and entitled but have something unique about them. He isn’t after world domination, he’s just a spoiled kid who wants to prove he’s the best fencer in the land and impress a girl who kinda doesn’t care
- Then you have characters like, Logen who is probably my favourite from the bunch. He is a rough “primitive” Northman who has a dark, dark past but is trying to escape it and survive.
- None of these characters are GOOD, there are times when you sympathize with them or feel bad for them, but then they do something,,,,,,,,,outrageous and you’re like, oh yeah, I forgot, you’re kind of a crackhead
- And omg don’t get me STARTED on West, I thought I could trust him, he’s this “honourable” guard who worked his way through poverty to get into the ranks of the elite and he was a GOOD PERSON for the majority of this book but then something happened and now i kinda hate him bye
So, to conclude, I think it’s really amazing how flawed and realistic these characters are. It’s absolute chaos to read, there’s no way to track or anticipate what’s coming next.
There were moments when the characters made me feel so emotional and soft, with one sentence and it hits me hard and then it goes back to droning on about something that DOESN’T FEEL IMPORTANT TO ME
So, yes, I’m going to give this series another try and read book 2, but my goodness, I better be getting some plot because I can’t be sustained by these characters and their awfulness alone.
“I’m trying to put things in the best light, but a turd’s a turd, whatever light it’s in!”
it's really cute that scott lynch thinks hes allowed to end the book like that [image]
can i JUST SAY amidst all the action, friendships, pirating, schit's really cute that scott lynch thinks hes allowed to end the book like that [image]
can i JUST SAY amidst all the action, friendships, pirating, schemes, death, and my tears, my favourite part of the book was locke totally getting attached to regal, how freaking cute
okay, so what am i supposed to do with my life now?
i love wax and wayne and maraci and steris (she grew SO MUCH in this book 😭🤧🥰) and melaan, and the okay, so what am i supposed to do with my life now?
i love wax and wayne and maraci and steris (she grew SO MUCH in this book 😭🤧🥰) and melaan, and the adventures and the laughs and i just love them all so much
also THAT ENDING, freaking wrecked me. brandy sandy, you really have to stop doing this
can i just start off by saying that, i THOUGHT this was a standalone, so imagine my shock when i see that therbook #2 for my high fantasy month ✌️
can i just start off by saying that, i THOUGHT this was a standalone, so imagine my shock when i see that there were TWO more expected books in this series??
brandy sandy, serious question, do you sleep??
writing: one spectacular thing about sanderson's writing is that it NEVER feels info-dumpy. he crafts the story in such a seamless way that you feel the story build around you. the book was HUGE and had such TINY font that i was super intimidated but when i sat down to read, i was so captivated that the pages just flew by without me even realizing
this is one of his earlier books and bc i read the mistborn series already, i could definitely see the huge amount of growth that took place. there isn't anything //wrong// with the writing in this book, but mistborn was definitely a step up (and i really couldn't stop comparing the two)
plot: the plot really starts from page one and is so immersive. it was unique and creative, i'm fairly new to the high fantasy genre but honestly sanderson needs to slow down with these wild ideas and let everyone else have a fair chance. 😤 the plot's progress into the conflict was done really well, in my opinion.
i felt the pacing was slight off towards the ending. 80% of the book was pretty slow and then the last bit really JUMPED out
characters: i really admire how unique and complex the characters were. they were flawed and made a whole ton of mistakes but also held idealistic dreams and worked towards their goal. even the villains have depth and backstories that made them more than the simple ~*bad guy*~
i freaking hated the bad guys though 🙃
(view spoiler)[okay one thing that felt really off was,,,,,hrathen at the end being all 'omg i have fallen for the princess' my dude, you were trying to kill her this whole time, what the even hell (hide spoiler)]
to conclude: raoden was amazing, sarene was amazing, the seons were amazing, i love my smol family sm
the lies of locke lamora is a high fantasy staple. i can’t explain how many times i've looked for epic fantasy titles only to be bomfull review posted
the lies of locke lamora is a high fantasy staple. i can’t explain how many times i've looked for epic fantasy titles only to be bombarded with !!!!!READ LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA!!!!! YOU WONT REGRET IT
and friends, after reading it, I can conclude, it’s pretty damn amazing
plot: the book really throws the reader into the thick of things right from the start. we're introduced into these precious stupid idiots as they are trying to pull of a heist scam (that’s totally a thing) and steal MORE money even though they’re filthy rich and have no idea what to do with all these funds
me, after reading that: wow, what absolute idiots. i stan
IT. IS. NEVER. PREDICTABLE.
the stakes are set so high for every action they make and theyre totally aware of that. They definitely face the consequences for it (😭) there are no easy way outs for locke and the gentlemen bastards. they are never given any breaks. (😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭)
honestly, if you try to imagine the WORST POSSIBLE SCENARIO happening, chances are, that’s exactly whats going to happen
........and then worse
scott lynch in the background, sipping lemonade while watching us PANIC: lol y’all thOUGHT
This book is beyond clever, I can’t even begin to explain
characters: you know how most of the time, if a book is plot-centered, the characters and their personalities take a backseat, or vice versa?? scott lynch woULD NEVER
these characters are so well established, it’s mystifying. they’re so uniquely written, they feel so human, so REAL and the way they interact and deal with other characters just FEELS LIKE THEY ACTUALLY EXIST ON SOME PLANE OF EARTH
the story is told from the present and past, and the narrative and perspective change accordingly. the ‘past’ gives the reader a deep look into some monumental moments of the characters childhood/upbringing
I ADORED the crew I literally couldn’t GET ENOUGH OF THEM and their banter. locke and jean and carlo and galdo and my little son, bug I love themmmmmmmmmm
they're all so witty and clever and stupid and reckless but smart and cunning and the brotherhood and love they share for each other, just so freaking precious :(
honestly everyone would THINK locke is a deviant little fiend who is out to conquer the world but this kid, he’s also kind and loyal and selfless (SOMETIMES) and if you listen close enough, you can hear me sobbing in the background
writing: this is definitely the aspect of the book that I struggled the most with. while the writing is incredibly immersive and detailed, there are SO MANY THINGS THAT JUST FLEW OVER MY HEAD
and i get it.
I’m not supposed to understand everything that’s happening, it’s supposed to lead to a bigger build and greater revelation, but there were moments where I read an entire chapter and was like ??????so what just happened?????
there are a lot of characters, names, places, and magical aspects (which kinda took me by surprise) to keep track of, and if you’re new to high fantasy, this definitely poses a challenge. It’s not entirely INFO-DUMPING, but there are moments when it sure feels that way
BUT FEAR NOT because after the first 100 pages in which you struggle a bit, trying to grasp it all, the REAL conflict starts (yea, the initial conflict just WASN’T high enough stakes for mr. lynch) and then you WONT be able to put it down
also scott lynch can write hilarious, wickedly clever characters like no one else
“Someday, Locke Lamora,” he said, “someday, you’re going to fuck up so magnificently, so ambitiously, so overwhelmingly that the sky will light up and the moons will spin and the gods themselves will shit comets with glee. And I just hope I’m still around to see it.” “Oh please,” said Locke. “It’ll never happen.”
this book is what happens when epic fantasy doesn't take itself seriously. to put it shortly, it was Wyld (did you see what i did there ha ha wow i hathis book is what happens when epic fantasy doesn't take itself seriously. to put it shortly, it was Wyld (did you see what i did there ha ha wow i hate myself sometimes)
some things about the book i would like to mention, in no particular order: - clay cooper is the ULTIMATE reluctant hero, his character depth was amazing - the band should be renamed the 'circus' bc this squad is a bunch of clowns who keep screwing themselves over - i love them all so much ???????? when did this happen ??????? - this book is so ridiculous its actually great - the fans demand more sabbatha, that ending didn't NEARLY satisfy me, i WANT TO KNOW MORE - the action scenes are so frequent and detailed, very captivating, very entertaining, well done imo - the amount of times i sat there thinking 'how is this book not a joke?' - like there's an actual scene where the wizard character finds a hat that produces whatever food you want. so you stick you hand in and pull out a roasted chicken or grilled corn, yes this was actually canon - tally is my queen basically - there were a lot of characters, fantasy creatures, & villains to keep track of and i think that's what threw me off the most in the book - moog is the definition of chaotic neutral - THAT epilogue, specifically the last page, made me so emo, what a fantastic ending - (view spoiler)[i almost cried when the epilogue said it was the last time the band would be together. why you gotta hurt me like this (hide spoiler)]
if you’re new to high/epic fantasy, I think Warbreaker is a fantastic place start there are aspects that remind me a lot of young adfull review posted
if you’re new to high/epic fantasy, I think Warbreaker is a fantastic place start there are aspects that remind me a lot of young adult fantasy but on a much grander scale. (im talking sarcastic mercenaries, dark kings, treachery, political battling, and armies made of lifeless bodies)
it’s far less intimidating than starting mistborn (10 book long series is the idea of my nightmares but mistborn is SO WORTH IT PLEASE READ IT) and very fast paced (if you enjoyed the political intrigue of elantris, you’re going to love warbreaker)
writing: I’ve always been so impressed at sanderson’s ability to throw his readers into a new fantastical world without dumping a whole truck load of information on their heads. honestly, info-dumping can break a book for me and I have never struggled with it in sandy’s books
this world is incredibly unique, the powers of breath and its ability to breathe life and commands into inanimate objects, as well as how it magnifies sight and senses and colours when a person acquires MORE breath
the descriptions are palatable and vibrant. sandy has no problem describing the poor slums or the grand palace walls, he really transports you into the story.
the biggest flaw I could find in the book was that the magic system, while so developed, took me a long time to grasp (up till now, there are still some things I’m confused about) there are so many aspects to it that I wish there were clearer explanations
characters: I LOVE the characters so much. Theyre all so unique and complex. The book is told from a number of point of views and I love siri’s and vivanne’s the most. I absolutely loved the parallel lives that the sisters were faced with. The way they were trained and raised to behave and how their circumstances led them to completely different paths
I have to say, the chapters with lightsong was probably my least favourite (he grew on me in the end, okay) but throughout the story, I didn’t care for his character much
I’m not going to say anymore, even though I loved some characters so much and other hurt me so badly bc NONE OF THAT GETS REVEALED VERY EARLY ON so you’re just going to have to read it for yourself 🤐
romance: this is by far the most ~romantic~ book I’ve read of sandersons and to be honest, im all that not disappointed. I don’t think he writes the GREATEST romances (though vin and elend could object) they aren’t super emotional or breathtaking or cutesy in a way that makes your heart burst
but he writes them in a really genuine way, letting you see the characters grow with each other and depend on each other until they can’t exist without the other and it’s just really sweet and before you realized it, you’re so invested in this ship that you’re walking around with a clipboard picking out wedding colour schemes (meeeee)
(view spoiler)[ also, is anyone else dying for vivanne and vasher to be a thing bc yes freaking please when she followed him after he left my heart was LEAPING
random things in this book that made me scream - a talking, dark sword - the plot twist that wasn’t very nice - everyone fearing this character who turned out to be a smol, scared child - vasher’s character development - the humour & wit - (view spoiler)[DENTH AND TONK FAH BETRAYING VIVANNE WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME (hide spoiler)] - the ending :(
and okay, you know what I need more of in the second book (can you hear me crying while I wait for it??) I NEED more vasher and suesbron bc I love these boys so much
story & plot so the story in itself, is great, fantastic, marvelous.
brando sando is a high fantasy writer like no one else, he creates worlds and magic system that are diverse and strong and incredibly well-developed. i appreciate that his magic systems follow guidelines and aren't haphazard in their correlation (even if i dont understand what's happening most of the time)
my issue with his storytelling, in this book, was that there's SO MUCH going on. me and my 3 brain cells had a hard time processing, keeping track of, and absorbing the contents of this book while remaining sane
(my brain was basically an alarm bell that kept screaming !!!OH MY GOD THIS IS REALLY 1000 PAGES!!! everytime i looked to see what page i was on)
[image]
writing brando's writing is generally very easy to understand and digest. while you are thrown into everything at once, it's usually from the perspective of characters who are ALSO clueless as you, so you're learning together (yay)
my MAIN ISSUE WITH THE ENTIRE BOOK WAS THE PACING
my goodness it REALLY didn't need to be over 1000 pages long. it really didn't. come at me with your pitchforks and spears, i will continue to speak the truth
okay, for realsies, the middle portion of the book dragged onnnnnn for no reason. we were re-experiencing scenes over and over and over and i didn't feel like they added any extra dimension to the book, other than making my arms ache from holding the book
it disconnected me from the story and made it really difficult for me to push through bc THE AMOUNT OF PAGES LEFT WERE STILL TOO MUCH
i honestly, think, in my oh-so-very professional opinion, that the book could have been 500 pages less and it would hold the same impact ...more