Courtney's story ends here. Loved the first four issues, but wasn't crazy about the last one (and the actual ending). Still, it's a formidable series Courtney's story ends here. Loved the first four issues, but wasn't crazy about the last one (and the actual ending). Still, it's a formidable series and I have one more volume (prequel) to read....more
I liked it and perhaps I'll end up giving it 4 stars. For now, it's 3.5/5. Longer review to come.I liked it and perhaps I'll end up giving it 4 stars. For now, it's 3.5/5. Longer review to come....more
Mecha robots, mega dragons, giant bad guys, and dragonfly warrior gals with little clothes on. In other words, sexy young adults get into troubles, anMecha robots, mega dragons, giant bad guys, and dragonfly warrior gals with little clothes on. In other words, sexy young adults get into troubles, and one of them may be a chosen one. As formulaic as it sounds (and is), the amazing artwork and juicy coloring make up for any plot flaws. It's a treat for the eyes.
Michael Turner had an eye for the details and a knack for creating memorable panels full of energy.
The Anointed shows a lot of promise. It blends well-known tropes/topics (chosen one figure, coming-of-age arc) with interesting setting and unique ideThe Anointed shows a lot of promise. It blends well-known tropes/topics (chosen one figure, coming-of-age arc) with interesting setting and unique ideas (transfer of life-span through Proxies). Unfortunately, it also falls short on providing a substantial character development and strong storytelling.
I liked the setting and the concept of lengthening the life. In theory, anyone with sufficient means can reach immortality through Transfers. In the process, a Transfer recipient gains the life Span of a Proxy (usually innocents and children). Getting more Transfers, gives you a longer life but increases the risk of Transfer Sickness that leads to insanity.
Story’s protagonist, Xinlas, had done nothing noteworthy in his life. As the fortunate son of a rich, influential family, he dreams about becoming a hero. When it turns out his Span was probably miscalculated, Xinlas acts like a typical teenager. It gets him into troubles but it also drives the story forward, especially when he meets Greengrass - a mysterious and strange girl from Peacewood.
Their worlds have little in common. In Peacewood, everyone works for the benefit of the community and they even don’t have words like money or buying. Greengrass’ driving force is curiosity. Xinlas’ actions steer from ambition, arrogance and angst. Their interactions are usually fun.
That said, I haven’t warmed up to any of them. As most characters in the story, they felt rather two-dimensional. Their arcs contained uninteresting repetitions and lacked a hook that would make me turn the pages frantically just to learn what happens next.
Even though the story’s bad guy, DuQuall, feels slightly over-the-top, I liked his chapters most. DuQuall is a cold, ruthless and ridiculous ruler who doesn’t care for his people. He’s portrayed mainly through Plionya (his wife) and Jiixe (Span-seer) POV’s. Their parts of the book never lack tension, strong emotions, and good hooks that made me wonder what would come next.
DuQuall used his children as Proxies. He wants to live forever and he fears his offspring would follow his footsteps and, once allowed to live and age, usurp his throne. I admired Plyonia’s strength and Jiixe’s skill in dealing with him.
Ward’s utilitarian and simple prose is easy to follow but also repetitive and lackluster. I firmly believe in the power of brevity and I dislike unnecessary description or slowly developing chapters. Ward’s writing didn’t immerse me in the world and the events. Take a look at this quote about a character falling from the skies:
So this is what it feels like to fall off a dragon. Strange. Wow. I’m moving really fast. The ground is approaching quickly. I. Am. Going. To. Die. Nothing I can do about it. I just never thought something like this would happen. What about my destiny?
Maybe, just maybe, someone would actually think those words. No idea, I’ve never fallen off a dragon. But that’s irrelevant. They just don’t convey the danger and the drama.
With its strong setting and interesting premises, The Anointed shows some promise. Unfortunately, parts of the book are monotonous, especially when it digs into the repetitive descriptions. It lacks strong chapter hooks that would make me feel the urge of page-turning hunger.
Disclaimer: I'm one Fantasy Book Critic SPFBO judges, but this review doesn't reflect our collective rating or assessement. It's just my opinion....more
The Book of Ancestor says that for everything there is a season. This was a time to reap. A time for death.
Men don’t cry. We clench teeth, block
The Book of Ancestor says that for everything there is a season. This was a time to reap. A time for death.
Men don’t cry. We clench teeth, block emotions and rationalize. And yet Holy Sister hit me hard. Really hard. It draws most arcs to a world-shattering conclusion only a few will survive.
Feel warned and be prepared. Just don’t set Mark Lawrence’s house on fire as I’d love to read more books from him.
I could, probably, and only when pressed, highlight flaws of the book, but I have no desire to do so. If you’re emotionally involved in this story and care for characters, you won’t be able to put it down. You’ll laugh, feel terrified moments later and devastated near the end.
If, on the other hand, you’re a cerebral reader who tends to overanalyze things, you may find final battle messy, and the use of artefacts questionable.
Some of Abeth’s mysteries are solved, while others continue to torment my mind. We learn more about the Path, a mysterious and invisible line of energy that twists and turns through the universe. Nona’s Quantal traits allow her to tap directly into its power. Charged with its energies, her destructive powers become almost nuclear and the mayhem we witness in the last 30% of the book blew my mind.
Lawrence’s writing style remains distinct, addictive and perfectly quotable. Book of the Ancestor series is one of the best things I read in recent years. The ending, while more bitter than sweet, was fitting.