Ashley's Reviews > The Sons of Thestian
The Sons of Thestian (The Harmatia Cycle, #1)
by
by
3.5**
although I loved this book a lot, there were a few minor things that leave it with a lower rating in my mind. But, since I loved the story so much, I gave it 4 stars officially anyways. SIGNAL BOOST!
I'm quite emotional right now so let's see if I can write a coherent enough review that will intrigue and hopefully encourage you guys to pick this book up.
First, I want to acknowledge the lower rating. This is not due to lack of plot or character development, but merely due to the pacing and the writing style in the very beginning of the book. For me, (as both an avid reader and a writer) it was quite frustrating trying to power through the first two chapters, because the writing style held a lot of nuances that just screamed a lack of editing. Maybe, being the very beginning, these issues had been looked over? The author seemed to try very hard in the beginning to make the book flow, which ironically led it to not flow at all. The overuse of adverbs and (incorrect--I mean I'm flexible in grammar/punctuation, but come on) semi-colons got on my nerves, but I can forgive it because this, as far as I'm aware, is a self-published book and the editing can't be perfect.
Another thing that really got on my nerves: the supposed queer representation and failing to follow through. Rufus is a canonically bi character, but we never see him express any interest in men. His sexuality is only hinted at through very subtle cues within the novel, which normally wouldn't bother me, but at this point in time, it's very important for authors to be clear and explicit when incorporating diverse characters into their work. This is also something she does with all of her supposed queer characters (cough) Marcel and emeric (cough). I just felt like she was trying so hard to cater to the straight audience that she forgot about the rest of us. I can only hope that these issues will be remedied in the future books, otherwise I don't think I could be as gracious. I despise queer baiting.
That being said, the story blew me away. Again, I had some issues with the pacing, and while reading some scenes I kept questioning, "Why is this important?" because at the time they seemed so minuscule and not important at all... but I was quickly proven wrong. Every scene that's written in this book is important and contributes to the story, which in my opinion, is the sign of a strong writer (so kudos to M.E. Vaughan). Like most fantasy novels, this story obviously has the larger plot, but it also has SO MANY minor plots that it can be hard to keep track of them all, especially when you get to the end and things are revealed and it doesn't make sense at first (because the scenes you wrote off as unimportant were actually SO IMPORTANT). Which, again, I applaud the author for doing that. This novel is very carefully woven and I appreciate that.
(I am trying so hard to make this non-spoilery but DAMN IT THAT ENDING HAS ME WANTING TO STRANGLE THE AUTHOR SO BAD. WHY? WHY CAUSE ME THIS PAIN?)
As for the characters: I. Love. Them. All. Like, it's not even funny how much I love them. The characterization is faultless. I love Rufus, with his cowardly ways and unwavering loyalty; I love Jionat, with his consistent ignorance and open curiosity; I love Fae, with her hard-headed personality and hesitant compassion; I love Luca, with her stubbornness and brute passion; I love Zachary, with his hunger for power and sense of brotherhood. I love them all SO MUCH. And they are all so great together as well. Literally, I ship all of them together. (Mostly Rufus x Jionat x Fae x Luca, but still).
This novel was, in two words, a pleasant surprise. I went in not expecting much of it--although the abundance of queer representation and POC characters my friend sent me a list of gave me some semblance of hope going in--but was quickly proven wrong in my opinion. This novel is a gem and I can see why it's been compared to The Captive Prince (one of my ALL TIME favorite series). Again, I don't want to spoil too much because I think it's best to go into this book blind, but I can say with confidence that if you enjoy intricate plots and a cast of beautifully flawed characters, then you will probably enjoy this.
I recommend this 100% (ok maybe 85%)
although I loved this book a lot, there were a few minor things that leave it with a lower rating in my mind. But, since I loved the story so much, I gave it 4 stars officially anyways. SIGNAL BOOST!
I'm quite emotional right now so let's see if I can write a coherent enough review that will intrigue and hopefully encourage you guys to pick this book up.
First, I want to acknowledge the lower rating. This is not due to lack of plot or character development, but merely due to the pacing and the writing style in the very beginning of the book. For me, (as both an avid reader and a writer) it was quite frustrating trying to power through the first two chapters, because the writing style held a lot of nuances that just screamed a lack of editing. Maybe, being the very beginning, these issues had been looked over? The author seemed to try very hard in the beginning to make the book flow, which ironically led it to not flow at all. The overuse of adverbs and (incorrect--I mean I'm flexible in grammar/punctuation, but come on) semi-colons got on my nerves, but I can forgive it because this, as far as I'm aware, is a self-published book and the editing can't be perfect.
Another thing that really got on my nerves: the supposed queer representation and failing to follow through. Rufus is a canonically bi character, but we never see him express any interest in men. His sexuality is only hinted at through very subtle cues within the novel, which normally wouldn't bother me, but at this point in time, it's very important for authors to be clear and explicit when incorporating diverse characters into their work. This is also something she does with all of her supposed queer characters (cough) Marcel and emeric (cough). I just felt like she was trying so hard to cater to the straight audience that she forgot about the rest of us. I can only hope that these issues will be remedied in the future books, otherwise I don't think I could be as gracious. I despise queer baiting.
That being said, the story blew me away. Again, I had some issues with the pacing, and while reading some scenes I kept questioning, "Why is this important?" because at the time they seemed so minuscule and not important at all... but I was quickly proven wrong. Every scene that's written in this book is important and contributes to the story, which in my opinion, is the sign of a strong writer (so kudos to M.E. Vaughan). Like most fantasy novels, this story obviously has the larger plot, but it also has SO MANY minor plots that it can be hard to keep track of them all, especially when you get to the end and things are revealed and it doesn't make sense at first (because the scenes you wrote off as unimportant were actually SO IMPORTANT). Which, again, I applaud the author for doing that. This novel is very carefully woven and I appreciate that.
(I am trying so hard to make this non-spoilery but DAMN IT THAT ENDING HAS ME WANTING TO STRANGLE THE AUTHOR SO BAD. WHY? WHY CAUSE ME THIS PAIN?)
As for the characters: I. Love. Them. All. Like, it's not even funny how much I love them. The characterization is faultless. I love Rufus, with his cowardly ways and unwavering loyalty; I love Jionat, with his consistent ignorance and open curiosity; I love Fae, with her hard-headed personality and hesitant compassion; I love Luca, with her stubbornness and brute passion; I love Zachary, with his hunger for power and sense of brotherhood. I love them all SO MUCH. And they are all so great together as well. Literally, I ship all of them together. (Mostly Rufus x Jionat x Fae x Luca, but still).
This novel was, in two words, a pleasant surprise. I went in not expecting much of it--although the abundance of queer representation and POC characters my friend sent me a list of gave me some semblance of hope going in--but was quickly proven wrong in my opinion. This novel is a gem and I can see why it's been compared to The Captive Prince (one of my ALL TIME favorite series). Again, I don't want to spoil too much because I think it's best to go into this book blind, but I can say with confidence that if you enjoy intricate plots and a cast of beautifully flawed characters, then you will probably enjoy this.
I recommend this 100% (ok maybe 85%)
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Reading Progress
June 5, 2016
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June 5, 2016
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June 7, 2016
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June 7, 2016
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As for the second edition, I will definitely take a look at it when I have time! It makes me so happy to know that the bisexual representation is more explicit in this version. It's always good to be represented :)
If you'd like to send me an early review copy, I definitely wouldn't be opposed. And my review would be just as honest as this one. I hope you have a happy new year!
Thank you for this incredibly thoughtful review. It may interest you to know that there is a new version of The Sons of Thestian (the 2nd Edition) which actually addresses some of the issues you raised in this review! In particular Rufus's bisexuality has been brought into the light a little more. As a bisexual myself representing bisexuality is incredibly important to me. I made the change in the new edition because I felt that I had allowed my own uncertainty to let me down. I am thankful to the readers like you who have encouraged me not to be afraid of representing what I wanted to clearly and without fear.
Allow me to assure you that there is absolutely no ambiguity in the 2nd book, Blood of the Delphi, with regards to Rufus's sexuality. The is also very frank about Marcel and Emeric's relationship. (They have more 'screen-time', so we get the chance to learn more about them.)
Again, I thank you for your encouragement and your kind words. I hope you will enjoy Blood of the Delphi, which will be released soon! Should you want an early review copy, please drop me a line.
Until then, a very happy New Year!