Jason
I had so much fun with this book! Is it weird to use the term “cozy” to describe a book about a necromancer? Because that is exactly the kind of vibes this book has.
Yes, this story had an engaging plot with enough of a mystery to keep me hooked. Yes, the solid world-building of this “mid-level�� fantasy would make it appealing to both readers who enjoy diving into a new world as well as readers who appreciate something more recognizable. And yes, there was a nicely established magic system clearly infused with Ford's experience of playing TTPRGs. Yes, there is all of that, but ultimately the charming cast of characters is the real highlight of this book; led by the main character herself, Aelis. Aelis is immediately the type of character you can understand, want to root for and care about. She is capable, compassionate, eager, queer, and only just starting out on her hero's journey.
If I have one grievance, it's that this book ends on a cliffhanger, I prefer books in a series to have their own complete story arc (especially the first book of a new series) while still setting up things to come. That said, I had a great time listening to this audiobook and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
This was a great book. I was immediately pulled into the story and enjoyed the wide range of characters. That said, and I'm not quite sure why, the book did start to slightly lose me in the second half. Not enough to really affect my overall enjoyment, but enough to prevent it being a full 5 star book.
I quite enjoyed Sanderson's writing style in this. It was very reminiscent of Pratchett's Discworld, Pratchett/Gaiman's Good Omens, or Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide. If you enjoy those stories, you'll probably easily enjoy this one as well. I've heard comparison to The Princess Bride, and while I haven't yet read the book, I can see similarities to the film.
All in all, it was an easy read, it was a fun read, and it was a great introduction to the Cosmere.
2.5 stars
A throwback to classic sci-fi... for all its good & bad.
I will start by saying I am unfamiliar with Ben Bova's adventures of Sam Gunn, so my review of this book may be hindered by or benefit from that lack of familiarity.
This was an interesting book to read. Had I read it without any prior knowledge of when it was published, I would easily have thought it was released during the Golden Age of Sci-Fi. The story, the pacing, the characters, and the short, serial nature of the chapters themselves truly felt like a good ol' fashioned sci-fi romp around the galaxy. If that's what you're looking for, I truly believe it's one of its pros.
Unfortunately, it's also one of its biggest cons.
Gender roles in this book are, while perhaps ‘acceptable' had it been written in the 30s, definitely stereotypical. This novel is broken down into smaller books, with a new woman introduced in every book. Even if our hero, Sam Gunn Jr.—who has to make sure to tell us he is not a womanizer like his father and to whom all things come easily—doesn't actually bed them, they are still written through the male gaze. I was always more surprised when Junior didn't sleep with the latest female character.
That aside, the novel itself was still enjoyable enough. It wasn't complex and it had its issues, but if you're looking for something light with that classic a pulp hero feel, you'll probably enjoy this book, too.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
