Simon MacDonald
Treachery, political intrigue, betrayal, treason, war, with some love, S&M sex, and pirates too!
Much like the previous two books in the trilogy, intermittent political intrigue, violence, and sex, but no pirates this time. Fairly obvious story line - I saw the end coming and I had to take a break half way through, but managed to finish it.
One of the best fantasy novels I have ever read. RJ continues to surpass himself. Bring on the next two volumes.
2.5. People seem to have very mixed views on this book. The first part of the book is reasonably ok, but the latter part of the book descends into a rambling plot, full of holes, and dull as a dull thing. The writing is mediocre, and the characters all seem to be maladjusted without anything going for them. Particularly the hero Quentin, who is a miserable, odious git.
Ho. Hum. The copy I'm reading is trilogy omnibus edition. Do I carry on and see if it gets better - or worse.
Disappointing. The structure of the novel, flipping between Present, Recent Past, and Past, I found particularly annoying. I thought the majority of the past narrative to be largely irrelevant, and just filler, as we knew from the Present where we had arrived.
Just my view:others may be OK with this.
I have read most of the earlier Elric books, but sadly this book was disappointing. Turgidly verbose and meandering; it was a struggle to finish.
Gave up halfway through when the plot twists just got too silly, and really irritated me. Not a patch on the first two books.
I received an review copy from the publisher.
One of the best books I've read this year.
I know that this is RJs first venture into mystery/crime novels and it's a terrific debut.
Great off the wall characters, dark humour, and a plot that kept me guessing to the end.
And set in Yorkshire!
Mal and Jackie are two very unlikely friends, indeed when they were at school together they were more like enemies. Mal Jones is a reformed drug addict and alcoholic, who runs a business as a psychic medium. Jackie Singh Khattar is a ex special forces soldier who runs some very dodgy, perhaps criminal, businesses.
It's the variety of interactions, at different levels, between Mal and Jackie that make their relationship so interesting and enjoyable.
Can't wait for the next book.
I didn't get on well with the last few Asher books - I actually gave up on Human as it bored me. This new trilogy is, so far, much better.
There is almost continuous unrelenting action/violence throughout the book as the main character fights for survival, and gradually awakens to who/what it is.
Interesting to see if this is a trilogy. and where the plot line goes
I've read many of Neal Stephenson's books; some of them were hard work. He has a penchant for dense, sometimes impenetrable details, (Seveneves: orbital dynamics) that can bore the arse off you.
I was hesitant to read this book, but I really enjoyed it!
Yes, there is detail, but it fitted the plot. I enjoyed the wide mix of characters and their various interactions. OK, some of it was a bit convoluted, but it was good fun. Could there be a part 2?
Excellent! Great writing, great characters, and a plot full of action, and rampant with treachery and duplicitousness.
Bring on the next book!