Reviews

The White Tribunal by Paula Volsky

katmarhan's review

4.0

Surprisingly good, I thought. Few of the characters, including the protagonist, are likable, and much is left unexplained, but even with those drawbacks, I found myself eager to keep reading and discover how it would end. I also thought there was some not-too-preachy commentary on vengeance and justice.

eupomene's review

4.0

A deliciously fun and quick read, which happily reminded me of that same author's book ILLUSION, which my friend Merren made me read some time ago. This one is not about a revolution, but tells a story of the White Tribunal which exactly matches our own history's Inquisition. Instead of heretics, this Tribunal "Disinfects" supposed sorcerers. Like any type of witch hunt, most of the Disinfected folk are innocent. Certain parts of it had me quite angry, knowing such occurrences exist over and over in our own history.
The main character, Tradain, sees his father and brothers betrayed by his stepmother into the cauldron, and he himself is left to molder in prison. He gets out, with luck and some other powers, and returns to wreak vengeance. It's really a tale of revenge, and the lessons learned therefrom.
Both my husband and I were exceedingly disappointed by the ending, which was abrupt and almost seemed a mistake. Not satisfying at all, considering how good the rest of it was. Oh well.

wealhtheow's review

4.0

In a single torturous chapter, young nobleman Tradain liMarchborg loses his family, wealth and freedom. He is sentenced to a lifetime in a hellish prison. By chance, he escapes after growing up in the prison, and devotes the remainder of his life to revenge. This was a gripping book, but Tradain’s methods of vengeance are ridiculously intricate and convoluted.

leitnerkev's review

adventurous lighthearted tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0