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uppedweevil's review
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
gigua's review
4.0
I'd give it 3.75 stars. It was... interesting, but I quite enjoyed it anyway.
*Review to come!*
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Broken Prophecy is a novel that satirises fantasy plots. It is a fun adventure.
Here's the plot.
Ambit Afterman is the Chosen One. Born with the mark of the silver bellflower on his palm and given a magical spear, he is the one whose coming the prophecy foretold.
Unfortunately, he would much rather drink beer and get laid - destiny can go fuck itself.
Together with his demon friend Snarl, Ambit sets out on a mighty quest - to make sure the prophecy doesn't come true, and avoid doing anything heroic under any circumstances. Along the way he will make polite conversation with demons, not deliver any great speeches, not train with the wise monks, and weasel his way out of adventure and into the nearest pub. But there may just be time to have cheap sex with the beautiful princess along the way.
The story is set in a fantastical world where demons and human beings exist together. The human king and the whole race are waiting for the Chosen One to show up and save the world. They are, in fact, terrified that the demons will take over the kingdom. But everything isn't as it seems.
Demons aren't actually planning to invade the human territory, they aren't dangerous as it may look like.
I personally liked this approach because it is common in the fantasy genre to take enemies for granted when they might not be threatening at all. Sometimes it is only the characters' beliefs and the narrator's fault. We are prompted to believe what they are telling us, without actually stopping and thinking about it. I have to say that yes, most enemies turn out to be, in fact, enemies, but in this novel we learn it is not always that case. I liked demons, maybe not every single one, but the most part? Of course I do. They were friendly and didn't hurt anyone if not under attack. They were actually more human than the humans themselves.
I really enjoyed the sarcasm used by the author. It made me laugh and reflect at the same time. It was a great narrative technique. This book was refreshing.
‘Don’t you at least want revenge?’ the Oracle said at last.
‘What’s the point?’ said Ambit. ‘It won’t bring anyone back. The way I see it is that if people want to get rid of your sort, they can damn well do it themselves. I’m not the Chosen One; I’m Ambit, and Ambit does what Ambit wants.’
My thoughts about Ambit and The Chosen One syndrome. At first I wasn't sure what to think of it. For all my life, I used to believe the hero wanted to save the world and he was glad to be born with that kind of destiny.
The protagonist reacts to this belief. He just wants to live his life the way he wants to. Preferably with both alcohol and women. He was different and, as I said, refreshing. Of course, I wouldn't want to read this same plot and approach for the rest of my life. But. I particularly enjoyed this one. It was fun, fresh and intriguing too.
It is a book you read quickly, in two or three sittings. You must be prepared to laugh and you won't believe your eyes. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun read in the fantasy genre. This book revolves around a great adventure of which you are going to want more and you are going to have fun too! Also, be aware there is strong language used in the book.
Fun Fact. The author decided the plot by flipping a coin. I think that's awesome.
*NOTE. I was given this book by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.*
*Review to come!*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Broken Prophecy is a novel that satirises fantasy plots. It is a fun adventure.
Here's the plot.
Ambit Afterman is the Chosen One. Born with the mark of the silver bellflower on his palm and given a magical spear, he is the one whose coming the prophecy foretold.
Unfortunately, he would much rather drink beer and get laid - destiny can go fuck itself.
Together with his demon friend Snarl, Ambit sets out on a mighty quest - to make sure the prophecy doesn't come true, and avoid doing anything heroic under any circumstances. Along the way he will make polite conversation with demons, not deliver any great speeches, not train with the wise monks, and weasel his way out of adventure and into the nearest pub. But there may just be time to have cheap sex with the beautiful princess along the way.
The story is set in a fantastical world where demons and human beings exist together. The human king and the whole race are waiting for the Chosen One to show up and save the world. They are, in fact, terrified that the demons will take over the kingdom. But everything isn't as it seems.
Demons aren't actually planning to invade the human territory, they aren't dangerous as it may look like.
I personally liked this approach because it is common in the fantasy genre to take enemies for granted when they might not be threatening at all. Sometimes it is only the characters' beliefs and the narrator's fault. We are prompted to believe what they are telling us, without actually stopping and thinking about it. I have to say that yes, most enemies turn out to be, in fact, enemies, but in this novel we learn it is not always that case. I liked demons, maybe not every single one, but the most part? Of course I do. They were friendly and didn't hurt anyone if not under attack. They were actually more human than the humans themselves.
I really enjoyed the sarcasm used by the author. It made me laugh and reflect at the same time. It was a great narrative technique. This book was refreshing.
‘Don’t you at least want revenge?’ the Oracle said at last.
‘What’s the point?’ said Ambit. ‘It won’t bring anyone back. The way I see it is that if people want to get rid of your sort, they can damn well do it themselves. I’m not the Chosen One; I’m Ambit, and Ambit does what Ambit wants.’
My thoughts about Ambit and The Chosen One syndrome. At first I wasn't sure what to think of it. For all my life, I used to believe the hero wanted to save the world and he was glad to be born with that kind of destiny.
The protagonist reacts to this belief. He just wants to live his life the way he wants to. Preferably with both alcohol and women. He was different and, as I said, refreshing. Of course, I wouldn't want to read this same plot and approach for the rest of my life. But. I particularly enjoyed this one. It was fun, fresh and intriguing too.
It is a book you read quickly, in two or three sittings. You must be prepared to laugh and you won't believe your eyes. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun read in the fantasy genre. This book revolves around a great adventure of which you are going to want more and you are going to have fun too! Also, be aware there is strong language used in the book.
Fun Fact. The author decided the plot by flipping a coin. I think that's awesome.
*NOTE. I was given this book by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.*
misterrious's review
3.0
I like off beat stories. This one was a good one. Quests with an abnormal hero, full of F-bombs and anarchy. I liked it.
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