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nataliya_x's review
3.0
Rarely do I complain about too much plot and too snappy of a pace, but this novella needed more room to breathe. Because I really feel that I just read an abridged version of a full novel — and did it at twice the speed.
As I repeat ad nauseam — novellas *are* tricky. A proper amount of plot for the length is not easy to get right. Many writers seem to underpack; Barsukov brings enough plot for a novella, a few short stories and a novel and then some — all in a very compact space.
Good things first, why not? The tone is done right — that poignant and wistful and at times dreamlike tone that sets perfect stage for a bittersweet story full of regrets and emotional scars and decisions between rights and wrongs. And I’m not just throwing the writer a bone here — tone is important and actually not easy to do right. The plot never lags even for a second (how can it, with everything that is crammed in!). The language flowed easily and quite a few descriptions made me nod appreciatively. And it’s simply interesting, let’s not forget that.
But... of course there’s always a “but”. I really think this is the case of too much crammed into a tight novella length. It has enough material for a novel, and most things would have benefited from being fleshed out more. First, the worldbuilding — too perfunctory, too vague, making it hard to envision what this place is and how it can work. Second, the characters — even by the end I felt that I had little sense of who Shea Ashcroft is as a person, his character and beliefs and motivations, not to mention important side characters Lena (both of them) and Aidan and Brielle. With little space to develop them, they seemed thin sketches, lacking depth and layers. And as a result the relationships - love, friendship, rivalry - felt a bit abrupt.
Due to rapid pace it feels that we are flying through events of the story without taking a breath to stop and smell theroses tulips. We dash between all these: from political fallout - to journey to the tower and its construction - to assassination attempts - to a hint of international tensions - to another human(-oid?) culture with apocalyptic beliefs and remnants of developed technology - to xenophobia - to love story - to more politics - to eldritch monstrosities - to traumatic flashbacks and tragic backstory — and none of it is developed enough to the potential it could have had. Too much plot, too little space. Either the page count needed to be twice as long or the focus should have been narrower.
(And one thing that bugged me from the beginning: this tower would not work as defense against airships. All those ships would have had to do would be taking a detour by a few dozen miles. Now as an immense vanity project I get it, and will assume that that’s it, the actual reason, with defense as a secondary excuse. Queen’s equivalent of red sports car for middle-age crisis.)
3.5 stars.
—————
Can be read online free in 4 parts on Metaphoros Magazine site:
Part I: The Duchy
Part II: The Adversary
Part III: The Tulips
Part IV: The Tower
——————
My Hugo and Nebula Awards Reading Project 2021: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3701332299
As I repeat ad nauseam — novellas *are* tricky. A proper amount of plot for the length is not easy to get right. Many writers seem to underpack; Barsukov brings enough plot for a novella, a few short stories and a novel and then some — all in a very compact space.
Good things first, why not? The tone is done right — that poignant and wistful and at times dreamlike tone that sets perfect stage for a bittersweet story full of regrets and emotional scars and decisions between rights and wrongs. And I’m not just throwing the writer a bone here — tone is important and actually not easy to do right. The plot never lags even for a second (how can it, with everything that is crammed in!). The language flowed easily and quite a few descriptions made me nod appreciatively. And it’s simply interesting, let’s not forget that.
But... of course there’s always a “but”. I really think this is the case of too much crammed into a tight novella length. It has enough material for a novel, and most things would have benefited from being fleshed out more. First, the worldbuilding — too perfunctory, too vague, making it hard to envision what this place is and how it can work. Second, the characters — even by the end I felt that I had little sense of who Shea Ashcroft is as a person, his character and beliefs and motivations, not to mention important side characters Lena (both of them) and Aidan and Brielle. With little space to develop them, they seemed thin sketches, lacking depth and layers. And as a result the relationships - love, friendship, rivalry - felt a bit abrupt.
Due to rapid pace it feels that we are flying through events of the story without taking a breath to stop and smell the
I can’t help but think of more focused novellas dealing with colossal structures: Kij Johnson’s A Man Who Bridged the Mist and Tower of Babylon by Ted Chiang. Those are absolutely wonderful — and I am pretty certain that Barsukov has all that potential as well and will get there soon. I’m curious to see what he writes next.
(And one thing that bugged me from the beginning: this tower would not work as defense against airships. All those ships would have had to do would be taking a detour by a few dozen miles. Now as an immense vanity project I get it, and will assume that that’s it, the actual reason, with defense as a secondary excuse. Queen’s equivalent of red sports car for middle-age crisis.)
3.5 stars.
—————
Can be read online free in 4 parts on Metaphoros Magazine site:
Part I: The Duchy
Part II: The Adversary
Part III: The Tulips
Part IV: The Tower
——————
My Hugo and Nebula Awards Reading Project 2021: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3701332299
oleksandr's review
3.0
This is a steampunk debut novella. The book was nominated for Nebula (so it is a quite strong debut!) in 2021, but lost to [b:Ring Shout|49247242|Ring Shout|P. Djèlí Clark|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580134382l/49247242._SY75_.jpg|74693559]. I read is as a part of monthly reading for June 2021 at SFF Hot from Printers: New Releases group.
The story starts with former Minister Shea Ashcroft sent to exile/sinecure (more details are later in the book) after he refused to gas protesters. He flies airship to a border town to oversee the construction of the extremely long (over 1000 feet already) tower that should protect the border from air strikes. With just such short an intro we get to know the world – the expected tech level, political structure, etc. – this is done quite well. As the story continues, we find out that Ashcroft has tragically lost his sister, tries to find solace in wine and that the tower is possibly dangerous. In this world there is another race, which possesses ancient tech (including anti-grav) and which has dire predictions what tower’s construction may cause.
The story is a part of planned series, according to the author, but can be read as a standalone.
The story starts with former Minister Shea Ashcroft sent to exile/sinecure (more details are later in the book) after he refused to gas protesters. He flies airship to a border town to oversee the construction of the extremely long (over 1000 feet already) tower that should protect the border from air strikes. With just such short an intro we get to know the world – the expected tech level, political structure, etc. – this is done quite well. As the story continues, we find out that Ashcroft has tragically lost his sister, tries to find solace in wine and that the tower is possibly dangerous. In this world there is another race, which possesses ancient tech (including anti-grav) and which has dire predictions what tower’s construction may cause.
The story is a part of planned series, according to the author, but can be read as a standalone.
fallona's review
4.0
I received an electronic ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.
The premise of this novella appealed to me immediately. The protagonist is a disgraced government minister, sent off from the capital to oversee the construction of a possibly-cursed tower in a not-entirely-peaceful borderland. Each of the component chapters tells an important part of the story, which covers a surprising amount of ground in relatively few pages. In some ways, short length is this novella's greatest weakness. There's enough plot for a full-length novel here, and in a longer form I think the worldbuilding and characterization could have been stronger.
At times it feels like a novella meant to be read within an already-established world (actually, to the point that I double-checked Goodreads halfway through to make sure that there was not a previous book that I'd missed), rather than a freestanding work. It's a neat world, though, and I would have loved to see more of what makes it tick.
The italicized notes that represent Shea's thoughts and "conversations" with his sister are often the most evocative and touching sections. He's a compelling character, one that would be interesting to see develop over a longer span of time. The same is true of many of the secondary characters--I would especially have liked to see more of Brielle and Aidan, who have such distinct backgrounds and motives and merit a deeper look. I'd read a novella centered on either of them.
There's a strong dreamlike quality throughout, which I noticed well before I came to the author's note at the end describing it as having come from a dream.
All in all, my biggest complaint is that characterization and worldbuilding are more often sketched than painted with depth. But what's here is a fun read, and I hope to see more from this author in the future!
The premise of this novella appealed to me immediately. The protagonist is a disgraced government minister, sent off from the capital to oversee the construction of a possibly-cursed tower in a not-entirely-peaceful borderland. Each of the component chapters tells an important part of the story, which covers a surprising amount of ground in relatively few pages. In some ways, short length is this novella's greatest weakness. There's enough plot for a full-length novel here, and in a longer form I think the worldbuilding and characterization could have been stronger.
At times it feels like a novella meant to be read within an already-established world (actually, to the point that I double-checked Goodreads halfway through to make sure that there was not a previous book that I'd missed), rather than a freestanding work. It's a neat world, though, and I would have loved to see more of what makes it tick.
The italicized notes that represent Shea's thoughts and "conversations" with his sister are often the most evocative and touching sections. He's a compelling character, one that would be interesting to see develop over a longer span of time. The same is true of many of the secondary characters--I would especially have liked to see more of Brielle and Aidan, who have such distinct backgrounds and motives and merit a deeper look. I'd read a novella centered on either of them.
There's a strong dreamlike quality throughout, which I noticed well before I came to the author's note at the end describing it as having come from a dream.
All in all, my biggest complaint is that characterization and worldbuilding are more often sketched than painted with depth. But what's here is a fun read, and I hope to see more from this author in the future!
kosjatko's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
imyril's review
This just hasn’t hooked me - I’m not interested in the protagonist or his circumstances, and I find a lot of the dialogue awkward. The Mimic Tower legend is interesting and I like the engineer, but it’s not enough to stop this feeling like a slog (and don’t get me started on the dead sister or the instalove mystery woman who happens to share her name)
barb4ry1's review
4.0
Minister Shea Ashcroft had a good, successful life. If only he were a spineless careerist, he could enjoy it for a long time. And we wouldn’t read about his adventures. Refusing his queen’s order to gas a crowd of protesters got him banished to oversee the construction of the biggest anti-airship tower in history.
To make the progress and keep the tower stable, its builders use mysterious Drakiri technology. Some have no issue with it, others are afraid of it. Shea’s queen sees the tower as her legacy while Drakiri believe it’ll end the world. Shea’s assignment gets dangerous and emotionally taxing. Someone wants him dead. His love life gets complicated. Everyone around has secrets. Memories he’d rather erase hunt him. He has to travel to the origin of the species. All of that in four acts.
The characterization here is superb, with all the players distinct and well-written. The story, divided into four acts, feels complete and well thought out. Sure, fans of detailed world-building will crave more context, but we get more than enough to enjoy the story, anyway. Barsukov finds a good balance of plot and subplot and weaves a few storylines in the narrative. We learn a lot about Shea’s past, his current situation, and motivations of secondary characters without having to get through their excessive backstories. I found relationships between characters engaging, although I also found the romance lacking in the build-up and emotional truth.
The story tackles themes of discrimination, cultural differences, and destructive politics and does it with sensitivity. The narrative alternates between introspective moments, revelatory of character and place, and dramatic action and intrigue. It doesn’t strike a perfect balance, but it’s close to it. Barsukov’s prose is elegant and restrained without being fussy or lifeless. I found his action sequences suspenseful, and Shea’s introspection deep and convincing.
Tower of Mud and Straw is a fine example of a novella format - it tells a complete, well thought out story, in less than 200 pages. I wouldn’t mind learning more about Drakiri and their technology or getting more insight into cultural differences, but I’m satisfied with what I got.
To make the progress and keep the tower stable, its builders use mysterious Drakiri technology. Some have no issue with it, others are afraid of it. Shea’s queen sees the tower as her legacy while Drakiri believe it’ll end the world. Shea’s assignment gets dangerous and emotionally taxing. Someone wants him dead. His love life gets complicated. Everyone around has secrets. Memories he’d rather erase hunt him. He has to travel to the origin of the species. All of that in four acts.
The characterization here is superb, with all the players distinct and well-written. The story, divided into four acts, feels complete and well thought out. Sure, fans of detailed world-building will crave more context, but we get more than enough to enjoy the story, anyway. Barsukov finds a good balance of plot and subplot and weaves a few storylines in the narrative. We learn a lot about Shea’s past, his current situation, and motivations of secondary characters without having to get through their excessive backstories. I found relationships between characters engaging, although I also found the romance lacking in the build-up and emotional truth.
The story tackles themes of discrimination, cultural differences, and destructive politics and does it with sensitivity. The narrative alternates between introspective moments, revelatory of character and place, and dramatic action and intrigue. It doesn’t strike a perfect balance, but it’s close to it. Barsukov’s prose is elegant and restrained without being fussy or lifeless. I found his action sequences suspenseful, and Shea’s introspection deep and convincing.
Tower of Mud and Straw is a fine example of a novella format - it tells a complete, well thought out story, in less than 200 pages. I wouldn’t mind learning more about Drakiri and their technology or getting more insight into cultural differences, but I’m satisfied with what I got.
tiltingwindward's review
2.0
I wanted to like this novella more, but it really felt like I was reading it in translation and the translator had accidentally dropped some pages on the floor and tucked them back into the narrative. It felt like bridge with some slats missing - still safe to walk across but unwanted absences in unexpected places. The story has the same emotional feel as many K.J. Parker books I have enjoyed, but without that needle-sharp attention to detail that makes Parker's stories work.
A huge challenge for any fantasy novella is getting enough detail in to make the world seem plausible without exceeding a novella length. Barsukov gave this a credible effort, but I never really understood some key things. Why does everyone think Duma is an aggressive expansionist neighbor who will invade? What do Drakiri actually look like? Why is this tower Queen Daelyn's only form of defense? It's hard for me to fully immerse myself in a story when huge questions remain narrative gaps.
A huge challenge for any fantasy novella is getting enough detail in to make the world seem plausible without exceeding a novella length. Barsukov gave this a credible effort, but I never really understood some key things. Why does everyone think Duma is an aggressive expansionist neighbor who will invade? What do Drakiri actually look like? Why is this tower Queen Daelyn's only form of defense? It's hard for me to fully immerse myself in a story when huge questions remain narrative gaps.
celeste57's review
4.0
Actual rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I received a galley of this book from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There’s something about the novella as an art form that is so different from its bookend siblings, the novel and the short story. Not as sharp and snappy as a short story, but without as much room for deep dives into development as novels, it can be a difficult and strangely unwieldy medium, for both author and audience. That being said, novellas can also pack an incredible amount of power into a scant few pages when done correctly. It’s a medium full of both promise and pitfalls. In the case of Tower of Mud and Straw, I think that the promise is that Barsukov himself shows a lot of promise as an author, and the main pitfall is the lack of development that would have deepened the story he penned.
Tower of Mud and Straw is Barsukov’s debut solo work. He’s had multiple short stories published in genre magazines, and it’s obvious that these publications gave him a great place to practice his craft before setting out on his own. The writing is impressively tight and polished for a debut. There were places where the tone felt a bit dissonant, such as within the main character’s inner conversations with his deceased sister. But for the most part, the prose was concise without being terse, smart if not exactly snappy.
Shea Ashcroft is being sent by the Queen to oversee the construction of the gargantuan Tower she has commanded be built. He’s not sure if this is punishment or reward but, either way, he’s not happy about it. When he discovers how unstable the Tower is, and that dangerous alien tech is being used in the construction, his job becomes a lot more complicated than he anticipated. I found Shea to be an interesting character who could have been far more compelling had he been given more time to develop, but this lack made his motivations ephemeral and seemingly ever-changing to the point that he wasn’t relatable, which was a bit frustrating. As it stands with this novella, I found both characters and world building promising but ultimately unsatisfying because of the lack of any deep, meaningful development. There’s a lot of promise that could be explored, but that exploration didn’t take place within the pages of this particular book.
Barsukov’s debut novella is a very intriguing look into a world that I hope will be further explored. I couldn’t help being reminded of Josiah Bancroft’s Books of Babel series to begin with, as both books involve the Tower of Babel in a somewhat steampunk setting, but Barsukov was able to infuse a lot of originality into a short page count, and the two works eventually diverged in my mind. I’ll definitely be interested to see what Barsukov does next.
Expected publication date for Tower of Mud and Straw: February 21, 2021
Tower of Mud and Straw is not available for preorder, but you can find a link to part on on the author’s website here, as well as any upcoming news about publication.
You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.
I received a galley of this book from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There’s something about the novella as an art form that is so different from its bookend siblings, the novel and the short story. Not as sharp and snappy as a short story, but without as much room for deep dives into development as novels, it can be a difficult and strangely unwieldy medium, for both author and audience. That being said, novellas can also pack an incredible amount of power into a scant few pages when done correctly. It’s a medium full of both promise and pitfalls. In the case of Tower of Mud and Straw, I think that the promise is that Barsukov himself shows a lot of promise as an author, and the main pitfall is the lack of development that would have deepened the story he penned.
Tower of Mud and Straw is Barsukov’s debut solo work. He’s had multiple short stories published in genre magazines, and it’s obvious that these publications gave him a great place to practice his craft before setting out on his own. The writing is impressively tight and polished for a debut. There were places where the tone felt a bit dissonant, such as within the main character’s inner conversations with his deceased sister. But for the most part, the prose was concise without being terse, smart if not exactly snappy.
Shea Ashcroft is being sent by the Queen to oversee the construction of the gargantuan Tower she has commanded be built. He’s not sure if this is punishment or reward but, either way, he’s not happy about it. When he discovers how unstable the Tower is, and that dangerous alien tech is being used in the construction, his job becomes a lot more complicated than he anticipated. I found Shea to be an interesting character who could have been far more compelling had he been given more time to develop, but this lack made his motivations ephemeral and seemingly ever-changing to the point that he wasn’t relatable, which was a bit frustrating. As it stands with this novella, I found both characters and world building promising but ultimately unsatisfying because of the lack of any deep, meaningful development. There’s a lot of promise that could be explored, but that exploration didn’t take place within the pages of this particular book.
Barsukov’s debut novella is a very intriguing look into a world that I hope will be further explored. I couldn’t help being reminded of Josiah Bancroft’s Books of Babel series to begin with, as both books involve the Tower of Babel in a somewhat steampunk setting, but Barsukov was able to infuse a lot of originality into a short page count, and the two works eventually diverged in my mind. I’ll definitely be interested to see what Barsukov does next.
Expected publication date for Tower of Mud and Straw: February 21, 2021
Tower of Mud and Straw is not available for preorder, but you can find a link to part on on the author’s website here, as well as any upcoming news about publication.
You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.
sashas_books's review
4.0
Beautiful, elegant, poetic writing. I could have read this in one sitting, but I wanted to savour the words, so I took my time. Novella is a difficult genre (perhaps more difficult than a novel? - the jury is still out on that one) - there isn't really room for mistakes, unfinished business, unanswered questions etc. This particular novella succeeds on all levels: I liked the worldbuilding, the characters, the moral grey zones, the mixture of steampunk/fantasy/sci-fi. I am really looking forward to reading more books by Yaroslav Barsukov (set in the same universe, maybe?). It's a great debut and I was happy to learn that Tower of Mud and Straw is a Nebula finalist - it is well-deserved.
erangel's review
5.0
Highly recommended for fantasy fans. Barsukov skillfully creates a world full of fantasy and political intrigue, and a hero that must face his past and the possibility of missing the last opportunity to reverse his fortunes.