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everily's review against another edition
4.0
I immensely enjoyed this book.
The world felt immensely fresh and new compared to other fantasy I've read, and while the characters didn't feel quite as strong as other parts of the book, I did enjoy them and wanted to know more about them. The concepts--poets and andats and whatnot--were so super cool and I really enjoyed seeing those aspects explored, though I would have liked more of that. I feel like I still came away with questions regarding them. I liked how they were presented as these amazing beings in the beginning and we meet Seedless later and he almost has this sort of creepy, off-putting vibe about him. Very unexpected.
As said before, I thought some of the characters were a little lacking in development and I wanted more, but I still think that they were well defined 3d characters that I believed.
I loved the setting in this, as mentioned, it felt very fresh and tore away from your typical medieval European setting. I thought the city was very vibrant and found myself wanting the characters to just travel all over just so I as the reader could see all there was to see as the reader.
The end of the book left me wondering about the content of the next one--I have not red the summary for it and have no intention to before starting it. I worry that it will be following Otah in his adventures after leaving behind his disguise of Itani, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Otah ended up being one of my least favorite characters, and I want to know what happens with the story of Amat and Liat and even Maati.
The world felt immensely fresh and new compared to other fantasy I've read, and while the characters didn't feel quite as strong as other parts of the book, I did enjoy them and wanted to know more about them. The concepts--poets and andats and whatnot--were so super cool and I really enjoyed seeing those aspects explored, though I would have liked more of that. I feel like I still came away with questions regarding them. I liked how they were presented as these amazing beings in the beginning and we meet Seedless later and he almost has this sort of creepy, off-putting vibe about him. Very unexpected.
As said before, I thought some of the characters were a little lacking in development and I wanted more, but I still think that they were well defined 3d characters that I believed.
I loved the setting in this, as mentioned, it felt very fresh and tore away from your typical medieval European setting. I thought the city was very vibrant and found myself wanting the characters to just travel all over just so I as the reader could see all there was to see as the reader.
The end of the book left me wondering about the content of the next one--I have not red the summary for it and have no intention to before starting it. I worry that it will be following Otah in his adventures after leaving behind his disguise of Itani, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Otah ended up being one of my least favorite characters, and I want to know what happens with the story of Amat and Liat and even Maati.
isabelle_963's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
calbowen's review against another edition
1.0
This always comes recommended for other books that I have read, but this is not for me.
No one shows emotion beyond 'posing' their understanding, or acceptance, or whatever.
The names are overly fantastical in a day and age where that should be gone and forgotten.
tests and trials that make no sense other than to be tests and trials.
It does have an Asian feel to their mannerisms and movement, but the names come of as middle eastern, and the tropes come off as bad american television.
I could not keep going though, (posing regret), because it is too convoluted to stomach (posing nausea).
No one shows emotion beyond 'posing' their understanding, or acceptance, or whatever.
The names are overly fantastical in a day and age where that should be gone and forgotten.
tests and trials that make no sense other than to be tests and trials.
It does have an Asian feel to their mannerisms and movement, but the names come of as middle eastern, and the tropes come off as bad american television.
I could not keep going though, (posing regret), because it is too convoluted to stomach (posing nausea).
kokannut's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Going from Abraham's latest book to his first was interesting. He's definitely a lot rougher with vague setting establishment and the dumb posing gimmick. There's also just something missing that's keeping me from really getting into this story.
However, his characters and themes are still unmatched. Just a supercool look at career-oriented living using magic and demi-gods.
However, his characters and themes are still unmatched. Just a supercool look at career-oriented living using magic and demi-gods.
bookswithbrittany's review
Treatment of women. Poor world building. Not invested in plot.
hoffmann_fanatic's review against another edition
4.0
Not an instant favorite, but an impressive and interesting curiosity in the world of 2000s fantasy. Beautifully written, with a wonderfully and attentively crafted, Eastern-inspired world.
The character work is the highlight of this, with some of the most tightly intertwined cast I've seen in a fantasy book from this era. There are not many fantasy books that could be staged without many props or a huge cast, but this is one of them, despite the fact that this book's soft magic system has a central place in the plot and the worldbuilding.
The writing comes across as simply high quality. The prose is intellectual, distant, calm, and neutral. While it's not a heavily immersive book, Abraham very slowly and methodically uncovers details of the world, letting the reader experience the full story only when the book has ended. While the setting and many of the scenes are reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson, this is a high-effort, far more literary read.
A left brain read, best recommended to those who enjoy epic fantasy but sometimes don't mind not being swept away by an immersion tsunami.
Rating: 8/10
Closest comparison: The Grace of Kings
The character work is the highlight of this, with some of the most tightly intertwined cast I've seen in a fantasy book from this era. There are not many fantasy books that could be staged without many props or a huge cast, but this is one of them, despite the fact that this book's soft magic system has a central place in the plot and the worldbuilding.
The writing comes across as simply high quality. The prose is intellectual, distant, calm, and neutral. While it's not a heavily immersive book, Abraham very slowly and methodically uncovers details of the world, letting the reader experience the full story only when the book has ended. While the setting and many of the scenes are reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson, this is a high-effort, far more literary read.
A left brain read, best recommended to those who enjoy epic fantasy but sometimes don't mind not being swept away by an immersion tsunami.
Rating: 8/10
Closest comparison: The Grace of Kings
books_and_keys's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
mdegraffe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
wouterk's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a great read! Abrahams creates a very original world of intriguing politics, intricate relationships and very original magic. A story full with subtlety and complexity, while very easy to follow and read.
I cannot say to much about the story as I will not give spoilers. If you do not want spoilers don't read the summary of the book, here on Goodreads. I think it already gives so much away that you are able to connect yourself in the first chapters.
So the only thing I will say is that this story is set in Saraykeht, a powerful city where a Khai rules. The Khai maintain their power by their poets who control magical creations called Andat. They are mystical, complex. As we follow the perspectives of different key players in Saraykeht (from laborer, to merchant, to poet) an intriguing consipracy unfolds.
Some people call this book a slow read or claim that nothing happens. I would say a lot happens, but the tail very much focuses also on building up the characters and their relationships. Abrahams describes political conflicts and moral dilemma's in the world and weaves them through the relationships that the different characters engage in. The characters and relationships are written with very impressive depth and realism. And still I would say that the plot has a very satisfying ending that ties into it all.
If you're looking for an action-packed, next Red Rising, kind of book, you will not find it here. But if you enjoy fresh worlds, character building, politics and interpersonal dynamics, while also discovering nuggets around a conspiracy - or at least one of these - then this is a book for you.
I cannot say to much about the story as I will not give spoilers. If you do not want spoilers don't read the summary of the book, here on Goodreads. I think it already gives so much away that you are able to connect yourself in the first chapters.
So the only thing I will say is that this story is set in Saraykeht, a powerful city where a Khai rules. The Khai maintain their power by their poets who control magical creations called Andat. They are mystical, complex. As we follow the perspectives of different key players in Saraykeht (from laborer, to merchant, to poet) an intriguing consipracy unfolds.
Some people call this book a slow read or claim that nothing happens. I would say a lot happens, but the tail very much focuses also on building up the characters and their relationships. Abrahams describes political conflicts and moral dilemma's in the world and weaves them through the relationships that the different characters engage in. The characters and relationships are written with very impressive depth and realism. And still I would say that the plot has a very satisfying ending that ties into it all.
If you're looking for an action-packed, next Red Rising, kind of book, you will not find it here. But if you enjoy fresh worlds, character building, politics and interpersonal dynamics, while also discovering nuggets around a conspiracy - or at least one of these - then this is a book for you.