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rebelbelle13's review against another edition
3.0
Just like others have previously pointed out, this novel could have been so much better had it placed its focus on something other than the author chose. We have the opportunity to see a blossoming romance in an arranged marriage situation- the growing love between the closed off, quiet, determined sorcerer and his young bride. And instead we get politics, power grabbing between other sorcerers and inane conversations that have no bearing on the plot. The magic system is intriguing but not explained enough. Cognition seems like a pretty cool way to use magic- unfortunately, I couldn’t tell you how it works or why. I don’t know anything about the world except it’s similar to ours and the novel takes place in a Venice-type city. Who is this novel for? The relationship between Verran and Grizni evolves behind closed doors, and we get fade to blacks. Why should I care about this relationship if the author doesn’t? The politics are lame and uninteresting, and situations that are as old as the hills themselves- love triangles, blackmail, power grabs. So, all in all? It was fine. The plot moved forward at a decent pace and I was mostly interested. I really wish we saw more of the relationship happening, but that’s probably why many haven’t read this and it’s been left in the dusty back rooms of book shops. Ok, disappointing, could have been much better.
cclurejam's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting look at a noblewoman caught up in a power struggle between nobles and two factions of magicians. Well worth the read.
jorie's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
A little over halfway into this book, I realized "Fal Grizhni" sounded like "Walt Disney". That improved my opinion of the titular Sorcerer somewhat. Since he was an empty suit, it was pretty easy for me to pretend that he was Walt for the remainder of the book.
Even so, the creation of a burning black fog that will one day wreak havoc upon one's enemies pales in comparison to the achievement that was Mickey Mouse.
A little over halfway into this book, I realized "Fal Grizhni" sounded like "Walt Disney". That improved my opinion of the titular Sorcerer somewhat. Since he was an empty suit, it was pretty easy for me to pretend that he was Walt for the remainder of the book.
Even so, the creation of a burning black fog that will one day wreak havoc upon one's enemies pales in comparison to the achievement that was Mickey Mouse.
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