Reviews

Das Schwert der Könige by Chris Wooding

roseofbattles's review against another edition

5.0

I loved it, both the first and second time I read it. The characters, as in other books by Chris Wooding that I loved, feel very three dimensional - they have flaws and motivations and feel as though even when they make bad decisions (which is often) they are acting in accordance with their character as we understand it. The world feels well fleshed out and for all that the story is a lengthy one it moves at a good pace, maintaining tension through long sequences of events to the point that it's difficult to put down. Very much looking forward to the sequel.

stormhawk's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Audio book well done. I like this kind of story as an audiobook since I'm usually doing something else while listening. No need for deep attention. I felt the story was too long and a bit of a spinner (same type of scene played over and over again). I did enjoy the characters, setting, and most of the plot. The allusion to Nazi Germany and Jews is a bit of a trope, but not terrible. Also, seemed like the author was trying to play to a modern audience with a lot of racial divide, discrimination scenes.  Good , would have been better at 600 pages. Needed to be crisper.

dromwald's review against another edition

5.0

Superb. I've liked a lot of Chris Wooding's work but this has to go top of the list if for no other reason than the fact it contains one of the most entertaining characters I've come across - Grub(comedy genius!). Nothing particularly different about the narrative but I frankly don't care about this need some people have to reinvent the wheel. The story works well and certainly carried me along. Great book.

jakelewis_23_'s review against another edition

5.0

This was the perfect fantasy book for me, loved it! Had everything I could want and executed it so well! Some classic tropes done really well with great characters and twists and turns!

Cannot wait to read book 2!

rohan_rohan's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

murri's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.25

jasmaurelia's review against another edition

2.0

I had high hopes for this book, but found it incredibly boring, bland, and nothing new. I had to switch to an audiobook to get myself through this story. Would've given it 3 stars if it was more like 300-400 pages long. It dragged on so much and only got a little better towards the last 30%. I didn't care for any of the characters and found them pretty annoying. None of the women in this book felt interesting and the one of the few women mcs was of course a love interest. And not a good romance plot at that! I appreciate the author not being scared to kill off 'loved' characters, but that death felt so unnecessary and that it was just confirming the love triangle thing.
I was confused on a lot of the ways the men in this book were interacting with women and their wives. Some awful thoughts were laid out and it wasn't always clear to me that the author was confirming this is not how you should think about women or just projecting.... IDK.
I can see how people like this book, it's very traditional/classic plot line with great fantasy tropes. But didn't offer anything new so hence boredom

sarahbennett's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

goggleknits's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mchesse's review against another edition

challenging tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.75

Alright, buckle up because I've got some thoughts now ive finished The Ember Blade. Honestly, I'm scratching my head at the glowing 5-star reviews online.

Let's talk length first. This thing is a beast, clocking in at a hefty 800 pages. But did it really need to be that long? Nope. There were tons of unnecessary descriptions and side stories that could've been trimmed down without losing any punch.

Now, let's chat about the main character, Aren. Dude's only 15, which felt a bit off to me. Some of his actions didn't quite match up with his age, you know? And his sudden change of heart from zero patriotism to full-on Osia supporter? Not buying it. And don't get me started on his friendship with Cade—it felt forced and unnatural, unlike the genuine bond between Gerric and Keel.

And hey, let's be real, this book isn't exactly breaking new ground. It's riddled with cliches and tropes that you can spot from a mile away. The whole "champion from Vika's dream" reveal? Predictable AF.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Grub's character arc? Loved it. Gerric and Vika's backstories? Fascinating stuff. And that twist with Aren's father's past? Unexpected and juicy.

Hands down, the best part for me was the journey through Skavengard. Gripping stuff.

Overall, this book could've used a serious trim, especially for a series starter. And sorry, but Aren just didn't do it for me.