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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
This was a behemoth of a book, and wow was there a lot that was covered! New characters and perspectives that helped expand the world. There were a few slow spots but for the most part I was ready to see where the story went. And that ending... good GOD that ending!! Anyway, the storyline of Vaelin was a little slow to me, but it was always great to come back to the legendary warrior's perspective. Reva took a while for me to warm up to, but she had a complicated backstory and proved to be a strong character and I look forward to seeing more from her. Fentris had a wild and dangerous adventure that has me worried about his fate. It will be really interesting to see where his story goes. Of all of them though, Lyrna's story compelled me the most. I had no idea her story was going to go the way it did. There were tons of surprises in her storyline, and after the way this book ends, it makes me wonder what will happen next. Can't wait to find out!
adventurous
challenging
dark
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:
No
REREAD 2016: Loved it just as much as the 1st time. I want more from Mr Ryan.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: Loved, loved, loved--and shocked that I did. Very much looking forward to the next book in the (what I hope is) a trilogy.
The narrator was quite good--I'll be picking up the print version as well because these books will be on my 'Will Re-read' list.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: Loved, loved, loved--and shocked that I did. Very much looking forward to the next book in the (what I hope is) a trilogy.
The narrator was quite good--I'll be picking up the print version as well because these books will be on my 'Will Re-read' list.
I have to say this was a huge disappointment for me. Don't get me wrong, this is some fine fantasy, but I was expecting so much more.
The first installment in the series was some of my favorite fantasy ever written, up there with A Song of Ice and Fire and The Name of the Wind.
It's still a fine read and I probably would have enjoyed it more if I didn't have this constant nagging feeling that it should have been so much better.
I hope Anthony brings back the magic of the first book when we see the continuation of the series.
The first installment in the series was some of my favorite fantasy ever written, up there with A Song of Ice and Fire and The Name of the Wind.
It's still a fine read and I probably would have enjoyed it more if I didn't have this constant nagging feeling that it should have been so much better.
I hope Anthony brings back the magic of the first book when we see the continuation of the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
LOVED IT!!! I was apprehensive about this book due to the reviews but I have to say it was just as good as the first book for sure.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tower Lord is the second installment in Anthony Ryan’s Raven’s Shadow Series, was disappointing. While the novel is rich in world building, filled with a unique magic system, and inhabited by (some) interesting characters it felt less like a sequel and more like a different novel taking place in the same world as Blood Song.
In this installment Vaelin Al Sorna, recently returned to the Realm is named Tower Lord by the king and . . . . travels a lot, meets people, and prepares for war? The plot is a bit ambiguous – its purpose seems nothing more than to move the characters into position for the next installment of the series. If you were to believe the book blurb (and going by the tone of the first book), you’d think that the novel would focus on Vaelin Al Sorna and his exploits as Tower Lord. But it isn’t, his plot felt secondary (sometime tertiary) to the new characters, and that is highly disappointing.
While I do not mind a book whose plot is little more than a lot of travel interrupted by the occasional battle sequence (hello The Blade Itself) if it is well written and filled with well-developed and interesting characters. Luckily, the novel is well written. Sadly, other than Vaelin Al Sorna I found the other characters flat. Reva was the bloodthirsty orphan set on revenge, while Frentis was the killing machine with a conscience, and Lyrna the whip smart princess that no one listens to. And speaking of Frentis
The biggest disconnect for me was the change in narrative styles between the first and second books. While the first book was all Vaelin, the second had multiple POV chapters. While I do not mind multiple POV narratives, I do find it jarring when the narrative style changes midstory.
I enjoy Mr. Ryan’s writing and find his stories entertaining, this one did not quite hit the mark for me.
In this installment Vaelin Al Sorna, recently returned to the Realm is named Tower Lord by the king and . . . . travels a lot, meets people, and prepares for war? The plot is a bit ambiguous – its purpose seems nothing more than to move the characters into position for the next installment of the series. If you were to believe the book blurb (and going by the tone of the first book), you’d think that the novel would focus on Vaelin Al Sorna and his exploits as Tower Lord. But it isn’t, his plot felt secondary (sometime tertiary) to the new characters, and that is highly disappointing.
While I do not mind a book whose plot is little more than a lot of travel interrupted by the occasional battle sequence (hello The Blade Itself) if it is well written and filled with well-developed and interesting characters. Luckily, the novel is well written. Sadly, other than Vaelin Al Sorna I found the other characters flat. Reva was the bloodthirsty orphan set on revenge, while Frentis was the killing machine with a conscience, and Lyrna the whip smart princess that no one listens to. And speaking of Frentis
Spoiler
I found his chapters especially problematic, especially the repeated rapes of Frentis.The biggest disconnect for me was the change in narrative styles between the first and second books. While the first book was all Vaelin, the second had multiple POV chapters. While I do not mind multiple POV narratives, I do find it jarring when the narrative style changes midstory.
I enjoy Mr. Ryan’s writing and find his stories entertaining, this one did not quite hit the mark for me.
I really quite enjoyed a the first novel, it was fresh and ineresting with a thrilling main character.
However this felt a little flat, even though the violence has considerably inreased and a cliff hanger ending was thown in. The character's don't feel the same, particularly Vailin who has none of his former spunk and grit and is kind of like that big name actor in low budget movies.
However this felt a little flat, even though the violence has considerably inreased and a cliff hanger ending was thown in. The character's don't feel the same, particularly Vailin who has none of his former spunk and grit and is kind of like that big name actor in low budget movies.
I struggled through the first half of this book, thoroughly bored and disappointed. I'm so glad I stuck with it! As soon as I reached midway through, it became interesting and exciting, just like the first book.
I'm starting the third book straight away and I'm hoping it has a satisfying ending!
I'm starting the third book straight away and I'm hoping it has a satisfying ending!