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bookswithbrittany's review against another edition
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
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
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.
clax19's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
roostershort's review
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.0
dbrad24's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
tadster20's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75