Scan barcode
metalandmets's review
3.0
2.50 out of 5.00
I genuinely liked the concept of the book, even if it could’ve been taken as silly. The world was really cool as a whole and inspired some of my writing, but I felt like this could have been so much better.
I think a lot of that falls on the actual writing. The editing was terrible, the pacing was not spectacular, and the characters, equipped with corny names, weren’t anything to write home about. The characters were too predictable to be enjoyed and any crossing or twists had no impact, even though they should have. Despite liking it, the world seemed thin, even with attempts to expand it (most of those attempts felt like a waste and there were too many chapters I could have done without).
It seemed a crime that there were basically no songs actually written in prose. I could recall maybe one, but most of them were just untold.
Song Two-Thirty-Seven was a really great short story that I’m shocked wasn’t included in the actual story. That gave more depth to a character than the entire story did to most of the characters.
Despite its flaws, I still love that an album got a novelization; I wish it would happen more. But, in regards to album novelizations, this ranks low for me. Books like “Clockwork Angels” and “A Dying Machine” far exceeded The Astonishing.
Overall, it was neat to see the story of my favorite Dream Theater album come to life, but it let me down after reading it.
I genuinely liked the concept of the book, even if it could’ve been taken as silly. The world was really cool as a whole and inspired some of my writing, but I felt like this could have been so much better.
I think a lot of that falls on the actual writing. The editing was terrible, the pacing was not spectacular, and the characters, equipped with corny names, weren’t anything to write home about. The characters were too predictable to be enjoyed and any crossing or twists had no impact, even though they should have. Despite liking it, the world seemed thin, even with attempts to expand it (most of those attempts felt like a waste and there were too many chapters I could have done without).
It seemed a crime that there were basically no songs actually written in prose. I could recall maybe one, but most of them were just untold.
Song Two-Thirty-Seven was a really great short story that I’m shocked wasn’t included in the actual story. That gave more depth to a character than the entire story did to most of the characters.
Despite its flaws, I still love that an album got a novelization; I wish it would happen more. But, in regards to album novelizations, this ranks low for me. Books like “Clockwork Angels” and “A Dying Machine” far exceeded The Astonishing.
Overall, it was neat to see the story of my favorite Dream Theater album come to life, but it let me down after reading it.
cbdrummer3's review against another edition
4.0
This would probably receive a 3/5 for me if it didn't have an incredible progressive metal concept album to go with it. I love it though because it expands the story line of the Dream Theater album and helping me to appreciate the music even more. The plot isnt anything insnae as John Petrucci mastery lies in the guitar and not writing stories however, it is still enjoyable. I also adore the idea of music being magic. The extra interviews with the band and the full lyrics for the album are a great addition as extras.
a_l_deleon's review against another edition
4.0
As a music and fantasy lover, I find the weaving of the two in this story very interesting and compelling. It may be fiction, but the dynamics of war and relationships that are explored here are reflective of the things we often fail to see or acknowledge in real life.
If nothing else, the Astonishing will remind you of the power and importance of music in our lives.
If nothing else, the Astonishing will remind you of the power and importance of music in our lives.
More...