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ruth_miranda's review against another edition
5.0
This has been one of the best reads I was lucky to dive into this year. From the very first chapter, I found myself sucked into the book, unable to forget the plot, the characters, the story. Having read a few of the reviews, I find myself disagreeing with so much that has been said regarding pace, because I am one of those people who really prefers a slow burn build up, with time to get into the characters, get to know them, sort of. Ms. Carlson offers us that chance, and a chance to slowly understand what is going on here, with nothing thrown right in your face. The world building alone is pristine, and done marvellously, it feels realistic and easy, but it conveys so much about the politics and economics of this world, something I fear most fantasy authors neglect - not that is necessary, but for me it made a nice change in what's usual for this kind of books. I also loved the characters, found myself connected to each and everyone of them, even the supposed villains. The strange, unusual names were done so well, blending in and never did I find it confusing or off setting - maybe having a knack for foreign languages helps. All in all, I think this is a massively well written book, and would recommend it to anyone who likes a long read, slow paced and filled with tension. Not one for those lovers of tight, small sentences and in your face storylines.
char_722's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
5.0
ruth_miranda's review
5.0
This has been one of the best reads I was lucky to dive into this year. From the very first chapter, I found myself sucked into the book, unable to forget the plot, the characters, the story. Having read a few of the reviews, I find myself disagreeing with so much that has been said regarding pace, because I am one of those people who really prefers a slow burn build up, with time to get into the characters, get to know them, sort of. Ms. Carlson offers us that chance, and a chance to slowly understand what is going on here, with nothing thrown right in your face. The world building alone is pristine, and done marvellously, it feels realistic and easy, but it conveys so much about the politics and economics of this world, something I fear most fantasy authors neglect - not that is necessary, but for me it made a nice change in what's usual for this kind of books. I also loved the characters, found myself connected to each and everyone of them, even the supposed villains. The strange, unusual names were done so well, blending in and never did I find it confusing or off setting - maybe having a knack for foreign languages helps. All in all, I think this is a massively well written book, and would recommend it to anyone who likes a long read, slow paced and filled with tension. Not one for those lovers of tight, small sentences and in your face storylines.
mrbear30021's review
4.0
I received this story as part of a promotional give-away in exchange for an honest review.
I am just getting into reading fantasy of any type, but I will tell you this, If I had read this story a couple decades ago when I was just getting into reading, it would have changed my whole outlook on what I read today. I enjoyed very much the character building and slow reveal of the truth of ten yeas prior in the story. At first I was a bit confused but slowly began to understand what the author was doing. And slowly was a good thing. There is a whole lot of story going on here, and getting too much too quickly wouldn't be as satisfying.
My only criticism is mostly due, perhaps, to my own dyslexia. So many of the names given to various characters were just similar enough that I kept losing track of who was who. The author did a lot of work in creating a distinctive language, not to mention a whole history and mythos. For most readers, it won't be a problem, but for those like me, it may prove to be a bit of a stumbling block. Don't let it stop you from reading this fantastic first portion of The Kingsmen Chronicles. Buckle down and hold on tight for a very worthy read.
I am just getting into reading fantasy of any type, but I will tell you this, If I had read this story a couple decades ago when I was just getting into reading, it would have changed my whole outlook on what I read today. I enjoyed very much the character building and slow reveal of the truth of ten yeas prior in the story. At first I was a bit confused but slowly began to understand what the author was doing. And slowly was a good thing. There is a whole lot of story going on here, and getting too much too quickly wouldn't be as satisfying.
My only criticism is mostly due, perhaps, to my own dyslexia. So many of the names given to various characters were just similar enough that I kept losing track of who was who. The author did a lot of work in creating a distinctive language, not to mention a whole history and mythos. For most readers, it won't be a problem, but for those like me, it may prove to be a bit of a stumbling block. Don't let it stop you from reading this fantastic first portion of The Kingsmen Chronicles. Buckle down and hold on tight for a very worthy read.
bookwormbunny's review
5.0
Blackmark by Jean Lowe Carlson is book one in The Kingsmen Chronicles. Blackmark starts off with gripping you from the start with an intense scene. A young Elohl is on a mission, and one he has been told that he cannot fail. He must find a certain artifact that wills aide him and his fellow Kingsmen in the situation that they have unjustly found themselves in. His journey is full of danger at every turn, only for him to find himself on the sharp edge of failure itself. Captured, he and the others who were left behind are given a choice- serve the crown or take the ax. Elohl “choses” the service. Now he has been released ten years later and goes in search of his sister, and the others who survived being taken. Inked with the Blackmark of the Kingsmen, he is called a traitor and hunted by assassins. Elohl and his sister soon find themselves deeper in danger than they could have ever imagined. As the pieces come together creating a picture that endangers many should the truth come to light.
Blackmark is the first book that I have read by Jean Lowe Carlson, and this book was truly an engaging story. The author engages you from the beginning. Answering questions that are piqued earlier in the story. The characters are well developed and engaging. I love how unique each of the characters are. They each have their unique gifts and talents that assist them in their lives and lines of work. They are not perfect and it is makes the story even more engaging. You see danger be close at hand to them with each step that they take, but more often than not they don’t see it. I like how each of the character gets a designated chapter so we are able to follow along with what is going on with them. The story builds so well like this, and I love how it comes together.
There really isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. The mystery, the suspense, the thrills are fantastic. I love how the characters work together, and the flashbacks that we get to help build the story and bring us up to date on what is going on in the present. I appreciate the fact that not everything goes perfectly for the characters. It makes the story so much better and more believable as a whole.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. If you are a fan of epic fantasy novels, you love George R.R. Martin and other great authors then this is the book to pick up. It will engage you and keep you page turning long into the night.
Blackmark is the first book that I have read by Jean Lowe Carlson, and this book was truly an engaging story. The author engages you from the beginning. Answering questions that are piqued earlier in the story. The characters are well developed and engaging. I love how unique each of the characters are. They each have their unique gifts and talents that assist them in their lives and lines of work. They are not perfect and it is makes the story even more engaging. You see danger be close at hand to them with each step that they take, but more often than not they don’t see it. I like how each of the character gets a designated chapter so we are able to follow along with what is going on with them. The story builds so well like this, and I love how it comes together.
There really isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. The mystery, the suspense, the thrills are fantastic. I love how the characters work together, and the flashbacks that we get to help build the story and bring us up to date on what is going on in the present. I appreciate the fact that not everything goes perfectly for the characters. It makes the story so much better and more believable as a whole.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. If you are a fan of epic fantasy novels, you love George R.R. Martin and other great authors then this is the book to pick up. It will engage you and keep you page turning long into the night.
cliff_meister's review
5.0
Superb
Beautifully written great characterisation and engaging plot going straight for the next one.
Thoroughly enjoyed the depth of the characters
Beautifully written great characterisation and engaging plot going straight for the next one.
Thoroughly enjoyed the depth of the characters
sparrymcgraw's review
5.0
I have been wanting to get stuck into some great high fantasy for a long long time and this book has finally done the trick. This story has an intriguing plot, saturated with political intrigue and character development. It's a story to savour and take your time discovering the characters whilst they uncover the elements of their betrayal. The magical elements are also well thought out, though I hope to see more of this in the next book. my only complaint about this book was that the ending felt very rushed and choppy, which was a disappointing change from the rest of the book which flowed very well and maintained a good pace. Having said that I will not waste time in moving onto the next book to find out what happens next! Great read.
mindgonemad's review
adventurous
dark
inspiring
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
I don’t have many favourite authors, but I just found another, brilliant read.
luckberg's review
adventurous
dark
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? N/A
4.5
jckang's review
5.0
I found the beginning slow and confusing, but stuck with it and discovered wonderful world building, beautiful prose, and one heck of a plot.
"As with many seminal works, the story centers around an ancient blood feud, reminiscent of Montagues vs. Capulets, Jedi vs. Sith, Kanye West vs. Taylor Swift."
Full review here:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/blackmark-by-jean-lowe-carlson
"As with many seminal works, the story centers around an ancient blood feud, reminiscent of Montagues vs. Capulets, Jedi vs. Sith, Kanye West vs. Taylor Swift."
Full review here:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/blackmark-by-jean-lowe-carlson