Reviews

Aspects by John M. Ford

bloomis427's review against another edition

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2.0

I don't think I'm smart enough for this book and while complicated, dense fantasy books usually end up being my favorite, this book and series is unfinished (the author died), so know room to grow on me.

infinite_fun's review against another edition

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2.0

Incomplete (due to the author’s premature death), slow, excessively cryptic. Excessively obsessed with trivial descriptions of physical artefacts and absolutely no inkling of any plot coming together.

I only got through 60% of the book so take my review for what it’s worth.

julienb_readin's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

erika_is_reading's review against another edition

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5.0

What an amazing world he created. I read this on the basis of Gaiman's comments and was not disappointed, even though it breaks off suddenly on account of Ford's unexpected death. I think it can be read much like Martin's Song of Ice and Fire, which is unfinished and will probably never be finished. It's still excellent.

Read the reviews by Dan Trefethen and Debbie Notkin. I have nothing to add.

nisherwood's review against another edition

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5.0

“Here the manuscript breaks off” is one of the saddest sentences I’ve ever read. If you like trains, DND, and unfinished masterpieces, read this immediately. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, hands down.

asippel89's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow, I definitely understand the hype for this book. At times heartachingly poetic and others deeply immersive, this is definitely worth reading. It took me a few chapters to understand its unique style but once I did I was hooked - I immediately wanted to reread it!

corvidsanonymous's review against another edition

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challenging inspiring medium-paced

5.0

mistermatthias's review against another edition

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3.0

When the story was good, it was very good. However, I would also say it felt kind of aimless here and there. I'm hesitant to really criticize an unfinished work for that though.
I am fairly positive that if I were more familiar with John M. Ford's works, I would have gotten a lot more out of it.

mlawliss92's review against another edition

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3.0

The opening chapter was so great and then it really went off the rails for me. Partially due to the plot and partially due to this being a manuscript. Kind of a fun experiment reading something unfinished, but probably would not recommend this unless you are really into fantasy of manners

emmascc's review against another edition

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4.0

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

This is an incomplete novel written by John M. Ford before his death. It has a lot of promise and intrigue, with interesting characters. He is clearly an excellent writer and I liked the bits of poetry woven into the story. A villain never appears and it is hard to know where he was taking this story, but the beginning was certainly enjoyable. An absolute shame he never got the chance to complete it.