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pointbeing's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
It's not often that I can't make myself finish reading a book that disappoints me. Sadly, this is one of those times. It started out with some promise–decently paced and potentially interesting characters–however, as the story progressed I found myself losing interest in both the plot and the main characters. The story lost steam with each chance to progress the plot halted in an unsatisfying, tedious fizzle. By the time I stopped reading, out of the six main characters, I found myself only slightly intrigued by one (Denaos) who unfortunately was given little time in the entirety of the story to share his story/viewpoint in comparison with the others. Then again, maybe that's why I still had some interest in him...regardless, it still wasn't enough incentive to push through a book that was becoming more of a chore to read every minute.
trinforeman's review
2.0
I first heard of Sam Sykes via Twitter. After following him for almost a month, I couldn’t wait to pick up something he’d written. I was not disappointed. His quick wit and humor come across well in his novels. I enjoyed having serious moments broken up by slapstick.
To see my full review: www.gwbookreviews.WordPress.com
To see my full review: www.gwbookreviews.WordPress.com
seb522's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
triplzer0's review
4.0
Probably closer to 3.5 stars. I loved the beginning. I loved that we started with two characters in a relationship; it was different than the "will they, won't they" dynamic you see a lot of the time. Then that relationship kind of fell apart, so yeah...
The characters are the strong point here, especially when they're all in a group like they are in the beginning. But once the group gets into the city and they split up, things get muddled.
The pacing slows way down--despite their being a number of high-octane fight scenes. Problem is I had a real hard time figuring out who was fighting who and why.
This problem continued for the rest of the book, and then it kinda all just ended? I don't think there was a single mystery introduced in the opening chapters that had been resolved in any way.
Plus I found out early on that this series is a continuation of Sykes' earlier Aeon's Gate Trilogy. Things might have made more sense if I'd read those before.
The characters are the strong point here, especially when they're all in a group like they are in the beginning. But once the group gets into the city and they split up, things get muddled.
The pacing slows way down--despite their being a number of high-octane fight scenes. Problem is I had a real hard time figuring out who was fighting who and why.
This problem continued for the rest of the book, and then it kinda all just ended? I don't think there was a single mystery introduced in the opening chapters that had been resolved in any way.
Plus I found out early on that this series is a continuation of Sykes' earlier Aeon's Gate Trilogy. Things might have made more sense if I'd read those before.
angeldiaz629's review
4.0
I won this book as a GoodReads First Read. I loved this book. I would have given it 5 stars but there were grammar errors throughout and the "twist" at the end was a little predictable for me. But other than that. This was an awesome book. The characters were fleshed out nicely (even if they're foundations could be found in basic D&D characters). The "adventure" was intriguing and kept me up past my bedtime many nights to find out what was going to happen next. Over all, I would recommend this book to any D&D fan or fan of adventure/fantasy novels.
measishouldbebooks's review
5.0
This book reminded me so much of my DND party when they went to the city. They have a mission, but they all go off and do their own things. It’s very character driven, so not a lot happens, but I still loved it.
pastadisasta's review
5.0
Pure adventure romp. Fast paced fantasy that winds both humour and philosophy around a narrative that reads as a D&D game gone perfect.
wyrmbergsabrina's review
5.0
Well that was good, if a little frustrating.
This is a fantasy, a proper big fantasy set in a city that could be one of ours, with creatures of all sorts bouncing alongside each other and humans. And there's a mess of politics and power struggles between different groups. We follow a small mixed group of adventurers as they attempt to get paid for some work, and who end up getting mixed up in all the bloodshed and fighting happening.
This is not a light read, in both senses of the word. At over 600 pages, the book gets heavy in your hands. There's a lot of details and several characters to follow, but it all flows through the twists and turns of the power play and various battles.
The characters themselves are a mixed bag, with shades of grey all over them, making stupid choices for right reasons, at least in their minds. And no one apologises for what they feel or do to the others. They are well drawn.
There's much bloodshed in this book, as you would expect with such a title, and there's a few moments where characters dwell on pointless fighting and hatred.
I really enjoyed it. The only draw back so far is there's a sequel! So I have another big book to look forward to - if I can get my hands on a copy. I borrowed this one from the library.
Read if you like big fat books, sweeping fantasy, politics and scheming, multiple character view points and a fast paced plot that leaves you to catch up. Read it.
This is a fantasy, a proper big fantasy set in a city that could be one of ours, with creatures of all sorts bouncing alongside each other and humans. And there's a mess of politics and power struggles between different groups. We follow a small mixed group of adventurers as they attempt to get paid for some work, and who end up getting mixed up in all the bloodshed and fighting happening.
This is not a light read, in both senses of the word. At over 600 pages, the book gets heavy in your hands. There's a lot of details and several characters to follow, but it all flows through the twists and turns of the power play and various battles.
The characters themselves are a mixed bag, with shades of grey all over them, making stupid choices for right reasons, at least in their minds. And no one apologises for what they feel or do to the others. They are well drawn.
There's much bloodshed in this book, as you would expect with such a title, and there's a few moments where characters dwell on pointless fighting and hatred.
I really enjoyed it. The only draw back so far is there's a sequel! So I have another big book to look forward to - if I can get my hands on a copy. I borrowed this one from the library.
Read if you like big fat books, sweeping fantasy, politics and scheming, multiple character view points and a fast paced plot that leaves you to catch up. Read it.
articulatedream's review
5.0
The book brings the fun back to high fantasy. A great story with a dynamic cast of wonderful characters, and sharp banter on almost every page.
weirdtea's review
4.0
I have this thing about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Even when he's in something that doesn't quite work I keep watching because he's just so damned charming. That's how I feel about The City Stained Red and Sam Sykes' writing. The awesome outweighs everything else.
I loved the writing style. There are so many deftly crafted moments, laugh out loud funny lines, wonderful turns of phrase, excellent dialogue, and straight up beautiful prose that I was delighted in just about every chapter. The world building is detailed, creative, and fun. The characters combine the familiar with new twists. We don't get to spend as much time with some as I'd like, but I expect that balance will change in the next book.
So what's the problem? It's something about plot or pacing. I'm having a difficult time articulating what the experience is like. The book is crammed with action: fight scenes, chases, high stakes negotiations, existential and religious crises, interpersonal drama...and yet it feels slow. Maybe it is because there are so many point of view characters. I was interested in all of their stories, but it chops up the reading experience. There are connections (some pretty sweet ones, for sure), but it still affects the rhythm of the narrative. Then there's the matter of setting events in motion for the next book. Still, as I said in the beginning, I was consistently won over by the writing and cool bits. It was enough to carry me through this tome.
It's been awhile since I've read a big doorstopper of a fantasy novel. This one was a great entry back into that part of the genre. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
I loved the writing style. There are so many deftly crafted moments, laugh out loud funny lines, wonderful turns of phrase, excellent dialogue, and straight up beautiful prose that I was delighted in just about every chapter. The world building is detailed, creative, and fun. The characters combine the familiar with new twists. We don't get to spend as much time with some as I'd like, but I expect that balance will change in the next book.
So what's the problem? It's something about plot or pacing. I'm having a difficult time articulating what the experience is like. The book is crammed with action: fight scenes, chases, high stakes negotiations, existential and religious crises, interpersonal drama...and yet it feels slow. Maybe it is because there are so many point of view characters. I was interested in all of their stories, but it chops up the reading experience. There are connections (some pretty sweet ones, for sure), but it still affects the rhythm of the narrative. Then there's the matter of setting events in motion for the next book. Still, as I said in the beginning, I was consistently won over by the writing and cool bits. It was enough to carry me through this tome.
It's been awhile since I've read a big doorstopper of a fantasy novel. This one was a great entry back into that part of the genre. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.