Scan barcode
ngreads's review
5.0
It recently struck me that I haven't reviewed this book yet - which is a sin, considering it is one of my all-time favourite books, from one of my all-time favourite authors. So, since I have read this twice (the last time being fairly recent), here's my review:
I freaking love it, and if I can convince more people to read this work of art, I'll be incredibly happy.
Here's why the book (and the trilogy as a whole) is amazing:
- Glenda Larke is a masterful worldbuilder. She is incredible at taking one solid concept and making it deep, giving the world a full, complex feeling without making a convoluted world. In this case, it's the idea of water mages in a desert - and she executes it flawlessly. I can't praise her worldbuilding enough, especially in her Stormlord trilogy, and the way she introduces her world in this first volume is magnificent. It's easy to follow, yet deep.
- On the topic of worldbuilding, there are four distinct cultures in this world - the Scarpermen, the Gibbermen, the Reduners, and the Alabasters. Though we only really see the Scarpermen and the Gibbermen in this book, we get glimpses of the other two cultures that give a clear vision of what they are like (which get revealed more in later books in the series). Every culture feels distinctive and unique, giving the world another layer of flavour and depth.
- On the topic of worldbuilding, every part of the world feels grounded and connected. The magic system also really feels like a part of the culture and the lifestyle of the people living in the Quartern, from commerce to social systems and religion and everything in between. Everything feels like it was branched out from a central idea - exactly as worldbuilding should be. Also, the magic is just plain cool.
- The plot is quite political and VERY character driven, but is well-written enough to give a good pace and never feel like its bogged down. This isn't an action story (in spite of having a fair bit of action in it), but there's so much going on in the plot that there never felt like there was a dull moment. It had me engaged from beginning to end.
- I absolutely love the characters of this book. Shale is particularly close to my heart, because I love seeing broken characters who overcome immense suffering, rising up and taking power back over their lives - and Shale is a prime example of that. On my second read through, I found so much more depth to him than when I first read it, and my love for him only grew. Terelle is another character who I fell more in love with on the second read through, for similar reasons to Shale - she overcomes so much throughout her story, rising up against the abuse heaped against her and learning to be strong.
- On the topic of Shale and Terelle, the relationships in this book are another highlight for me. In the midst of so many overly-angsty romances, it's so refreshing to see an author who shows the value of relationships built on a deep trust and friendship, rather than just raging lust (especially between teenage characters). The other 'main relationship' in the book is just as wonderful, and has a bit more drama to it, but I'll save that one for you to discover.
- Another thing I really love about this book is the portrayal of abuse and abusive relationships - and this is something that I really didn't notice and appreciate until my second read through as an adult. Between explorations of abuse in marriage and relationships, to abuse in parental or guardian relationships, and a raw look at the emotional trauma that can cause, it was extremely gripping to read. A lot of the character arcs are about escaping and recovering from abuse and trauma, and Glenda Larke brings a heartbreaking and inspiring lens to the storylines.
- ON THE SUBJECT OF ABUSE... The villain of this trilogy is one of my favourites of all time. Seriously, I love him. He's the kind of character where I can't take my eyes off him when he's on the page, making my skin crawl in all the right ways. I won't spoil who he is, but I could write essays on how incredibly well written he is. He is a truly narcissistic psychopath, and I wouldn't have him any other way.
Overall...
I love this book. I love this series. I love this author. It's one of my go-to recommendations for people, and more people need to read her work. She deserves far more attention than she gets. If you want a beautiful political fantasy with a deep world and cultures, a great magic system, and simply wonderful characters, give her work a read and hopefully you (like me) will find a new favourite author to explore.
I freaking love it, and if I can convince more people to read this work of art, I'll be incredibly happy.
Here's why the book (and the trilogy as a whole) is amazing:
- Glenda Larke is a masterful worldbuilder. She is incredible at taking one solid concept and making it deep, giving the world a full, complex feeling without making a convoluted world. In this case, it's the idea of water mages in a desert - and she executes it flawlessly. I can't praise her worldbuilding enough, especially in her Stormlord trilogy, and the way she introduces her world in this first volume is magnificent. It's easy to follow, yet deep.
- On the topic of worldbuilding, there are four distinct cultures in this world - the Scarpermen, the Gibbermen, the Reduners, and the Alabasters. Though we only really see the Scarpermen and the Gibbermen in this book, we get glimpses of the other two cultures that give a clear vision of what they are like (which get revealed more in later books in the series). Every culture feels distinctive and unique, giving the world another layer of flavour and depth.
- On the topic of worldbuilding, every part of the world feels grounded and connected. The magic system also really feels like a part of the culture and the lifestyle of the people living in the Quartern, from commerce to social systems and religion and everything in between. Everything feels like it was branched out from a central idea - exactly as worldbuilding should be. Also, the magic is just plain cool.
- The plot is quite political and VERY character driven, but is well-written enough to give a good pace and never feel like its bogged down. This isn't an action story (in spite of having a fair bit of action in it), but there's so much going on in the plot that there never felt like there was a dull moment. It had me engaged from beginning to end.
- I absolutely love the characters of this book. Shale is particularly close to my heart, because I love seeing broken characters who overcome immense suffering, rising up and taking power back over their lives - and Shale is a prime example of that. On my second read through, I found so much more depth to him than when I first read it, and my love for him only grew. Terelle is another character who I fell more in love with on the second read through, for similar reasons to Shale - she overcomes so much throughout her story, rising up against the abuse heaped against her and learning to be strong.
- On the topic of Shale and Terelle, the relationships in this book are another highlight for me. In the midst of so many overly-angsty romances, it's so refreshing to see an author who shows the value of relationships built on a deep trust and friendship, rather than just raging lust (especially between teenage characters). The other 'main relationship' in the book is just as wonderful, and has a bit more drama to it, but I'll save that one for you to discover.
- Another thing I really love about this book is the portrayal of abuse and abusive relationships - and this is something that I really didn't notice and appreciate until my second read through as an adult. Between explorations of abuse in marriage and relationships, to abuse in parental or guardian relationships, and a raw look at the emotional trauma that can cause, it was extremely gripping to read. A lot of the character arcs are about escaping and recovering from abuse and trauma, and Glenda Larke brings a heartbreaking and inspiring lens to the storylines.
- ON THE SUBJECT OF ABUSE... The villain of this trilogy is one of my favourites of all time. Seriously, I love him. He's the kind of character where I can't take my eyes off him when he's on the page, making my skin crawl in all the right ways. I won't spoil who he is, but I could write essays on how incredibly well written he is. He is a truly narcissistic psychopath, and I wouldn't have him any other way.
Overall...
I love this book. I love this series. I love this author. It's one of my go-to recommendations for people, and more people need to read her work. She deserves far more attention than she gets. If you want a beautiful political fantasy with a deep world and cultures, a great magic system, and simply wonderful characters, give her work a read and hopefully you (like me) will find a new favourite author to explore.
mellhay's review
5.0
This book is set in a world where rain doesn't come regularly and water is a very precious item. Rains are scheduled by the Cloudmaster, or Stormlords. Water has to be separated from the sea, as a pure water vapor, then the cloud is moved up toward the moutain ranges so the water runs down toward all the cities again or to the regions to get the water. The water is released as rain and stored in cisterns to be rationed out. However, you learn there are many people who don't have water rights and have to buy the water, one way or another. We start with Terelle in a snuggery with her sister, where their fathers sold them to. Terelle is twelve and has no desire to be paid to sleep with different men every night. Then we meet Shale a Gibber who's father named him Shale because he felt he was as useless as a heap of shale. We take a journey through the lives of these two characters, along with others, as they grow up and learn who they are.
In the first 100 pages I felt I meet all the important characters through the writing of different view points; Terelle, Shale, and from some of the rainlords too. I enjoyed reading these different views because I got to see the world and learn about the world from different happenings and sides. I also got to see what the characters where thinking when they meet, then when they separated again.
The world ended up being a great attraction for me in this book. There are different cultures and beliefs of religion. Along with these different cultures you see there is a "magic" here, that centers around water - water sensitives. These are people who can sense and even manipulate water. There are different levels of ability and there are different types of manipulation. One is to make the storms or sense water, another is to manipulate paint through water - which can also affect the future. I think my favorite at the moment is the waterpainters. Although, how Shale learns to use his water sense is amazing too.
In those first 100 pages not only did I get to see the world at different views and the separation created between all the people, but also the problems that exist in the world now. The shortness in Stormlords and available pure water. I did have one question which kept nagging at me as I read with the characters mentioning there use to be random rains and now they had to have a Stormlord to keep water coming for the people, and the land being rather dry. What was so wrong with random rains, if it had supplied plenty of water and to have lots more vegetation growing? You do find out later in the book some history about the random rains and why the stormlords are needed.
Glenda Larke has created a great world here with different cultures and characters, from Reduners, Albasters, Gibbers, and Scarpens - and we can't forget the Watergivers. Glenda has supplied us with a map and she makes great use of her whole world.
I felt as if I watched these characters grow up over the span of about six or seven years in this world and even adjust to the world for who they are. I got to know them and the world together.
After reading this book, I started to think on how careful the charcters where with their water and how sparingly they used it. Made me think about how we take advantage of always having it.
I am really looking forward to book 2, Stormlord Rising. I am attached to these characters and this world and just have to know how it all works out for them.
In the first 100 pages I felt I meet all the important characters through the writing of different view points; Terelle, Shale, and from some of the rainlords too. I enjoyed reading these different views because I got to see the world and learn about the world from different happenings and sides. I also got to see what the characters where thinking when they meet, then when they separated again.
The world ended up being a great attraction for me in this book. There are different cultures and beliefs of religion. Along with these different cultures you see there is a "magic" here, that centers around water - water sensitives. These are people who can sense and even manipulate water. There are different levels of ability and there are different types of manipulation. One is to make the storms or sense water, another is to manipulate paint through water - which can also affect the future. I think my favorite at the moment is the waterpainters. Although, how Shale learns to use his water sense is amazing too.
In those first 100 pages not only did I get to see the world at different views and the separation created between all the people, but also the problems that exist in the world now. The shortness in Stormlords and available pure water. I did have one question which kept nagging at me as I read with the characters mentioning there use to be random rains and now they had to have a Stormlord to keep water coming for the people, and the land being rather dry. What was so wrong with random rains, if it had supplied plenty of water and to have lots more vegetation growing? You do find out later in the book some history about the random rains and why the stormlords are needed.
Glenda Larke has created a great world here with different cultures and characters, from Reduners, Albasters, Gibbers, and Scarpens - and we can't forget the Watergivers. Glenda has supplied us with a map and she makes great use of her whole world.
I felt as if I watched these characters grow up over the span of about six or seven years in this world and even adjust to the world for who they are. I got to know them and the world together.
After reading this book, I started to think on how careful the charcters where with their water and how sparingly they used it. Made me think about how we take advantage of always having it.
I am really looking forward to book 2, Stormlord Rising. I am attached to these characters and this world and just have to know how it all works out for them.
tani's review
5.0
So glad that my fiancee picked this one out for me a few weeks ago. It was a bit of a slow start, but once I started to learn more about the world, I found myself completely sucked in. Glenda Larke really has a way of making you care about her characters, even when they have views you don't like and methods you don't agree with. The magic and culture are both very intriguing as well. Not to mention that once you get going, the action never stops. Definitely a surprise five stars from me.
blodeuedd's review
4.0
We all know fantasy books are long so that should not scare anyone looking for a good book, and good it was. I was swept away by a strange new world where water was precious and I did not want to stop reading.
The book takes places in a land where men and women use magic to make it rain, but they are fewer and not as good as before. The rains do not fall as often as they did before and the country is not united either. There are the cityfolk, fair and stuck in cities. Nomadic tribes crossing the dunes and Gibbers trying to survive in small villages. The rich have the most water, the poor the least, and the waterless have nothing at all. It may not be a fair world but it is a world that is dying of thirst and decisions has to be made.
Shale is born in a little village, a shitty place really. At the end of the country where they think the Rainlords are gods. Not his fault that they are uneducated and that they kill people who can find water. But I like him and as he grows up I like him more. He has this drive and anger, I have to like him.
Terelle is sold by her father and works at a brothel. When she becomes a woman she will work as whore and it is something she does not want. For that I like her too, she does her best to try to get away and she does get away and starts working for a painter. And here her story starts to get even more interesting, I can't say anything but yes interesting.
There are also other people, other Rainlords like Kaneth and Ryka, Russet the painter, Taquar, and well I could tell you more but I do not want to spoil things. Some people in this book are just evil and I want to kick their asses and let them rot in the sun and die of thirst. Then there are those making difficult decisions, those trying to save lives, those trying to get power and those that are just plain stupid. Every good book has a good cast of side characters and here you will find them. The ones who hate and the ones you start to care for.
I started to read this book and I quickly liked it. It's not a nice book either, people are not always happy or get their way. No, people die, it's cruel, and it is life. And it makes me believe in this world and it makes me crave more. And yes there is a sort of cliffhanger at the end, but one that I can live with. Sure I need to know what happens and I will read book 2, but it was also an ending that did not make me crawl up the walls in desperation. But it was still an ending that leaves this world worse off than ever. Book 2 here I come.
Conclusion:
Of course you should read it. With that I recommend it.
Rating:
Great
The book takes places in a land where men and women use magic to make it rain, but they are fewer and not as good as before. The rains do not fall as often as they did before and the country is not united either. There are the cityfolk, fair and stuck in cities. Nomadic tribes crossing the dunes and Gibbers trying to survive in small villages. The rich have the most water, the poor the least, and the waterless have nothing at all. It may not be a fair world but it is a world that is dying of thirst and decisions has to be made.
Shale is born in a little village, a shitty place really. At the end of the country where they think the Rainlords are gods. Not his fault that they are uneducated and that they kill people who can find water. But I like him and as he grows up I like him more. He has this drive and anger, I have to like him.
Terelle is sold by her father and works at a brothel. When she becomes a woman she will work as whore and it is something she does not want. For that I like her too, she does her best to try to get away and she does get away and starts working for a painter. And here her story starts to get even more interesting, I can't say anything but yes interesting.
There are also other people, other Rainlords like Kaneth and Ryka, Russet the painter, Taquar, and well I could tell you more but I do not want to spoil things. Some people in this book are just evil and I want to kick their asses and let them rot in the sun and die of thirst. Then there are those making difficult decisions, those trying to save lives, those trying to get power and those that are just plain stupid. Every good book has a good cast of side characters and here you will find them. The ones who hate and the ones you start to care for.
I started to read this book and I quickly liked it. It's not a nice book either, people are not always happy or get their way. No, people die, it's cruel, and it is life. And it makes me believe in this world and it makes me crave more. And yes there is a sort of cliffhanger at the end, but one that I can live with. Sure I need to know what happens and I will read book 2, but it was also an ending that did not make me crawl up the walls in desperation. But it was still an ending that leaves this world worse off than ever. Book 2 here I come.
Conclusion:
Of course you should read it. With that I recommend it.
Rating:
Great
sully93's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.25
barium_squirrel's review
2.0
This story has great worldbuilding. It is set in a land where there is no natural rain, but various characters can control water to varying degrees Character development is so-so. Some characters are developed, but others are mostly cliches The book ends on a cliffhanger (ugh), but I am curious as to what happens, so maybe someday I will read the rest of the series.
daveeth71's review
5.0
Just finished the book enjoyed it a good story I want book 2 but i assume i will have to wait.
wordnerdy's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Murder, and Torture
Minor: Sexual harassment
ryn_reads's review
adventurous
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? Yes
3.75