Reviews

Another fine read. Winter was my favorite POV character by a long shot, but too much of this book was just detailing a military campaign, which is perhaps interesting but not as much as a story. Also, you knew the good guys were gonna win the whole time because otherwise the book would end, so it felt gutless. The magic in this book was limited but effectively used, and the colonel's relationship with winter is one I'm excited to continue following in the next book.

songwind's review against another edition

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4.0

The Thousand Names is a "flintlock fantasy" with a distinctly British Empire in Asia feel to it. The action centers around a regiment of musketeers in an arid region far from home. They are hold up in an ancient fort because a populist religious uprising, the Redemption, has driven them out of the country's city along with the former ruler.

They're waiting for recall home - their enemy outnumbers them 10-to-1. But when their new commander arrives, he comes with relief troops and a mission from their king to retake the capital on behalf of their ally, the Prince.

In addition to the greater plot, the book also deals closely with multiple personal subplots for many of the characters, giving the book real life.

My main worry before starting was that this would turn out to be a thinly veiled rant against or libel of Islam. Other than the setting, however, there was not much parallel. Neither the society nor religion of Khandar ends up paralleling the Mideast. In fact, what real world parallelism there is seems like a distant inspiration by Hinduism.

I thought the writing was very solid, though it did not strike me as particularly beautiful or clever. The attraction in this book was the story itself, and the depth of the main characters.

I'll definitely be continuing The Shadow Campaigns.

itsfreelancer's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow!

what a tale! I know I know I'm late but I'm powering through the entire series as I type. Flintlock fantasy is always a great genre and hell, who doesn't love a good warfare, bombs, assassins, strategy and magic way beyond your control.

I love Winter. And Janus. And Bobbbbbbyyyyyy!!!

skycrane's review against another edition

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5.0

I consider military fantasy to be one of my guilty pleasures, since it tends to be a pulpy genre, heavy on stereotypes and lacking in depth. I'd rate this book a tier or two higher than the typical example. The pacing and action is excellent, but there's also a lot of emphasis on character. You really get to know Winter and Marcus.

For the most part, The Thousands Names is about a single military campaign. The puppet king of Khandar has been overthrown by religious fanatics, and the Vordanai Colonial Regiment chased to the sea. Even with reinforcements, they're vastly outnumbered, facing a determined enemy with the support of the populace and superior knowledge of the territory. So there are some lively, harsh, and engaging depictions of flintlock-and-bayonet battles. But there's also a deeper plot, involving forbidden magic, ancient secrets, and power struggles within Vordan and Khandar alike.

cannizzo's review

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

monofred's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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