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wasauthor's review
5.0
I received an advance reader copy of Manipulator’s War for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Of all the books I've reviewed, [a:Elise Carlson|22292560|Elise Carlson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1647173561p2/22292560.jpg]'s Manipulator's War strikes a couple of firsts: It's the first written by an Australian author, featuring Australian characters and Australians themselves. It is also the first featuring a nonbinary protagonist. Being a fellow Australian and writing a representative story isn't enough to make a great book, but great characters, a deep plot, strong subject matter and themes are. Manipulator’s War comes through on all these fronts.
There is a lot going on in this book, as you may have gleamed from its description. The prologue jumps straight into the action, telling the story of nonbinary protagonist Ruarnon, who must ascend to the throne and lead his people through an ongoing war. At the start of the first chapter, it jumpps to Australia, where we meet highschooler Linh and her classmates on an excursion. The shift ensures the reader is paying attention, and soon, Linh and co are transported to the fantasy realm of Tarlah.
This is a novel that blends YA coming of age, epic fantasy and portal fantasy, yet it is a story about horror. It's about the horror of war, whether it's the titular war, or Linh's family's backstory. It's about how horrifically humanity can treat one another, regardless of whether they're warriors in a fantastical world or part of Australia's shameful, racist history. These themes are resonant, and the author introduces them in a way that adds complesity, instead of glorifying these actions.
Although this novel is aimed at younger audiences, it benefits from a close read. It is absolutely packed with characters and the story moves at a breakneck pace, combining all its elements in quick succession as its complex plot unfolds. While I occasionally had to pause to take stock, the book rewarded me for paying attention to its details. While most YA books lack this level of complexity, it works in the book's favour: this is an immersive story that I found refreshing for the genre.
Although a sizable read for the genre, it feels shorter than its page count. Its fast pace, characters, world and plot all play a part in this, but most of this can be attributed to the prose. Providing plenty of detail, it is filled with vivid imagery, placing the reader directly into the world. s I read the book, I could see, hear, smell and feel every aspect of the story, as if I was experiencing everything alongside its characters.
These characters (and there are many of them - the Dramatis Personae lists thirty-eight of them, although admittedly, some are only referenced) are fully realised , three-dimensional and engrossing. With a cast of this size, it is inevitable that some will play a larger part than others. In this book, those characters are Ruarnon and Linh, who support the narrative beautifully, and play off the characters who surround them wonderfully.
As mentioned above, Ruarnon is a nonbinary character. Their character is brilliantly handled, with this aspect being treated as an aspect of their character, instead of who they are. While they must deal with people’s opinion about who they think they should be, this is only one facet to a multidimensional character. This is LGBTQI+ representation exactly as it should be: an enjoyable character first, with their gender identity being just one facet. As a cisgender male, I found myself able to relate to their trials and tribulations, and I expect readers of all genders will be able to as well.
All the characters sound unique and natural. The dialogue from characters living in this fantasy realm rings true, as does the dialogue from the Australian students. Though they all literally come from different worlds, their is no discord between the different groups. All the conversations flow in an enjoyable manner.
As the subtitle suggests, this is the first book in a trilogy. The ending is left open, ready for the next two entries to expand upon the story. While it beckons readers to continue reading, it remains a book that can be enjoyed on its own merits.
While some readers might find Manipulator's War more complex than they would expect from the genre, it is a rich tale where its elements coalesce beautifully. If you enjoy YA books, it's a great coming of age tale; if you're a fantasy fan, it serves a great introduction to a new and exciting world.
My full review will be available on my website from Wednesday, 27 July 2022. To read it, and a host of other reviews, simply follow this link.
Of all the books I've reviewed, [a:Elise Carlson|22292560|Elise Carlson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1647173561p2/22292560.jpg]'s Manipulator's War strikes a couple of firsts: It's the first written by an Australian author, featuring Australian characters and Australians themselves. It is also the first featuring a nonbinary protagonist. Being a fellow Australian and writing a representative story isn't enough to make a great book, but great characters, a deep plot, strong subject matter and themes are. Manipulator’s War comes through on all these fronts.
There is a lot going on in this book, as you may have gleamed from its description. The prologue jumps straight into the action, telling the story of nonbinary protagonist Ruarnon, who must ascend to the throne and lead his people through an ongoing war. At the start of the first chapter, it jumpps to Australia, where we meet highschooler Linh and her classmates on an excursion. The shift ensures the reader is paying attention, and soon, Linh and co are transported to the fantasy realm of Tarlah.
This is a novel that blends YA coming of age, epic fantasy and portal fantasy, yet it is a story about horror. It's about the horror of war, whether it's the titular war, or Linh's family's backstory. It's about how horrifically humanity can treat one another, regardless of whether they're warriors in a fantastical world or part of Australia's shameful, racist history. These themes are resonant, and the author introduces them in a way that adds complesity, instead of glorifying these actions.
Although this novel is aimed at younger audiences, it benefits from a close read. It is absolutely packed with characters and the story moves at a breakneck pace, combining all its elements in quick succession as its complex plot unfolds. While I occasionally had to pause to take stock, the book rewarded me for paying attention to its details. While most YA books lack this level of complexity, it works in the book's favour: this is an immersive story that I found refreshing for the genre.
Although a sizable read for the genre, it feels shorter than its page count. Its fast pace, characters, world and plot all play a part in this, but most of this can be attributed to the prose. Providing plenty of detail, it is filled with vivid imagery, placing the reader directly into the world. s I read the book, I could see, hear, smell and feel every aspect of the story, as if I was experiencing everything alongside its characters.
These characters (and there are many of them - the Dramatis Personae lists thirty-eight of them, although admittedly, some are only referenced) are fully realised , three-dimensional and engrossing. With a cast of this size, it is inevitable that some will play a larger part than others. In this book, those characters are Ruarnon and Linh, who support the narrative beautifully, and play off the characters who surround them wonderfully.
As mentioned above, Ruarnon is a nonbinary character. Their character is brilliantly handled, with this aspect being treated as an aspect of their character, instead of who they are. While they must deal with people’s opinion about who they think they should be, this is only one facet to a multidimensional character. This is LGBTQI+ representation exactly as it should be: an enjoyable character first, with their gender identity being just one facet. As a cisgender male, I found myself able to relate to their trials and tribulations, and I expect readers of all genders will be able to as well.
All the characters sound unique and natural. The dialogue from characters living in this fantasy realm rings true, as does the dialogue from the Australian students. Though they all literally come from different worlds, their is no discord between the different groups. All the conversations flow in an enjoyable manner.
As the subtitle suggests, this is the first book in a trilogy. The ending is left open, ready for the next two entries to expand upon the story. While it beckons readers to continue reading, it remains a book that can be enjoyed on its own merits.
While some readers might find Manipulator's War more complex than they would expect from the genre, it is a rich tale where its elements coalesce beautifully. If you enjoy YA books, it's a great coming of age tale; if you're a fantasy fan, it serves a great introduction to a new and exciting world.
My full review will be available on my website from Wednesday, 27 July 2022. To read it, and a host of other reviews, simply follow this link.
jerbrown's review
5.0
This book was amazing. It is well written and fast paced. I love the way the author wasted no time with the plot of the book. I was hooked from the beginning and stayed hooked until the end. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this book.
katmarsh83's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
Wow there is a LOT that happens with this book! Action packed right from the beginning, there's not a whole lot I can say that won't give away too much. The story focuses mainly on Ruarnon and their struggles as a teen when regency is suddenly thrust upon them, but also features detailed supporting characters. Very rich character development. I also liked seeing the similarities between Ruarnon and their opposition... seeing they had very similar struggles but how they handled things were vastly different and therefor the outcomes were as well.
There were definitely some twists and surprises that I didn't expect, and that always makes for a good read! I just started the second one and am already hooked there as well!
There were definitely some twists and surprises that I didn't expect, and that always makes for a good read! I just started the second one and am already hooked there as well!
debbieiancu's review
5.0
Exciting adventure from a promising new author
Ruarons adventures are an exciting chance to follow political intrigue along with heartstopping adventure in a unique setting. Inspired by Egyptian culture and mixing it up with the introduction of Australian teens, this portal fantasy novel has it all
Action, monsters, politics and representation.
Highly recommended.
Ruarons adventures are an exciting chance to follow political intrigue along with heartstopping adventure in a unique setting. Inspired by Egyptian culture and mixing it up with the introduction of Australian teens, this portal fantasy novel has it all
Action, monsters, politics and representation.
Highly recommended.
tracyreadslots's review
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
This is the first time I have read a book by this author, and I can honestly say I am very pleased I did read this book, the world building is well described and interesting and the characters are very diverse, both in where they are from and their gender, including a very well developed non binary character, alongside the definite male and female roles.
In this book we follow Ruarnon and observe them grow into their leadership position and dealing with the neighbouring people under king Kyura (who wants peace, but the population want more land) and the strangers who have travelled through gateways to his world.
Linh wants to get home to Australia, can they help Ruarnon, can they get home, through travel, sea monsters, battles this story takes you by the hand and walks you through this amazing world.
rayne's review
medium-paced
4.0
A wonderful mix of fantasy
This is the first book in the Ruarnon Trilogy and is a well written YA fantasy that has portals, battles and plenty of adventure. The author delivers an overall strong first book with only a few parts that were not as smooth as the rest of the book. Having said that I love the strong Australian undertone and the storyline. There are multiple POVs but it’s Ruarnon who dominates the story. I am keen to see where the story goes from here in book 2.
bchristian541's review
adventurous
fast-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
4.0
So much occurs in Manipulator’s War that I am afraid to give anything away. To start off, nonbinary Ruarnon is trying to prove that they are worthy to be king. While a supposed peaceful visit with the neighboring king threatens Ruarnon’s life, a group of four students on a field trip stumble upon a portal into a different realm. Manipulator’s War is a current, traveling-between-realms science fiction novel. Although many events occur, each event winds up being a twist of what is expected. This novel will keep you guessing.
Manipulator’s War is full of characters with relatable feelings. You feel as though you are in the story with them with descriptive scenery. With the jumping between realms and the different characters, it can become confusing if you are not paying close attention, same with the use of “they/them/etc” for Ruaranon. I would have to make sure that the novel is mentioning Ruarnon themselves and not the company that they were with as well.
Overall, I enjoyed Manipulator’s War. I enjoyed how diverse the characters were and the descriptors that went along with each scene. If you are looking for an action packed science fiction novel with relatable characters look no further.
tarajohnson's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
Ruarnon has spent their life learning lessons in combat and how to run the kingdom they will one take over. As the non-binary heir to Tarlah they have had to work harder to impress their father who happens to be the King of Tarlah. When Ruarnon’s parents are abducted in the middle of the night they are thrust into the role quicker than anticipated and find themselves forced to make difficult decisions as they take over ruling the kingdom. In their new role Ruarnon finds that they are uncertain who to trust within the Royal Council and is also faced with the news that the neighboring kingdom wants to expand into Tarlah. Ruarnon is thrown headfirst into their role as heir to the throne and jumps straight into battling an ongoing war.
Meanwhile, Linh is on an excursion to Australia with her class when her and her classmates find themselves in a foreign land they do not recognize. As they try to find their way back Linh learns of a place that has a race that may have the knowledge to help her get back home. In her journey she stumbles onto a small island where monsters are attacking anyone and everyone. The monsters see everything as a target and annihilate anything that moves. Will she be able to escape to safety and find this race that will help her find her way home?
This book was action packed from the first pages as Ruarnon was thrust into their role as ruler of Tarlah. The storylines were entertaining, and I had to continue to read to see how the two were going to join together. I loved that the protagonist was non-binary and written from their perspective. The character of Ruarnon was written well and the author did a great job of including the struggles they faced as being non-binary without that defining them. It was an aspect of who they were, not what they were. A great read full of action, war, rivalry, betrayal, and even some monsters.
julesherb's review
4.0
If you enjoy the YA genre then this is a great book for you...If you like Fantasy then grab this book and get reading....If you enjoy both then you absolutely won't want to miss this book for sure!!! I will admit it took a little while to completely hook me but boy when it did it hooked me hard!! The non-bianary Character Ruarnon is a truly wonderful character who will draw you in to the story even more than you first expect. There is ALOT going on in this fantastic book, so pay careful attention while reading so you don't miss a thing. Trust me it will be worth every second! With such a great first book I just know the rest of the trilogy will be just as great and I can't wait.
carla_c's review
4.0
This was an interesting read and good start to the series! Being my first time reading this author I was not sure what to expect but definitely enjoyed their writing style. This story is complex and fast paced, it will hold your attention until the end. Overcoming adversity and being thrown into a role they were not ready for Ruarnon has to prove they are ready. This story is definitely one of a kind and very unique. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see where the author takes us!