Scan barcode
A review by niseag
The Gathering Storm: The Chronicles of the Raven Book I by Kate Nascimento
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Thank you Reedsy Discovery for the ARC
This author knows how to write a fight scene. That is what I want to start this review of "The Gathering Storm" with, because it honestly impressed me. Expecially one on one fights are brilliant, each being unique and creative with the stakes high and present at all times. There is a lot of them, so this becomes very important in carrying the book!
Sadly, the rest of the book did not pull nearly as much weight for me. Character development felt a bit shallow, even if it was clear that the author intended for a cast of diverse and interesting individuals. Due to the many shifts between perspectives, the book failed in getting me particularly involved with either of the characters, which was a shame! There were various instances where I really wanted to feel for the characters, like poor Dallin or Argent, but I did not get a chance to really do so as either the point of view would shift or a new challenge would present itself. This seems to improve further into the book however, for which I am thankful.
What did not improve however, and I need to point this out, is the worldbuilding. Sadly, the only real word I have for it is "haphazard": various cultures clash in a way that does not shed much light on any. In fact, it appears that in an attempt to include more diverse influences different groups have been created that feel awkward and disjointed when interacting with one another. It is unclear how these peoples influence one another, do they have trading relations? Do their paths cross at all? if they do, them being this distinct and different seems weird... on top of that this feels incredibly clunky to those familiar with the source culture (I found myself yelling at the book that a "barra" is a wheelbarrow, and not a child...)
If you can look past that though, this is an engaging story, featuring a diverse cast of people fighting for their lives, their homes and their loved ones. It is quite well done! And those fight scenes...I might recommend the book just for those.
This author knows how to write a fight scene. That is what I want to start this review of "The Gathering Storm" with, because it honestly impressed me. Expecially one on one fights are brilliant, each being unique and creative with the stakes high and present at all times. There is a lot of them, so this becomes very important in carrying the book!
Sadly, the rest of the book did not pull nearly as much weight for me. Character development felt a bit shallow, even if it was clear that the author intended for a cast of diverse and interesting individuals. Due to the many shifts between perspectives, the book failed in getting me particularly involved with either of the characters, which was a shame! There were various instances where I really wanted to feel for the characters, like poor Dallin or Argent, but I did not get a chance to really do so as either the point of view would shift or a new challenge would present itself. This seems to improve further into the book however, for which I am thankful.
What did not improve however, and I need to point this out, is the worldbuilding. Sadly, the only real word I have for it is "haphazard": various cultures clash in a way that does not shed much light on any. In fact, it appears that in an attempt to include more diverse influences different groups have been created that feel awkward and disjointed when interacting with one another. It is unclear how these peoples influence one another, do they have trading relations? Do their paths cross at all? if they do, them being this distinct and different seems weird... on top of that this feels incredibly clunky to those familiar with the source culture (I found myself yelling at the book that a "barra" is a wheelbarrow, and not a child...)
If you can look past that though, this is an engaging story, featuring a diverse cast of people fighting for their lives, their homes and their loved ones. It is quite well done! And those fight scenes...I might recommend the book just for those.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Gore
Moderate: Rape