A review by rainysakura
By Force Alone by Lavie Tidhar

3.0

I'll be honest. If I didn't have a strict "start it, finish it" rule, I probably would not have finished this book. There were moments when I felt compelled to keep reading, moments where I chuckled, even moments where I cackled. Then there were long stretches where I felt like picking up my Kindle was a chore. I can't quite understand whether the writing style is extremely poor editing or intentional choice by the author. You get used to it, though it makes for a rocky start. I suppose this is my first introduction to Arthurian legend, and what a hazing indeed! I am unsure how much of the story (such as The Zone) corresponds with mainstream Arthurian legend (if there is such a thing), but the author's choice of plot points was fairly interesting. He made otherwise docile female characters badass. He had good insights into the human condition and made just the right amount of social commentary. The book's description got it right, describing it as "equally poetic and profane".