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A review by branch_c
Thunderer by Felix Gilman
3.0
Without a doubt this is one for the China Miéville fans - which I thought I was for a little while, before recognizing that his work is generally a bit too grim for me. Anyone who liked, for example, Iron Council, I can pretty much guarantee will like this one.
Anyway, this book starts off more magical and lyrical compared to Miéville's harsh and gritty stories, and if it had continued in that vein, I would have given it higher marks. Unfortunately, it slowly but surely descends into the same grim chaos of urban violence that's become Miéville's trademark, and I've found that I just don't find that enjoyable to read, regardless of how creative the setting and concepts are.
The writing, I have to say, was top notch: clear and evocative, and the characters were for the most part intriguing. A twist that comes around page 400 (of 448) was particularly well executed, and some of the grace and magic that was evident at the beginning returns to the story, making the climax and ending engaging and fairly satisfying. I would look forward to trying something else by Gilman if he does anything that emphasizes what I thought was positive about this one.
Anyway, this book starts off more magical and lyrical compared to Miéville's harsh and gritty stories, and if it had continued in that vein, I would have given it higher marks. Unfortunately, it slowly but surely descends into the same grim chaos of urban violence that's become Miéville's trademark, and I've found that I just don't find that enjoyable to read, regardless of how creative the setting and concepts are.
The writing, I have to say, was top notch: clear and evocative, and the characters were for the most part intriguing. A twist that comes around page 400 (of 448) was particularly well executed, and some of the grace and magic that was evident at the beginning returns to the story, making the climax and ending engaging and fairly satisfying. I would look forward to trying something else by Gilman if he does anything that emphasizes what I thought was positive about this one.