Take a photo of a barcode or cover
kidgoldenarm 's review for:
Tower Lord
by Anthony Ryan
Maybe my anticipation for this book set my expectations at an unrealistic level that no book could ever live up to.
Let me ponder that for a moment.
No. I don't think I was.
I was even more impatient for "Words of Radiance" and it definitely lived up to my expectations as a sequel.
But then again, it's not really the author's job is it? To meet my expectations?
So first off let's get something out of the way:
This is a good book. It's a very good dark, fantasy, action, adventure book.
But it is not in the same league as it predecessor. Thus only 3 stars out of 5.
I would say that the author is guilty of having excellent ability, talent, and craftsmanship, but has broken the unspoken agreement with his readers that was established with the first novel, Bloodsong.
Because of those contract breaches, it makes it rather difficult for him to buy my trust back. And unfortunately due to where the plot progression has gone, the switch to MULTIPLE POV's, and a grind of a slow start...
I argued with myself before putting the book down and a decision to abandon it and the series all together. It was only through the advise of a personal friend of mine, that convinced me to pick it back up and finish.
When I did finish it, I was satisfied that I had cleared what I hope is an awkward hurdle. But I wasn't really satisfied with the book itself. It had many issues.
I have faith in Anthony Ryan, and hope that the next book in the series will restore my love for this series.
My personal advice would be to read a plot synopsis for the first half of the book, and only read the last half. The first half is an unpleasant chore quest of spinning in the mud, introducing characters (most of whom don't really make an impact of any sort, emotionally or plot-wise) and exposition.
So get through it, and let's hope the next one is as good as the first.
Let me ponder that for a moment.
No. I don't think I was.
I was even more impatient for "Words of Radiance" and it definitely lived up to my expectations as a sequel.
But then again, it's not really the author's job is it? To meet my expectations?
So first off let's get something out of the way:
This is a good book. It's a very good dark, fantasy, action, adventure book.
But it is not in the same league as it predecessor. Thus only 3 stars out of 5.
I would say that the author is guilty of having excellent ability, talent, and craftsmanship, but has broken the unspoken agreement with his readers that was established with the first novel, Bloodsong.
Because of those contract breaches, it makes it rather difficult for him to buy my trust back. And unfortunately due to where the plot progression has gone, the switch to MULTIPLE POV's, and a grind of a slow start...
I argued with myself before putting the book down and a decision to abandon it and the series all together. It was only through the advise of a personal friend of mine, that convinced me to pick it back up and finish.
When I did finish it, I was satisfied that I had cleared what I hope is an awkward hurdle. But I wasn't really satisfied with the book itself. It had many issues.
I have faith in Anthony Ryan, and hope that the next book in the series will restore my love for this series.
My personal advice would be to read a plot synopsis for the first half of the book, and only read the last half. The first half is an unpleasant chore quest of spinning in the mud, introducing characters (most of whom don't really make an impact of any sort, emotionally or plot-wise) and exposition.
So get through it, and let's hope the next one is as good as the first.