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leitnerkev's review
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I think Story Graph needs to add a few adjectives at the top for this one - "frustrating" would be a good one to start. Honestly, I think SRD is punking us all with this series. The first book was full of cliches and immature writing and unlikable characters and an oversimplified plot. The second book spun its wheels to the point that nothing happens for 700 pages. Finally, this one, the one which could have redeemed all that, teased and feinted, and ultimately ground to a halt. Not to mention, the names of these characters? Are they a joke? Is it some meta reference I'm not getting? King Smegin? Belleger and Amica? Are we expected to call out the obvious references and feel like we're in on the joke or is he just punking everyone?
annarella's review
4.0
Since I read the first Thomas Covenant book I knew that Stephen Donaldson was not a fast-easy-read author. It' takes time, some time it's a bit long winding, and sometimes you don' like the characters.
But i always remembered the stories, the characters, and the worlds.
This is the last book in the Great God's War series and there's all the pros and cons of Donaldson. You can love or hate it but you will not be indifferent.
I liked it and liked how the series ended.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
But i always remembered the stories, the characters, and the worlds.
This is the last book in the Great God's War series and there's all the pros and cons of Donaldson. You can love or hate it but you will not be indifferent.
I liked it and liked how the series ended.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
taisie22's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
The Killing God is a fitting conclusion to this excellent series. The third book is a series of battles, something I don't always like, but there were just enough wins and losses to keep me interested. The stakes are high, and Donaldson doesn't believe in plot armor, as those who've read his other books know.
The writing style reminded me of his duology Mordant's Need, one of my favorite fantasies. It's not quite as dense as his later Covenant novels, yet it conveys the anguish of Estie, Bifalt, and the other characters as they struggle desperately to defeat the Great God Rile.
A central theme in the series is where magic fits in this world. Bifalt hates sorcery for good reasons, but he struggles as Estie awakens her gift and becomes a sorcerer. The Magisters have always stayed behind the lines, protecting themselves in previous wars and allowing the soldiers to take the brunt of any assault. Finally, they are united, and I liked how they learned to work together, just as Belleger and Amika did in previous books. There are some fantastic characters involved in the fighting - too numerous to mention - but each one contributes to the war effort.
There's another theme regarding religion. How many of Rile's people worship him freely, or is it the result of his Decimate of coercion? It's an interesting debate.
As I mentioned, the characters are varied and so likable. Their sacrifices are immense, but they unite to save the Last Repository, despite traitors and other obstacles. I've really enjoyed this series and I can't wait to see what Mr. Donaldson comes up with next.
The writing style reminded me of his duology Mordant's Need, one of my favorite fantasies. It's not quite as dense as his later Covenant novels, yet it conveys the anguish of Estie, Bifalt, and the other characters as they struggle desperately to defeat the Great God Rile.
A central theme in the series is where magic fits in this world. Bifalt hates sorcery for good reasons, but he struggles as Estie awakens her gift and becomes a sorcerer. The Magisters have always stayed behind the lines, protecting themselves in previous wars and allowing the soldiers to take the brunt of any assault. Finally, they are united, and I liked how they learned to work together, just as Belleger and Amika did in previous books. There are some fantastic characters involved in the fighting - too numerous to mention - but each one contributes to the war effort.
There's another theme regarding religion. How many of Rile's people worship him freely, or is it the result of his Decimate of coercion? It's an interesting debate.
As I mentioned, the characters are varied and so likable. Their sacrifices are immense, but they unite to save the Last Repository, despite traitors and other obstacles. I've really enjoyed this series and I can't wait to see what Mr. Donaldson comes up with next.
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