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tijsboussier's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
rj_owen's review against another edition
1.0
This is NOT at all my idea of an epic fantasy. The main character is absolutely the worst I have come to read about. I have no feelings, except loathing, for him. The magic system was practically non-existent and when it did appear, it was very confusing. After about 100 pages, I found myself hoping that each page would be the last (since I am the type of person that can never leave a book unfinished). I don't know who would like this book, and perhaps I am one who enjoys "clichéd" fantasy, but i can't recommend this to anyone. It is much to in depth in the wrong ways. i could not get to know any of the characters but I was well versed in the "Land" to the point where I didn't even want to know anymore.
barney100's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
raptrbreth's review against another edition
3.0
Predictable. Follows Tolkien a little too closely. A unique twist to make it bearable.
davechua's review against another edition
4.0
Possibly the most disliked protagonist in fantasy, but Donaldson has pulled off a neat trick. It's the land - rich in culture and love for the environment, that the reader roots for. The Land depends on Covenant, a character one absolutely loathes, to save it, and it creates a compelling contrast in the story. Other than that, the Tolkien references are rampant, including villains that remind one of Gollum and Sauron.
geasha1m's review against another edition
2.0
attempt#2 on phone grml...
ok so ive heard about this book now and again on various lists and forums so i was quite hopefull to get smth special. turns out i did, however not the way i wouldve liked. This is an old book and it follows that particular style old fantasy novels do ( WoT, Dragonbone chair etc.) which means the story is most of the time a quest of our main character to get from point a to point b. Also there is a big focus on worldbuilding, in the description of the natural life, buildings and landscapes, on the mythics of swords and magic, on the vast history and the tragic of a forgotton people. And thats fine as long as you get a clear balance. This particular novel however gets the measurements pretty wrong. The story is nothing but a journy and 80% of the book are details on history and soroundings and its way to much. Pagelong descriptions of some cave or some clearing or some tribe we dont care about because there is no connection to them whatsoever. this book could easily cut 200 pages. Dont expect some characters either. The whole weight of the main characters depth comes from 1 single event in the beginning. There's zero progression and maybe 1 other figure that gets a little more complexity.
Its not all bad. Some of the descriptions are very beautifull but they're rare and get drowned in the massive sea of worldbuilding. I got through it but i read it like a wikipediapage, scanning through basicly.
Honestly, unless you're realy into travelguides i dont think this is a recommandable book.
ok so ive heard about this book now and again on various lists and forums so i was quite hopefull to get smth special. turns out i did, however not the way i wouldve liked. This is an old book and it follows that particular style old fantasy novels do ( WoT, Dragonbone chair etc.) which means the story is most of the time a quest of our main character to get from point a to point b. Also there is a big focus on worldbuilding, in the description of the natural life, buildings and landscapes, on the mythics of swords and magic, on the vast history and the tragic of a forgotton people. And thats fine as long as you get a clear balance. This particular novel however gets the measurements pretty wrong. The story is nothing but a journy and 80% of the book are details on history and soroundings and its way to much. Pagelong descriptions of some cave or some clearing or some tribe we dont care about because there is no connection to them whatsoever. this book could easily cut 200 pages. Dont expect some characters either. The whole weight of the main characters depth comes from 1 single event in the beginning. There's zero progression and maybe 1 other figure that gets a little more complexity.
Its not all bad. Some of the descriptions are very beautifull but they're rare and get drowned in the massive sea of worldbuilding. I got through it but i read it like a wikipediapage, scanning through basicly.
Honestly, unless you're realy into travelguides i dont think this is a recommandable book.