kayla_kamldecker's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
2.0
dani_bugz's review against another edition
2.0
Unfortunately, I think A Demon in Silver just wasn't my sort of book. It reads very much like the old high fantasy I used to love, along the lines of Feist and Goodkind and Jordan. Unfortunately though I think I have evolved from the plot heavy, violence rich novel I used to enjoy.
Now I'm into character driven books, where people grow and change and learn things. Yeah, it means I like a lot more YA, but I think a lot of adults have something to learn from YA. We aren't stagnant, stationary people who will now exist in our current form for the rest of our lives. No, we grow and change just like teens do, though maybe at a slower rate, and maybe being less inclined to seek help or even acknowledge that we need it.
So that turned into a weird bit of a tirade; but what I'm getting at is that plot heavy books just don't cut it for me anymore, and that is exactly what A Demon in Silver is. It has an interesting enough plot, and the characters are okay, but I just wasn't drawn in - it didn't have the depth I have come to love. But hey, many people love that sort of thing!
Recommend: If you like plot heavy fantasy, with a fair bit of sex and gore thrown in.
Age: Adults for sure! Mature 16 year old could handle it.
Warnings: Again, the sex and the gore. Potential rap, and murder and such as well.
Now I'm into character driven books, where people grow and change and learn things. Yeah, it means I like a lot more YA, but I think a lot of adults have something to learn from YA. We aren't stagnant, stationary people who will now exist in our current form for the rest of our lives. No, we grow and change just like teens do, though maybe at a slower rate, and maybe being less inclined to seek help or even acknowledge that we need it.
So that turned into a weird bit of a tirade; but what I'm getting at is that plot heavy books just don't cut it for me anymore, and that is exactly what A Demon in Silver is. It has an interesting enough plot, and the characters are okay, but I just wasn't drawn in - it didn't have the depth I have come to love. But hey, many people love that sort of thing!
Recommend: If you like plot heavy fantasy, with a fair bit of sex and gore thrown in.
Age: Adults for sure! Mature 16 year old could handle it.
Warnings: Again, the sex and the gore. Potential rap, and murder and such as well.
n_avya24's review against another edition
1.0
dnf…boring and hard to get into…
also I’m sad now, I bought this and the second book
:(
also I’m sad now, I bought this and the second book
:(
chelseyas's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
fantasytravelerxv's review
4.0
A demon in silver by R.S. Ford
This plot follows several different characters whose lives eventually converge. However, you will not necessarily know who gets a happy ending. I believe this is considered a grimdark fantasy and it was not like what I expected. The beginning of the book reminded me a lot of Michael J. Sullivan's writing. I am particularly attracted to this type of writing because it's more carefree and adventurous. Livia, a farm girl finds herself on the run after being hunted for witchcraft. Tallymen (lawmen), warriors turned mercenary, a mysterious woman with strange power and a servant of a cult are all after her, because her mysterious powers somehow relate to a war between gods. As the book progresses, the plot gets increasingly dark and gruesome in a way that surprised me. The story is filled with villain's, murder, slavery, cults, war, torture and even proposes human sacrifice and demon like possession by gods. I still liked this darker turn, even though I'm more picky when it comes to religious inspired lore. I am a bit dissapointed that it doesn't exactly have a strong happy ending because that is more to my liking. But it's still satisfying since I really loved the writing style. I am definitely going to be looking out for more books by this author. Just a tip, sometimes the lore and storylines can seem confusing, but because the book is not written with a straightforward beginning, middle and end it doesn't matter if you don't follow all the lore that closely from the start. It did feel like something is missing by the end of the book, but overall the story is still very good.
This plot follows several different characters whose lives eventually converge. However, you will not necessarily know who gets a happy ending. I believe this is considered a grimdark fantasy and it was not like what I expected. The beginning of the book reminded me a lot of Michael J. Sullivan's writing. I am particularly attracted to this type of writing because it's more carefree and adventurous. Livia, a farm girl finds herself on the run after being hunted for witchcraft. Tallymen (lawmen), warriors turned mercenary, a mysterious woman with strange power and a servant of a cult are all after her, because her mysterious powers somehow relate to a war between gods. As the book progresses, the plot gets increasingly dark and gruesome in a way that surprised me. The story is filled with villain's, murder, slavery, cults, war, torture and even proposes human sacrifice and demon like possession by gods. I still liked this darker turn, even though I'm more picky when it comes to religious inspired lore. I am a bit dissapointed that it doesn't exactly have a strong happy ending because that is more to my liking. But it's still satisfying since I really loved the writing style. I am definitely going to be looking out for more books by this author. Just a tip, sometimes the lore and storylines can seem confusing, but because the book is not written with a straightforward beginning, middle and end it doesn't matter if you don't follow all the lore that closely from the start. It did feel like something is missing by the end of the book, but overall the story is still very good.
queenstaves's review against another edition
I quit at the line: "I'd fuck a snake if someone held its mouth open for me."
To be brief, the dialogue choices were indeed choices.
To be brief, the dialogue choices were indeed choices.
lunamond's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
crowrey's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars.
The stellar narration is really the only saving grace of this book. Before the thrid act we don't spend enough time with any of the characters for me to begin to even remotely care about them, show don't tell clearly means nothing to the author, the POV switches are sudden and awkward and of course then there's the magical removal of disability in the only disabled character. Also not to be a prude but literally not a single sex scene past the first one was necessary for the plot. Again the only good thing about this book was the delightful narration by Derek Perkins.
The stellar narration is really the only saving grace of this book. Before the thrid act we don't spend enough time with any of the characters for me to begin to even remotely care about them, show don't tell clearly means nothing to the author, the POV switches are sudden and awkward and of course then there's the magical removal of disability in the only disabled character. Also not to be a prude but literally not a single sex scene past the first one was necessary for the plot. Again the only good thing about this book was the delightful narration by Derek Perkins.
liisp_cvr2cvr's review against another edition
5.0
A Demon in Silver is 459 paperback pages of absolute fantasy goodness! Off to a really strong and exciting start, from ‘Oooh, this is hilarious’ and ‘Aaah, you bleedin’ bastard’ to ‘Noooo, this made me sad!’ A Demon in Silver took me on a wild ride.
Small human lives, in the mix of the old gods coming, and, again, that religious fanatic element that I always enjoy in a book. A 100 years have passed since magic disappeared- but why did it disappear and what happen and who was behind it? I tell you not, and instead leave the discovery of this fantastic world, with its history and present, for you to discover.
The story itself is one that holds within its history and present many changes, twists and turns whilst keeping that steady course towards an ominous culmination. A story, riding on top of the existence of a great and varied cast of characters who all, good or bad, stand tall within their own rights. And before the satisfying conclusion of this first instalment in the new series, there will be loyalty and cheating, death and second chances, perilous journeys and questionable companions aplenty. My favorite- laughs, cursing and emotional turmoil were also present!
I feel like this book has so much to it… I mean, it gave me SO much and without being a behemoth tome of gazillion pages. It’s 450-something pages and yet my experience with it left me sated in every possible sense. Every word, every scene, every setting was timely delivered through a prism of expertly chosen words and balanced out need-to-know whilst not discounting the all-important historical glimpse of events that took place a 100 or so years preceding the plot. Simply seamless! With clashes (deadly and otherwise) in between mercenaries, tallymen, a farm girl, a sword of the religious cult and a woman who is more than just a woman sounds ominous and busy, Ford’s crafty writing skill put it all into an order and presentation that never allowed my eyes to glaze over! Plus, let’s admit it, this eclectic mix of characters just made it go-boom, the possibilities, yo?! – in your head. Well, I hope it did anyway, you do not want to miss this fantasy title!
As is clear by my singing praises by now, I was completely engrossed, enjoying all of these characters for who they are and what they’re put through. Some met their deaths undeservedly, some quite deservedly…
Josten and Mullen, the mercenaries- definitely my favorite characters! These two won me over on page 2 and even though their shenanigans often gave me a near cardiac (due to laughter or fright) on pretty much every page, I don’t think I have ever taken a liking to 2 characters that quickly before. Now that I think of it- all of the characters introduced throughout the book had a big impact on me very, very quickly. I don’t know how Ford did it… magic? Mmmh… Or maybe the dialogue and expertly delivered scenes which allowed their personalities to shine from the get-go.
Livia, the farm girl in question, is a bright, level-headed young woman. Having never been further than the farmland boundaries she lives on, Livia abruptly finds herself in a very grim situation, a situation which she does not quite understand herself and as time passes she comes to know her strength… Livia is the loose constant, who left me wondering of her role in the big picture of things and as she found herself constantly facing the potentially last moment of her life, I was compelled by her purpose… But anyway, I found her storyline and development really strong in the sense that she really goes through a helluva lot and the way she deals with situations is nothing shy of admirable!
Silver, a mysterious character who appears to have fallen from the skies. A woman with unnatural physical strength, skills and power who is not to be messed with, yet who nevertheless demonstrates a heart full of love and kindness as slowly but surely her background is revealed. She, also, will be no stranger to new beginnings and difficult losses as she discovers herself and her own purpose in this story.
Kaleb! Blimey, this fella put me through some emotional paces! I do not wish to reveal his exact role in the book, but it is one of certain prominence and honour. I liked him, I didn’t like him, then I hated him and then I liked him again! With a conclusive overview of Kaleb’s life, it was very easy for me to understand him, and all the easier to dislike him for his decisions but what mattered to me is that he stood in his own right and I respect a character strong of will and skill. Kaleb is the kind of calm that you fear!
As all of the above-mentioned character and a handful of others come face to face, losses are counted and new alliances formed. It seems Livia is in the very centre of everyone’s attention. Some characters want her as a means to an end, some come to care for her in a way that demands loyalty. But Livia’s fate seems to be written in stone, so the question is can any man stop from happening what has already been set in motion?
The brutal and raw beauty of A Demon in Silver lies in many things…
The element of surprise! You really just don’t know what the next page is going to deliver! An unexpected change in direction, an unexpected alliance, death or loyalty made me change my perspectives and as many as there were chapters, I found myself teetering on the edge of madness- where was this all going to go? And who the feck can I actually trust? I was on the edge of my seat throughout and I LOVE when books do this to me- get me excited, exasperated, angry and anxious! Not to mention slightly horrified… there was a scene or two which made my hair stand but like a lunatic, I welcomed it, because this is the kind of fantasy I can get behind!
The consistency! Every one and every thing about this book is a carefully considered, necessary element, expertly transferred from Ford’s imaginative brain to paper for your very reading pleasure! The steady pace and progress of the story, the character development, the opening up of a new world in this new series- I seriously cannot wait for the next book!
The overall package! Characters, the plot, the background of the old gods, the Brotherhood. The clashing of loyalty and betrayal, the blood spilt in the name of gods, women and honour… This is the epitome of fantasy! Peppered with wit and cursing, kindness and common sense as shown through the characters, it was truly marvellous for me to discover this new beginning and the absolute potential of more to come… I sure as hell am going to check out Ford’s other titles while I (im)patiently wait for the next book in War of the Archon’s series because man, I have been living under a rock and Ford is a new discovery of a gem to me!
Small human lives, in the mix of the old gods coming, and, again, that religious fanatic element that I always enjoy in a book. A 100 years have passed since magic disappeared- but why did it disappear and what happen and who was behind it? I tell you not, and instead leave the discovery of this fantastic world, with its history and present, for you to discover.
The story itself is one that holds within its history and present many changes, twists and turns whilst keeping that steady course towards an ominous culmination. A story, riding on top of the existence of a great and varied cast of characters who all, good or bad, stand tall within their own rights. And before the satisfying conclusion of this first instalment in the new series, there will be loyalty and cheating, death and second chances, perilous journeys and questionable companions aplenty. My favorite- laughs, cursing and emotional turmoil were also present!
I feel like this book has so much to it… I mean, it gave me SO much and without being a behemoth tome of gazillion pages. It’s 450-something pages and yet my experience with it left me sated in every possible sense. Every word, every scene, every setting was timely delivered through a prism of expertly chosen words and balanced out need-to-know whilst not discounting the all-important historical glimpse of events that took place a 100 or so years preceding the plot. Simply seamless! With clashes (deadly and otherwise) in between mercenaries, tallymen, a farm girl, a sword of the religious cult and a woman who is more than just a woman sounds ominous and busy, Ford’s crafty writing skill put it all into an order and presentation that never allowed my eyes to glaze over! Plus, let’s admit it, this eclectic mix of characters just made it go-boom, the possibilities, yo?! – in your head. Well, I hope it did anyway, you do not want to miss this fantasy title!
As is clear by my singing praises by now, I was completely engrossed, enjoying all of these characters for who they are and what they’re put through. Some met their deaths undeservedly, some quite deservedly…
Josten and Mullen, the mercenaries- definitely my favorite characters! These two won me over on page 2 and even though their shenanigans often gave me a near cardiac (due to laughter or fright) on pretty much every page, I don’t think I have ever taken a liking to 2 characters that quickly before. Now that I think of it- all of the characters introduced throughout the book had a big impact on me very, very quickly. I don’t know how Ford did it… magic? Mmmh… Or maybe the dialogue and expertly delivered scenes which allowed their personalities to shine from the get-go.
Livia, the farm girl in question, is a bright, level-headed young woman. Having never been further than the farmland boundaries she lives on, Livia abruptly finds herself in a very grim situation, a situation which she does not quite understand herself and as time passes she comes to know her strength… Livia is the loose constant, who left me wondering of her role in the big picture of things and as she found herself constantly facing the potentially last moment of her life, I was compelled by her purpose… But anyway, I found her storyline and development really strong in the sense that she really goes through a helluva lot and the way she deals with situations is nothing shy of admirable!
Silver, a mysterious character who appears to have fallen from the skies. A woman with unnatural physical strength, skills and power who is not to be messed with, yet who nevertheless demonstrates a heart full of love and kindness as slowly but surely her background is revealed. She, also, will be no stranger to new beginnings and difficult losses as she discovers herself and her own purpose in this story.
Kaleb! Blimey, this fella put me through some emotional paces! I do not wish to reveal his exact role in the book, but it is one of certain prominence and honour. I liked him, I didn’t like him, then I hated him and then I liked him again! With a conclusive overview of Kaleb’s life, it was very easy for me to understand him, and all the easier to dislike him for his decisions but what mattered to me is that he stood in his own right and I respect a character strong of will and skill. Kaleb is the kind of calm that you fear!
As all of the above-mentioned character and a handful of others come face to face, losses are counted and new alliances formed. It seems Livia is in the very centre of everyone’s attention. Some characters want her as a means to an end, some come to care for her in a way that demands loyalty. But Livia’s fate seems to be written in stone, so the question is can any man stop from happening what has already been set in motion?
The brutal and raw beauty of A Demon in Silver lies in many things…
The element of surprise! You really just don’t know what the next page is going to deliver! An unexpected change in direction, an unexpected alliance, death or loyalty made me change my perspectives and as many as there were chapters, I found myself teetering on the edge of madness- where was this all going to go? And who the feck can I actually trust? I was on the edge of my seat throughout and I LOVE when books do this to me- get me excited, exasperated, angry and anxious! Not to mention slightly horrified… there was a scene or two which made my hair stand but like a lunatic, I welcomed it, because this is the kind of fantasy I can get behind!
The consistency! Every one and every thing about this book is a carefully considered, necessary element, expertly transferred from Ford’s imaginative brain to paper for your very reading pleasure! The steady pace and progress of the story, the character development, the opening up of a new world in this new series- I seriously cannot wait for the next book!
The overall package! Characters, the plot, the background of the old gods, the Brotherhood. The clashing of loyalty and betrayal, the blood spilt in the name of gods, women and honour… This is the epitome of fantasy! Peppered with wit and cursing, kindness and common sense as shown through the characters, it was truly marvellous for me to discover this new beginning and the absolute potential of more to come… I sure as hell am going to check out Ford’s other titles while I (im)patiently wait for the next book in War of the Archon’s series because man, I have been living under a rock and Ford is a new discovery of a gem to me!