Scan barcode
salmaneser's review against another edition
2.0
When this series was translated in Dutch, it was announced as the Russian Tolkien, with a fascinating storyline and intrigueing characters. After finishing this second part, I'm still wondering why they've made this comparison.
The best part of the series, is the description of the different species on Siala, and their mutual relations. Whereas most authors stick to the more classic, Tolkienesque image of the species, the portraying in this books is rather refreshing. The difference between the light- and darkelves for instance, has nothing to do with the classic division into 'good' and 'bad' elves. For this part, I could see the comparison with Tolkien, although it would have been nice to learn more about the history of Siala and its inhabitants.
Instead of that, the books merely focus on the main storyline. Well, not really the main storyline, rather the only storyline. A group of people goes on a quest for an ancient relic to save a kingdom, and in addition the world, from an ancient enemy. Simple storyline with potential, but not what I would call fascinating. The only focus is on this group and its journey, there are little or no substories, where you can learn more about the world or other characters. When there actually is a substory, like the dreams of the main character about Hargan's Battle or Djok, they are more interesting than the main story.
You would expect that, because of the above, you would know the main characters very well by now. Maybe apart from the main character Harold, the imp Kli-Kli, and the comic duo Deler and Hallas, that is not the case. The other members of the group are hardly elaborated, which is a pity. The developing of the characters could've been better and more in depth.
The best part of the series, is the description of the different species on Siala, and their mutual relations. Whereas most authors stick to the more classic, Tolkienesque image of the species, the portraying in this books is rather refreshing. The difference between the light- and darkelves for instance, has nothing to do with the classic division into 'good' and 'bad' elves. For this part, I could see the comparison with Tolkien, although it would have been nice to learn more about the history of Siala and its inhabitants.
Instead of that, the books merely focus on the main storyline. Well, not really the main storyline, rather the only storyline. A group of people goes on a quest for an ancient relic to save a kingdom, and in addition the world, from an ancient enemy. Simple storyline with potential, but not what I would call fascinating. The only focus is on this group and its journey, there are little or no substories, where you can learn more about the world or other characters. When there actually is a substory, like the dreams of the main character about Hargan's Battle or Djok, they are more interesting than the main story.
You would expect that, because of the above, you would know the main characters very well by now. Maybe apart from the main character Harold, the imp Kli-Kli, and the comic duo Deler and Hallas, that is not the case. The other members of the group are hardly elaborated, which is a pity. The developing of the characters could've been better and more in depth.
br1ckh0use's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
My thoughts:
It’s not often these days that I read translated books, but this is one of them as it is translated from Russian, and the translator does a good job.
In the last book they all left on a long journey, and one traveller died and the loss is still felt. They all know now that they all will not make it to Hrad Spein and even fewer will make it out of there. It will not be an easy journey.
Harold the thief doesn’t have the same spotlight as in book 2, in this one we get of the rest too. For example the goblin Kli-Kli, he plays the fool, but he is hiding something and he is much cleverer than what he looks. Kli-Kli is the humour in this book and that’s nice. As for the rest of the characters, I do like them, and I wonder at the same time how many will remain at the end. An interesting cast, but also a cast of warriors and warriors fall.
This book is all about the journey. They are travelling, going to one city, gets into trouble, and later there is some fighting too. At the end I see a glimpse of something new and interesting. But at the same time the journey does feel a bit long, and in a way not much happen at all. The more interesting parts are the dreams Harold are having, of the Houses of Pain, Love and more, about a figure called the Master, about things passed that led to the Nameless one. And the best of all, a strange world where 3 figures wants him to come and save him. It seems worlds can be created. That whole system of magic fascinated me, and I hope we get more clues to it.
Conclusion:
A good enough fantasy novel, an epic journey, different characters and races, and the hunt for something that might lead to their death. What this book did bring me was more about the world itself. And I would read the next one, and hope he gets what he is after so that I can see the world saved.
Rating:
It was short (for fantasy) so a fast read
Cover:
Good, I do like fantasy covers, and I checked the paperback for book 1 and liked that one, so I am sure the paperback cover for this one will be even better.
It’s not often these days that I read translated books, but this is one of them as it is translated from Russian, and the translator does a good job.
In the last book they all left on a long journey, and one traveller died and the loss is still felt. They all know now that they all will not make it to Hrad Spein and even fewer will make it out of there. It will not be an easy journey.
Harold the thief doesn’t have the same spotlight as in book 2, in this one we get of the rest too. For example the goblin Kli-Kli, he plays the fool, but he is hiding something and he is much cleverer than what he looks. Kli-Kli is the humour in this book and that’s nice. As for the rest of the characters, I do like them, and I wonder at the same time how many will remain at the end. An interesting cast, but also a cast of warriors and warriors fall.
This book is all about the journey. They are travelling, going to one city, gets into trouble, and later there is some fighting too. At the end I see a glimpse of something new and interesting. But at the same time the journey does feel a bit long, and in a way not much happen at all. The more interesting parts are the dreams Harold are having, of the Houses of Pain, Love and more, about a figure called the Master, about things passed that led to the Nameless one. And the best of all, a strange world where 3 figures wants him to come and save him. It seems worlds can be created. That whole system of magic fascinated me, and I hope we get more clues to it.
Conclusion:
A good enough fantasy novel, an epic journey, different characters and races, and the hunt for something that might lead to their death. What this book did bring me was more about the world itself. And I would read the next one, and hope he gets what he is after so that I can see the world saved.
Rating:
It was short (for fantasy) so a fast read
Cover:
Good, I do like fantasy covers, and I checked the paperback for book 1 and liked that one, so I am sure the paperback cover for this one will be even better.
apocryphal_goose's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
afterwhy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ulia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
i looovee it sm 😭 😭 😭 😭 Угорь my beloved 🥺 🥺 🥺 🥺 🥺
saie's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lyndiane's review against another edition
5.0
10 Stars
Another SUPERB offering from this amazing author. The premise is traditional rather than clichéd, with the usual mix of humans, elves, gnomes and dwarves (although the elves are unlike anything Tolkien presented, ditto the dwarves) and a human thief who has somehow ended up with the spirit of an eons-dead sorcerer living in his head, and the rather unwanted ability to literally take a walk in his own dreams. Added to the mix is a small green goblin jester, who is so much more than what he appears to be.
The action is non-stop, there are plots and counter-plots to satisfy everyone, and there is even some ultra-creepy stuff thrown in for those who simply cannot do without. If you are looking for a happily-ever-after offering, this series is NOT for you!!
Another SUPERB offering from this amazing author. The premise is traditional rather than clichéd, with the usual mix of humans, elves, gnomes and dwarves (although the elves are unlike anything Tolkien presented, ditto the dwarves) and a human thief who has somehow ended up with the spirit of an eons-dead sorcerer living in his head, and the rather unwanted ability to literally take a walk in his own dreams. Added to the mix is a small green goblin jester, who is so much more than what he appears to be.
The action is non-stop, there are plots and counter-plots to satisfy everyone, and there is even some ultra-creepy stuff thrown in for those who simply cannot do without. If you are looking for a happily-ever-after offering, this series is NOT for you!!
octavia_cade's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this much better than the first in the series. It's still nothing very original in fantasy terms, but it's competently done and the characters are more rounded this time, I think. Harold isn't any more outstanding to me than he was the last time, but the secondary characters - Eel and Kli-Kli especially - are much more interesting (and in the latter case, much less annoying) than they were before, and I'm beginning to feel invested in them.
The book seems to read quicker than the last one, too. Possibly because of the different structure - #2 is very much an ongoing adventure, while #1 was routinely interrupted with what were essentially self-contained short stories.
Overall, an improvement on the first. Hopefully #3 is even better.
The book seems to read quicker than the last one, too. Possibly because of the different structure - #2 is very much an ongoing adventure, while #1 was routinely interrupted with what were essentially self-contained short stories.
Overall, an improvement on the first. Hopefully #3 is even better.