jazzypizzaz's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read high fantasy in quite some time, and this was a enjoyable reintroduction.
The world-building and magic system were especially well-done-- highly original, consistent, and just enough to whet the appetite to learn more in the next book. I appreciated that the descriptions (of setting and exposition) succinctly depicted what the reader needed to know to move the plot forward, but did not bog down the pace at any point (a too common occurence in fantasy novels). Overall, a nice balance between simplicity, orignality, and cohesion.
The characters themselves served as adequately realized to move through the richly imagined world and carry out the plot, but did not themselves jump off the page. I would have appreciated deeper characterization, generally-- character development doesn't drive the story, but also doesn't detract from it. I did quite like Mogget however, and he was a joy in any scene he appeared with a lazy sardonic quip.
I'm excited to continue the story, but am not compelled to begin immediately.
The world-building and magic system were especially well-done-- highly original, consistent, and just enough to whet the appetite to learn more in the next book. I appreciated that the descriptions (of setting and exposition) succinctly depicted what the reader needed to know to move the plot forward, but did not bog down the pace at any point (a too common occurence in fantasy novels). Overall, a nice balance between simplicity, orignality, and cohesion.
The characters themselves served as adequately realized to move through the richly imagined world and carry out the plot, but did not themselves jump off the page. I would have appreciated deeper characterization, generally-- character development doesn't drive the story, but also doesn't detract from it. I did quite like Mogget however, and he was a joy in any scene he appeared with a lazy sardonic quip.
I'm excited to continue the story, but am not compelled to begin immediately.
lightfellow's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 70%. Astonishingly boring after the first 100 pages.
scully3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
boopityzoo's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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? Yes
4.5
Creative magic system and characters you fall in love with
pebbajebbas's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
graham_h's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
kami5's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable book with highly original worldbuilding -- especially loved the juxtaposition of one world similar to ours and a magical realm with a Wall, magic systems, and strong character development throughout the book. It is one of the original 3 plots for all books but this doesn't detract at all from the reading. I picked this book up to fill a requirement and had such a great time reading it that I'll finish the series now.
isidore's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0