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alexmatzkeit's review against another edition
5.0
I have not touched epic fantasy in a while, but I loved this. It confirmed all the faith I had in the author from reading [b:Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths Sundered Bond|52817077|Ikoria Lair of Behemoths Sundered Bond|Django Wexler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585578888l/52817077._SY75_.jpg|78962109], [b:The Gathering Storm|46226731|The Gathering Storm|Django Wexler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584648886l/46226731._SX50_.jpg|71203401] and his short story in [b:From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back|53965796|From a Certain Point of View The Empire Strikes Back (From a Certain Point of View, #2)|Elizabeth Schaefer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1594737990l/53965796._SX50_.jpg|84332286].
The interesting worldbuilding is first, of course. It builds on the now probably well-established formula of "fantasy built on collapsed sci-fi" I first encountered in [b:Anathem|2845024|Anathem|Neal Stephenson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488349209l/2845024._SX50_.jpg|6163095] (and which I know Wexler to be a fan of) and later in 2018's Magic: The Gathering Dominaria setting - post-post-apocalypse. If you know about the Star Wars influence, it does take away some of the mystery around the Order (clearly inspired by the Jedi), but it also makes it easier to picture everything in your mind's eye. Wexler mixes and matches his influences, but he does so with great inventive spirit.
What keeps the book together, however, is not the worldbuilding, but the sympathetic characters approaching the same problem from opposite (or are they?) sides. Both of their stories are equally interesting, passionate and driven. It's a writing sleight of hand that they meet for the first time at the exact middle of the book and then drift apart again.
I very much look forward to what will happen next.
The interesting worldbuilding is first, of course. It builds on the now probably well-established formula of "fantasy built on collapsed sci-fi" I first encountered in [b:Anathem|2845024|Anathem|Neal Stephenson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488349209l/2845024._SX50_.jpg|6163095] (and which I know Wexler to be a fan of) and later in 2018's Magic: The Gathering Dominaria setting - post-post-apocalypse. If you know about the Star Wars influence, it does take away some of the mystery around the Order (clearly inspired by the Jedi), but it also makes it easier to picture everything in your mind's eye. Wexler mixes and matches his influences, but he does so with great inventive spirit.
What keeps the book together, however, is not the worldbuilding, but the sympathetic characters approaching the same problem from opposite (or are they?) sides. Both of their stories are equally interesting, passionate and driven. It's a writing sleight of hand that they meet for the first time at the exact middle of the book and then drift apart again.
I very much look forward to what will happen next.
jamesroberthershaw's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
2.25
aventadistrict's review against another edition
1.0
dnf @ ~50%
adult male author describes to me the colour of a teenager's pubic hair, has his manic pixie dream girl love interest for the male mc grab his crotch w/ 0 warning to be sexy or something. enough
adult male author describes to me the colour of a teenager's pubic hair, has his manic pixie dream girl love interest for the male mc grab his crotch w/ 0 warning to be sexy or something. enough
alishaaeileen's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
reagan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
reneialeia's review against another edition
4.0
Very fun and fresh. I only wish it read a litttle less like a standalone. Hopefully this will be an expansive epic fantasy novel (just wish it gave a littttle less ya vibes) overall it hit the spot tho
ketutar's review against another edition
5.0
Superpowered sister and brother. Yet, I think it's OK. Not marysue :-D
Some "magical" rescues, but - I'm fine with that, too
Some "magical" rescues, but - I'm fine with that, too
champagnerain's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
belanna2's review against another edition
3.0
Another average coming of age story that felt very YA instead of an engrossing, epic fantasy for adults. Teens might like this...or not.