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scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
2.0
I shall treat it as a standalone since I liked the way it ended and have no interest in continuing further.
saraishelafs's review against another edition
4.0
Combining ancient British history with fantasy results in a fascinating story of warriors, evil leaders, and mages. The author uses historical information about the iron age (which includes customs, activities etc which was deduced from artifacts) and Roman history then creates a good story with likeable characters.
juliwi's review against another edition
4.0
There is always a danger when books are compared to contemporary tv shows (Game of Thrones in this case) that they are an inevitable let down because they're not as rich or as visual as the show is. Thankfully that wasn't the case with Age of Iron and I really enjoyed it. Many thanks to Orbit for sending me a copy of the book for this review.
I am currently studying to become a Medievalist and I can't count the amount of times that people have thought that the inhabitants of Britain still lived in caves during the Iron Age. Instead of continuing this ignorance, Watson's story is ultimately human and neglects many of the stereotypes that unfortunately cloud many fantasy/historical fiction novels, especially regarding women when in fact women enjoyed a lot of rights before Christianity came to Europe. My favourite character in Age of Iron was therefore probably Lowa. She is strong, emotional, full of action, sexual and her position within the novel is never questioned. Watson writes her as a key character who drives the plot. This might sound normal, but many novels and films actually suffer from strong female characters who are only there as guides. They are the ones who are clearly capable of great deeds and yet they have to stand aside for a male character to take up the spotlight they were more than capable of filling. Although Dug is arguably the main character in this book, Lowa has her own path and follows that. The same counts for most of the other characters, all of which had their own story lines which seemed to come together quite beautifully in the end.
Watson's writing is evocative and this is really what brings to life a landscape that is unfamiliar to many readers. Everyone has probably seen a Marie Antoinette movie or knows what Henry VIII was like, but what exactly would a castle from the Iron Age look like? Since there was hardly anything to base his story on, in the sense of historical evidence, Watson was given licence to invent freely and he does exactly that. His world-building is vivid and imaginative, without seeming ridiculous. He creates a scene landscape feels both familiar and yet different enough to tickle the reader's curiosity. He also deals very adequately with the tradition of Druidism, which is, too often, ridiculed. Even among Druids there are wise ones and ridiculous ones and Watson offers us everything. Although I am not quite convinced at the choice of names for the characters, I can't really suggest any ones which would have maybe been more accurate.
Clocking in at 560 pages, Age of Iron is a whopper. However, the pages flow by and the story sweeps you along. Although I needed the first chapter or two to settle into Watson's style and the story but then I was off and didn't really stop until I reached the end. The novel takes a lot of unexpected turns and the switching of narrators between chapters means the reader gets to see the story from a lot of different angle. Naturally back in the day they didn't have any way of staying up-to-date with their companions so the switching really helps to make sure the reader stays attached to all the different characters and it also does a lot to up the suspense.
I absolutely loved Age of Iron. I raced through the novel and didn't want to put it down. Each of the characters had something endearing which means that there is not a chapter that feels like a waste. I would recommend this to history fans and readers who are looking for a read with strong female characters.
I am currently studying to become a Medievalist and I can't count the amount of times that people have thought that the inhabitants of Britain still lived in caves during the Iron Age. Instead of continuing this ignorance, Watson's story is ultimately human and neglects many of the stereotypes that unfortunately cloud many fantasy/historical fiction novels, especially regarding women when in fact women enjoyed a lot of rights before Christianity came to Europe. My favourite character in Age of Iron was therefore probably Lowa. She is strong, emotional, full of action, sexual and her position within the novel is never questioned. Watson writes her as a key character who drives the plot. This might sound normal, but many novels and films actually suffer from strong female characters who are only there as guides. They are the ones who are clearly capable of great deeds and yet they have to stand aside for a male character to take up the spotlight they were more than capable of filling. Although Dug is arguably the main character in this book, Lowa has her own path and follows that. The same counts for most of the other characters, all of which had their own story lines which seemed to come together quite beautifully in the end.
Watson's writing is evocative and this is really what brings to life a landscape that is unfamiliar to many readers. Everyone has probably seen a Marie Antoinette movie or knows what Henry VIII was like, but what exactly would a castle from the Iron Age look like? Since there was hardly anything to base his story on, in the sense of historical evidence, Watson was given licence to invent freely and he does exactly that. His world-building is vivid and imaginative, without seeming ridiculous. He creates a scene landscape feels both familiar and yet different enough to tickle the reader's curiosity. He also deals very adequately with the tradition of Druidism, which is, too often, ridiculed. Even among Druids there are wise ones and ridiculous ones and Watson offers us everything. Although I am not quite convinced at the choice of names for the characters, I can't really suggest any ones which would have maybe been more accurate.
Clocking in at 560 pages, Age of Iron is a whopper. However, the pages flow by and the story sweeps you along. Although I needed the first chapter or two to settle into Watson's style and the story but then I was off and didn't really stop until I reached the end. The novel takes a lot of unexpected turns and the switching of narrators between chapters means the reader gets to see the story from a lot of different angle. Naturally back in the day they didn't have any way of staying up-to-date with their companions so the switching really helps to make sure the reader stays attached to all the different characters and it also does a lot to up the suspense.
I absolutely loved Age of Iron. I raced through the novel and didn't want to put it down. Each of the characters had something endearing which means that there is not a chapter that feels like a waste. I would recommend this to history fans and readers who are looking for a read with strong female characters.
ghostmuppet's review against another edition
4.0
This book is set in Britain before the Romans arrived. This is a period of British history where we know very little (as explained at the end of the book). It is also a part of History that I enjoy - so I was looking forward to reading/listening to this set of books (it is a trilogy). I decided to wait until the last book was virtually out to start.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were good and enjoyable to read. There was that little 'is it really magic' vibe throughout the book. The feel of the tribes, villages and forts felt real. The swearing was amusing (lots of Badger swearing).
There was some disturbing scenes. One that sticks out is in an arena where a sword is inserted into a mans arse multiple times - shudder.
Is this Grimdark? hard to say - this is based on history. There is sick violence in it, there is sex, swearing and a down trodden feel to people - but there is also a lot of humour and fun.
There were a few areas in the book that I felt lost, and some of the chapters felt a little too short and could have been wrapped in to other chapters.
This is a series that I will certainly continue to read.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were good and enjoyable to read. There was that little 'is it really magic' vibe throughout the book. The feel of the tribes, villages and forts felt real. The swearing was amusing (lots of Badger swearing).
There was some disturbing scenes. One that sticks out is in an arena where a sword is inserted into a mans arse multiple times - shudder.
Is this Grimdark? hard to say - this is based on history. There is sick violence in it, there is sex, swearing and a down trodden feel to people - but there is also a lot of humour and fun.
There were a few areas in the book that I felt lost, and some of the chapters felt a little too short and could have been wrapped in to other chapters.
This is a series that I will certainly continue to read.
patrick6367's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this one. This a fun, not-too-realistic, light-hearted romp (despite the brutal murders, slavery, misery, regicide, war, etc) Had good characters whom I enjoyed cheering on. I'm on to the second book now. I did enjoy his Native American trilogy, which begins with "You die when you die", even more than this and I highly recommend checking his second trilogy out. It was an excellent reading adventure.
wimerek's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
literary_han's review against another edition
5.0
I've never really got into ancient historical books but this was a major surprise!
The plot was intriguing and there was non-stop action. Incredibly blood thirsty and a hint of magic!
I highly recommend this book to fantasy, historical and action book lovers!
READ IT!!!!
The plot was intriguing and there was non-stop action. Incredibly blood thirsty and a hint of magic!
I highly recommend this book to fantasy, historical and action book lovers!
READ IT!!!!
angrywombat's review against another edition
3.0
Although this is presented as some kind of historical fiction, I just cant take it seriously. This reminds me of the movie "A Knight's Tale" - which has the trappings of a historical story, but plays very fast and loose with everything else.
The language, slang, and the attitudes and knowledge of many characters comes across as completely anachronistic, which pulled me out of the story on many occasions. But the main characters and their interactions are a lot of fun. In fact, some of the characters (Dug Sealskinner especially) were a joy to see in action.
The self deprecating humour really drew me in, making me want to read more. But since I'm not british the language use kept making me think of a Guy Ritchie film.
Nonetheless, I will probably get the next book, just on the strength of his characters - I really want to see what becomes of Dug and his mates.
The language, slang, and the attitudes and knowledge of many characters comes across as completely anachronistic, which pulled me out of the story on many occasions. But the main characters and their interactions are a lot of fun. In fact, some of the characters (Dug Sealskinner especially) were a joy to see in action.
The self deprecating humour really drew me in, making me want to read more. But since I'm not british the language use kept making me think of a Guy Ritchie film.
Nonetheless, I will probably get the next book, just on the strength of his characters - I really want to see what becomes of Dug and his mates.
beau_kemp's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. I read and listened to the Audiobook and Sean Barrett was fantastic.
vailynst's review against another edition
3.0
Notes:
3.5 Stars
Sean Barrett (at 2.3x Speed) was great!
A part of me thinks I should rate this one at 4 stars because I really enjoyed certain aspects but other parts were not done as well as they should have been.
3.5 Stars
Sean Barrett (at 2.3x Speed) was great!
A part of me thinks I should rate this one at 4 stars because I really enjoyed certain aspects but other parts were not done as well as they should have been.