kitvaria_sarene's review
4.0
Banebringer by Carol A. Park quickly caught my attention for its two very different characters.
A man who is a banebringer, so can use magic, but who is a mix of clumsy and powerful.
And then we have a female assassin who doesn't take anyone's crap. Instead of the usual stone cold slayer, this one has a heart, especially for lost women!
Both of them have quite some mysteries in their past, which kept me intrigued all along the way.
I always loved a good friendship, and even though there is some attraction here, I liked that the book never actually fell into the romance category. Instead it is about fighting monsters, political intrigue, finding your own way, learning who you really are, and maybe gain back some trust in the world and some people. The trauma and hidden past also made the bit of romance it had feel more relevant than just "Do I want her/him or not?"
For me this was a great mix of a new world to explore, magic, action, character development, so I can't wait to read more in the series!
A man who is a banebringer, so can use magic, but who is a mix of clumsy and powerful.
And then we have a female assassin who doesn't take anyone's crap. Instead of the usual stone cold slayer, this one has a heart, especially for lost women!
Both of them have quite some mysteries in their past, which kept me intrigued all along the way.
I always loved a good friendship, and even though there is some attraction here, I liked that the book never actually fell into the romance category. Instead it is about fighting monsters, political intrigue, finding your own way, learning who you really are, and maybe gain back some trust in the world and some people. The trauma and hidden past also made the bit of romance it had feel more relevant than just "Do I want her/him or not?"
For me this was a great mix of a new world to explore, magic, action, character development, so I can't wait to read more in the series!
macbean221b's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
esop's review against another edition
4.0
There are a lot of excellent surprises about Banebringer. One of those surprises, personally, was that I read half the book in a single day, and then the other half another day, reading sprees the likes of which I have not had since my younger Harry Potter days.
I liked that it was a dark story without becoming overbearingly "grimdark" or anything--it didn't feel like Park was intentionally trying to lean into that genre, and instead every dark aspect to the story/world and the violence happened organically and fit within what we knew about the world. The darkness served a purpose, rather than being dark/bleak just for the sake of it.
Speaking of the world, it's extremely interesting. Getting into too much detail about the different political/religious factions and how complex they end up being would be spoilerish so I'll avoid that, but it's definitely a unique and compelling world that Park has created. In addition to that, the magic system is explained just enough to make sense for the reader and be believable while still leaving enough unexplained to make it magical and mysterious. The biggest thing I'm wondering is why or how these heretic gods choose people to, for lack of a better term, "curse." Maybe we'll learn why in a future book, but even left unexplained, I was not unsatisfied.
The varying types of magic within the system were also fun and exciting to learn about, as well as delving deeper into how it works in the latter half of the book. What may seem random or hand-wavey early on in the story gets explained in detail later on, showing just how much thought Park put into fleshing out this world and its inhabitants.
And yeah, those inhabitants are fleshed out to a great degree as well. Our two main characters, Vaughn and Ivana, both feel like real people with real backstories and motivations, and the care Park put into their development is obvious. The relationship between the two is one of the best aspects of the novel, and every piece of it feels real and earned--which is no easy feat. It kept me on my toes, and I was always surprised by the outcome of scenes between the two, until I paused to consider their histories and personalities, which made me wonder how I ever thought it might go a different way. The consistency of Park's characters makes them feel real, and their motivations never feel like their only purpose is to move the plot forward.
All in all, Banebringer is a really great debut with an interesting world, realistic characters, and fun, unique magic. It's also incredibly readable, and I think once you pick it up it'll be hard for you to put it down.
I liked that it was a dark story without becoming overbearingly "grimdark" or anything--it didn't feel like Park was intentionally trying to lean into that genre, and instead every dark aspect to the story/world and the violence happened organically and fit within what we knew about the world. The darkness served a purpose, rather than being dark/bleak just for the sake of it.
Speaking of the world, it's extremely interesting. Getting into too much detail about the different political/religious factions and how complex they end up being would be spoilerish so I'll avoid that, but it's definitely a unique and compelling world that Park has created. In addition to that, the magic system is explained just enough to make sense for the reader and be believable while still leaving enough unexplained to make it magical and mysterious. The biggest thing I'm wondering is why or how these heretic gods choose people to, for lack of a better term, "curse." Maybe we'll learn why in a future book, but even left unexplained, I was not unsatisfied.
The varying types of magic within the system were also fun and exciting to learn about, as well as delving deeper into how it works in the latter half of the book. What may seem random or hand-wavey early on in the story gets explained in detail later on, showing just how much thought Park put into fleshing out this world and its inhabitants.
And yeah, those inhabitants are fleshed out to a great degree as well. Our two main characters, Vaughn and Ivana, both feel like real people with real backstories and motivations, and the care Park put into their development is obvious. The relationship between the two is one of the best aspects of the novel, and every piece of it feels real and earned--which is no easy feat. It kept me on my toes, and I was always surprised by the outcome of scenes between the two, until I paused to consider their histories and personalities, which made me wonder how I ever thought it might go a different way. The consistency of Park's characters makes them feel real, and their motivations never feel like their only purpose is to move the plot forward.
All in all, Banebringer is a really great debut with an interesting world, realistic characters, and fun, unique magic. It's also incredibly readable, and I think once you pick it up it'll be hard for you to put it down.
saraishelafs's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting story line. Exciting conflicts and a touch of romance.
jenbsbooks's review
4.0
3.5 stars. I liked this. It didn't feel like 500+ pages. BUT ... it didn't GRAB me like some other epic fantasy stories I've read. I just never quite connected with the characters the way I have with [b:Enchantress|22617388|Enchantress (Evermen Saga, #1)|James Maxwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1418974800l/22617388._SY75_.jpg|21447860], [b:Finnikin of the Rock|4932435|Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1)|Melina Marchetta|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1346007613l/4932435._SY75_.jpg|4998084], [b:Three Dark Crowns|28374007|Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns, #1)|Kendare Blake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1469265712l/28374007._SY75_.jpg|42750582], [b:The Hundredth Queen|40706756|The Hundredth Queen (The Hundredth Queen, #1-4)|Emily R. King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542653715l/40706756._SX50_.jpg|63310448], [b:Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set|6604209|Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set (Mistborn, #1-3)|Brandon Sanderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1257442247l/6604209._SX50_.jpg|6798109] ... this DID remind me of the Mistborn series a bit. Burning aether (Mistborn would consume and burn metals for different "powers") ...
I got a little confused at the names, as they were unique and each many seemed to have several (ie Vaughn/Teyrnon/Heilyn) plus the "Da" "Dal" (Mrs/Mr titles?).
The Banebringer idea was interesting and unique - as were all the different types of Bloodbanes.
I received the audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. I liked the narrator. Very good. I also was able to snag the Kindle copy, as it's included in Kindle Unlimited. I didn't really refer to the text until I was done (sometimes I need to if I feel like I missed something in the audio, which is easy to do). Looking back over the text ... I wonder if I would have caught more/connected more reading it myself. Just a little slower, more concentrated (I admit I'm multi-tasking while listening and I can get distracted ... but then again several of the books mentioned above were all experienced in audio format).
Parental Perspective: On AudiobookBoom, it was labeled L/V for language/violence. I don't recall language - I guess "damn" was there a bit, but no F-bomb (usually the proFanity when listed). A bit surprised S/Sex wasn't listed, because it was quite prevalent throughout, somewhat explicit. Of course there is violence when one of the characters is an assassin and there are monsters.
I got a little confused at the names, as they were unique and each many seemed to have several (ie Vaughn/Teyrnon/Heilyn) plus the "Da" "Dal" (Mrs/Mr titles?).
The Banebringer idea was interesting and unique - as were all the different types of Bloodbanes.
I received the audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. I liked the narrator. Very good. I also was able to snag the Kindle copy, as it's included in Kindle Unlimited. I didn't really refer to the text until I was done (sometimes I need to if I feel like I missed something in the audio, which is easy to do). Looking back over the text ... I wonder if I would have caught more/connected more reading it myself. Just a little slower, more concentrated (I admit I'm multi-tasking while listening and I can get distracted ... but then again several of the books mentioned above were all experienced in audio format).
Parental Perspective: On AudiobookBoom, it was labeled L/V for language/violence. I don't recall language - I guess "damn" was there a bit, but no F-bomb (usually the proFanity when listed). A bit surprised S/Sex wasn't listed, because it was quite prevalent throughout, somewhat explicit. Of course there is violence when one of the characters is an assassin and there are monsters.
jessicafee86's review
4.0
Really enjoyable read, not totally sure about my star rating yet, but rating and review will come soon!
mistrum_crowe's review
5.0
There's a lot going on in Banebringer, and a lot of questions that have been set up for later books. It's definitely worth a look for fantasy fans looking for something a bit darker, as well as those who want an in-depth, evolving magic system. The relationship between the two main characters is engaging, their "opposites attract" dynamic written with depth, maturity, and with a bit of a twist. The rest of the worldbuilding can seem a bit woolly at times, but it's rarely much of a distraction.
filipmagnus's review
5.0
Banebringer might very well be my favourite debut novel of 2018.
Carol A. Park’s first novel deserves a whole lot of attention for its solid characters, worldbuilding, romance and an impressively deep and deliciously complex magic system! These are the aspects of Banebringer I will be expanding upon during the length of this review, so sit tight and enjoy!
Banebringers (or Gifted, as they prefer to be called) are the chosen of the old, sacrilegious gods of the land, blessed (or cursed) with amazing powers. Invisibility, pyrokinetics, darksight and water manipulation, healing abilities and so much more, they are all gifts of the patrons to their Banebringers. And that’s just the start – this isn’t just elemental magic; it’s also blood magic. When a Banebringer bleeds, their blood quickly turns to aether, a silvery substance that can be used by another Banebringer to reproduce the abilities of the first. And just in case that’s not enough, if one of those remarkable Gifted is killed, their death opens up a tear in reality, which summons a most horrible, terrible no-good monstrosity, whose badness and horribleness is directly proportionate to just how much the Banebringer in question has used his powers over the span of their life. It’s an interesting system. Park uses it with imagination and does plenty I didn’t see coming, and for that, she gets the highest marks!
The first of the two leads in this novel is the assassin Sweetblade, who also goes by the name of Ivana and will soon be getting a prequel, called—you guessed it—Sweetblade! I hear it’s shipping out in December, and I’m looking forward to reading it. The second lead is Vaughn, our resident Banebringer, a young nobleman’s son who is dogged by his old man at every step as he tries to navigate around a world that fears and hates him. Sounds a bit magically X-Men, doesn’t it, and that might be why it appeals so much to me. I’ve ever been a gigantic sucker for a marginalized people trying to survive against an unjust world.
The dynamic between Ivana and Vaughn starts off at a pretty antagonistic level, which makes their partnership of convenience that much more fun to read, and I feel that I should give yet more props to Carol Park for the spin she gives on a relationship we’ve all read dozens of times. She makes the love-hate relationship between our two leads feel fresh again, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Both characters are flawed, scarred and very, very human, and the conflicts they face give both of them memorable character arcs, which are nothing to sneer at. This is one of those novels where we can definitely talk about character agency.
The romance and worldbuilding are also nothing to sneer at, and neither are the supporting characters. From an antagonist whose connection with both Vaughn and Ivana is very personal, to a Banebringer leader forced in a tight spot by his constituency, to a spy and confidant with a good sense of humour, this novel has quite the colourful cast.
This is the first in a series of planned novels, though I don’t know whether this’ll be a trilogy or not. The ending is self-contained enough not to bother anyone, at any rate. What I would suggest is you get yourself a copy at the price of $3.99, and you spend a few days reading through it; you’ll be sure to enjoy it!
I’m happy to give it five stars on Goodreads, and a sky-full of in my heart!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Banebringer in return for an honest review!
Carol A. Park’s first novel deserves a whole lot of attention for its solid characters, worldbuilding, romance and an impressively deep and deliciously complex magic system! These are the aspects of Banebringer I will be expanding upon during the length of this review, so sit tight and enjoy!
Banebringers (or Gifted, as they prefer to be called) are the chosen of the old, sacrilegious gods of the land, blessed (or cursed) with amazing powers. Invisibility, pyrokinetics, darksight and water manipulation, healing abilities and so much more, they are all gifts of the patrons to their Banebringers. And that’s just the start – this isn’t just elemental magic; it’s also blood magic. When a Banebringer bleeds, their blood quickly turns to aether, a silvery substance that can be used by another Banebringer to reproduce the abilities of the first. And just in case that’s not enough, if one of those remarkable Gifted is killed, their death opens up a tear in reality, which summons a most horrible, terrible no-good monstrosity, whose badness and horribleness is directly proportionate to just how much the Banebringer in question has used his powers over the span of their life. It’s an interesting system. Park uses it with imagination and does plenty I didn’t see coming, and for that, she gets the highest marks!
The first of the two leads in this novel is the assassin Sweetblade, who also goes by the name of Ivana and will soon be getting a prequel, called—you guessed it—Sweetblade! I hear it’s shipping out in December, and I’m looking forward to reading it. The second lead is Vaughn, our resident Banebringer, a young nobleman’s son who is dogged by his old man at every step as he tries to navigate around a world that fears and hates him. Sounds a bit magically X-Men, doesn’t it, and that might be why it appeals so much to me. I’ve ever been a gigantic sucker for a marginalized people trying to survive against an unjust world.
The dynamic between Ivana and Vaughn starts off at a pretty antagonistic level, which makes their partnership of convenience that much more fun to read, and I feel that I should give yet more props to Carol Park for the spin she gives on a relationship we’ve all read dozens of times. She makes the love-hate relationship between our two leads feel fresh again, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Both characters are flawed, scarred and very, very human, and the conflicts they face give both of them memorable character arcs, which are nothing to sneer at. This is one of those novels where we can definitely talk about character agency.
The romance and worldbuilding are also nothing to sneer at, and neither are the supporting characters. From an antagonist whose connection with both Vaughn and Ivana is very personal, to a Banebringer leader forced in a tight spot by his constituency, to a spy and confidant with a good sense of humour, this novel has quite the colourful cast.
This is the first in a series of planned novels, though I don’t know whether this’ll be a trilogy or not. The ending is self-contained enough not to bother anyone, at any rate. What I would suggest is you get yourself a copy at the price of $3.99, and you spend a few days reading through it; you’ll be sure to enjoy it!
I’m happy to give it five stars on Goodreads, and a sky-full of in my heart!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Banebringer in return for an honest review!
thoughtsstained's review
Likes
- Sweetblade and her fire. By far my favorite aspect of the book, from what I read. I love how she refused to put up with any shit. I also loved her hinted-at complexity and wish we could have seen more of that unveiled. I really wish I could see more time and interactions with just her: working at the inn juxtaposed to her being an assassin.
Dislikes
- Pacing. This was was very slow, to me. I’ve been having that complaint about quite a few books lately, which makes me wonder if it’s actually me right now. But, one of the main reasons I put this book down is that the things I wanted to get to felt like we weren’t getting to those points any time soon and I just wasn’t excited to pick up the book anymore.
- Repetition. There’s a lot of repetition of information, especially with Vaughn’s chapters. I would always fly through Sweetblade’s chapters, but Vaughn’s always felt like a challenge. And the continued the hinting at Sweetblade’s “secret” (more below) definitely started to bog it down.
- Vaughn. The second main reason I put this book down. Vaughn’s incompetence was just infuriating. He as a character was a mix of a ladies man who didn’t hesitate to charm and sleep with any woman who moved and a person who had complex issues with his relationship with his father; it felt like we spent much more time with the former than the latter, with the latter being much more interesting.
- Timing of “reveals”. This ties much more directly with Sweetblade, who basically has an event that happened to her that was very character-defining, yet it’s not clear to the readers exactly what happened. This was frustrating because it’s set up as going to be this major reveal (especially to Vaughn), yet we as readers don’t have a clear understanding of it, just constant hinting. And I just became frustrated at being strung along.
This is going to receive no rating from me, since I DNFed @ 63%. I usually do rate books even that I don’t finish, because I have a clear feeling of what that rating should be. But I don’t for this book. During the bits I enjoyed, it felt like a solid 3 gem read. Yet, in many other moments, I leaned towards the 2 or 2.5 range. So, it didn’t feel fair to give it a rating when I can’t decide what that rating should be.
I wish I had better news to report, because Banebringer is a book I’ve been excited to read for a while. But, I think in part why I didn’t read at all last month was because I was trying to convince myself to pick this back up and I…had just lost interest, frankly. However, I don’t think this will be the last Carol A. Park book I read. I really enjoy interacting with her online and I think I am very much an outlier in not enjoying this book (plus, I want to continue to support her and her career as a writer). I highly encourage everyone to check this out and prove this to be a “it’s just me” case.
hteph's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Interesting worldbuilding and good plot, but the prose falls a bit short and I didn’t really connect with the main characters. Also a bit more context and familiarity with the world would have been good.