andicbuchanan's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Heretics Guide to Homecoming is a secondary-world fantasy with a lot of depth. It has a slightly off-centre and deeply reflective approach to personal identity and growth that I haven't found very often, and there was a lot I found eye opening and sometimes resonant. Unfortunately it didn't quite land for me. Perhaps it was the length that was off-kilter with the tone and the pacing of the book, or perhaps it was just me, but I felt I had to drag myself back to it over and over. I desperately wanted to be immersed in the world, and in the minds of the characters, and it didn't happen. But it gets the four stars because the things that did work for me have lingered in my mind. If the author writes a novella (I'm going to check) I'd 100% give it a go.
hay_shock's review
5.0
I'm very torn about whether I feel this is a 4 or a 5. The more amazing books I read, the harder it is to award anything 5 stars!
I didn't want this book to end. There were parts of the story we were 'promised' that we didn't get, so part of me feels cheated. The other part knows we got everything we needed and that I'm mostly upset that it's over.
Storytelling - Is beautiful. It flows smoothly from one setting to the next, keeping you entranced throughout. There were elements that felt a little overly repeated/mentioned. For me, it was how often Reilin's stares and facial expressions were described with portraying multiple feelings. I think I'd have preferred to read more about how the looks made Ronoah feel. The description of the emotions Reilin was portraying would jerk me out of the magic towards the end of the book.
Characters - The characters and their stories were the leading element of this book. Even the characters we met briefly, were given some love and thought, by sharing elements of their story with us. I think the introduction of new characters, and part of their life is what kept the book interesting and constantly changing. There were times when I might not like a particular character, but once the book was finished with them, I loved them. Was a beautiful journey the author took us on.
World Building - I really enjoyed the world. The different cultures, creatures and worlds were fascinating. I think so much felt like our own world, that it really pulled you in to the story and then built on your imagination with the magic system, and the history.
I loved the book and was left wanting more.
I didn't want this book to end. There were parts of the story we were 'promised' that we didn't get, so part of me feels cheated. The other part knows we got everything we needed and that I'm mostly upset that it's over.
Storytelling - Is beautiful. It flows smoothly from one setting to the next, keeping you entranced throughout. There were elements that felt a little overly repeated/mentioned. For me, it was how often Reilin's stares and facial expressions were described with portraying multiple feelings. I think I'd have preferred to read more about how the looks made Ronoah feel. The description of the emotions Reilin was portraying would jerk me out of the magic towards the end of the book.
Characters - The characters and their stories were the leading element of this book. Even the characters we met briefly, were given some love and thought, by sharing elements of their story with us. I think the introduction of new characters, and part of their life is what kept the book interesting and constantly changing. There were times when I might not like a particular character, but once the book was finished with them, I loved them. Was a beautiful journey the author took us on.
World Building - I really enjoyed the world. The different cultures, creatures and worlds were fascinating. I think so much felt like our own world, that it really pulled you in to the story and then built on your imagination with the magic system, and the history.
I loved the book and was left wanting more.
mysana's review
I didn’t like any of the character? And honestly could have really used a black sensitively reader
tolu_odejide's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
4.25
It was brilliant.
hannsjsjwkkqkq's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
3.5
toopunkrockforshul's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
There are some really beautiful metaphors and uses of language in this, and the worldbuilding is interesting. The pacing was off to me though and at times the morals seemed a bit heavy handed and preachy. I also don't love how
There are also some unco fortable moments around race, sl very, and imperialism that I think would have benefited from a sensitivity reader
Spoiler
Ronoah's empathy is apparently some magical thing, as it was one of the things that I found relatable and enjoyed about him. I don't love the implication that regular people can't care like that.There are also some unco fortable moments around race, sl very, and imperialism that I think would have benefited from a sensitivity reader
nuaxu's review
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
solntse's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
4.0
As someone who both struggles with anxiety and has moved many times in the hope of finally finding a sense of belonging or understanding, this novel was a beautiful and unsettling read. The novel depicts anxiety very realistically; Ronoah's tendency to be trapped by his racing thoughts was all too familiar. I think readers need to go into the book aware that it is not a typical fantasy offering. It is a travelogue and slice-of-life, with the action centred around internal conflict; the folklore and stories-within-stories were engaging, and the side characters especially stood out to me. That being said, the latter half of the novel was dominated by the protagonist's anxious musings, which slowed the pace and caused me to skip some paragraphs to get to the action.
The world-building was lovely: the details about differences in religion, cultural expressions, and versions of history were vivid. I loved the linguistic development, and Ronoah's struggles with learning the language were incredibly relatable. I loved the linguistic quirks included, with some words changed from modern English. It was a small touch that breathed life into the text and reminded me that I was in a new world in much the same way that the two moons did. I always enjoy a well-realised fantasy world, and I wish there had been more interactions with other characters, or explorations of other cities. It's not often you feel like you know the world you're reading, but the author breathed life into it, from the types of food eaten to the creation myths.
Ronoah's journey across the continent to find belonging was emotional. I identified strongly with him and was curious about his life. I enjoyed his empathy for others and his ability to think deeply. I related to his anxiety and his self-paralysis when stressed, and many of my favourite quotes felt as if they were written just for me. That being said, there were times when I skipped past the paragraphs of Ronoah's self-loathing; sometimes, it became too uncomfortable, and there were so many repetitions of this cycle that they sometimes lost their emotional impact. While I recognise that this is typical of anxiety to be repeating these same thoughts endlessly, as a reader, I wished this wasn't happening every few pages. If I'm frank, he was sometimes very tiring as the only narrator; I hope I don't feel like this to my friends! Ronoah's character development was satisfying, but
I'll admit that I didn't love Reilin. His air of mystery grew stale quickly, and this became evident in the second half, where
I did, however, <i> love </i> the side characters, especially the Tellers. I was so interested in their histories and I really regretted not seeing them again. I want to see more of the children of the sea, too.
The prose was sumptuous, especially in the stories-within-stories. I wish there had been more of those throughout the second half of the book. As I said above, Ronoah's internal monologues were frequent, and I am hoping that in the second book, they will be interspersed with more action so they don't become repetitive. I will definitely read the next book, and am excited to read more about the Shale project!
The world-building was lovely: the details about differences in religion, cultural expressions, and versions of history were vivid. I loved the linguistic development, and Ronoah's struggles with learning the language were incredibly relatable. I loved the linguistic quirks included, with some words changed from modern English. It was a small touch that breathed life into the text and reminded me that I was in a new world in much the same way that the two moons did. I always enjoy a well-realised fantasy world, and I wish there had been more interactions with other characters, or explorations of other cities. It's not often you feel like you know the world you're reading, but the author breathed life into it, from the types of food eaten to the creation myths.
Ronoah's journey across the continent to find belonging was emotional. I identified strongly with him and was curious about his life. I enjoyed his empathy for others and his ability to think deeply. I related to his anxiety and his self-paralysis when stressed, and many of my favourite quotes felt as if they were written just for me. That being said, there were times when I skipped past the paragraphs of Ronoah's self-loathing; sometimes, it became too uncomfortable, and there were so many repetitions of this cycle that they sometimes lost their emotional impact. While I recognise that this is typical of anxiety to be repeating these same thoughts endlessly, as a reader, I wished this wasn't happening every few pages. If I'm frank, he was sometimes very tiring as the only narrator; I hope I don't feel like this to my friends! Ronoah's character development was satisfying, but
Spoiler
Reilin's big discovery cheapened it to me. It was the "aha!" moment and I felt like I was cheated out of some of Reilin's own story.I'll admit that I didn't love Reilin. His air of mystery grew stale quickly, and this became evident in the second half, where
Spoiler
the only interruption to Ronoah's anxiety was Reilin's amused refusal to answer questions.I did, however, <i> love </i> the side characters, especially the Tellers. I was so interested in their histories and I really regretted not seeing them again. I want to see more of the children of the sea, too.
The prose was sumptuous, especially in the stories-within-stories. I wish there had been more of those throughout the second half of the book. As I said above, Ronoah's internal monologues were frequent, and I am hoping that in the second book, they will be interspersed with more action so they don't become repetitive. I will definitely read the next book, and am excited to read more about the Shale project!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Fire/Fire injury, and Colonisation
tiredcreature's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
4.75
divine_komedie_brute's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Homophobia