urlphantomhive's review
3.0
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So far, The Awakened series has been anything but what I've been expecting to read. After my initial disappointment in the second book, Archon's Queen, where characters and setting were changed compared to Prophet of the Badlands, I was once up for a complete change of cast for the major part of Grey Ronin, but this time I was waiting for it.
However, all these changes between the books makes it difficult to really feel for the characters. Normally the characters sort of grow on you as you continue the series, but here there's the need to get attached to completely new characters (for example the main character from the first book is mentioned about once in the entire book).
The new setting, of a futuristic Japan which has returned to a feudal system, also didn't really convince me. Granted, it sounds awfully cool, but it didn't make too much sense. In the second half though, there is a change of scenery and also the reappearance of some of the characters from mostly the second book. It could hold my interest better, but I wouldn't classify it an easy read. However, I still want to read the next book, of course.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
So far, The Awakened series has been anything but what I've been expecting to read. After my initial disappointment in the second book, Archon's Queen, where characters and setting were changed compared to Prophet of the Badlands, I was once up for a complete change of cast for the major part of Grey Ronin, but this time I was waiting for it.
However, all these changes between the books makes it difficult to really feel for the characters. Normally the characters sort of grow on you as you continue the series, but here there's the need to get attached to completely new characters (for example the main character from the first book is mentioned about once in the entire book).
The new setting, of a futuristic Japan which has returned to a feudal system, also didn't really convince me. Granted, it sounds awfully cool, but it didn't make too much sense. In the second half though, there is a change of scenery and also the reappearance of some of the characters from mostly the second book. It could hold my interest better, but I wouldn't classify it an easy read. However, I still want to read the next book, of course.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
yche09's review against another edition
4.0
Grey Ronin is a breath of fresh air to me.
The Sci-fi world combined with the ancient one with samurais and ninjas is just so great! The possibilities are endless!
Let's talk about our ah-mazing main character!
Mamoru's powers are so amazing, he could even beat one of the X-men in a match! Imagine being able to control any form of electronics. That would be stupendous, won't it? Ah, just great!
Now when we talk about Mamoru's personality.. I would say that he's one of the most intriguing characters I've ever come across. He's a samurai for crying out loud! He's built on mysteries! O_O He's the formal type and he takes his honor VERY SERIOUSLY. He is so calm on the outside even though on the inside, he's in turmoil. I love just how humorous it comes out when he can't understand modern terminologies! Haha! He's also very smart. I love how his mind works. Gosh! I think he's my favorite now when it comes to powers and calm demeanor.
Now when we talk about the plot... I can say that it's very imaginative. This is a story that will literally take you to places. I would be very honest in saying that I got lost in some descriptions of places, especially when it comes to the virtual world.. But when I got the hang of it, things started to look up. Maybe I'm just not a fan of lengthy descriptions. Anyway, the story revolves around Mamoru's loyalty and the way he values his honor. It's all about that. He has a very inconvenient past and it all catches up to him here. In the moment of dire need, his character is tested and numerous people come to his aid. He gets to meet friends, foes and some people in between. I just love how the action gets incorporated in every few pages. It makes things more exciting and edgy. He faces each obstacle with all of his heart and strength. By the end of this book, I am satisfied with how well developed his character has become. He has learned a lot, so I expect more awesomeness coming from him in the next books (whichever one he'll be present in).
All in all, I love how Mamoru's character grew. I enjoyed the thrill and the msyteries behind everything too. There are some questions that are left unanswered, but I'm quite sure that they'll be answered on the next book/s. Trust in the author, I shall. :)
A good read indeed!
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
The Sci-fi world combined with the ancient one with samurais and ninjas is just so great! The possibilities are endless!
Let's talk about our ah-mazing main character!
Mamoru's powers are so amazing, he could even beat one of the X-men in a match! Imagine being able to control any form of electronics. That would be stupendous, won't it? Ah, just great!
Now when we talk about Mamoru's personality.. I would say that he's one of the most intriguing characters I've ever come across. He's a samurai for crying out loud! He's built on mysteries! O_O He's the formal type and he takes his honor VERY SERIOUSLY. He is so calm on the outside even though on the inside, he's in turmoil. I love just how humorous it comes out when he can't understand modern terminologies! Haha! He's also very smart. I love how his mind works. Gosh! I think he's my favorite now when it comes to powers and calm demeanor.
Now when we talk about the plot... I can say that it's very imaginative. This is a story that will literally take you to places. I would be very honest in saying that I got lost in some descriptions of places, especially when it comes to the virtual world.. But when I got the hang of it, things started to look up. Maybe I'm just not a fan of lengthy descriptions. Anyway, the story revolves around Mamoru's loyalty and the way he values his honor. It's all about that. He has a very inconvenient past and it all catches up to him here. In the moment of dire need, his character is tested and numerous people come to his aid. He gets to meet friends, foes and some people in between. I just love how the action gets incorporated in every few pages. It makes things more exciting and edgy. He faces each obstacle with all of his heart and strength. By the end of this book, I am satisfied with how well developed his character has become. He has learned a lot, so I expect more awesomeness coming from him in the next books (whichever one he'll be present in).
All in all, I love how Mamoru's character grew. I enjoyed the thrill and the msyteries behind everything too. There are some questions that are left unanswered, but I'm quite sure that they'll be answered on the next book/s. Trust in the author, I shall. :)
A good read indeed!
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
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