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reingerman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
talia012's review against another edition
4.0
This book was dense with political intrigue and economics but able to keep me engaged throughout because it was so relentlessly interesting. Really complex characters and plotting that, for me, were just on the right side of manageable. Although I can see why this book has produced such divisive reviews.
The hardest part for me was the "calculus" that treated decisions with horrible, cruel, real-world consequences so casually. The ends apparently justify the means for Baru but damn if that didn't cause me some serious horror along the way.
Points for a fascinating indictment of empire from a unique vantage and really detailed worldbuilding. Minus points for repetitive character moments (how many times is Baru going to believably make the exact same mistake?) and too-casual throwing away of human lives = 3.5 stars rounded up.
The hardest part for me was the "calculus" that treated decisions with horrible, cruel, real-world consequences so casually. The ends apparently justify the means for Baru but damn if that didn't cause me some serious horror along the way.
Points for a fascinating indictment of empire from a unique vantage and really detailed worldbuilding. Minus points for repetitive character moments (how many times is Baru going to believably make the exact same mistake?) and too-casual throwing away of human lives = 3.5 stars rounded up.
tabularasa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.5
maiyah8's review against another edition
4.0
it takes a certain kind of author to flesh out all his characters and then kill them all at the end
kelcarter's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent world building, particularly if you're looking for political back-stabbing and epic military battles. Anti-imperialist and queer. The characters are pretty fun but I wish had a little more depth and shine.
_simms24's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed this book a lot initially. Baru’s calculating nature and transactional way of viewing the world made for an interesting character and a unique lens for Dickinson’s world. For the first 60% of the book I was certain I would finish the series.
However, as the story continued, I became frustrated that Baru seemed to refuse to grow. She would face setbacks or be introduced to characters that she hypothetically grew to care about but never changed her behavior accordingly.
The last 30 pages of the book, though, were the nail in the coffin for me.
Overall, this was a really interesting book— a fantasy with no magic told from the unreliable perspective of an ambitious accountant. I can’t give it less than three stars because it was well written, clever, and almost enjoyable. I can’t give it more than three stars because Baru refused to grow as a character. The rest of the series isn’t for me, but I would by no means discourage someone from picking this book up.
However, as the story continued, I became frustrated that Baru seemed to refuse to grow. She would face setbacks or be introduced to characters that she hypothetically grew to care about but never changed her behavior accordingly.
The last 30 pages of the book, though, were the nail in the coffin for me.
Overall, this was a really interesting book— a fantasy with no magic told from the unreliable perspective of an ambitious accountant. I can’t give it less than three stars because it was well written, clever, and almost enjoyable. I can’t give it more than three stars because Baru refused to grow as a character. The rest of the series isn’t for me, but I would by no means discourage someone from picking this book up.
sourcherrysyrup's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Baruuuuu
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Lesbophobia, Colonisation, and War
Minor: Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Sexual violence
Child is almost victim of lesbophobic sexual abuse conversion therapygunsmile's review against another edition
5.0
After the first few chapters of The Traitor Baru Cormorant, I thought I knew what kind of story I was reading. But I was taken completely by surprise by the way the plot turned, and then it happened again, and again. This book is devastating in the quiet, subtle way it turns hope into tragedy. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I look forward to more.
goblinhearted's review against another edition
I read the whole first part of this book and I think there were just too many aspects of it which didn't jive well with me. It was more than just the writing style. I don't think I felt connected to any character, and I found a lot of the "intrigue" a bit lackluster and mechanical. The premise sounded promising and I'm disappointed not to finish, but I could not go on.
lordvonsepheron's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0