civreader's review
4.0
Closer to 3.5* - this is a good intro to the character and author's style. It's a good, quick read. Perhaps too quick, and there are a couple of minor niggles. Doesn't really inform the reader as to main character's place in this setting. Was left only marginally the wiser at the end. Will read more in the series, though.
speljamr's review
4.0
This short story is a very good introduction to the characters in this new series about about magic and wizardry in early colonial America. I highly recommend reading this one, and then continue with Thieftaker to get a full experience of this universe.
r4zsllopvbwkpjvf's review
3.0
Reading the premise of this series, I was very intrigued. After reading this initial short story, my interest waned due to the way the magic was cast. Might be a silly qualm; I will read Thieftaker eventually I think.
catevari's review
2.0
I picked this up because a friend recommended the second book of the series to me and, being the completist I am, I had to start at the beginning. Unfortunately, I wasn't especially engaged or impressed by this short story/prologue to the series.
The biggest problem is that there was no sense of tension or urgency to the story. The characters were paper thin and entirely too forthcoming about the issues at hand, the resolutions to the story's problem were too easily met.
I will still probably give the first novel a try because short story writing is a very different art from novel writing, but he's going to have to work hard to get me engaged.
The biggest problem is that there was no sense of tension or urgency to the story. The characters were paper thin and entirely too forthcoming about the issues at hand, the resolutions to the story's problem were too easily met.
I will still probably give the first novel a try because short story writing is a very different art from novel writing, but he's going to have to work hard to get me engaged.
wart's review
3.0
This was quick and fun, but it could have been so much better. I liked the characters and the magic system is very cool, and I'm definitely intrigued enough to check out the rest of the books in the series. But it was so rushed. I'm all for a good, quick short story, but this particular story begged to be longer. Everything was just crammed in and the plot didn't get a chance to really develop. I would have loved more of this.
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