katmarhan's review against another edition
4.0
A clever concept for a book that never gets carried away by its cleverness.
Although the reader never learns the names of the members of the Council of Twelve, other than the newest addition, the Warrior, one comes to know them as both the archetypes represented by their masks and the people behind the masks. The author’s prose is spare but effective and he achieves a fine balance between portraying the specific Council roles and the individual playing, or rather living, each role. By having different POVs for each chapter, the reader sees the action and the changes from the various perspectives of the Council members. The Warrior is truly a catalyst for the Council and for the city-state of Valtierra.
How much are we bound by our roles? And how much is our understanding limited by our expectations of others based on their roles? Can we change? Can we be open to the changes that others make? Thoughts to ponder long after I closed this book.
Although the reader never learns the names of the members of the Council of Twelve, other than the newest addition, the Warrior, one comes to know them as both the archetypes represented by their masks and the people behind the masks. The author’s prose is spare but effective and he achieves a fine balance between portraying the specific Council roles and the individual playing, or rather living, each role. By having different POVs for each chapter, the reader sees the action and the changes from the various perspectives of the Council members. The Warrior is truly a catalyst for the Council and for the city-state of Valtierra.
How much are we bound by our roles? And how much is our understanding limited by our expectations of others based on their roles? Can we change? Can we be open to the changes that others make? Thoughts to ponder long after I closed this book.
dlgardner's review against another edition
5.0
James K. Burk busts through the box with this one! Twelve amazing points of view, done with depth and character. The Twelve follows Commander Anton to Valtierra, a city-state that is governed by archetypes. Every two years they choose twelve men and women to wear the masks of a specific character, and to become the council. They've lost their warrior, and though Anton just defeated them in battle, they ask him to replace their fallen council member. It's a tough job to shape Valtierra's army, city and hearts to overcome the enemy that Anton once worked for.
An amazing in-depth character study with intriguing plot and engaging dialogue. Burk pulls off the 12 POV with grace and wit. I thouroughly enjoyed this book!
An amazing in-depth character study with intriguing plot and engaging dialogue. Burk pulls off the 12 POV with grace and wit. I thouroughly enjoyed this book!
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