mattpatt's review
3.0
This is far shorter than the previous book - a one-sitting morsel.
This novella shows great development on what I felt was the main flaw in Kotar's first book - characterisation. Llun the smith is fleshed-out and consistent, and we follow his emotional journey effectively. (Although, I think the comparison to 1984 is a little optimistic).
I don't like the interstitial "The sayings" - their specificity of content tends to betray the fact that they are written for the chapter, rather than ever seeming like genuine ancient documents.
All in all, I'd say this shows growth, and hints at the possibility that the remaining 3 books in the series may turn out to be the genuinely great fantasy novels that I'm sure Kotar has the raw talent to write.
This novella shows great development on what I felt was the main flaw in Kotar's first book - characterisation. Llun the smith is fleshed-out and consistent, and we follow his emotional journey effectively. (Although, I think the comparison to 1984 is a little optimistic).
I don't like the interstitial "The sayings" - their specificity of content tends to betray the fact that they are written for the chapter, rather than ever seeming like genuine ancient documents.
All in all, I'd say this shows growth, and hints at the possibility that the remaining 3 books in the series may turn out to be the genuinely great fantasy novels that I'm sure Kotar has the raw talent to write.
zoeelizabethk's review
4.0
It was such a thrill to return to Vasyllia in the Curse of the Raven. It's a short read, with a different set of main characters, who I really enjoyed getting to know. This novella has all the wonderful things I loved from The Song of the Sirin, and is a great read! I loved the depth of the characters and ideas. I think it's a testament to the strength of Nicholas Kotar's world-building that this novella seems to be simultaneously both independent of and closely tied to the first novel. Highly recommended!
daveketter's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
knutsoel's review
2.0
I would have liked more depth with the characters and world building. It felt like it fell short, otherwise an OK story
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