vms_lcsw's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time. Great characters, great story, great author. Politics, magic, war, intrigue, horror, comedy, realism... Excellent characters, very likable and realistic.
megancherry's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jjhfarmer's review against another edition
2.0
Pretty solid first half but gets quite boring in the second half. The characters aren't engaging enough to carry the whole novel and nowhere near enough "Stuff" actually happens in the book. So much seething and flexing but not enough doing. I enjoyed the setting in the North but once every character was within the walls of the main city, I was forcing myself to finish the book.
Quite disappointed so won't be moving on to the second book.
Quite disappointed so won't be moving on to the second book.
moskrin's review against another edition
4.0
About halfway through I was having an ok time but figured I probably wouldn't continue the series. When I finished, I immediately went into book 2.
melanfoly's review against another edition
3.0
"Lord of the Rings as directed by Kurosawa." - The Wall Street Journal
Fits my thoughts perfectly as I love The Lord of the Rings but have been consistently mixed or disappointed by Kurosawa's films (although I enjoy most of his stuff I've seen). This ends up just being ok. I'll finish the next two books because I own them, but unless I'm more impressed I can't see myself reading beyond them.
Fits my thoughts perfectly as I love The Lord of the Rings but have been consistently mixed or disappointed by Kurosawa's films (although I enjoy most of his stuff I've seen). This ends up just being ok. I'll finish the next two books because I own them, but unless I'm more impressed I can't see myself reading beyond them.
raspberrytia's review against another edition
2.5
Plot, what plot?
I have heard since starting this book that this is the set up book for the series and is very, very thin on plot. I am planning to read the second book to at least give the actual plot of the series a go.
I have heard since starting this book that this is the set up book for the series and is very, very thin on plot. I am planning to read the second book to at least give the actual plot of the series a go.
niennamarie_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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
3.75
qbit99's review against another edition
4.0
It started slow,like REALLY slow! All the going back and forth between the different locations felt a little too dragged out. But once they all reached Adua, the fun started. I truly enjoyed the powerplay between Bayaz, his doubters and how he handles each of'em;Classy stuff!
This book leaves too many unanswered questions by the time it's over but the second book does a splendid job uncovering things step by step.
This book leaves too many unanswered questions by the time it's over but the second book does a splendid job uncovering things step by step.
loomistj's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 - absolute joy of a read. Funnier than I expected while also being a dark and fascinating world. Some excellent characters and real art to action scenes.