themarquessmagpie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
perifaerie's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
nikasbooklounge's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
5.0
rikakohlrabi's review
5.0
This was a fantastic entry into McClellan's Powder Mage series. Before I had started the novel, I was thinking that this trilogy could not possibly surpass the initial trilogy. Now I'm not so sure. While I still think that Tamas is the best character thus far, Michel and Styke both give the old guy a run for his money.
But what truly makes this book, and really everything McClellan writes, is the pacing. I had a really hard time putting the book down between chapters and barreled through the novel as a result.
The only neutral point is that this seemed to be a far more "PG-13" attempt than any of the others. I don't mind the graphic stuff and I don't mind having it toned down either but it did seem to be more of a shift than others the author has written. Not sure if that was a conscious effort or just a result of having to stuff all of the conclusion into the pages there and not having time for the excess.
But what truly makes this book, and really everything McClellan writes, is the pacing. I had a really hard time putting the book down between chapters and barreled through the novel as a result.
The only neutral point is that this seemed to be a far more "PG-13" attempt than any of the others. I don't mind the graphic stuff and I don't mind having it toned down either but it did seem to be more of a shift than others the author has written. Not sure if that was a conscious effort or just a result of having to stuff all of the conclusion into the pages there and not having time for the excess.
crypticfawn's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dmi3283's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
djhobby's review against another edition
5.0
10 out of 10 stars.
These books are really great!
They were easy to read, had great characters, an interesting magic system, a setting that I like, lots of action, and Mad Ben Styke.
Thanks Brian McClellan!
These books are really great!
They were easy to read, had great characters, an interesting magic system, a setting that I like, lots of action, and Mad Ben Styke.
Thanks Brian McClellan!
elite_reading_wizard_3000's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
smallspkp's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5