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cpark2005's review
2.0
I received a copy of this book through TBRindr.
In A Star-Reckoner’s Lot Darrell Drake has given us a deeply character driven story set in a unique historical fantasy setting. It is hard to conceive of a setting that eschews the classic medieval European setting more thoroughly.
Drake truly excels in the character department. We have three characters who are well fleshed out, with motivations and inner demons that make for an engaging read. Seeing the ways the different characters interact, especially when their motivations set them on slightly different courses is one of the things that keeps the pages turning. The setting is also wildly unique. Set in an historical fantasy version of Iran, it plays on that culture’s myths and folklore to create a one-of-a-kind setting. In addition, there are several sections that disdain even this mundane setting for something truly otherworldly, weird, even psychedelic. A Star-Reckoner’s Lot certainly hits the non-western setting nail on the head.
Each chapter functions more as a vignette than as a traditional chapter. This was an unexpected story-telling device, and while it had great potential it didn’t work for me. Initially it was interesting and novel. As the story progressed, however, I found that the disjointed nature of the chapters—often with large time jumps between one vignette and the next—caused me to feel that the plot was becoming disjointed. There were moments when I felt like important things had happened off screen, or that so much time had passed that I didn’t quite have a clear idea of how the characters (might have) matured or changed. This culminated in a major plot twist roughly two-thirds of the way through that I feel was not foreshadowed well enough. The bigger issue with this plot twist wasn’t lack of foreshadowing but that it seemed to presage a significant character transformation for one of the MCs that felt out of left field to me. I feel like the disjointed nature of the chapters might have contributed to that feeling. By the end of the book I felt like I didn’t have a firm grasp on why characters were making the decisions they were. This was doubly disappointing since I think through most of the book the characters were the greatest strength—even beyond the amazingly unique setting.
The writing was very good, even beautiful at times and the setting and characters were engaging but the novel as a whole just didn’t work for me. Based on other reviews I’ve read, I think the chapters as vignettes worked for many folks. Given the disjointed nature of the novel I can’t really recommend it to others. 2/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – I liked it, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
In A Star-Reckoner’s Lot Darrell Drake has given us a deeply character driven story set in a unique historical fantasy setting. It is hard to conceive of a setting that eschews the classic medieval European setting more thoroughly.
Drake truly excels in the character department. We have three characters who are well fleshed out, with motivations and inner demons that make for an engaging read. Seeing the ways the different characters interact, especially when their motivations set them on slightly different courses is one of the things that keeps the pages turning. The setting is also wildly unique. Set in an historical fantasy version of Iran, it plays on that culture’s myths and folklore to create a one-of-a-kind setting. In addition, there are several sections that disdain even this mundane setting for something truly otherworldly, weird, even psychedelic. A Star-Reckoner’s Lot certainly hits the non-western setting nail on the head.
Each chapter functions more as a vignette than as a traditional chapter. This was an unexpected story-telling device, and while it had great potential it didn’t work for me. Initially it was interesting and novel. As the story progressed, however, I found that the disjointed nature of the chapters—often with large time jumps between one vignette and the next—caused me to feel that the plot was becoming disjointed. There were moments when I felt like important things had happened off screen, or that so much time had passed that I didn’t quite have a clear idea of how the characters (might have) matured or changed. This culminated in a major plot twist roughly two-thirds of the way through that I feel was not foreshadowed well enough. The bigger issue with this plot twist wasn’t lack of foreshadowing but that it seemed to presage a significant character transformation for one of the MCs that felt out of left field to me. I feel like the disjointed nature of the chapters might have contributed to that feeling. By the end of the book I felt like I didn’t have a firm grasp on why characters were making the decisions they were. This was doubly disappointing since I think through most of the book the characters were the greatest strength—even beyond the amazingly unique setting.
The writing was very good, even beautiful at times and the setting and characters were engaging but the novel as a whole just didn’t work for me. Based on other reviews I’ve read, I think the chapters as vignettes worked for many folks. Given the disjointed nature of the novel I can’t really recommend it to others. 2/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – I liked it, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
rahgan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
guerrichache's review against another edition
4.0
This book packs some pretty good surprises, that's for sure. Ashtadukht is not the kind of character I expected, and her story runs a course I wasn't anticipating. For the most part the book is rollicking and adventurous with a tragic undercurrent, well-written and enjoyable to read, though there are a few quirks to it that might make you pause here and there, and a few slightly confusing sections (mostly intentionally, I think, but still). While the story doesn't follow a clear thread until much later on, Ashtadukht and her travelling companions Tirdad and Waray make for a very entertaining trio as they travel ancient Iran dealing with magic and divs (supernatural beings that are intelligent but chaotic and dangerous), and it's easy to keep reading just because you want to see what they'll get up to next.
I don't want to say too much about the final act of the book because the surprise is really what makes it emotionally effective, but the payoff is well worth getting to - I've only rarely encountered protagonists who follow this kind of story arc, and it makes for some pretty powerful developments and resolutions. If you're looking for something with a difficult and unexpected emotional payoff, or a less typically heroic protagonist, definitely give this a go.
I don't want to say too much about the final act of the book because the surprise is really what makes it emotionally effective, but the payoff is well worth getting to - I've only rarely encountered protagonists who follow this kind of story arc, and it makes for some pretty powerful developments and resolutions. If you're looking for something with a difficult and unexpected emotional payoff, or a less typically heroic protagonist, definitely give this a go.
silelda's review against another edition
4.0
*This book was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was an interesting journey. Despite this being a fantasy book, this isn't like my usual reads. The setting is Iran and the culture and references are general unknowns to me. To Drake's credit, it didn't take too long to get into the world and follow the story.
The characters in A Star-Reckoner's Lot are interesting, to say the least. Drake uses his research of divs to create some interesting looking and interesting sounding creatures. Waray was greatly my favorite character and it was easy to visualize her half-human, half-reptilian features. Her jokes and pranks were quite entertaining, then again, I wasn't on the receiving end. Tirdad was an incredibly strong and noble character who goes through quite a bit of growth throughout the book. Heck, even some of the side characters were given good lines: "I'm a whore, not a politician. I'm not heartless."
I will admit the pacing felt a little off to me. I don't know if it's the ebook format or the writing, but there would be a jump forward in time and a realization that a character had had that you, as the reader, just had to accept. The progression of Ashtadukht's character in her quest for revenge makes sense after you've thought about it, but can be confusing at the time of reading.
Overall, I have to say that this was an entertaining adventure. Not for everyone given some of the sexual references and scenes, but definitely entertaining and interesting.
This book was an interesting journey. Despite this being a fantasy book, this isn't like my usual reads. The setting is Iran and the culture and references are general unknowns to me. To Drake's credit, it didn't take too long to get into the world and follow the story.
The characters in A Star-Reckoner's Lot are interesting, to say the least. Drake uses his research of divs to create some interesting looking and interesting sounding creatures. Waray was greatly my favorite character and it was easy to visualize her half-human, half-reptilian features. Her jokes and pranks were quite entertaining, then again, I wasn't on the receiving end. Tirdad was an incredibly strong and noble character who goes through quite a bit of growth throughout the book. Heck, even some of the side characters were given good lines: "I'm a whore, not a politician. I'm not heartless."
I will admit the pacing felt a little off to me. I don't know if it's the ebook format or the writing, but there would be a jump forward in time and a realization that a character had had that you, as the reader, just had to accept. The progression of Ashtadukht's character in her quest for revenge makes sense after you've thought about it, but can be confusing at the time of reading.
Overall, I have to say that this was an entertaining adventure. Not for everyone given some of the sexual references and scenes, but definitely entertaining and interesting.
marianc6f98's review against another edition
5.0
We are used to fantasies that involve either the magical, fey beings of Northern Europe, or those of Victorian horror novels. Darrell Drake's historical fantasy A Star-Reckoner's Lot introduces us to the mythology of Sassanian Iran, its beings of good and evil, and the complex idea of star-reckoning, a type of sorcery that channels the warring powers of the heavens to the benefit – or detriment – of humankind.
Revolving around three main characters: Ashtadukht, the Star-Reckoner; Tirdad, her cousin and bodyguard, and Waray, a half-div (half-demon, more or less) stray befriended by Ashtadukht, A Star-Reckoner's Lot is a long story in terms of passing time; it unfolds in a series of vignettes; the reader may sometimes have difficulty in grasping the immediate importance of the events, or the connections between them. Nor is the reader given much backstory; the world, both seen and unseen, its characters, and the interactions between them unfold gradually, but the story moves inexorably towards its climax and conclusion.
Ashtadukht is a difficult character to get to know, and perhaps too a difficult character to truly like, stoic and bitter, but our understanding of her and what drives her develops over the story; in the end, we understand her, and likely have sympathy for her. Tirdad is perhaps the least developed of the three main characters, but he too is a character of dimension faced with difficult choices. Waray, the half-div, is on the other hand the most developed character: at times appealing, at times annoying, and at times amusing, all those facets hiding a depth of sorrow and regret, and a desire for redemption that drives her.
It would be easy to read A Star-Reckoner's Lot as a simple adventure set in an unfamiliar mythos, but the themes of love and honour, exclusion and belonging, and regret for the prices paid for actions raises it above many fantasy novels. Do not be misled by the author's light hand (and occasional bad puns); this is a story with some haunting imagery and deep themes, and not one I'm going to forget quickly. Five stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Revolving around three main characters: Ashtadukht, the Star-Reckoner; Tirdad, her cousin and bodyguard, and Waray, a half-div (half-demon, more or less) stray befriended by Ashtadukht, A Star-Reckoner's Lot is a long story in terms of passing time; it unfolds in a series of vignettes; the reader may sometimes have difficulty in grasping the immediate importance of the events, or the connections between them. Nor is the reader given much backstory; the world, both seen and unseen, its characters, and the interactions between them unfold gradually, but the story moves inexorably towards its climax and conclusion.
Ashtadukht is a difficult character to get to know, and perhaps too a difficult character to truly like, stoic and bitter, but our understanding of her and what drives her develops over the story; in the end, we understand her, and likely have sympathy for her. Tirdad is perhaps the least developed of the three main characters, but he too is a character of dimension faced with difficult choices. Waray, the half-div, is on the other hand the most developed character: at times appealing, at times annoying, and at times amusing, all those facets hiding a depth of sorrow and regret, and a desire for redemption that drives her.
It would be easy to read A Star-Reckoner's Lot as a simple adventure set in an unfamiliar mythos, but the themes of love and honour, exclusion and belonging, and regret for the prices paid for actions raises it above many fantasy novels. Do not be misled by the author's light hand (and occasional bad puns); this is a story with some haunting imagery and deep themes, and not one I'm going to forget quickly. Five stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
para's review against another edition
2.0
Well, this was a mixed bag.
Positives first: I loved the setting. Sasanian Iran is something I haven't seen used before and it seems well-researched - and interesting enough that I want to do some research of my own. Really, if you want me to get interested in a place or topic, just include it in a fantasy book. As far as the characters go, Waray the half-div stole the show completely. She's blood-thirsty and a bit crazy and a prankster and šo-fun to read about. The highlight of the book for sure. Oh, and I almost forgot: the creative insults and the stupid puns. Big fan of both.
Unfortunately, there was a massive fatal flaw: the pacing. In the first half of the book, it's disjointed and all over the place, with massive time-jumps between the chapters. This made it hard to connect to the story/characters and generally stay invested. It starts picking up nicely at around 60% and the number of jumps decreases, but there were still parts where I felt like it stagnated. The final twist also left something to be desiredI never quite understood why Ashtadukht hates star-reckoners as much as she does and the personality change seemed to come out of nowhere - but I don't know if this was because I'm a sloppy reader (which I definitely am) or it was really so unforeshadowed.
Still, there is a lot of potential and it wouldn't be the first time an indie series improves massively with each book when it comes to pacing, so I'm giving the next one a try for sure. (besides, I need it for Bingo)
Enjoyment: 3/5
Execution: 2/5
Recommended to: people interested in non-Western settings who can forgive some first-book roughness
Not recommended to: pun-haters?
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
Positives first: I loved the setting. Sasanian Iran is something I haven't seen used before and it seems well-researched - and interesting enough that I want to do some research of my own. Really, if you want me to get interested in a place or topic, just include it in a fantasy book. As far as the characters go, Waray the half-div stole the show completely. She's blood-thirsty and a bit crazy and a prankster and šo-fun to read about. The highlight of the book for sure. Oh, and I almost forgot: the creative insults and the stupid puns. Big fan of both.
Unfortunately, there was a massive fatal flaw: the pacing. In the first half of the book, it's disjointed and all over the place, with massive time-jumps between the chapters. This made it hard to connect to the story/characters and generally stay invested. It starts picking up nicely at around 60% and the number of jumps decreases, but there were still parts where I felt like it stagnated. The final twist also left something to be desired
Still, there is a lot of potential and it wouldn't be the first time an indie series improves massively with each book when it comes to pacing, so I'm giving the next one a try for sure. (besides, I need it for Bingo)
Enjoyment: 3/5
Execution: 2/5
Recommended to: people interested in non-Western settings who can forgive some first-book roughness
Not recommended to: pun-haters?
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
tctippens's review against another edition
4.0
A Star Reckoner’s Lot by Darrell Drake is a unique historical fantasy story set in Sasanian Iran, nearly two thousand years ago. It’s a self-contained standalone (though there will be a sequel at some point in the future) and a whole lot of pun fun to read.
The most notable part of this book is the setting. You can tell that the author really did his research. Everything from the swearing, cities, culture, and religion, was all historically accurate (as far as I could tell). That said, the history isn’t shoved down your throat and gets out of the waray of the story.
The titular magic system, Star Reckoning, isn’t like anything I’ve seen before. Don’t expect a rigidly defined Sanderson-esque system, but you will have a pretty good idea of what’s going on. Essentially, the stars and the planets are constantly at war with each other, and star reckoners can tap into this power to fuel their spells. Unfortunately, a lot of the results can be chaotic.
The main character is Ashtadukht, probably the worst star reckoner there has ever been. A lot of her spells backfire, often spectacularly. She also has a handicap similar to fibromyalgia, leaving her exhausted and weak on a regular basis.
Tirdad is Ashtadukth’s cousin, a loyal soldier sworn to protect her at any cost. They travel together for most of the story, with Tirdad often being the voice of reason that keeps Ashta in check.
Finally, my favorite character is Waray, who steals the show (as well as several of the other character’s belongings). She isn’t afraid to break some eggs to get shit done. This might be because she’s part demon, but it also might be because she’s a bit crazy. And homicidal.
While the overall plot is not initially clear, you could say A Star Reckoner’s Lot is the story of family, love, and brothers in arms.
For the first half of the book, each chapter is a vignette of Ashtadukht’s journeys as a star reckoner. She’s pledged to rid the world of divs, the demons who serve the Lie. As servants of the Truth, star reckoners are constantly at war with the divs that plague Iran. Ashtadukht has traveled on her own for years, but she picks up Tirdad and Waray as traveling companions early on.
A little over halfway through the book, the story becomes more cohesive and the overall plot beings to become clear. This section kicks off with a wild ride and doesn’t let up, though the ending is one of the most heartfelt conclusions I’ve read.
The prose is not spectacular, but it definitely has its moments. It never got in the way of my enjoyment of the story. There were quite a bit of puns, which may or may not appeal to you (e.g. there is literally a scene where the characters fight snakes on a plain).
The pacing was different than most stories, mostly because it spanned nearly the entire life of the main character. The time jumps between chapters could be a couple hours or several years. I thought this was done well and added to the character of the story.
If you like stories with unique settings, interesting magic systems that are loosely defined, and take place over a long span of time, this might be for you.
If you prefer complex and relatable characters, and elegant prose, this might not be for you. The puns can be a little punishing at times, but I thought they were worth it.
Even though Iran with the puns a bit much (I think there’s like ten), hopefully, some of them made you smile. I’ll be happy if at least one pun in ten did.
The most notable part of this book is the setting. You can tell that the author really did his research. Everything from the swearing, cities, culture, and religion, was all historically accurate (as far as I could tell). That said, the history isn’t shoved down your throat and gets out of the waray of the story.
The titular magic system, Star Reckoning, isn’t like anything I’ve seen before. Don’t expect a rigidly defined Sanderson-esque system, but you will have a pretty good idea of what’s going on. Essentially, the stars and the planets are constantly at war with each other, and star reckoners can tap into this power to fuel their spells. Unfortunately, a lot of the results can be chaotic.
The main character is Ashtadukht, probably the worst star reckoner there has ever been. A lot of her spells backfire, often spectacularly. She also has a handicap similar to fibromyalgia, leaving her exhausted and weak on a regular basis.
Tirdad is Ashtadukth’s cousin, a loyal soldier sworn to protect her at any cost. They travel together for most of the story, with Tirdad often being the voice of reason that keeps Ashta in check.
Finally, my favorite character is Waray, who steals the show (as well as several of the other character’s belongings). She isn’t afraid to break some eggs to get shit done. This might be because she’s part demon, but it also might be because she’s a bit crazy. And homicidal.
While the overall plot is not initially clear, you could say A Star Reckoner’s Lot is the story of family, love, and brothers in arms.
For the first half of the book, each chapter is a vignette of Ashtadukht’s journeys as a star reckoner. She’s pledged to rid the world of divs, the demons who serve the Lie. As servants of the Truth, star reckoners are constantly at war with the divs that plague Iran. Ashtadukht has traveled on her own for years, but she picks up Tirdad and Waray as traveling companions early on.
A little over halfway through the book, the story becomes more cohesive and the overall plot beings to become clear. This section kicks off with a wild ride and doesn’t let up, though the ending is one of the most heartfelt conclusions I’ve read.
The prose is not spectacular, but it definitely has its moments. It never got in the way of my enjoyment of the story. There were quite a bit of puns, which may or may not appeal to you (e.g. there is literally a scene where the characters fight snakes on a plain).
The pacing was different than most stories, mostly because it spanned nearly the entire life of the main character. The time jumps between chapters could be a couple hours or several years. I thought this was done well and added to the character of the story.
If you like stories with unique settings, interesting magic systems that are loosely defined, and take place over a long span of time, this might be for you.
If you prefer complex and relatable characters, and elegant prose, this might not be for you. The puns can be a little punishing at times, but I thought they were worth it.
Even though Iran with the puns a bit much (I think there’s like ten), hopefully, some of them made you smile. I’ll be happy if at least one pun in ten did.