motifenjoyer's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
4.0
"If the City came first, perhaps the Game is no more than a dumb imitation of Al-a-Nur in all its sapphire-paved glory. But if the Game existed in the shadowy years before the light of the Dreaming Towers, then perhaps there is some secret locked within its moves, some prophecy which would tell us, could we but read its meaning, the fate of all these roofs and doors. Perhaps the Papesses were made to defeat each other within the Game because one day there would be two Papesses to face each other in the City. Perhaps all our lifetimes of study of the Game were meant to culminate on that morning, in the sunlight thin as bones."
silquesoleil's review against another edition
3.0
I don't think I can give this book a proper review.
It's not bad, not at all, it just requires so much attention, like all the stories inside stories are connected and some are rather short and then one starts confusing characters and it just does not have that pull that Deathless has.
So, it was nice, I enjoyed it, but I've read better from that author.
It's not bad, not at all, it just requires so much attention, like all the stories inside stories are connected and some are rather short and then one starts confusing characters and it just does not have that pull that Deathless has.
So, it was nice, I enjoyed it, but I've read better from that author.
juliana_aldous's review against another edition
4.0
Incredible prose and stories told that lead to more stories--a fascinating exercise in novel creation.
avefrater's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it!! Wasn’t sure the format could carry through the whole book, but it did. Can’t wait to read the sequel!
noshyira's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-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
feelingferal's review against another edition
4.0
Stories within stories within stories. At first it kind of stressed me out. I kept feeling like I had to keep track of everything in my head. But once I relaxed and trusted the book, I saw how well they fit together and flow together. I enjoyed her writing style. And the stories themselves are fantastic. Very enjoyable and I recommend it. I had only read The Girl Who Circumnavigated...... prior to this and was worried that I wouldn't like her other works as they seemed so different from that. They are definitely different but they are no worse off for it. Her imagination and creativity and prose remain highly enjoyable even in a completely different format.
abitofmoxie's review against another edition
4.0
essentially a book of fairy tales. there are stories within stories within stories. Sometimes they're interesting and sometimes they seem like homework until you get back to the story that does interest you. Overall though, I'd recommend it if you like, let's say, the "softer side" of the fantasy genre.
agathag's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
ginnikin's review against another edition
I just couldn't get into it at all. The prose is gorgeous, but that's not enough for me.