Reviews

Rotherweird by Andrew Caldecott

Only show reviews with written explanations

gillothen's review against another edition

4.0

I was torn between four and five stars - which I usually reserve for Austen, Dickens, Shakespeare and the like. Yes, Rotherweird is superb - well-written, with some fascinating world-building. Totally unlike 'Harry Potter' - more like 'Jonathan Strange' meets Frances Hardinge, but with added elements of detective work and crosswords.

This is one of the most engaging books I've read all year - the characters are convincing, interesting and varied, even one with no name. Several decent strong women too, actively involved in the plot, not mere set-dressing. Looking forward to the sequel!

paperbackmo's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

What a chore!! Not sure what all the hype is about. This book was hard work. Writing didn’t really flow well. Good concept/plot but I won’t be reading the sequel.

kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This is a weird one - so the name is fitting!
For the first 1/4 I had no idea what the book was even about, but the mystery and the strange and yet engaging characters had me hooked anyway.
It is urban fantasy in a way, as it takes part in our world, but as there is little use of modern things in the little town of Rotherweird it mostly doesn't feel that way.
Though modern technology is frowned upon, there's plenty of science talk and inventions, and oh so many riddles and puzzles to solve!

It is a quirky and entertaining read, which some dark undertones and quite some dryish humour mixed in. For me the balance worked out really well and I was worrying for the characters, interested in the plot (which is split between mostly present, but also some scenes in the past) and the setting that almost felt like another character in itself.

I was really enjoying myself from start to finish, and will definitely keep on reading!

rosiemc's review

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jeremiglio's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This had a lot of potential, and also a lot of elements which I would usually love - fantasy and mystery and elements of the grotesque reminiscent of Gormenghast, along with an interesting setting. Unfortunately, I think it was ultimately too ambitious, having far too large a cast of characters and too much crammed into a single novel. I felt myself missing things and getting lost as I listened to the audiobook, and if I do give the series another chance I will definitely read the next installment physically.

thelaurasaurus's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I loved it, and can't wait to read more. I would have liked to learn a bit more about some of the characters, but I hope that will come in future instalments.

fru502's review

Go to review page

lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

A slow-paced but enjoyable read with some bits of history thrown in. Potentially too many characters introduced in too much detail, and the ending was a little bit too predictable.