spellboundbybooks's review
5.0
This book had a great blend of fantasy with a dash of sci fi thrown to make it intriguing.
The plot and world building were interesting,but it is the characterization that make this book stand out. He has written three different female characters who are strong in their individual ways and I enjoyed each of them.
I loved Savarah in particular! She is just a fascinating character to me and I can't wait to read more about her. I also thought Willow and Aren's characters were well written and developed. While I admire Meluscia for what she is trying to achieve,I found myself not as interested in her sections as I was in the others.
In conclusion,this is an excellent beginning to a trilogy with interesting world and plot building and fascinating and entertaining characterizations. Roll on book 2.
The plot and world building were interesting,but it is the characterization that make this book stand out. He has written three different female characters who are strong in their individual ways and I enjoyed each of them.
I loved Savarah in particular! She is just a fascinating character to me and I can't wait to read more about her. I also thought Willow and Aren's characters were well written and developed. While I admire Meluscia for what she is trying to achieve,I found myself not as interested in her sections as I was in the others.
In conclusion,this is an excellent beginning to a trilogy with interesting world and plot building and fascinating and entertaining characterizations. Roll on book 2.
ksmarsden's review
4.0
A tumultuous time is coming for both worlds, people will have to fight for what is right, if they are to have any chance at survival.
Even though the synopsis says that this story is about just two women, it is so much broader than that. Yes, Meluscia and Winter have their respective roles, but the narrative also follows many other characters.
There's a whole cast that carry you along two distinct plotlines.
Meluscia is the daughter of the Luminary (ruler), but she has to fight tooth and nail to be named heir. Despite all of her studying, and her gift for diplomacy; Meluscia's father and councillors would rather have a bullish man who would bring only war.
Winter is from a simple farming family, who live and die as decreed by the tyrannical Baron. She has the gift of getting visions, and it is clear that she has a part to play in the fight for freedom.
The narrative is split equally between all characters, and you get to see all the conflicting political interests that surrounds Meluscia, and the people that she can and cannot trust.
Winter's storyline did take a bit of a back seat to Meluscia's. Even when it was focussed on that plotline, I found it was more often Aven (her brother) leading the way. This was somewhat surprising, as I thought "Rise of the Seer" referred to her.
The world (or, technically, worlds!) that Barr has created is broad and creative. It hints at other countries, and bigger threats, but doesn't get bogged down in details.
The plot was OK, but I felt like everything was pointed out along the way. There was no subtlety or foreshadowing that made any "plot twists" surprising.
This book feels like it's building the foundations, fleshing out the main character's histories and motivations. The whole purpose is getting said characters into position for what comes later in the series - what that is, I can only guess.
Overall, this felt like the beginning of something, rather than a story in its own right. The book stops mid-action, leaving the path open to the rest of the series. It is something I enjoyed, and I would read the next books.
Even though the synopsis says that this story is about just two women, it is so much broader than that. Yes, Meluscia and Winter have their respective roles, but the narrative also follows many other characters.
There's a whole cast that carry you along two distinct plotlines.
Meluscia is the daughter of the Luminary (ruler), but she has to fight tooth and nail to be named heir. Despite all of her studying, and her gift for diplomacy; Meluscia's father and councillors would rather have a bullish man who would bring only war.
Winter is from a simple farming family, who live and die as decreed by the tyrannical Baron. She has the gift of getting visions, and it is clear that she has a part to play in the fight for freedom.
The narrative is split equally between all characters, and you get to see all the conflicting political interests that surrounds Meluscia, and the people that she can and cannot trust.
Winter's storyline did take a bit of a back seat to Meluscia's. Even when it was focussed on that plotline, I found it was more often Aven (her brother) leading the way. This was somewhat surprising, as I thought "Rise of the Seer" referred to her.
The world (or, technically, worlds!) that Barr has created is broad and creative. It hints at other countries, and bigger threats, but doesn't get bogged down in details.
The plot was OK, but I felt like everything was pointed out along the way. There was no subtlety or foreshadowing that made any "plot twists" surprising.
This book feels like it's building the foundations, fleshing out the main character's histories and motivations. The whole purpose is getting said characters into position for what comes later in the series - what that is, I can only guess.
Overall, this felt like the beginning of something, rather than a story in its own right. The book stops mid-action, leaving the path open to the rest of the series. It is something I enjoyed, and I would read the next books.
jckang's review
5.0
A story of faith and hope when things are the bleakest. Clever world building, with a mesh of Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
Full review on Fantasy Faction:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/rise-of-the-seer-by-brandon-barr
Full review on Fantasy Faction:
http://fantasy-faction.com/2018/rise-of-the-seer-by-brandon-barr
amia's review
3.0
Interesting story and it has great potential to be expanded into a novel. The ending was a huge surprise to me.
More...