fallfromgrace67's review
2.0
I received my copy of Magic and Murder Among the Dwarves from Voracious Readers Only.
I did not know what to expect when I started this novel and I am not even sure what I got after I finished it. Overall the book was very well written with steady characterization and good pacing paired with rich visuals. However, the many plot threads woven into Amanda's story take some juggling on the part of the reader to keep straight (dwarf, dwarf custom, town, demon, magic, past, present future). While this is the first novel in the series it is not the first case Amanda has worked in town so events and relationships are hinted at but never explained through the course of the novel.
I can see where Magic and Murder Among the Dwarves can be seen more as a set up novel for the rest of the series and not quite strong enough to stand on its own. A case of main protagonist syndrome if I've ever seen one. Now maybe I would have enjoyed the novel if it didn't take me a month to read it, but the writing also didn't grip me quite enough to keep me engaged through the first half of the novel.
A decent novel with great concept, just lacking on genre and plot clarity. Or maybe I'm just not cut out for thillers as I thought I was?
I did not know what to expect when I started this novel and I am not even sure what I got after I finished it. Overall the book was very well written with steady characterization and good pacing paired with rich visuals. However, the many plot threads woven into Amanda's story take some juggling on the part of the reader to keep straight (dwarf, dwarf custom, town, demon, magic, past, present future). While this is the first novel in the series it is not the first case Amanda has worked in town so events and relationships are hinted at but never explained through the course of the novel.
I can see where Magic and Murder Among the Dwarves can be seen more as a set up novel for the rest of the series and not quite strong enough to stand on its own. A case of main protagonist syndrome if I've ever seen one. Now maybe I would have enjoyed the novel if it didn't take me a month to read it, but the writing also didn't grip me quite enough to keep me engaged through the first half of the novel.
A decent novel with great concept, just lacking on genre and plot clarity. Or maybe I'm just not cut out for thillers as I thought I was?
drakonreads's review
4.0
***I have received a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers***
I don't typically read mystery books (I prefer just watching cop procedural though), but I liked the mythological aspect. My review is not the best one to look at the mystery aspect but I still enjoyed it even if I read it for the mythological worldbuilding.
The characters weren't two-dimensional. It was engaging in the various things she had to solve which kept it fast paced for me. Information given to the reader wasn't overwhelming neither did it slow the pace.
The style lies in between formal and informal, poetic and to the point (keeping up the pace that is). It was a bit distracting at times. The writing at times was more distant, formal-sounding yet the style was casual (informal) so the former made the later sound off at times. Then there's the metaphors- some references to Greek classics, other times metaphors that are very down to earth. It was interesting so I didn't mind but just be warned of the style changes if anyone minds those. There were a rare few missing quotation marks (not sure if that's just a transcription/HTML issue?).
I liked the rather Stoic scenes (I'm just keeping it vague to not spoil anyone, but you'll know when you see it).
I'm not really into that new-age stuff but I like reading mythology so I liked the book overall. Also, there is a sort of pre-feminism/post-feminism style in there at times sounding a bit indirectly didactic. I'm not entirely sure how to label it as MetisLit (their review includes spoilers) is on the opposite extreme about their opinion of the book. As a casual read, I liked the book, it was entertaining and I kind of saw what the author wanted to do though some would debate if the author acheived thier goal.
I don't typically read mystery books (I prefer just watching cop procedural though), but I liked the mythological aspect. My review is not the best one to look at the mystery aspect but I still enjoyed it even if I read it for the mythological worldbuilding.
The characters weren't two-dimensional. It was engaging in the various things she had to solve which kept it fast paced for me. Information given to the reader wasn't overwhelming neither did it slow the pace.
The style lies in between formal and informal, poetic and to the point (keeping up the pace that is). It was a bit distracting at times. The writing at times was more distant, formal-sounding yet the style was casual (informal) so the former made the later sound off at times. Then there's the metaphors- some references to Greek classics, other times metaphors that are very down to earth. It was interesting so I didn't mind but just be warned of the style changes if anyone minds those. There were a rare few missing quotation marks (not sure if that's just a transcription/HTML issue?).
I liked the rather Stoic scenes (I'm just keeping it vague to not spoil anyone, but you'll know when you see it).
I'm not really into that new-age stuff but I like reading mythology so I liked the book overall. Also, there is a sort of pre-feminism/post-feminism style in there at times sounding a bit indirectly didactic. I'm not entirely sure how to label it as MetisLit (their review includes spoilers) is on the opposite extreme about their opinion of the book. As a casual read, I liked the book, it was entertaining and I kind of saw what the author wanted to do though some would debate if the author acheived thier goal.
monikasbookblog's review
4.0
Magic and Murder among Dwarves. Thats the novel’s plot in the title. Its simple, fresh, mystical and combines two worlds - reality and fantasy. A psychic widow helps the dwarves solve a murder mystery. Its has all the fantasy elements, superpowers, supernatural beings. I felt that the start was a bit slow, but once the story kicks in, its a good fantasy read. This is my first book from the author Erik Bundy. Not sure if I’ll continue reading his books, but this novel is a quick read into mystical world!
Thank you Voracious Readers and the author Erik Bundy for sending a reader’s copy.
Thank you Voracious Readers and the author Erik Bundy for sending a reader’s copy.
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