penguin_horowitz's review against another edition
5.0
This book is phenomenal. The writing is deep and perhaps ridiculously detailed. The characters are fresh and fascinating. And most interestingly, at the center of the series, the lore is extraordinarily detailed. The creation of this fictional world was a massive undertaking, and its author had began to create far before he ever started writing about it through the eyes of the protagonist, the young boy Rossamund, in a cohesive story. Rossamund grows up in an orphanage, with no real known parents. He is bullied and made fun of for his love of reading and lack of athletic ability. These are all typical themes in books and such a summary would appear to set up for a dull cookie-cutter coming of age fantasy Harry Potter repeat. But this is not the case. Rossamund's tale weaves and spins through drastic and fascinating cultures and places, and he meets a variety of bizarre people along the way. This book is very steampunk. If this is a genre of interest for you, I would highly suggest it. Much of the battle is this book is based on odd chemicals. There are ships run by animal organs.
Not only is Cornish a talented writer, but also an illustrator. This book is filled with sketches of characters and places, all of which greatly enhance the experience and add to the oddity and uniqueness of the book. At the back of the book is a massive appendix, for Cornish's own made-up terms, jobs, and weapons, a massive amount of information, the likes of which I haven't seen since the appendices of The Lord of the Rings.
Not only is Cornish a talented writer, but also an illustrator. This book is filled with sketches of characters and places, all of which greatly enhance the experience and add to the oddity and uniqueness of the book. At the back of the book is a massive appendix, for Cornish's own made-up terms, jobs, and weapons, a massive amount of information, the likes of which I haven't seen since the appendices of The Lord of the Rings.
charlibirb's review against another edition
4.0
Great ideas, and a great world, the first book is the great start to a trilogy. The whole series flags a little after the first book. Not far, but it just feels like it's missing something, and I can't figure out what. I'm definitely enjoying it, though.
disastrouspenguin's review against another edition
5.0
Consumed as an audiobook. Humphrey Bower's narration was fantastic. I think this is one of those rare examples where the narrator enhances the book and would strongly recommend that everyone seek out the audiobook version.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Rossamund - a boy - has an unfortunate name. When he is recruited to be a lamplighter, he begins an adventure in reaching the lamplighters facility. Full of adventure and magic this was a fun audio book.
freckles1987's review against another edition
3.0
A fun YA book with great worldbuilding. I'll probably want the next two in the series. I was surprised to find it ended with over a hundred pages left...apparently all of it was an in-depth index!
world_etcher's review against another edition
4.0
Although it took some time for the plot to get rolling once it did, my goodness! I was hooked! There's something very interesting going on in the Half Continent and I can't wait to follow Rossamund in finding out what!
chadstep's review against another edition
4.0
I'd say a good start to a promising trilogy, though he takes a while to introduce an elaborate world which seems impossible to explore in only three books. I was amazed at myself at the end of book one by saying "oh!" as it seemed to end too soon.
marimoose's review against another edition
3.0
This had its highs and lows for me, though I am fascinated with the world created here, and the monsters for that matter. It's only a pity the eyes of Rossamund have only managed to glimpse a few of these gentle and evil creatures; most of the conflict seem to be against the people around him. But I suppose it works as an introductory book to whet the appetite for the rest of the series.
I really liked the ever mysterious Europe; I was actually wishing that there'd be more elaboration on Licurius himself, but that was ended rather quickly. Perhaps there's more in the next books, but I'm still trying to decide whether I want to read the next one. Maybe then I might warm up to Rossamund a bit more!
I really liked the ever mysterious Europe; I was actually wishing that there'd be more elaboration on Licurius himself, but that was ended rather quickly. Perhaps there's more in the next books, but I'm still trying to decide whether I want to read the next one. Maybe then I might warm up to Rossamund a bit more!
alecia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
lpcowling's review against another edition
4.0
Such an underrated series. I have no idea how this doesn't have a huge cult following like ASOIAF or HP. It has been a really high standard in fantasy world-building and story telling, in my mind, since I first read the series, and deserves a much bigger following that it has.