ttfa's review against another edition
2.0
[2.5 stars] [mild spoilers]
I wanted to like this book - and I did up until the love triangle. It was so nice to see Itani and Liat's relationship but then of course, it had to be broken up. However, Amat's development was really interesting and I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the story had stuck more to her rather then all these other issues. Some parts of the book were confusing as well, especially the whole poet and Andat relationship.
A good read to pass time, but I'm not hooked enough to continue the series.
I wanted to like this book - and I did up until the love triangle. It was so nice to see Itani and Liat's relationship but then of course, it had to be broken up. However, Amat's development was really interesting and I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the story had stuck more to her rather then all these other issues. Some parts of the book were confusing as well, especially the whole poet and Andat relationship.
A good read to pass time, but I'm not hooked enough to continue the series.
jupiterjazz's review against another edition
4.0
A brilliant start for this series.
A Shadow in Summer is a fantasy novel elevated by a strong worldbuilding, with an intricate geopolitical system, where character work is outstanding, and, character relationships is at the heart of the story. The subtle and original magic system is a solid foundation of this political intrigue; far from being grandiloquent in its uses, it shows enough that the reader may imagine the terrible consequences of its past use, and potential horrors that looms ahead.
It's a story that talks about the price we have to pay for our choices, for our quest for "justice", for our loves and betrayals.
It certainly is not packed with action, but it never felt dull; and the anticipation for what's to come next kept growing steadily while I was reaching the end of the book.
Highly recommended.
A Shadow in Summer is a fantasy novel elevated by a strong worldbuilding, with an intricate geopolitical system, where character work is outstanding, and, character relationships is at the heart of the story. The subtle and original magic system is a solid foundation of this political intrigue; far from being grandiloquent in its uses, it shows enough that the reader may imagine the terrible consequences of its past use, and potential horrors that looms ahead.
It's a story that talks about the price we have to pay for our choices, for our quest for "justice", for our loves and betrayals.
It certainly is not packed with action, but it never felt dull; and the anticipation for what's to come next kept growing steadily while I was reaching the end of the book.
Highly recommended.
abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
1.0
This always comes recommended for other books that I have read, but this is not for me.
No one shows emotion beyond 'posing' their understanding, or acceptance, or whatever.
The names are overly fantastical in a day and age where that should be gone and forgotten.
tests and trials that make no sense other than to be tests and trials.
It does have an Asian feel to their mannerisms and movement, but the names come of as middle eastern, and the tropes come off as bad american television.
I could not keep going though, (posing regret), because it is too convoluted to stomach (posing nausea).
No one shows emotion beyond 'posing' their understanding, or acceptance, or whatever.
The names are overly fantastical in a day and age where that should be gone and forgotten.
tests and trials that make no sense other than to be tests and trials.
It does have an Asian feel to their mannerisms and movement, but the names come of as middle eastern, and the tropes come off as bad american television.
I could not keep going though, (posing regret), because it is too convoluted to stomach (posing nausea).
book_bird_anja's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5
Solid beginning of this series! The magic is very subtle yet and the story is mainly about politics and further the chatacters history and their relationship to each other. The writing is very smooth and easy to read, while the plot is probably a bit too slow paced but always thrilling enough to continue. I will soon start with the next one
Solid beginning of this series! The magic is very subtle yet and the story is mainly about politics and further the chatacters history and their relationship to each other. The writing is very smooth and easy to read, while the plot is probably a bit too slow paced but always thrilling enough to continue. I will soon start with the next one
olityr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The magic system in this book seems like it may have been an inspiration for Babel by R.F. Kuang.
rg9400's review
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cjblandford's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. Its strange, because looking back on it, there wasn't a lot that happened, but for some reason, it didn't feel slow to me. Perhaps because the way the author writes the characters is so interesting, that they are able to make even the most mundane activities interesting. A lot of the story relies on nuance between relationships and politics. The magic system introduced is fascinating and feels very natural, even though it is actually a very small part of the world. All of the characters were interesting and had depth. There was not a single character whose point of view I didn't enjoy. Another major point in this book's favor is how beautiful the prose is. Because aesthetics are important in this world, the characters speak in a poetic way, but the way they speak and perform the communicative hand gestures also show their class levels or education. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
antonism's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 / 5
The first book of the Long Price quarter is a very interesting read. However, it's not a typical epic fantasy read as it obviously lacks action, bloody conflicts and a frenetic pace. On the other hand though, it is superbly written with deep characterization and so much personal drama unfolding as the story progresses that the novel ends up being a page-turner despite the relatively slow pace. This is not a book for fans of cookie-cutter fantasy. For those of us who like to read something different, I think I can recommend it!
Onwards to part 2 then!
3.5 / 5
The first book of the Long Price quarter is a very interesting read. However, it's not a typical epic fantasy read as it obviously lacks action, bloody conflicts and a frenetic pace. On the other hand though, it is superbly written with deep characterization and so much personal drama unfolding as the story progresses that the novel ends up being a page-turner despite the relatively slow pace. This is not a book for fans of cookie-cutter fantasy. For those of us who like to read something different, I think I can recommend it!
Onwards to part 2 then!
3.5 / 5
oswallt's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0