stacyjenson's review against another edition
2.0
Overrated. While I loved the prose and the allusions to the Raven King, I wondered what in the plot justified a book this tremendously long. I'm not a lazy reader and will joyfully read through long books in multi-volume series, but I'd like a big emotional pay-off if I'm going to read something this long.
anna_pizzichidilibri's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
lauralindahl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
all_piss_and_vinegar's review against another edition
So dull - just a bunch of old men talking
danskireads's review against another edition
1.0
This was really hard work. There are wonderful cul de sacs of flights of fancy… Clarke has an amazing imagination… but it’s wrapped up in a meandering, pointless, tedious, directionless, boring story filled with unlikeable characters. It’s a 1000 pages and there’s no pay off at the end. To my mind, this book fails at the first hurdle for a book of this genre… it fails to entertain.
caseymalsam's review against another edition
1.0
I couldn't get into it. I read 86 pages and didn't care what happened next.
malinou's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mary846's review against another edition
5.0
This book is absolutely magical in every sense of the word. I was completely entranced by it!
Although it may have been longer than necessary, I didn't mind at all. The writing was eloquent, glorious, and funny, keeping me engaged throughout. The characters were all well-developed and enchanting, with beautiful complexity.
The intricate world that was created was simply amazing, and the footnotes and asides added to the impression of a real, detailed society with a rich history.
Furthermore, the prose was Dickensian in its ability to gently point out people's flaws while still allowing us to love the characters.
I listened to the audiobook - and the narration by Simon Prebble was superb.
In my opinion, this book is truly a masterpiece.
Although it may have been longer than necessary, I didn't mind at all. The writing was eloquent, glorious, and funny, keeping me engaged throughout. The characters were all well-developed and enchanting, with beautiful complexity.
The intricate world that was created was simply amazing, and the footnotes and asides added to the impression of a real, detailed society with a rich history.
Furthermore, the prose was Dickensian in its ability to gently point out people's flaws while still allowing us to love the characters.
I listened to the audiobook - and the narration by Simon Prebble was superb.
In my opinion, this book is truly a masterpiece.
1klew's review against another edition
3.0
I guess I just don't understand why everyone loves this book. It was very strange. I didn't love it.
osqar7's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the whole idea of the book, but it is way toooo slow to keep me gripped. On the contrary, at the end of the book, things happen so quick that you cannot believe the book has suddenly ended after all you read before. It'e something like 950 pages of introduction and 50 pages to solve all knots. A bit disappointing.