A review by asterope
The Brothers Cabal by Jonathan L. Howard
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
Horst rises again! Yay. The stakes are raised even further, with lots of fun side characters, allies and enemies alike.
The first half of the book is mainly narrated by Horst, recounting the adventure so far (with some occasional critical comments from Johannes). While the author excelled at worldbuilding here, it's too detailed at times. I didn't need a blow by blow of the various entomopter airshows. This section could have been told more efficiently. Horst is great, but Johannes is a better POV character.
After the events catch up with the present, we're back to Johannes and Horst working together. I was glad because the best and most hilarious dialogue is definitely these two playing off each other. Plus there’s lots of nice character development for both of them. "'The professor tells me that you, well…that you saved the world.'
Cabal shrugged. 'Probably. I do a lot of things.'"
Alisha and the ladies of the entomopter circus were very cool. In every instalment of this series, the author further address one of my nitpicks from the previous one (more interesting female characters). It really helps to open the world up.
Regarding continuity, this was partly awesome. What I’m referring to here is spoilery so I’ll leave it at that. The other part I found a little unrealistic: although there's clear character development with him, I find it odd that Johannes is so blasé about what happened in the last book. That would mess up anyone, even him. And it’s not like any time has passed, this book continues right from where the last one ended.
Although I love the humour style, I think the dedication to being hilarious vs truly deep emotional connections to the characters is what keeps me from rating this series 5 stars. I understand that is just how this series is, but for me to truly love it, I need more character work. I’m cool with that though. Happy with this as another solid 4.25 stars.
The first half of the book is mainly narrated by Horst, recounting the adventure so far (with some occasional critical comments from Johannes). While the author excelled at worldbuilding here, it's too detailed at times. I didn't need a blow by blow of the various entomopter airshows. This section could have been told more efficiently. Horst is great, but Johannes is a better POV character.
After the events catch up with the present, we're back to Johannes and Horst working together. I was glad because the best and most hilarious dialogue is definitely these two playing off each other. Plus there’s lots of nice character development for both of them. "'The professor tells me that you, well…that you saved the world.'
Cabal shrugged. 'Probably. I do a lot of things.'"
Alisha and the ladies of the entomopter circus were very cool. In every instalment of this series, the author further address one of my nitpicks from the previous one (more interesting female characters). It really helps to open the world up.
Regarding continuity, this was partly awesome. What I’m referring to here is spoilery so I’ll leave it at that. The other part I found a little unrealistic: although there's clear character development with him, I find it odd that Johannes is so blasé about what happened in the last book. That would mess up anyone, even him. And it’s not like any time has passed, this book continues right from where the last one ended.
Although I love the humour style, I think the dedication to being hilarious vs truly deep emotional connections to the characters is what keeps me from rating this series 5 stars. I understand that is just how this series is, but for me to truly love it, I need more character work. I’m cool with that though. Happy with this as another solid 4.25 stars.