A review by caitlinejones
Greaveburn by Craig Hallam
4.0
"The silence didn't fall, it crashed, killing all the passengers and the driver."
Can we just talk about how good that line up there is first? Because "Greaveburn" is a lot like this one line; surprisingly clever and intricately written.
With themes ranging from "The Count of Monte Cristo" to classic fairy tales, and set purely within the confines of the gothic city, the story send its large cast of character out against lines of political plots, mysterious deaths, and conspiracy. The beginning does feel slower and more complex than the rest of the book, if only due to world-building. It did not distract from the characters though, who only grow in intrigue as the story goes on. Normally, a book this length might not be able to hold so many people, but most of the cast is well fleshed out by the end (I was particularly fond of Wheldrake and Corwater myself). The world of Greaveburn was richly written and left me wanting more.
A surprisingly dark and fun read. The finale also leaves room for a promising sequel, which I certainly look forward to!
Can we just talk about how good that line up there is first? Because "Greaveburn" is a lot like this one line; surprisingly clever and intricately written.
With themes ranging from "The Count of Monte Cristo" to classic fairy tales, and set purely within the confines of the gothic city, the story send its large cast of character out against lines of political plots, mysterious deaths, and conspiracy. The beginning does feel slower and more complex than the rest of the book, if only due to world-building. It did not distract from the characters though, who only grow in intrigue as the story goes on. Normally, a book this length might not be able to hold so many people, but most of the cast is well fleshed out by the end (I was particularly fond of Wheldrake and Corwater myself). The world of Greaveburn was richly written and left me wanting more.
A surprisingly dark and fun read. The finale also leaves room for a promising sequel, which I certainly look forward to!