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A review by mayhappily
City of Wolves by Willow Palecek
2.0
It might've been two, three days ago, no more, that I told a customer at the bookstore where I work, that, in my opinion, a novella published by Tor was as much a stamp of quality as a book being picked up by either HBO or, maybe even more so - I say, and think of the wonderful adaption of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - BBC.
Maybe that's also why I feel almost betrayed (that is a strong word, I know) by City of Wolves...
Now, that sounds interesting. It might've been done a few time already, but what's to say that a story already told can't be worth yet another read as long as it is done well.
As long as it is done well.
It actually isn't so much a lack of good storytelling that's the cause for my low rating; it's the fact that there is so much potential storytelling that's been shrunk to fit the number of pages allowed a novella! There's no depth to the characters or the story itself, the events feel rushed and the conclusion a bit like a helicopter parent solving the puzzle for you rather than offer you the tools you need to do it yourself.
Maybe that's also why I feel almost betrayed (that is a strong word, I know) by City of Wolves...
Alexander Drake, Investigator for Hire, doesn’t like working for the Nobility, and doesn’t prefer to take jobs from strange men who accost him in alleyways. A combination of hired muscle and ready silver have a way of changing a man’s mind. A lord has been killed, his body found covered in bite marks. Even worse, the late lord’s will is missing, and not everyone wants Drake to find it. Solving the case might plunge Drake into deeper danger.
Now, that sounds interesting. It might've been done a few time already, but what's to say that a story already told can't be worth yet another read as long as it is done well.
As long as it is done well.
It actually isn't so much a lack of good storytelling that's the cause for my low rating; it's the fact that there is so much potential storytelling that's been shrunk to fit the number of pages allowed a novella! There's no depth to the characters or the story itself, the events feel rushed and the conclusion a bit like a helicopter parent solving the puzzle for you rather than offer you the tools you need to do it yourself.