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A review by frasersimons
The Prey of Gods by Nicky Drayden
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A wild truly SFF mashup, with fantasy elements and science fiction both. Sentient and genetic inheritance of god-like powers, nothing is really off the table, giving it a sense that anything could happen, which only grows as the story goes on and becomes more bombastic.
Unfortunately, this nonsensical attitude both helps and hinders it. It becomes a very fun ride, but also cherry picks what elements from the start end up being explored, and which become uncomfortable tropes. The characters took a back seat as the action unfolds and they were the things that made the book so engaging, since it’s pretty much impossible to predict what to expect. It is so gonzo the reader needs to be invested in plot twist surprises, rather than the characters, and I am not that kind of reader.
It is a really fun book, and it does manage to hit some themes. But I would have liked it if it fleshed out those aspects along with the characters, who felt, if anything, somewhat denigrated, for the sake of some antagonistic plot beats.
Unfortunately, this nonsensical attitude both helps and hinders it. It becomes a very fun ride, but also cherry picks what elements from the start end up being explored, and which become uncomfortable tropes. The characters took a back seat as the action unfolds and they were the things that made the book so engaging, since it’s pretty much impossible to predict what to expect. It is so gonzo the reader needs to be invested in plot twist surprises, rather than the characters, and I am not that kind of reader.
It is a really fun book, and it does manage to hit some themes. But I would have liked it if it fleshed out those aspects along with the characters, who felt, if anything, somewhat denigrated, for the sake of some antagonistic plot beats.