Scan barcode
A review by sun_dog
Against the Light by Dave Duncan
3.0
Last half of the book - 4 stars. First half - 2. Obscenely cliched theme--sensitive, good, earth-loving Mother-worshipers being cruelly oppressed by a patriarchal, corrupt and cruel, male-dominated Father-Sky worshiping church in political power--I mean, seriously?? The magic theory is weak and just sort of happens to fit the plot needs.
But...great characters. Really lifelike, with subtle traits that make them stand distinct to each other, and personalities that almost vie for the reader's trust and sympathy. The author has a gift in creating characters, and a very deft hand in describing them as they move through scenes. They carry the first half of the book.
Then, suddenly the plot kicks it up a notch, and the plot is compelling, driving forward consistently, and keeps one turning pages. That continues through the last page of the book, with an 'argghhh' experience at 98% knowing this won't get resolved in one book and a series is setting sail. Perhaps an 'ahhhhhh' if that second half becomes the norm, and there's more to enjoy. But argghhh now as I wanted a resolute and resounding conclusion. Still, great second half. So 3 stars to average...
But...great characters. Really lifelike, with subtle traits that make them stand distinct to each other, and personalities that almost vie for the reader's trust and sympathy. The author has a gift in creating characters, and a very deft hand in describing them as they move through scenes. They carry the first half of the book.
Then, suddenly the plot kicks it up a notch, and the plot is compelling, driving forward consistently, and keeps one turning pages. That continues through the last page of the book, with an 'argghhh' experience at 98% knowing this won't get resolved in one book and a series is setting sail. Perhaps an 'ahhhhhh' if that second half becomes the norm, and there's more to enjoy. But argghhh now as I wanted a resolute and resounding conclusion. Still, great second half. So 3 stars to average...