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A review by lezlie
The Return of the Knights by Gregory Kontaxis
slow-paced
3.0
I accepted a (gorgeous) hardback copy of this book from the author in consideration of a review. I listened to the audiobook in conjunction with the physical copy and the audiobook was purchased using my own funds. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
Friends, I won't lie to you. 90% of the reason I was interested in reading this book was because of its beautiful cover design. The other 10% is because the villain of this story (he really is the worst ) is named Walter. Anytime there's a bad guy with a name like that, I just gotta know more. Can you imagine the street cred he had to earn in order to overcome an unassuming name like Walter?
In the spirit of full transparency, I do not like narratives where almost the entirety of the book is told to the reader, instead of shown. I say that so you are aware that my personal preference possibly affects my overall review and to not let this be the only review you read to determine if this is one for you.
I will say Kontaxis pulled off this style in one of the better ways I've read. We got the history of why The Palace of the Dawn no longer has any allies, why Walter Thorn has been skirmishing in surrounding areas and asserting his control, folklore, legends, myths, etc. This information is shared with readers through several nested narratives where different characters share these tales with our main character and his little band as they travel about, attempting to restore old alliances.
Because this book is dialogue heavy with only small pockets of action, I never got particularly attached to any of the characters. Morys was the only one who managed to stir my emotions a bit. As a character driven reader, I was a little sad not to get any real nuggets of character development. Our main character, Elliott, did have some moments where we saw him wrestle with himself and learn much in the process, but it was a very small portion of the story.
So what was it that kept me reading? Guy Barnes. The award winning voice actor and audiobook narrator presented this story in the way that it should be - he brought it to life with his voice. The stories where we're told and not shown - great narrators are the key to success, in my opinion. They're perfect for the old tradition of oration, passing a story down from one generation to the next and Guy did an outstanding job. I knew I was in for a good time with the first line. It was like I was sitting in a big, comfy chair - nice fire blazing in the fireplace - with Guy leaning forward in the chair opposite me, regaling me with this tale.
The intricacy and cleverness of Elliot to outsmart Walter was so well done. There were so many important pieces that had to go just right, or everything could fall apart. When you see the big picture after all is said and done, you have to appreciate the creativity and intelligence on the part of the author.
Even though the writing style is not my preferred choice, I will absolutely be continuing the series because the author revealed something that I just have to read more about in the next installment!!!
It could very well be that this first book was written in this style strictly because it's a first book and a sort of fast-paced way for the author to catch everyone up to where the story really starts. I can't wait to find out.
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Sharon A-B, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
Friends, I won't lie to you. 90% of the reason I was interested in reading this book was because of its beautiful cover design. The other 10% is because the villain of this story (he really is the worst ) is named Walter. Anytime there's a bad guy with a name like that, I just gotta know more. Can you imagine the street cred he had to earn in order to overcome an unassuming name like Walter?
In the spirit of full transparency, I do not like narratives where almost the entirety of the book is told to the reader, instead of shown. I say that so you are aware that my personal preference possibly affects my overall review and to not let this be the only review you read to determine if this is one for you.
I will say Kontaxis pulled off this style in one of the better ways I've read. We got the history of why The Palace of the Dawn no longer has any allies, why Walter Thorn has been skirmishing in surrounding areas and asserting his control, folklore, legends, myths, etc. This information is shared with readers through several nested narratives where different characters share these tales with our main character and his little band as they travel about, attempting to restore old alliances.
Because this book is dialogue heavy with only small pockets of action, I never got particularly attached to any of the characters. Morys was the only one who managed to stir my emotions a bit. As a character driven reader, I was a little sad not to get any real nuggets of character development. Our main character, Elliott, did have some moments where we saw him wrestle with himself and learn much in the process, but it was a very small portion of the story.
So what was it that kept me reading? Guy Barnes. The award winning voice actor and audiobook narrator presented this story in the way that it should be - he brought it to life with his voice. The stories where we're told and not shown - great narrators are the key to success, in my opinion. They're perfect for the old tradition of oration, passing a story down from one generation to the next and Guy did an outstanding job. I knew I was in for a good time with the first line. It was like I was sitting in a big, comfy chair - nice fire blazing in the fireplace - with Guy leaning forward in the chair opposite me, regaling me with this tale.
The intricacy and cleverness of Elliot to outsmart Walter was so well done. There were so many important pieces that had to go just right, or everything could fall apart. When you see the big picture after all is said and done, you have to appreciate the creativity and intelligence on the part of the author.
Even though the writing style is not my preferred choice, I will absolutely be continuing the series because the author revealed something that I just have to read more about in the next installment!!!
It could very well be that this first book was written in this style strictly because it's a first book and a sort of fast-paced way for the author to catch everyone up to where the story really starts. I can't wait to find out.
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Sharon A-B, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.