Title: Deadhouse Gates
Author: Steven Erikson
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Series: The Malazan Book of the Fallen
Pages: 864
Pages to Date:7,893
The Good:
After I read the first installment of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, Deadhouse Gates had some very high expectations to meet, and it delivered in full. The interwoven story lines are beautifully executed and the characters are breathtaking, even in tragedy. Heboric, Felisin, Kalam, and Baudin stood out as a few of my favorites, along with Icarium, Mappo, and Iskaral Pust. I wish I could say more, but the very reasons I love these characters are major spoilers.
The Bad:
Like it's predecessor, Deadhouse Gates, starts off pretty slow. It is very much a traveling book; many of the stories take place really far from each other. However, once I began putting the pieces of the puzzle together this became a non-issue. I just wanted to continue on until certain parties collided.
Additionally, Duiker's sections for the first half of the book are pretty dry, littered with military talk. This may not hinder some readers, but for me it was a bit rough. In the end, though, I came to love Duiker as a character and his sections vastly improved.
The Verdict:
Deadhouse Gates is amazing. It lives up to it's predecessor's reputation and, though a bit slow at first, is a must read.
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Book #25- Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search Part 1
Title- Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search Part 1
Author- Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru (Art)
Genre- Fantasy
Pages-76
Pages to date-7,029
The Good:
This is what every Avatar fan has been waiting for. Finally, we get to find out what happened to Zuko's mom. Unlike The Promise, which showed much regression in Zuko's character, this installment shows him at his best, which is what readers want to see.
The Bad:
Zuko makes some questionable (that's putting it lightly, more like idiotic) decisions without much evidence to support those decisions. As a fan of the character, I hope this issue is resolved in parts 2 and 3.
Also, I wish they would publish all three parts at once. Waiting until late July for part 2 and even later for part 3 will not be pleasant.
The Verdict:
A must for any Avatar fan, but it's probably a good idea just to wait until all three parts are out.
Author- Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru (Art)
Genre- Fantasy
Pages-76
Pages to date-7,029
The Good:
This is what every Avatar fan has been waiting for. Finally, we get to find out what happened to Zuko's mom. Unlike The Promise, which showed much regression in Zuko's character, this installment shows him at his best, which is what readers want to see.
The Bad:
Zuko makes some questionable (that's putting it lightly, more like idiotic) decisions without much evidence to support those decisions. As a fan of the character, I hope this issue is resolved in parts 2 and 3.
Also, I wish they would publish all three parts at once. Waiting until late July for part 2 and even later for part 3 will not be pleasant.
The Verdict:
A must for any Avatar fan, but it's probably a good idea just to wait until all three parts are out.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Book #23- The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia
Title- The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia
Author-Various Writers and Translators
Genre- Video Games, Fantasy
Pages-280
Pages to date- 6,862
The Good:
Hyrule Historia is a great choice for any Zelda fan. The book has a detailed account of every game and awesome concept art. The history of Hyrule, viewed through a timeline that was previously a topic of much debate, grant new perspective to fans of the series.
The Bad:
The dense mythology of Hyrule is only lightly covered in this book, but the shortcoming is forgivable, considering that the gaps will most likely be filled by other games.
The Verdict:
Hyrule Historia is a must for any Zelda fan. It is a rather unconventional book, so it's hard to do it justice in a review. If you're interested, check it out.
Author-Various Writers and Translators
Genre- Video Games, Fantasy
Pages-280
Pages to date- 6,862
The Good:
Hyrule Historia is a great choice for any Zelda fan. The book has a detailed account of every game and awesome concept art. The history of Hyrule, viewed through a timeline that was previously a topic of much debate, grant new perspective to fans of the series.
The Bad:
The dense mythology of Hyrule is only lightly covered in this book, but the shortcoming is forgivable, considering that the gaps will most likely be filled by other games.
The Verdict:
Hyrule Historia is a must for any Zelda fan. It is a rather unconventional book, so it's hard to do it justice in a review. If you're interested, check it out.
Book #4- Deadhouse Gates
Book #4
Title: Deadhouse Gates
Steven Erikson
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 864
Pages to Date: 2273
The Good:
Deadhouse Gates is one of the strongest offerings in the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Erikson creates cultures that are rich and feel as if they have the weight of history pressing down on them. The same goes for characters and this book introduces some of the best characters in the series. Duiker, the cynical, fatalistic historian, is one of my favorite characters in the series. I also enjoyed the deeper look the reader gets into characters from the first book such as Fiddler and Kalam.
The Bad:
To be completely honest, this is my favorite book in the series so its very difficult for me to find anything bad about this novel.
The Verdict:
Read this book! By the time I reached the end of this novel I was nearly in tears. Even though it is long it is well worth the read.
Title: Deadhouse Gates
Steven Erikson
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 864
Pages to Date: 2273
The Good:
Deadhouse Gates is one of the strongest offerings in the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Erikson creates cultures that are rich and feel as if they have the weight of history pressing down on them. The same goes for characters and this book introduces some of the best characters in the series. Duiker, the cynical, fatalistic historian, is one of my favorite characters in the series. I also enjoyed the deeper look the reader gets into characters from the first book such as Fiddler and Kalam.
The Bad:
To be completely honest, this is my favorite book in the series so its very difficult for me to find anything bad about this novel.
The Verdict:
Read this book! By the time I reached the end of this novel I was nearly in tears. Even though it is long it is well worth the read.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Book #21- The Last of the Sky Pirates
Title- The Last of the Sky Pirates
Author-Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
Series-The Edge Chronicles, Book 1
Genre- Fantasy
Pages-223
Pages to date- 6,307
The Good:
The Last of the Sky Pirates shares many strengths with other books in the series. Most notable (at least in the first five books) is world-building. Stewart and Riddell put a ton of work into creating The Edge, and the result is a breathtaking land with varying races and scenery. The Edge is a perfect setting for such a whimsical collection of creatures such as shrykes, banderbears, and stormhornets.
The charming eccentricity of the book suits it well, especially in regards to character. Magda and Stob, while both somewhat annoying at times, lend a sense of comfortable familiarity.
The Bad:
As a fantasy series geared towards the interest of young readers, The Last of the Sky Pirates struggles to capture a more mature audience. Rook (the book's protagonist) has a few difficulties here and there, but they all seem to resolve themselves or he is aided by an older, more knowledgeable character. While this makes for some action-packed scenes, most of the time it is a bit disconcerting.
The Verdict:
The Last of the Sky Pirates by no means a difficult read, and readers who are more attuned to adult fantasy may struggle with it. However, the installment of The Edge Chronicles is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, casual, and whimsical journey into a well-crafted fantasy world.
Author-Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
Series-The Edge Chronicles, Book 1
Genre- Fantasy
Pages-223
Pages to date- 6,307
The Good:
The Last of the Sky Pirates shares many strengths with other books in the series. Most notable (at least in the first five books) is world-building. Stewart and Riddell put a ton of work into creating The Edge, and the result is a breathtaking land with varying races and scenery. The Edge is a perfect setting for such a whimsical collection of creatures such as shrykes, banderbears, and stormhornets.
The charming eccentricity of the book suits it well, especially in regards to character. Magda and Stob, while both somewhat annoying at times, lend a sense of comfortable familiarity.
The Bad:
As a fantasy series geared towards the interest of young readers, The Last of the Sky Pirates struggles to capture a more mature audience. Rook (the book's protagonist) has a few difficulties here and there, but they all seem to resolve themselves or he is aided by an older, more knowledgeable character. While this makes for some action-packed scenes, most of the time it is a bit disconcerting.
The Verdict:
The Last of the Sky Pirates by no means a difficult read, and readers who are more attuned to adult fantasy may struggle with it. However, the installment of The Edge Chronicles is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, casual, and whimsical journey into a well-crafted fantasy world.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Book #20- Gardens of the Moon
Title- Gardens of the Moon
Author- Steven Erikson
Series-The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 1
Genre- Epic Fantasy
Pages-657
Pages to date- 6,084
The Good:
Gardens of the Moon is massive in scope and ambition. Erikson weaves countless tales together with expert writing. The book is remarkably cinematic; it establishes setting perfectly and follows numerous distinct characters. The Malazan Empire and its bordering continents are infused with rich and enduring histories that rival those of countries in our world. As a writer, I found myself endlessly jealous of Erikson's ability to craft a world so concrete and blooming with intriguing heritage. Since the budding of fantasy as a relevant literary style, few have proven to be worthwhile storytellers while avoiding common tropes of the genre. Steven Erikson is one of those few.
Gardens of the Moon contains countless story arcs that compete for the reader's attention, but never win. Every plot and subplot is interesting, important to the ongoing plot of the series, and flat-out fun to read. This is done through careful characterization; Erikson imbues each character with such emotion that it is impossible for the reader to remain indifferent.
The Bad:
Honestly, I had to deliberate for some time when deciding whether there was something I didn't like about Garden's of the Moon. The only thing I could think of was this: because the cast of characters is so large, the piece starts off slow. Once past the 100-page mark, though, everything picks up and the novel is a quick (but by no means easy) read.
The Verdict:
Gardens of the Moon is a must-read for any fantasy fan. This book is absolutely stunning in its scope and is nearly perfect.
Author- Steven Erikson
Series-The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 1
Genre- Epic Fantasy
Pages-657
Pages to date- 6,084
The Good:
Gardens of the Moon is massive in scope and ambition. Erikson weaves countless tales together with expert writing. The book is remarkably cinematic; it establishes setting perfectly and follows numerous distinct characters. The Malazan Empire and its bordering continents are infused with rich and enduring histories that rival those of countries in our world. As a writer, I found myself endlessly jealous of Erikson's ability to craft a world so concrete and blooming with intriguing heritage. Since the budding of fantasy as a relevant literary style, few have proven to be worthwhile storytellers while avoiding common tropes of the genre. Steven Erikson is one of those few.
Gardens of the Moon contains countless story arcs that compete for the reader's attention, but never win. Every plot and subplot is interesting, important to the ongoing plot of the series, and flat-out fun to read. This is done through careful characterization; Erikson imbues each character with such emotion that it is impossible for the reader to remain indifferent.
The Bad:
Honestly, I had to deliberate for some time when deciding whether there was something I didn't like about Garden's of the Moon. The only thing I could think of was this: because the cast of characters is so large, the piece starts off slow. Once past the 100-page mark, though, everything picks up and the novel is a quick (but by no means easy) read.
The Verdict:
Gardens of the Moon is a must-read for any fantasy fan. This book is absolutely stunning in its scope and is nearly perfect.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Book #2- Gardens of the Moon
Title: Gardens of the Moon
Author: Steven Erikson
Series: Malazan Book of the Fallen
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 497
Pages to date: 1185
The Good:
Reading this book is like reading no other fantasy book out there. You will find no elves, orcs, or evil sorcerers between the the covers of this book, although there is one mysterious scheming mage, actually several. This is also not a book that will baby you through it, Gardens of the Moon requires close reading because there are no huge info-dumps to get you through it.
The Bad:
The only problem I have with this book is that it is by far the weakest offering in the series. This is also a very difficult book to get into, and the first hundred or so can be difficult to get through.
The Verdict:
A great introduction to an amazing series, but it can be a difficult book to get into.
Ryan Knott
Author: Steven Erikson
Series: Malazan Book of the Fallen
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 497
Pages to date: 1185
The Good:
Reading this book is like reading no other fantasy book out there. You will find no elves, orcs, or evil sorcerers between the the covers of this book, although there is one mysterious scheming mage, actually several. This is also not a book that will baby you through it, Gardens of the Moon requires close reading because there are no huge info-dumps to get you through it.
The Bad:
The only problem I have with this book is that it is by far the weakest offering in the series. This is also a very difficult book to get into, and the first hundred or so can be difficult to get through.
The Verdict:
A great introduction to an amazing series, but it can be a difficult book to get into.
Ryan Knott
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Book #1-The Forge of Darkness
Title-The Forge of Darkness
Author-Steven Erikson
Series-Kharkanas Trilogy
Genre-Fantasy
Pages-688
Pages to date-688
The Good:
"The Forge of Darkness" is the first installment in Steven Erikson's newest trilogy detailing the split between the Tiste Andii and the Tiste Liosan. As a hardcore Erikson fan the I was very excited to see how events that I could only guess at before. Longtime fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series will be pleased to see many of their favorite characters of the series make appearances. While there's something for readers of MBOF in "The Forge of Darkness" this is also a great book for people looking to get into the Malazan world because it requires no prior knowledge of the the world.
The Bad:
Some fans of Erikson may be dismayed by the switch in his writing style away from the epic to something much more poetic, although I did not find it that distracting. Another thing that may disappoint readers of MBOF is the lack of scenes from Anomander Rake's POV.
The Verdict:
This is an amazing book. Everybody should read it.
Ryan
Author-Steven Erikson
Series-Kharkanas Trilogy
Genre-Fantasy
Pages-688
Pages to date-688
The Good:
"The Forge of Darkness" is the first installment in Steven Erikson's newest trilogy detailing the split between the Tiste Andii and the Tiste Liosan. As a hardcore Erikson fan the I was very excited to see how events that I could only guess at before. Longtime fans of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series will be pleased to see many of their favorite characters of the series make appearances. While there's something for readers of MBOF in "The Forge of Darkness" this is also a great book for people looking to get into the Malazan world because it requires no prior knowledge of the the world.
The Bad:
Some fans of Erikson may be dismayed by the switch in his writing style away from the epic to something much more poetic, although I did not find it that distracting. Another thing that may disappoint readers of MBOF is the lack of scenes from Anomander Rake's POV.
The Verdict:
This is an amazing book. Everybody should read it.
Ryan
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Book #14- The Fire Chronicle
Title- The Fire Chronicle
Author- John Stephens
Series- Book 2 of The Books of Beginning
Genre- Fantasy
Pages- 437
Pages to date- 4,124
The Good:
The Fire Chronicle is fast-paced and extremely entertaining. I couldn't put it down. The new depth in character of the Dire Magnus was phenomenal and will please readers. Michael's storyline was also noteworthy.
The Bad:
While the villain and Michael were newly characterized very well, the returning characters were a little more static. I would have liked more on Dr. Pym, Gabriel, Kate, and Emma. They are good, but not up to the standards of Rafe or Michael.
The Verdict:
The Fire Chronicle is a good, quick read that leaves readers wanting the next installment, but doesn't have enough balance in terms of characterization (I say this now, but it very well could be that this issue is mended in the next and final book of the series).
Author- John Stephens
Series- Book 2 of The Books of Beginning
Genre- Fantasy
Pages- 437
Pages to date- 4,124
The Good:
The Fire Chronicle is fast-paced and extremely entertaining. I couldn't put it down. The new depth in character of the Dire Magnus was phenomenal and will please readers. Michael's storyline was also noteworthy.
The Bad:
While the villain and Michael were newly characterized very well, the returning characters were a little more static. I would have liked more on Dr. Pym, Gabriel, Kate, and Emma. They are good, but not up to the standards of Rafe or Michael.
The Verdict:
The Fire Chronicle is a good, quick read that leaves readers wanting the next installment, but doesn't have enough balance in terms of characterization (I say this now, but it very well could be that this issue is mended in the next and final book of the series).
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Book #11- Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Promise
Title- Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise Parts 1,2, and 3
Author- Bryan Konietzko & Michael Dante DiMartino
Series- Divided into 3 books of 80 pages each
Genre- Fantasy
Pages- 240
Pages to date- 2,979
The Good:
This series feeds the craving for more Avatar. The story is pretty interesting as well.
The Bad:
There just isn't enough. The books are mostly pictures and there is very little dialogue, even for a comic book.
Zuko kind of regresses as a character, and, while it makes for a good story catalyst, it isn't what fans want to see.
Cool aspects of the story are just glossed over, like Toph's metal-bending school.
While there are teasers for the story of Zuko's mother, it is pushed back until the next series (The Search), out March 2013.
The Verdict:
This series is good for a quick refresher on the Avatar world, but it won't satisfy loyal fans as much as it should.
Author- Bryan Konietzko & Michael Dante DiMartino
Series- Divided into 3 books of 80 pages each
Genre- Fantasy
Pages- 240
Pages to date- 2,979
The Good:
This series feeds the craving for more Avatar. The story is pretty interesting as well.
The Bad:
There just isn't enough. The books are mostly pictures and there is very little dialogue, even for a comic book.
Zuko kind of regresses as a character, and, while it makes for a good story catalyst, it isn't what fans want to see.
Cool aspects of the story are just glossed over, like Toph's metal-bending school.
While there are teasers for the story of Zuko's mother, it is pushed back until the next series (The Search), out March 2013.
The Verdict:
This series is good for a quick refresher on the Avatar world, but it won't satisfy loyal fans as much as it should.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Book #8- A Wrinkle in Time
Title- A Wrinkle in Time
Author- Madeleine L'Engle
Series- Book 1 of The Time Quartet
Genre- Fantasy/Science Fiction
Pages-211
Pages to date-2,490
The Good:
A Wrinkle in Time is a quick read and has a lot to offer. A blurb describes it as such: "Fascinating...It makes unusual demands on the imagination and consequently gives great rewards." This is a very fair description of the book. The characters are interesting and the ideas presented are thought-provoking.
The Bad:
I left the book wanting more. Not necessarily a sequel (there are three companions, though not direct sequels), but more content. This story could have done well with 200 more pages. Everything is explained, but you are taken to such amazing worlds that you feel shortchanged once you've left. The concepts are so large that the time they are given seems unjust. Most of this is because it is meant for children. It would do even better if converted to an adult novel.
A few religious references interfered with my reading of the story, but not too much.
The Verdict:
A Wrinkle in Time is a swift and easy read that is satisfying, but a tad short of that amazing, vast story you've been craving.
Author- Madeleine L'Engle
Series- Book 1 of The Time Quartet
Genre- Fantasy/Science Fiction
Pages-211
Pages to date-2,490
The Good:
A Wrinkle in Time is a quick read and has a lot to offer. A blurb describes it as such: "Fascinating...It makes unusual demands on the imagination and consequently gives great rewards." This is a very fair description of the book. The characters are interesting and the ideas presented are thought-provoking.
The Bad:
I left the book wanting more. Not necessarily a sequel (there are three companions, though not direct sequels), but more content. This story could have done well with 200 more pages. Everything is explained, but you are taken to such amazing worlds that you feel shortchanged once you've left. The concepts are so large that the time they are given seems unjust. Most of this is because it is meant for children. It would do even better if converted to an adult novel.
A few religious references interfered with my reading of the story, but not too much.
The Verdict:
A Wrinkle in Time is a swift and easy read that is satisfying, but a tad short of that amazing, vast story you've been craving.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Book #3- Storm Front
Title- Storm Front
Author- Jim Butcher
Series- Book 1 of The Dresden Files
Genre- Fantasy/Mystery
Pages- 355
Pages to date- 1,486
The Good:
There are many things to love about Storm Front. First and foremost is Jim Butcher's choice of setting and situation. Placing an openly practicing wizard into the city of Chicago is a bold move, but it works. It is also a fresh release from fantasies set in other worlds or in hiding.
Harry Dresden is a great character. He has many interesting flaws and knows himself very well. This opens up the book to deep mysteries and plot twists, both of which were thrilling and suspenseful.
The Bad:
There isn't much to say in this area. I found the book compelling and well-written. I found a few comma errors, but they don't at all detract from the story. I suppose the one thing I would change is Harry's use of magic. I wanted more. A little more backstory might be cool too, but there are many more books, so I am assuming more of that comes together further on.
The Verdict:
Storm Front is a great read for any fantasy fan. The blend of the supernatural and detective genres is superb.
Author- Jim Butcher
Series- Book 1 of The Dresden Files
Genre- Fantasy/Mystery
Pages- 355
Pages to date- 1,486
The Good:
There are many things to love about Storm Front. First and foremost is Jim Butcher's choice of setting and situation. Placing an openly practicing wizard into the city of Chicago is a bold move, but it works. It is also a fresh release from fantasies set in other worlds or in hiding.
Harry Dresden is a great character. He has many interesting flaws and knows himself very well. This opens up the book to deep mysteries and plot twists, both of which were thrilling and suspenseful.
The Bad:
There isn't much to say in this area. I found the book compelling and well-written. I found a few comma errors, but they don't at all detract from the story. I suppose the one thing I would change is Harry's use of magic. I wanted more. A little more backstory might be cool too, but there are many more books, so I am assuming more of that comes together further on.
The Verdict:
Storm Front is a great read for any fantasy fan. The blend of the supernatural and detective genres is superb.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Book #1- The Enchantress
Title- The Enchantress
Author- Michael Scott
Series- Book 6 in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
Genre- Fantasy
Pages- 513
Pages to date- 513
The Good:
The first five books of the series opened up many questions, and this one succeeded in answering every single one. What I enjoyed most what that the ending, unlike so many children's books, was not predictable at all. In retrospect I realized the author did drop some hints, but they were subtle enough to keep the conclusion a surprise.
The Bad (spoiler alert):
The book revealed that Aoife was rescued, but didn't catalog the actual event, which was a bit disappointing.
Much of this series took place in big U.S. cities, but most of this book takes place in the fallen city of Danu Talis. This makes it lose a bit of reader connectivity, but fans of the series won't be too jarred by it.
I am still wondering who the titular enchantress is. In all the previous books, the title character was easily identifiable. I wish this one was similar in that vein.
The Verdict:
The Enchantress is a great ending to a great series that will please any fan of the previous books and leave no question unanswered.
Author- Michael Scott
Series- Book 6 in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
Genre- Fantasy
Pages- 513
Pages to date- 513
The Good:
The first five books of the series opened up many questions, and this one succeeded in answering every single one. What I enjoyed most what that the ending, unlike so many children's books, was not predictable at all. In retrospect I realized the author did drop some hints, but they were subtle enough to keep the conclusion a surprise.
The Bad (spoiler alert):
The book revealed that Aoife was rescued, but didn't catalog the actual event, which was a bit disappointing.
Much of this series took place in big U.S. cities, but most of this book takes place in the fallen city of Danu Talis. This makes it lose a bit of reader connectivity, but fans of the series won't be too jarred by it.
I am still wondering who the titular enchantress is. In all the previous books, the title character was easily identifiable. I wish this one was similar in that vein.
The Verdict:
The Enchantress is a great ending to a great series that will please any fan of the previous books and leave no question unanswered.
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