Audiobook Review: Endsinger by Jay Kristoff
Posted on December 26, 2014 17 Comments
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 3 of The Lotus War
Publisher: Audible Studios (November 25, 2014)
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
It is worth noting that I listened to the audiobook version of this, whereas I read the print or ebook copy of the previous two books in the trilogy. I mention this because it probably affected my rating. For some books the reading versus listening experience can vary greatly, and this is one of those cases. But more on that later.
First, I want to start off by saying that Endsinger is a great conclusion to the series. After all that buildup in Kinslayer, I was skeptical that author Jay Kristoff could wrap it all up in one more book because there’s so much ground to cover, but he pulls it off magnificently. There’s a lot going on here. Without revealing any spoilers, this is just a taste of what we’re dealing with – 1) the Shima Imperium is in chaos, practically tearing itself apart in a civil war, 2) in the last book it was revealed that the Lotus Guild is poised to take over the empire with a secret weapon at their disposal, namely a colossal steampunk giant machine called Earthcrusher, 3) the Kage rebellion is now in shambles and it’s up to Yukiko and her storm tiger Buruu to rally and unite them, 4) somewhere out there, we know there are more of these storm tigers but getting their help would be difficult as they all seem to hate Buruu due to something awful he did in the past, so there’s that mystery to consider, 5) there’s the whole ongoing “gaijin war” happening outside of Shima, and the captured prisoners who are enslaved and subjected to the most horrific fates, 6) and finally, the biggie – Yukiko will have to deal with a major bombshell that was dropped on us in book two. Not going to say anything more than that, except what she learned about herself is a life changing event which would stay with her both emotionally and physically forever.
Then of course there are all the little side plots involving the secondary characters, like Kin and Hana and Yoshi. Everyone is focused on working towards the goal of toppling Shima’s tyrannical reign as well as the evil, blood-soaked lotus industry that drives it. I won’t lie; there’s so much to wrap up here that I was half expecting the news along the way that this series would end up being a quadrilogy. And yet somehow, impressively, Kristoff manages to tie all of this together without leaving loose threads. That in itself is pretty amazing.
There’s a lot to like in this volume. For one, we have the return of some fantastic characters, and as always the relationship dynamics make this one a great read. The story itself is enhanced by the drama of friendships and animosities between characters, the most obvious example being Yukiko’s bond with Buruu, which is one of the highlights of this series. Seriously, it’s a partnership to rival all the classic tales of interspecies friendships through the ages. And obviously, no epic saga is complete without secrets and devastating betrayals – as well as redemption. Plus, there’s also love. We mustn’t forget romance and passion, even in war. This book has all that and more.
The story, however, has a few hitches. I was poised to write about the awesome twists and turns in this novel, until I stopped to really think about that. Sure, there were several hugely significant events that happened in this novel, but could I honestly say I didn’t expect any of them? Not so much. Unlike the last book, a lot of the “surprises” in this one were actually quite predictable, even when it came to some of the major character sacrifices or deaths. I also found the pacing of the storytelling frustratingly uneven. The beginning held me rapt, to the point not even a looming bedtime could have stopped me from listening, and indeed there were several nights where I stayed up late just to get an hour or two farther in the audiobook to find out what happened. Around the middle of the book though, I lost that enthusiasm. The story here started dragging its feet, and it’s a real shame, because unfortunately I never got the momentum back after that.
Now is probably a good time to talk about why I think listening to this in audiobook format affected my experience. I believe it had nothing to do with the narration (which was brilliant) and everything to do with the writing itself. While I think that in general Jay Kristoff is a good writer and an engaging story teller, he does have a tendency to sometimes go overboard with very flowery and ornate descriptions. This has been my experience with the last two books in this series, and in some ways that has prepared me well for going into Endsinger, knowing to expect some of these rough patches and passages. In spite of this, what I didn’t anticipate was how jarring and distracting it is when this kind of purple prose was read to me through an audiobook. As beautiful and detailed as some of Kristoff’s descriptions are, sometimes they go on for far too long, breaking the flow of the story.
I don’t think the effects were so noticeable when reading the actual print books, because my eye may have naturally skimmed over these big paragraphs and walls of text without me even being aware it was happening. This is not possible to do with an audiobook; instead, the audience has no choice but to be swept up into the entire text.
A talented voice actor or actress can make a book come to life (and narrator Jennifer Ikeda certainly delivered an incredible performance in this case), but hearing the writing read aloud can also sometimes clue a reader in to parts where the author is rambling, focused too much on the irrelevant, or losing his or her grasp on the scene. It happened more times than I would have liked here. It was doubly frustrating to have to constantly skip back a minute or two every time I realized my mind had wandered while listening to a particularly long section devoted to overly embellished descriptions.
Still, this trilogy is excellent as a whole, and I have no qualms recommending it to young adults and adults alike (though make that older young adults, as even though the first book started off as more YA, I felt the series grew progressively darker and more mature with each installment). Was the conclusion absolutely epic and completely worth it, though? Yes and absolutely yes!
Story:
Narration:
Overall:
Tough Traveling – Kings
Posted on December 25, 2014 8 Comments
The Thursday feature “Tough Traveling” is the brainchild of Nathan of Review Barn, who has come up with the excellent idea of making a new list each week based on the most common tropes in fantasy, as seen in The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynn Jones. Nathan has invited anyone who is interested to come play along, so be sure to check out the first link for more information.
This week’s tour topic is: Kings
KINGS come in four kinds: Puppet Kings, Bad Kings, Good Kings (rare), and Long Lost Kings.
Wendy’s Picks
Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne by David Gaider
An Oresian usurper sits on the Ferelden throne, and the rightful queen has been murdered by traitors. The prince must gather an army to win back what is his by blood.
The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu
The Prophus and the Genjix have been here on earth since the time of the dinosaurs, shaping civilizations through the human hosts they claim. Before taking over the likes of overweight IT technician Roan, Tao and his compatriots have guided many a ruler.
The Broken Road by Teresa Frohock
Travys is a prince of the Chanteuse and the queen’s chosen heir. Though he is mute, he has learned how to command the magic of voice and song and would be a benevolent rule. But his twin brother is none too happy with the queen’s decision…
Naamah’s Blessing by Jacqueline Carey
King Daniel de la Courcel is a man of kindness and compassion, but he lacks the emotional strength of his predecessors, leading his kingdom to ruin, if Moirin, the Bear Witch, is unable to rescue the missing prince.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Aderlan’s Assassin serves at the mercy of the ruthless king whose life she would take, were she not his slave. If she becomes his champion instead, will she finally have her chance?
Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
Royce Melbourn and Hadrian Blackwater are framed for the murder of a king, and then charged with the safe return of his heir. Will this spoiled brat learn to be a good king in time to save his people from the conspiracy that has taken them?
King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Well there’s “king” in the title right? Jorg Ancrath is by no means a good king. But he is a determined one, even if his reasons for waging war and seeking the crown are spite and vengeance.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
There’s that word in the title again! And another king whose life is stolen early on in the story, to be replaced by an heir who may not be fit for the crown.
The Briar King by Greg Keyes
There is a king in this book, and conspiracies against said king. But the titular king is neither man, nor beast, and when he comes, death and destruction comes with him.
Man no longer believes in gods, but does that mean they no longer exist? Of course not. And Shadow discovers that he is, in fact, the son of Odin, the king of the gods.
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Two young princesses, one destined to be the wife of Susebron, the god king. But with every kingdom comes those who would conspire against its king, or use him to their own ends.
Waiting on Wednesday 12/24/14
Posted on December 24, 2014 14 Comments
“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that lets us feature upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick:
A Crown for Cold Silver by Alex Marshall: April 14, 2015 (Orbit)
No doubt you’ll see me talking about this book a lot more before its release date in April of next year. While I always try not to hype something up for myself to keep expectations realistic, I can’t help but be excited about this one, not the least because the handful of people I know whose opinions I value and who have read it already all loved it. It has been described to me as similar to Joe Abercrombie, and that if I like gritty stories and dark humor then I should be very pleased. It features a female warrior as its protagonist to boot!
It’s proving difficult to resist digging into the ARC right away, but the publisher has requested reviews to be held until at least a month before release so I’ll be reading this at a later date. Til then, I shall bide my time and patiently wait.
“An outstanding, game-changing epic fantasy debut featuring an unforgettable female warrior.
FIVE VILLAINS. ONE LEGENDARY GENERAL. A FINAL QUEST FOR VENGEANCE.
Twenty years ago, feared general Cobalt Zosia led her five villainous captains and mercenary army into battle, wrestling monsters and toppling an empire. When there were no more titles to win and no more worlds to conquer, she retired and gave up her legend to history.
Now the peace she carved for herself has been shattered by the unprovoked slaughter of her village. Seeking bloody vengeance, Zosia heads for battle once more, but to find justice she must confront grudge-bearing enemies, once-loyal allies, and an unknown army that marches under a familiar banner.
A CROWN FOR COLD SILVER is an outstanding epic fantasy debut featuring an unforgettable warrior.”
Graphic Novel Review: Injustice: Gods Among Us, Vol. 1 by Tom Taylor
Posted on December 23, 2014 6 Comments
Injustice: Gods Among Us, Vol. 1 by Tom Taylor
Genre: Superheroes, Gaming
Publisher: DC Comics (November 2013)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“There are some things even you can’t corrupt, Joker.”
“Ha! Oh Batsy. You’re so cute.”
Injustice: Gods Among Us is one of the many unplayed video games on my Steam Wall of Shame. Following a friend’s suggestion that I watch the collected cinematics, I realized this wasn’t just any old fighting game where you get to prove that Wonder Woman really is better than everyone else. There is a significant amount of storytelling involved. Another friend recommended this comic series to me, because it also features the kind of Superman story that I can appreciate it.
Clark Kent wakes up one morning to the most incredible sound he has ever heard. It is the sound of two heartbeats within the body of the woman he loves. But by the end of the day, the Joker steals that from him in the most cruel way possible. As his best friend, Batman believes that even a tragedy of this level will not change the incorruptible man that he knows Clark to be. But with encouragement from Wonder Woman, Superman’s goodness turns into something far more frightening: a benevolent leader with zero tolerance for wrong doers, including all those who would stand against him — even if he once called them friend.
Just as the game turned out to be far more than just a fighting game, the comic is not merely about pitting various popular characters against each other.
I am a big Harley Quinn fan, and I was particularly pleased with her involvement. In passing, she seems like a ditsy kind of character who is hopelessly in love with an abuser, but, while the latter is true, some people forget that she is a skilled psychologist. There is quite the cunning and determined mind beneath those pigtails. She is not to be underestimated, no matter which side she chooses to be on, but the writer also gives her the depth of character she deserves.
In fact, all the characters are extremely well written, and their struggles as they come to terms with their place within the society that Superman is slowly building are all well thought out. Each character is defined well beyond their abilities as super heroes, but by their ideals and their experiences, allowing or forcing them to choose sides accordingly. Everyone has a reason to be where they are, and a reason to change sides, as they question the moral and ethical choices of Superman.
This is the story that Marvel’s Avengers vs. X-Men dreamed of, but utterly failed to become.
Anthology Review: Stories of the Raksura by Martha Wells
Posted on December 22, 2014 27 Comments
Stories of the Raksura by Martha Wells
Genre: Fantasy, Anthology
Series: Books of the Raksura
Publisher: Night Shade (September 2, 2014)
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stories of the Raksura is a delightful romp into Martha Wells’ world of the Raksura – even if you have not read the main series. I have been meaning to get to her Books of the Raksura for a long time now but still haven’t found the opportunity yet, so I was very happy to get my hands on this collection.
Of course, I had the usual concerns: How much do I need to know before jumping in? Am I going to be able to follow along with the short stories in here without getting lost? I shouldn’t have worried. As it turns out, this collection actually serves pretty well as an introduction to Wells’ wildly imaginative universe and the fantastical beings that live in it.
The Falling World
“The Falling World” is the first novella found in this anthology. For those like me who were unfamiliar with the race of fantasy creatures called the Raksura, you get a quick and intense crash course in this tale. Raksura are shapeshifters that look a bit to me like a form of bird-people, though their societies more closely resemble those of hive insects. A ruling queen is at the top, followed by lesser queens. Queens mate with fertile males called Consorts to produce royal clutches composed of Queens, Consorts and Warriors (infertile males and females that defend the colony). Together, these three types make up the Aeriat. They are winged and capable of flight.
Then there are the Arbora, who have no wings but are capable climbers. They are made up of Teachers that oversee the nurseries and train the young, Hunters who provide food for the colony, Soldiers who guard the colony, and Mentors who are seers with magical abilities enabling them to perform tasks such as foreseeing the future or healing the sick and wounded.
It can be a bit daunting at first, but all this information is adequately provided and easy to pick up as the story progresses. In “The Falling World”, a sister Queen called Jade travels with her entourage to another colony to negotiate trade, leaving her consort Moon behind at court. But then the diplomatic convoy fails to reach their destination, and an expedition is launched by Moon along with a party of warriors and hunters to try to discover what happened to them. However, what the rescuers find in the end might prove too dangerous and difficult for them to handle.
The story is simple and straightforward: one group sets out to find another. What amazed me though, was the amount of lore and world building Wells managed to inject into this novella. I was blown away by the information here about Raksuran culture, physiology, and social hierarchy. And the great thing is, none of it was really forced. I never once felt like I was taken aside and given and info dump; instead, all the information flowed naturally just from the normal course of storytelling. I’m sure as a new reader there’s lots I’m missing still, but the amount of knowledge I gleaned here of the Raksura and their world was just superb.
Perhaps it is also a good thing that the story itself is not overly complicated. On top of the information about Raksuran culture, there are a lot of characters to meet, many names to learn. The naming convention might take some getting used to, and you probably won’t remember who’s who all the time, but this particular story for me was mostly about getting to know this fantasy world and the Raksura, and I had a good time with it.
The Tale of Indigo and Cloud
“The Tale of Indigo and Cloud” is the second novella found in this collection. It is more of a historical narrative, exploring the legend behind the origins of Indigo Cloud court. A long time ago, a sister Queen called Indigo stole a consort named Cloud away from another Raksuran court, angering the hot-tempered queen who was Cloud’s mate, leading to a conflict that could mean all-out war between the two colonies.
This was an interesting story, which read a bit like a mythological scenario. That’s not too surprising, given its unique nature. It is a tale about the Indigo Cloud court’s queens of old, long before the key character Moon joined the colony’s ranks. It reveals more information about the way Raksuran society works, or rather how easily it could also fall apart. There’s a bit of politics and a bit of romance, the kind of perfect mix you’d want to find in an ancient legend.
There’s not much else I can think to say about this novella, but it’s probably my favorite of the two in this book. I really enjoyed the story and the lesson it imparted, as well as the overall vibe.
The Forest Boy
Next comes this short story, which tells of Moon as an injured fledgling taken in by a kind-hearted family in a nearby village, who are all unaware of his Raksuran background and shapeshifting abilities.
“The Forest Boy” is a nice bonus, giving the reader more insight into this central character.
Adaptation
The final short story tells of Chime, one of the warriors who accompanied Jade on her diplomatic mission back in the first novella in this collection, “The Falling World”. Chime’s situation is interesting in that he didn’t actually start off as a warrior. He was born a mentor, who then changed forms. That’s huge.
A switch from mentor to warrior, as you recall, also means a switch from Arbora to Aeriat. Wingless to winged. Fertile to infertile. Quite the life-changing event. “Adaptation” is exactly what it sounds like: Chime’s struggle to come to terms with this drastic transformation.
Despite being so short, this is probably my second favorite piece in this collection. It’s a powerful tale in its own right, not only because of the emotional and physical obstacles that Chime has to overcome, but also because of what his transformation might ultimately mean for the colony. It’s a great read, and in the end I am left to wonder what fate might hold in store for the entire Indigo Cloud court. It’s a bit ominous and unsettling.
Concluding thoughts:
The Raksura are one of the most original fantasy races I’ve ever encountered in fantasy fiction. I was genuinely compelled by everything about them. Despite them being so different biologically and culturally, the depth of their personalities and motivations make them feel very human. The novellas and short stories in this collection show that they have to deal with the same complex emotions we do, such as love, hate, guilt, etc. Their issues and conflicts like politics, gender and societal roles are also realistic and relatable.
All told, this is a great collection filled with all kinds of goodness like magic, rich worlds, and fascinating characters. I can’t believe how invested I am, as someone who hasn’t even read the Books of the Raksura main series. After reading this, I’m going to have to try hitting them sooner rather than later. Hopefully there will also be more of these short tales collected in future anthologies, because I would definitely be interested in reading them.
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Night Shade Books!
Sunday Musings: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
Posted on December 21, 2014 8 Comments
I still have presents to wrap, but at least I am finished all of my Christmas shopping. Oh wait….
There. Now I’m done. Hurray for online shopping!
CURRENTLY READING
Every year, my daughters’ school invites families to send in gently used items to be sold in the 25 Cent Sale. It’s such a delight to watch the kids proudly making their purchases, and the older students diligently wrapping the wares. My six year old insisted that I open her present the moment she got home. She bought me a book. Not just any book. A supernatural smut book. It brought tears to my eyes to know that my daughter put so much thought and effort into choosing the perfect gift for me. She then insisted that I go to my room and read the first chapter.
THE GIFT OF READING
Kindness and charity ought to be a 365 day a year project, but the spirit of giving tends to pick up at this time of year. A charity that is near and dear to my heart is Sick Kids Hospital. I regularly donate throughout the year, and I participate in the Extra Life campaign. At Christmas, I let my daughters select gifts to provide to children in need on behalf of our family and friends. There are all sorts of options, with some specific to the Christmas season. But my favourite gift (go figure), is providing books for Story-Time in the hospital’s family library.
What bookish things are you doing for the holidays?
Lootz: Mogsy’s Book Haul
Posted on December 20, 2014 32 Comments
Sneaking in my last book haul post of the year, and here is a look at the review books that came in the last couple of weeks. There are some goodies in here that I’m very excited about! It’s like Christmas in Decembe–oh wait.
Superposition – I’ve never read any David Walton, but he had a book called Quintessence come out last year that kinda caught my eye. So it’s no wonder the author sounded familiar to me when this book showed up in the mail. It looks like it’ll be the start of an intriguing new series coming out next year, published by Pyr. My thanks to the publisher for sending me the ARC.
The Mechanical – I was floored when a mystery package arrived from Orbit and when I opened it, this ARC was in it. OMG I’m a big fan of Ian Tregillis, and The Mechanical has been on my wishlist ever since I found out about it. My thanks to Orbit, I love it when you guys surprise me like this!
The Voyage of the Basilisk – And speaking of being excited, my heart probably skipped a beat when I saw Tor had sent me an advanced reading copy of this. If you haven’t read the Memoir by Lady Trent books, know that they are awesome and I highly recommend them. I can’t wait to dig into this one.
Half-Resurrection Blues – This new urban fantasy by Daniel José Older looks AWESOME. From other bloggers I learned that he has a new Young Adult novel coming out next year too, but it is Half-Resurrection Blues that caught my attention as soon as I saw the description. In early January I’ll be hosting a US giveaway for this book, so definitely keep an eye out for that. My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
The Witches of Echo Park – Another review book courtesy of Penguin, I’m reading this one right now and it’s quite interesting. It was a bit slow to start, but the story is shaping up. Looking forward to seeing where things will go.
Sleepy Hollow: Children of the Revolution – A book from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program which I won back in August but it only arrived this month. I’ve actually never watched the show, and truthfully I don’t watch that much TV at all, but I do see previews for it all the time when I catch up with my DVR’ed episodes of Gotham! I’ve heard great things, maybe I’ll check it out one day if I read this and enjoy it.
The digital pile:
A Crown for Cold Silver – Orbit is going to have an amazing 2015. I’ve heard only great things about this book from folks who got an early look. It’s been compared to Abercrombie and other grimdark authors, so if you like gritty stories and dark humor it might be a good idea to take note of this one. Can’t wait to read it!
The Autumn Republic – The third and final book of the Powder Mage trilogy. I need to know how things end! Like I said, Orbit is going to have a great year.
Son of the Shadows and Child of the Prophecy – Ever since reading Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier I’ve been asking myself why I took so long to read a book by her. I vowed I was going to go back and read her older stuff and I’m actually following through on that. I’ve had Daughter of the Forest on my TBR forever, after all, and so now I’m finally listening to the audiobook. Anyway, not even a third of the way into it and I’m already in love. You can see how much I’m enjoying myself, since I didn’t even hesitate to pick up the audiobooks of these books as well, books 2 and 3 of the Sevenwaters series so I won’t have to wait at all if I want to continue.
Novella Review: Hisses and Wings by Alex Bledsoe and Teresa Frohock
Posted on December 19, 2014 8 Comments
Hisses and Wings by Alex Bledsoe and Teresa Frohock
Genre: Supernatural, Angels, Fantasy
Publisher: The Story Vault (December 2014)
Wendy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love magic. I love interesting ways to present magic. In Hisses and Wings, music is the source of mysterious power, and anyone who has ever been touched by a song can attest to the truth in this fantasy story.
The story involves a seemingly young fae woman named Janet, who pieces together a song that could return her people to their ancestral home. To learn the song, she must earn it from Diago, who is of the Nefilim, and to do so, she must prove her musical skill — but does she have the wisdom to use such a gift properly? And is the goal she seeks worth the price that using this magic might cost.
This is a beautiful, bittersweet story, and though it is brief, it gives so much warmth and depth to the characters — particularly the Nefilim. It also wonderfully expresses their culture, as supernatural beings, as well as a close knit community that is both familiar and welcoming.
My only complaint is that the magic of the music could have gone deeper with greater imagery of what it invokes for those playing and listening to it.
Tough Traveling: Traveling Folk
Posted on December 18, 2014 21 Comments
The Thursday feature “Tough Traveling” is the brainchild of Nathan of Review Barn, who has come up with the excellent idea of making a new list each week based on the most common tropes in fantasy, as seen in The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynn Jones. Nathan has invited anyone who is interested to come play along, so be sure to check out the first link for more information.
This week’s tour topic is: Traveling Folk
TRAVELLING FOLK are quite common. They are of two kinds: Land travellers and River travellers.
These people are merry, colourfully dressed, dishonest, and knowledgeable…they will cheat you, cure your wounds, and hustle you off to the cart of their oldest lady who will tell you something about the future you need to know.
Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier
The traveling folk in this book fit the theme’s description to a T. In the course of investigating a mystery, Blackthorn and Grim track the clues down to a band of roving traders, and are invited into the presence of an old lady who even reveals very important information that helps them in their quest and everything!
Kushiel’s Universe by Jacqueline Carey
The Tsingano are said to travel the Longo Drom, “The Long Road”. Believed to originate from the kingdom of Bhodistan, they have no permanent home, known for being traveling horse traders. The most prominent Tsingano character in this series is of course Phedre’s best friend the Hyacinthe who styles himself as “The Prince of Travelers”. It is Tsingano women, however, who are known to possess the dromonde, a clairvoyant ability to see into the past as well as future.
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
Kvothe’s parents were members of the Edema Ruh, a nomadic cultural group with no country to call their own. They’re almost always entertainers, and they travel the countryside in large colorful troupes, performing at towns in exchange for food and shelter.
Darkwalker by E.L. Tettensor
The Adal are a society of pastoral nomads, mistrusted and persecuted for their reputation of being thieves and cheats, all because of the actions of a few bad apples. Author E.L. Tettensor drew inspiration from pastorialist societies of northeast Africa, cultures in which raising and driving cattle are the foundation of the economy. Adali magic, called khekra, also plays a big role in the book, which is also inspired by cultures found elsewhere on the African continent.
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
It’s been a very long time since I read the first book, but I do remember the Tinkers. As such, I’ll let the wiki do most of the talking here. “Tinkers” or “Traveling People” are formerly known as the Tuatha’an. The philosophy, called “the Way of the Leaf” earns them mistrust and disdain from most common folk, who consider Tinkers as habitual thieves and disreputable low-lives who try to lure away children by converting them to the Way of the Leaf.
Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
The trade caravans that travel to and from the city of Forge play a role in this series as a good source of information when you need news from far abroad. Having friendly connections to the traveling merchants also gives you access to rare, expensive goods and you never know when you’ll need a quick way to get out of town.
Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
Not quite adhering to this week’s theme, but a bunch of ragtag characters on a journey across the barren plains to an uncharted frontier mountain town in a Wild West style wagon train surely counts as traveling folk right? Even just a little bit?
The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb
My one and only entry to the “River Travelers” category in this week’s theme. Instead of settling in the big cities, the Rain Wild Traders have chosen to make their home on the acidic waters of the Rain Wild River, sailing their liveships made of a substance called wizardwood, which are actually the casings of dragon cocoons.
Novella Review: The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
Posted on December 17, 2014 17 Comments
The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 2.5 of Kingkiller Chronicle
Publisher: DAW (October 28, 2014)
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have so much to say about this novella, but to make a long story short: The Slow Regard of Silent Things is a gorgeously written novel, both haunting and whimsical at once if such a thing is possible, and an incredibly detailed exploration into one of the Kingkiller Chronicle series’ most fascinating and mysterious characters. And yet for all of that, I was disappointed and left feeling unsatisfied.
As a lot of reviewers and even the author himself have pointed out already, this book isn’t going to be for everyone. Rothfuss warns readers that without the context of the first two books of the series, you’re going to feel pretty lost. I’d carry that further to say that heck, even if you have read The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear, you might feel pretty lost. On the one hand, I really appreciate Rothfuss’s caveat – that this book is going to be strange, different, and not going to do things that a classic story is supposed to do – and I admire him a lot for being straight up with us. But on the other hand, I wish he hadn’t plastered both his foreword and endnote with all these “warnings” and “apologies”. This is why I often skip author content like this. I’m not going to deny that getting hit first thing with a line like “You might not want to buy this book” might have biased me somewhat against it right off the bat. It grated me a little, because you’d figure something like that should be my prerogative to decide for myself.
But anyway, that’s beside the point. For this review, I’m not going to attempt a description or summary of plot summary, because to be truthful, there really isn’t one. All you have to know is that the book is about Auri, a secondary character from the main Kingkiller Chronicle series. I’ll admit, she’s not my favorite, but I don’t think that had any effect on the experience at all. What did affect me was the story and its plodding pace and its total lack of variation. Auri’s unique way of viewing even the most mundane objects around her as special and magical was fun at the beginning, but like all magic, it starts to wear off after a while with nothing else to drive things along. It’s a silent and lonely world that, while not completely devoid of color or life, gets tedious.
I guess I’m just the kind of reader that the author’s warning “The truth is, it probably just wasn’t for you” describes. And that’s totally okay. I’m into characters, and even though this whole novella pretty much boils down an incredibly detailed account into a week of Auri’s life as she makes her way through the ancient and labyrinthine halls of the Underthing, it didn’t work for me. I had originally thought it would, based on some of Auri’s feelings and behaviors that I can certainly relate to. As someone who has struggled with obsessive-compulsiveness and the resulting endless sleepless nights, some of the descriptions of the abject fear, anger, and anxiety Auri experiences when she feels something is not where it belongs or “out of sync” rings uncomfortably true for me. While I suppose I might count as “slightly broken”, sorry, but this still just wasn’t my cup of tea.
That said, there’s just no way I can write this book off, simply because there’s a so much else to like. The writing was probably worth it alone. It’s exquisite, probably the best I’ve seen from Rothfuss to date. I might not have enjoyed the particular style of storytelling, but if bringing out this side of the author’s writing was the result, then who am I to complain that much, really?
To sum it up, this book reads very much like a love letter to Auri. We know that Rothfuss has a soft spot for her, so I see it as a pet project of sorts. If Auri is a character that intrigued you in the main series, you will find this novella very enlightening. Even as someone who didn’t really care for her, the writing and atmosphere in here took my breath away. Despite wishing I had enjoyed it more, personally speaking I didn’t think this was a waste of my time. The book has its merits, and no doubt has an audience. The opinions will range all over for this one, I’m sure. Whether or not you’ll enjoy it isn’t a question I can answer, though; either you’ll like it or you won’t. Regardless, I’m grateful to the author for sharing this one with us.
The BiblioSanctum