Review
I think this series has just risen to the top of my list of epic fantasy!
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Wandering through the pages...
Wondering where I am? I'm probably lost in some fantasyland, only accessible through my AirPods. Wanna join me?
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Review
Review for Shader: Against the Unweaving Trilogy (1-3)
1- four stars
2-four stars
3-three stars
I have almost all of D.P Prior's books and a while back I dropped him a message and asked for his suggested reading order for his works. He suggested starting with Shader, so that's what I did. Now, I wish I had started with the Nameless Dwarf series. I'll tackle that one next then come back and read Shader #4.
This was a difficult rating to apply because Prior is an excellent Epic Fantasy writer and I love the intermingling of science, references to modern day tech and implications across multiple worlds. The series is really solid with the exception of some character flaws and failure of the author to make them endearing enough to have their flaws just be part of their character development toward the end of the trilogy.
**Mild Spoilers**
The writing is wonderful. The storyline robust and intriguing, though I found myself struggling with world-building elements that weren't explained. Perhaps they are covered in the previous works, perhaps that's his style. The characters are also complex and endearing, with the exception that they are very, very flawed. I feel Prior could do a better job making them unlikable, and yet likable by giving a little more attention to their complexity. So, you're kinda left with bad feelings toward Rhiannon and Shader. He's so confused that he just stands slack-jawed at crucial moments. And Rhiannon is just mean and whiney. The constant bickering between Rhiannon and Shadrak really got on my nerves and Shader was wussy for a hero. Would have loved to have more of Elias, too.
I will read the rest of his works to see how they play out. I find the storyline fascinating and look forward to learning more of Nameless' past.
1- four stars
2-four stars
3-three stars
I have almost all of D.P Prior's books and a while back I dropped him a message and asked for his suggested reading order for his works. He suggested starting with Shader, so that's what I did. Now, I wish I had started with the Nameless Dwarf series. I'll tackle that one next then come back and read Shader #4.
This was a difficult rating to apply because Prior is an excellent Epic Fantasy writer and I love the intermingling of science, references to modern day tech and implications across multiple worlds. The series is really solid with the exception of some character flaws and failure of the author to make them endearing enough to have their flaws just be part of their character development toward the end of the trilogy.
**Mild Spoilers**
The writing is wonderful. The storyline robust and intriguing, though I found myself struggling with world-building elements that weren't explained. Perhaps they are covered in the previous works, perhaps that's his style. The characters are also complex and endearing, with the exception that they are very, very flawed. I feel Prior could do a better job making them unlikable, and yet likable by giving a little more attention to their complexity. So, you're kinda left with bad feelings toward Rhiannon and Shader. He's so confused that he just stands slack-jawed at crucial moments. And Rhiannon is just mean and whiney. The constant bickering between Rhiannon and Shadrak really got on my nerves and Shader was wussy for a hero. Would have loved to have more of Elias, too.
I will read the rest of his works to see how they play out. I find the storyline fascinating and look forward to learning more of Nameless' past.
0
Review
Review for Shader: Against the Unweaving Trilogy (1-3)
1- four stars
2-four stars
3-three stars
I have almost all of D.P Prior's books and a while back I dropped him a message and asked for his suggested reading order for his works. He suggested starting with Shader, so that's what I did. Now, I wish I had started with the Nameless Dwarf series. I'll tackle that one next then come back and read Shader #4.
This was a difficult rating to apply because Prior is an excellent Epic Fantasy writer and I love the intermingling of science, references to modern day tech and implications across multiple worlds. The series is really solid with the exception of some character flaws and failure of the author to make them endearing enough to have their flaws just be part of their character development toward the end of the trilogy.
**Mild Spoilers**
The writing is wonderful. The storyline robust and intriguing, though I found myself struggling with world-building elements that weren't explained. Perhaps they are covered in the previous works, perhaps that's his style. The characters are also complex and endearing, with the exception that they are very, very flawed. I feel Prior could do a better job making them unlikable, and yet likable by giving a little more attention to their complexity. So, you're kinda left with bad feelings toward Rhiannon and Shader. He's so confused that he just stands slack-jawed at crucial moments. And Rhiannon is just mean and whiney. The constant bickering between Rhiannon and Shadrak really got on my nerves and Shader was wussy for a hero. Would have loved to have more of Elias, too.
I will read the rest of his works to see how they play out. I find the storyline fascinating and look forward to learning more of Nameless' past.
1- four stars
2-four stars
3-three stars
I have almost all of D.P Prior's books and a while back I dropped him a message and asked for his suggested reading order for his works. He suggested starting with Shader, so that's what I did. Now, I wish I had started with the Nameless Dwarf series. I'll tackle that one next then come back and read Shader #4.
This was a difficult rating to apply because Prior is an excellent Epic Fantasy writer and I love the intermingling of science, references to modern day tech and implications across multiple worlds. The series is really solid with the exception of some character flaws and failure of the author to make them endearing enough to have their flaws just be part of their character development toward the end of the trilogy.
**Mild Spoilers**
The writing is wonderful. The storyline robust and intriguing, though I found myself struggling with world-building elements that weren't explained. Perhaps they are covered in the previous works, perhaps that's his style. The characters are also complex and endearing, with the exception that they are very, very flawed. I feel Prior could do a better job making them unlikable, and yet likable by giving a little more attention to their complexity. So, you're kinda left with bad feelings toward Rhiannon and Shader. He's so confused that he just stands slack-jawed at crucial moments. And Rhiannon is just mean and whiney. The constant bickering between Rhiannon and Shadrak really got on my nerves and Shader was wussy for a hero. Would have loved to have more of Elias, too.
I will read the rest of his works to see how they play out. I find the storyline fascinating and look forward to learning more of Nameless' past.
0
Review
This trilogy was my first foray into Sam Sykes' work and it was creative, endearing, playful, bloody, dark and snarky...all at once.
Fabulous world building and fascinating creatures, similar to D&D worlds, but unique enough. The characters are a band of adventurers from a previous series (which I haven't read because it's not on Audible) who come to the city of Cier'Djaal, a pit of human malevolence, plagued with violence, xenophobia, and greed. They come to claim coin for an adventure but get pulled into the city's moral destruction and war.
The characters are complex and as different as they could be. When they get to Cier'Djaal, they essentially split the party and go their own ways. This aspect of the story gave the reader several different subplots and storylines, but their lack of camaraderie after spending years on the road together felt a little strange.
Sykes is a fun writer, who can tell a serious story in the least serious way and deliver both the emotional undertones while keeping you laughing and rooting for each broken member of the broken party. Complex, dimensional characters and tons of unique aspects to a familiar D&D like genre world.
Fabulous world building and fascinating creatures, similar to D&D worlds, but unique enough. The characters are a band of adventurers from a previous series (which I haven't read because it's not on Audible) who come to the city of Cier'Djaal, a pit of human malevolence, plagued with violence, xenophobia, and greed. They come to claim coin for an adventure but get pulled into the city's moral destruction and war.
The characters are complex and as different as they could be. When they get to Cier'Djaal, they essentially split the party and go their own ways. This aspect of the story gave the reader several different subplots and storylines, but their lack of camaraderie after spending years on the road together felt a little strange.
Sykes is a fun writer, who can tell a serious story in the least serious way and deliver both the emotional undertones while keeping you laughing and rooting for each broken member of the broken party. Complex, dimensional characters and tons of unique aspects to a familiar D&D like genre world.
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Review
Powerful. Lyrical. Poignant. Stirring. This book is one of the best love stories I have ever read. Far from chick-lit or a romance novel, this story is a take on the life of Achilles, told by his love and best friend, Patroclus. “Name one hero that was happy,” Achilles asked of Patroclus. “I’m going to be the first.”
Driven by a need to be a hero and legend, Achilles trains to be the greatest warrior of all time. Fighting in a senseless war over a woman, Achilles drives toward his fate. Patroclus tells the story of the war, the kings and princes, and the gods who used the Trojan war to gain fame and fortune.
I hung on every word and developed such a love for these rich characters. Powerful. Read it.
Driven by a need to be a hero and legend, Achilles trains to be the greatest warrior of all time. Fighting in a senseless war over a woman, Achilles drives toward his fate. Patroclus tells the story of the war, the kings and princes, and the gods who used the Trojan war to gain fame and fortune.
I hung on every word and developed such a love for these rich characters. Powerful. Read it.
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Review
In true Michael J. Sullivan fashion, the characters in this series are wonderful. Multi dimensional and perfectly imperfect. I haven't read a lot of background or talk about this series to understand the full timeline and scope of the story, but it appears that these three books are really one arc building the rise up of the humans to a full fledged war for survival.
I struggled through this story because it was evident that this was not going to be light-hearted and carefree ride. The characters were beaten and broken to begin with and it became evident half way through the third installment that the theme of the narrative was sacrifice, loss and the value of love.
In short, this book has its fill of sadness.
Sullivan is easily one of my favorite authors of all time. And I'm a prolific reader, so I think that's saying something. If you ask me "Well, if it's that sad, is it too depressing...Is it worth the read?" I have to answer that question with a solid yes. I'm seeing this arc as the beginning to his early history before Riyria. I'm dying to know how the races developed and what happened before the time of Royce and Hadrian.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that I feel there is one missing chapter. Even a half chapter following the battle. We end with Persephone's sadness and anger at Raithe. I think we should have had a glimpse of the survivors beyond a couple sentences at the funeral.
I understand there is a follow up book and maybe I'm being unfair, but I feel like there was a little more to be said and if the next book jumps in time, I feel like we deserve a bit more about them interacting and reacting to the battle.
But, that said, I'll put my faith in the author and his lovely editor and leave the story telling in their hands. Can't wait for the next installment.
I struggled through this story because it was evident that this was not going to be light-hearted and carefree ride. The characters were beaten and broken to begin with and it became evident half way through the third installment that the theme of the narrative was sacrifice, loss and the value of love.
In short, this book has its fill of sadness.
Sullivan is easily one of my favorite authors of all time. And I'm a prolific reader, so I think that's saying something. If you ask me "Well, if it's that sad, is it too depressing...Is it worth the read?" I have to answer that question with a solid yes. I'm seeing this arc as the beginning to his early history before Riyria. I'm dying to know how the races developed and what happened before the time of Royce and Hadrian.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that I feel there is one missing chapter. Even a half chapter following the battle. We end with Persephone's sadness and anger at Raithe. I think we should have had a glimpse of the survivors beyond a couple sentences at the funeral.
I understand there is a follow up book and maybe I'm being unfair, but I feel like there was a little more to be said and if the next book jumps in time, I feel like we deserve a bit more about them interacting and reacting to the battle.
But, that said, I'll put my faith in the author and his lovely editor and leave the story telling in their hands. Can't wait for the next installment.
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Review
Thought provoking and entertaining. I expected this to be lighter, but it turned out to be much more of a puzzle. Some of it was laugh out loud funny and some of it was heartbreakingly relatable to real life. It's fast moving and fun. Highly recommended. Expect more of an Alice In Wonderland type story, with whimsical, dream-like craziness.
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Review
This was my first Nora Roberts book. I read it as a book club selection and I had some reservations because romance isn't typically my genre. But I also am always open to new authors and I had never read anything by Nora Roberts before and the description looked fabulous! I love fantasy, post apocalyptic books and paranormal YA, so this book should be right up my alley. I flew through the audiobook and the storyline was really fun. In general, I enjoyed it and did like the characters. There were a lot of similarities to The Stand, with the sickness that took most peoples' lives, the ties between characters and the special skills developing in those individuals. The idea of fate pulling them together...
I was disappointed by the amount of disconnected plot lines she tried to pack into the book. There were so many elements of this book that could have been it's own book. The Doom, the magic that started the Doom, the magic that resulted from TEOTWAWKI, the divisions of magical creatures and what skills they each have, the powers of good and evil.
Overall, the book is enjoyable, but not of great quality. I've read some excellent examples of each of the half dozen or so genres she tries to represent. I think this book was a lot of fun and kept my interest, but didn't represent the best of any breed.
**Spoilers**
Then...that ending! Max dies at the hand of his brother who they believed to be dead. Knowing that they were in danger, no one in the town had prepared for the potential attack? And it happens and Lana leaves everyone she knows and loves behind. Isn't there strength in numbers? So a couple months after she loses her love, she replaces him with a new guy. The end felt rushed and improbable.
I'll read the next one, but I winced at the hint that the next book jumps 13 years? What about all the other characters that were introduced?? Argh... I guess we'll see.
I was disappointed by the amount of disconnected plot lines she tried to pack into the book. There were so many elements of this book that could have been it's own book. The Doom, the magic that started the Doom, the magic that resulted from TEOTWAWKI, the divisions of magical creatures and what skills they each have, the powers of good and evil.
Overall, the book is enjoyable, but not of great quality. I've read some excellent examples of each of the half dozen or so genres she tries to represent. I think this book was a lot of fun and kept my interest, but didn't represent the best of any breed.
**Spoilers**
Then...that ending! Max dies at the hand of his brother who they believed to be dead. Knowing that they were in danger, no one in the town had prepared for the potential attack? And it happens and Lana leaves everyone she knows and loves behind. Isn't there strength in numbers? So a couple months after she loses her love, she replaces him with a new guy. The end felt rushed and improbable.
I'll read the next one, but I winced at the hint that the next book jumps 13 years? What about all the other characters that were introduced?? Argh... I guess we'll see.
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Review
I read this book years ago, in my teen years, and thought I'd pick it up again for a fun read. Honestly, I was kinda disappointed. I know I need to give it credit for being the OG-Original Galaxy- but there have been so many fun, intelligent, well-written books in this genre since then that this just wasn't that funny. There are some classic parts that will never be topped, but the story as a whole didn't stand the test of time as well as I'd hoped.
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 - Douglas Adams)
Review
This series is fantastic! Complex world-building, great characters, and fascinating magical creatures. This is a must read!
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Review
I picked up this series a while ago and am really glad I finally dug into it. I'd classify it as one of those fast and fun reads. This review is for the series (I've finished the series.)
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. By now, I feel like I've bonded with the characters and have learned more about Aral's world. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. By now, I feel like I've bonded with the characters and have learned more about Aral's world. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
0
Review
I picked up this series a while ago and am really glad I finally dug into it. I'd classify it as one of those fast and fun reads. This review is for the series (I've finished the series.)
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. By now, I feel like I've bonded with the characters and have learned more about Aral's world. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. By now, I feel like I've bonded with the characters and have learned more about Aral's world. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
0
Review
I picked up this series a while ago and am really glad I finally dug into it. I'd classify it as one of those fast and fun reads. This review is for the series (I'm done with the first 3 books at this time.)
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I rate them between a 3-4 because I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I rate them between a 3-4 because I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
0
Review
I picked up this series a while ago and am really glad I finally dug into it. I'd classify it as one of those fast and fun reads. This review is for the series (I'm done with the first 3 books at this time.)
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I rate them between a 3-4 because I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I rate them between a 3-4 because I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
0
Review
I picked up this series a while ago and am really glad I finally dug into it. I'd classify it as one of those fast and fun reads. This review is for the series (I'm done with the first 3 books at this time.)
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I rate them between a 3-4 because I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
I don't outline the plot or introduce any characters in my reviews as a rule since so many people do, so if you're looking for that info, keep scanning the reviews. I will tell you how I classify the book and what I thought about the story.
The story line is solid enough, though I wish there were more background offered up front. There isn't a lot of world building, and you learn the magic "rules" as the story unfolds. I will say that I really like the main character and his bonded shadow familiar and find their relationship touching. He's definitely one of those perfectly imperfect characters, with the skills of an assassin with a kind heart and a drive for honor, justice and integrity.
The magic and magic beings he encounters are interesting, but there's more focus on the characters and their personalities, rather than the type of beings they are and what they can do or where they are from.
What I do really like, is Aral and Triss. I like them as characters and the stories are interesting and engaging. I rate them between a 3-4 because I really do enjoy the stories, but they aren't phenomenal or really stand out. I do recommend them for people who like the Iron Druid and sequences like that.
0
