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josiah17's reviews
246 reviews
Vinland Saga, Volume 2 by Makoto Yukimura
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Disquiet Gods by Christopher Ruocchio
What a wild, wild book. Completely mind-bending and propelled by constant massive plot twists. I'm just gonna run through my thoughts because I'm unsure how to structure this review without feeling repetitive and continuing to sing the same praises I have in previous reviews. The book is really good, obviously. But this is also the most criticism/dissatisfaction I've had with a Sun Eater novel since the first half of Howling Dark.
Let's start with the positives. My favorite part of the book is probably the first 70 pages? It's incredibly bittersweet and emotional after Ashes of Man, and I loved finally getting a glance at Jadd and its grandeur. I also loved getting introduced to Cassandra (from Hadrian's POV, having already read her short story). Chapter 4 is one of my favorite Sun Eater chapters, it hits incredibly deep.
ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed act 1 on Sabratha and all the HAPSIS stuff we finally get. It was a super captivating act, with utterly insane cosmic horror; can't understate how stupefying and terrifying it is. Ruocchio gets incredibly bold and crazy. Act 3 was great as well. The immense shifts in narrative make for a very exciting and truly unpredictable experience, supported by great pacing. You simply could not guess any of the major twists in this book.
Now for my criticisms, using spoiler tags. Firstly, and the largest of them, is my lack of enthusiasm for the obvious religious allegory and themes ofthe Quiet. I always felt this godly figure was going to both build to and remain something more supernatural and otherworldly. That's how the writing felt for all this time. Instead, this book turns that on its head for a very clear and on-the-nose allegory for Christianity/Catholicism. I am not a fan of that. Consistently throughout the series, Ruocchio maintained a certain distance from religion which I found very appropriate and apt for Hadrian's characterization and the Sun Eater world at large. He struck a perfect balance, refraining from being preachy. But he abandons that here and comes across as sermonic to me, which really pulled me out of the narrative during that reveal (chapter 40 ). Does it diminish my enjoyment of the series entirely? No, it doesn't. There is some good in there, but it's not my favorite writing decision to say the least. I would have probably felt better about it had the allegory been vaguer and the cosmological remained more obscure. I preferred when things were mysterious and open-ended, which is not to say we have all the answers because we certainly don't, but just a little too many for my taste.
This allegory and sequence also brings about a big change in Hadrian, which at first I really didn't love. I am more accepting of it, and even to an extent the aforementioned allegory, having finished the book.But it's like Hadrian has a crisis of faith and suddenly becomes hyper religious with his new understanding of this being. This isn't totally incomprehensible considering the quiet has brought him back from the dead twice now, but yet it came off as extreme and inconsistent to me to a degree. Mostly because of the way some of his inner monologue seemed to suddenly change on certain topics. Though this could also pertain to another dissatisfaction of mine with this book, albeit kinda minor, which is not enough mopey and depressed Hadrian, reminiscing about certain characters (mainly the loss of Valka ). He certainly is that way at times, but considering who he's lost, I would've appreciated some more moments of Hadrian recalling his friends, thinking about them, referring to them. I know this can get really repetitive quite quickly, but it's something that worked very well emotionally for me as a reader in Ashes of Man, and I just wanted a little more of that spread throughout this book.
My second biggest criticism is Cassandra's characterization. She feels so incredibly underwritten. Though I have read, from Ruocchio's wife, that her portrayal is deliberate and she has a greater purpose to this story--which I can see--it does not diminish the feeling of severely wasted potential. She is so one-dimensional, even having read her short story before this book. She's almost only ever asking a question in three different ways during whatever dialogue she has. She's supposed to be 40 years old, yet feels as if she's still her 15-year-old self, honestly even younger. She lacks any agency besides her abilities as a Maeskolos. It was very frustrating to see her written this way considering who her parents are, but I do not doubt Ruocchio's abilities as a writer. So I remain hopeful the words of his wife are true, and she serves a greater role in Shadows Upon Time.
My last little quibble is regarding Hadrianaccepting the pledge of Ramanthanu and a handful of his Cielcin underlings. That simply didn't seem right, or plausible, at this point in the series to me with all the things the Cielcin have done. It felt entirely like a plot device simply so Hadrian could escape the current predicament. I don't know how they managed to survive the entire book, but they did. That decision threw me for a loop.
Alright, that's all my incoherent rambling for what I wasn't satisfied with in this book. Everything else was spectacular. I spent less time listing the positives, but they do FAR outshine my negatives. Ruocchio's prose, creativity. and framed narrative is like crack to me. I can't get enough of it. Before reading Disquiet Gods, there were many days where I thought Sun Eater has become my favorite series of all time. Elements of this book not meeting my preference does not change that. Demon in White, Kingdoms of Death, and Ashes of Man were just that good. I'm so sad I'm all caught up now. I cannot wait for Shadows Upon Time in November. I know Ruocchio won't let me down. This must be.
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
"Humanity little knew it, but all its kings and emperors, all its joys and sufferings, every conqueror and hero, every warrior and poet, every sinner, scholar, and saint-indeed all its violent history-had taken place within the walls of a garden that every man from Menes had mistaken for the wild wood.
Outside, it was very dark."
What a wild, wild book. Completely mind-bending and propelled by constant massive plot twists. I'm just gonna run through my thoughts because I'm unsure how to structure this review without feeling repetitive and continuing to sing the same praises I have in previous reviews. The book is really good, obviously. But this is also the most criticism/dissatisfaction I've had with a Sun Eater novel since the first half of Howling Dark.
Let's start with the positives. My favorite part of the book is probably the first 70 pages? It's incredibly bittersweet and emotional after Ashes of Man, and I loved finally getting a glance at Jadd and its grandeur. I also loved getting introduced to Cassandra (from Hadrian's POV, having already read her short story). Chapter 4 is one of my favorite Sun Eater chapters, it hits incredibly deep.
"Valka was looking down on me from the portrait, smiling after her fashion. She was looking down at a child with twin braids who smiled back at her, a girl in a long Jaddian tunic. There were flowers in her hair, and Valka stooped to place one there as she never had in life. Little Cassandra was laughing, looking up into the face of the mother she had never known. I stood behind them both, a shadow in black charcoal, the only one of us three peering out of the image.
We held each other's gaze a moment. Art and artist.
Only the artist blinked, and when he did, it was to blink away fresh-forming tears.
How I envied that charcoal man."
ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
"Do you know, Anaryan, that we live on a truly beautiful world?"
Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed act 1 on Sabratha and all the HAPSIS stuff we finally get. It was a super captivating act, with utterly insane cosmic horror; can't understate how stupefying and terrifying it is. Ruocchio gets incredibly bold and crazy. Act 3 was great as well. The immense shifts in narrative make for a very exciting and truly unpredictable experience, supported by great pacing. You simply could not guess any of the major twists in this book.
Well I remember the Monarch's words—chilling and clear—and the way he turned his eyes on me. Black, dead diamonds glimmering. "There are no innocents," he said. "Have you heard it written? There is none righteous."
Now for my criticisms, using spoiler tags. Firstly, and the largest of them, is my lack of enthusiasm for the obvious religious allegory and themes of
This allegory and sequence also brings about a big change in Hadrian, which at first I really didn't love. I am more accepting of it, and even to an extent the aforementioned allegory, having finished the book.
My second biggest criticism is Cassandra's characterization. She feels so incredibly underwritten. Though I have read, from Ruocchio's wife, that her portrayal is deliberate and she has a greater purpose to this story--which I can see--it does not diminish the feeling of severely wasted potential. She is so one-dimensional, even having read her short story before this book. She's almost only ever asking a question in three different ways during whatever dialogue she has. She's supposed to be 40 years old, yet feels as if she's still her 15-year-old self, honestly even younger. She lacks any agency besides her abilities as a Maeskolos. It was very frustrating to see her written this way considering who her parents are, but I do not doubt Ruocchio's abilities as a writer. So I remain hopeful the words of his wife are true, and she serves a greater role in Shadows Upon Time.
"History only repeats itself because human nature never changes," Edouard said. "We think we've come so far, but all the miles we've walked since we left the Garden are as inches measured against the light-years we have to go."
I smiled at this. Had I not thought much the same a thousand times before?
"We're the same animals we always were," I said. "Not even the Extras can really change that. They just destroy themselves trying to become something else."
My last little quibble is regarding Hadrian
Alright, that's all my incoherent rambling for what I wasn't satisfied with in this book. Everything else was spectacular. I spent less time listing the positives, but they do FAR outshine my negatives. Ruocchio's prose, creativity. and framed narrative is like crack to me. I can't get enough of it. Before reading Disquiet Gods, there were many days where I thought Sun Eater has become my favorite series of all time. Elements of this book not meeting my preference does not change that. Demon in White, Kingdoms of Death, and Ashes of Man were just that good. I'm so sad I'm all caught up now. I cannot wait for Shadows Upon Time in November. I know Ruocchio won't let me down. This must be.
Pain.
Our fear of pain is the foundation of all morality. It is that fear that shapes our world, orders civilization. We pass laws, build walls and for-tresses, fight wars and forge empires all to minimize our people's pain. That is why it is the lowest form of obedience, not because it is basest-as I once answered when asked by Tor Gibson-but because it is foundational. Our experiences of pain teach us the nature of suffering, and so we are moved to minimize that suffering in others. Pain grounds our reality, is the cornerstone of our interactions with the objective world.
Pain makes us human, teaches us to be human.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Gore, and War
Minor: Ableism and Sexual content
Tales of the Sun Eater, Vol. 3 by Christopher Ruocchio
Undoubtedly the best collection of short stories thus far in the Sun Eater series. Nearly every story had some element that was compelling, and there was more of a central theme to each story along with the usual supplemental worldbuilding. The prose really felt fully up to par with the main series as well.
I loved getting a story from Otavia's perspective; she's dearly missed. The secrets of Echidna and the contact with a Monumental was fascinating, as was the story involving the Mericanii. And the last story was amazing, the final paragraph incredibly moving.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
4.0
"History was just that. A story. The truth was too much."
Undoubtedly the best collection of short stories thus far in the Sun Eater series. Nearly every story had some element that was compelling, and there was more of a central theme to each story along with the usual supplemental worldbuilding. The prose really felt fully up to par with the main series as well.
I loved getting a story from Otavia's perspective; she's dearly missed. The secrets of Echidna and the contact with a Monumental was fascinating, as was the story involving the Mericanii. And the last story was amazing, the final paragraph incredibly moving.
The Dregs of Empire by Christopher Ruocchio
Another enjoyable Sun Eater novella, probably my second favorite of the three behind Queen Amid Ashes. Lorian Aristedes is a fantastic character, so it was great to get inside his head. Both to see firsthand his perspective and experience as an intus, and to see more of his distinct personality and intelligence.
I've also been intrigued by Belusha ever since it was first mentioned, so it was nice to see the Imperial prison planet and it's operations. It's certainly a desolate and vile place, full of despicable people; much of that was not pleasant to read.
Though portions of the plot were not always the most engaging, the side characters actually were, and the conflicts they stirred about with Lorian with different types of depravity. Lorian was always in danger because of the people around him, and that created a sufficient sense of tension. (Also gotta mention one side character, Jeff, named by Ruocchio in honor of my friend for a Kickstarter thing, so that was cool to finally read.)
Again, an enjoyable novella, enhancing the depth of the Sun Eater universe. I'm at the point now where anything Christopher Ruocchio writes is simply a joy to read.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Lorian was no murderer. He was not even a traitor-not really. In defying the Emperor, he had served Hadrian one final time, and Hadrian had been his true liege, the sun about which he, Lorian, had turned. The Emperor was only some distant star."
Another enjoyable Sun Eater novella, probably my second favorite of the three behind Queen Amid Ashes. Lorian Aristedes is a fantastic character, so it was great to get inside his head. Both to see firsthand his perspective and experience as an intus, and to see more of his distinct personality and intelligence.
I've also been intrigued by Belusha ever since it was first mentioned, so it was nice to see the Imperial prison planet and it's operations. It's certainly a desolate and vile place, full of despicable people; much of that was not pleasant to read.
Though portions of the plot were not always the most engaging, the side characters actually were, and the conflicts they stirred about with Lorian with different types of depravity. Lorian was always in danger because of the people around him, and that created a sufficient sense of tension. (Also gotta mention one side character, Jeff, named by Ruocchio in honor of my friend for a Kickstarter thing, so that was cool to finally read.)
Again, an enjoyable novella, enhancing the depth of the Sun Eater universe. I'm at the point now where anything Christopher Ruocchio writes is simply a joy to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Slavery
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
"Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less."
"So power is a mummer's trick?"
"A shadow on the wall," Varys murmured, " yet shadows can kill and ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow."
I believe A Clash of Kings is a slight step up from A Game of Thrones (lowered to 3.75), the first half of the book being great. But I would be lying if I didn't say my time with ASOIAF has remained somewhat underwhelming thus far.
Though this is certainly a good book, same as the first one, I still had the same struggles, but to a bit of a lesser extent. To me, the way POV's are structured still presents this sense of disconnect throughout most of the narrative. I felt this was improved in the first half of the book, but became prevalent again in the second half. I also continued to feel a lack of tension and suspense due to knowing the fates of many of these characters and their general archs. However, I did manage to get over this with a few characters, likely due to their chapters simply being the most engaging to me. Those would be Tyrion, Jon, and Arya. At times Catelyn as well. These were by far the most captivating character perspectives to read from. I think Martin's strongest character is Tyrion as of right now. His inner monologue is fantastic, and most of the intriguing politicking happens through his perspective as he takes charge in King's Landing. His perspective is one of the few where I did actually feel the intended tension because it's so well written. As for Jon and Arya, I loved Jon in book one so no surprise I love him here and everything about the looming threat in the North. And it was nice to watch Arya come into her own and navigate her perilous situation while keeping her identity hidden. I quite enjoyed her relationship with Jaqen H'ghar as well. Qhorin Halfhand was another side character I loved too, and his relationship with Jon.
Unfortunate that this review probably feels mostly negative again, but I did enjoy most of the book. Especially the first half like I mentioned previously. My own mental health and mood also played a part in my enjoyment of this book. There were many days where I really struggled to pick this up, mostly because I simply didn't have the energy to read. And sadly that bleeds into the overall reading experience.
Rating this at 4 stars (might be a 3.75—now is after a couple days)...I guess I really just set my expectations that high for these books based on the way everyone gushes about them. I should've known better by now. Not as excited for A Storm of Swords now, but still looking forward to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, and War
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Bullying
Vinland Saga, Volume 1 by Makoto Yukimura
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a manga I've had my eyes on for a while to get into the medium. Viking-inspired, a story about navigating war, revenge, and what it means to live. It's right up my alley, and having finished the anime a couple weeks ago I couldn't wait any longer to dive in. I love the art style, and so far it appears the anime was faithful almost panel by panel to the manga which is great. I've got a decent amount of volumes to read up to what the anime has adapted, so I know I'll enjoy my time with this manga up to that point and I'm incredibly excited to see what happens beyond what I already know.
"A true warrior...needs no sword."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, and War
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Took me a little bit to get into this, not necessarily due to the book itself but more so due to my previous read. However, around the 50 page mark I quickly found myself immersed and quite intrigued by the mystery of this labyrinth and Piranesi's existence in it. I loved the way Piranesi describes things, conveying this otherworldly atmosphere and presence of the labyrinth's sights and sounds. And I loved his appreciation of the both the simplistic things of the Halls and it's grandeur.
I found the mystery pretty well written, though I wouldn't say I was ever super shocked by the revelations.
Overall certainly an enjoyable read. Certainly incredibly unique as well. Clarke's writing and Piranesi's narrative voice created a wonderful little reading experience. But I do have to say I think this book is a bit overhyped, or rather I once again fell into the trap of overhyping something for myself, resulting in slight disappointment despite enjoying the novel. Anyway, it's definitely worth reading. I could see myself coming back to this as well considering how short and captivating it is, and I simply enjoyed experiencing the tremendous labyrinth vicariously through Piranesi.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"The Beauty of the House is immeasurable, its Kindness infinite."
Took me a little bit to get into this, not necessarily due to the book itself but more so due to my previous read. However, around the 50 page mark I quickly found myself immersed and quite intrigued by the mystery of this labyrinth and Piranesi's existence in it. I loved the way Piranesi describes things, conveying this otherworldly atmosphere and presence of the labyrinth's sights and sounds. And I loved his appreciation of the both the simplistic things of the Halls and it's grandeur.
I found the mystery pretty well written, though I wouldn't say I was ever super shocked by the revelations.
Overall certainly an enjoyable read. Certainly incredibly unique as well. Clarke's writing and Piranesi's narrative voice created a wonderful little reading experience. But I do have to say I think this book is a bit overhyped, or rather I once again fell into the trap of overhyping something for myself, resulting in slight disappointment despite enjoying the novel. Anyway, it's definitely worth reading. I could see myself coming back to this as well considering how short and captivating it is, and I simply enjoyed experiencing the tremendous labyrinth vicariously through Piranesi.
Ashes of Man by Christopher Ruocchio
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Forget the normal coherent review. There are no words I can use to convey how empty I feel right now. I knew it was coming, I just knew it, and yet I was not ready in the slightest. I'm not sure how I read the last 60 pages through all the tears. Hard to think of a book that has evoked as much emotion as this one did just in that ending alone. Ruocchio...you are magnificent...but man...this book hurts.
"The ugliness of the world does not fade and pass away. Have I told you that? That fear and grief are not made less by time? All life is tragedy, for all life must end—and so no life grows stronger by its ending. Dorayaica was right about one thing. Time runs down into darkness. Even the stars burn out. And scars...there are scars that not even Death can wash away."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, and War
Moderate: Sexual violence and Torture
The Heart of What Was Lost by Tad Williams
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
A solid little novella, acting as a nice epilogue for the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series. I enjoyed coming back to Osten Ard. It's such a lovely fantastical world. And we actually get a Norn POV character here which was quite intriguing. Liked getting a little more of Duke Isgrimnur as well.
Although I didn't find Tad's prose as immaculate and captivating as it was in the actual series. Which is unfortunate, but not a major gripe considering this is a small novella. I also just didn't feel very immersed nor as invested as I wanted to be, which is not completely the books fault, I'm simply struggling a little with my reading lately. But I still have to consider that in my rating, thus the 3 stars (maybe 3.5—now edited to 3.25—after some reflection and when I start feeling locked in again). But it's definitely worth checking out. I implore everyone to read Tad Williams if they can; as I've stated before, he doesn't receive the recognition he deserves for his impact and influence on the fantasy genre.
Although I didn't find Tad's prose as immaculate and captivating as it was in the actual series. Which is unfortunate, but not a major gripe considering this is a small novella. I also just didn't feel very immersed nor as invested as I wanted to be, which is not completely the books fault, I'm simply struggling a little with my reading lately. But I still have to consider that in my rating, thus the 3 stars (maybe 3.5—now edited to 3.25—after some reflection and when I start feeling locked in again). But it's definitely worth checking out. I implore everyone to read Tad Williams if they can; as I've stated before, he doesn't receive the recognition he deserves for his impact and influence on the fantasy genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Finally, I have begun my plunge into the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, something I've been extremely excited about for a while. I had very high expectations, which may have resulted in myself feeling rather "whelmed" in some areas of this first book. But overall, I had a good time with it.
I quickly found myself satisfied with Martin's prose, but more specifically his dialogue. He writes such great dialogue. It flows perfectly and elevates the abundance of political intrigue and the relationships between houses and families. He writes solid banter as well, especially with Tyrion early on. I love the worldbuilding too, despite it being pretty generically medieval. But no matter how many times I have heard about the North and knowing what lies beyond the Wall, it always managed to still pique my interest, and I love the way Martin describes it; it's chilling.
Now, my main reason for feeling "whelmed" with this, or simply not loving it as much as I had hoped, was really a severe lack of emotional investment in the characters. I had already known the fate of so many of these characters, and I knew the plot twist that happens at the end of this book. Therefore I could not find myself connecting to them enough, nor did I really feel any of the tension that I should've felt with the politics and subtle machinations of characters. I guess I completely overlooked how knowing the fates of characters could've detracted from the experience of reading the books, which it unfortunately has.
Though all that being said, I still found myself pretty attached and invested in Jon and Ned (especially Jon, I just love his character archetype), and other characters for certain chapters or moments. But not thoroughly as I would for some of the other series and characters that I love. Regardless, it was still nice to get inside the head of these characters. Martin writes nice inner monologue for each them, bringing out depth and nuance to who they are. I think most of the characters are well-written, that's for sure. I simply didn't connect with them as I had hoped/naively expected I would. And another element to this could've been the ages of characters as well. I've simply grown a little tired of very young protagonists in fantasy, especially in darker stories. But I do expect my attachment will begin to grow the more I read, as the books divert further from my preexisting knowledge of the characters and general plot of the TV show.
Something else which resulted in a bit of dissatisfaction is the way Martin began some his POV's. Or maybe it was the way information was seemingly transported around Westeros? I'm not entirely sure, but it has to do with characters reacting to information. That's always something I like to see, but it felt lacking here. There's some of it, but most of the time a POV would begin a few chapters after a major event with the character having known what transpired via messenger, and then touching upon it a few brief times in monologue and having dialogue about it with those present. I just wish I could actually see them receive the information and their following actions and thoughts. That seems pretty standard in most fantasy books, especially medieval based ones, so it stuck out to me when I noticed Martin wasn't doing this and I realized it's something I really enjoy. It gave a slight sense of disconnect throughout the whole book. But in the end, it's also not the biggest deal to me because the overall writing was good enough to make up for it.
Anyways, apologies for this review focusing on my middling feelings. It's also just what more can I say about this book that already hasn't been said? It's pretty good. I'm very glad I finally read it and I remain excited to continue through ASOIAF.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Edit 2/8/25: Lowered to 3.75 stars
------
------
"Winter is coming."
Finally, I have begun my plunge into the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, something I've been extremely excited about for a while. I had very high expectations, which may have resulted in myself feeling rather "whelmed" in some areas of this first book. But overall, I had a good time with it.
"What is honor compared to a woman's love? What is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms...or the memory of a brother's smile? Wind and words. Wind and words. We are only human, and the gods have fashioned us for love. That is our great glory, and our great tragedy."
I quickly found myself satisfied with Martin's prose, but more specifically his dialogue. He writes such great dialogue. It flows perfectly and elevates the abundance of political intrigue and the relationships between houses and families. He writes solid banter as well, especially with Tyrion early on. I love the worldbuilding too, despite it being pretty generically medieval. But no matter how many times I have heard about the North and knowing what lies beyond the Wall, it always managed to still pique my interest, and I love the way Martin describes it; it's chilling.
"A craven can be as brave as any man, when there is nothing to fear. And we all do our duty, when there is no cost to it. How easy it seems then, to walk the path of honor. Yet soon or late in every man's life comes a day when it is not easy, a day when he must choose."
Now, my main reason for feeling "whelmed" with this, or simply not loving it as much as I had hoped, was really a severe lack of emotional investment in the characters. I had already known the fate of so many of these characters, and I knew the plot twist that happens at the end of this book. Therefore I could not find myself connecting to them enough, nor did I really feel any of the tension that I should've felt with the politics and subtle machinations of characters. I guess I completely overlooked how knowing the fates of characters could've detracted from the experience of reading the books, which it unfortunately has.
Though all that being said, I still found myself pretty attached and invested in Jon and Ned (especially Jon, I just love his character archetype), and other characters for certain chapters or moments. But not thoroughly as I would for some of the other series and characters that I love. Regardless, it was still nice to get inside the head of these characters. Martin writes nice inner monologue for each them, bringing out depth and nuance to who they are. I think most of the characters are well-written, that's for sure. I simply didn't connect with them as I had hoped/naively expected I would. And another element to this could've been the ages of characters as well. I've simply grown a little tired of very young protagonists in fantasy, especially in darker stories. But I do expect my attachment will begin to grow the more I read, as the books divert further from my preexisting knowledge of the characters and general plot of the TV show.
Something else which resulted in a bit of dissatisfaction is the way Martin began some his POV's. Or maybe it was the way information was seemingly transported around Westeros? I'm not entirely sure, but it has to do with characters reacting to information. That's always something I like to see, but it felt lacking here. There's some of it, but most of the time a POV would begin a few chapters after a major event with the character having known what transpired via messenger, and then touching upon it a few brief times in monologue and having dialogue about it with those present. I just wish I could actually see them receive the information and their following actions and thoughts. That seems pretty standard in most fantasy books, especially medieval based ones, so it stuck out to me when I noticed Martin wasn't doing this and I realized it's something I really enjoy. It gave a slight sense of disconnect throughout the whole book. But in the end, it's also not the biggest deal to me because the overall writing was good enough to make up for it.
Anyways, apologies for this review focusing on my middling feelings. It's also just what more can I say about this book that already hasn't been said? It's pretty good. I'm very glad I finally read it and I remain excited to continue through ASOIAF.
"The High Septon once told me that as we sin, so do we suffer. If that's true, Lord Eddard, tell me...why is it always the innocents who suffer most, when you high lords play your game of thrones?"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Blood, and War
Moderate: Sexual content, Slavery, and Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage