Ugh, this book was so unsatisfying. I read the whole thing just waiting for something to become interesting, but all I got was the twist I saw coming way before the author wanted me to. The book was lifeless and dull, and the conclusion was just silly.
The whole time I kept wondering if I had accidentally picked up young-adult fantasy instead of adult, simply because it was so simplistic and transparent.
The worst part was reading all of the elegant praise for the book on the first few pages. That’s what helped convince me to get the book, you know? It’s rare for me to walk away from a story feeling so thoroughly empty-handed. I can’t help but wonder if the reviewers and I read the same thing.
The only good thing about it was the cover art. Okay, well, to be fair, I did enjoy some aspects of magic just…coming to you as the need arose, which means that as you experience more things in life, your magic becomes stronger. The thought of that appeals to me because it means you cannot grow in power without going through things, and hopefully growing as a person.
But that notion did not make up for the rest of the book.
~Jen
These three books, The Way of the Shadows, Shadow’s Edge, and Beyond the Shadows, are easily the best ones I’ve read all summer. I recommend them to any fan of fantasy, with one stipulation: they are dark and grimy, so if you can’t stomach that, then stay away.
The books follow a street urchin named Azoth as he suffers in the slums, then becomes the apprentice of a legendary assassin to escape his life there. He takes on a new identity as Kylar Stern and learns the arts of combat, stealth, strategy, and using herbs and poisons. Eventually he picks up an artifact of incredible power that allows him to use his Talent (it’s more or less magic, except it’s much more instinctual than the usual interpretation). With this artifact, his abilities multiply and he gains the ability to resurrect himself after death. There’s a lot of other stuff in there, but you really should read it for yourself.
Strengths
The book has interesting characters, especially Durzo Blint, Kylar, and Logan Gyre. The reader gets a chance to see them change and grow in a way that is unusually satisfying. I was especially interested in Kylar’s ability to be so very selfless and kind, and yet so very dangerous and murderous, and in Logan’s ability to be so noble and yet so grounded in reality, and so willing to do what must be done. The plot is consuming, and I found myself wondering what was coming next whenever I was unable to read. There are a few very surprising twists, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern fantasy. It’s also refreshing to read a book that explores the most horrible human thoughts, emotions, and suffering without trying to shock the reader or cause emotional involvement purely through having bad stuff happen to people. There are a few places where I was strongly emotionally affected by this book… For example, when Logan found ways to keep his humanity in the Hole and to redeem his fellow Holer, Lilly, and when the whores made a bloody stand to purge their city of cruel invaders… I don’t know, it was a brutal but powerful catharsis. I could go on, but really, this was an excellent series and I think you should read it!
Weaknesses
Nothing is perfect, of course, and there were a few things I did not like about this series. The novels are layered and complex, and they feature many plots weaving together to come to an overall conclusion. Normally I am a big fan of this. However, this became overwhelming, and some of them could have been cut out entirely… Some of them were simply not as important, and not nearly as engaging, as the events witnessed by the main characters. This problem was especially noticeable in the last book. Furthermore, the ending of the third book felt…off. I sort of felt like I was reading a completely different series towards the last fourth of Beyond the Shadows. This was made worse by the awkward love triangle between Kylar, Elene, and Vi. Basically, the ending of the series had me scratching my head instead of feeling satisfied.
Despite these issues, I fully recommend these books. Seriously. If you like fantasy and don’t mind reading about dark stuff, then do yourself a favor and pick up these books.
~Jen
Time for another book review! Today we have Karavans by Jennifer Roberson. It’s a fantasy novel about a country under invasion and its people, who are desperately fleeing the invaders. The story is divided between a few groups. One is a large family whose matron is pregnant. They want to reach a certain land in time for the birth because prophets have warned them that the child must be born there. The problem is that they need to take a risky shortcut to make it in time. Another includes the workers at the karavan that the family joins, including a hand-reader, two guides, and the karavan master. There is also a standoffish courier named Brodhi, whom frequently deals with the members of a fantasy-esque Hooverville.
The invaders are a problem, but so is the land of Alisanos. Alisanos is sort of… Hmm. It’s a hellish land that you can physically walk into. Most humans die quickly there, and those that do not slowly turn into demons. The thing is, everyone knows where it is, so you just avoid it. However, for whatever reason it’s decided that it’s time to change locations of its own will, and it seems like it’s gonna move right where the family needs to pass through for the sake of the child in the mother’s womb.
We’ll start with the good things that this book has to offer. The book is well written and includes several story lines. The author also does a great job of revealing things slowly, dropping hints here and there instead of throwing the backstory in your face. Although this was well done, anyone paying proper attention and thinking while they read could piece stuff together much faster than I think she might have intended, but she may have been going for that. Also, family relationships are realistically explored, especially the strength parents need for their children in times of uncertainty and upheaval.
Now for the not-so-good. Despite having a few plots going on here, nothing…nothing really happens in this book. The whole book is essentially a backdrop for the sequel, which is a little unappetizing since it’s still 441 pages long. It’s a little dull, and the only strong, interesting character (in my opinion, of course) was Rhuan, one of the guides.
Despite these weaknesses, the quality of the writing is strong, and I think the book is worth reading, especially for potential payoff in the sequel (which I will review shortly). I wouldn’t say to go out and by it right now, but if you see it at your local library or in a friend’s collection and need a book, go ahead and borrow it.
~Jen
