Book Review: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

It's been a while since I last wrote a review, and I couldn't think of a better book to muse over to kickstart myself back into the habit. Everyone by now knows George R.R. Martin's much-acclaimed "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. Everyone. If you don't, you've been living under a rock. And I don't mean the Casterly Rock of the Seven Kingdoms (see what I did there?). "A Feast for Crows" is the fourth installment to the fantasy series, continuing the story of strife, war and death.

After centuries of bitter strife, the seven powers dividing the land have beaten one another into an uneasy truce. But it's not long before the survivors, outlaws, renegades, and carrion eaters of the Seven Kingdoms gather. Now, as the human crows assemble over a banquet of ashes, daring new plots and dangerous new alliances are formed while surprising faces--some familiar, others only just appearing--emerge from an ominous twilight of past struggles and chaos to take up the challenges of the terrible times ahead. Nobles and commoners, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and sages, are coming together to stake their fortunes...and their lives. For at a feast for crows, many are the guests--but only a few are the survivors.

I'll just come right out and say it--I was pretty disappointed with this one. I couldn't shake the feeling that Mr. Martin has slowed down the pace considerably with "A Feast for Crows," which primarily has to do with the fact that the entire novel is only told from a selected few of the characters. The novel jumps around between the points of view of Brienne, Cersei, Jaime, Arya, Sansa, Samwell, and a few other, more minor characters. Where was Daenerys and her kick-ass dragons, and Jon Snow, and--his absence was most prominently felt--Tyrion? I mean, these missing characters, at least to me, are the most exciting, and instead, we were left with only a handful of them. What made the previous installments so thrilling despite their mammoth lengths was the vast range of characters and Mr. Martin's ability to seamlessly dip into all of their perspectives. He does so in "A Feast for Crows," but on a much smaller scale. While it is understandable that a series of this scale isn't so easy to handle--that's what makes it so incredible, after all--and that Mr. Martin had to split the characters' stories into two books, it was still a little bit of a bummer, and cost this novel its original excitement.

The thing is, that even if the readers are only made privy to the perspectives of some of the characters, their stories could still be compelling. I had to push myself through the pages with this one, and ended up skimming over quite a few parts as well. The separate stories of Brienne, Cersei, etc. just weren't as gripping to me, and didn't seem to add much to the larger picture of the clashing of the Seven Kingdoms. While it does give us insight into the aftermath of the events of the previous book, "A Storm of Swords," it didn't do much to advance the bigger storyline. Instead, "A Feast for Crows" seemed to focus on the more individual stories, such as of Brienne trying to fulfill her oath to Jaime by searching for Sansa, or of Samwell journeying from the Wall with Maester Aemon. There just isn't that same heart-pounding thrill and feeling of holy-moly-the-crap's-hitting-the-fan in this novel, and I was left with the overall impression that the novel as a whole is a filler for the series, rather than a proper installment in it.

Having said all of this, where "A Feast for Crows" drops the ball on the storyline, it redeems itself a little with Mr. Martin's consistently incredible writing. There's no doubt about it--it takes a vast amount of creativity and imagination to concoct such a story like this one, and Mr. Martin has it. Not only is there a great deal of world-building going on, adding to the ever-expanding universe of the story, but there is also some convincing character development. As I said earlier, the different chapters seem to focus a lot more on the individual stories of each character rather than the larger scheme of things, and, while this might not advance the overall storyline much, it does allow for the readers to gain a deeper understanding of each character and their emotions. The relationships of many of the characters, like that of Brienne and Jaime, and Jaime and Cersei, and so on, are given the spotlight throughout the novel, and it's also very interesting to see when they interact.

Overall, "A Feast for Crows" is a rather disappointing installment to the otherwise incredible series, rendering it more of a 'filler' in the overarching storyline. However, it still must be read, especially if you're planning on reading the entire "A Song of Ice and Fire" saga, given its focus on a few of the major characters of the series. I just hope this means that the next book, "A Dance of Dragons," will grab me by its claws and blow my mind away.

Rating: 3/5

Book Review: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

You know that feeling of being stuck on the outside, looking in? Like you're there, but not quite, caught between the bounds of half-knowing and exclusion. That's how I felt when I was reading "The Lies of Locke Lamora," the first installment in Scott Lynch's "Gentleman Bastard" series, at least at first. But, like every story, I'll start from the beginning. I picked up this novel after seeing review after review of fanatic readers raving about it, and I naturally just couldn't resist. There's something undeniably magical about fantasy novels, something that weaves an encompassing world around you until you find yourself enraptured. Unfortunately for me, it took me a little while with the world of Camorr--but better late than never!

An orphan's life is harsh--and often short--in the island city of Camorr. But luckily enough, Locke Lamora was blessed by the Thirteen Gods with quick wit and a gift for thieving, dodging both death and slavery. Under the tutelage of an eyeless priest named Chains, Locke flourishes into the Thorn of Camorr, notorious for pulling off the most outrageous of games. Along with his new, light-fingered brothers, the Gentleman Bastards, Locke has even the criminal underworld's most feared ruler, Capa Barvasi, into thinking that they're petty thieves. But when someone called the Grey King begins killing off the Capa's most trusted men--and using Locke in his plot to seize control of Camorr's underworld--a bloody coup is sparked. And as he finds everything and everyone that holds meaning in his mercenary life disappearing before his eyes, Locke vows to beat the Grey King at his own game--or die trying.

Arguably the most crucial part of any great fantasy novel is the main character, since, after all, you'll be following him or her across the great span of 500 pages or so. Locke Lamora is undeniably an intriguing protagonist, one with unparalleled cunning and a knack for theatrical thievery. I completely fell in love with his devil-may-care attitude and his thirst for the rush of adrenaline he gets from trickery--even till the very end--but what really made him a great hero was his unwavering loyalty toward his fellow Gentleman Bastards. His adoptive family means the world to him, and this compassionate side to him really gave him his driving force when things were forced to get down and dirty with the Grey King. Chains, Jean, Bug, Calo and Galdo, who make up the gang, are all such instrumental members in creating the dynamics in the Gentleman Bastards, and hearing their banter and seeing their close-knit camaraderie undoubtedly added to the story. The other characters, like Capa Barvasi, the Grey King and the Spider, were likewise well-developed and intriguing to read about, and I think Mr. Lynch has really created an exciting cast of characters in his debut novel.

Remember what I said about feeling like you're half-in, half-out? Well that's what I felt as I read the first few chapters of "The Lies of Locke Lamora." I don't know whether I'm explaining it right, but there was a sort of disconnect between myself as a reader and the book I held in my hands, like I just couldn't get into it. The more I read, however, the more I came to realize the reason behind this: the writing style. Don't get me wrong--Mr. Lynch's writing is great, which lends itself to the fantastic and intricate plot of the novel. What comes to mind are the amazing descriptions of the culinary concoctions of the aristocratic parties--imagine miniature palaces spun out of candied jellies and sweetbreads, and a fusion of cooked animals, with the head of a cow and the body of a fish. But there were times when there were just too many adjectives and adverbs lying around, cramping up the descriptions. It's no easy feat to create an entirely new world in any genre, especially fantasy, but I think if Mr. Lynch had toned down on some descriptions, things would've flown a lot more smoothly and sped things up a little. There were times when the sentences and paragraphs were too bogged down with auxiliary words, and I found myself skimming over lots of them as I tried to get to the actual meat of the story.

Which, of course, brings me to the plot. The storyline of "The Lies of Locke Lamora" was pretty interesting throughout, but, more than that, extremely clever. I loved seeing the way secrets and plans were revealed as the story progressed, along with the underlying unease that comes with the ever-present tension. Another thing I really appreciated and enjoyed was the way in which Mr. Lynch interspersed the chapters of the main storyline with interludes, jumping back and forth between the past and the present and giving his readers a more solid idea of both Locke's childhood and the world we are presented with. Like I discussed earlier at length, it did take me a little while to actually dive into the story, but it definitely does pick up a few long chapters in, leading up to the climactic ending of the novel!

Overall, "The Lies of Locke Lamora" is an intriguing fantasy novel, complete with a dynamic cast of characters, an undeniably clever hero, and an equally clever storyline. While it might not be my absolute favourite novel, it is definitely a solid fantasy story, one that you should definitely check out for yourselves!

Rating: 3.5/5

Book Review: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

There really is a reason epic fantasy is called epic fantasy. Everything's elevated to a grander scale that requires a vast amount of imagination and creativity: the people, the story, and, above all, the world. Brandon Sanderson is one of my favourite fantasy writers, and, at the urging of a fantasy-loving friend, I decided it was time to journey my way through the huge tome of "The Way of Kings", the first installment in "The Stormlight Archive", which promises to be a thrilling series.

It has been centuries since the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant left humanity to fight for itself. Only their Shardblades and Shardplates remain: mystical swords and armour that lend incredible power and near-invicibility to ordinary men. Wars were fought for them, and won by them. One such war rages on the ruin landscapes of the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that has lost all meaning, where ten separate armies fight a single foe, he struggles to save his men and hold onto the one thing that keeps him alive: hope.

What makes Mr. Sanderson's novels so mind-blowing is the sheer amount of thought and creativity that goes into them. In the "Mistborn Trilogy", you had Allomancy, Feruchemy and Hemalurgy. In "The Rithmatist", you had, well, Rithmatics. In "The Way of Kings", Mr. Sanderson has created a whole other world of the Radiants, with skills like Soulcasting--the ability to change the matter of substances to transform them into other objects--and the Three Lashings: gravitational change, binding, and giving an object a gravitational pull. Not to mention the Shardplates, which gives the wearer some souped up superpowers, and the Shardblades, summoned by the warrior in ten heartbeats and able to kill enemies with a slice. Can you spell mastermind? You can see from a glance how much has gone into the world-building in "The Way of Kings", and, to make a long story short (and trust me, this was one heck of a long story!), everything is simply mind-blowing.

Of course, a world isn't complete without the people to inhabit it. The novel is split into five parts, with interludes in between. Each part is told from the point of view of Kaladin, the novel's main hero, as well as from those of either Shallan, Dalinar and Adolin. What I've always admired about Mr. Sanderson's protagonists is that they're never these otherworldly, super mighty people. Instead, they're pretty ordinary in every aspect except for their strength in character. Kaladin is only nineteen-years-old, but already struggles with the guilt he feels over the deaths of those he loves, including his younger brother Tien. The way his character develops as he loses hope and rises again to fight, and learn what is the right thing to do, is so believable every step of the way, and he is truly a relatable character you can't help but admire for his strength and willpower. Shallan, Dalinar and Adolin are all admirable as well, for different reasons. I especially liked Dalinar, who's the moral beacon in the novel, all full of honour and righteousness, even if he has to face disrepute for it. There's so much more that can be said about the characters, and all I think I can squeeze anymore into the review is how subtle and believable their development is throughout the story.

The plot of "The Way of Kings" is, of course, interesting and chock-full of intrigue and wonder. One thing that did hinder it a little was the fact that it did get a little dull in the middle--it was just too long! I think if those parts had been condensed a little more, it would've been more striking and engaging, not to mention more fast-paced and even more intense. Nonetheless, the storyline of the novel evokes action and emotion equally skillfully, while at the same time allowing the author to set up the world and introduce his characters as well. Things get especially exciting in the very last part of the novel, when humongous, world-shattering revelations are revealed and it left me with my jaws dropped and heart thumping! Talk about a cliffhanger. Now I can't wait for the second novel. And that's when you know you've read a great book.

Overall, Brandon Sanderson's "The Way of Kings" is a spectacular first installment to what promises to be a thrilling, awesome fantasy series, with enchanting world-building, believable yet heroic characters and a clever storyline. I highly recommend this novel--and any of Mr. Sanderson's works--for any readers who are seeking a great fantasy book, and I can't thank my fantasy-loving friend enough for introducing me to his writing.

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Review: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson

Ah, epic fantasy. Arguably the most creative, expansive genre out there, one where you can immerse yourself in a unique world brimming with magic and adventure. One of my favourite fantasy writers (maybe even my top favourite!) at the moment is Brandon Sanderson, the mastermind behind the "Mistborn Trilogy", as well as the YA novel "The Rithmatist" (see me gushing over it here!). I remember completely falling in love a few months ago with Vin and Elend and the rest of the characters of the series, not to mention the awesome world of Allomancy! Alas, all good things must come to an end--in this case--with "The Hero of Ages", the third and final book of my beloved "Mistborn Trilogy".

Humanity is doomed. One year has passed since Vin was tricked into freeing Ruin, the mystic force whose sole desire is to destroy the world, from the Well of Ascension. The ashes now fall more heavily, and the mists are killing more and more people. The world is ending, and it's up to Vin to correct her wrongs and help her husband Emperor Elend Venture, now a Mistborn himself, to find clues left behind by the lord Ruler that will allow them to save the people of the Final Empire. But the omniscient Ruin is bent on ending the world and manipulating Vin's every move, and saving humanity seems impossible.

One of the most impressive things I find about Mr. Sanderson's work, and that of fantasy writers in general, is the vast amount of ingenuity and thought that goes into the writing, resulting in an immersive world that sucks you in and never spits you out. At first, I'd thought that most of the world building would be done in the first book, but in "The Hero of Ages", Mr. Sanderson continues to expand the Final Empire, revealing more nooks and crannies to the world he'd created in the previous two installments. Not only does he take his readers to the different cities and towns outside of Luthadel--each with their own governments and conflicting viewpoints of the events unfolding--but he also brings them to the homes of the Terrismen and the kandra. The fact that the Final Empire only seems to be expanding in the final book shows just how expansive epic fantasy novels can be, and I believe Mr. Sanderson exemplifies this.

I think the same can be said about the characters of the "Mistborn Trilogy" as well. They're constantly developing as people, leaders and heroes, never passive, and that's what makes them truly interesting and engaging characters. Take Vin, for example. We've seen her mature from a suspicious, scarred skaa urchin into a strong, confident Mistborn, who learns to trust and love in ways she never thought she would. Instead of keeping her as simply a kickass, deified Mistborn, however, Mr. Sanderson shows us just how much of a true hero Vin is as she struggles with the truths that are unveiled and the choices she has to make. Elend is another character who undergoes some great character development, especially since he has to juggle his newfound Mistborn abilities with his existing responsibilities as the Emperor of the Final Empire. Admittedly, there isn't as much romance between Vin and Elend as I would've liked (who doesn't like some juicy love here and there?), but the bond that exists between them is undeniable and strong. Another character I have to mention when talking about character development is Spook. A good number of chapters follow Spook, who previously played a more minor role in the "Mistborn Trilogy", and in them, we see him grow as a person and a leader. Long story short, "The Hero of Ages" has incredible character development till the very last page, rendering the characters of the entire series memorable and inseparable from the readers' minds.

Unfortunately, I do have to say that I was a little disappointed by the plot of "The Hero of Ages". There is, without a doubt, exciting events that occur that kept me interested throughout. However, I felt like the storyline wasn't as 'tight' as it could've been. For example, there's a great deal of Sazed ruminating over his collection of religions, and it was a little too repetitive that it lost my attention. In fact, the first half or so of the book could've been condensed so that there wasn't any waffling and repetitions, which might've made the storyline more compelling and engaging. Nonetheless, the last half of the book was definitely exciting--my heart was pounding as I lapped up the last quarter of the novel! There were many times when I thought to myself, "Wow, this would look so, so cool if it were made into a movie", which goes to show how evocative Mr. Sanderson's writing is. The final twists that were revealed at the end tied in extremely nicely with all of the events and clues from the previous two books, like puzzle pieces falling into place. Very, very clever things going on!

Overall, "The Hero of Ages" is a thrilling, immersive finale to an incredible fantasy series, complete with an amazing, memorable cast of characters, an all-encompassing, magical world, and an intricate storyline that spans the entire trilogy. It's bittersweet to finally reach the end of the "Mistborn Trilogy", but this is definitely not the end of exploring more of Mr. Sanderson's work! I highly, highly recommend the "Mistborn Trilogy" to any fantasy lovers out there--this is an adventure you will not want to miss.

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Review: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

When I read Brandon Sanderson's "The Final Empire" a couple months ago, I was instantly hooked. I mean, a great cast of characters, an eerily omnipotent bad guy, super cool powers and a thrilling plot...what more could you ask for? (You can read me rave more about the book here.) I always like having some breathing space between books in a series, just to mull over what happened and build up some anticipation, and a few days ago, I decided that now was the time to embark on another journey with Vin and her friends in "The Well of Ascension", the second installment in the "Mistborn Trilogy".

A year has passed since Vin defeated the Lord Ruler, a year since Kelsier, the mastermind behind the elaborate plan to take down the all-powerful God incarnate of the Central Dominance, died and became a martyr. But the defeat of the tyrant left behind enormous instabilities in the realm. As Kelsier's protege and the slayer of the Lord Ruler, Vin is venerated by a budding new religion, a distinction that makes her increasingly uncomfortable. Even more worrying, the mists that she found comfort in are acting strangely, and seems to harbour a mysterious entity that haunts her. With three armies now vying to conquer Luthadel, Kelsier's crew knows that the noose is tightening. The only thing offering a glimmer of hope is an ancient prophecy of the Hero of Ages and the Well of Ascension, and Vin plans on finding it to save the city she sought to free.

One of the things I love the most about the "Mistborn Trilogy" is its wonderful cast of characters. Every single one of them, from Vin to Elend to Straff, has his or her own distinct personalities, stories and thoughts, and the character building that Mr. Sanderson has done throughout the first two books, and even the second book alone, is astounding. Despite their differences, the characters in "The Well of Ascension" work perfectly with each other, both complementing and foiling others in a way that adds to the dynamism and complexities of the book as a whole. Take, for example, Vin and Elend. We all knew from the start that they would end up together as a couple--anyone with two brain cells to rub could see that! But what's really interesting to see unfold is how the two worked together in a time of crisis, and how both of them struggled with the relationship because they felt like they were too different from another to truly understand the other person. Admittedly, I felt like this whole question of self-worth and self-identity was a little too drawn-out throughout the book, but I think it perfectly shows the ways in which two characters, though seemingly contrasting one another, actually meld to create complex, human relationships in the story.

I usually find that the plot of sequels are hardly ever as exciting as that of the first book, but this was most certainly not the case in "The Well of Ascension"! Mr. Sanderson did an excellent job of creating an entirely new storyline from the previous one in a way that linked the two together, but presented a brand new set of obstacles and perspectives to the trilogy. There was hardly ever a dull moment throughout--the plot was, without a doubt, compelling and engaging, even in moments that weren't describing an action-packed scene of some sort. And the ending! The last part of the book had my heart racing, and let me just say, Mr. Sanderson, you are one tricky trickster! The twist at the end just had my eyes bulging out of their sockets. Wow. It'll definitely be interesting to see how everything turns out.

All in all, "The Well of Ascension" is an exciting sequel to "The Final Empire", full of what made the first book so compelling: a great cast of characters, realistic character development, an eerily magical world and a thrilling storyline. I will definitely be reading the final book of the trilogy, "The Hero of Ages", to see how everything unfolds! After some breathing space, that is.

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

There's something about fantasy books that puts them on a whole other level of excitement and wonder. It could be the diverse cast of characters who are heroic yet human, or maybe it's the sheer scale of the world crafted by the author, limited only by his or her imagination. Whatever it is, when I picked up "The Final Empire", book one of the "Mistborn Trilogy", I knew I was in for an undeniably thrilling adventure.

For a thousand years, the ash fell. It fell over the Skaa slaved in misery and fear, over the Lord Ruler who reigns with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. The Lord Ruler is God in the Final Empire, the prophesied hero who conquered the Deepness millennia ago. Yet somehow hope survives. A new kind of uprising is being planned, one that depends on the cunning of Kelsier, a brilliant criminal mastermind, and on the courage of the unlikely heroine Vin, a Skaa street urchin who must learn to master Allomancy, the power of a Mistborn. Together, the crew seeks to do what has been impossible for centuries: bring down the Lord Ruler and rid the Final Empire of evil.

What I almost always love the most about any epic fantasy novel are the characters. They are, without fail, always diverse, each with their own distinct personalities and stories. First, you have Kelsier, the legendary Survivor of Hathsin, who never fails to wear his signature smile and jaunty air, but harbours something dark and bitter within. His bravery and single-minded determination to defeat the Lord Ruler, as well as his power as one of the few Mistborn, are what drives him on his plans for the uprising. But he's also more than that. Kelsier is an incredibly complex character with layers upon layers of emotion and vulnerability, which he tries to hide under the facade of a foolhardy, carefree leader. Ms. Sanderson reminds us that ultimately, the greatest of heroes are humans with troubles and flaws like us, and Kelsier is the perfect hero to show us this.

And then you have Vin, a Skaa orphan who's been taught that trust is never real, that everyone, no matter how much you love them, will betray you in the end. As the second protagonist of the novel, Vin undergoes an important change as the story progresses, and it's really interesting to follow her as she grows from a wary, scarred street urchin to a more confident, trusting Mistborn. The relationships in her life play a huge role in her transformation. Kelsier is her mentor who not only teachers her Allomancy, but also teaches her the more important lesson that sometimes, trust and love won't betray you. The crew, with Breeze, Dockson, Ham and Sazed, also help her realize this, and it was really the dynamics between the group that I really enjoyed reading and even almost feeling. And of course, there's Elend Venture, the handsome heir of the most powerful noble house, who, very, very obviously, she finds herself falling for. Being a crazy romantic, I pretty much require that every book has to have some romance in it, and I loved how Mr. Sanderson wove in this thread of love between Vin and Elend.

Another extremely important element of epic fantasy books is the magic. I'm not talking about wand-waving, sparkly, bibbidi-bobbidi-boo magic. No, the magic in "The Final Empire" comes in the form of Allomancy, the power that Mistborns and Mistings possess. I found the concept of each of the metals being connected with a skill incredibly unique and fascinating. For example, burning pewter enhances your physical abilities, while burning iron allows you to Pull on nearby metals. Ms. Sanderson has obviously put in a lot of thought into creating this completely new type of magic (though now the word sounds slightly childish to describe something like Allomancy!), with considerations of the laws of physics and nature. Crafting new, unique powers in fantasy novels is certainly a daunting task for any author, but Mr. Sanderson has definitely done a wonderful job with introducing the world of Allomancy to his readers.

The plot of "The Final Empire" was a journey unto itself. Admittedly, there were some drawn-out, possibly unnecessary parts, as many epic fantasy stories are wont to have, but the novel remained fast-paced and compelling throughout. It also means that there's ample time and space for character development and world building, and I think Mr. Sanderson has taken advantage of this to create an immersive place for the readers to be in. The pace especially picked up towards the end, where so many things happened that I couldn't believe my eyes, and the twists and turns in the plot were just crazy!

Overall, "The Final Empire" is an incredibly exciting, compelling first installment to what promises to be an equally exhilarating trilogy. The camaraderie between the members of the crew and the other relationships in the novel bring human elements to an otherworldly land of Allomancy and Mistborns, and the plot never drops. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good adventure or seeks an escape into a totally immersive, new world. I will definitely be reading the next two books in the "Mistborn Trilogy" to see how everything plays out!

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

I remember when I first read Brent Weeks' "Night Angel Trilogy" a couple years ago. My fantasy-loving friend (the one who recommended "The Name of the Wind" to me a while back!) lent me the first book of the trilogy, "The Way of Shadows", and I devoured the entire series in a couple of weeks--even downloading the PDF file (I know, I know, it's illegal...oops) because I just couldn't wait to read the next book! When I found out that Mr. Weeks had written another series, however, I don't know why I didn't immediately grab the first book and begin another journey when I'd loved his first trilogy. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that you're so accustomed to the first world and its characters that moving onto another totally different world is something of a betrayal. Or maybe I had some sort of premonition that it just wasn't going to be as good. Unfortunately, I think I was right...

Gavin Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. But Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live: Five years to achieve five impossible goals. But when Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.

I hardly ever not finish a book. I hate it. Never knowing what ends up happening in the world or how the characters develop is akin to treachery. That's doing the book an injustice. But I don't know what just didn't do it for me in "The Black Prism". It just didn't pull me through its pages. I think it could do with the fact that the chapters jumped around different characters' viewpoints a little too much. It was hard to really become invested in the characters despite the fact that they were interesting and had their own backstories that unfurled as the book progressed, and, to me, a compelling narrative is a must for any book. It's disappointing because I think that the characters all have potential to be great, interesting people who change and do amazing things throughout the story, but I just never became interested in them, at least in the first half of the book that I did read.

Another thing that didn't quite cinch it for me was the slow pace of the plot. Maybe it again has to do with the fact that we jumped around too much from one point of view to the next, but too many things happened one after another, and the things that did happen didn't interest me much. Even now I'm not 100% sure what the overarching storyline is, without which the plot falls flat.

Don't get me wrong. "The Black Prism" does have a lot of potential, but I just never got hooked in the first half of the book, which is dangerous for any story. Who knows? Maybe it really does get better and super fun in the last half! I just felt like I was on this book for too long and wanted to move onto the huge stack of books that were recently released (on my birthday, no less!). I've read some good reviews on "The Black Prism", though, so maybe this is just me. My friend also remarked that this book is just "okay", but I'd check it out for myself and read the first few chapters--it just didn't really do it for me!

Rating: 1.5/5

*Please remember that I have really shamefully not finished the book! This is a review of only the first half--I've heard great things about the book overall, like the intense plot twist towards the end. This should not be read as a wholesome review!!

Book Review: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Happy December! I can't believe it's finally one of my favourite months in the entire year. I just love the cozy, festive atmosphere--not to mention it's the perfect season to curl up under fleece blankets, a cup of warm milk and a couple of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies by your side, and read a good book! And what better way to start the most magical holiday than an equally magical fantasy novel? One of my friends, who goes through fantasy books in impossible speeds, recommended "The Kingkiller Chronicle" series to me, saying that the narrative voice is unique and compelling. He sure wasn't wrong there! "The Name of the Wind", despite its daunting length, sucks you in and keeps you engaged through each and every page.

Kvothe the Kingkiller, Kvothe the Bloodless, has always had a talent for Sympathy--drawing on the energy of the surroundings and transforming it into magic. Now an innkeeper in a small, out-of-ways village, he calls himself Kote and lives a secluded, quiet life. When the famous Chronicler stumbles into town, bloodied from an encounter with demon creatures, the silent peace the world-renowned Kvothe had constructed for himself is disturbed, and the mysterious innkeeper finds himself conjuring up memories that had been pushed away into the deep crevices of his mind: memories of his childhood in a troupe of travelling actors, of his years spent as a broken, near-feral orphan in a corrupt city, of his daringly brazen bid to enter the legendary school of magic. And, above all, memories of seeking revenge upon the infamous, legendary creature who had ruined his life: the Chandrian.

One of the most compelling elements of "The Name of the Wind" is, without a doubt, its narrative voice. The majority of the book is told in Kvothe's voice, and readers are presented with an intimate narrative that draws them in and weaves an enchanting web around them. The fact that we see Kvothe as a character from a third-person point of view as well as from his own first-person point of view creates a whole other layer to our understanding of him, and you end up bonding with him even more. On top of that, it feels as if Kvothe is telling his story to you directly, as if you're sitting there in the inn, listening rapturously to his words and watching him animate his tale. One thing that maybe would've helped the narrative voice is a little humour, so that you get a little more of his character. Sometimes I completely forgot that it was narrated by Kvothe and instead we had a more objective narrator.

The other characters were fairly interesting, though they tended to be more of stock characters rather than characters who developed and changed as the book progressed. For example, Ambrose Jakis was ever the snobby, evil bully, while Wil and Sim were the jocular buddies who had Kvothe's back. Denna was pretty intriguing, with her complicated life and the challenge she presents to Kvothe. The relationship between the two is sweet and at the same time complex, and I'm interested to see how it unfolds in the sequel. Another thing about the characters that bugged me a little was the fact that many of them didn't make many appearances after a while. This could do with the fact that the entire novel is pretty much about Kvothe's childhood and memories, and, like in real life, sometimes you don't see someone who had been a part of your life once any longer.

The language used by Mr. Rothfuss can be beautiful. I particularly loved it when Kvothe brings Auri salt, he said that it was made out of "the dreams of fish and sailor's songs". It's just incredibly whimsical and lends a magical undertone to the story. The prose is flowing and eloquent, and, while not something outstandingly breathtaking, helps to transform a boy's coming-of-age story into something of a fantastical adventure.

Because "The Name of the Wind" consists mostly of Kvothe recounting the events of his childhood, there's a lot that happens, and it's no wonder that the book is this huge. Despite its formidable length, though, I enjoyed most of the story, though I did end up skimming some parts that went on longer than they needed to. Nonetheless, the plot remains engaging throughout, and doesn't get too boring.

Overall, "The Name of the Wind" is a great fantasy novel with a protagonist you learn to understand and become invested in, and other characters who help to enhance our understanding even more. Admittedly, the story can get a little too long, but it's still an enjoyable read throughout. I'd recommend it for readers who love fantasy books and a good journey.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Legend by David Gemmell

Fantasy novels hardly ever let you down. The rich, expansive world woven from the strands of the author's imagination, the super sophisticated manner of speech (almost like Yoda but far less cryptic), and the larger-than-life yet still relatable characters with names you can't really pronounce, these all are what I consider the key elements of any great fantasy series. David Gemmell was a genius in this field, brandishing his pen--or keyboard, what have you--in all its heroic glory. After falling in love with the magical storytelling in his "Troy" series, I knew my experiences reading Mr. Gemmell's works weren't over. Last week, I was feeling in the mood for some full-blown fantasy, complete with heroes and wars and such, and picked up "Legend"--and boy, I sure wasn't disappointed!

Dros Delnoch is preparing for a siege, and every single soldier doesn't have any illusions of the outcome: the walls will fall. It's only a matter of how long they can hold out against the rapidly approaching Nadir army. Only one man can boost the spirits of the defenders and show the attackers that they're facing a force to reckon with: Druss, a true hero who has become a legend with his bravery and mighty fighting prowess. Now, though, he is old and tired, but is determined to die with his axe Snaga in his hand. With him stands Regnak, a romantic coward who finds himself going to Dros Delnoch for his love of Virae, the Earl of Delnoch's ferocious daughter. Together, they will fight against overwhelming odds, even in the face of death, sorrow and loss.

As always, Mr. Gemmell's characters pretty much make the story. Each and every one of the characters, no matter how minor they are, add to the heroism that is so central to "Legend". For example, Gan Orrin, who lacked his own men's respect, showcases his bravery by joining in on the soldiers' vigorous training, and, though he is hardly physically up to par with the others, perseveres until the very end. Through characters like Orrin and Rek (which is short for Regnak), Mr. Gemmell shows that the most ordinary of men can become legendary heroes.

I actually found that pretty much all the characters were in some way likable, even Ulric, the warleader of the Nadir, who was meant to be the antagonist of the novel. I particularly liked Bowman, whose wit and humour that came with being an outlaw was masterfully coupled with the sense of honour he possessed. Mr. Gemmell presents his reader with a wide range of characters--from the Yoda-like Vintar (toldja the flowery language came from somewhere!) to the seductive yet troubled Caessa--all of whom make readers invested and create the world we see in "Legend".

And this is where one of my not-so-good points come in. One of the other key elements in any fantasy novel is the world. In "Legend", however, readers are pretty much confined for the most part to Dos Delnoch, which, to my imagination, is comprised of walls and walls and more walls. I think I would've felt the Drenai nationalistic pride more if I'd actually seen more of the people and the places they lived in. I also wish I'd seen more than just walls. There's great potential for a fantastic, huge world that really pulls in the reader and makes him imagine that he's really there, but unfortunately it just wasn't exploited enough.

Plot-wise, the action of the battles and the temporary peace-times were well-balanced. I was really able to see the development of different relationships amongst the characters during the latter, and see the sword-singing, blood-roaring heat of the fighting. This is probably just me, since I'm sort of a romantic, but I just wish there'd been a little more focus on the romance in the story rather than fights, wars and battles, and then more fights, wars and battles. I think the "Troy" series did a really good job in this aspect--I still swoon over the crazy but incredibly beautiful romance between Helikaon and Andromache! But I digress. Maybe I'll write a separate review for "Lord of the Silver Bow". It's that amazing!

Since "Legend" was Mr. Gemmell's first novel, the storytelling is not as smooth and flowing, but is still effective in presenting to the readers the great characters and the events of the story. Trust me, it only gets better from here!

Overall, I enjoyed "Legend", and it really is a great heroic fantasy novel. What made it all the more interesting was when I was reading about David Gemmell, and learned that he wrote this novel when he was being diagnosed with cancer. Though I can't say whether the battle between the Drenai and the Nadir was a metaphorical for his fight with cancer, the knowledge of this made it all the more poignant. I would definitely check out Mr. Gemmell's other works--it will stay with you for years.

Rating: 4/5