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allauthors's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting concept, but a poor execution. I honestly got bored despite fairly nonstop action. None of the characters were remotely likeable.
chris_allen's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
yevolem's review against another edition
4.0
The magic system relies on draining attributes from people. I loved how it was used in the world and how everything was accounted for. The quality falls off in the later books, but the first was amazing to me at the time I read it.
booksarebetter's review against another edition
Need to find a book copy that doesn't have super tiny print! I will try to find another, better version. It was a tall book, with a thick amount of pages, and just *tiny* print. Sorry, but I am going to count this as a 'to-read' later, even though its marked as done.
Eventually, I will get around to reading this book!
Eventually, I will get around to reading this book!
jaredsbuckley's review against another edition
2.0
I was really excited but disappointed. I like Prince Gaborn but I didn't like the magic system, it is good but a little harsh for me. I won't read anymore of the series.
calbowen's review against another edition
2.0
I read this because this comes up on many search Engines for High Fantasy and Heroic Fantasy - and, in the end, I was disappointed - I feel that in comparison to the great wealth of bad fiction out there from this time period that this would be a 5 star novel against the maelstrom of poorly realized fiction, but if this is the top of the heap, then writers and readers need to aspire for more.
I have a problem with cut-out characters that have very linear actions and their course is planned out and no matter what happens, they are unflappable and continue on the course to destruction or self-destruction. Evil to be evil is old hat and boring. Betrothal though real has to have more resistance than this had. I can't love a man that I don't know - five minutes pass - I love this man that I have never met before today. Seriously? I have had horse pill size medication that is easier to swallow than this lackluster attempt at Fantasy Fiction. Actually, this is FF, but it holds nothing solid for the reader to grab a hold of and care about beyond 20 pages. I finished this with a week gone in my life, and nothing that sparks my imagination and creative juices.
If you like this style and genre, then good on you, because I have read better and I cannot regress to the point of old and unemotional flat fantasy fiction.
I have a problem with cut-out characters that have very linear actions and their course is planned out and no matter what happens, they are unflappable and continue on the course to destruction or self-destruction. Evil to be evil is old hat and boring. Betrothal though real has to have more resistance than this had. I can't love a man that I don't know - five minutes pass - I love this man that I have never met before today. Seriously? I have had horse pill size medication that is easier to swallow than this lackluster attempt at Fantasy Fiction. Actually, this is FF, but it holds nothing solid for the reader to grab a hold of and care about beyond 20 pages. I finished this with a week gone in my life, and nothing that sparks my imagination and creative juices.
If you like this style and genre, then good on you, because I have read better and I cannot regress to the point of old and unemotional flat fantasy fiction.
bfpierce's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
brantp's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
hawkeyegough's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book was really enjoyable in the same vein as classic fantasy from the '90s. It had some really interesting elements to the magic system the author introduced that kept me engaged throughout. The scope and overall tone felt similar to George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire, as well as Farland's willingness to brutalize and kill any character at any time (something Martin is known for). I got exactly what I expected from this book and will be picking up the next installment sometime soon. This book was quite dark, but the author had enough interesting details and unique ideas to keep me engaged.
stevetw's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent new take on fantasy! Farland doesn't just recycle Tolkien's/Gygax's creatures, but instead comes up with his own. His take on magic is new and interesting as well. The examination of the moral quandary of taking these endowments from people, even willingly, is cause for pause. Even more of note is the examination of the morality of killing dedicates, who often were unwilling, in order to harm your enemy. This isn't unlike the question of bombing factories with slave workers to stop enemy tank production. The writing style isn't quite as good as Tolkien or Martin, and I couldn't help but imagine cartoon characters in my mind as I read the book. That, of course, might be because it's hard to imagine people more beautiful than beautiful, or running at 100 miles per hour. While I like Lord of the Rings better and suspect there are other series I'll like better, I fully plan on continuing to read the series! While it doesn't feel quite as epic in scope as some other series, I'm just getting started! The map at the front of the book left plenty of space unfilled! I fully recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new fantasy series!