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269 reviews
Snow in the Year of the Dragon by H. Leighton Dickson
3.0
Before reading this, meant to write a full review intended to somewhat cover the entire series, also thinking this was the end of it. But... No. And it's not the end anyway, though most of the time I sure hoped it would be, just to get it over with. Yes, I'd say the writing itself remains the strongest point, not counting a number of typos, but even that seems less notable than before. It's possible that I disliked the content too much to care though, since for the first three quarters of the book, the only parts I thought were written about as well as I've gotten to expect from the author were Sireth and Ursa's sections, which were also the only ones I didn't exactly dislike in terms of content.
Sadly, even those sections consisted of court intrigue, scheming and what I tend to call human filth, yet this kind of filth was much more present everywhere else and there's little that could save those other sections. Admittedly, it's a subjective point of view, my first complaint being the obviously postapocalyptic setting, with the typical elements of the genre much more present than before, yet even Shar and Setse's sections left me cold, and in general I didn't get much of a feeling of adventure, sense of exploration, reasons to care for the characters, their relationships and development. All of that should be present, considering the events, but I just didn't feel it anymore.
Things do quite suddenly seem to click into place nearly three quarters of the way in, even if that's still a postapocalyptic place that I remain very much put off by, and it is quite a ride for a while, but it still didn't quite strike me as truly meeting even the standards set by the previous books, and it's definitely not enough to change the impression left by the rest. It may be just me, of course, but I was searching for what I got to expect to like from the author and can say I found only traces of it here.
Sadly, even those sections consisted of court intrigue, scheming and what I tend to call human filth, yet this kind of filth was much more present everywhere else and there's little that could save those other sections. Admittedly, it's a subjective point of view, my first complaint being the obviously postapocalyptic setting, with the typical elements of the genre much more present than before, yet even Shar and Setse's sections left me cold, and in general I didn't get much of a feeling of adventure, sense of exploration, reasons to care for the characters, their relationships and development. All of that should be present, considering the events, but I just didn't feel it anymore.
Things do quite suddenly seem to click into place nearly three quarters of the way in, even if that's still a postapocalyptic place that I remain very much put off by, and it is quite a ride for a while, but it still didn't quite strike me as truly meeting even the standards set by the previous books, and it's definitely not enough to change the impression left by the rest. It may be just me, of course, but I was searching for what I got to expect to like from the author and can say I found only traces of it here.
The Lady of the Lake by Andrzej Sapkowski
4.0
As I was saying about [b:The Tower of the Swallow|34668885|The Tower of the Swallow|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1490282202s/34668885.jpg|66349] as well, The Lady of the Lake is often confusing, flitting between a patchwork of times and places, switching points of view, not giving the characters room and sometimes leaving the reader with something of a puzzle to put together. However, though there’s something to be said about the nice feast scene and the great sex scene that follows, perhaps the best example of this patchwork, Ciri hopping through worlds and times, is also where the book seems to really get going, being confusing and yet somehow right, and including emotionally intense moments.
The chapter about the Battle of Brenna was also quite impressive, though not for the depiction of the battle itself, and perhaps mainly for that bit at the end about the future of the healers. What follows, Stygga Castle, is a much smaller battle but better presented, more thrilling, and if you make some allowances for the bad guys exhibiting the sort of typical behavior that offers the heroes a chance to defeat them that they shouldn’t have, what I hoped to find in this book. And the aftermath can pack quite a punch. Then it’s back to jumping between times and places, yet it all paints a picture if you put it together… A desolate, depressing picture, which only gets worse in the final chapter.
Sapkowski mercilessly destroys his characters, those who die earlier being perhaps the lucky ones, and the survivors the most unfortunate. The world depicted sadly continues to accurately mirror our own, the way it turns out despite all the characters’ efforts, shunning and punishing them after all they have sacrificed, Evil that has rights and is taken into account in treaties, “progress” that is anything but, not because of conspiracies or secret plots, but because of the rotten, “simple and indeed universal traits” of people… There’s no place left for the heroes, they’re forced into lives that are not their own, leaving them disheartened, broken, mentally and physically, more or less lost… And then, of course, there’s the manner of death…
The chapter about the Battle of Brenna was also quite impressive, though not for the depiction of the battle itself, and perhaps mainly for that bit at the end about the future of the healers. What follows, Stygga Castle, is a much smaller battle but better presented, more thrilling, and if you make some allowances for the bad guys exhibiting the sort of typical behavior that offers the heroes a chance to defeat them that they shouldn’t have, what I hoped to find in this book. And the aftermath can pack quite a punch. Then it’s back to jumping between times and places, yet it all paints a picture if you put it together… A desolate, depressing picture, which only gets worse in the final chapter.
Sapkowski mercilessly destroys his characters, those who die earlier being perhaps the lucky ones, and the survivors the most unfortunate. The world depicted sadly continues to accurately mirror our own, the way it turns out despite all the characters’ efforts, shunning and punishing them after all they have sacrificed, Evil that has rights and is taken into account in treaties, “progress” that is anything but, not because of conspiracies or secret plots, but because of the rotten, “simple and indeed universal traits” of people… There’s no place left for the heroes, they’re forced into lives that are not their own, leaving them disheartened, broken, mentally and physically, more or less lost… And then, of course, there’s the manner of death…
Season of Storms by Andrzej Sapkowski
4.0
Must start with the fact that the writing style and structure are once again better, not at the level of [b:Time of Contempt|11970994|The Time Of Contempt (The Witcher, #4)|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387700608s/11970994.jpg|1877759] or [b:Baptism of Fire|21095135|Baptism of Fire (The Witcher, #5)|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1427869830s/21095135.jpg|1877750] but definitely moving away from what made [b:Tower of the Swallow|34668885|The Tower of the Swallow|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1490282202s/34668885.jpg|66349] and [b:Lady of the Lake|37934450|The Lady of the Lake (Witcher Saga 5)|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1515953910s/37934450.jpg|66346] confusing and hard to follow, and gave characters so little chance to shine in those books. It does feel strange to go back to the beginning after the end, but at the same time Season of Storms simply feels just about "right" again, or at least a whole lot more comfortable. The characters seem to be themselves again, the story and atmosphere are fitting, there's plenty of humor without it seeming forced, everything simply flows quite naturally, and some answers may also be found for questions which so far had none.
On the other hand, the answer provided for the most important question is hardly an answer, leaving the matter just about as open to debate and speculation as it was after Lady of the Lake, while a few others may be answers to questions you didn't even know you had, or should have had, so far. And there are questions left unanswered regarding the story contained in this book in itself, and certain moments and events are treated too shallowly, on top of the general fact that it's shorter and less detailed than I consider a fantasy book should be. But, of course, that holds true for all the books in the series, yet they build upon each other and, if you take it as the end instead of the beginning, there is more than enough for it to stand on, without it being required to offer that much worldbuilding and context on its own.
On the other hand, the answer provided for the most important question is hardly an answer, leaving the matter just about as open to debate and speculation as it was after Lady of the Lake, while a few others may be answers to questions you didn't even know you had, or should have had, so far. And there are questions left unanswered regarding the story contained in this book in itself, and certain moments and events are treated too shallowly, on top of the general fact that it's shorter and less detailed than I consider a fantasy book should be. But, of course, that holds true for all the books in the series, yet they build upon each other and, if you take it as the end instead of the beginning, there is more than enough for it to stand on, without it being required to offer that much worldbuilding and context on its own.
Cold Stone & Ivy: The Ghost Club by H. Leighton Dickson
3.0
Note: The review refers to the edition included in [b:Sword, Steam and Sky: Four Book Fantasy Bundle|36668940|Sword, Steam and Sky Four Book Fantasy Bundle|H. Leighton Dickson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1511745791s/36668940.jpg|58452971].
The final chapters of this book, starting from 42, and possibly also including 40 to some extent, are actually quite good. Better writing, closer to what I've come to expect from the author, better action, impact, characters a bit more fleshed out, even some emotion... What should have been the surprise revelation is no surprise, but otherwise, this could have been a pretty good book if all of it would have been like its final chapters. Yet the only thing I made a note of in a positive way before that point, other than the fact that for the most part it does at least read quickly and easily, was how Ivy's writing mirrored the action, and even that only as a little nice touch.
Until then, this book isn't just light reading, but light writing. It's all rather flat, without emotion or impact, evoking nothing where the reader definitely should feel something. Pretty much nothing between the characters either until those final chapters; a supposed love triangle missing any sort of love, or for that matter any sort of emotion. And the characters are blatantly one-dimensional, most being nothing more than parodies, some even too much, or at least for too long, even for that to still make their presence tolerable.
Yes, much of that is probably intentional, emulating one of those "penny dreadfuls" the book so blatantly refers to, and this is one reason, likely not even one of the main ones, why someone with a keen interest in the period may well have a much better opinion of it, but for me it offers little excuse. In fact, other elements meant to recreate the period, starting with the condition of women, Ivy included, but also the speech and slang used by some characters, only frustrate me further. And the same goes for the typos and untranslated speech in other languages, though I've come to expect these from the author.
The final chapters of this book, starting from 42, and possibly also including 40 to some extent, are actually quite good. Better writing, closer to what I've come to expect from the author, better action, impact, characters a bit more fleshed out, even some emotion... What should have been the surprise revelation is no surprise, but otherwise, this could have been a pretty good book if all of it would have been like its final chapters. Yet the only thing I made a note of in a positive way before that point, other than the fact that for the most part it does at least read quickly and easily, was how Ivy's writing mirrored the action, and even that only as a little nice touch.
Until then, this book isn't just light reading, but light writing. It's all rather flat, without emotion or impact, evoking nothing where the reader definitely should feel something. Pretty much nothing between the characters either until those final chapters; a supposed love triangle missing any sort of love, or for that matter any sort of emotion. And the characters are blatantly one-dimensional, most being nothing more than parodies, some even too much, or at least for too long, even for that to still make their presence tolerable.
Yes, much of that is probably intentional, emulating one of those "penny dreadfuls" the book so blatantly refers to, and this is one reason, likely not even one of the main ones, why someone with a keen interest in the period may well have a much better opinion of it, but for me it offers little excuse. In fact, other elements meant to recreate the period, starting with the condition of women, Ivy included, but also the speech and slang used by some characters, only frustrate me further. And the same goes for the typos and untranslated speech in other languages, though I've come to expect these from the author.
The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
4.0
Nice book, even more so since I read it in English, therefore nothing was lost or changed in the translation. Interesting idea, to show life and society through the ages through the eyes of an immortal. Caused me a few bad dreams, since I had to think about it and imagine the action more than would have been "safe", knowing my reaction to horror stuff, because it simply required much thinking and imagination.
Very good overall, but you simply have to read The Queen of the Damned as soon as possible after it and only rate afterwards.
Very good overall, but you simply have to read The Queen of the Damned as soon as possible after it and only rate afterwards.
Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis: The Vampire Chronicles 12 by Anne Rice
4.0
Did Rice have to go where she did with this? No: Some parts about Bravenna seem out of place, some decisions and developments feel rushed and forced, and that also goes for these new beings suddenly becoming noticeable, and noticeably active, after having supposedly existed for so long. Also, not sure what to think about the fact that early on they somewhat reminded me of Rice’s Taltos, nor about the brief reference to the final books of the “old” Chronicles, which at least provides closure but feels like quite a punch, considering the fate of the characters and how offhandedly it’s all dismissed. And then there are the disagreements with some of the views presented, the modern world being called “paradise” and the love for humans and awe at their achievements, despite the squabbles, wars and different directions taken, and depicting the desire for a guiding force to direct development as wrong.
But I expected worse and yet the overall impression is much better than even the above would lead one to believe. There’s care taken to get readers up to speed, all the careful references to past books coupled with the proper use of present developments. There’s the fact that it’s all once again quite a search, for meaning, purpose, story, for both Rice’s world and the “real” one, commentary on human society, religion, life, all of it being so obvious in Kapetria’s tale, which is a novella in itself. The couple of interesting bits about Memnoch are also worth mentioning, as is the final chapter that, for the most part, makes things right. But mainly it’s that writing again, that focus on beauty and art, and love, all the detailed descriptions… Most of all, it’s simply Lestat being himself again, returned, the Brat Prince writing about his “tribe of shadows […] wrapped in Gothic splendor and self-sustained romance”, and Rice truly shining when she's in his mind, giving voice to his thoughts. It feels like… For me, it’s perhaps the closest to a literary equivalent of returning home. Not to the place where you live, but home.
But I expected worse and yet the overall impression is much better than even the above would lead one to believe. There’s care taken to get readers up to speed, all the careful references to past books coupled with the proper use of present developments. There’s the fact that it’s all once again quite a search, for meaning, purpose, story, for both Rice’s world and the “real” one, commentary on human society, religion, life, all of it being so obvious in Kapetria’s tale, which is a novella in itself. The couple of interesting bits about Memnoch are also worth mentioning, as is the final chapter that, for the most part, makes things right. But mainly it’s that writing again, that focus on beauty and art, and love, all the detailed descriptions… Most of all, it’s simply Lestat being himself again, returned, the Brat Prince writing about his “tribe of shadows […] wrapped in Gothic splendor and self-sustained romance”, and Rice truly shining when she's in his mind, giving voice to his thoughts. It feels like… For me, it’s perhaps the closest to a literary equivalent of returning home. Not to the place where you live, but home.
Blestemul zorilor by Lavinia Călina
3.0
RO [English below]:
Tot se citeste repede, si poate si pentru ca m-am mai obisnuit eu, dar mi-a parut scrisa mai bine decat [b:prima|43892176|Copiii întunericului (Neamul Corbilor, #1)|Lavinia Călina|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1549639470s/43892176.jpg|43080598], iar numarul de greseli evidente a fost redus simtitor, desi pentru mine ramane inacceptabil. In rest, nu m-au deranjat neaparat multe lucruri, desi iarasi asta tine in buna parte de faptul ca nu-mi pasa de personaje. Si stiu ca nu face economie de actiune flashy la inceput, iar scena cu autocarul la benzinaria din Ungaria e chiar amuzanta, si in acelasi timp iarasi foarte "reala", reconfirmand aceasta ancorare in realitatile romanesti, cu aceeasi exceptie ciudata a unor "mile" in loc de kilometri.
Totusi, scene de genul celei din acea biserica, sau atacul care a cauzat accidentul, plus toti mortii, nu se poate sa nu atraga atentia la un nivel imposibil de tinut sub control, cu toate vrajile folosite. Adica n-au voie sa aiba cont pe Facebook si se mentioneaza ingrijorarea legata de orice posibil martor cu un telefon, dar fac lucruri care ar face toate stirile si ar atrage atentia unor orase intregi si nu se mentioneaza nimic de consecinte. Dar vorbind de consecinte, cam deranjant violul prin aceasta abordare care pare foarte intalnita si probabil chiar cautata, aparent chiar de femei, in care "nu" devine "nu te opri" si furia se transforma rapid in dorinta.
Cat despre Nicol, e as zice chiar gretos cat de proasta ajunge, chiar daca motivul e evident. Si a fost specificat clar in prima carte ce se intampla cu mamele de baieti, asa ca n-are niciun sens sa fie "surpriza" in aceasta. Dar eu tot revin la a ma intreba cum de are copil, si nu zic asta doar ca antinatalist militant infuriat de faptul ca exista asa un personaj principal, ci tinand cont ca la inceputul primei carti mentioneaza avorturi, deci chiar daca ea a fost destul de evident vrajita sa-l pastreze, oricine altcineva, incepand cu Roxana, ar fi trebuit sa-si dea seama ca ceva-i foarte-n neregula, si poate chiar si exact ce.
EN:
It still reads quickly, and maybe also because I got more used to it, but it seemed better written than [b:the first|43892176|Copiii întunericului (Neamul Corbilor, #1)|Lavinia Călina|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1549639470s/43892176.jpg|43080598], and the number of obvious mistakes has been noticeably reduced, though for me it remains unacceptable. Otherwise, I wasn't necessarily bothered by many things, though this again has in good part to do with the fact that I don't care about the characters. And I know flashy action isn't spared early on, and the bus scene at the gas station in Hungary is actually funny, and at the same time again very "real", reconfirming this anchoring in Romanian realities, with the same odd exception of some "miles" instead of kilometers.
Still, scenes like the one from that church, or the attack that caused the crash, plus all the dead, can't not attract attention at a level impossible to control, regardless of all the spells used. I mean, they're not allowed to have a Facebook account and the concern about any possible witness with a phone is mentioned, but they do things that would make all the news and attract the attention of entire cities and there's no mention of consequences. But speaking of consequences, the rape is rather troubling due to this approach that seems very common and possibly even sought after, apparently actually by women, where "don't" becomes "don't stop" and rage quickly turns into desire.
As for Nicol, it's I'd say downright sickening how dumb she becomes, even if the reason is obvious. And what happens to mothers of boys was clearly specified in the first book, so it's pointless for it to be a "surprise" in this one. But I keep returning to wondering how come she has a child, and I'm not saying this just as a militant antinatalist furious over the fact that such a main character exists, but considering that at the beginning of the first book she mentions abortions, so even if she was quite obviously bewitched to keep him, anyone else, starting with Roxana, should have realized that something's very wrong, and maybe even exactly what.
Tot se citeste repede, si poate si pentru ca m-am mai obisnuit eu, dar mi-a parut scrisa mai bine decat [b:prima|43892176|Copiii întunericului (Neamul Corbilor, #1)|Lavinia Călina|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1549639470s/43892176.jpg|43080598], iar numarul de greseli evidente a fost redus simtitor, desi pentru mine ramane inacceptabil. In rest, nu m-au deranjat neaparat multe lucruri, desi iarasi asta tine in buna parte de faptul ca nu-mi pasa de personaje. Si stiu ca nu face economie de actiune flashy la inceput, iar scena cu autocarul la benzinaria din Ungaria e chiar amuzanta, si in acelasi timp iarasi foarte "reala", reconfirmand aceasta ancorare in realitatile romanesti, cu aceeasi exceptie ciudata a unor "mile" in loc de kilometri.
Totusi, scene de genul celei din acea biserica, sau atacul care a cauzat accidentul, plus toti mortii, nu se poate sa nu atraga atentia la un nivel imposibil de tinut sub control, cu toate vrajile folosite. Adica n-au voie sa aiba cont pe Facebook si se mentioneaza ingrijorarea legata de orice posibil martor cu un telefon, dar fac lucruri care ar face toate stirile si ar atrage atentia unor orase intregi si nu se mentioneaza nimic de consecinte. Dar vorbind de consecinte, cam deranjant violul prin aceasta abordare care pare foarte intalnita si probabil chiar cautata, aparent chiar de femei, in care "nu" devine "nu te opri" si furia se transforma rapid in dorinta.
Cat despre Nicol, e as zice chiar gretos cat de proasta ajunge, chiar daca motivul e evident. Si a fost specificat clar in prima carte ce se intampla cu mamele de baieti, asa ca n-are niciun sens sa fie "surpriza" in aceasta. Dar eu tot revin la a ma intreba cum de are copil, si nu zic asta doar ca antinatalist militant infuriat de faptul ca exista asa un personaj principal, ci tinand cont ca la inceputul primei carti mentioneaza avorturi, deci chiar daca ea a fost destul de evident vrajita sa-l pastreze, oricine altcineva, incepand cu Roxana, ar fi trebuit sa-si dea seama ca ceva-i foarte-n neregula, si poate chiar si exact ce.
EN:
It still reads quickly, and maybe also because I got more used to it, but it seemed better written than [b:the first|43892176|Copiii întunericului (Neamul Corbilor, #1)|Lavinia Călina|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1549639470s/43892176.jpg|43080598], and the number of obvious mistakes has been noticeably reduced, though for me it remains unacceptable. Otherwise, I wasn't necessarily bothered by many things, though this again has in good part to do with the fact that I don't care about the characters. And I know flashy action isn't spared early on, and the bus scene at the gas station in Hungary is actually funny, and at the same time again very "real", reconfirming this anchoring in Romanian realities, with the same odd exception of some "miles" instead of kilometers.
Still, scenes like the one from that church, or the attack that caused the crash, plus all the dead, can't not attract attention at a level impossible to control, regardless of all the spells used. I mean, they're not allowed to have a Facebook account and the concern about any possible witness with a phone is mentioned, but they do things that would make all the news and attract the attention of entire cities and there's no mention of consequences. But speaking of consequences, the rape is rather troubling due to this approach that seems very common and possibly even sought after, apparently actually by women, where "don't" becomes "don't stop" and rage quickly turns into desire.
As for Nicol, it's I'd say downright sickening how dumb she becomes, even if the reason is obvious. And what happens to mothers of boys was clearly specified in the first book, so it's pointless for it to be a "surprise" in this one. But I keep returning to wondering how come she has a child, and I'm not saying this just as a militant antinatalist furious over the fact that such a main character exists, but considering that at the beginning of the first book she mentions abortions, so even if she was quite obviously bewitched to keep him, anyone else, starting with Roxana, should have realized that something's very wrong, and maybe even exactly what.
Din negura timpului by Lavinia Călina
3.0
RO [English below]:
Tot se citeste repede, am terminat-o in trei zile fara sa incerc neaparat, dar in principal ce mai salveaza aceasta carte, si m-a facut sa-i dau aceste trei stele, chiar daca sub protest, e actiunea si unele turnuri care-i clar c-au fost planuite din timp si bine. Sunt niste momente care ar merita probabil mai multa lauda, daca le-as putea separa de restul.
Problema e ca acel "rest" e o parte mai mare si inseamna ca tot nu mi-a pasat cat de putin de personaje si, daca nu prea mai e cazul sa ma enerveze cand am ajuns la a treia carte, as spune ca mai degraba mi-a facut greata de-a dreptul. Evident, asta incepe de la accentul pus pe facut copii si importanta acestora si a actului de a-i face in poveste, cu un "spor de greata" adaugat de cat isi doreste Roxana o "ceata" si cum vede ea un copil, asa ca revin la vorbele "de dulce" pentru cine mi-a recomandat seria desi ar fi trebuit sa ma avertizeze sa nu ma ating de ea, stiind cum vad asta.
Apoi, daca unii ar spune ca partea de mai sus e strict subiectiva, sistemul de magie tot ar merita multe detalii dar nu sunt oferite, povestile de dragoste dintre personaje tot vin de nicaieri si ma lasa rece, soarta tuturor e as zice chiar jenant de buna, sunt scapari chiar si in acea actiune si acele turnuri care am zis ca-s partea buna, nu se explica deloc cum s-a intamplat de fapt ce se intampla la final... Si nu doar ca ar trebui sa concedieze cineva corectorul, dar mie mi-ar fi rusine si sa postez un comentariu oarecare scris in halul asta, si daca as fi mort de somn de exemplu, d-apai sa public o carte, si o a doua editie, cu atatea greseli. Nu ca n-ar fi fost destule si inainte, dar in ultimul capitol si epilog tindeam sa numar cateva pe fiecare pagina.
EN:
Still reads quickly, I finished it in three days without really trying, but mainly what saves this book somewhat, and what made me give these three stars, albeit under protest, is the action and some twists that have clearly been planned ahead and well. There are some moments that'd probably deserve more praise, if I could separate them from the rest.
The problem is that said "rest" is a bigger part and means that I still didn't care in the least about the characters and, if angering me isn't really the case anymore when I got to the third book, I'd rather say that it downright sickened me. Obviously, this starts from the focus on having children and their importance and that of the act of having them in the story, with "extra nausea" added by how much Roxana wants a "flock" and how she sees a child, so I return to the choice words for the one who recommended the series to me though she should have warned me away from it, knowing how I see this.
Then, if some would say that the above is strictly subjective, the magic system would still deserve many details but they're not offered, the love stories between the characters still come out of nowhere and leave me cold, everyone's fate is I'd say actually embarrassingly good, there are slips even in that action and those twists that I said are the good part, how what happens at the end actually happened isn't explained at all... And it's not just that somebody should fire the proofreader, but I'd be embarrassed even to post a random comment written like this, even if I'd be terribly sleepy for example, not to mention publish a book, and a second edition, with so many mistakes. Not that there wouldn't have been plenty before as well, but in the last chapter and the epilogue I tended to count a few on each page.
Tot se citeste repede, am terminat-o in trei zile fara sa incerc neaparat, dar in principal ce mai salveaza aceasta carte, si m-a facut sa-i dau aceste trei stele, chiar daca sub protest, e actiunea si unele turnuri care-i clar c-au fost planuite din timp si bine. Sunt niste momente care ar merita probabil mai multa lauda, daca le-as putea separa de restul.
Problema e ca acel "rest" e o parte mai mare si inseamna ca tot nu mi-a pasat cat de putin de personaje si, daca nu prea mai e cazul sa ma enerveze cand am ajuns la a treia carte, as spune ca mai degraba mi-a facut greata de-a dreptul. Evident, asta incepe de la accentul pus pe facut copii si importanta acestora si a actului de a-i face in poveste, cu un "spor de greata" adaugat de cat isi doreste Roxana o "ceata" si cum vede ea un copil, asa ca revin la vorbele "de dulce" pentru cine mi-a recomandat seria desi ar fi trebuit sa ma avertizeze sa nu ma ating de ea, stiind cum vad asta.
Apoi, daca unii ar spune ca partea de mai sus e strict subiectiva, sistemul de magie tot ar merita multe detalii dar nu sunt oferite, povestile de dragoste dintre personaje tot vin de nicaieri si ma lasa rece, soarta tuturor e as zice chiar jenant de buna, sunt scapari chiar si in acea actiune si acele turnuri care am zis ca-s partea buna, nu se explica deloc cum s-a intamplat de fapt ce se intampla la final... Si nu doar ca ar trebui sa concedieze cineva corectorul, dar mie mi-ar fi rusine si sa postez un comentariu oarecare scris in halul asta, si daca as fi mort de somn de exemplu, d-apai sa public o carte, si o a doua editie, cu atatea greseli. Nu ca n-ar fi fost destule si inainte, dar in ultimul capitol si epilog tindeam sa numar cateva pe fiecare pagina.
EN:
Still reads quickly, I finished it in three days without really trying, but mainly what saves this book somewhat, and what made me give these three stars, albeit under protest, is the action and some twists that have clearly been planned ahead and well. There are some moments that'd probably deserve more praise, if I could separate them from the rest.
The problem is that said "rest" is a bigger part and means that I still didn't care in the least about the characters and, if angering me isn't really the case anymore when I got to the third book, I'd rather say that it downright sickened me. Obviously, this starts from the focus on having children and their importance and that of the act of having them in the story, with "extra nausea" added by how much Roxana wants a "flock" and how she sees a child, so I return to the choice words for the one who recommended the series to me though she should have warned me away from it, knowing how I see this.
Then, if some would say that the above is strictly subjective, the magic system would still deserve many details but they're not offered, the love stories between the characters still come out of nowhere and leave me cold, everyone's fate is I'd say actually embarrassingly good, there are slips even in that action and those twists that I said are the good part, how what happens at the end actually happened isn't explained at all... And it's not just that somebody should fire the proofreader, but I'd be embarrassed even to post a random comment written like this, even if I'd be terribly sleepy for example, not to mention publish a book, and a second edition, with so many mistakes. Not that there wouldn't have been plenty before as well, but in the last chapter and the epilogue I tended to count a few on each page.