Paul Boden
Likely more a me problem. The intrigue that I love in Eriksons writing was still there, but it wasn't enough to carry me through this time. Took me a long time to read this one, mostly because the combination of very long, dense chapters and my preference for finishing chapters in one sitting regularly discouraged me from picking it up when I otherwise might have. Consequently, by the time I reached the final chapters I was finding the plot quite confusing.
As I said, probably a me problem, but it did make reading this book a chore at times and the highs didn't do enough to compensate.
I'll probably pick up Malazan again at some point, but I'm very much looking forward to a palate cleanser.
Honestly, 3 stars feels harsh - This is an excellent book but on finishing it, before proceeding to part 2, that's that's the truest reflection of how I feel about it.
The issue for me is that this book, particularly towards the end, spends a lot of time with my least favourite POV character. Not a bad character by any means but certainly the one I relate to the least and, consequently, reading those chapters too often felt like a chore; something I had to do to get back to the characters I was more interested in.
All in all a very good start and worthy continuation. I think these later chapters flavoured my overall experience negatively but I'm still very much invested in the series.
Just as good, if not better on re-read. About to start ‘A Wise Man's Fear' with more than a little trepidation. I've delayed for a few years, dreading the probably inevitable moment where I finish and there is no book three to conclude things, but hey ho. I'm tapping out and reading the next one! Such a great series - hope we see a conclusive ending at some point
Fascinating insight into a fascinating individual. This book defied my expectations (which on reflection were more than a little bit prejudicial). Some very interesting and potent life lessons included in this entertaining memoir.
I would recommend sticking with it a little bit. The opening chapter was leading me to believe my low-end expectations were going to be validated before giving way to a self-awareness that dispelled any such notions.
I feel like 4 stars is maybe slightly too high, but 3 stars is definitely too low.
I don't think Fires of Vengeance consistently moved with quite the same unrelenting, captivating pace as Rage of Dragons, and I wasn't a massive fan of a narrative device the author uses towards the end of the book, but this was still a throughly enjoyable read that left me excited for book 3.
It took me a little bit to warm to this book, I think largely due to the writing style. The prose is quite simple and direct, which contrasts with the rich writing styles my favourite authors of late tend to use, but once I adjusted it didn't detract from my experience at all. I actually think this style worked really well here as I was able to connect with the protagonist quickly and stayed anchored to him throughout the fast-paced narrative, which is incredibly gripping throughout. This book was hard to put down once I got going! Really enjoyed the book and looking forward to reading the next in the series
Full disclosure: I'm still reading this book but I'm already confident in my 5-star review.
Abercrombie's prose is some of the most enjoyable and inspiring I've ever read and every line is a pleasure. This is a masterclass in how to infuse prose with character.
Absolutely love it and can't recommend enough.
Such a great read. In the early part of this book I felt this was going to be one that I liked but didn't love - One of the viewpoint characters I'd loved in previous books wasn't grabbing me and I was initially worried Sanderson was going to follow a trope I particularly loath, but the way the author pulled everything together to wrap up the trilogy was masterful. I was almost as much impressed as I was entertained.
Really gripping stuff and a fantastic way to end.
Really I would give this book 3.5 but as that option isn't available it was more deserving of better than a 3 star review. The book does a good job of covering the entire breadth of game development and includes some really useful content such as templates for the various design documents that most developers opt to create. My only issue with this book is that some of the content seemed quite obvious and while I imagine this might have been included because the author has witnessed fundamental errors being made in handling these subjects by industry professionals, it still made some sections a little bit of a chore to read. Overall though a very useful book I would recommend to any aspiring game developers and one which I am sure I will read again in future.
I feel I need a 4.5 here. I wanted to say 4 but in hindsight, only because I felt slightly numbed by the ending.
It's a great book.
Really enjoyed this book but it splits ‘book 1' directly down the middle. I didn't realise this going in and consequently, didn't have the second part ready to go, so I'm now left with an unfinished story waiting on a particularly slow delivery.
That said it was well written and I enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading the rest of the ‘book' and trilogy beyond
Amazingly profound. I found it to be a great insight in to a brilliant mind. Filled with concepts and lessons that are still applicable and which have the potential to enrich the lives of a modern day reader.
