Ethan Manning
Better than book 2. The Jordan quirks are still there and still annoying. But the different story arcs were more consistently interesting compared to the first 2 books, and the finale was also better. I was definitely impressed with the quality improvements in some areas, I felt much more balanced and there was an improved pace to the story. But it still has long plain descriptions, juvenile relationships and conflict, a weird gender dynamic with heavy undertones of repressed sexuality, and the main plot is just good and evil. It can still be fun despite all this. I'll say I hope future books have setting/culture changes because each place feels the same and the people act the same with paper-thin cosmetic changes.
Better than book 2. The Jordan quirks are still there and still annoying. But the different story arcs were more consistently interesting compared to the first 2 books, and the finale was also better. I was definitely impressed with the quality improvements in some areas, I felt much more balanced and there was an improved pace to the story. But it still has long plain descriptions, juvenile relationships and conflict, a weird gender dynamic with heavy undertones of repressed sexuality, and the main plot is just good and evil. It can still be fun despite all this. I'll say I hope future books have setting/culture changes because each place feels the same and the people act the same with paper-thin cosmetic changes.
To the point, episodic, thoughtful, a fantasy story about an eccentric sorcerer king who must quest to help his kingdom and save someone. Loved the dynamic of living up to the traditions of your culture vs wanting to improve it through some kind of enlightenment. There is tropey "damsel" element to the story, but it was small and hopefully said character gets more agency further on. This was a weird one but thought provoking, great character introspection, cultural reflection, and interesting things that manage to fit into the story rather than stand out or too bluntly mirror our world.
To the point, episodic, thoughtful, a fantasy story about an eccentric sorcerer king who must quest to help his kingdom and save someone. Loved the dynamic of living up to the traditions of your culture vs wanting to improve it through some kind of enlightenment. There is tropey "damsel" element to the story, but it was small and hopefully said character gets more agency further on. This was a weird one but thought provoking, great character introspection, cultural reflection, and interesting things that manage to fit into the story rather than stand out or too bluntly mirror our world.