Steve

I have read this book many times and it will always remain a favourite. This is probably the purest novel Hemingway wrote, concentrating as it does on one man doing the only thing he can do, trusting in himself while maintaining a deep respect for the world around him, and facing up to the hardships the world throws at him.

If you only read one Hemingway novel, it should be this one.

I don't normally write reviews before I've finished, but this book has me frustrated.

So, at the 55% mark, the book is incredibly episodic; this feels like it should be serialized in a magazine. I won't deny that the writing is very good, displaying humour and intelligence, however there is no real overarching story, other than a life lived. Each sub-story is basically the same: something unexpected happens; Basso does something off the cuff; by pure good fortune the result happens to be beneficial for both Basso and the majority of Vesanians. The only real over-arching story line is related to Basso's sister, but even this can be summed up: sister does something; Basso reacts; everything turns out alright for Basso; repeat.

I keep expecting something to happen to throw a spanner in the works of Basso's good fortune (which the very first scene of the book implies will happen), but there is no sign of this so far. It feels like I have read a series of short stories and I am now at the point where I can predict what will happen with such regularity that half the time I am reading diagonally.

Just to reiterate, each individual story is very well written and enjoyable on its own, but they are beginning to wear me down. This may be the first good book that I DNF. For the time being I will persevere, but I really hope something unexpected happens soon...


Update upon completion: well, I made it until the end but I still don't know whether I like this book or not. It is well-written and intelligent, however it is still episodic, although less so in the final act. I also don't like the main character, although I'm not sure you are meant to; his first instinct is always self-interest and it is unfailingly chance that sees him ultimately prevail. In conclusion, I'll give this a generous 4 stars, since I can imagine that others would find this more involving than I did, but it had insufficient heart for me to recommend it wholeheartedly.

Not sure whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. On the one hand it is a very good exercise of norse-themed world-building; on the other hand not much really happens, other than to move all the pieces into position for the third and final book. People do a lot of travelling, and much blood is spilt, but it could have all been done in a much shorter book.

If you liked the first book and want more of the same world, this is exactly what you are looking for. However, if you want a dynamic plot, you might be sorely disappointed. This is not Brandon Sanderson. Hopefully the final book, when it appears, will bring things to a crashing, satisfying conclusion, although I do slightly dread a drawn-out plod through the world before we get there.

This was interesting, with what felt like a unique take on the space opera genre (the slightly more mature main characters were a nice touch). While most of the prose was very good, with a nice turn of phrase, there was the occasional rushed scene that felt a little "boy's own", although not enough to detract from the overall story. In summary, very good and I am curious about the next in the series (and indeed, the wider series).

A fast-paced fantasy that manages to balance light and dark. I am looking forward to any future continuation.