Foundryside

Foundryside plunges us straight into the heart of an exhilarating heist, showcasing Sancia Grado's prowess as an expert thief. Bennett masterfully crafts these opening scenes with a blend of engaging dialogue, a vibrant setting in Tevanne, and a magical system that is both original and captivating. This initial surge is thrilling, filled with the kind of energy and promise that makes you lean in, eager for more.

Bennett's creation of the scriving magic system is initially a gem, intricately detailed and fascinating. However, as the narrative unfolds, this complexity begins to weigh down the story. The pacing suffers, turning what started as a sprint into more of a stagger. It's as if the book itself is a scrived object that's been overcoded — initially impressive but increasingly cumbersome as more layers are added.

The characters, especially in the latter half, struggle to shine as brightly as the initial setup promised. The plot, which initially seemed focused and sharp, meanders, losing the clarity and pace that made the opening chapters so compelling. This inconsistency in storytelling is reflected in the overall experience of the book — a journey that begins with potential but gets lost in its own labyrinth of details.

In the concluding chapters, “Foundryside” makes a valiant attempt to recapture the initial allure of its opening scenes with a new heist. However, this late effort struggles to match the early excitement, primarily due to the pacing issues and complex expositions that have unfolded in between. The narrative, though rich with potential and innovative ideas, doesn't quite manage to maintain a steady grip on the reader's engagement throughout. This leads to a finale that, while aiming to echo the thrill of the beginning, doesn't fully deliver on the promise shown at the start. Foundryside is a book of contrasts, where the brilliance of its concept and the initial chapters shines brightly, but the journey through its pages reveals the challenges of sustaining that brilliance to the end.