The Hod King
Ratings65
Average rating4.4
15
Ratings65
Average rating4.4
Thomas Senlin and his crew of outcasts have been separated, and now they must face the dangers of the labyrinthine tower on their own in this third book in the word-of-mouth phenomenon fantasy series. "One of my favorite books of all time." - Mark Lawrence on Senlin Ascends Fearing an uprising, the Sphinx sends Senlin to investigate a plot that has taken hold in the ringdom of Pelphia. Alone in the city, Senlin infiltrates a bloody arena where hods battle for the public's entertainment. But his investigation is quickly derailed by a gruesome crime and an unexpected reunion. Posing as a noble lady and her handmaid, Voleta and Iren attempt to reach Marya, who is isolated by her fame. While navigating the court, Voleta attracts the unwanted attention of a powerful prince whose pursuit of her threatens their plan. Edith, now captain of the Sphinx's fierce flagship, joins forces with a fellow wakeman to investigate the disappearance of a beloved friend. She must decide who to trust as her desperate search brings her nearer to the Black Trail where the hods climb in darkness and whisper of the Hod King. As Senlin and his crew become further dragged in to the conspiracies of the Tower, everything falls to one question: Who is The Hod King? The Books of Babel:Senlin AscendsArm of the SphinxThe Hod King
Reviews with the most likes.
Our exploration of Bancroft's Steampunk Tower of Babel continues with this penultimate entry to the series. The invention of this series is second to none - weird and wonderful worldbuilding unlike anything else I have encountered. Here we are largely focused on the Ringdom (kingdom) of Pelphia.
Tom has been separated from the rest of his crew and sent to infiltrate first (under strict instructions not to try and contact his wife) whilst the rest of crew make their way there in the Sphinx's own airship. We finally begin to get more info on Tom's wife and more info on what the Hod's are up to.
The story continues to race along in its wave of whimsy. Bancroft has a wonderful gentle wit that permeates everything he writes. The characters are flawed but interesting and the world is fascinating. The Books of Babel are unlike anything else I have encountered - a highly recommended read!
4.5 out of 5 stars
In this third installment of The Books of Babel series, author Josiah Bancroft shakes up the narrative structure yet again and we're presented with three distinct, non-concurrent storylines that all take place over the same period of time. This doesn't push the overall story forward very far, but it provides us with sustained and worthwhile time with several wonderful characters.
Bancroft could write a kitchen appliance manual and I'd happily read it. The fact that he's built such a wondrous world and a story that makes such perfect use of his unique voice and style makes it all the better. The witticisms, turns of phrase, vivid images, fully drawn characters, and the magnificent setting all coalesce into something truly remarkable.
In my review of Arm of the Sphinx, I concluded that this series “has the makings of a modern fantasy classic.” Well, makings have been made. This series is a modern fantasy classic.
Come the Hod King.
See this review and others at The Speculative Shelf.
crazy this book is crazy. I loved it. wasn't the biggest fan of the way the book is layed out with by following a character and then going back and following them and going back, but once i had finished the book it made more sense why it was done that way.
Bancroft really knows how to keep up the suspense/anticipation. everytime we leave a character it is at exactly the wrong moment because something has just happened and now what. a different POV and i have to catch up to that time again. Well Done, Well Done
i'm glad that this book answered most of my questions from the last book mainly questions about Marya's baby but i'm glad to report its Senlin's and that Marya still loves himLoved the purpose of Pelphia as a giant circuit breaker. made a roller coaster for replacing fuses.
Senlins story this part was great and i'm anxiously awaiting what happens in book 4
What an awesome ride! I loved the splitting plotlines and the re-convergence. I loved the opening quips of the chapters and the couple of new main characters. Very well done!
Featured Series
4 primary books5 released booksThe Books of Babel is a 6-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2013 with contributions by Josiah Bancroft.
Series
4 primary booksBabel is a 4-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2013 with contributions by Josiah Bancroft.
