Rob Lawton

Movie is actually better

Reviewed: 01-02-23

I wanted to read this after seeing the movie and thinking there had to be more. However, despite some good ideas it really remains pretty shallow. This had the opportunity to explore some deep characterisations but generally remains very predictable and superficial. A strong start is lost by a very meandering, vanilla finish. The performance is solid. Each character felt unique and there was never a worry understanding who was talking.

It's a quick read, though, and I don't feel like it was a waste. I just wanted a bit more depth to the culture presented.

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Much better than expected

Reviewed: 12-17-22

I thought this was going to be just a cheesy romance and I was a little anxious, because that's not my thing. However, despite a few too many eye-gazing-with-longing it's pretty good. There are some really good plot points, though it's mostly very predictable. The overall performance was good. my only issue was the main character's voice never really matured from young adult to adult. Otherwise, it was really well done.

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if you like chess this is great

Reviewed: 12-17-20

The book: Decent. relatively one sided with little character growth or change. This is really about the chess, which is clearly described. If one likes chess or knows the moves I'm sure it's enjoyable. I really liked it. However, if you don't know anything about the game then I'm sure it gets boring.

The performance: The reading of Beth and the games is great, bit I felt like the male characters were weak. they all had the same slow drawl. I understand it's not easy, but at least shift the cadence. It's certainly not enough to detract from the overall experience and understanding though.

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great epic start

Reviewed: 12-03-20

I rate this book a 3 only because it didn't compel me to move to the next book. I know many, many people love it, and I am in the minority. However, this tale of ancient Jed- err Knights Radiant has too many inconsistencies and logical fallacies. in the end basically nothing has happened, I felt. it's well written but ponderous.

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Thorough, entertaining and silly

Reviewed: 06-24-20

First, I need to say that I really enjoyed this book. However, you must believe the tagline of the myths as you've never heard them. there is a certain irreverent attitude and silly fun that is reminiscent of Gaiman. At times I really appreciated it, but other instances I thought I had enough and wanted it to be over. if nothing else the book is totally worth it for not only the completeness of the stories, but the connections to modern culture and history. it's really amazing how it is an interwoven I'm the story presented. Enjoy.

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Decent Segue, just a bridge between parts

Reviewed: 05-28-20

The first nice had such promise. a rich, vibrant and original world. interesting characters in a nonlinear narrative. I find myself sometimes tuning out in this. There weren't as many interesting revelations or discoveries. the characters were more stagnant. it's still well written and had some great moments, but it just felt like it was mired in page count hell sometimes.

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2 people found this helpful

I need to read more Jemisin

Reviewed: 04-10-20

I don't know what got me to but this book, but I had it for a while and was hesitant. now, after reading it, I need to read more. the characters and world are so rich. The shocking bits are shocking for the right reasons. it's adult fantasy without trying too hard. At first I want sure about some of the prose style. the word choice didn't grab me, but one I got it I was hooked. 100% recommended, especially if you're tired of Western European fantasy style.

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1 person found this helpful

Excellent introduction.

Reviewed: 11-14-19

I didn't love the looping narrative, but the story was great overall. I wish it were longer though.

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A classic and inspiration

Reviewed: 10-30-19

it was wonderful listening to this and seeing the inspiration for so many other stories. the performances were awesome. as a warning, it does sound like the women are having sex when they are 'embracing' each other or even doing their hair... it's fine, but I wouldn't listen to it with the kids. lol

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Not a great follow up

Reviewed: 03-24-19

I thought the first book was okay, cheesey fun. I like Jeff Wheelers stuff, but there was a lot of retreading ideas and characters I didn't like. it was enough to read the second though. I'm not sure how I got through this book. it's just silly. it keeps trying to add plotv twists and characters that make no sense. it's like he keeps thinking of ideas and just throws them in. it feels like a DnD campaign gone awry. the performance was pay at Best. some of emphasis made already questionable material even sillier. definitely want the guy from the first book back.

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