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I probably would not have read this book if it hadn't been selected for the Sword and Laser book club for March 2015, and in the same month get announced as one of the Nebula nominees.
It's not my normal fare, in other words. It was described to me as a steampunk-fantasy court drama novel, but I would characterize it more as a coming of age, fish out of water, court drama novel. The steampunk is far in the background and as much as I don't geek out about those kinds of details, I think more of t ...more
It's not my normal fare, in other words. It was described to me as a steampunk-fantasy court drama novel, but I would characterize it more as a coming of age, fish out of water, court drama novel. The steampunk is far in the background and as much as I don't geek out about those kinds of details, I think more of t ...more
On the Sword & Laser forum there's a thread where people were agreeing on this kind of take: "I kept getting the complicated character names confused, not a lot happens throughout the whole book, I lost track of some of the courtly intrigue...and at the end, I loved it!" I pretty much fell in this camp.
The setup: Maia, the unwanted, half-goblin royal heir (to an elvish empire) who's way down the succession line is suddenly thrust into imperial responsibility & the bewildering world of courtly in ...more
The setup: Maia, the unwanted, half-goblin royal heir (to an elvish empire) who's way down the succession line is suddenly thrust into imperial responsibility & the bewildering world of courtly in ...more
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had noticed the list of characters, place, etc at the end sooner. Entirely my own fault.
Very enjoyable. Loved the fantasy/steampunk worldbuilding, and Maia is so likable and sympathetic.
4.5 stars
Slow start, but so kind and uplifting. Maia's understated bravery, emotional maturity, and sense of responsibility were enough to make him a great ruler, but his capacity for compassion and understanding was absolutely wonderful. I hope the sequel really does come out; I need to see more of Csethiro as well. ...more
Slow start, but so kind and uplifting. Maia's understated bravery, emotional maturity, and sense of responsibility were enough to make him a great ruler, but his capacity for compassion and understanding was absolutely wonderful. I hope the sequel really does come out; I need to see more of Csethiro as well. ...more
What a weird book. Very well written, although the plot has some weird inconsistencies. The book is a quick read, and has an interesting world, but the book is not exciting or riveting. If you're interested in character development and world building, I'd recommend this, otherwise probably point you elsewhere.
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Apr 02, 2014
taeli
marked it as to-read
Nov 03, 2014
Tommy
marked it as to-read
Feb 05, 2015
Penny
marked it as to-read
Feb 26, 2015
Jasmine
marked it as to-read
Mar 04, 2015
Mark
marked it as to-read
May 25, 2015
Beate
marked it as to-read
Oct 29, 2015
Ian
marked it as to-read
Jan 06, 2021
RobO
marked it as to-read
