I actually loved the first book in the series, The Last Templar with its shifts between the ancient and current stories. Plus the TV miniseries was ni...moreI actually loved the first book in the series, The Last Templar with its shifts between the ancient and current stories. Plus the TV miniseries was nice, even though there were quite a few changes in the conversion. The second book was interesting too, but much more action-oriented than is common to the "ancient treasure" genre.
And then, this book continues the same trend, and belongs a lot more to the pure action genre than the previous books.
I strongly believe I would have enjoyed this as a standalone book, but as a continuation of the character's previous adventures, it feels like this story doesn't belong (and my rating would probably be higher in that case). (view spoiler)[The prologue did promise a nice treasure hunt in New World, and I was expecting it until almost the end. I almost expected this to be part 1 of 2 part book, with this book being a modern thriller, and part 2 would go in the details of the search for the ancient secret Maybe this is what he is planning, though there is a very tenuous secret left over from this book, and a bigger cliffhanger was pretty firmly resolved (after all, who else will second guess the author's intentions, but us critics?).
In short, it felt like this the entire story would still stand just in modern setting, minus the connection to the history.
Putting Tess in the background, and making Reilly as the main character (again, a process probably started in the second book) was a bit disconcerting at first, but this may be understandable because the story revolves around his history and his area of expertise. (hide spoiler)]
In short, if you have read the previous books, I would recommend this, with the caveat that you shouldn't judge the book by its cover (or the previous leanings of the series). And if you haven't read the previous books, and like a good action story, go for it.(less)
What's not to like in this book? A great story, check. An interesting system of magic, check. Some very funny one-liners and conversations, check. And...moreWhat's not to like in this book? A great story, check. An interesting system of magic, check. Some very funny one-liners and conversations, check. And a few twists in the tale, which twist you around, double check.
Based on Mistborn trilogy (quadralogy now?), Way of Kings, plus this, I think Sanderson likes to play with religions and systems of magic. I loved the character of Lightsong the Bold, and his "divine" doubts about his divinity. If a God can be thought of "acting out", Lightsong would be one. Equally loved the mercenaries, their conversations about the disadvantages of being a mercenary.
In short, now I am waiting for at least 3 books from Sanderson, Memory of Lighe, the next book of Stormlight archives and the sequel to this book. Did I miss any more?
I hope Siri and Susebron are going to have a lot more facetime in next book. And on that note, doesn't the use of the title "Vessel" for God King's wife (married to provide him heirs) carry so many layers?(less)
I was looking for some light-hearted stuff to read after a huge dose of books with lots of serial killers and blood. From Eoin Colfer's other books I ...moreI was looking for some light-hearted stuff to read after a huge dose of books with lots of serial killers and blood. From Eoin Colfer's other books I have read (love the Artemis Fowl series), I knew I wasn't going to get disappointed. And boy, did this book deliver or what.
This is a story of 12-year old detective, who thinks he has seen all the cases a school playground can throw at him. But then, his own boasts about being a detective get him involved in a case against the biggest criminals in the school. And before he knows it, the case has developed into something huge, and he is a fugitive from the law he has helped uphold so many times before. And soon, he is not the only person who is getting injured.
Femme fatale, a huge conspiracy, a scary criminal family and a hardboiled, world-weary protagonist... what more does a detective story need?
If you want a one line review: Why exactly hasn't this been made into a crime noire film yet? I mean, you can almost hear the saxophone in the background while reading, and it's not that hard to imagine all the characters wearing hats either.(less)
I am a big fan of "Castle" and its nerdy, light-hearted brand of mystery drama. And I feel the books carry the same tone as in the series, m...moreI am a big fan of "Castle" and its nerdy, light-hearted brand of mystery drama. And I feel the books carry the same tone as in the series, making for a very enjoyable read.
This book seems to have a lot more references (or similarities) to the parent TV series than the previous books, and in keeping with the TV series (this season is a bit darker than past ones), the book also carries a darker story. All in all, I would call this as a perfect weekend afternoon book. No heavy reading, enjoyable story and can be finished very quickly.
But I am curious to know the comments of people who are reading these as standalone books (people who haven't watched Castle extensively).(less)
I don't think this need a spoiler warning (correct me if I am wrong): As the final book of the series, it's a mix of obvious and interestingly differe...moreI don't think this need a spoiler warning (correct me if I am wrong): As the final book of the series, it's a mix of obvious and interestingly different bits.
Slight spoiler warning:
On the obvious side: The setup for The Final Battle feels a bit rushed, and any fantasy fan would see what the big secret is. And at the end of the story, most of the characters end up how you think they would.
On the other hand, their storylines have some interesting changes from the formula. And I know the "epilogue" looks a bit too long than the norm, but as the saying goes, "Death of Emperor Palpatine wasn't the end of the Rebels' fights." ;) Plus, I think this way there are some hooks left in there for a sequel series.(less)
Even though the underlying mythology is an extension of the original trilogy, with additional metal powers (you will know what that means if you have read the Mistborn trilogy), and the characters from the Mistborn trilogy revered as gods or treated as devils. But most of this book can still be read as a standalone novel, as a Western about a "magical" sheriff, his wisecracking deputy and a powerful gunslinger adversary.
Waiting for the next book, and I really hope it gets here quickly, what with Wheel of Time and Stormlight Archive competing for Sanderson's time.
A few notes for anyone reading this:
- Although the two metallic powers are well explained, and new metals and alloys introduced in this book, to get the full background of mythology involved, a reading of Mistborn trilogy will be very useful.
(view spoiler)[- Loved that Sazed's efforts in preserving the religions succeeded so well, and how the different religions are portrayed in the book.
- The notes in "Appendix" are more than just trivia, if Mistborn trilogy is any indication.
500 pages in around 2 days, I went through this book fast. It helps that the story is fun, very action-oriented, and quick-moving, and fits well in th...more500 pages in around 2 days, I went through this book fast. It helps that the story is fun, very action-oriented, and quick-moving, and fits well in the format we are used to read in this (and the previous Percy Jackson) series. The "modernization" of old Greco-Roman mythology, including the monsters, places is very entertaining throughout both the series.
Highly recommend the book, though I would start with the Percy Jackson series if you want the proper backstory and continue with Heroes of Olympus series.
I think this is one of the best ways to continue writing in the same universe as a finished book series, without compromising the climax of the "prequel".
Also recommended: Kane Chronicles series by Rick Riordan. (less)
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