From the Bookshelf of Grimdark Fantasy…

The Builders

Daniel Polansky

Start date: July 1, 2016

Finish date: August 31, 2016

Discussion: Group Reads Discussions

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Group Reads Discussions

* May/June '18 - Blackwing - **BEWARE OF SPOILERS**
By Tracey the Li… , First In, Last Out · 11 posts · 81 views

last updated Sep 27, 2018 05:21AM

* May/June '18 - Blackwing by Ed Mcdonald - **NO SPOILERS**
By Tracey the Li… , First In, Last Out · 11 posts · 59 views

last updated May 28, 2018 08:41PM

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What Members Thought

Sep 12, 2017 Adrian Collins rated it it was amazing

Originally posted on Grimdark Magazine

Wow. I now have yet another author crush. Why have I waited so long to read this author? A western, like the magnificent seven. Only with animals. And better.
The Captain gets his old crew out of retirement to avenge a betrayal left simmering for five years. It gets bloody.
Sweet fucking literary gods that was amazing. One of the best pieces of fiction I’ve read in 2017, the Builders is a masterclass in character and story and world. Betrayal, tough as all hel ...more

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Jan 03, 2016 Jenna Kathleen rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

A short, fun revenge story. It took me a bit to get into the setting as I haven't read much animal fantasy, but I loved the use of animal stereotypes (and Frenchmen!). ...more

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Jun 25, 2020 Josh Angel rated it did not like it

This novella came highly recommended, described as being a grimdark "Redwall meets Unforgiven", and a Hugo award finalist to boot. Unfortunately this book just seemed like the author was in "make an easy paycheck" mode, and I found little to enjoy in this story.

THE GOOD

Use of Language: There were some clever turns of phrase sprinkled throughout the book that I enjoyed. It read like it was being narrated by a highly educated chap telling a fireside story. I suspect the author may have been an Eng This novella came highly recommended, described as being a grimdark "Redwall meets Unforgiven", and a Hugo award finalist to boot. Unfortunately this book just seemed like the author was in "make an easy paycheck" mode, and I found little to enjoy in this story.

THE GOOD

Use of Language: There were some clever turns of phrase sprinkled throughout the book that I enjoyed. It read like it was being narrated by a highly educated chap telling a fireside story. I suspect the author may have been an English major.

THE BAD

Boring: Most of the book was spent introducing the characters and telling us what bad-asses they are, but no time spent showing us why they are considered bad-asses. Once the action finally kicks in, the action scenes are very brief, and sketchy, and told from a distant perspective that does nothing to create a sense of tension or excitement. These aren't frenetic battle scenes that draw you in, but rather birds-eye-views that leave you emotionally detached from the action.

No Character Depth: It may be due to the short story format; perhaps there just isn't enough time to develop enough attachment to the characters to feel anything when their individual stories meet their crescendos. But I've seen other writers do more with less. This is just bad writing.

No Plot Twists: There is seriously not a single plot twist in the whole book. The story just plods to its predictable and uninteresting end.

THE UGLY

No Reason To Be Animals: I've never read Redwall, so harbor no deep nostalgia for anthropomorphized animal characters, though I was open to the experience. This book did nothing to sell the concept, since there was literally no reason for the characters to be animals. It added nothing to the story. They could have just as easily been humans and the story would not have changed in any way, except perhaps the loss of some lazy characterization-via-animal-species. A weasel is weaselly. The mole is a literal mole. Ha ha, it is to laugh. Only not really, because this story presents itself seriously, so it's not really funny.

I'm very disappointed in this novella, and confused how it received such a high honor as being a Hugo Novella award finalist. Best to steer away from this one pardner. ...more

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Mar 06, 2017 Colin Thompson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Superb book!

I loved every single thing about it. How is this not a movie?

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Jul 16, 2016 H4xxxish rated it it was amazing

This was excellent. I grew up an avid fan of the Redhill novels. This is the sort of thing I wished they were last time I picked one up as an adult. Some good characters, a simple story of vengeance and some great dialogue. Finished this in one sitting and would happily read it again anytime!

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