Eclipse > Recent Status Updates

The world-building and magic system are really unique and thoughtfully done. I just wish the characters could have gotten the same treatment.

So far the plot feels pretty generic, like a cross between Six of Crows and Red Rising, neither of which I really loved.

These aspects may have been new 20 years ago when it was published, but now it doesn’t feel like there’s much it’s adding (story/character wise).

Sad. So sad.

Part 1 is done! We’re getting full stories now, it’s not as disconnected. We delved into the past. Learning about his grandmother and grandfather. It’s gruesome. It’s sad. It’s thought-provoking. It’s still really well written. It explores the meaning of family, of sacrifice, and of war.

It’s very different from the first chapter, but still really well-written. It explores the importance of stories, family, and the past. We meet Lan, his grandmother, understand the juxtaposition of his name, and learn about how sweet a kid he was, always doing everything he could to help his mother. What family means, how the past affects the future, and why stories are important are key themes in this chapter.

It’s so well written. The metaphors are beautiful and brilliant, I have to read each paragraph multiple times and dissect exactly what it’s trying to say. Everything is disconnected but it WORKS. Going from abusive to loving moments presents the dichotomy yet connectedness as that is his life. Look out for the butterflies!

So far I'm *loving* this. The writing is top tier with beautiful imagery and rich characters.