Great world building without a lot of exposition; Will Wight definitely knows how to "show, not tell".
In this series (and Cradle as well), he manages to give you everything you need to know, so you imagine everything so vividly that you're surprised its all your head and not something your watching. And he does it without any useless flowery, metaphorical wording that I've always found unappealing.
He also gives you everything you want to know and he does it so cleverly. He addresses all the nerdy questions you have without any spoon feeding, sometimes very very subtly -- just masterfully done. Equally, he doesn't overwhelm with information and plotlines, and he does tie up everything quite nicely by the end, especially with the short stories in this compendium.
I like the characters as well and how we follow their different storylines. I was unsure about reading this series right after Cradle so I stupidly turned to the reviews. Very glad I ignored them, and now after finishing the trilogy, I don't understand most of the complaints. A lot of the negative comments say the characters don't interact enough, to the point I thought the three main storylines would not cross paths again or there would be little dialouge, but they definitely do, a lot, weaving in and out, and there definitely is. Another aspect wonderfully handled by Mr. Wight -- showing the different view points even within the same scene without telling the same story.
Characters are solid and flawed and consistent with their personality and motivations. Like all the best scifi and fantasy, there are no straightforward "good vs evil" characters, just different people all grappling with that line in the grey area. Though there is a definite "hero", a guiding moral star even while grappling.
Also legitimately funny! The humor is half the fun of these novels, and oh man are there some off the wall characters (Kai, the dolls) and situations (all of Valinhall). Random side note, I hope we come across the Asphodel Incarnation again in the trilogy part deux. He has an Eithan Aurelius kind of feel and though he can't be as wonderful as Eithan (who could??) it would be fun to run across him again.
I have to say that while I do like the Cradle series better, this series is also amazing and I will now read anything by Will Wight, jump in blind, forget reviews and knowing what it's about first. On to the next series!
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Popular Highlights in this book
The reward for work well done is more work. I hope you weren’t expecting a holiday.Highlighted by 312 Kindle readers- They folded clothes, dusted shelves, polished swords; except for the periodic murder attempts, they were perfect hosts.Highlighted by 270 Kindle readers
- “The only joy left in my life is the joy of a good entrance,” the Eldest rasped. “Why do you take this from me?”Highlighted by 227 Kindle readers
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Unable to purchase using mobile app
Cannot purchase on mobile, can only download a sample. Kindle unlimited page is just an info page.
Top reviews from other countries
Alexandre Zuin Alegria
Great progression fantasy
Reviewed in Brazil on August 11, 2022
IVN
Good read. The plot is nice and twists and turns in the story are good.
Reviewed in India on June 4, 2019