A breathtaking and magnificent achievement, I'm speechless. Perhaps I'll do a proper review one day, after I've read it two or three more times. TolkiA breathtaking and magnificent achievement, I'm speechless. Perhaps I'll do a proper review one day, after I've read it two or three more times. Tolkien's genius has yet to be approached by any, though the genius of his friend Lewis is perhaps equally great - though of a different kind. He is to fantasy literature what Donald Bradman was to Test Cricket. ...more
4.5 stars. This book could be one of the greatest theological tomes on the doctrine of God's sovereignty that has ever been written. Islington is stro4.5 stars. This book could be one of the greatest theological tomes on the doctrine of God's sovereignty that has ever been written. Islington is stronger on plot than prose, but the real beauty of his story is the worldview underneath it, which gives it a rare thematic richness. The trilogy's title, Licanius, meaning "fate," sets up providence as the key theme, and Islington beautifully encapsulates the mystery, while inviting the reader to participate vicariously through the characters. This series could be a good way of sneaking Calvinism under the door of those who reject it. As to Christology and redemption, in Old Testament fashion, the story shadows Christ and union with Christ through Davian and, more especially, through Caeden (apologies on spelling if incorrect, I audio'ed this series). ...more
4.5 stars. I didn't like the first chapter, but after that I was 100% hooked!! And after that I also liked the first chapter. This was an enthralling 4.5 stars. I didn't like the first chapter, but after that I was 100% hooked!! And after that I also liked the first chapter. This was an enthralling tale, my favourite by Wilson to date. The audiobook is really well done too....more
What I liked: - His story telling is like test match cricket. Epic, multi-layered, and ultimate. - Nice world building. - I can't help likI enjoyed this.
What I liked: - His story telling is like test match cricket. Epic, multi-layered, and ultimate. - Nice world building. - I can't help liking Dalinar & Caledin - good characters (sorry about spelling, I audio-read this book).
What I didn't like: - Writing was not bad. Very occasionally annoying, but by no means a great wordsmith. I don't really want to criticise, because I know how hard it is even to get to the "ok" stage on a professional level (a place which many of us will never reach anywhere near - self included). - His worldview annoyed me. Especially the feminism. - Yasnah's unrelatableness as a character. She seems fake and one-dimensional. No where near as complex as many of the other characters. - It was not as epic as the second volume. - Honour really is dead. No justice in this world, just the idea that sin is part of the journey to being better. ...more
3.5 stars. I'm enjoying this series, not least of all because I don't gag on the worldview. A nice change that!3.5 stars. I'm enjoying this series, not least of all because I don't gag on the worldview. A nice change that!...more
1.5 stars. There was just nothing compelling for me in this book. I didn't finish it, but gave it a decent go. The plot seemed stagnant, and the chara1.5 stars. There was just nothing compelling for me in this book. I didn't finish it, but gave it a decent go. The plot seemed stagnant, and the characters unappealing for a lack of depth or something like it. Certainly the villain was 2-D in my view. Because the characters didn't really seem to know where they were going, the themes stalled as well. It's easy to criticise a book, and I appreciate all the work that went into this, but this one was not for me. Hope other people enjoyed it!...more
Really appreciate what this is trying to do, but the problem with trying to allegorically encapsulate spiritual truth in a story like this is that youReally appreciate what this is trying to do, but the problem with trying to allegorically encapsulate spiritual truth in a story like this is that you need to be a good theologian and a good story-teller. The story-telling is probably ok for it's age bracket, but theologically it leaves plenty to be desired. It appears to be arminian, it's baptistic (which is ok if you're a baptist), but most importantly it's representations of both the Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture fall far short in my mind. I would not be putting this in my children's hands. ...more
What I liked: (a) Man... THAT swordfight. I seriously cheered out loud. That was sheer brilliance. The length of plot and steady building o3.5 stars.
What I liked: (a) Man... THAT swordfight. I seriously cheered out loud. That was sheer brilliance. The length of plot and steady building of characters took the climaxes to great heights; (b) Sanderson's plot is long and winding, but he also uses the space that that affords well to build deeper and more satisfying characters. I honestly moved from being really annoyed with Shallan to caring about her. I moved from respecting Kaladin to disliking him - though he somewhat redeemed himself.
What I didn't like: (a) For me at least, the plot was not always compelling - it took so long to move along. I don't mind a deep, winding plot, but everything has to contribute towards it in a seamless and compelling way. I felt Sanderson was not tight enough on this for it to be great. (b) Interludes were largely annoying - except maybe for the ones that took us "behind enemy lines." (c) Sanderson opens up various themes in genuine ways, but - from my perspective as a Christian - what is truly missing here is authentic redemption. These characters are flawed in some ways, admirable in others, but the problem of authentic redemption as a theme in the story is a deep one in my opinion....more
Read the first five, was not impressed and didn't hold out much hope for anything better. Some nice writing, a couple of enchanting moments, but generRead the first five, was not impressed and didn't hold out much hope for anything better. Some nice writing, a couple of enchanting moments, but generally rubbish. Why so harsh? They mostly lacked any thematic depth. They didn't have anything much to say, except perhaps a few plain moral platitudes. From Edgar Allan Poe, who I'd heard of before, I expected at least something, but it was just like really bad horror. I almost gave this 1 star. A disappointing holiday read, waste of my time. ...more
