5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Very well written, still needs work though, October 15, 2009
This review is from: Hinterland: Book Two of the Godslayer Chronicles (Mass Market Paperback)
I really enjoyed both the first and second books of this series, so while I may give it only 3 stars, I'm still recommending it to anyone who enjoys good fantasy. His action sequences are excellent and he's very good at keeping the reader involved, even during 'slow' moments, there's still enough information being trickled to the reader that makes you want more.
His world is fairly well thought out and for the most part, adheres to its own rules (a must for good fantasy). Anyone who has read George Martin's Swords series would probably enjoy this as well (though I would not say it isn't quite up to par with Martin's excellent works). The characters are well fleshed out and the mythology he has created works well.
*** Warning Spoilers below ****
So why the 3 rating? While Clemen's writing is excellent, he also falls into some of the many traps of fantasy writing:
- Somewhat instant Love interests - Unfortunately there are too many to count, but would a stunning beauty really fall for a wolf faced boy after 1 meeting? **sigh** I know the average fantasy reader does enjoy a good romance, it still feels somewhat forced as if he said 'hmm, I need another love interest to bring these characters together'
- Unbelievable motivations that are never explained. e.g. If all gods were raving mad, why did 100 of them decide to bond themselves to their respective lands to cure their madness?(well 99 - Chrism who was forced). Doesn't sound like madness to me
- A sometimes failing to follow his own 'rules' for the world and its magic e.g. If his neathryn can't fight the ilk beasts because of their dark grace in book1, why is it potent against the ghawls who are all dark grace? I hate when writers do this and it's a sure sign that the entire series wasn't thought out ahead of time but is 'evolving' as it gets written. I'm sure writing a series isn't easy, but I just wish they would keep the rules consistent from 1 book to the next. If a wizard needs to wave a wand and recite words to cast a spell in one book, then just needs to wave a wand in the next *FAIL* (cough..cough...Harry Potter...cough)
This doesn't mean that the series isn't worth reading, not at all, I certainly plan to read the next book(s) whenever they come out, I'm really just justifying my 3
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well done.., August 9, 2009
The first book was great but the second was even better. More relationships are forged, you come to better understand the way that god realms work, and the history behind them. Not to mention there is plenty of non-stop action that keeps you up late just trying to find a place to stop. To bad the next book is not due out for another 2yrs at least. I can't wait for it to be published.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Much better!, January 18, 2007
This book didn't focus so much on bodily fluids so I was able to enjoy the book more.
Some gods are dissatisfied with Tylar's current position and make their displeasure known, Castellan Mirra's fate is discovered. Some new characters are introduced and they're very likeable. We also learn something quite interesting about Dart and her pet.
Clemens opens up and takes us on a journey through his new world. As in Witch War, Clemens has some surprises for his readers. I look forward to his next book.
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