I loved this book, and yes I did identify with the main character. There were perhaps a few too many references to shyte but that to me seemed to be part of the world building - to make it seem gritty and real. The humor which was excellent seemed to illustrate the characters overall perspective in a wonderful way and I never thought of it as potty humor. Still even if we disagree a bit I enjoyed your well thought out review, thanks.
I loved this book and thought it was definitely a funny breath of fresh air! I think another comp title is Nevernight by Jay Kristoff. The tone and the humor are very similar in my opinion.
Try the audible ! The audible version was suggested by a bookstore employee . The author is the narrator . I have never ever enjoyed an audible more than this book.. This goes to show you that if something sounds interesting to you go ahead and take the chance. Had I heard this review prior I probably would never have listened to this book.
I think he made the jumps in the action to give a quinton tarantino feel. The tension is not completely lost because while it jumps ahead it doesn't necessarily jump the the full resolution of the "scene", so it's retold up to a point but then you are there for the full resolution in real time.
I'm intrigued. What interests me first and foremost in a book are the characters. World building comes second. Plot will be third, probably. I'm not sure if I can relate to this character in particular, but I'm curious. 🤷🏻♀️
I LOVED Before They Are Hanged, but I have a hard time believing this would even come close to matching that enjoyment level based on what I’m hearing here. I’m very particular about humor as well. I don’t think I’ll be picking this one up, but I enjoyed your review!
Ok, let's be clear. Comparing anything to Abercrombie is hard because his character work is next level 😂 But, it did give me a lot of those vibes if you want something similar. Although, nobody does dark humor like Abercrombie.
No, this was the first book I've read by him! I don't generally read much horror (which, if I remember correctly, is his main genre. I think this is his first fantasy). But I liked his worldbuilding enough I'd give a horror a go by him.
@@mikerettker73 I've heard it's great but someone told me it's horror and I've never tried which made me confused if I should buy it or not, what do you suggest?
Great review - and so concise ☺️ I also didn’t fall in love with this one. Honestly, there hasn’t been much published in 2021 that has absolutely blown me away. I did enjoy the humour, but would have liked more from the secondary characters. Hopefully I’ll become more invested as the series continues.
I found myself much more interested in Norigal and Galva. I'm uncertain if I'd give a sequel a go. If it was more like the ending I think I'd be willing to do it. Maybe I'll wait for your review of it before deciding 😂
This sounds similar to the reason I DNFed Kings of the Wyld. I almost stopped when the author hit the old Blues Brothers line, "We're getting the band back together." I thought it was only a matter of time till another character responded to that line with: "We're on a mission from god." I kept going, but I quickly found out my instincts were correct. Should've quit then. Same thing, though--the humor just wasn't landing for me. Seemed very "frat-chums riffing together," of which I guess I got my share during my 20s. But, wow--Robin Hobb? That's a big get! She'd be, like, my dream blurb. Thanks for the even-handed review. So many books to read, and it doesn't sound like my thing.
I'm glad it could help you decide! Yeah, I'm wondering if Hobb was like a "favor" thing. I feel like I don't see her on these a lot?? Did the publisher force it? Or did she really enjoy it that much?? I have so many questions.
@@Bookborn Yeah that's almost surely it. I've seen Sanderson talk at length about blurbing for other authors, and for someone as famous as him or Hobb the only reason to do it would be for a friend or as a direct favor to his agent or publisher. There's still a small chance she just picked up the read randomly and loved it and wanted to help out, but probably a very very small one.
I stand by the fact that I really don't think people will hate it! Might just be a meh book - but also you may love it. The world building is strong enough to be a contender, imo. I'd certainly read another book of his if there was a different main character. I like his ideas.
I found it to be quick and easy, sort of a palate cleanser with great worldbuilding, and I thought Kinch was rather charmingly rogueish. I can see how people would find it perhaps inconsequential and the humour is definitely an acquired taste. It didn't rock my world but I don't regret the read.
I def don't regret the read, but had a hard time connecting to Kinch. Didn't hate him though at all! I agree that the worldbuilding was great and I like the idea of a palate cleanser. Good little short intermittent read.
Random question, but did you get a new camera? The video seems more VIBRANT than before :p And either way, what camera do you use? Been toying with the idea of starting a channel and want to compare booktuber's gear. (Regarding the book, I already commented on your instagram post but so this is on topic, I basically agree with you. This book was a big let down.)
The humour didn’t really work for me in this one either, but I liked the ending enough that I will read the sequel if it comes out. I’ve enjoyed books with very teenage boy humour before (Jon Hollins Dragon Lords trilogy comes to mind), however that was so over the top you couldn’t not laugh, I think this book toned down the humour to appeal to a wider audience which made the jokes fall flat.
I think you hit the nail on the head. If you're going to go for that little boy humor, it has to be so ridiculous that it becomes silly, and thus funny. This didn't push it far enough. The ending really was so good, and the whole murder alphabet has me super intrigued. I think I might wait for some reviews from people I trust before going out and buying it, though.
Thanks for the review!. As far as I know, those endorsements on books are there because the publisher has paid the authors to do so. And of course, that makes me doubt the veracity of such things.
Yeah, I'm unsure if I'll continue. On the one hand, the world interests me. On the other hand, it'll most likely be from the same character's perspective, which wasn't my fav.
Fair warning for audiobook readers (that I wish I'd had) the performer of the audiobook, *sings* the songs that are mentioned in the book. He isn't a bad singer, but it is jarring to say the least.
@@Bookborn I don't have logical reasons why...but it just angers me. :) I hate musicals and that kind of surprise just hits my buttons. :) I'm with you on "It's OK" though. I doubt I'll seek out the next one though.
great breakdown. It seems like out the gate this book was hyped, then the more people that picked it up the more mixed reviews came. If I ever see it on sale on kindle I will definitely pick it up, I do like grim dark, and out of the first law books, book 2 was my favorite and the only one I gave 5 start. But I think I am a plot reader, we'll see.
The thing is, is that it wasn't bad - it had a lot of cool worldbuilding and ideas. So I don't think you'd feel like you wasted your time if you picked it up! Just a character thing for me that I got a little tired of.
@@Bookborn yea that's great and almost ones that leave with a weird feeling cause its so close to being very good but was just OK. those are books I tend to rand about more, because I cared! haha
Great review! Can't tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to be forthright about a mediocre book. For us constant readers with TBRs in the hundreds, I really really really want to avoid the mediocre reads with all of the incredible and life-changing stuff out there. Thanks again for the honesty!
I hated this book so much, I gave it like 1.5 stars and the half was for the world building which was good, but I just hated the main character so much. I hated the way women were portrayed and the way the character talked about them and it was weird to me that it was like the MC and a bunch of undeveloped "badass" women. It all just felt like it was written by a 13 year old boy to me with the crude humour and everything. I haven't heard anyone else hate it as much as I did so maybe it was just a few specific things that always bother me but it really didn't work for me at all.
The main character was def sexist but I thought it was intentional. Still doesn't make it fun to read from, so I get it. I actually liked Norrigal, although, could not for the LIFE of me understand why she liked the main character. When every woman is more competent than the main, it's hard to understand why they stick together 😂
![Black Sun Review (Non-spoiler Review) || A conflicting read || November 2020 [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/80dbDOUlLOA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I loved this book, and yes I did identify with the main character. There were perhaps a few too many references to shyte but that to me seemed to be part of the world building - to make it seem gritty and real. The humor which was excellent seemed to illustrate the characters overall perspective in a wonderful way and I never thought of it as potty humor. Still even if we disagree a bit I enjoyed your well thought out review, thanks.
I loved this book and thought it was definitely a funny breath of fresh air! I think another comp title is Nevernight by Jay Kristoff. The tone and the humor are very similar in my opinion.
I will say that the world building felt very new and something different, which I always appreciate!
Yes, while there was some "potty" humor it wasn't done in a overtly silly way and came off more a witty foul fun.
Try the audible ! The audible version was suggested by a bookstore employee . The author is the narrator . I have never ever enjoyed an audible more than this book.. This goes to show you that if something sounds interesting to you go ahead and take the chance. Had I heard this review prior I probably would never have listened to this book.
I think he made the jumps in the action to give a quinton tarantino feel. The tension is not completely lost because while it jumps ahead it doesn't necessarily jump the the full resolution of the "scene", so it's retold up to a point but then you are there for the full resolution in real time.
I'm intrigued. What interests me first and foremost in a book are the characters. World building comes second. Plot will be third, probably. I'm not sure if I can relate to this character in particular, but I'm curious. 🤷🏻♀️
I look up reviews for every book I read. That's how I found you and I just love your review style it's my favorite I've seen anywhere 😍
Thanks so much for watching ☺️
omg look! 6k subs!! Congrats =)
THANKS!! I'm super excited :)
I LOVED Before They Are Hanged, but I have a hard time believing this would even come close to matching that enjoyment level based on what I’m hearing here. I’m very particular about humor as well. I don’t think I’ll be picking this one up, but I enjoyed your review!
Ok, let's be clear. Comparing anything to Abercrombie is hard because his character work is next level 😂 But, it did give me a lot of those vibes if you want something similar. Although, nobody does dark humor like Abercrombie.
@@Bookborn I hear ya! Thanks! 😁
Have you read his Between two fires? Am really curious about that book
No, this was the first book I've read by him! I don't generally read much horror (which, if I remember correctly, is his main genre. I think this is his first fantasy). But I liked his worldbuilding enough I'd give a horror a go by him.
I've read Between two Fires and i really enjoyed it. I would recommend it for sure. Lots of action, a few scary scenes, fun adventure story.
@@mikerettker73 I've heard it's great but someone told me it's horror and I've never tried which made me confused if I should buy it or not, what do you suggest?
@@muttineni03 i would recommend it. I liked it. Very fast paced and hard to put down imo. Its horror, but its not super 'scary'
@@mikerettker73 Sounds interesting, I'll get it
Great review - and so concise ☺️ I also didn’t fall in love with this one. Honestly, there hasn’t been much published in 2021 that has absolutely blown me away. I did enjoy the humour, but would have liked more from the secondary characters. Hopefully I’ll become more invested as the series continues.
I found myself much more interested in Norigal and Galva. I'm uncertain if I'd give a sequel a go. If it was more like the ending I think I'd be willing to do it. Maybe I'll wait for your review of it before deciding 😂
Loved it. Read it twice and listening to the narration. Funny and gritty. Currently working on adapting this world to a D&D campaign.
Did you enjoy all the poo or was it the smug sarcasm?
This sounds similar to the reason I DNFed Kings of the Wyld. I almost stopped when the author hit the old Blues Brothers line, "We're getting the band back together." I thought it was only a matter of time till another character responded to that line with: "We're on a mission from god." I kept going, but I quickly found out my instincts were correct. Should've quit then. Same thing, though--the humor just wasn't landing for me. Seemed very "frat-chums riffing together," of which I guess I got my share during my 20s.
But, wow--Robin Hobb? That's a big get! She'd be, like, my dream blurb. Thanks for the even-handed review. So many books to read, and it doesn't sound like my thing.
I'm glad it could help you decide! Yeah, I'm wondering if Hobb was like a "favor" thing. I feel like I don't see her on these a lot?? Did the publisher force it? Or did she really enjoy it that much?? I have so many questions.
@@Bookborn Yeah that's almost surely it. I've seen Sanderson talk at length about blurbing for other authors, and for someone as famous as him or Hobb the only reason to do it would be for a friend or as a direct favor to his agent or publisher. There's still a small chance she just picked up the read randomly and loved it and wanted to help out, but probably a very very small one.
Great review! I think I will eventually give it a go since I doubt I would hate it. The humor is the only thing that I makes me hesitate.
I'd be interested to see what you thought. I agree that it's a book that's hard to hate (imo) but just may miss because of character stuff.
Nice review, Great book!
Cheers Jeff
Hmmmm I'm still unsure of how I'll feel about this one. Your before they are hanged comparison/recommendation makes me want to read it 🤣
I stand by the fact that I really don't think people will hate it! Might just be a meh book - but also you may love it. The world building is strong enough to be a contender, imo. I'd certainly read another book of his if there was a different main character. I like his ideas.
I found it to be quick and easy, sort of a palate cleanser with great worldbuilding, and I thought Kinch was rather charmingly rogueish. I can see how people would find it perhaps inconsequential and the humour is definitely an acquired taste. It didn't rock my world but I don't regret the read.
I def don't regret the read, but had a hard time connecting to Kinch. Didn't hate him though at all! I agree that the worldbuilding was great and I like the idea of a palate cleanser. Good little short intermittent read.
I actually enjoyed this one but I found the main character hilarious, so I definitely understand what you're saying.
Yeah, see! I think if the humor works for you then this book knocks it out of the park. Because the setup and world building are amazing!
Thanks for the review! I love character driven books but am not a huge fan of potty humor. I’ll probably check it out
It might work for you! Either way I don't think you'll regret picking it up.
I know you aren't huge on audio, but the narration for this one was absolutely incredible.
The best !!!!
Random question, but did you get a new camera? The video seems more VIBRANT than before :p And either way, what camera do you use? Been toying with the idea of starting a channel and want to compare booktuber's gear.
(Regarding the book, I already commented on your instagram post but so this is on topic, I basically agree with you. This book was a big let down.)
It depends when is "new" lol! I got a new camera in March, so it's relatively new but not super new. It's a Sony Alpha A6400!
The humour didn’t really work for me in this one either, but I liked the ending enough that I will read the sequel if it comes out. I’ve enjoyed books with very teenage boy humour before (Jon Hollins Dragon Lords trilogy comes to mind), however that was so over the top you couldn’t not laugh, I think this book toned down the humour to appeal to a wider audience which made the jokes fall flat.
I think you hit the nail on the head. If you're going to go for that little boy humor, it has to be so ridiculous that it becomes silly, and thus funny. This didn't push it far enough. The ending really was so good, and the whole murder alphabet has me super intrigued. I think I might wait for some reviews from people I trust before going out and buying it, though.
Sometimes a mixed review makes me more curious to read than a full throated endorsement. Odd how the mind works. Or at least, my mind.
I get it, oddly. Like if it's mixed you need to be able to weigh in on which side you fall on.
Thanks for the review!. As far as I know, those endorsements on books are there because the publisher has paid the authors to do so. And of course, that makes me doubt the veracity of such things.
Yeah people have said that to me and it’s like why do I keep being fooled?? This is my fault lol
I'll be honest, your critiques make it sound fairly infuriating, ha.
lol there was lots of good about it too! But yeah...I mean potty jokes just aren't really my thing lol
Sounds nice for a kick-off novel for a new series. Very interesting review. 😍🤓🥰
Yeah, I'm unsure if I'll continue. On the one hand, the world interests me. On the other hand, it'll most likely be from the same character's perspective, which wasn't my fav.
Fair warning for audiobook readers (that I wish I'd had) the performer of the audiobook, *sings* the songs that are mentioned in the book. He isn't a bad singer, but it is jarring to say the least.
lol sounds like why I don't listen to audio books. Pretty sure I'd hate that 😂
@@Bookborn I don't have logical reasons why...but it just angers me. :) I hate musicals and that kind of surprise just hits my buttons. :)
I'm with you on "It's OK" though. I doubt I'll seek out the next one though.
Christopher Buehlman narrates (& sings) the book himself.
I fecking HATE musicals! 🤪
great breakdown. It seems like out the gate this book was hyped, then the more people that picked it up the more mixed reviews came. If I ever see it on sale on kindle I will definitely pick it up, I do like grim dark, and out of the first law books, book 2 was my favorite and the only one I gave 5 start. But I think I am a plot reader, we'll see.
The thing is, is that it wasn't bad - it had a lot of cool worldbuilding and ideas. So I don't think you'd feel like you wasted your time if you picked it up! Just a character thing for me that I got a little tired of.
@@Bookborn yea that's great and almost ones that leave with a weird feeling cause its so close to being very good but was just OK. those are books I tend to rand about more, because I cared! haha
it does just seem decent alright, fuckin great cover art tho
AMAZING cover art. I LOVE it.
Great review! Can't tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to be forthright about a mediocre book. For us constant readers with TBRs in the hundreds, I really really really want to avoid the mediocre reads with all of the incredible and life-changing stuff out there. Thanks again for the honesty!
Thanks! I honestly appreciate too when someone is just like...ehh skip it. Too many good things to get to!
Hi this book did have a mixed review 🤔🤔..... I don’t think I’ll be reading this book... thanks for the video!! Happy reading to you!! 📖🎬📚
Glad I could provide some useful feedback!
There's only one character in the book?? What are you smoking, honey?
I hated this book so much, I gave it like 1.5 stars and the half was for the world building which was good, but I just hated the main character so much. I hated the way women were portrayed and the way the character talked about them and it was weird to me that it was like the MC and a bunch of undeveloped "badass" women. It all just felt like it was written by a 13 year old boy to me with the crude humour and everything. I haven't heard anyone else hate it as much as I did so maybe it was just a few specific things that always bother me but it really didn't work for me at all.
The main character was def sexist but I thought it was intentional. Still doesn't make it fun to read from, so I get it. I actually liked Norrigal, although, could not for the LIFE of me understand why she liked the main character. When every woman is more competent than the main, it's hard to understand why they stick together 😂
Best book ever. Anyone who disagrees is wrong.