I started this book last night I've had it on my shelf for years and I couldn't stop reading read about 200 Pages before I went to sleep then picked it up again today and wiped out another hundred so I'm just watching a couple reviews now that I'm at work see if people feel the same way about it as I do this is a freaking awesome book very engaging looks like I'm going to go into the new year reading the rest of this trilogy great review even though it's 5 years old it still holds up
the rest of the series is incredible too! last year I got to talk to the author and that was one of my favorite things I've ever done - glad you're enjoying!
Very interesting review. I was not that blown away by my first read but am thinking of revisiting it now that the third book is due to come out. I am yet to read Book 2.
Hey, First I love your work, so thank you! I am in the middle of the book, What did you think about the fact that roper doesn't know anything about the politics and the main characters in his kingdom going into the story? given that he was raised to rule its really really weird, seems there just to infodump as we learn along with him about major players, major historical events etc. he should 100% already know about. Also there is a lot of like "they moved with the forest, not through it", it doesn't sound like something a Neanderthal-Roper would say, but something a modern-activist-anthropologist would say about other cultures he romanticizes don't you think?
I vaguely remembered you singing praises for this book so I put myself in the borrow list for it on Libby. One year later (!) I finally got to the front of the line. Great read, and your perspective on the anthropology element wasn't something I gave it enough credit for. Mostly I appreciated how good the initial plot hook was and that it kept things fresh and unpredictable from there. I'm halfway through The Spider already.
Only one other series had me stressed out for the main character (Roper) and that was the Assassins Apprentice Series. The whole time I'm like how is this guy gonna survive his circumstance lol
@@LienesLibrarythis is probably one of those situations where I think I would have enjoyed Hobb's series more had I read this before the Night Angel, First Law, and Demon Cycle trilogy lol. Same with Raymond Feist Stuff. The works felt dated which is a terrible way to feel about beloved Classics of yesteryear lol
This sounds so cool, thank you! First time watching one of your reviews, super high quality (and 2 years old)! Just when I thought I was starting to narrow down who the best booktubers are😂
aww haha thanks so much! since posting this I've read this book 3 more times and am planning a fifth read this summer so I definitely still recommend 😉
lol i just discovered this tonight and been binging a few of them, she is my second favorite booktuber besides mike's book reviews, she is probably just as good in her own way though and gives some hidden gems like these
Liene... I'm one of the "cray" ones... LoL. I just finished it... a lower 3 star rating for me... *runs and hides* HaHa! But yaaaayyyy that it struck such a great chord with you! That's the friggen dream, man! Chasing that "best book everrrr" high. :D
Im 160 pages in. Just not enjoying it :( it seems so dry and nothing is happening except war. Feel like we are reading 2 different books 😄 going to try it a bit longer, otherwise itll be a dnf for me. Btw i appreciate you reviewing this. Theres not many on RUclips on this book 👍👍
I do try to emphasize, when raving about this book, that it's perfect for ME - I can totally see why it wouldn't hit the spot for everyone. idk if you're into audiobooks but the narrator for this is really good so that might help? but if you're not enjoying it don't force yourself to be miserable 😅
Nikki K I finished the book too. It was a good book all the same but it wouldn’t be in my top 15... Enjoyable but nothing amazing... I will still continue with the spider though
Just downloaded this on the basis of your review & because it seems like it may have the right ingredients for me: Vikings drinking, Vikings fighting, and Vikings doing other Vikingy-type things....Oh, & some thought-out world building, cultural commentary & other anthropological stuff😊
Liene's Library I do like audio because I’m a trucker so it’s always a good way to pass a long journey ...plus, I have an audible credit to use up (yaaaay) I like good, well-developed world-building (hence why I don’t rate Sanderson). I reckon this is right up my street & we seem to have similar tastes & so I trust ur rec implicitly💪
Sounds like a good one! But how will you ever read again? This one seems like your version of perfect which may make all other books seem less enjoyable. I guess you’ll have to just write even more perfect books
I did enjoy the book, but I didn’t really feel how the Anakim were so much a unique race. Their dialogue was indistinguishable from the Southerners (humans). They are society was nothing different from what normal humans would make compared with the world of the first law by Joe Abercrombie. The Northman, in both their dialogue and culture were far more unique and distinguishable. You could read me a Northmen sentence and a union sentence, and aGurkish sentence of dialogue, and I could pick them out with ease. Not true in the world of The Wolf. I really wanted to get into the head of a whole Other species of human but instead it was just sort of a prudish strict version of the Southerners. The fact that they had no interest in gold made no sense. Sure they may not want to adorn themselves with it but the reason people use gold is for trade and throughout the book they talk about they need trade and lugging around tons of iron is far less convenient than Chests of gold Also, they have flame throwing castle defense weapons, but no writing? It just doesn’t make any sense.
Good points, What did you think about the fact that roper doesn't know anything about the politics and the main characters in his kingdom going into the story? given that he was raised to rule its really really weird, seems there just to infodump as we learn along with him about major players, major historical events etc. he should 100% already know about. or am I missing something? Also there is a lot of like "they moved with the forest, not through it", it doesn't sound like something a Neanderthal-Roper would say, but something a modern-activist-anthropologist would say about other cultures he romanticizes don't you think? What books, other than Abercrombie's, would your recommend?
@@עמודרע yes, very good points. Roper is literally the son of the Lord. How does he not have a detailed understanding of the political landscape? I had thought of that but it’s 100% correct. One thing that bothered me was that they go on and on about how effective their bone plate armor is but never once did they describe it, deflecting a blow or making them hard to kill. It also struck me as odd when roper didn’t just kill the upstart spymaster when they met on the field of battle. I mean this little bastard cut your fathers head off and put it on a spike outside your city and has lead a group raping and pillaging and killing children and you don’t take the first opportunity to kill him? I actually got halfway through the Spider, book 2, but I couldn’t finish it. Roper is just so clueless. It’s painful.
Yes, the making nice with the enemy was very disturbing, like they don't really care about anything, they stay in their castle for weeks letting enemy rape and enslave for so long because politics, and when they do go and fight in the end. they split their force and take only half to battle because of politics, this suppose to be a super warlike culture, another question is who have they been fighting for the many years of peace with southerners before the events of the book @@ramacass108
World building I'm not really into. It's why I dropped Malazan cause it was 100% world building and the characterization was so lack luster compared to First Law and ASOIAF. I'm like cool world bro but your characters are dog shit. I did take a anthro class last year and I survived I didn't really like anthropology except when we got to the different human species like the neandothrals who I thought seemed interesting.
By a huge margin the worst book I have read in the last 10 years. I bought this and Spider at the same time so I actually made it through book two as well because I don't like to quit but this was absolutely horrible. The world building was pathetic and so poorly done it was probably my least favorite part of the book. By the author's own story line, Roper, the protagonist is a 40 something year old 'kid' that is destined to take over if and when his pops is killed. Yet throughout the story he literally knows not a single soul. I mean literally no one. He meets everyone for the first time in these books. I could type a rant as long as the book is about why the world building was so bad but I will leave only a small piece of it. It is implied throughout the books that the Anakim do not farm. The implication is that they are foragers or hunter gatherers. With a population in their one large city implied to be greater than 100,000 people. This is simply impossible. And more importantly this is such a basic mistake for an anthropologist. This is only one of many many many world building issues that make this book an utter failure. I will leave with one more comment. At no point does the author endear us to Roper. I never, through two books, saw him as a charismatic leader that deserved anything that he ultimately gets. Somehow we are supposed to just accept that this person that no one has ever met somehow deserves to be the leader of their people after his father is killed. Uvoren was a much more deserving character and the author never convinces us otherwise. He doesn't even try. I read a lot of different genres but fantasy will always be my go to and this is the worst I have read in longer than I can remember. Do not waste your time. But if you do, ask yourself who the hell these people fought forever to justify a standing army of 100K soldiers. The author will tell you it isn't the Sutherners because they have been at peace. So who then? He never says. And within the first 10 pages or so ask yourself how in the world the son of the current ruler has never met the leader of what is effectively the royal guard even though he is something like 40 years old. The age thing comes from the beginning of book two. Just bad.
Good points, Also there is a lot of like "they moved with the forest, not through it", it doesn't sound like something a Neanderthal-Roper would say, but something a modern-activist-anthropologist would say about other cultures he romanticizes don't you think? What books, other than Abercrombie's, would your recommend?
So I am absolutely geeking out over this. I’m only 30% done and I can’t stop thinking about it. I bought the second book already. Love it
I have this sitting on my shelf, I guess I have to read it now!
oh most definitely!
Thank you for sharing, I’ll give it a go.
I started this book last night I've had it on my shelf for years and I couldn't stop reading read about 200 Pages before I went to sleep then picked it up again today and wiped out another hundred so I'm just watching a couple reviews now that I'm at work see if people feel the same way about it as I do this is a freaking awesome book very engaging looks like I'm going to go into the new year reading the rest of this trilogy great review even though it's 5 years old it still holds up
the rest of the series is incredible too! last year I got to talk to the author and that was one of my favorite things I've ever done - glad you're enjoying!
Very interesting review. I was not that blown away by my first read but am thinking of revisiting it now that the third book is due to come out. I am yet to read Book 2.
It's one of my favourites too. I can't wait for book 2 the spider.
This sounds fascinating! I love me some good world building 😆
well, needless to say, I think this is pretty great - I'd love to know what you think!
This book pulled me right in! It's amazing that it's his first book. Loved it.
the sequel is just as great!
I ordered it yesterday!
Hey, First I love your work, so thank you!
I am in the middle of the book, What did you think about the fact that roper doesn't know anything about the politics and the main characters in his kingdom going into the story? given that he was raised to rule its really really weird, seems there just to infodump as we learn along with him about major players, major historical events etc. he should 100% already know about.
Also there is a lot of like "they moved with the forest, not through it", it doesn't sound like something a Neanderthal-Roper would say, but something a modern-activist-anthropologist would say about other cultures he romanticizes don't you think?
I vaguely remembered you singing praises for this book so I put myself in the borrow list for it on Libby. One year later (!) I finally got to the front of the line. Great read, and your perspective on the anthropology element wasn't something I gave it enough credit for. Mostly I appreciated how good the initial plot hook was and that it kept things fresh and unpredictable from there. I'm halfway through The Spider already.
so glad you're enjoying! I'm still obsessed with these books and the third one comes out this year!
It sounds good... I’ll try to check it out next year 😁
before book 2 comes out 😉
Sounds intriguing! I'll keep an eye out for it.
Only one other series had me stressed out for the main character (Roper) and that was the Assassins Apprentice Series. The whole time I'm like how is this guy gonna survive his circumstance lol
to my shame I've never read Robin Hobb 🙈
@@LienesLibrarythis is probably one of those situations where I think I would have enjoyed Hobb's series more had I read this before the Night Angel, First Law, and Demon Cycle trilogy lol. Same with Raymond Feist Stuff. The works felt dated which is a terrible way to feel about beloved Classics of yesteryear lol
Ordered it a couple days ago after your insta-stories. =)
hahaha yaaaas 🙌
This sounds so cool, thank you!
First time watching one of your reviews, super high quality (and 2 years old)! Just when I thought I was starting to narrow down who the best booktubers are😂
aww haha thanks so much! since posting this I've read this book 3 more times and am planning a fifth read this summer so I definitely still recommend 😉
lol i just discovered this tonight and been binging a few of them, she is my second favorite booktuber besides mike's book reviews, she is probably just as good in her own way though and gives some hidden gems like these
Liene... I'm one of the "cray" ones... LoL. I just finished it... a lower 3 star rating for me... *runs and hides* HaHa!
But yaaaayyyy that it struck such a great chord with you! That's the friggen dream, man! Chasing that "best book everrrr" high. :D
hahaha honestly I knew before posting this that this book wouldn't be everyone's perfect, but I felt it deserved my cheerleading 😁
Liene's Library I’m all for cheerleading when a book makes you that jazzed!! 🎉🙌
Ok ok ok...I’m gonna read it 😁
really 😀?!
Really! 2019 tho someone has already put it on hold at the library.
@@RachelRae they saw this review 😅
is there any word on when book 2 will be on Audible?
Now I have to read this thanks
Im 160 pages in. Just not enjoying it :( it seems so dry and nothing is happening except war. Feel like we are reading 2 different books 😄 going to try it a bit longer, otherwise itll be a dnf for me.
Btw i appreciate you reviewing this. Theres not many on RUclips on this book 👍👍
I do try to emphasize, when raving about this book, that it's perfect for ME - I can totally see why it wouldn't hit the spot for everyone. idk if you're into audiobooks but the narrator for this is really good so that might help? but if you're not enjoying it don't force yourself to be miserable 😅
@@LienesLibrary haha no probs. The good news is the 2nd half is really enjoyable so still reading :)
@@nikkik7848 oh that's awesome! hopefully it won't be a total waste of your time in the end ☺️
Nikki K I finished the book too. It was a good book all the same but it wouldn’t be in my top 15... Enjoyable but nothing amazing... I will still continue with the spider though
Good book, I think it was a little rushed and short but I really enjoyed it all the same. I have to get book 2 I’d absolutely like to continue
imo book 2 is even better!
Great book got all 3
Just downloaded this on the basis of your review & because it seems like it may have the right ingredients for me: Vikings drinking, Vikings fighting, and Vikings doing other Vikingy-type things....Oh, & some thought-out world building, cultural commentary & other anthropological stuff😊
always nervous when someone reads something based on my rec so I hope you love it! (the audio is also great if you're into that kinda thing)
Liene's Library I do like audio because I’m a trucker so it’s always a good way to pass a long journey ...plus, I have an audible credit to use up (yaaaay) I like good, well-developed world-building (hence why I don’t rate Sanderson). I reckon this is right up my street & we seem to have similar tastes & so I trust ur rec implicitly💪
@@riggers1977 uh oh... the pressure is well and truly on 🤪
But is it as good as First Law?
Sounds like a good one! But how will you ever read again? This one seems like your version of perfect which may make all other books seem less enjoyable. I guess you’ll have to just write even more perfect books
I'll just start every other book from now on expecting garbage 🤣
1:40 The Anakin? :P
Have u read the book The Sight ?
I did enjoy the book, but I didn’t really feel how the Anakim were so much a unique race. Their dialogue was indistinguishable from the Southerners (humans). They are society was nothing different from what normal humans would make compared with the world of the first law by Joe Abercrombie. The Northman, in both their dialogue and culture were far more unique and distinguishable. You could read me a Northmen sentence and a union sentence, and aGurkish sentence of dialogue, and I could pick them out with ease. Not true in the world of The Wolf.
I really wanted to get into the head of a whole Other species of human but instead it was just sort of a prudish strict version of the Southerners.
The fact that they had no interest in gold made no sense. Sure they may not want to adorn themselves with it but the reason people use gold is for trade and throughout the book they talk about they need trade and lugging around tons of iron is far less convenient than Chests of gold
Also, they have flame throwing castle defense weapons, but no writing? It just doesn’t make any sense.
Good points, What did you think about the fact that roper doesn't know anything about the politics and the main characters in his kingdom going into the story? given that he was raised to rule its really really weird, seems there just to infodump as we learn along with him about major players, major historical events etc. he should 100% already know about. or am I missing something?
Also there is a lot of like "they moved with the forest, not through it", it doesn't sound like something a Neanderthal-Roper would say, but something a modern-activist-anthropologist would say about other cultures he romanticizes don't you think?
What books, other than Abercrombie's, would your recommend?
@@עמודרע yes, very good points. Roper is literally the son of the Lord. How does he not have a detailed understanding of the political landscape? I had thought of that but it’s 100% correct.
One thing that bothered me was that they go on and on about how effective their bone plate armor is but never once did they describe it, deflecting a blow or making them hard to kill.
It also struck me as odd when roper didn’t just kill the upstart spymaster when they met on the field of battle. I mean this little bastard cut your fathers head off and put it on a spike outside your city and has lead a group raping and pillaging and killing children and you don’t take the first opportunity to kill him?
I actually got halfway through the Spider, book 2, but I couldn’t finish it. Roper is just so clueless. It’s painful.
Yes, the making nice with the enemy was very disturbing, like they don't really care about anything, they stay in their castle for weeks letting enemy rape and enslave for so long because politics, and when they do go and fight in the end. they split their force and take only half to battle because of politics, this suppose to be a super warlike culture, another question is who have they been fighting for the many years of peace with southerners before the events of the book @@ramacass108
You really need to read Chuck Roger's Heroes Road book 1 &2 before you state ' Best book you read, ever!'
but since I haven't read those, this is still true 😁
World building I'm not really into. It's why I dropped Malazan cause it was 100% world building and the characterization was so lack luster compared to First Law and ASOIAF. I'm like cool world bro but your characters are dog shit.
I did take a anthro class last year and I survived I didn't really like anthropology except when we got to the different human species like the neandothrals who I thought seemed interesting.
Is this an lgbtq book?
By a huge margin the worst book I have read in the last 10 years. I bought this and Spider at the same time so I actually made it through book two as well because I don't like to quit but this was absolutely horrible. The world building was pathetic and so poorly done it was probably my least favorite part of the book. By the author's own story line, Roper, the protagonist is a 40 something year old 'kid' that is destined to take over if and when his pops is killed. Yet throughout the story he literally knows not a single soul. I mean literally no one. He meets everyone for the first time in these books. I could type a rant as long as the book is about why the world building was so bad but I will leave only a small piece of it. It is implied throughout the books that the Anakim do not farm. The implication is that they are foragers or hunter gatherers. With a population in their one large city implied to be greater than 100,000 people. This is simply impossible. And more importantly this is such a basic mistake for an anthropologist. This is only one of many many many world building issues that make this book an utter failure. I will leave with one more comment. At no point does the author endear us to Roper. I never, through two books, saw him as a charismatic leader that deserved anything that he ultimately gets. Somehow we are supposed to just accept that this person that no one has ever met somehow deserves to be the leader of their people after his father is killed. Uvoren was a much more deserving character and the author never convinces us otherwise. He doesn't even try. I read a lot of different genres but fantasy will always be my go to and this is the worst I have read in longer than I can remember. Do not waste your time. But if you do, ask yourself who the hell these people fought forever to justify a standing army of 100K soldiers. The author will tell you it isn't the Sutherners because they have been at peace. So who then? He never says. And within the first 10 pages or so ask yourself how in the world the son of the current ruler has never met the leader of what is effectively the royal guard even though he is something like 40 years old. The age thing comes from the beginning of book two. Just bad.
Good points, Also there is a lot of like "they moved with the forest, not through it", it doesn't sound like something a Neanderthal-Roper would say, but something a modern-activist-anthropologist would say about other cultures he romanticizes don't you think?
What books, other than Abercrombie's, would your recommend?