Every time you see someone climb a rope, or actually manage to do more than 10 Push Ups. Every time you see anyone not fat you wonder why it couldn’t be you or how you could be like that not knowing it’s out of your control at that age
Did anyone else find it hilarious when Dazen (or gavin)escaped from the prison and then there were like 6 other prisons 😂. My man was sobbing on the floor and I was like why is this such a mood?
Anna T29 totally! And then I even felt bad for him. I mean the guy went through all that shit just to fail. Also I really thought he would escape for real at the end of the book and when reading this chapter I was like “I knew it!” But then that happened..😅😂😅😂
So happy to hear you enjoyed The Black Prism, in my opinion the series only gets better so i can't wait for you to continue on with The Blinding Knife.
I just finished reading this book, and then watched your and Daniel's reviews. The reveal-pacing point that you mentioned was particularly refreshing to me. And the reason why is connected with the weird third person writing style that you also mentioned. The writing style made me feel that I, as a reader, am jumping around from one person's mind to another, in real-time. Something I have realized in my life is that when I think of a particularly emotional moment/event in my life, I just remember flashes of it, not the complete details. More than anything, I remember how it felt. That's why it felt amazing that Gavin, who was trying so hard to fool everyone, including himself, that he is Gavin doesn't think about being Dazen in that first meeting when nothing has rattled him. But then, in the actual reveal, something happened around him that forced him to think about it. That's when we get more details and reveals. Also, I feel that the book would have been quite complicated if it was in first person, specially because of the magic system.
No real spoilers here, just want you to know that the whole series is paced in this way, slowly giving information which ties everything together. The plot holes you think exist, don't.
I am sure she has already finished the series but even her questions about why the switch felt weird with the third person limited, not going to spoil it, but I believe its part of the authors genius that he wrote it that way, and to a keen mind it is a great clue as to some crazy things to happen in future books
Imo some of the plot holes would have been better left unresolved. He tried too hard too fast to wrap absolutely everything and ended up losing all subtlety.
I have a brother who is 4 years older than me and if I had trained at it I could become him. So it wasn't a huge stretch for me to believe that Dazin could become Gavin. Also I believe the book states that neither one of them were fully grown adults during the war so that by the end of it inconsistencies could be written off as reaching adulthood.
I love love love this series!!!! Keep reading girl and your question will be answered! I don’t mind how he reveals because it keeps me reading. I like it’s paced out because I get to the point where I can’t put the book down because I want to know so bad!!
I love how long it took for Weeks to tell us how Dazen got away with pretending to be Gavin. It made the pacing better for me. It avoided having a big info dump by revealing the information as ‘Gavin’ was thinking about what he’s done rather than having 100 pages describing it. Sprinkling the information in now and then also keeps me wondering how he got away with it and kept me engaged and turning the page. Also, book two definitely answers a bunch of what you’re questioning... and I think book three or four or five will tell you why/how there were two people who could be prisms. Karis is also developed so much more in book two. I think you’re going to love what’s coming for you.
I believe the 2 prisms thing is addressed later on somewhat. Though maybe not to the extent that you would like haha. Im so glad you liked it! So excited for what you think of The Blinding Knife! Also, how cool and imaginative is this magic system? It's my favorite magic system probably ever because it's the one that I've been able to so easily picture in my mind. Mistborn is probably a close 2nd.
Omagosh I cannot believe the number of people who don't like Kip! He is endearing and there is something so poignant about his insecurity and vulnerability. I mean he's only a kid! And his character, to me, is so full of promise for growth and development that I'm looking forward to following!
Regarding your question in your spoiler section: It wasn't addressed in this book, but there is more background information on this situation in the later books
Oh the reveals are not over for dazen/gaven and what you think is going to happen will constantly change. I kept going back and forth on my predictions. That's what I loved about this series. Your question for 2 prisms is addressed much later.
It's impressive to see an author take such an unusual culture (south-central Asia and/or Persia) in such an unusual technological era for a high fantasy. And when you take throw on a unique magic system on top of it...IDK that's really cool. I get a kick out of having a little anthropology in my books and narrator has an irreverent "National Geographic" British accent that makes it sound all the more academic and exotic.
Finally read this book and watched the spoiler section. The pacing drove me crazy. I felt like 200 pages could have been cut without changing the story. I still plan on continuing the series because the characters, story, and magic system interest me and I've got to know more.
I love the way you discussed the sexism in this review. I don't want to harp on it either but for me it was more that the book in general was over sexualized for both genders more than it was sexist towards women specifically.
Black Prism is a great book (rarely do I go through 800 pages this fast) in a great series. I would disagree on the world-building, though. Overall it suffers the most; the cultures and landscape are too vague for me. The book is super character-centric, so it's not a big deal.
The how do we have multiple Prisms, what do as everybody do when they find out, etc, is kinda of the overarching plot points of the series. So giving it away in the first book wouldn't make sense. You didn't miss anything there.
I get your thoughts about Dazen and Gavin, but there are reasons that are explained in later books. I dont know if it was weeks plan from the start, but it works in my opinion.
For some reason, must've been the magic system that attracted me, Black Prism was the first fantasy book I read this year - the only fantasy I had ever read ever was the Lord of the Rings, and that was years ago! I enjoyed it! And I enjoyed learning about the magic system. But it was definetly not my favorite I've read this year
I'm re-reading Black Prism and for now the only issue I've with the book (aside from the things you already said -like the immature humor) is when Weeks cuts the action of a scene to thoroughly describe something/someone. There was a chase scene I didn't like because this character was running for his/her life and then it was interrupted by an extended description of the pursuers. Right in the middle of the action. I don't know, it broke all the tension 😂 The descriptions (specially in this first book) are necessary, though, so it didn't bothered me that much. Amazing review, by the way! Loved it.
I have read/listened to the entire series twice. I hope you continue to do reviews of these, as the next book will only have you asking more questions I think, and have more theories. Each book is that way in my experience. Additionally, I think your criticism about the sexist nature of the characters interactions isn't wrong, but I also feel like it is entirely fair either. **SPOILERS** I think I will address the Mistress Helel example that you used (big boobed lady to kill kip). You said that you thought he "may have been trying to be funny". I think that you and possibly many more may have misunderstood the scene. The scene sets up a very real threat to Kip's life. This threat didn't exist before, but now that he was known as the Gavin's bastard, there are people who want to see Kip dead. The awkward, shy, hard on himself, fat boy. The fifteen year old boy who's never seen a woman/girl naked, and is very aware of his sexuality (like many fifteen year old boys are). So naturally he's going to notice a big boobed woman. Of course he's going to be distracted by it if he notices it at all. He will be awkward about it. He will be stupid about it. He will die because he was stupid about it. It also sets up how trusting Kip is of others, because he didn't understand what was actually happening. She was trying to push him off the balcony. I think many scenes are like this. If Kip is in a scene, the story sort of follows how he Kip would think. Kip is a fifteen year old. When we get scenes with Gavin/Karis/Teia in it, and we're following those characters we see the story kind of follow how they think. I'm not sure if this description is satisfactory, and I'm butchering what I'm trying to say, but hopefully you get the gist.
Great review. But I will say sometimes sex is added for entertainment purposes. It dosent always make it sexist. I mean after all we have violence for entertainment purposes. Sex can be entertaining its just a fact of life. Although i agree,sometimes it is sexist. I always notice that we can read about men being tortured and killed and no one cares but god forbid we have a scene where a woman is portrayed as sexy and we say its sexism and freak out. Lol
Nice review Merphy, I likethe format. The one question I would have about the switching of the brothers is that how come no-one recognised their voices. Obvously they would have had different voices, not even twins share the same voice and these two brothers aren't twins. I do think there is to many characters who have an overly smutty aspect to their character, everyone seems to want to sleep with everyone else it seems. Having said those negatives I really enjoyed the story. I love picturing all the colours used when the characters draft. Don't have an issue with the Kip fat thing eaither because I think that is a huge chunk of how he sees himself. I really am curious about Liv and am interested in seeing what happens with her. I am part way through book 2 now and am still enjoying the series, in spite of its short falls.
sometimes, a first book in a series feels like it could have been condensed to a hundred pages and tacked onto the beginning of the second book. I like it when it feels purposeful and necessary
Skillshare sounds cool. I have been wanting to learn ASL for years. I wonder if they have a video for that! Also, i think i might pick this book up (eventually). Sounds like you really enjyed it!
I love this series! Keep going. It’s worth it. Your complaint about Weeks putting hundreds of pages between reveals and explanations is exactly why I’m not a Brandon Sanderson fan.
What should I read next? Just finished the Way of Kings and the Black Prism. WoK waa absolutely phenomenal and I am afraid the other books are not as good. Black Prisn got me immersed but the ending did nothing to keep my interest in the series.
I can't spoil this one for you since I am stuck at page 138. I am afraid I am too physicist. Why did he have to touch on what is beyond visible light? What is the color of the subred luxen? Is it invisible? And how can you shield infrared? It is emitted by any body. Of course, this does not spoil the story but leaves bad aji (aftertaste).
It confuses me now whether I am going to read this first or put my current readings on waiting list or finish my current readings first before this. I am on the process of finishing LoTR Trilogy, I'm on The Two Towers currently, just three more chapters left and it kills me to say the temptation is strong to skip The Return of The King.
[spoilers] So I just finished The Black Prism and I wanted to say I have a similar prediction to your last one: while Kip was holding the dagger he saw it had seven gems and one was blue and Gavin couldn't draft blue at the end. I'm curious about how this series will continue, I enjoyed the first entry more or less - I did dislike Kip a lot and the humour wasn't good but I still enjoyed the book enough to continue. I saw you're reading book 2 already, can't wait for your review!
I've only read book one, so I won't be commenting on your theories. I have no idea if they are right or not. I'm rereading book one because I now have books 2 and 3 and I want to muscle through them. I say muscle through because I keep getting stuck on the logical errors in the story. Not the sexism, nope, I don't see that as any kind of an issue. It is pretty obvious that when Kip whines about his physique that i t is his own insecurities. I was an overweight teenager and Kips insecurities are pretty accurate. I have other issues with Kip but I don't want to dwell on that now. My biggest issues are things that don't make sense, that make my logical mind stop reading and have to reset. Sure, this stuff probably goes right past 99% of the readers out there but I get stuck on it. For instance, in the very beginning of the book, Kip is heading out to the battlefield to look for Luxin to collect and sell because his 'mom' is a drug addict and she smokes her wages away. He says that Luxin degrades over time and with sunlight but as the years go by, more and more of the remnants of the battle get revealed by rain and erosion. Brain stops and resets. It has only been 16 years, so how did the battlefield get buried in the first place? What event covered them all with such a huge layer of soil that they needed to be revealed over the course of decades? Ancient battlefields that are uncovered by archeologists were buried by wind and dust and weather over centuries. Unless there was a volcanic eruption that hit the area, a battlefield wouldn't be lost mostly under the soil and detritis. Kip learns that he can Draft, two colors, very early. Then he and the other guy need to escape the attack on their village. Kip recalls that he lost the pouch of coin he was given and he has no idea how they could pay for transportation. ... He can draft Luxin and in the start of the story, Luxin was worth money, which is why he was willing to risk so much to go scavenge it. Yet, he can't figure hut how he could possibly pay for transport? Not to go on for overly long, but later on there is a huge series of logical fails involving a gigantic army of people raised from a land that had been totally devastated by war only 16 years ago. That army breaks so many logical consistency rules and simple logistical ones that it is painful to read. It has George Martin levels of Military stupidity. Yet I did manage to finish the book. I started trying to read the second one but my reasons would probably surprise you. It wasn't the story... it was the Narrator of the audiobook. The first book I read had one narrator and the second had a different one. He was ... poor and I just couldn't go on with it. I recently bought the Audible versions of the books that all have the same Narrator, so that is why I'm rereading it. I'll keep up with these reviews...
This is one of the fastest DNF's I've ever had, I think I made it three chapters in before I put it down. A lot of people adore this book but I think I just didn't mesh with his writing. I dont like characters that are supposed to just be laughed at and made fun of so basically I immediately hated Kip. I might pick it back up but I'm not sure
@@MorganWalser that's what I've heard but I hate pushing through chapters with characters that I don't like bevause maybe I'll like them better yknow? It just sours the whole book
@@anthonyisepic3 Give Kip a chance, his story arc is one of my favorites, ever! This is a teenage boy suffering very poor self-esteem, he is at his absolute low when we are introduced to him. Through the series his growth is fantastic, and all with reason. You see his perceptions of himself get challenged, and he is put into situations(both positive and negative) that force his self-reflection. By then end of book 4 about a year and a half have gone by but you get to see him as a man, taking responsibility and owning his strengths and weakness'.
@@jeremydanchuk1897 I might, but his writing style also didn't click with me right off the bat so I think that's part of the problem for me. Idk I'm just incredibly picky with books because I don't want to invest a bunch of hours into a book only to still not like it yknow?
An interesting review. there’s spoilers and then there’s spoilers. I was listening to the audiobook and had a little more to go, but that 21:30 mark - that’s not a spoiler; that’s a Wikipedia-plot-synopsis SPOILER 😢. That’s just straight freezerburn. That’s “honey, don’t drink the milk. It’s expired. Last millennia,” spoilered. That being said, the hood and bad of fantasy worlds is they’re not often nice places. I tend to find the horrors of war jarring in comparison to celebrations and appreciation of sexuality, but as a man I understand the point that I’m supposed to be shocked by the sexism of the fantasy would while not internalizing it. I won’t feel it the same way as someone who’s got similar lived experiences and still recognize it as shitty behavior, though in this case, I don’t feel as though it reflects directly upon the author even if some consider his prose hard to swallow. Given the protagonist is an essentially parentless insecure teen with little guidance his whole life, the tone felt grounding. Kip was annoying but he was no Falizin and I can see him growing from here. But this comment is poorly executed.
Eh.. people are so bloody sensitive. He talks about how sexes look at one another. He talks about how some women use their bodies to gain advantage. Sorry, it happens. He talks about how young ladies find a perfect male form attractive. Sorry, most would. Gtf over it.
From what I read. Real Dazen didn't have the full range to be Prism. I believe he us weaker in some of the spectrum and just finds ways to avoid using those colors.
@@krystololsen2318 okay. I did just look up in the lightbringer wiki, and it looks like I had it backward. Real Dazen is a supercromat. Which means he has a higher range of powers than Real Gavin. So maybe I just mixes the 2 up. Haha, very possible. So, though they can both draft the full range, Dazen has an edge by being able to see the sub-red and ultra violet part of the spectrum. An attribute that Kip also has.
@@TheBookRefuge Superchromat is more then just being able to see subred and ultra violet, both Gavin and Danzen could do that or they would not be able to draft it. Superchromats can see greater variation in a colour, as in more shades of the same colour. This is important as luxin needs a very specific hue to stabilize fully, otherwise you need more Will to make it last longer and make it do what you want. It will get explained in more detail in book 2, also Weeks uses it to throw out some more red herrings on who Kip's father is.
Me and my longer bother look so much alike back in middle school we were able to switch classes without anyone noticing and even to this day our wife’s will mistake each other if we have been drinking
Since the existance of a prism is shrouded in religion I never thought it strange that there were two prisms that generation. To me the ”Orholam works in mysterious ways” explenation was suficient.
The phycological aspects of the yunger child are needed for Dazins charecter arc. Without this the charecters motivations are pointless and inconsequential. I found this to be one of those things where i just said.... "Well alright then sure they look the same, we'll move on I guess."
SPOILERS FOR BLACK PRISM: Dazen refers to himself as Gavin after YEARS of training himself to think that way, after the reveal and especially in later books Dazen starts slipping. The reason Gavin calls himself Dazen is because he has resolved to become just as good and traitorous as Dazen. They did look alike aside from the Prismatic eyes which Dazen now has, they just had a few differences.
I don't really get why they are not twins even now. I mean its right there. Is Brent wronged by a twin so he doesn't want to include a twin protagonist.😁
Bicker bicker bicker! Lol jk. Totally fair criticisms. Weeks is one of my favorite authors despite his weaknesses because the things he is good at are so good. I was introduced with his first series (night angel) and there has been some huge growths between series but I feel he could benefit if he had a beta reader like you. How big of a nerd are you or your hubbie? In book two there is a card game introduced that was directly inspired by the card game Magic the Gathering. He may have spent a long time in the book describing the game and strategic plays and such that may be boring to someone who has never played, I found it interesting but my wife did not. Not sure why I brought this up now.... Lol maybe as a warning that this part is very hobby focused and may be boring to a lot of readers.
Just wait and keep reading :) everything is gonna be revealed and every gap will be filled.. But I felt the same way about Kip and the same way about Gavin and Dazeen XD hoowww is someone not noticing it. How much alike can they look? It almost made me put the book down...but I'm very happy I did.. I guess Brent Weeks just didn't want to do something cliché... and the brother of my fiance and my fiance look very much alike and I guess if someone doesn't know them very well they would mix them up. It happened before XD even if I have never experienced it myself.
I actually thought the reveals were great. I don't like when I get things put in front of my face too soon. I like to ponder it. :) Never felt like it wasn't coming. Kip isn't boring! XD I think he's hilarious, but a failure. But that's a good thing, because I don't care about all those mr. and miss perfects out there. :P Sexism? I mean, yeah. Some. But mostly from certain character's view. I'd agree that he describes bodies a lot, but I don't mind. I mean, I like to know what people look like. And people do care about that in real life, even if we don't always speak aloud about it. I prefer this to Salvatore's constant descriptions of bouncing, shining, flowing hair around girl's shoulders at least. XD In medieval times, being naked wasn't such a big deal. I mean, look at ancient Greece. People were fighting naked in front of audiences. XD I saw it mostly as a world building thing, showing the what's it called... that place/country's way of being. Where and when does Liw want a boyfriend? Whut? She looks at and admires... someone. But wants a boyfriend to relieve her grief? That's not how I read it at all. Yeah, the assassin thing was... weird. XD The two prisms weren't explained. It was generally seen as a mystery. Nobody understood it. Maybe we'll find out later? How can Kip be Karris' child? Kip's mother spells it out. Gavin raped her. And Kip's mom was clearly not Karris. So, I'd say. Gavin has two kids. They may or may not meet later. Unless Kip's mom pretended to be raped by Gavin, just top give Kip that story on behalf of Karris, which seems really far fetched to me. I think it's more logical to think that Karris' kid is Dazen's. When it came to the knife... They mentioned at some point that real Gavin knew something about a knife, that Dazen had no clue about. So I don't think he knows what the knife can do. And therefore can't realize it. Also, I have just finished book one and started on book two. Don't spoil stuff for me either. XD
I will not read this and the sex stuff u mentioned is reason. I'm adult and know men , adults, who are constantly like that. Now it brings up a want I would like a recommended read that does understand a womans mind.
Great review. I am in almost total agreement with your analysis of this book. The misogyny didn’t take me out of the story, but I saw where some people would be effected by it. I also agree TOTALLY about your spoiler section. Same rating from me, also. 4 ⭐️, but 5 ⭐️ in enjoyment. Also, you theories are the complete same. I have hope that the come true. Currently reading The Blinding Knife. Really good, too.
I have just one recommendation for you: wait. Your answers will be answered! Why there 2 people with the prism´s powers? You will see. keep reading. =)
Spoiler comment about your spoiler section You didn't miss the explanation why there's two prisms but you're right about the execution of reveals leaving details out till way later on and that's what this is. I think you'll find out in book 3
I read this with you in the discord group, and I was reading “hero of ages” at the same time; perhaps I was spoiled by Sanderson ‘s excellent plotting on display alongside this, very interesting, but not very tightly executed, work. The most frustrating part of the awkward execution is the fact that most of the loose ends could be tied up so easily. As far as Who are Kip’s real parents: there was a brief moment when Kip was watching Kariss and “Gavin” (Dasin in disguise) and he has the thought “it felt like he had just seen his parent’s fighting.” I think it’d be pretty neat if that turned out to be a subtle hint that he’s Kariss and Dasen’s kid.
I was fat when I was a kid so I understand why it’s mentioned a lot, because it’s always on your mind when you’re young.
Every time you see someone climb a rope, or actually manage to do more than 10 Push Ups. Every time you see anyone not fat you wonder why it couldn’t be you or how you could be like that not knowing it’s out of your control at that age
Did anyone else find it hilarious when Dazen (or gavin)escaped from the prison and then there were like 6 other prisons 😂. My man was sobbing on the floor and I was like why is this such a mood?
Anna T29 totally! And then I even felt bad for him. I mean the guy went through all that shit just to fail. Also I really thought he would escape for real at the end of the book and when reading this chapter I was like “I knew it!” But then that happened..😅😂😅😂
I started dying 😂😂
Idk i was pretty calm about his situation, but after the switch i was wild with excitement
So happy to hear you enjoyed The Black Prism, in my opinion the series only gets better so i can't wait for you to continue on with The Blinding Knife.
I just finished reading this book, and then watched your and Daniel's reviews. The reveal-pacing point that you mentioned was particularly refreshing to me. And the reason why is connected with the weird third person writing style that you also mentioned. The writing style made me feel that I, as a reader, am jumping around from one person's mind to another, in real-time. Something I have realized in my life is that when I think of a particularly emotional moment/event in my life, I just remember flashes of it, not the complete details. More than anything, I remember how it felt. That's why it felt amazing that Gavin, who was trying so hard to fool everyone, including himself, that he is Gavin doesn't think about being Dazen in that first meeting when nothing has rattled him. But then, in the actual reveal, something happened around him that forced him to think about it. That's when we get more details and reveals. Also, I feel that the book would have been quite complicated if it was in first person, specially because of the magic system.
Exactly, very well put.
This writing style is great.
Giving you bits and pieces as the story progresses and as the characters remember them.
Blue Eyed Thanks 😊
The POV also allow for Gavin/Dazen to be an unreliable narrator. A lot of what he believes even about himself is wrong.
No real spoilers here, just want you to know that the whole series is paced in this way, slowly giving information which ties everything together. The plot holes you think exist, don't.
I am sure she has already finished the series but even her questions about why the switch felt weird with the third person limited, not going to spoil it, but I believe its part of the authors genius that he wrote it that way, and to a keen mind it is a great clue as to some crazy things to happen in future books
Imo some of the plot holes would have been better left unresolved.
He tried too hard too fast to wrap absolutely everything and ended up losing all subtlety.
I have a brother who is 4 years older than me and if I had trained at it I could become him. So it wasn't a huge stretch for me to believe that Dazin could become Gavin. Also I believe the book states that neither one of them were fully grown adults during the war so that by the end of it inconsistencies could be written off as reaching adulthood.
Rather, the inconsistencies could be explained by **SPOILER**
The trauma of the war itself, and having killed his own brother.
DAMN, hearing you talk in the spoiler section just makes me wanna know what is going to be your opinion about the later books. it gets SO MUCH BETTER.
I can't wait for you to continue with this series haha it gets so good. a lot of your questions get explained
I love love love this series!!!! Keep reading girl and your question will be answered! I don’t mind how he reveals because it keeps me reading. I like it’s paced out because I get to the point where I can’t put the book down because I want to know so bad!!
Have read all four current books and I will just say.. all your questions get answered.
Congrats on getting a sponsorship!
thank you!
I really need to start this series next month!!! Your format of reviews has quickly become my favourite! Xx
thank you!
This series is amazing and repeatedly blew my mind. I can’t wait for the Burning White and hope you continue with the series.
I love how long it took for Weeks to tell us how Dazen got away with pretending to be Gavin. It made the pacing better for me. It avoided having a big info dump by revealing the information as ‘Gavin’ was thinking about what he’s done rather than having 100 pages describing it. Sprinkling the information in now and then also keeps me wondering how he got away with it and kept me engaged and turning the page. Also, book two definitely answers a bunch of what you’re questioning... and I think book three or four or five will tell you why/how there were two people who could be prisms. Karis is also developed so much more in book two. I think you’re going to love what’s coming for you.
that's totally fair! I don't really mind info dumps so that may be part of why I wanted info faster
i spoiled myself by reading the first sentence XD
Cant wait to watch this review in full. Im currently 60 pages in and i dont want to stop.
I believe the 2 prisms thing is addressed later on somewhat. Though maybe not to the extent that you would like haha. Im so glad you liked it! So excited for what you think of The Blinding Knife!
Also, how cool and imaginative is this magic system? It's my favorite magic system probably ever because it's the one that I've been able to so easily picture in my mind. Mistborn is probably a close 2nd.
It goes into good detail in blood mirror on it, also explains the title of this book
Mistborn is still number one for me but I do really love this one!
Omagosh I cannot believe the number of people who don't like Kip! He is endearing and there is something so poignant about his insecurity and vulnerability. I mean he's only a kid! And his character, to me, is so full of promise for growth and development that I'm looking forward to following!
Regarding your question in your spoiler section:
It wasn't addressed in this book, but there is more background information on this situation in the later books
okay thank you!
Oh the reveals are not over for dazen/gaven and what you think is going to happen will constantly change. I kept going back and forth on my predictions. That's what I loved about this series.
Your question for 2 prisms is addressed much later.
Oh good to know bc I had the same question. It was driving me nuts! Guess I'll just be patient lol
It's impressive to see an author take such an unusual culture (south-central Asia and/or Persia) in such an unusual technological era for a high fantasy. And when you take throw on a unique magic system on top of it...IDK that's really cool. I get a kick out of having a little anthropology in my books and narrator has an irreverent "National Geographic" British accent that makes it sound all the more academic and exotic.
Finally read this book and watched the spoiler section. The pacing drove me crazy. I felt like 200 pages could have been cut without changing the story. I still plan on continuing the series because the characters, story, and magic system interest me and I've got to know more.
I love the way you discussed the sexism in this review. I don't want to harp on it either but for me it was more that the book in general was over sexualized for both genders more than it was sexist towards women specifically.
I agree!
Black Prism is a great book (rarely do I go through 800 pages this fast) in a great series. I would disagree on the world-building, though. Overall it suffers the most; the cultures and landscape are too vague for me. The book is super character-centric, so it's not a big deal.
that fair! I felt I had enough info to clearly picture most things (not so much Gavin's flying machine tho) so it worked well for me!
Great reviews, love the prediction part
The how do we have multiple Prisms, what do as everybody do when they find out, etc, is kinda of the overarching plot points of the series. So giving it away in the first book wouldn't make sense. You didn't miss anything there.
Books two and three are going to blow your mind!
That book sounds extremely interesting. I will check it out! 😄
I bought this book several months ago but have yet to pick it up. Thanks for the review! Now I'm even more excited to read The Black Prism!
I love how you structure your reviews
thank you!
I own this book but it’s currently holding down some loose papers so I can’t pick it up to read it. Someday, perhaps.
I get your thoughts about Dazen and Gavin, but there are reasons that are explained in later books. I dont know if it was weeks plan from the start, but it works in my opinion.
Also... how does the Invisible Man see? His retinas wouldn’t receive or react to light, being invisible, so he’d be blind.
actually addressed in later books, spoiler you are now committed to reading on to find out
For some reason, must've been the magic system that attracted me, Black Prism was the first fantasy book I read this year - the only fantasy I had ever read ever was the Lord of the Rings, and that was years ago!
I enjoyed it! And I enjoyed learning about the magic system. But it was definetly not my favorite I've read this year
not my fav read either, but a really solid start to a series!
@@merphynapier42 I don't want it to seem like I'm poo-pooing this book! I really did enjoy it haha (also enjoyed your review)
I'm re-reading Black Prism and for now the only issue I've with the book (aside from the things you already said -like the immature humor) is when Weeks cuts the action of a scene to thoroughly describe something/someone. There was a chase scene I didn't like because this character was running for his/her life and then it was interrupted by an extended description of the pursuers. Right in the middle of the action. I don't know, it broke all the tension 😂
The descriptions (specially in this first book) are necessary, though, so it didn't bothered me that much.
Amazing review, by the way! Loved it.
I have read/listened to the entire series twice. I hope you continue to do reviews of these, as the next book will only have you asking more questions I think, and have more theories. Each book is that way in my experience.
Additionally, I think your criticism about the sexist nature of the characters interactions isn't wrong, but I also feel like it is entirely fair either.
**SPOILERS**
I think I will address the Mistress Helel example that you used (big boobed lady to kill kip). You said that you thought he "may have been trying to be funny". I think that you and possibly many more may have misunderstood the scene. The scene sets up a very real threat to Kip's life. This threat didn't exist before, but now that he was known as the Gavin's bastard, there are people who want to see Kip dead. The awkward, shy, hard on himself, fat boy. The fifteen year old boy who's never seen a woman/girl naked, and is very aware of his sexuality (like many fifteen year old boys are). So naturally he's going to notice a big boobed woman. Of course he's going to be distracted by it if he notices it at all. He will be awkward about it. He will be stupid about it. He will die because he was stupid about it. It also sets up how trusting Kip is of others, because he didn't understand what was actually happening. She was trying to push him off the balcony.
I think many scenes are like this. If Kip is in a scene, the story sort of follows how he Kip would think. Kip is a fifteen year old. When we get scenes with Gavin/Karis/Teia in it, and we're following those characters we see the story kind of follow how they think. I'm not sure if this description is satisfactory, and I'm butchering what I'm trying to say, but hopefully you get the gist.
haven't read past this book and I'm happy to hear someone feels the same as me. holy shit this book was a ride
The books are a wild ride Merphy. Just hold on tight
Great review. But I will say sometimes sex is added for entertainment purposes. It dosent always make it sexist. I mean after all we have violence for entertainment purposes. Sex can be entertaining its just a fact of life. Although i agree,sometimes it is sexist. I always notice that we can read about men being tortured and killed and no one cares but god forbid we have a scene where a woman is portrayed as sexy and we say its sexism and freak out. Lol
YES YES YES!!!!! Your reviews are always amazing!
thank you!
Nice review Merphy, I likethe format.
The one question I would have about the switching of the brothers is that how come no-one recognised their voices. Obvously they would have had different voices, not even twins share the same voice and these two brothers aren't twins.
I do think there is to many characters who have an overly smutty aspect to their character, everyone seems to want to sleep with everyone else it seems.
Having said those negatives I really enjoyed the story. I love picturing all the colours used when the characters draft. Don't have an issue with the Kip fat thing eaither because I think that is a huge chunk of how he sees himself. I really am curious about Liv and am interested in seeing what happens with her.
I am part way through book 2 now and am still enjoying the series, in spite of its short falls.
What do you think makes you like a book being “introductionary”
sometimes, a first book in a series feels like it could have been condensed to a hundred pages and tacked onto the beginning of the second book. I like it when it feels purposeful and necessary
That theory thou at 20:40 . After u see him you will probably find this funny 😂
It happens. I know two siblings.. 10 months apart that are mistaken for twins constantly.
I could see that happening for 10 months apart for sure. The characters are years apart though, so it feels less likely to me
Skillshare sounds cool. I have been wanting to learn ASL for years. I wonder if they have a video for that!
Also, i think i might pick this book up (eventually). Sounds like you really enjyed it!
they might! They have a lot of language classes. YOu can check what classes they have without having to sign up so it's worth the look!
Love your channel! Great review!
thank you!
I love this series! Keep going. It’s worth it. Your complaint about Weeks putting hundreds of pages between reveals and explanations is exactly why I’m not a Brandon Sanderson fan.
U will love kip by the end promise
Queen getting sponsored I love that for u
you're the best
Read the next books!! I think some of your "plot holes" will be filled
What should I read next? Just finished the Way of Kings and the Black Prism. WoK waa absolutely phenomenal and I am afraid the other books are not as good. Black Prisn got me immersed but the ending did nothing to keep my interest in the series.
I can't spoil this one for you since I am stuck at page 138. I am afraid I am too physicist. Why did he have to touch on what is beyond visible light? What is the color of the subred luxen? Is it invisible? And how can you shield infrared? It is emitted by any body. Of course, this does not spoil the story but leaves bad aji (aftertaste).
It confuses me now whether I am going to read this first or put my current readings on waiting list or finish my current readings first before this. I am on the process of finishing LoTR Trilogy, I'm on The Two Towers currently, just three more chapters left and it kills me to say the temptation is strong to skip The Return of The King.
[spoilers] So I just finished The Black Prism and I wanted to say I have a similar prediction to your last one: while Kip was holding the dagger he saw it had seven gems and one was blue and Gavin couldn't draft blue at the end. I'm curious about how this series will continue, I enjoyed the first entry more or less - I did dislike Kip a lot and the humour wasn't good but I still enjoyed the book enough to continue. I saw you're reading book 2 already, can't wait for your review!
I bought this at my bookstore I was looking for a fantasy series I got the 1st 2books
I've only read book one, so I won't be commenting on your theories. I have no idea if they are right or not. I'm rereading book one because I now have books 2 and 3 and I want to muscle through them. I say muscle through because I keep getting stuck on the logical errors in the story. Not the sexism, nope, I don't see that as any kind of an issue. It is pretty obvious that when Kip whines about his physique that i t is his own insecurities. I was an overweight teenager and Kips insecurities are pretty accurate. I have other issues with Kip but I don't want to dwell on that now. My biggest issues are things that don't make sense, that make my logical mind stop reading and have to reset. Sure, this stuff probably goes right past 99% of the readers out there but I get stuck on it.
For instance, in the very beginning of the book, Kip is heading out to the battlefield to look for Luxin to collect and sell because his 'mom' is a drug addict and she smokes her wages away. He says that Luxin degrades over time and with sunlight but as the years go by, more and more of the remnants of the battle get revealed by rain and erosion. Brain stops and resets. It has only been 16 years, so how did the battlefield get buried in the first place? What event covered them all with such a huge layer of soil that they needed to be revealed over the course of decades? Ancient battlefields that are uncovered by archeologists were buried by wind and dust and weather over centuries. Unless there was a volcanic eruption that hit the area, a battlefield wouldn't be lost mostly under the soil and detritis.
Kip learns that he can Draft, two colors, very early. Then he and the other guy need to escape the attack on their village. Kip recalls that he lost the pouch of coin he was given and he has no idea how they could pay for transportation. ... He can draft Luxin and in the start of the story, Luxin was worth money, which is why he was willing to risk so much to go scavenge it. Yet, he can't figure hut how he could possibly pay for transport?
Not to go on for overly long, but later on there is a huge series of logical fails involving a gigantic army of people raised from a land that had been totally devastated by war only 16 years ago. That army breaks so many logical consistency rules and simple logistical ones that it is painful to read. It has George Martin levels of Military stupidity. Yet I did manage to finish the book. I started trying to read the second one but my reasons would probably surprise you. It wasn't the story... it was the Narrator of the audiobook. The first book I read had one narrator and the second had a different one. He was ... poor and I just couldn't go on with it. I recently bought the Audible versions of the books that all have the same Narrator, so that is why I'm rereading it. I'll keep up with these reviews...
Great review!
What did you think about gavin's father? What about corvin?
I love keb 😭
So the multiple prism thing does get addressed it just takes a bit of time to get to that part
This is one of the fastest DNF's I've ever had, I think I made it three chapters in before I put it down. A lot of people adore this book but I think I just didn't mesh with his writing. I dont like characters that are supposed to just be laughed at and made fun of so basically I immediately hated Kip. I might pick it back up but I'm not sure
You're missing out, everyone develops further.
@@MorganWalser that's what I've heard but I hate pushing through chapters with characters that I don't like bevause maybe I'll like them better yknow? It just sours the whole book
@@anthonyisepic3 Give Kip a chance, his story arc is one of my favorites, ever! This is a teenage boy suffering very poor self-esteem, he is at his absolute low when we are introduced to him. Through the series his growth is fantastic, and all with reason. You see his perceptions of himself get challenged, and he is put into situations(both positive and negative) that force his self-reflection. By then end of book 4 about a year and a half have gone by but you get to see him as a man, taking responsibility and owning his strengths and weakness'.
@@jeremydanchuk1897 I might, but his writing style also didn't click with me right off the bat so I think that's part of the problem for me. Idk I'm just incredibly picky with books because I don't want to invest a bunch of hours into a book only to still not like it yknow?
An interesting review. there’s spoilers and then there’s spoilers. I was listening to the audiobook and had a little more to go, but that 21:30 mark - that’s not a spoiler; that’s a Wikipedia-plot-synopsis SPOILER 😢. That’s just straight freezerburn. That’s “honey, don’t drink the milk. It’s expired. Last millennia,” spoilered.
That being said, the hood and bad of fantasy worlds is they’re not often nice places. I tend to find the horrors of war jarring in comparison to celebrations and appreciation of sexuality, but as a man I understand the point that I’m supposed to be shocked by the sexism of the fantasy would while not internalizing it. I won’t feel it the same way as someone who’s got similar lived experiences and still recognize it as shitty behavior, though in this case, I don’t feel as though it reflects directly upon the author even if some consider his prose hard to swallow.
Given the protagonist is an essentially parentless insecure teen with little guidance his whole life, the tone felt grounding. Kip was annoying but he was no Falizin and I can see him growing from here.
But this comment is poorly executed.
How do people hold a book, and offer up a review, when clearly the book was never opened?
I don't get the whole overstating that kipp is fat thing. It really isn't mentioned often. It's only ever mentioned when it's plot relevant.
So i am curious what his wife and sister who are the first to read the book think?
I will think about skilshare after the holidays okay?
Eh.. people are so bloody sensitive. He talks about how sexes look at one another. He talks about how some women use their bodies to gain advantage. Sorry, it happens.
He talks about how young ladies find a perfect male form attractive.
Sorry, most would.
Gtf over it.
15:52, ah it seems Merphy is a superchromat
From what I read. Real Dazen didn't have the full range to be Prism. I believe he us weaker in some of the spectrum and just finds ways to avoid using those colors.
No he does use the full range of colors not sure about actual power level but the were both definitely prisms
@@krystololsen2318 okay. I did just look up in the lightbringer wiki, and it looks like I had it backward. Real Dazen is a supercromat. Which means he has a higher range of powers than Real Gavin.
So maybe I just mixes the 2 up. Haha, very possible.
So, though they can both draft the full range, Dazen has an edge by being able to see the sub-red and ultra violet part of the spectrum. An attribute that Kip also has.
@@TheBookRefuge Superchromat is more then just being able to see subred and ultra violet, both Gavin and Danzen could do that or they would not be able to draft it. Superchromats can see greater variation in a colour, as in more shades of the same colour. This is important as luxin needs a very specific hue to stabilize fully, otherwise you need more Will to make it last longer and make it do what you want. It will get explained in more detail in book 2, also Weeks uses it to throw out some more red herrings on who Kip's father is.
Me and my longer bother look so much alike back in middle school we were able to switch classes without anyone noticing and even to this day our wife’s will mistake each other if we have been drinking
Since the existance of a prism is shrouded in religion I never thought it strange that there were two prisms that generation. To me the ”Orholam works in mysterious ways” explenation was suficient.
Two prisms ah.... Imagine Reading book five and finding out that actually...🙊🤣🤣🤣
It's not immature humor, it's humor that's funny to men. Just because it's not for you doesn't mean that it's "immature."
Did you read the Burning white yet
these books CONFUSE me but I kinda like the series.
The phycological aspects of the yunger child are needed for Dazins charecter arc. Without this the charecters motivations are pointless and inconsequential. I found this to be one of those things where i just said.... "Well alright then sure they look the same, we'll move on I guess."
I mean…. A had someone I was working with mistake my sisters who are 3 years apart as twins
SPOILERS FOR BLACK PRISM:
Dazen refers to himself as Gavin after YEARS of training himself to think that way, after the reveal and especially in later books Dazen starts slipping. The reason Gavin calls himself Dazen is because he has resolved to become just as good and traitorous as Dazen.
They did look alike aside from the Prismatic eyes which Dazen now has, they just had a few differences.
You have come highly recommended by Daniel Greene
I don't really get why they are not twins even now. I mean its right there. Is Brent wronged by a twin so he doesn't want to include a twin protagonist.😁
Which book are you at ? Cause tbh all of the questions u have now are all revealed in like book 4 😂😂
that book is a f*king brick
lol, only 600 pages so not too bad. Really fast read tho!
Lmao the stand
Have you read the Night Angel trilogy??
I haven't!
Im sad I didnt get around to it this month. I have a bookclub and i meed to read those first ahhaha. And im scared they are so big and like 5 books xD
when you get to. it, I hope you. love it!
omg is gavin the villian
Bicker bicker bicker! Lol jk. Totally fair criticisms. Weeks is one of my favorite authors despite his weaknesses because the things he is good at are so good. I was introduced with his first series (night angel) and there has been some huge growths between series but I feel he could benefit if he had a beta reader like you.
How big of a nerd are you or your hubbie? In book two there is a card game introduced that was directly inspired by the card game Magic the Gathering. He may have spent a long time in the book describing the game and strategic plays and such that may be boring to someone who has never played, I found it interesting but my wife did not. Not sure why I brought this up now.... Lol maybe as a warning that this part is very hobby focused and may be boring to a lot of readers.
my brother used to be REALLY into magic but I never played it. Thank you for telling me about this - hopefully I'll enjoy it!
Bodies being brought up?
And? :))
The random sexuality is actually very fun...
I thought they just had different weenies and that's how they could be recognized as different.
Just wait and keep reading :) everything is gonna be revealed and every gap will be filled..
But I felt the same way about Kip and the same way about Gavin and Dazeen XD hoowww is someone not noticing it. How much alike can they look? It almost made me put the book down...but I'm very happy I did.. I guess Brent Weeks just didn't want to do something cliché... and the brother of my fiance and my fiance look very much alike and I guess if someone doesn't know them very well they would mix them up. It happened before XD even if I have never experienced it myself.
So Kit’s assassination was a bust?
(Bows)
Also, I am fat. Where’s my Brent Weeks story cameo?
Omg it's written from the perspective of a male...... Kip being fat is super important story wise with the legends and character growth
I actually thought the reveals were great. I don't like when I get things put in front of my face too soon. I like to ponder it. :) Never felt like it wasn't coming.
Kip isn't boring! XD I think he's hilarious, but a failure. But that's a good thing, because I don't care about all those mr. and miss perfects out there. :P
Sexism? I mean, yeah. Some. But mostly from certain character's view. I'd agree that he describes bodies a lot, but I don't mind. I mean, I like to know what people look like. And people do care about that in real life, even if we don't always speak aloud about it. I prefer this to Salvatore's constant descriptions of bouncing, shining, flowing hair around girl's shoulders at least. XD In medieval times, being naked wasn't such a big deal. I mean, look at ancient Greece. People were fighting naked in front of audiences. XD I saw it mostly as a world building thing, showing the what's it called... that place/country's way of being.
Where and when does Liw want a boyfriend? Whut? She looks at and admires... someone. But wants a boyfriend to relieve her grief? That's not how I read it at all. Yeah, the assassin thing was... weird. XD
The two prisms weren't explained. It was generally seen as a mystery. Nobody understood it. Maybe we'll find out later?
How can Kip be Karris' child? Kip's mother spells it out. Gavin raped her. And Kip's mom was clearly not Karris. So, I'd say. Gavin has two kids. They may or may not meet later. Unless Kip's mom pretended to be raped by Gavin, just top give Kip that story on behalf of Karris, which seems really far fetched to me. I think it's more logical to think that Karris' kid is Dazen's.
When it came to the knife... They mentioned at some point that real Gavin knew something about a knife, that Dazen had no clue about. So I don't think he knows what the knife can do. And therefore can't realize it.
Also, I have just finished book one and started on book two. Don't spoil stuff for me either. XD
11:07 bless you😂
I get that childish humor comment. But isn't it the point since we are in Kip's head. On the other hand I am a guy. So take that comment as you will.
I will not read this and the sex stuff u mentioned is reason. I'm adult and know men , adults, who are constantly like that. Now it brings up a want I would like a recommended read that does understand a womans mind.
There is a lot of "male gaze" in this series, for sure.
totally fair!
Does somebody know if she has a review of one of the books of the stormlight archive?
I haven't unfortunately. I wasn't reviewing as much when I started reading those :(
That is to bad, i love that series and i wanted to see what you think about it because your reviwes are sooo good💪🏼
@@taraspupu5215 I love it too! It's one of my favorite series!!! I wish I had been reviewing more back when I read book one
Great review. I am in almost total agreement with your analysis of this book. The misogyny didn’t take me out of the story, but I saw where some people would be effected by it.
I also agree TOTALLY about your spoiler section. Same rating from me, also. 4 ⭐️, but 5 ⭐️ in enjoyment.
Also, you theories are the complete same. I have hope that the come true.
Currently reading The Blinding Knife. Really good, too.
I have just one recommendation for you: wait. Your answers will be answered! Why there 2 people with the prism´s powers? You will see. keep reading. =)
Spoiler comment about your spoiler section
You didn't miss the explanation why there's two prisms but you're right about the execution of reveals leaving details out till way later on and that's what this is.
I think you'll find out in book 3
Btw, Brent Weeks has this trailer to "The Black Prism" posted on his website: ruclips.net/video/k06jBvBQwKQ/видео.html
"This review was poorly executed"
I read this with you in the discord group, and I was reading “hero of ages” at the same time; perhaps I was spoiled by Sanderson ‘s excellent plotting on display alongside this, very interesting, but not very tightly executed, work. The most frustrating part of the awkward execution is the fact that most of the loose ends could be tied up so easily. As far as Who are Kip’s real parents: there was a brief moment when Kip was watching Kariss and “Gavin” (Dasin in disguise) and he has the thought “it felt like he had just seen his parent’s fighting.” I think it’d be pretty neat if that turned out to be a subtle hint that he’s Kariss and Dasen’s kid.
keep reading the truth will blow you mind