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reubenalbatross 's review for:
The Shadow Rising
by Robert Jordan
DID NOT FINISH: 68%
The time has come to DNF this series, at least for now. I never want to pick this up, and at this point I feel like I'm just reading for the sake of it, rather than to truly enjoy the experience. I think the hype around this series made me feel it was a greater work than it is... Just because something is extensive, doesn't mean it's great.
There were some good elements, but they were unfortunately few and far between. The most enjoyable section was when we were learning about the past ages and how there used to be technology and more modern ways of life, as well as different creatures. It made so much sense and I was fascinated to learn more. But it lasted for about 4 pages, apparently never to be seen again. You can't just tease me with that kind of content then stroll right past it without even any acknowledgement.
I definitely enjoyed Perrin's storyline the most, but it still wasn't anything that special.
Most of the book (and (I'm slowly realising) the series) so far is so underwhelming and bland. Everything in Tear was tragically boring, it did pick up a little after they all left, but not by much.
SO MUCH of the Aiel stuff is confusing. Not in an intriguing/mysterious way, but in a badly written way. In particular, Rand's visions in Rhuidean were a complete shambles and so difficult to follow.
Also, the book is obscenely long, and for why?? Almost nothing actually happens. Everything of note could be condensed onto one A4 page, and the character work and writing style aren't good enough to fill out the plot in a satisfying way.
Most of the characters are infuriating, unlikeable, make bad choices, and are generally unpleasant people (but not enough to be interesting).
Overall, I've come to realise that these books are maybe not for me. Trying to get through the series feels like such a slog (and I read a lot of high page count, long fantasy series). It's not impactful, and doesn't have many of the things I enjoy in fantasy (beautiful writing, well written battle scenes, compelling character work, high stakes).
I am interested in how the story ends, but not so much in reading how we get there. Maybe I'll pick the series up again at some point, but for now it's over.
There were some good elements, but they were unfortunately few and far between. The most enjoyable section was when we were learning about the past ages and how there used to be technology and more modern ways of life, as well as different creatures. It made so much sense and I was fascinated to learn more. But it lasted for about 4 pages, apparently never to be seen again. You can't just tease me with that kind of content then stroll right past it without even any acknowledgement.
I definitely enjoyed Perrin's storyline the most, but it still wasn't anything that special.
Most of the book (and (I'm slowly realising) the series) so far is so underwhelming and bland. Everything in Tear was tragically boring, it did pick up a little after they all left, but not by much.
SO MUCH of the Aiel stuff is confusing. Not in an intriguing/mysterious way, but in a badly written way. In particular, Rand's visions in Rhuidean were a complete shambles and so difficult to follow.
Also, the book is obscenely long, and for why?? Almost nothing actually happens. Everything of note could be condensed onto one A4 page, and the character work and writing style aren't good enough to fill out the plot in a satisfying way.
Most of the characters are infuriating, unlikeable, make bad choices, and are generally unpleasant people (but not enough to be interesting).
Overall, I've come to realise that these books are maybe not for me. Trying to get through the series feels like such a slog (and I read a lot of high page count, long fantasy series). It's not impactful, and doesn't have many of the things I enjoy in fantasy (beautiful writing, well written battle scenes, compelling character work, high stakes).
I am interested in how the story ends, but not so much in reading how we get there. Maybe I'll pick the series up again at some point, but for now it's over.