theravenkingx's Reviews (336)

If you're a fan of "Six of Crows" or are seeking a beginner-friendly adult fantasy, then this book is definitely for you.

Let's keep it simple. If, like me, you haven't yet embarked on Brandon Sanderson's journey, then consider this review a sign that you should start reading his work ASAP.

This book may be a giant, but I managed to devour this 600+ page behemoth in just three sittings. It boasts an engrossing plot, compelling characters, and a magic system unlike anything I've encountered in other fantasy novels. The writing is straightforward, and the author has done a remarkable job of constructing a complex world without overwhelming the reader with excessive exposition.

The magic system is uniquely based on ingesting certain metals to harness their powers. However, this system has its limitations and doesn't always provide an advantage, as enemies can wield the magic as well.

Each character in this book is intricately crafted with depth and relatability. The main characters, Kelsier and Vin, are complex individuals who sometimes make rash and unexpected decisions.

The character that stood out to me is Hammond. Although a side character, he is so well-developed and relatable. Ham is a brilliant combination of strength and intellect, a warrior-scholar who can discuss philosophy just as easily as he can wield a hammer in battle. What makes him relatable is his tendency to overthink and his unique perspective. He often serves as the voice of reason within the group. His unwavering moral compass and gentle nature compel the reader to see a different side of the story.

I could relate to him because I also tend to overthink matters from various perspectives.

One of the best aspects of Brandon Sanderson's books is their meticulous planning. Every backstory, piece of information, historical detail, and religious element serves a purpose. Everything comes together in the end, creating a cohesive and satisfying conclusion.


Oh and you can read this book as a standalone. The book ends without any cliffhanger. 

Who the fuck told you I was a hero

The gruesome saga of Gabriel De Leon and his quest for revenge unfolds further in "Empire of the Damned."

Gabriel remains imprisoned by vampire Margot, an empress of wolves and men who wants the story of this infamous vampire hunter recorded for political reasons. As a war looms among the four vampire clans, Margot seeks to gain an advantage over her enemies, the key to which lies in Gabriel's past. As in the first book, we shadow Gabriel across two timelines: the present, where Gabriel is telling his life's story to the historian named Jean-François, and the past, where he, alongside the Grail - Dior, and his sister Celene, pursues a vampire possessing the secret to end "Daysdeath."

We only die if we are forgotten. Burn bright. Burn brief. But burn.

Their journey is full of deceit, blood, and deadly ancient vampires who seek the Grail for reasons unknown. Gabriel finds himself torn between upholding his promise to Dior and fulfilling his vow to kill the most ancient vampire, Fabian Voss - the forever king. One of the beloved characters makes a return and plays a significant role in the story. Yet, her character arc is underwhelming, often reduced to a mere plot device and a deus ex machina, who comes out of nowhere and saves the day. Despite this, she has some interesting and emotional scenes that make her an intriguing character. I hope the next book will do justice to her.

The narrative delves deeper into the atrocities of the vampires upon their Kith—individuals bound in servitude (some willingly, others not), tethered by their master’s blood—and the lengths they are willing to go to for their dominion. The author doesn't shy away from exploring the darker themes of slavery, addiction, and abuse of power.

Those hurt will hurt in kind. Cruelty is an infection, spread from one victim to the next; an avalanche rolling ever downhill and crashing worst upon those at the bottom of the pile.

A new POV is introduced in this book. This new yet familiar voice adds a new layer of deceit, guile, and carnage to the plot. This perspective, alongside Gabriel’s, makes for a more compelling read, blurring the lines between truth and fiction in their recounting of the events.

The book has a great cast of characters returning from the first book and some new characters that are equally as good as the ones we are familiar with. Jay Kristoff has outdone himself with his character work in this book.

The plot is as much about hope and familial bonds as it is about a gruesome world ruled by vampires and endless darkness. The author pens the book to dark places but also manages to keep it lighthearted with amusing banter and stories of love amidst the despair and darkness, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

Love is madness – or so the poets say – and a lover will do near anything to please their beloved.

As someone who has read every book by this author, I think I have a better understanding of how his mind works and, as a result, I was able to predict most of the plot twists; yet each reveal was entertaining and added complexity to the plot.

While nearly perfect, the book’s pacing sometimes stumbles. Some side stories could have benefited from more thorough editing. A tighter edit could have elevated this to a five-star read.

life without books is a life not lived, Dior. There’s a magik like no other to be found in them. To open a book is to open a door – to another place, another time, another mind. And usually, mademoiselle, it’s a mind far sharper than your own.

This book is incredibly imaginative. Every page is filled with extraordinary ideas and exquisite prose, through which the author pushes the boundaries of Sci-Fi. The concepts introduced here are unique and mind-bending. If you like Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, then you will love this book.

The story is told in the style of a memoir. It tells the story of a man of the academy named Stefan Advani, who was exiled from the only surviving city, Shadrapar, and sent to a prison located on an island surrounded by a mysterious and deadly jungle. Shadrapar, a city built upon the ruins of past civilizations, harbors fewer than a hundred thousand humans—the last of humanity living under a dying sun.

Most of the world has turned into a desert, with new species evolving everywhere. The sea, now toxic, preserves the human and marine life it has taken in its embrace, serving as a stark reminder to humanity.

The author has potrayed earth as a santient being with an intend and purpose. 

The closest Earth has come to finding a replacement is in the form of a convergent species known as the Children of the Web. But are humans ready to relinquish their position as the beloved and spoiled children of Earth?

The world of Cage of Souls is revealed through the eyes of Stefan Advani. His journey takes him from the academic heights of Shadrapar to a fugitive’s life in the underworld, then to the daunting Island prison, and finally into the depths of a perilous jungle. As he peels back the layers of his own life we discover the enigmatic truth of this civilization and the mysteries of the planet concealed within its evolving ecology.

It's a not a traditional plot-driven story. Cage of soul grabs your attention with its amazing setting, the mystery of the main character, and the deep thoughts it brings up. It’s a book that makes you think and is sure to stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. This isn't a book that presents everything neatly on a silver platter, followed by a dessert-like, gratifying ending. The conclusion is indeed perfect and whole, yet it doesn't offer the typical cheerful resolution where all issues are resolved. The book also deals with some grim topics and it's not for the faint of hearts.

Highly recommend this book, if you are looking for a mind-blowing read.

I'm perplexed as to why this book is marketed as being inspired by Shakespeare's life. It seems the narrative could apply to anyone, and the use of Shakespeare's name feels unnecessary, particularly if there was no intention to reference him in the story. The content is largely fictional. It has nothing to do with Shakespeare. 

The book is passable. However, I struggled to grasp its purpose, and the writing style did not appeal to me. It is overwritten and  unnecessarily lyrical. The long descriptions bored me. Author uses ten words to describe what could have been described in one word. 

The story unfolds from a third-person viewpoint, with minimal dialogue among the characters. It predominantly consists of a monotonous narration of their everyday lives. It lacks the emotional impact the author had intended.