A new world to lose yourself in during quarantine!
Let me start by saying I don't read a lot of fantasy anymore, but the first look of this book drew me in! Don't get me wrong, when I was younger I read fantasy all the time. As I grew up, my tastes changed to some degree, though my heart still loves escaping into the world of magic and fantastical elements. So what was it about this book that overcame my trepidations towards fantasy books? First, let me say this - I read to be entertained. I read to be lost and swept away in someone else's journey. Now, that doesn't mean I can't be critical, but I don't feel that I'm overly critical. I am also a middle school educator, and as I read books, I'm gauging them not only on my entertainment score but on whether or not middle/junior high students would like the book.
My opinions on the book -
The characters and their intricately intertwined relationships (some of which you discover deep into the book). Does that mean you have to pay attention to the story as you read? Yes, yes you do. I'm not going to lie, there are many names and people and events to keep track of while reading, but it is very doable and very worth it.
The world-building in the story. I liked the mix of magic, guns, swords, etc. Some people don't, and I understand that. But when I read a book, I'm not a stickler for mixing mediums, so to speak, as long as the story itself makes sense to me. As you read the book, I felt that the world was built and described enough to support the story, yet leave you with more to be told. How did the moon break? What lies beyond the city? Tell me more about fabrications!
The magic. I loved the magic! The aspect of fabrication use coming with a cost was an interesting magical idea. I also liked that the magic wasn't bigger than the story or the characters if that makes sense.
The pace of the story was great at times and draggy at others. This is a nearly 600-page book, so there is definitely a lot of description and story building going on. While there were places where I felt the story was slowing down, there were also instances I had to make myself not skim to see what was going to happen.
The question for me is - will I read the next book when it comes out? Personally, YES! I want it to be out now so I can continue in this story. I want to know more! I did truly enjoy my time in The Kingdom of Liars.
My opinions on the book -
The characters and their intricately intertwined relationships (some of which you discover deep into the book). Does that mean you have to pay attention to the story as you read? Yes, yes you do. I'm not going to lie, there are many names and people and events to keep track of while reading, but it is very doable and very worth it.
The world-building in the story. I liked the mix of magic, guns, swords, etc. Some people don't, and I understand that. But when I read a book, I'm not a stickler for mixing mediums, so to speak, as long as the story itself makes sense to me. As you read the book, I felt that the world was built and described enough to support the story, yet leave you with more to be told. How did the moon break? What lies beyond the city? Tell me more about fabrications!
The magic. I loved the magic! The aspect of fabrication use coming with a cost was an interesting magical idea. I also liked that the magic wasn't bigger than the story or the characters if that makes sense.
The pace of the story was great at times and draggy at others. This is a nearly 600-page book, so there is definitely a lot of description and story building going on. While there were places where I felt the story was slowing down, there were also instances I had to make myself not skim to see what was going to happen.
The question for me is - will I read the next book when it comes out? Personally, YES! I want it to be out now so I can continue in this story. I want to know more! I did truly enjoy my time in The Kingdom of Liars.