James

Overall, really good. I had some trouble following the timeline because there is so much skipping back and forth between current time and 4 years ago from chapter to chapter. I still have some trouble with the young age of the character being so unstoppably dominant over everyone else in this story but I can usually allow that to slip out of mind and just enjoy the action. Dark, bloody, good action, interesting twists, excellent narration voice.

If I boil the whole plot down to its bones, I start to feel like I'm missing some major elements and struggle with the motivations of the antagonists that really drive this whole engine. However, it's so well written, and the world it's set in is so cunningly explained that I am able to forget about some of those hang ups and really enjoy this book. The cultures, religion, mystique, and characters are well done. Good long book, too - really gives one their credit's worth.

Written in such an old, classic literature style that the pedantic lethargy with which the plot moves left it feeling like a chore to me to endure in parts. The reading couldn't have been better - Homewood's got a great voice for this epic and exotic tale. And even the plot is full of tension and drama and revenge. But the convoluted prose Dumas employs in his descriptions often rob the reader of suspense and charm. I know part of the problem is me and my impatient brain which is unschooled in the enjoyment of classic literature and seeks the more immediate gratification of modern fiction. In the end, I'm glad I made it through and found myself appreciating the characters and the Count's fine exploits but I know I'd have never made it through a paper version of this. Thank you, Bill Homewood, for getting me through so that I could savor some of the fine moments threaded into this complex weave.

Well done. Rather documentary in style. For as much piratical villainy as is covered in this narrative, the prose is fairly sterile and the reading lacks the swarthy luster one might associate with a tale of such swashbuckling.

This book was, overall, pretty good. For me, however, it doesn't quite compare to Abercrombie's First Law Series or Heroes. They all take place in the same world and I really dig his story telling and style but this one (in my opinion) was the least of his works that I've read.

I had already read Abercrombie's First Law series (and loved it) and noticed that this book was rated a little lower by readers so I was a little skeptical about it meeting the high bar of that series. It was even better, in my opinion. More down-to-earth, it lacked the epic scale and as much of the magical focus of the 1st Law. It is character-rich and so brilliantly composed - riveting, exciting, compelling, surprising - every chapter is thoroughly enjoyable. This book is a masterpiece.

Concludes all of the major plot lines and leaves interesting paths ahead for the cast of characters. Narration is absolutely incredible and is one of the greatest strengths in the series. A good mixture of satisfying justice served to characters mixed with an unpredictable realism that reaps bittersweet rewards for the cast. Of the 3 books, this one was my least favorite but still completely worthwhile.

Short and simple enough for kids to enjoy - clever and original enough for mature readers to gain something new from this tale. Interesting concept that moved at a fast clip and was just dark enough to keep an edgy interest, just innocent enough to not weigh too heavily on the mind or evoke a too critical of an engagement with the plot. The best part was Neil Gaiman's narration. Very cool.

I'd heard great things about this story and maybe my expectations were too high, but I found it a little dull in places. I liked the architectural point of view - that brought a unique perspective to the medieval backdrop and it was well done.

More cheese than depth. A main character who is overly persecuted for no real reason despite being ridiculously awesome at everything. The narration was a major detraction. Podehl's voice sounds too young and lacks the range to pull off the role demanded of the character's wise and worldly aspect.