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| God of Vengeance by Giles Kristian |
I could have sworn,
after I began this book, that I wasn't going to like it. It was
written very well, which is what I always expect from this author, as
he has only gotten better and better with each book he releases. The
scene setting was excellent, also what I expect from this author as
this Scandinavian culture is close to his heart - being directly
descended from it.
However, for some
reason I could not connect with what was going on. For more than 100
pages I was bored and often tempted to skip pages. I simply could
not connect or feign interest in what was going on, despite its rich
action sequences.
Boring is an odd thing
to say seeing as the beginning of this book finds you knees deep in a
long and elaborate battle scene that must have exhausted the author
to even write it. Such was the indepth and intelligent way it was
woven. So much going on in a vast master plan.
I was just starting to
think that it was purely a matter of compatibility (which was the
case with a series the author once did that was set during the
English Civil War) when, yes, it sneaked up on me.
Crept up on me
from behind it did. Without any real up change in pace, or abrupt
turn about face.
When I thought about it
at the time, trying to work out why I was suddenly feeling so
differently about the book, I actually worked out what my issue had
been. The story had developed too quickly too soon for me in those
early stages. Many people won't have this same problem, because that
is how it goes. We all read differently. Different brains. Different
visualisation. Different approaches to fantasy.
My early reading of the
book had me involved in established relationships and a highly
complicated battle scene before I'd even learned who the characters
were (under the surface) or had any investment in their lives
whatsoever. That's all it was in the end. I did not care who lived
or died in the first 100 pages or so. Had no interest, as I had not
really been introduced to them. I had been thrown into their
shieldwall before we'd even exchanged pleasantries. I felt no
comradeship and no loyalty to either side.
Character
relationships, while dealt with a little in the opening pages, were
actually shaped post battle, not pre. I was ice cold about what was
going on.
This was too poignant a
battle to be caught napping. It was absolutely critical
to the plot of the entire book. Of the whole series. So, if you find
yourself in the same predicament, keep on. You need to.
And now my attitude
changes towards the thing. I kept on. Knew I needed to. Then, to my
great relief, when I did know them...I was in love. With the story,
the characters. Truly. What a book. I could hardly believe I'd gone
from ice cold to utter infatuation.
It has been a while
since a group of characters has gotten under my skin this much, but
it was bound to happen. Vikings combined with journey adventure. Two
of my loves. As long as Giles Kristian wrote well and captured the
'road trip' vibe that I like, then I was bound to be on board.
The characters,
thankfully, ended up being rich and colourful. Their story involving
and fascinating.
Their Saga became all I cared about until the very
last page.
Sigurd turned out to be
quite the charismatic chap. I am a huge fan. A man who can lead
others into war, no doubt. The female character was perfect. Not
helpless and emotional. Gack, thank goodness for that. A great
Shieldmaiden she was. Thank you Giles Kristian for the girl power.
Really, every character
was very well drawn, but my favourite character would have to be
Black Floki...of course.
I think this might be a
common experience for readers as I see that the author might be
working on a graphic novel about Black Floki, with the early
illustrations by his accomplice looking very promising. I don't
imagine Giles would go to such lengths unless he was getting feedback
that his readers were feeling the same way about Black Floki as he
does.
God of Vengeance is a
great find and it rates highly on cool factor.
I went ahead and bought
the next few books in the series and am excited to read them.
5 stars out of 5.
- MM
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