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40x40

David McK (3816 KP) rated The City in Books

Jan 30, 2019  
TC
The City
Stella Gemmell | 2013
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
David Gemmell is/was one of my favourite authors.

However, he passed away in 2006 while finishing the final novel in his <i>Troy</i> trilogy (<i>Fall of Kings</i>), which was then finished by his second wife Stella.

<i>The City</i> is her first fully solo outing. Following recent trends, this definitely weighs in on the 'epic' side of the fantasy scales: think 'A Game of Thrones', where one novel is the size of three what I would term 'normal' reads. Indeed, the novel itself is split into various sections: personally I feel that it could have been split into two or maybe three separate books rather than under the one cover.

<i>The City</i> of the title (which is never actually named) is ancient and bloated, locked in an endless war with its enemies. Built over centuries, it reminded me somewhat of a passage in one of Pratchett's Discworld books (I forget which, and referring to Ankh-Morpork), something along the lines of:

'the main thing Ankh-Morpork is built on is Ankh-Morpork'.

That could be a pretty fair description of The City as well!

I also found some sections to be slow-moving, and while I never lost interest in the story, it also never really grabbed me, seeming to lack that certain something to turns a good story into a great story.

Would I read more by Stella Gemmell? At the moment, I'm undecided.
  
40x40

Ross (3284 KP) rated Where Gods Fear to Go in Books

Apr 15, 2020  
Where Gods Fear to Go
Where Gods Fear to Go
Angus Watson | 2019 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Excellent end to a wonderful trilogy
The third and final book in the surprising West of West trilogy continues following the Wootah Viking clan and the former Calnian Owsla alchemically enhanced warriors on their mission to save the world. The secrets behind the unknown threat in the far West of what will become North America is gradually revealed as they approach and meet various clans and tribes on the periphery of the Meadows. The group meet more unusual and dangerous creatures, and some surprising new friends.
There are some shock twists spread throughout the book, a number of unexpected deaths, some long-anticipated ones and some excellent character interaction,
My favourite aspect of these books has been the wonderful narration with such with and humour. The story is not a hostage to the humour but these are books that refuse to take themselves too seriously.
There are some brilliant thrilling set piece sequences in this book and while there was something of a dip around the halfway point it really kept my engagement and enjoyment up throughout.
Given the brutal covers these books really surprised me, being touching, funny (at times just plain daft) and highly original. If ever the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" was to apply to a specific series it is this one. Fans of epic fantasy will love the story, fans of Pratchett and Abercrombie will love the wit and dialogue.