Reading

The world is so rich and interesting, and the added viewpoint really helps sell the expanded world. I wish I could say I was surprised by the ending, but it was projected from the beginning and without it the next book wouldn’t be possible.

After reading several of Kay’s novels in a row, this one felt like the rare miss. I enjoyed the story and world building, but it didn’t feel like I built up or resolved anything. It was kind of a glimpse into the life, not really a well-unified epic story. I did enjoy the long-term impact of The Sarantine Mosaic in some side conversation of characters in the book.

The back half of this novel really kept me on my toes; I couldn’t predict at all where we were going, and I loved it. As I’m finding more and more reading his back catalog, Kay’s ability to pull at emotional threads is unmatched; I’m sympathizing with the protagonists and antagonists alike!

I’m finding the best part of the author’s writing is the room to breathe and establish ideas and inferences myself without being bashed over the head with the conclusion. From start to finish the first of this two-part series let me soak up the rich world-building and amusing characters. The time-jumps were a bit unexpected, but helped set the stage, and I can’t believe I moderately care about chariot racing.

Somehow the ending of this book made me truly feel for a side character we spent absolutely no time on. A wonderful look at decades-long cascading effects in a truly interesting setting and story.

Full of tried-and-true retellings of the stories you’d expect, I felt like you could read Skunkworks or Creativity, Inc., and walk away with a better impression of the effective performance of some of the referenced companies.

Great resolution to the trilogy. It feels like every character got a great wrap-up, some happier than others, and the consistent threads throughout finalized wonderfully. Couldn’t put it down the last half or so.

Getting a bit deeper into the Arthurian connections now. Definitely enjoying the series vs. book plot separation; doesn’t feel like too many intentionally broken plotlines. Love the plot twists and turns and the constant progression forward on top of the worldbuilding!

Rarely any small plot points that left me dreading their resolution; always forward momentum on the plot, even when time-jumping back to see another perspective. Fun world-building, great characters, but some really tough emotions at the end (as often in a Kay book).

Consistently entertaining and unpredictable. Continuing the world building behind the Kings is interesting, and the different side-characters didn’t feel hollow. It does feel like the plot is elongated a bit too far, but I don’t mind.

Surprisingly difficult to jump back into this series. After orienting myself, I enjoyed the pace and the action – and always the worldbuilding – but the story felt like it ended before it began. Perhaps we’ve reached the end of where Murderbot can go.