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A Tangle of Fates
What if Snow White had been a revolutionary... instead of a pawn?
Nuetierra. An alien world where twin moons light the night and massive air-breathing jellyfish float through the violet skies trolling for prey. Where giant creatures roam the ancient ruins of a devastated planet, seeking human blood.
Nue Bayona. A gaslamp, steam-powered city caught between the iron fist of a despot and the bloody fist of a terrorist...
Four hundred years have passed since a great war toppled the fusion-powered civilization created by refugees fleeing a dying planet. Since its fall, Old Earth’s descendants have gradually rebuilt a new society on the bones of the old.
Deanna Hernaan, daughter of Eduard, the former Alcalde of Nue Bayona, spends much of her time caring for her troubled sister, Ceilia. Six years ago, her stepmother Lourdessa led a brutal political coup against their father. With the consent of the city’s elite, Lourdessa rules through patronage and oppression while Deanna’s father languishes in prison.
The common citizens chafe beneath Lourdessa’s yoke and yearn for their lost democracy. Many in Nue Bayona support a resistance movement led by the mysterious rebel leader known only as Faustin, despite the man’s indiscriminant bloodshed and violent tactics.
Threatened by Deanna’s popularity with the common people, Lourdessa jealously arranges for her assassination.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
2 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Ann Moore
8 books233 followersEver since I can remember, I've been a storyteller. Characters constantly walk onto the stage of my mind, introduce themselves, and talk to me about their lives. I also see snippets of scenes, hear pieces of dialogue, even smell particular scents--it's like watching chunks of wild, amazing movies play in my head. Some of those bits eventually begin making sense, and that's when I start the writing process in earnest.
Some might call me crazy! Others of you out there know exactly what I'm talking about because it happens to you, too.
I'm that rare creature--an actual Los Angeles native. I have a big, warm loving family and a small, loving circle of friends. I'm a hardcore fantasy and sci-fi geek, and I wear my geekhood proudly! I'm also a political junkie and a trivia fan.
I've travelled extensively around the world and I practice the ancient and beautiful art of bellydance.
Be open-minded, non-judgmental, and loving and we can connect.
Some might call me crazy! Others of you out there know exactly what I'm talking about because it happens to you, too.
I'm that rare creature--an actual Los Angeles native. I have a big, warm loving family and a small, loving circle of friends. I'm a hardcore fantasy and sci-fi geek, and I wear my geekhood proudly! I'm also a political junkie and a trivia fan.
I've travelled extensively around the world and I practice the ancient and beautiful art of bellydance.
Be open-minded, non-judgmental, and loving and we can connect.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 15, 2015
This is a definite case of never judging a book by it's cover!! While this doesn't have an eye catching cover, the inside was amazing!! I dove into this world the author created and didn't want to leave.
The world building was amazing (sorry but I'm probably going to use that word a lot during this review!!) It's set in a different world that nearly ravaged itself with war. The world still has things like mobile phones and cars but it also has strange animals, like jelly things that fly, and huge feline cat things. The author has such an attention to detail and richly describes the world but yet doesn't bog you down with it.
Then we have the amazing (see!!) characters like Zander, Eduard and a whole host more, but my favourite was Deanna. Deanna is the daughter of the former Alcalde (leader of their part of the world) Eduard. When her mother died, her father eventually remarried to Lourdessa, who deposed Eduard and locked him up. Now Lordessa fears that the people love Deanna too much and sends one of her officers to kill her (a very Snow White feel to this part of the story, which I loved) and tells him to bring back her heart. He takes her to a remote area and tells her he is part of the real resistance and she is safe. He kills an animal and takes back the heart to Lordessa. Deanna spends the night in a cabin and fears that no one will take her to safety so she sets out alone. Deanna was an amazing heroine, she was always kind and nice but she isn't afraid to take a chance either. All she wants is her people to have freedom from Lordessa and have food to eat. She wants to be what her people need but fears she will let them down. I loved her strength.
Then we have the Tiqui, the people that save Deanna. She is taken to their village and becomes one of their tribe. I loved learning about them and how they felt almost like the Indian tribes. I loved how caring and welcoming most of them were with Deanna. It was fascinating and a very emotional time during the story. I cried so much!!!
So ya, pretty much everything about this book was amazing. From the start to the last word, I was captivated. There are some truly surprising twists, that I did not see coming and some shocking things happen as well!! It is a story that needs to be savoured because its so richly and exquisitely written and you can tell that the author poured her heart and soul into it because it shows. I really didn't want it to end and was sad when I turned the last page. This book is truly a gem and I urge everyone to try it.
Anyway, I could keep on and on about how amazing this book is but I think I'd better wrap it up. I am so glad I got a chance to read it because these characters have captured my heart and a week after reading it, I'm still thinking of it and I, for one, can not wait for the next installment to see what happens.
The world building was amazing (sorry but I'm probably going to use that word a lot during this review!!) It's set in a different world that nearly ravaged itself with war. The world still has things like mobile phones and cars but it also has strange animals, like jelly things that fly, and huge feline cat things. The author has such an attention to detail and richly describes the world but yet doesn't bog you down with it.
Then we have the amazing (see!!) characters like Zander, Eduard and a whole host more, but my favourite was Deanna. Deanna is the daughter of the former Alcalde (leader of their part of the world) Eduard. When her mother died, her father eventually remarried to Lourdessa, who deposed Eduard and locked him up. Now Lordessa fears that the people love Deanna too much and sends one of her officers to kill her (a very Snow White feel to this part of the story, which I loved) and tells him to bring back her heart. He takes her to a remote area and tells her he is part of the real resistance and she is safe. He kills an animal and takes back the heart to Lordessa. Deanna spends the night in a cabin and fears that no one will take her to safety so she sets out alone. Deanna was an amazing heroine, she was always kind and nice but she isn't afraid to take a chance either. All she wants is her people to have freedom from Lordessa and have food to eat. She wants to be what her people need but fears she will let them down. I loved her strength.
Then we have the Tiqui, the people that save Deanna. She is taken to their village and becomes one of their tribe. I loved learning about them and how they felt almost like the Indian tribes. I loved how caring and welcoming most of them were with Deanna. It was fascinating and a very emotional time during the story. I cried so much!!!
So ya, pretty much everything about this book was amazing. From the start to the last word, I was captivated. There are some truly surprising twists, that I did not see coming and some shocking things happen as well!! It is a story that needs to be savoured because its so richly and exquisitely written and you can tell that the author poured her heart and soul into it because it shows. I really didn't want it to end and was sad when I turned the last page. This book is truly a gem and I urge everyone to try it.
Anyway, I could keep on and on about how amazing this book is but I think I'd better wrap it up. I am so glad I got a chance to read it because these characters have captured my heart and a week after reading it, I'm still thinking of it and I, for one, can not wait for the next installment to see what happens.
August 28, 2015
Did I enjoy this book: It was great!
Moore’s prose is just a touch too frilly for my taste, and I could make a strong argument that the first chapter is entirely gratuitous, but it’s possible I’m nitpicking. Moore’s characters are well written, her world-building is spot-on, and though I guessed a few important plot points before they were revealed, the story is interesting enough to keep readers invested. (And, um, speaking of being invested . . . can the next book come out soon, please? Pleeeease?)
Would I recommend it: Yes. If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic sci-fi (and flying jellyfish), go ahead and grab this book!
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2015/02/bl...
Moore’s prose is just a touch too frilly for my taste, and I could make a strong argument that the first chapter is entirely gratuitous, but it’s possible I’m nitpicking. Moore’s characters are well written, her world-building is spot-on, and though I guessed a few important plot points before they were revealed, the story is interesting enough to keep readers invested. (And, um, speaking of being invested . . . can the next book come out soon, please? Pleeeease?)
Would I recommend it: Yes. If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic sci-fi (and flying jellyfish), go ahead and grab this book!
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2015/02/bl...
February 11, 2015
In ‘A Tangle of Fates’ we enter a completely different world filled with strange creatures (for example Sky jellies), Nuetierra. We meet a young girl named Deanna. Deanna is the step- daughter of one of the cruelest rulers of their time Lourdessa, the Alcalde of Nue Bayona. Although Deanna tries to stay clear of her step mother as much as possible she slowly starts to learn more and more about Lourdessa’s evil business. But after Deanna’s best friend Zander has been taking in to custody for something he isn’t a part of, Deanne tries to change her step mothers mind. Unfortunately that decision only makes things worse.
I honestly most say that I feel many different things about this book. For one, I didn’t quite get the beginning of this book. For me the beginning felt a little like a different story and I honestly could have enjoyed the book just as much without it. But the beginning also learns us some important stuff for the rest of the book. So I probably wouldn’t get the book without it, but still.. I found it a little strange to read about a character for a couple of chapters and then learn that he isn’t the main character at all.
But after the second part of this book began and we meet Deanne, I felt myself enjoying this book more and more. Leslie Ann Moore was able to describe a very interesting world and a very strong and likeable female character. I loved how Deanne was just a little naïve in the beginning but slowly became this strong girl. I loved those weird creatures who floated in the air. It was very original!
The best part of this book for me is the way you just want to keep reading and find out what will happen next. There is nothing predictable about this book. I would find myself thinking about what would probably be coming next and I was wrong a lot of times. I really loved that.
Although this book didn’t WOW me, I did enjoy it and was amazed by the authors gift in describing everything in detail. The world of Nuetierra became real to me and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers out there.
I honestly most say that I feel many different things about this book. For one, I didn’t quite get the beginning of this book. For me the beginning felt a little like a different story and I honestly could have enjoyed the book just as much without it. But the beginning also learns us some important stuff for the rest of the book. So I probably wouldn’t get the book without it, but still.. I found it a little strange to read about a character for a couple of chapters and then learn that he isn’t the main character at all.
But after the second part of this book began and we meet Deanne, I felt myself enjoying this book more and more. Leslie Ann Moore was able to describe a very interesting world and a very strong and likeable female character. I loved how Deanne was just a little naïve in the beginning but slowly became this strong girl. I loved those weird creatures who floated in the air. It was very original!
The best part of this book for me is the way you just want to keep reading and find out what will happen next. There is nothing predictable about this book. I would find myself thinking about what would probably be coming next and I was wrong a lot of times. I really loved that.
Although this book didn’t WOW me, I did enjoy it and was amazed by the authors gift in describing everything in detail. The world of Nuetierra became real to me and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers out there.
March 11, 2018
https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2969560.html
The book itself is a decent enough tale of elite family politics and slightly steampunk technology in a world which resemble, but is not quite the same as, a heavily Hispanic Southern California. All very richly imagined.
The book itself is a decent enough tale of elite family politics and slightly steampunk technology in a world which resemble, but is not quite the same as, a heavily Hispanic Southern California. All very richly imagined.
November 20, 2014
While A Tangle of Fates by Leslie Ann Moore is an adult novel it fits the New Adult market and is appropriate for mature YA readers (in my opinion).
A Tangle of Fates is a sci-fi novel and when I heard that I was initially on the fence. I’m not sure what it is about the term ‘sci-fi’, but I tend to get scared off a little. But really, sci-fi covers such a multitude of subjects you have to look deeper to find out more. I think that my review will bring some clarity to what you will find between the pages of the novel. I will tell you this- this book totally and completely blew me away and I loved every single second I was reading it.
A Tangle of Fates takes place way in the future on another planet. They’ve actually been on this planet so long now that they have already had a war and nearly destroyed themselves. Now they live in a sort of dystopian society with a cruel leader. Because so many resources were destroyed and they were nearly wiped out in the war they do live in a sort of ‘historical-like’ time. There are familiar things like cars, phones and the such but many ride bicycles instead, and the book has a slightly Steampunk Victorian Age feel. This may seem odd, but I assure you, it fits. This setting could almost be Earth in the distant future except for the myriad of unfamiliar plants and places. It’s not overwhelming though as the author sometimes uses similar language for things or at least makes it clear in the context of what each thing is. Somehow she manages perfect descriptions to bring it alive without bogging it down in any way. There is no space travel and there are no aliens. There are the Alta’s which I would say is the average person and there is a group called the Tiqui which I saw as a sort of Native American -like people because of their Spiritualism, etc. Just to be clear though, all the people on this planet came from Earth. The book almost had a fantasy feel in this new and unfamiliar world that had a touch of magic along with creative and unique creatures.
The book starts out with characters that are not the ones we’ll end up with. This did work though because we are seeing something important that is to shape the future of what happens. I was actually quite intrigued right from the beginning and thought it was done well. However once we got to Deanna and where I feel the story really started, I loved it even more. Deanna is a character that I immediately connected with. She’s stuck in very tough spot without many options. She believes in helping the people and has a very genuine and caring heart. When things change for the worse and she has to take drastic measures is when we see her true strength and beauty in her soul.
The book does have alternating points of view but it was never confusing. We are only with some characters just long enough to know what’s going on at all the different angles. We see the evil Lourdessa and her son at times so we can truly understand how bad they are and so we know what their plans are. We are with Deanna’s father so we see how he’s stuck in a horrible situation and how he regrets things. And we get into other characters as needed. But Deanna was the main character and the focus of it all. I felt like it all flowed remarkably well and I felt such a connection to this story and the style it was told in. Not to mention the characters and the world. I felt anger and frustration at the evil people and all the appropriate feelings for the different situations. Really, I can say I felt ALL THE FEELS. And I loved it!
I also have to add that the book is not predictable. More than once I felt my jaw drop because the author completely surprised me.
This was a book I really found myself savoring. I didn’t devour it, but read it slowly, soaking everything in and reveling in the beauty. I thought about the book when I wasn’t reading and even raved on social media because it was really blowing my mind. I don’t think I can truly describe the wonderfulness of the book and can only say that I very, very highly recommend it. Ignore any genre fears you have. It’s not like anything else, it’s wholly unique and something you should definitely consider reading. I promise you, you won’t regret it!
You can find this review, and others like it, on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
A Tangle of Fates is a sci-fi novel and when I heard that I was initially on the fence. I’m not sure what it is about the term ‘sci-fi’, but I tend to get scared off a little. But really, sci-fi covers such a multitude of subjects you have to look deeper to find out more. I think that my review will bring some clarity to what you will find between the pages of the novel. I will tell you this- this book totally and completely blew me away and I loved every single second I was reading it.
A Tangle of Fates takes place way in the future on another planet. They’ve actually been on this planet so long now that they have already had a war and nearly destroyed themselves. Now they live in a sort of dystopian society with a cruel leader. Because so many resources were destroyed and they were nearly wiped out in the war they do live in a sort of ‘historical-like’ time. There are familiar things like cars, phones and the such but many ride bicycles instead, and the book has a slightly Steampunk Victorian Age feel. This may seem odd, but I assure you, it fits. This setting could almost be Earth in the distant future except for the myriad of unfamiliar plants and places. It’s not overwhelming though as the author sometimes uses similar language for things or at least makes it clear in the context of what each thing is. Somehow she manages perfect descriptions to bring it alive without bogging it down in any way. There is no space travel and there are no aliens. There are the Alta’s which I would say is the average person and there is a group called the Tiqui which I saw as a sort of Native American -like people because of their Spiritualism, etc. Just to be clear though, all the people on this planet came from Earth. The book almost had a fantasy feel in this new and unfamiliar world that had a touch of magic along with creative and unique creatures.
The book starts out with characters that are not the ones we’ll end up with. This did work though because we are seeing something important that is to shape the future of what happens. I was actually quite intrigued right from the beginning and thought it was done well. However once we got to Deanna and where I feel the story really started, I loved it even more. Deanna is a character that I immediately connected with. She’s stuck in very tough spot without many options. She believes in helping the people and has a very genuine and caring heart. When things change for the worse and she has to take drastic measures is when we see her true strength and beauty in her soul.
The book does have alternating points of view but it was never confusing. We are only with some characters just long enough to know what’s going on at all the different angles. We see the evil Lourdessa and her son at times so we can truly understand how bad they are and so we know what their plans are. We are with Deanna’s father so we see how he’s stuck in a horrible situation and how he regrets things. And we get into other characters as needed. But Deanna was the main character and the focus of it all. I felt like it all flowed remarkably well and I felt such a connection to this story and the style it was told in. Not to mention the characters and the world. I felt anger and frustration at the evil people and all the appropriate feelings for the different situations. Really, I can say I felt ALL THE FEELS. And I loved it!
I also have to add that the book is not predictable. More than once I felt my jaw drop because the author completely surprised me.
This was a book I really found myself savoring. I didn’t devour it, but read it slowly, soaking everything in and reveling in the beauty. I thought about the book when I wasn’t reading and even raved on social media because it was really blowing my mind. I don’t think I can truly describe the wonderfulness of the book and can only say that I very, very highly recommend it. Ignore any genre fears you have. It’s not like anything else, it’s wholly unique and something you should definitely consider reading. I promise you, you won’t regret it!
You can find this review, and others like it, on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
August 24, 2015
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. I’m usually pretty skeptical about the books I get through Goodreads Giveaways, since I have read some pretty terrible ones. But, this one was a pleasant surprise. I had never heard of Moore before, but I will definitely be checking out her other works, including the second one in this series when it comes out.
“The fates of three women. The Fates of two peoples. The fate of one planet. On the distant world of Nuetierra, four hundred years have passed since the Great War. A new society has arisen from the ashes of the old. Deanna Hernaan, daughter of the brutal Lourdessa, the Alcalde of Nue Bayona, must choose between the old way and the new, between love and power and a shaman’s vision of a destiny that seems all but impossible to achieve.” (Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
This Steampunkesque Adult Fantasy novel is one wild ride and like nothing I’ve read before, but, then again, I don’t read a lot of Adult High Fantasy, so I don’t have too much experience with this genre. Maybe I should read more of it! Anyway, moving on with this review. The plot of this story is a retelling of Snow White, and I found it completely unique. Deanna must accept a role of leadership in a world ridden with machines and injustice. She is skeptical to take on this role of power, not believing herself to be strong enough, but she will discover how strong she really is.
I felt that Moore set a good pace for the plot. It didn’t drag too much and most of it had me flipping the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I felt that her characters were well developed, even minor characters, which is something that’s rare. Moore’s writing is unique, just like her plot, and I enjoyed it. Sometimes it did get a bit flowery for me, but Moore does, overall, have a beautiful writing style.
I really don’t have any other complaints about this book. I thought the characters were realistic, believable, and relatable. I also didn’t come across any plot holes or unnecessary unanswered questions. She also kept tension going throughout the entirety, leaving off at a good place to spark enough interest for the reader to want to read the next installment. I thought Moore did a fantastic job with this novel, and I absolutely loved the Spanish flair that this book has. It made the story even more unique.
I am looking forward to reading the next books in this series and her other work. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes fairy tale retellings, steampunk fantasy, and/or a good fantasy novel.
Thanks for reading and make sure you stop by and check out my Facebook and Tumblr. pages. Keep up on my latest reviews and follow for other bookish posts! –https://www.facebook.com/dreamingthro... and http://dreamingthroughliterature.tumb...
“The fates of three women. The Fates of two peoples. The fate of one planet. On the distant world of Nuetierra, four hundred years have passed since the Great War. A new society has arisen from the ashes of the old. Deanna Hernaan, daughter of the brutal Lourdessa, the Alcalde of Nue Bayona, must choose between the old way and the new, between love and power and a shaman’s vision of a destiny that seems all but impossible to achieve.” (Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
This Steampunkesque Adult Fantasy novel is one wild ride and like nothing I’ve read before, but, then again, I don’t read a lot of Adult High Fantasy, so I don’t have too much experience with this genre. Maybe I should read more of it! Anyway, moving on with this review. The plot of this story is a retelling of Snow White, and I found it completely unique. Deanna must accept a role of leadership in a world ridden with machines and injustice. She is skeptical to take on this role of power, not believing herself to be strong enough, but she will discover how strong she really is.
I felt that Moore set a good pace for the plot. It didn’t drag too much and most of it had me flipping the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I felt that her characters were well developed, even minor characters, which is something that’s rare. Moore’s writing is unique, just like her plot, and I enjoyed it. Sometimes it did get a bit flowery for me, but Moore does, overall, have a beautiful writing style.
I really don’t have any other complaints about this book. I thought the characters were realistic, believable, and relatable. I also didn’t come across any plot holes or unnecessary unanswered questions. She also kept tension going throughout the entirety, leaving off at a good place to spark enough interest for the reader to want to read the next installment. I thought Moore did a fantastic job with this novel, and I absolutely loved the Spanish flair that this book has. It made the story even more unique.
I am looking forward to reading the next books in this series and her other work. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes fairy tale retellings, steampunk fantasy, and/or a good fantasy novel.
Thanks for reading and make sure you stop by and check out my Facebook and Tumblr. pages. Keep up on my latest reviews and follow for other bookish posts! –https://www.facebook.com/dreamingthro... and http://dreamingthroughliterature.tumb...
March 20, 2016
After reading two books in the last couple months that fit firmly in the realm of science fiction, I have decided that I like my science fiction with a large side of feelings. I'm not sure if I've ever encountered science fiction books like A Tangle of Fates or
First Sun
before. Ones that seem to appeal more the my female sensibilities and less to my male sensibilities. You see, I don't understand (or even like) the militarized version of science fiction with its "carefully" thought out strategies and quest for species domination. (I'm looking at you, Ender's Game.) A Tangle of Fates by Leslie Ann Moore certainly fits my need for science fiction with feelings.
A Tangle of Fates takes place on a planet colonized by humans which they have already destroyed and are working to rebuild. There is political intrigue and machinations that has a caused a resistances to form providing the reader with a bit of indecision on who is in the right. These things provide a basis for propelling the plot forward and creating a bit of struggle for Deanna, the main character, and Zander, her closest friend.
The struggles facing Deanna and Zander are real as is the world of Neuteirra. Moore does a fantastic job blending known elements of Earth and the unknown of Neuteirra. By using Spanish language and culture with strong descriptions that reference known earthly connections, Neuteirra feels unfamiliar yet familiar. A world and history you can't wait to discover and new friends you can't wait to fight alongside.
A Tangle of Fates by Leslie Ann Moore gets a thumbs up for constructing a new world from a known world and dreaming into being a society of characters that I would consider friends and fight to the death with.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews.
A Tangle of Fates takes place on a planet colonized by humans which they have already destroyed and are working to rebuild. There is political intrigue and machinations that has a caused a resistances to form providing the reader with a bit of indecision on who is in the right. These things provide a basis for propelling the plot forward and creating a bit of struggle for Deanna, the main character, and Zander, her closest friend.
The struggles facing Deanna and Zander are real as is the world of Neuteirra. Moore does a fantastic job blending known elements of Earth and the unknown of Neuteirra. By using Spanish language and culture with strong descriptions that reference known earthly connections, Neuteirra feels unfamiliar yet familiar. A world and history you can't wait to discover and new friends you can't wait to fight alongside.
A Tangle of Fates by Leslie Ann Moore gets a thumbs up for constructing a new world from a known world and dreaming into being a society of characters that I would consider friends and fight to the death with.
"When there is a grand cause to be won," he said, "sometimes, there are unavoidable casualties. None of us are happy about that, but it's a painful reality." He paused and added, "We've all accepted our culpability..."
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews.
February 6, 2015
A Tangle of Fates is set on another planet, a planet that went to war a long time ago, and was very nearly destroyed. There are plenty of mentions of things that we know today, but the story from the get go has a very different, alien sort of feel to it. The first chapter starts off with one set of characters, and then we get to the evil ruler and the heart of A Tangle of Fates, a world that is desperate need of a new leader.
The story is very much science fiction, with some elements of other genres throughout, including some steampunk. It is fast-paced, and intriguing. The best part, for me, were the characters. They are very well-written, very distinct. I was able to connect with them, especially to Deanna. I loved each and every different perspective! The author is great at pulling out emotions, and grabbing your attention, making you feel connections to each person in the story!
I did have a few issues with the story, but they were my own issues. Sometimes I struggle with apocalyptic type stories, and when sci-fi gets a little too sci, I kind of pull back a little. But one thing this author does really well is keeping you invested in the story, and any time I felt myself pulling back, I was jerked back into the pages, unceremoniously thrown right back into the conflict and the emotions of the characters.
The ending of A Tangle of Fates was pretty darn impressive. Everything was brought together in an almost perfect way, and my eyes were glued to my Kindle until the final page was turned. I might be a newbie in science fiction, but with authors like Leslie Ann Moore, it will become another genre that is old hat for me. I have been wanting to expand my reading horizons lately, step outside of the box, and with A Tangle of Fates, I did just that, and gained a little more courage to keep trying!
The story is very much science fiction, with some elements of other genres throughout, including some steampunk. It is fast-paced, and intriguing. The best part, for me, were the characters. They are very well-written, very distinct. I was able to connect with them, especially to Deanna. I loved each and every different perspective! The author is great at pulling out emotions, and grabbing your attention, making you feel connections to each person in the story!
I did have a few issues with the story, but they were my own issues. Sometimes I struggle with apocalyptic type stories, and when sci-fi gets a little too sci, I kind of pull back a little. But one thing this author does really well is keeping you invested in the story, and any time I felt myself pulling back, I was jerked back into the pages, unceremoniously thrown right back into the conflict and the emotions of the characters.
The ending of A Tangle of Fates was pretty darn impressive. Everything was brought together in an almost perfect way, and my eyes were glued to my Kindle until the final page was turned. I might be a newbie in science fiction, but with authors like Leslie Ann Moore, it will become another genre that is old hat for me. I have been wanting to expand my reading horizons lately, step outside of the box, and with A Tangle of Fates, I did just that, and gained a little more courage to keep trying!
February 13, 2015
The world building in this book is not only captivating but my favorite part of the book. The author really puts you in the scene, the world and makes you a part of it. Even the strange animals seem to really come alive. The language used by the people in this book were not so different that it pulled you out of the story. It enhanced it enough and was familiar enough to really bring the population to life. It is through the worldbuilding I found myself caring for the characters within.
I did have a few problems with the characterization of the heroine. While most of the characters were well drawn out and believable, I found that I was not quite sold on parts of the story. One was Deanna's romance. We do miss most of her friendship and were just told that they were fast friends but I saw no romantic behavior from either of them to convince me that they would fall for each other. It didn't help that they had so little time together in this book. That problem could easily be remedied as the trilogy progresses. My other problem was with Deanna as some sort of savior. While the reasoning seemed sound, it still didn't feel as if she was the only one who could come forward to saving everyone. Perhaps those things will solidify as the story progresses.
While I did have a couple of problems with Deanna, I loved the secondary characters in this book. They really helped flesh out the world here and also helped the 400+ pages go by quickly. I therefore give this book 3 1/2 stars. I recommend it to those that love a good worldbuilding. I also recommend it to those that enjoy sci-fi and fantasy. I want to read the next 2 books so I can find out what happens and where Deanna's story ends up. I have to know if she beats the Lourdessa.
I did have a few problems with the characterization of the heroine. While most of the characters were well drawn out and believable, I found that I was not quite sold on parts of the story. One was Deanna's romance. We do miss most of her friendship and were just told that they were fast friends but I saw no romantic behavior from either of them to convince me that they would fall for each other. It didn't help that they had so little time together in this book. That problem could easily be remedied as the trilogy progresses. My other problem was with Deanna as some sort of savior. While the reasoning seemed sound, it still didn't feel as if she was the only one who could come forward to saving everyone. Perhaps those things will solidify as the story progresses.
While I did have a couple of problems with Deanna, I loved the secondary characters in this book. They really helped flesh out the world here and also helped the 400+ pages go by quickly. I therefore give this book 3 1/2 stars. I recommend it to those that love a good worldbuilding. I also recommend it to those that enjoy sci-fi and fantasy. I want to read the next 2 books so I can find out what happens and where Deanna's story ends up. I have to know if she beats the Lourdessa.
March 16, 2015
Moore does an amazing job of building a world of complex politics, conspiracy, and intrigue from a platform of a human colony hundreds of years in the future of human kind. The reader is quickly wrapped into the political struggles of a city-state leader hell-bent on grabbing and maintaining power by reincarnating the Annihilator, the ancient war machine that brought down the colony's advanced civilization over 400 years past. No one is going to stand in her way. The Alcalde tightens her tyrannical grip on her own city and attempts to capture control of the entire continent.
As the story unfolds, we are shown cultural events that have been maintained since the colonists left Old Earth, as well as new practices. The planet is rich with exotic flora and fauna described in exquisite detail, including predatory sky jellies, a breed of which were at one time domesticated to serve as airships.
There are several major characters followed throughout the development, each with a unique voice and purpose, but the most important character is Deanna Hernaan, whose life seems to intersect and impact the fates of hundreds of others, despite her perception that she has little to offer and nowhere near enough courage to act when necessary. As she gains a new understanding of her world and discovers that many things are not as she was led to believe, Deanna must come to terms with her destiny.
If you enjoy epic tales and rich tapestries of detail, I recommend A Tangle of Fates. You will find the pitch battle between the selfish, amoral palace-dwellers and the struggling, oppressed peoples a compelling story to read.
As the story unfolds, we are shown cultural events that have been maintained since the colonists left Old Earth, as well as new practices. The planet is rich with exotic flora and fauna described in exquisite detail, including predatory sky jellies, a breed of which were at one time domesticated to serve as airships.
There are several major characters followed throughout the development, each with a unique voice and purpose, but the most important character is Deanna Hernaan, whose life seems to intersect and impact the fates of hundreds of others, despite her perception that she has little to offer and nowhere near enough courage to act when necessary. As she gains a new understanding of her world and discovers that many things are not as she was led to believe, Deanna must come to terms with her destiny.
If you enjoy epic tales and rich tapestries of detail, I recommend A Tangle of Fates. You will find the pitch battle between the selfish, amoral palace-dwellers and the struggling, oppressed peoples a compelling story to read.
May 7, 2015
I enjoyed this first volume of a new trilogy from Leslie Ann Moore. The story is beautifully imagined and thoroughly engrossing. Be forewarned: this first book leaves you not exactly on a cliff-hanger, but at a point in the story arc where the tension is high. I felt I had paused mid-breath, hungry for more. This work is nominally sci-fi, being set in the future on a colony world, but has something of a steam-punk feel, as well para-normal elements. Civilization has struggled back after a devastating war to a level of steam-powered vehicles and wired telephones. Electric power depends on scavenged fuel cells, and of course that's the least of what the archeological expeditions are hoping to find in the ruined cities of their ancestors – ancestors who had weapons capable of laying waste a planet. There's a marvelous menagerie of indigenous creatures, such as a floating life form that's harnessed and used as dirigibles, all described in an impressive glossary. The human culture appears to have been Hispanic in origin, which gives the story an unusual flavor. There's also a second race of humanoids, the diminutive and endearing Tiqui, who also arrived on the colony ship and who have a culture of their own that includes special healing powers and the ability to foretell the future. The protagonist, Deanna, is a strong and engaging heroine who moves through this creative mix, her path intertwining with those an impressive cast of well-drawn characters. Once past the opening section that has rather a lot of convoluted sentences, the writing becomes clear and clean, the story-telling smooth and effortless. I can't wait for volume 2.
November 17, 2014
Tangle of Fates is an immersion into a world on an Earth colony planet 400 years after the Great War wiped out most everything, including high-tech. The book includes power plays, political intrigue, romance and fights for social justice and for survival. Suspense, complex characters, unpredictable plot twists and a fully fleshed out world sucked me into this story as I followed the struggles of the resourceful Deanna, stepdaughter of the dictator-like ruler of the city-state of Nue Bayona. Income inequality is rampant. Factions race against one another to salvage high-tech energy sources and weaponry from the past, to give the winner advantages in this steam-age-tech world where some still travel by sky-jelly-powered airships. Sky jellies as in whale-size floating jellyfish-type creatures filled with lighter-than-air gas that roam the skies--some of them have been domesticated to use for human transportation. That just a hint of author, Leslie Ann Moore's, imagination and the details you'll discover in the world of this book. There is also a race of diminutive humans, the Tiqui, that live in the wilds and have experienced injustice at the hands of taller humans. They aid Deanna and per a shaman, their fates are inextricably intertwined. Bottom line: I love this book. It's a page-turner that's bestseller good. Yes, it's that good. Think that mainstream readers will love it, too. I can't wait to read the next book in Moore's Vox Machina Trilogy.
February 5, 2015
What I Thought
I am a HUGE steampunk fan, so this book was perfect! I have read a few steampunk books that have just not hit the mark at all. They try to be clever and to mix sic-fi (space travel based) with the beauty that is steampunk. However, they just end up being a good sci fi book.
This book had so much to love. The writing style was dense, filled with detail and intrigue, but it isn't overdone. I found myself glued to pages, rather than turned away by this heavy detail. It gave me everything I needed to really fall in love with the world Moore created.
I loved loved loved the characters! Moore gave us everything we needed to feel as though we knew the characters. The world they were in was new, fresh and full of places to discover, in our reading. I loved the amount action that the characters are involved in.
The pace of the book was perfection. It moved fast enough to really keep me on the edge of my seat. Yet, it was filled with detail.
Overall, this is right up there with some of the better steampunk reads I have enjoyed. I really like the writing, the characters and the whole plot. If you are a steampunk reader, then you have to try this! If you have yet to try steampunk, I highly recommend giving this one a go.
December 3, 2016
Fast paced, nice twist
I also read The Griffen's Daughter these books are very different which took me a few pages to get around. However I was rewarded with imaginative new planet great characters with emotions I could feel across the pages. Interesting choice to Spaniards as the main populous of the planet. So many great turns and a well written story, hard to put down.
I also read The Griffen's Daughter these books are very different which took me a few pages to get around. However I was rewarded with imaginative new planet great characters with emotions I could feel across the pages. Interesting choice to Spaniards as the main populous of the planet. So many great turns and a well written story, hard to put down.
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