/r/Fantasy Discussion Group discussion

This is where you can discuss your first impressions of the book, as well as overall opinions of the book *just be sure to keep it spoiler free*

So, when I saw this book was picked, and that it was on sale, I immediately decided to go look at it. The problem...right off the bat the description talks about how dark and gritty it is. Is it really? If so, I might have to pass, but it could just be "marketing hype" as that's what sells these days. Can anyone who knows a bit about my reading preference (translated...have read my books), tell me if they think this would be a good or bad fit for myself?

Michael wrote: "So, when I saw this book was picked, and that it was on sale, I immediately decided to go look at it. The problem...right off the bat the description talks about how dark and gritty it is. Is it re..."

I have heard from other readers that it is very dark. If you don't do well with books labeled grimdark I'm guessing this may not be a good pick for you.

I've not read much of it yet (like maybe 20 pages) but magic seems to stem from a persons state of mind, making their beliefs become reality. So someone who fears the worst can make the worst happen. Someone who has delusions of grandeur will become as powerful and influential as they believe they are. It's pretty interesting concept to me. As for plot, I've not read enough to tell yet.

I can tell the tone of it really is not much like your books, probably closer to Abercrombie's books.

Lisa wrote: "I can tell the tone of it really is not much like your books, probably closer to Abercrombie's books. "

I just finished it, and it's about as dark as Abercrombie, not really my thing.
The concept and the degree to which the magical system gets explored is really well done, and interesting, which is what made me persist and finish, but otherwise, not my kind of thing at all. Plot is overall quite good.

Dark as Abercrombie? You've sold me.

I agree with the Abercrombie sentiment. I'm a big fan of his and Fletcher's writing is as close as it gets.

Michael wrote: "So, when I saw this book was picked, and that it was on sale, I immediately decided to go look at it. The problem...right off the bat the description talks about how dark and gritty it is. Is it re..."

It's mostly fluffy bunnies and hugs.

I'm about a third through this already, can't put it down. I like the magic so far, and the characters are interesting even if it's very hard to like any of them.

Michael wrote: "It's mostly fluffy bunnies and hugs. "

I supposed I could see that. If by fluffy bunnies you mean delusional beings, and if the hugs are accompanied by sharp objects? Yep. I can see that.

I'm about 20% in and definitely hooked. It took me a little while to adjust to all the German (?) names, and I am still not sure if I remember them as well as I should/could, but I am getting there.

I love the dynamics between Bedeckt, Stehlen and Wichtig. Adds some nice dark humor.

I've just got this and when I checked I had read 13% in one, uninterrupted go.

Really liking it. The prose and dialogue flows so well.

Who the trio are, and why they are together is another great hook and the delusions and objectives of the priest are intriguing too.

Lanko wrote: "Who the trio are, and why they are together is another great hook and the delusions and objectives of the priest are intriguing too. "

Definitely! Very curious to figure out how these three wound up together (and stayed together).

And yes, the priests (and the delusions) are also quite intriguing. Right now I'm only encountering things that make me want to continue reading, which is also a great sign.

Lisa wrote: "It took me a little while to adjust to all the German (?) names, and I am still not sure if I remember them as well as I should/could, but I am getting there."

Yeah, it's German (Source: I'm German) and believe it or not I had the same problem at first. Because for me those aren't names but verbs or adjectives like "Stehlen" = to steal, or "Wichtig" = important. But after a while I realized that those adjectives and verbs actually describe the characters pretty good.

But yeah, good book so far.

Michael wrote: "like "Stehlen" = to steal, or "Wichtig" = important"
Oh, interesting! I had thought some of the words might mean something if translated, (I had mentioned Geisteskranken on a forum and a German member told me it meant "mentally ill"), but hadn't considered the characters' names may have a real meaning as well.

I reached 2/3 of the book and this just keeps getting better and better. There is quite a lot of change in POVs, but it's so well done it's not a problem, in fact, probably one of the strengths so far.

Loving the gore, violence and cynical atmosphere.

I read the first couple chapters and realized I need to finish my current book before delving in so I can really invest some time. The beginning is definitely intriguing, though, and I look forward to reading this book!

Reading this slowly- on the 4th chapter now. The names are helping me appreciate my Kindle's translate feature. The whole delusions and powers gained from them concept is really interesting!

Seeing Cotard's syndrome on the back copy certainly caught my eye. I'll be interested to see how that plays out.

I'm generally not a fan of prologues, but I can handle one that's barely a full page long.

I've only made it through chapter 1 so far, but giving the presumed MC a nasty cold to go along with the general nastiness of the group is a nice touch.

I'm about halfway through the book after about two days of reading and the action has yet to let up. I love the trio of primary characters quite a bit.

I'm just over 60% into the book and I'm really, really enjoying it - more than expected. I'm surprised that I hadn't heard of this book before it was picked for the book club, because it's excellent.

I think this might be THE fantasy sleeper hit of 2015. Kinda hope it at least gets nominated for an award.

Christopher wrote: "I think this might be THE fantasy sleeper hit of 2015. Kinda hope it at least gets nominated for an award."

It is very surprising how little I have heard about this one. I don't think I even heard about it until after it was released (which is really unusual). But so far I'm agreeing with everyone I know that has read it, very good! And different!

Not to sound like a jerk, but I'm not enjoying this one at all. A couple of chapters in and I really dislike it. Almost parodic in how relentlessly "gritty" it is. Dialogue is predictable and unconvincing, characters are unlikable - and not in an interesting way - and the prose is overblown. Feels very clumsy to me, almost like a draft. The wider conceit is interesting, admittedly, but I feel no desire to keep reading. Tired of books that substitute cynicism for depth, and "high-concept" ins't a synonym for "good."

There is legitimate depth in the book as it goes on. The first few chapters are basically just setting the scene.

Marie wrote: "Not to sound like a jerk, but I'm not enjoying this one at all. A couple of chapters in and I really dislike it. Almost parodic in how relentlessly "gritty" it is. Dialogue is predictable and uncon..."


I will be the first to admit, this book is absolutely not for everyone. I do however disagree with your consensus of it based on 2 chapters. It is almost relentlessly dark and gritty but absolutely not without reason or purpose. It might be hard to see that yet early in the book, and if you are not enjoying it the book may just not be a good fit for you (nothing wrong with that) If you dislike it this much, even if you read on you may not see past the details to appreciate the point. Different readers can have different experiences with the same text, that's just the way it goes.

But, if you do decide to continue, there is actually depth to this book. I found it to be quite original in many ways.

(If you don't hopefully we pick a book that's more to your liking in a future month)

"Relentlessly gritty" - is definitely not "my thing." But I'm thrilled for Michael that so many people are enjoying the read.

This is the grossest book I've ever read, but somehow it manages to not seem excessive in it's descriptions. Reminds me a bit of the film Hard to Be A God.

Yeah... not my thing at all... 0.0!