The Last Four Things
question
History!
Janet
Feb 09, 2012 12:48PM
I've read all the posts and reviews on this book...and I am simply in Shock over what I've read! The majority of posts are negative....and it doesn't make any sense! Unless, of course, you like twilight or any other fluff being thrown into the publishing market lately! Next to Duncan, Rothfuss, or Card, perhaps this book has very little to offer some escapist reader, or someone looking for a quick read, granted: however, anyone who LOVES history, or loves thinking, this book has a great deal to offer! I am almost tongue-tied in trying to explain it.
It is quite obvious that Hoffman is a student of history, and is well read! This is no Abercrombie, or Gemmell novel. This is like reading a medieval text...except for the fantasy world it is in, or alternate reality. I am assuming that it is post apocalyptic, but I may be wrong...we will see!
The book is easily as good if not better than the first one. I am so happy to have found it by accident on a bookshelf in Chapters. The second I got electronically, as I couldn't find it anywhere. It is my hope that, I can encourage others to read it. Does it take work? Yes! Like George RR Martins did. Noone seemed to complain about that! I have learned so very much about so much reading these books, I will forever be referencing them! His battle scenes are akin to Tolkien, or Brooks....amazing! The battle of Agincourt was Phenom!!!!
The religious fanaticism is a little hard to bear sometimes...I will admit, however...when you realize the power Monks had, and the church in the Middle ages...you might begin to understand the pain free thinkers endured, and those that wanted to live free of the control the church exerted! Aside from that, I like the references to historical figures, and how easily plans can fail, and life change! The man is brilliant! I simply do not understand the reviews on this site, except to say, people should go back to Harry Potter, if they don't like to learn something when they read. I have so many wonderful things to say about this book, but let me end by saying this! I will quote from the book, (very funny at times): 'You know, Albin? The older I get, the more I believe that if Love is to be judged by it's outward visible effects, it looks more like hatred than friendship!'
There ya go....read the damn book! The first of the series began with 'The left hand of God'.
It is quite obvious that Hoffman is a student of history, and is well read! This is no Abercrombie, or Gemmell novel. This is like reading a medieval text...except for the fantasy world it is in, or alternate reality. I am assuming that it is post apocalyptic, but I may be wrong...we will see!
The book is easily as good if not better than the first one. I am so happy to have found it by accident on a bookshelf in Chapters. The second I got electronically, as I couldn't find it anywhere. It is my hope that, I can encourage others to read it. Does it take work? Yes! Like George RR Martins did. Noone seemed to complain about that! I have learned so very much about so much reading these books, I will forever be referencing them! His battle scenes are akin to Tolkien, or Brooks....amazing! The battle of Agincourt was Phenom!!!!
The religious fanaticism is a little hard to bear sometimes...I will admit, however...when you realize the power Monks had, and the church in the Middle ages...you might begin to understand the pain free thinkers endured, and those that wanted to live free of the control the church exerted! Aside from that, I like the references to historical figures, and how easily plans can fail, and life change! The man is brilliant! I simply do not understand the reviews on this site, except to say, people should go back to Harry Potter, if they don't like to learn something when they read. I have so many wonderful things to say about this book, but let me end by saying this! I will quote from the book, (very funny at times): 'You know, Albin? The older I get, the more I believe that if Love is to be judged by it's outward visible effects, it looks more like hatred than friendship!'
There ya go....read the damn book! The first of the series began with 'The left hand of God'.
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I have to agree with you. I also happen to think that if WE had lived through the Spanish Inquisition,the Crusades, or Mary Queen of Scots (Bloody Mary) reign, we would think these books were not harsh enough.
I also was confused by all the negative comments on this series of books, I personally thaught that the books were a nice change to the o so standard stories i read atm. I really like the genre of religion,angels,demon,vampires and such and thaught these books were a cool change to the standard teenage girl falls in love with (insert paranormal boy) sum mush happens everything falls into place girl finds out shes special yawn yawn yawn.
I dont know if many have but I`d really like more authors to try and travel a path similar to this where their story isnt just the regurgitated girl meets boy and give us guys something a little more gritty to read
I dont know if many have but I`d really like more authors to try and travel a path similar to this where their story isnt just the regurgitated girl meets boy and give us guys something a little more gritty to read
I don't have much more to add to this discussion, I just thought more people needed to say how much they agree'd! I loved these two books, and I will patiently wait for the third and more then likely love that one as well. People cannot stand grit and gore unless its wrapped up in a horror novel. This book was grimey and made me love my own reality just a little bit more, as it wasn't an extremely large leap and bound to see that the books history, could have easily been our history (or future?). Its definitely not a book for the squeamish, but I don't see what more of the negative comments are about.
Just to throw the troll amongst the fans (so to speak) I am one of the many negative reviewers.
I can see the point of view that much of the themes and story of this series is firmly rooted in genuine history , however I think the majority of the problems with these books in fact lies with the poor prose, uncompelling characters and for me the awkward tone of the books, the author cannot seem to blend comedy, irony and seriousness particularly well.
This is just my point of view, thought it may shed some light (or start an enjoyable discussion)
I can see the point of view that much of the themes and story of this series is firmly rooted in genuine history , however I think the majority of the problems with these books in fact lies with the poor prose, uncompelling characters and for me the awkward tone of the books, the author cannot seem to blend comedy, irony and seriousness particularly well.
This is just my point of view, thought it may shed some light (or start an enjoyable discussion)
I agree that this is a complex text that requires some work on behalf of the reader and it is an interesting story with obvious roots in our own history but... I just can't bring myself to get excited about it. There are some books I can't bear to stop reading and this just isn't one of them. That doesn't mean to say that I am not enjoying it. On the contrary, I enjoy reading it, partly for the pure enjoyment of having to think and partly because I am curious to see how it pans out. To me, that is a sign of some good writing.
I have to agree though, that I find many of the characters one dimensional, over simplified and there are some passages that I find badly constructed. I think the problem may lie in the fact that Hoffman is writing as a historian, a historian for a fantastical universe yes, but a historian all the same. For me, this book simply does not read well- I am having to work hard at it.
I have to agree though, that I find many of the characters one dimensional, over simplified and there are some passages that I find badly constructed. I think the problem may lie in the fact that Hoffman is writing as a historian, a historian for a fantastical universe yes, but a historian all the same. For me, this book simply does not read well- I am having to work hard at it.
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