(no subject)
I've checked reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and it looks like, once again, mine will be the dissenting opinion.
It has an interesting premise. But the characters just aren't there; the dialogue is awkward, and I found myself totally unable to visualize the action sequences.
I did not understand the motivations of any of the characters. None of them. We aren't really in their heads at all, and for me good characterization is the most important element of a story. I can forgive a weak plot, or a lack or overabundance of detail, if the characters are real and compelling. These guys just aren't. Also there are some scenes in the book that feel tacky and melodramatic to me--one in particular where one of the female characters is having an emo moment and stares into a mirror with only half her face made up.
Which is sad because it's obvious Weeks put a lot of time and effort into the world he created, but doesn't really explain it's mechanics very well. I couldn't keep strait all the different magic artifacts and historical figures, and I was also very confused about the different types of mages and magic.
On the plus side, at least we aren't dealing with another pseudo-medieval setting.
I would say don't waste time and money on this, but everyone else seemed to enjoy it, and anyways hell, I always end up finishing these things hoping they get better.