I liked the intriguing world and premise. It brings up some really fascinating questions about the ramifications of a "superior" type of human. The protagonist is definitely dynamic and complex, and there are layers to the side characters as well, which all contributes to the sky-high tension and conflict throughout most of the story. I didn't like the lack of description and detail, especially in the fight scenes and when describing technology and settings. The action scenes are streamlined, but sometimes feel rushed or are difficult to visualize. However, it still carries an impressive emotional weight. A few parts of the world-building felt somewhat illogical, in my humble opinion. The story is very fast-paced, perhaps a bit too much for my liking. Lastly, it leaves you wondering about book 2!
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, BUZZFEED, GOODREADS AND SHELF AWARENESS
Pierce Brown's heart-pounding debut is the first book in a spectacular series that combines the drama of Game of Thrones with the epic scope of Star Wars.
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'Pierce Brown's empire-crushing debut is a sprawling vision . . . Ender, Katniss, and now Darrow' - Scott Sigler, New York Times bestselling author of Pandemic
'[A] top-notch debut novel . . . Red Rising ascends above a crowded dystopian field' - USA Today
I wanted to read one of Brandon Sanderson's standalone books to see how he writes a self-contained story when he's not building for a sweeping four or five book series. Turns out, even this one has strong tie-ins to his other books, but you don't need to know about any of that to enjoy the book. It stars with a bang, with the main character in deep trouble, and the reader is left to wonder who this person is, and how he ended up in this situation for much of the book. It has great action, good dialogue, and a really intriguing world and premise. I enjoyed how the main character is also limited in how he can use his power, which forced him to be quite creative.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson―creator of The Stormlight Archive, the Mistborn Saga, and countless bestselling works of science fiction and fantasy―comes this standalone novel showing a rare glimpse of a future Cosmere universe.
Running. Putting distance between himself and the relentless Night Brigade has been Nomad’s strategy for years. Staying one or two steps ahead of his pursuers by skipping through the Cosmere from one world to the next.
But now, his powers too depleted to escape, Nomad finds himself trapped on Canticle, a planet that will kill anyone who doesn’t keep moving. Fleeing the fires…
It's got a gripping premise. Gemmell sets up a last stand against impossible odds - and the whole time the reader is wondering whether Gemmell is really going to let the good guys lose, so that kept me engaged, despite the plot sometimes feeling a bit slow. There are some amazing character arcs and a few scenes that are absurdly epic and stir strong emotions. The theme of the book is essentially answering the question: why would someone choose to fight a battle they are doomed to lose? And Gemmell answers that quite well. It definitely left me with some thinking to do, which I always enjoy from a book.
“David Gemmell tells a tale of very real adventure, the stuff of true epic fantasy.”—R. A. Salvatore
Druss, Captain of the Ax, is the stuff of legends. Tales of his battles are told throughout the land, and the stories expand with each telling. But Druss himself grows older, until finally, the warrior turns his back on glory and retreats to his mountain lair. There he awaits his old enemy: death.
But far below, the barbarian Nadir hordes are on the march. All that stands between them and the Drenai people is a mighty six-walled fortress, Dros Delnoch—a great citadel that…
Soren Valamir has spent six years as a slave fighter in the Belgaran fortress of Kailen-Dur. When a devastating sacrifice buys him a chance to escape, the freedom he craved feels like a curse. Haunted by the friends he left behind and a debt he can never repay, Soren vows to return as the warrior who will break their chains.
Far from the fortress, Allia Dilaran’s desire for a normal life is shattered when a mysterious book falls into her father’s hands—one the Belgarans and an assassin with supernatural abilities are desperate to reclaim. Worse, she carries a secret that could spark a revolution—and paint a target on everyone she loves.
As the world draws closer to the Gifted Era—when every three-and-a-half centuries magic awakens in a chosen few—Soren and Allia’s paths converge. They are thrust into the heart of a smoldering rebellion and into a shared destiny that neither of them understands.
To survive, Allia must embrace a power she cannot control. To stand against the empire, Soren may have to abandon the very people he vowed to save.
