The Gift-Knight's Quest

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
—
I typically try to be thoughtful and at least semi-thorough when I write about a book here – even (maybe especially) those I didn't care for. I don't think I have it in me for this one.

This fantasy novel is full of political intrigue, secrets, revelations (not nearly enough of those), and deception – it felt like someone who wanted to write a streamlined George R. R. Martin novel. But here's why Martin works – we care about the people involved (we may not like them, but we care what happens to them – even if that's just them getting molten gold poured over them, we care that it happens). Speaking of Martin, his books are complex webs – this was a convoluted mess. It wouldn't have been too hard to clear up things a bit – but it still wouldn't have made it good, but it'd have been easier to read.

The characters were sketches, when not clichés. Chandra, the central(ish) character is close to an actual character that I can almost care about, understand and root for. Close, but not quite there.

Actually, that sums up the book – close, but not quite there.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. This is overdue, and I am sorry about that, however.