The Ninth Rain
Ratings76
Average rating4.1
A very different fantastical setting. Taking some interesting tropes but twisting them in unique ways this was a highly impressive read. Clever world building and really interesting character development lead to a highly accomplished and unique feeling fantasy.
The world is one of decay, quite a common fantasy trope, but taken in quite a clever and unique way. The race and civilization that has protected the world (Ebora) is in terminal decline. Its sustaining god has died and with it the protections granted. They have turned into an almost vampiric people, finding that human blood helps sustain them, but at the cost of eventual terminal illness.
Meanwhile, Fell Witches, women who can use other creatures life force to generate ‘winnow flame', are kept in a kind of prison, looked over by some malevolent religious cult. They are kept as almost slaves.
The alien Jure'lia invader that has left the world in its decayed state have relics dotted around the landscape, which cause all sorts of weird and strange effects in their vicinity.
The story has a strong found family bent. We follow Vintage, a strangely wealthy researcher into the relics dotted around the world, an escaped Fell Witch, and one of the Eboran vampiric type creatures. They are on a quest to understand the Jure'lian relics with implications for the future of the world.
Meanwhile, there is politics afoot as the leader of Ebora tries to heal her falling civilization.
This is all epic fantasy at its best. Plus it has giant pet bats.
The first book in the Winnowing Flame trilogy. A world where Elves and Humans live separately after a terrible war. Now a tree god is dead and the Eboran elves are slowly dying, the world of Sarn facing its own demise.
This is a fun and enjoyable journey, although there are moments of dark times and horror scenes, all formulating into a brilliant epic fantasy ride, which we are only 1 book into!
You follow the 3 main characters; Vintage - the rich and fantastic captain of the group. Tor - the serious Eboran elf with a passion for wine and human blood. Finally, Noon - the escaped witch with a tendency to set things on fire.
All 3 characters had their own views and beliefs, each with their own reason to trek on this journey. I honestly could not pick a favourite.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Superb story telling from a great author. I'm going to read this series alongside Foundryside, just to keep things fresh.
Overall 4/5 - recommend for anyone who enjoys witty characters and great characterisation, some horror elements and a nice slicing of epic fantasy.
An excellent start to a new trilogy. Interesting characters, a fascinating new world, and some powerful opponents.
Liked: atmosphere, exploration, mystery
Didn`t like: unoriginal romance (two characters of oposite sexes and straight orientation can`t travel together without falling in love. Again). Characters felt shallow.
Dnf, read 200/500
Great worldbuilding, really good writing style.
But: mediocre characters at best, with theatrical, unrealistic interactions, no antagonist as of yet and no real story as of yet. Maybe later, but not actually finishing the build up in 200 pages is not good writing.
For me, boring AF.
Generally loved this, especially the characters, Vintage and Noon. The last 25% was a bit of a mess for me. Can't quite put a finger on it except, maybe, I don't understand the addition of the POV of Hestillion and Tormaline's cousin... I even forgot his name already... and a couple of author choices that are spoilers if I share, so I won't. But know it's mostly just a personal preference thing for me.
I love Vintage and Noon.
I love the lgbt characters.
I really like Williams' writing style.
So a solid 4 stars, but not sure I'll continue the series.
Very creative and complex world building. Likeable characters that you can really get invested in.
This has to be one of the most underrated fantasies ever! I don't hear people talk about it and it should be talked about because it is fantastic!
The characters are so amazing. Vintage is definitely one of my new favorites. The world building is brilliant. The magic is brilliant. So many interesting creatures, even giant rideable bats!
You should read this if you like fantasy. It is amazing!
Very good. Fast paced, with a solid momentum. looking forward to the next in the series...
A new unexpected favorite!
This is a fantasy book with a very distinct sci-fi feel (almost reminiscent of Jurassic Park), even though there is only hints of scientific approach in it.
We have some of the most interesting and fun to follow characters, which I felt as though I knew personally. And I can honestly say that Vincenza “Vintage” de Grazon is joining Jasnah Kholin in my dream crew!
One of the great things about this book (of which there are many) was the dialog and relationship building between the characters. Even the ones that were introduced later in the book and stood more on the background (such as Aldasair) still had my full attention and immense sympathy.
We have an amazing plot (seriously it's so SO good). It was unexpected and original and unfolded so spectacularly! I had not one moment of boredom or even slight disinterest.
The writing style is smooth, simple and soothing. It did all it had to without having to venture into the purple zone for it to be beautiful.
Overall, this book is fantastic and deserves a way bigger audience. Highly highly recommend!
