(Received an advanced copy from the author. I was not asked to post a review, but I really enjoyed the story and felt like spreading the word.)
Unique (Received an advanced copy from the author. I was not asked to post a review, but I really enjoyed the story and felt like spreading the word.)
Unique selling points for “God is a Robot”:
- The novel is humorous and reads like a classic Pixar film - Incredible humanization of the all-robot cast of characters - One of the robot characters is robo-religious and yet to become self-aware. I found his lines the most hilarious.
Strong spots in the story:
- The four main characters, which are all robots - World-building feels grand and very Wall-e-esque but not derivative - Again, the themes and symbolism of the work. This is something the author is exceptionally good at.
Weak spots in the story:
- Unlike other works from Blackwick, this is the only one that feels a little bit lighter and not so dark/pessimistic. This makes “God is a Robot” the odd book out, so depending on your expectations, the story can read more like a pixar movie than your average Blackwick novel (dark, deep, intensely philosophical) - One of the robot characters felt a bit “preachy” at times. Not necessarily a fault, but I thought I’d add it in....more
- Written in rhyming prose, in a way that makes the words rhyme in your head even if you’re reading iUnique selling points for “Jump into the Abyss!”:
- Written in rhyming prose, in a way that makes the words rhyme in your head even if you’re reading it as a text - It reads like a classic horror short-story, with Poe-esque imagery and operetta-like style reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno - Very high literary value, themes-wise. This type of story, though contemporary, should be studied by literature majors.
Strong spots in the story:
- Unique writing style, imagery, allegory and metaphors - Very dark and disturbing images, mostly related to decay and putrefaction, but everything is written very tastefully and artistically. - Despite its short length, the story is surprisingly deep and layered.
Weak spots in the story:
- Very short, sitting at only some 7500 words. I enjoyed it so much I would have loved to be more in the world of the story. - The subject is taboo, and the characters can feel mildly controversial. Some more sensitive readers may feel offended by some actions. ...more
- Completely original and unbelievably unique soft magic system(s). Just to give an example, people callUnique selling points for “The Book of Chaos”:
- Completely original and unbelievably unique soft magic system(s). Just to give an example, people called Chaos Weavers can manipulate “abstract concepts” such as shadows, pain, and even reality itself. There is a Shadowstealer, a Realityshifter, a Darkbinder, a Painpusher, a Conceptbreaker, an Oddsweaver and so much more. There are also people who can weave threads of influence into the fabric of reality (Weavers), people who can rewrite history in a special type of ink and who can write people into stories (Scribes), people who can put words into your mind and watch them take over your mind (Reframers), people who can remove the thread tethering you to reality (Unwirer), etc.
- The part when the main character cuts reality into 2 subrealities, Chaos and Order - and the author shows that by cutting the page into two texts, detailing that transformation – should win an award.
- If you enjoyed Harry Potter, you’re going to LOVE this fantasy series. More mature and complex themes than the first book in the series. You can tell the author has grown artistically.
Strong spots in the story:
- The entire novel is an epic, psychedelic trip cranked up to 1000. It’s written like a woven tapestry, with its many storylines combining into a great grand picture. This is very appropriate, considering the novel’s subject-matter. - The previous cast of main characters are given strong, fulfilling arcs. Lots of things that were set up in the previous novel are now given fulfilling payoffs.
- Be aware, there are some unusual and oddball characters at work here. The There is a girl with 4 split personality, a man who is depressed and one who is into cutting, a conjoined twin with lots of verbal and physical ticks, one with autism who is non-verbal, and the main character herself has generalized anxiety disorder. It sounds like a freak-show, but their “mental illnesses” actually play into their unique powers. For instance, the character who is into cutting is a Painpusher, and can “move” the pain created in his body into somebody else, which is an awesome power to have.
- Amazing world-building that feels immersive and comes together organically. The wow-effect is huge in this fantasy world. - Every aspect of storytelling is so much better than the first novel in the series, The Weaver of Odds, especially the plot, the world-building, the pacing and the magic systems - The story felt incredibly immersive and fast-paced. I felt engaged through and through. There were scenes I was even in awe at what I was reading.
Weak spots in the story:
- I honestly can’t think of anything. The only thing I can say is a weak point is that the novel is LONG, about twice as long as the previous novel. Despite this, it didn’t feel long at all, and I felt very empty when it ended. - If you’ve got a short attention span, this book isn’t for you. It’s got a lot of details, which all end up being important in the story. ...more
- A grand and epic fantasy I found remarkably good and immersive - Cool stuff, such as competing againstUnique selling points for “The Weaver of Odds”:
- A grand and epic fantasy I found remarkably good and immersive - Cool stuff, such as competing against alternate versions of yourself from parallel realities. - The main character has a pretty unique ability, to control odds and circumstances - The magic system was based on imagination - There were elements in this novel that truly and utterly wowed me
Strong spots in the story:
- Huge open world and lovely, enchanting characters - Good use of themes and story beats - The main cast of characters were well-rounded and jumped off the page - A very quotable story, with lots of little snippets of “philosophy” - Lots of darkness but also lots of wholesomeness
Weak spots in the story:
- I could tell this was the author’s first full length novel. There were a few small details that felt superfluous. - Some scenes felt a bit too dark and brutal for what you can expect from a Young Adult novel. Could be a strength, depending on what you’re looking for - Pacing can be a bit off in the first half of the novel. It really gets going fast in the second half. - The illiterate Martha Burlington, the lady running the orphanage/ Children Shelter/ Ala Spuria shelter for strays, was a bit of a one-dimensional character. I understand this is a dystopian world, destroyed by water, but sometimes she was cruel and sadistic to kids for no real reason....more
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