A masterpiece in storytelling

I recently completed this book, and I must say I knew in the first chapter that this book was something special.

I would not have come across this book had I not followed Mark Lawrence, and his glowing review. He was correct, it is a masterpiece of storytelling.

I listened to this rather than read this and I would say Eric Summerer did a great job bring all the characters to life.

One of things that I liked that I wasn't expecting was the humour Mektu would bring some levity to some situations with his odd and comments at sometimes the most inappropriate times. Really funny.

Overall this was one of the best books I read this year, definitely top 3. Thanks Robert V.S Redick for the great story looking forward to the next one!

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1 person found this helpful

Never really took off for me

Never really got going for me several times it was almost a starter but fizzled. Disappointing. Narrator was great

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Beautiful writing at the cost of a slow story

First off, the cover art and title have a YA vibe that is completely incongruous with the actual story. This is not YA but serious, fantasy literature so don't come in expecting a swashbuckling light hearted listen!

In fact, you will struggle to find a better written book in any genre, let alone fantasy and this really came across with a wonderfully flowing narration by Eric Summerer. This book also has some serious (deservedly so) backing from the likes of Patrick Rothfuss and Mark Lawrence and i'm certain will be up there come awards season.

But (and there is always a but), there is a difference between a good story and good writing.

While the narration and writing were wonderful, I really struggled to get pulled into the actual story. It's not that a lot doesn't happen, per say, but I felt a lack of urgency and pacing that meant while I might really enjoy half an hour here and an hour there. I didn't feel compelled to find time to listen, let alone be staying up late into the night listening.

Ultimately that is one of the main things I look for and what perhaps (unfairly) makes me mark down a book that was still an enjoyable listen.

It's well worth a credit and for some will be the best thing they listen to this year. While everyone else can sit back, listen and admire the prose before moving onto a more action packed book.

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3 people found this helpful

Delicate, beautiful prose

This series deserves to be wildly more popular, anyone considering giving this series a try please do, if you like getting lost in imaginative, beautiful writing, if you love being elated and frustrated by well thought out wonderful characters in equal measure and if you love a world you can lost yourself in, then I dare say this book is for you as it was for me.

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Essentially flawless

Absolutely loved this book, could not put it down after the first hour or so. The characters, names, world is so believable and compelling and it masters the art of interweaving the small scale with the large scale. Can't wait to read the sequel, this book needs more attention!!!

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An Undiscovered Gem

A brilliant, well written, highly original and thoughtful fantasy. A slow build but well worth it. I recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy with without the usual tropes and clichés.

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Disappointing

The story is not bad and with a great world to hold it up was very enjoyable to read. Unfortunately the way it is written and narrated does not do it justice.

It felt like a second draft. The story is well structured and consistent, but emotions seem forrced at times. Fear in particular is lacking depth. The story starts with two brothers in a rather scary predicament and by the time the white child shows up there is no more room to go up. That unspeakable terror of the white child was very disappointing in the end.

Finally, narrator delivered the story in a monotone. I don't blame him as the story is lacking emotional depth, but it felt mole like memoirs rather than a fantasy.

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Boring

TL;DR: A great book if you want to fall asleep.

The title is misleading. Make sure you read the small text above MISTAKEN for Master Assassins. Two brothers bungle there way though situations covered in the strongest of plot armour.

One review said it was slow to start. 7 hour into 17, I was still waiting for things to get good. There are brief flashes here and there. The main characters are the dullest people. The supporting cast have far more character.

The most interesting parts are really in the last few chapters. That REALLY is a slow part.

I chose the title based mainly on the narrator, who's voice I really like and the title MASTER ASSASSINS. At least one of those was good.

I often listen to audio books while going to sleep. In this, the book excels.

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