Sign in with Facebook
Dirk Grobbelaar's Reviews > Lamentation
Lamentation (Psalms of Isaak, #1)
by
by
I'm surprised at some of the negative commentary listed below, as far as this book is concerned. Despite being hardly fair, a lot of it is downright inaccurate.
I really enjoyed this novel. I think that the last time I got so excited about a series was when I read A Game of Thrones. Something that other reviewers likely didn't appreciate was the fact that this is a story that tells itself, while the author just nudges it along. Yes, it is a very ambitious tale and yes, we only get to see little parts of it via the numerous characters' point of view. That's what makes this a living, breathing world. Also, bear in mind that this is a kick off to a series and some loose threads will remain untied. The prose in this book is something else and really bolsters the pacing. This novel never really gets bogged down, but just keeps moving.
As far as the story itself is concerned. On the surface, it's about the destruction of a city. Not just any city too, but the seat of religion, albeit it somewhat science based, and knowledge in the Named Lands. Of course, political and religious turmoil erupts as fingers are pointed and countries prepare for war. Beneath the surface, however, there's a lot more going on. A labyrinth of conspiracies, treason, double crosses and triple crosses where nothing is quite as it seems. In the final paragraphs of the novel, Mr Scholes is still busily changing our perceptions about the key players (and introducing potential new ones).
Like the Shannara series (The Sword of Shannara, Terry Brooks), Tales of the Dying Earth (The Eyes of the Overworld, Jack Vance)and the Death Gate Cycle (Dragon Wing, Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman), this is a fantasy based on a future earth, as opposed to a past, or historic, earth. Yet it remains a fantasy. And what a fantasy world it is!
I thought Lamentation was a marvelous book. I am relieved to say that my trust in the opinion of Orson Scott Card was affirmed by reading this. It goes without saying that the estimations of a renowned writer should carry more weight than those of the average goodreads user, although everybody is entitled to their opinion. This includes me and Mr Scott Card.
There it is. If you're looking for something fresh and exciting in a new series. This is the place to start looking.
I really enjoyed this novel. I think that the last time I got so excited about a series was when I read A Game of Thrones. Something that other reviewers likely didn't appreciate was the fact that this is a story that tells itself, while the author just nudges it along. Yes, it is a very ambitious tale and yes, we only get to see little parts of it via the numerous characters' point of view. That's what makes this a living, breathing world. Also, bear in mind that this is a kick off to a series and some loose threads will remain untied. The prose in this book is something else and really bolsters the pacing. This novel never really gets bogged down, but just keeps moving.
As far as the story itself is concerned. On the surface, it's about the destruction of a city. Not just any city too, but the seat of religion, albeit it somewhat science based, and knowledge in the Named Lands. Of course, political and religious turmoil erupts as fingers are pointed and countries prepare for war. Beneath the surface, however, there's a lot more going on. A labyrinth of conspiracies, treason, double crosses and triple crosses where nothing is quite as it seems. In the final paragraphs of the novel, Mr Scholes is still busily changing our perceptions about the key players (and introducing potential new ones).
Like the Shannara series (The Sword of Shannara, Terry Brooks), Tales of the Dying Earth (The Eyes of the Overworld, Jack Vance)and the Death Gate Cycle (Dragon Wing, Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman), this is a fantasy based on a future earth, as opposed to a past, or historic, earth. Yet it remains a fantasy. And what a fantasy world it is!
I thought Lamentation was a marvelous book. I am relieved to say that my trust in the opinion of Orson Scott Card was affirmed by reading this. It goes without saying that the estimations of a renowned writer should carry more weight than those of the average goodreads user, although everybody is entitled to their opinion. This includes me and Mr Scott Card.
There it is. If you're looking for something fresh and exciting in a new series. This is the place to start looking.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
Lamentation.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
October 23, 2010
–
Started Reading
October 23, 2010
– Shelved
October 28, 2010
–
Finished Reading
June 4, 2011
– Shelved as:
fantasy
June 4, 2011
– Shelved as:
favourites
August 7, 2011
– Shelved as:
books-i-own
March 20, 2024
– Shelved as:
sff-from-2000s
Comments Showing 1-6 of 6 (6 new)
date
newest »
newest »
Thanks. Yes, it was a pretty good book. I loved the style of presentation. Some good novels are, in my opinion, hampered by slow pacing. No such issues here. I also loved the hints of 'something else out there' that the current cast of characters are still unaware of. I still have to read the second book, it might be a while yet before I do so. Here in South Africa a lot of this kind of fiction is unavailable and I have to import it. My copy of Canticle is currently in the post from the UK.
I think you enjoy all the ones to follow. I do hope you can get them all fast enough for you. ;) I am anxiously waiting for the next book to come out.
Chris wrote: "Great review, fair play Dirk"Thanks Chris
I appreciated your review and been searching for good writing (this is a good fit. It sorta reminds me of Chinese epic shows, but I liked it when growing up) KS he is such a good writer and leaves the reader much to envision. The hand signaling is to be grasped as to language we use to spin our knowledge and/or double talking in a novel/sf/clicks.) Can't wait to finish antiphon.
I found this and the rest of the books thus far part of genius. I love the way Ken lays it out and pieces the huge puzzle together. Leaves you will so many thoughts when your done, and slowly expands and connects them all.