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Book review: Wolf's Blood
Nov. 23rd, 2007 01:02 pmToday's book review is Wolf's Blood by Jane Lindskold.
This is the sixth book in the series that started with Through Wolf's Eyes. If you're going to read the series, start at the beginning; there is far too much background that's referred to without being explained for this to make sense by itself.
Lindskold continues to explore new areas of the world, rather than going over the same ground again, but in this book most of the story actually happens in places we've already been, with the things from new areas just driving the plot rather than being the focus. The new characters seem to be a little thin, not really suitable for future development. I think the world is showing signs of being played out. But at the same time, I thought that there were some real insights into the human condition, particularly at the end, that made it worth reading. We also have an ending that would be a decent place to end the series, or if it does go on, to take it in a different direction.
My overall experience was dragged down quite a bit by the fact that it took me so long to finish the book. I just checked back, and it's been nearly two months since I posted my last review. Usually only managing a few pages, not even a whole chapter (and this book has 49 chapters) in the few minutes I can stay awake before turning out the light to sleep, and only rarely taking any other time to read, is just not kind to a book like this. Maybe it's a sign that it's not that good a book, because if it were I'd be motivated to find more time other than just before bed to read it. Maybe it's a sign that my priorities are wrong. And maybe it just means that I should stick to books that are quicker, easier reads. I did enjoy the last 100 or so pages more, but I think I still have to give the overall experience a 7 out of 10.
( plot summary )
This is the sixth book in the series that started with Through Wolf's Eyes. If you're going to read the series, start at the beginning; there is far too much background that's referred to without being explained for this to make sense by itself.
Lindskold continues to explore new areas of the world, rather than going over the same ground again, but in this book most of the story actually happens in places we've already been, with the things from new areas just driving the plot rather than being the focus. The new characters seem to be a little thin, not really suitable for future development. I think the world is showing signs of being played out. But at the same time, I thought that there were some real insights into the human condition, particularly at the end, that made it worth reading. We also have an ending that would be a decent place to end the series, or if it does go on, to take it in a different direction.
My overall experience was dragged down quite a bit by the fact that it took me so long to finish the book. I just checked back, and it's been nearly two months since I posted my last review. Usually only managing a few pages, not even a whole chapter (and this book has 49 chapters) in the few minutes I can stay awake before turning out the light to sleep, and only rarely taking any other time to read, is just not kind to a book like this. Maybe it's a sign that it's not that good a book, because if it were I'd be motivated to find more time other than just before bed to read it. Maybe it's a sign that my priorities are wrong. And maybe it just means that I should stick to books that are quicker, easier reads. I did enjoy the last 100 or so pages more, but I think I still have to give the overall experience a 7 out of 10.
( plot summary )