Tag Archives: Epic Fantasy

The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang (Review by Anika F. ’21)

February 2, 2021 angela Leave a comment

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though this was the first book I read in 2021, I’m pretty sure that this will be one of my favorites from this year. The Poppy War is a grimdark east-Asian inspired historical fantasy centers around the a young girl named Rin. She is a war orphan from the first Poppy War, raised in a poor, opium-smuggling family that treats her as a servant. Rin’s only escape from a forced marriage is to pass a merit-based exam to enter Sinegard, Nikara’s elite military academy. In a surprising shock of events, Rin places into Sinegard, but finds that the experience is not what she expects: She is isolated as a poor and dark-skinned girl from the south, but as she rises in the academy ranks, she begins to realize that the gods of legend aren’t as fictional as people think. As a war is brewing, will she be able to survive and save her nation?

Normally, novels tend to excel in one of two categories: character development or plot development. Very few manage to do both well, but The Poppy War does and does so exceptionally. All character storylines are extremely interesting to follow, and the plot is well-paced, complex, and fascinating. Rin is a determined and headstrong protagonist who makes a lot of choices that readers probably will not agree with. However, her confidence and assertiveness compels the reader to support her no matter what gory or twisted option she chooses. Each detail is action-packed and engrossing, and all the battle scenes delivered believable and heartbreaking consequences.

Lastly, this book tackles some difficult themes. It retells the Rape of Nanking, in which Japanese troops attacked China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The impact of war on civilization is heavily discussed along with colorism and colonization. Multiple chapters delve deep into graphic scenes that involve murder, violence, and sexual assault, as well as exploring drug addiction, trauma, and self-harm. So if you do decide to try this book, please read with caution. —Review by Anika F. ’21

For those who enjoyed this book, Anika has recommended The Priory of the Orange Tree for you to check out!

View all my reviews

Uncategorized

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien (review by Andrew R. ’17)

April 11, 2014 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“There was a lady Inzilbêth, renowned for her beauty, and her mother was Lindórië, sister of Eärendur, the Lord of Andúnië in the days of Ar-Sakalthôr father of Ar-Gimilzôr.” That kind of sentence, supersaturated with unpronounceable fantasy names that make even the most hardened Tolkien fan shudder, fills the entirety of The Silmarillion. This history of Middle-Earth, which Tolkien conceived decades before publishing The Lord of the Rings, is dense—so dense that I’m surprised the story doesn’t explode from the 300-page volume—I doubt I could have survived the whole thing without the aid of the index to remind me the difference between, for instance, Elwë and Olwë or Finarfin and Fingolfin. But despite the obvious difficulties (and there are many), The Silmarillion is easily the finest and most defining example of epic fantasy I’ve ever read, resplendent with mighty gods and thunderous battles. Yes, it requires a measure of patience and plenty of free time, and, yes, its target demographic is so small you have to squint to see it, but I hope a few battle-tested Tolkien fans will still be willing to give The Silmarillion a chance. – Andrew R. ’17

View all my reviews

Uncategorized

Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (review by Elisabeth S. ’16)

September 22, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Name of the Wind has probably the most stubbornly arrogant protagonist I’ve ever been willing to put up with for 722 pages, though Kvothe makes up for it by being charmingly intelligent and well-written enough to sway the sympathy of the reader. The novel acts as a frame story for an innkeeper—Kote—in an out-of-the-way small town to tell the story of his tumultuous past as the legendary Kvothe Kingkiller to a scribe that has sought him out. From his childhood as a member of a traveling theater troupe to his trials at the prestigious University, Kvothe’s myriad of unique characteristics make him an unlikely yet quite lovable hero. Rothfuss’ writing is fluid and witty and does much to bring Kvothe alive and off of the 2-D page. Highly recommended to all fantasy lovers. – Elisabeth S. ‘16

View all my reviews

Uncategorized

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (review by Akshay B. ’16)

August 21, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Game of Thrones is the first book in George R. R. Martin’s series A Song of Ice and Fire, set in the land of Westeros in times of magic, dragons, and knights. The story has several lead characters, each with their own story, yet everything they do is connected. The major characters fight for their lives, either against enemies who would slay every living creature, or against enemies who compete for the Iron Throne. Martin’s brilliant writing allows the readers to feel the emotions of the characters and care for them. As the queen of Westeros says “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.” If you watch or plan to watch the mini-series, you’ll want to read A Game of Thrones first. – Akshay B. ‘16

View all my reviews

Uncategorized

Tolkien: A Biography by Michael White (review by Andrew R. ’17)

August 19, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Tolkien: A Biography by Michael White
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Michael White inserts his own interpretations of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings as he describes the life of their famed creator, J. R. R. Tolkien. From the death of his parents, to his distressing experiences on the battlefields of the First World War, to his tumultuous relationship with fellow author C. S. Lewis, Tolkien and his life are documented and analyzed in full in this biography. I found the explanation of Tolkien’s writing process, which he called “sub-creation,” particularly fascinating. Unfortunately, the author makes frequent references to his own opinions of certain events in Tolkien’s life, making the entire book seem slightly more subjective than one would expect of a work of nonfiction. Aspiring writers who wish to understand how Tolkien “sub-created” an entire new world may enjoy this biography, but devoted Middle-Earth enthusiasts who want to learn more about the fantasy realm itself may feel slightly disappointed. – Andrew R. ‘17

View all my reviews

Uncategorized

Watership Down by Richard Adams (review by Stanley Z. ’16)

August 11, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Watership Down by Richard Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Watership Down by Richard Adams is about rabbits who embark on a venture to secure a new burrow after a young rabbit named Fiver prophesizes that their old one will be soon decimated. However, Fiver is unable to convince the chief, so he sets off with a small group of rabbits for a new home. The group endures cats and dogs which threaten the group. Fiver’s vision turns out to be correct, and many rabbits in the old burrow are massacred by humans. Watership Downis a little like The Aeneid except all the human characters are represented as rabbits. Recommended to anyone who enjoys adventure novels that are well-paced and fun to read. – Stanley Z. ‘16

View all my reviews

Uncategorized

Bone by Jeff Smith (review by Huck V. ’14)

June 14, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Bone by Jeff Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What happens when Tin Tin goes to Middle-earth? Artist and writer, Jeff Smith shows us in his graphic epic Bone. Bone is unlike any other series; complete with hopeless sweethearts, sweeping battle panoramas, and quiche-loving rat creatures. The three Bone cousins, Fone, Phoney and Smiley, have been run out of Boneville and find themselves swept into a magical, wooded valley where their adventures begin. Smith moves the plot along consistently, all the while incorporating amazing artwork that makes Bone an enjoyable visual experience. Bone is suitable for a variety ages; while there is death and betrayal there are also clever puns and physical humor subtly woven in with more serious themes. Jeff Smith perfectly blends love, desolation and humor into an epic tale not easily forgotten. – Huck V. ‘14

View all my reviews

Uncategorized

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin (review by Huck V. ’14)

June 13, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

George R. R. Martin has rebounded with A Dance with Dragons, the fifth installment in The Song of Ice and Fire series. Many a die-hard Martin fan will rejoice as they reunite with their favorite characters. Jon Snow struggles with his new post of lord commander of the Nights Watch while Dany watches her dragons approach adulthood in the overseas city of Mereen. Martin’s vivid writing makes for what might be the most chilling set of character arcs that have appeared in the entire Song of Ice and Fire. While not all plot developments in A Dance with Dragons are interesting or relevant to the central action and main characters, the storyline is moved forward and will leave fans re-reading their favorite chapters to sate their hunger for Martin’s latest material. Those who endured the fourth book – which explored a tangential plotline – will be pleased that their favorite characters have returned. Multiple story lines end with cliff hangers all of which are underscored by an impending doom. The notorious and the long awaited winter, it seems, has finally come. Martin is back on track. – Huck V. ‘14

View all my reviews