PJV Quickie: With a build-up of epic proportions and a very exciting cover along with a beyond cool author behind this debut novel, it almost pains me to say anything negative about this one. But, frankly I would be remiss to pass this one off as the next great young adult novel. That makes me sad.
Title: Stormdancer
Author: Jay Kristoff
Series: Lotus War #1
Publication: September 18th 2012 by Thomas Dunne Books
Source: ARC provided by Author
Review:
The book was richly woven in description, which was probably the downfall for me, because it was too much description. The writing almost instantly reminded me of Paolo Bacigalupi’s voice, it was very detailed and intelligent, but there was a disconnect that kept me at arms length. The premise was even quite exciting, a steampunk set in ancient Japan. The story is of a young girl, Yukiko, that is sent on an impossible task with her father, to capture a griffin and return it to the emperor. While on pursuit of the believed to be extinct animal their airship crashes and Yukiko finds and befriends the griffin. It should have been quite different; it should have been exciting and gritty. But, the character of Yukiko never resonated because I couldn’t get past all the swirling double-speak and stereotypes. Personally, I felt like I was stuck in an odd anime crafted by someone that was basing their cultural knowledge off of other anime films and a few books. It would have been great as a side feature, maybe the character is visiting the Western lands with a Japanese background, but for some reason the book was just cartoonish and never connected with me.
When the phrase “write what you know” is delivered to aspiring writers, it isn’t something to be blown off. Kirstoff’s writing is phenomenal, his crafting of the English language is superb, even his ability for transitions and carrying the story was well done. My only problem was the implementation. Page after page of abstract descriptions and droning explanations didn’t make for an engrossing read, paired with the cultural explanations and Japanese wording, which were told, not related, made me put the book down on numerous occasion.
Once again I find myself at odds with the majority vote on this book. Numerous reviews are of a glowing nature, so I do believe that this book will be a pleasure to read for most, I just could not relate. I also want to mention that I am a huge fan of Paolo Bacigalupi and Kristoff reminded me a lot of his writing. I will not be reading on in this series, but with Kristoff’s talents as a writer I doubt this will be his only series. I’ll be looking forward to reading what he has in store for us next.
Recommendations:
Recommended for fans of young adult and more culturally broad fantasy novels. There is violence and darker subjects but it is suitable for younger teens.
Similar Young Adult Fantasy Titles & Ratings
- Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
- Ironskin by Tina Connolly
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I’m sorry you didn’t like this. I guess we all can’t be completely in sync about books all the time
I loved this, but I can see what could have made it keep you at arms length. Great review!
Thanks Lexxie — I know, I had such an odd reaction to this book I had a hard time writing the review. I can see where the greatness is there, I just could appreciate it for some reason.
My review wasn’t glowing either, but I was super worried when I wrote it since it went against all the hype. The premise of Stormdancer was everything I wanted, but the book is super lame.
I really want to love hyped books too. Because I want to see what everyone else is loving all over. It makes me sad.
Sounds like this one could have been amazing but now can only be so for those able to overlook the problems:/
Awww. I read the description of this a few weeks ago and was excited. So sad it’s not worth the hype.
I still can’t wait to read this one. I hear mixed reviews on this one. I’m interested to see which side of the fence I land on.
Great review.
Awesome review, Rachel!! Jeez, how boring would we be if we all loved and connected with the same books?! This had to be a tough review to write and you captured your feelings perfectly because I think I understand what you mean. Sometimes authors get wrapped up in drawing the picture that they lose site of the characters and the driving force of the story. But they are still great writers.
I think we’re all intelligent out here (uh, I hope?) and we’ll read this to see for ourselves – thanks for your honesty!!
This cover actually caught my attention a few days ago, but damn, it had some issues huh? I think I’ll still give it a try, it’s still calling me.
Thanks for your honest review though!
I’ve actually heard a few comments similar about the gorgeous writing but the disconnect. I do love a story with gorgeous writing but I do need to feel connected. And while I can appreciate passages after passages of wonderful descriptions, they do need to keep me engaged.
I have this book in eBook format and an ARC and I will take a peek for sure, but I’m curious if I’ll have the same situation with putting it down like you did.
And I do prefer things related and not told.
Thanks so much for this very insightful and helpful review. You’ve definitely made me curious to try it for myself. Perhaps the follow up books might be a bit tighter.
While I may very well come to a similar conclusion, I definitely think gorgeous writing is always worth a try.
I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews about this book. Some say it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, others say it had a lot of problems and really needed some work. I know it’s a book that I want to at least try to read, but the more reviews I see, the lower my expectations fall.
I definitely appreciate the abjective review here!
It took me a super long time to get into this book (like the entire first half), which I think is way too long. Those details really sunk me.
I’ve heard a couple of people remark on the stereotypes and over the top descriptions. I think I’ll still give this book a shot, but keep my expectations in check.