Vox DayRezensionen

Finished this recently and I have to say that it was much better than I had expected. I've read some of the author's previous fiction. While he has always told a good story, the prose was somewhat clunky at times. It is apparent that the author is getting better at his craft and it shows with AToB. It does start slowly, but rapidly sets the hook and picks up the pace. The setting is interesting, juxtaposing Roman republic style state and Church with a feudal european-style kingdom in a fantasy setting, and having a workable and interesting history and mythology to go with it. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of fleshing-out detail in the world building of Selenoth.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was the author's take on that fantasy staple: Elves. The author explores the question of what would a society of materialist, quasi-immortal beings converge on...and arrives at something refreshingly different than the ethereal, beatific elves of Tolkien's Middle Earth.

Another item I thought very well done was the setup and description of the battle scenes: some of the best low-level descriptions I have read, major points for verisimilitude here on an emotional level. One scene in particular involving the hand-to-hand clash between legions had a tense claustrophobic feel that took me back to memories of combat exercises and training when I was in the military.

I read exhaustively for work, so when I get to read non-fiction, I read strictly for entertainment, not for enlightenment, political hand-holding, or anything other than escape from the commonplace. By that measure I very much enjoyed AToB. For something like this I give 4 stars...(5 stars would be for something on the order of Middle Earth) Selenoth gladly gets 4 stars and a spot on my "buy the sequel in dead-tree format" shelf.

The difficult sequel

It is always difficult to make a sequel to a great book, so it was with trepidation that I started reading this tome. It was a hard slog at times, this book seems mostly concerned with setting up the epic conflict that will be resolved in future books, so we are introduced to a dizzying array of new characters and locations, but nothing of note happens. The plot hasn't advanced much since the last book. I get the idea of setting up an epic universe, but for a book of this size, it would be nice to get more than just setup for the next book. Also dearly missing from this book was the intense political/personal drama from Amorr that we saw in the last book. All the new characters that were introduced in this book were not developed enough to care about them, and all the characters that carried over from the last have been spread out all over the world, only interacting with their followers and a bunch of undeveloped, two-dimensional characters. Here's to hoping the next book will be more futtering, less foreplay.

Knocking it out of the park

The art is much better than in the first issue, starts to remind me of the masterful Valerian & Laureline, and the story is getting really interesting. Excited to read the next one.

Much like George R. R. Martin's “A Song of Ice and Fire”, this book is hard on the reader at first. The dizzying array of point-of-view characters, combined with the confusing roman names and titles, makes it hard to get started, but once you do, the grand and intricate plot keeps the pages turning, and while a few things are a bit too predictable or stereotypical, the author managed to keep me guessing and being surprised by the twists and turns throughout.

In comparison with “A Song of Ice and Fire”, the characters are a lot more likable and realistic, but on the whole, the reading experience is similarly grand and inspiring, although Vox Day's pacing is a lot more intense than GRRM, and that makes it easier to get through a tome of this size.

Leather cowhide, Castalia Library, limited edition of 850

Leather cowhide, Castalia Library, limited edition of 850

Leather cowhide, Castalia Library, limited edition of 750

Garbage, even by standards of the sophistry attempted.

Sounds like some personal feud caused by betrayal. In this book that should've been an Internet rant the author repeatedly obliterates the strawman of Peter Jordan. The few valid criticism are repeated many times, over and over in an attempt to bolster the frankly absurd accusations of charlatanery.

Thought-Provoking

Each of the three stories found within this book delivered impactful allegories of revenge, war, and theology. I thoroughly enjoyed this deep read and will make it discussion piece with my family.

I do not normally read science fiction but enjoy a good detective novel in the past. This is a futuristic noir style detective novel. The main protagonist is a military police that works with an augment (AI) called baby. His duties on this planet are a narrow focus dealing in crimes involving embassies and governments in exile. Every chapter the book just seems to get better as the character is fleshed out and the world expands before us as he investigates. The world itself is well fleshed out for many more stories to come. The story is well wrapped up so worth the read. The only error in the book I found was an editing error that will only be noticed by those who are familiar with military ranks and does not detract from the story line.

This short book is a fast an easy read. It is well written and informative. If you are an executive of a company, an employee or even a consumer you will find this book useful. The author explains how to spot the signs of an infiltration of your company that will lead to a decline in profits and if left uncheck the eventual demise of the corporation. Their are examples of executives that have spotted this blight and saved their company. If you use companies to help facilitate your business that breach their own terms of service or codes of conduct you should use all legal means to seek a remedy. Examples of these procedures are given. To me a bonus was the appendix which I found to be very humorous.

As promised this anthology of Alt-Hero Volume 1 contains the first six issues of the Alt★Hero comic book series. Includes #1 Crackdown, #2 Rebel's Cell, #3 Reprisal, #4 The War in Paris, #5 London Calling, and #6 The Dark Hunt. Throughout the series we are introduced to new superhero's and a new universe. The first issue was good and would have received a four star rating from me. But the next five issues just improve to all five stars with issue six going above what was expected. These heroes work in a world with authoritarian governments that censor, spy, and abuse their citizens this is a comic that brings light to the real threats to our freedoms and way of life. The stories cover different continents starting in the EU and issue two with Rebel's Cell will get U.S.A. interest in this series. It is amazing that you will find yourself rooting for these characters to succeed. The sixth comic, well do not let anyone give you spoilers; this issue you need to come in cold and just enjoy the story.

The book is made of good stock and nice illustrations. The story line, character development and plots is where this series shines and just improves as you read. It opens our imagination to what it would be like if super heroes did exist in our world. In this new age of comics it is good to see a series and universe that is well written and fun to read. How long has it been since you read a comic book that kept you engaged. For me it has been decades.

Though not necessary, I wish I had read this before I read ‘Throne of Bones’. The background would had made the epic fantasy richer for me. This was a quick and enjoyable afternoon read. We follow a young nobleman from an important family, Marcus Valerius. We learn early that Marcus Valerius is a rising scholar in the Church and though young he is intelligent, loyal and devout. He is sent on an mission to the Eleven kingdom as part of the Church’s delegation. He is there to observe and give his thoughts upon his return on whether or not the Elves posse an immortal soul.

The book is well written and exciting. If you are familiar with the old theological writings of the past you will have a greater enjoyment reading this. I can assure you that no such knowledge is needed to enjoy this novel. I like that each chapter starts with a Latin question which are written correctly and are addressed in said chapter.

The book is complete and at the end includes Marcus Valerius’ report, Summa Elvetica, and an additional information. I do hope that Vox Day continues the theological/philosophy series to its final conclusion. Do not take this out of context, the book is a complete book with a good ending, but I can see that this was a preamble.

It's a good if long epic fantasy that was better than I expected. At over 900 pages I expected a long read. But once I started I did not stop until I finished it three days later. The fantasy world is set in a form of the Roman Republic in the time period of the civil revolt with a religion modeled off the Roman Catholic Church. Then add Vikings, fantasy races and supernatural beings that fit well into the narrative.

The book starts off as the soldiers of one of the legions of Amorr face off against a goblin army. The battle is detailed and tactically accurate for the representative time period. The book does a good job of showing the reader the difference between nation, state and empire and intrigue abounds. Then builds to the point where the nation itself is in peril. As the story progresses we are introduced to new characters and each new character has their own story and part to play. You get to know these characters well including their interior thoughts in a very readable and enjoyable story line.

This first part of a two book series has caught my attention. It is the closest epic fantasy that comes close to keeping your interest as Tolkien does. The author has been able make magic and fantasy have as much a part to play as the intricate machinations between nobles. Yet mainly you do feel as if you are in a historical fiction of a modified Roman timeline. Every page of this book adds to the richness of the story being told and will captivate you. The bar is set high for the second and final installment.

This is a well written and researched book along with an excellent forward. I must first state that I have not read anything written by Jordan Peterson. But I was shown some of his Map of Meanings lectures which was enough to show me he has never read the Bible nor understands the duality of mankind. Be that as it may this book by Vox Day appears to be an objective look at the work of this man. I can only assume that the subtitle of Mr. Day's book as a touch of humor.

The book delves into some substantial errors and inconstancy of Jordan Peterson work. Vox Day documents, which can be independently verified, that Jordan Peterson has intentionally misrepresented statistics, sources, and history. In some of Peterson's notes his conclusion are actually an inversion of what the study actually found. This I find disturbing from a so called academic. Peterson also has a style that seems based on a delivery that is purposefully vague. This manner of speech and writing leaves the recipient open to multiple interpretations that will lead to confusion instead of clarity.

The reason I did not give a full five stars is that Mr. Day moves into Peterson's motives which may seem self evident but I feel leads to interpretation. The claims include that Jordan Peterson has, in documented cases not followed his own defined set of rules. That his argument 's are motivated by fear and cowardice and the he truly does not believe in the Free Speech he claims to advocate for. On the last assertion I can understand based on his work with the United Nations. But I can only take the written motivations as informed opinions for now.½

Not being familiar with the universe in which this story takes place, the first 25% (and last 5%) reads like a boring and unnecessary litany of names and places that I don't understand. I also really didn't care for the philosophizing about god or religion or whatever was going on there. I clearly am not the target audience for this piece.

A Throne of Bones is the first in a proposed two-book series, Arts of Dark and Light. It is an epic fantasy in the best tradition. It is told in multiple POVs: in the Republic of Amorr we have Stratgister Militum Corvus, his son Marcus Clericus, his rival Severus Patronus, and his daughter Severa; in the kingdom of Savondir we have Sieur Theuderic, a battlemage; among the Dalarn Clans we have we have Fjotra, a refugee Reaver and daughter of Skuli Skullbreaker; and Lodi representing the dwarves.
Amorr is representative of the Roman Republic with a religious body that ties back to the Catholic church. Savondir harks back to medieval France, and the Dalarn clans seem to be Vikings. The author ties all these disparate cultures together masterfully and throws in some elves, goblins, orcs, and demons for good measure.
The Amorr sections show a detailed mastery of military tactics. I admit I was glad for my Latin background, but I think most readers will understand the gist of the verbiage from context. I found the battle descriptions to be extraordinary, very well-written though perhaps not to everyone's taste, and I very much enjoyed those sections. The rest of the worldbuilding is equally as good.
This is a long book, over 900 pages, but I never felt that it dragged. The story is well-paced as it proceeds along the various storylines. It is definitely a book any fantasy fans should enjoy. Now I just need to wait for the next book.

Vox Day is in love with EPIC FANTASY NAMES. The Waste of Kurs-magog. Arbhadis, Night’s Mistress. The chapter house of the Ordo Sancti Dioscuri. So much filler. So talky.

The heathens come to God's monks, and are won over by the sheer amazingness of scripture and convert. Even when the heathens are magical elves and the monks are the boringest ever. They hang out, help travelers and the poor (with a dab of economic teaching thrown in for free), pray, and copy manuscripts. I know monks aren't necessarily exciting in real life, but if you're going to put them in your story, have them be more than the most obsequious people ever.

"Therefore no incorruptible thing sometimes is, and sometimes is not, whereas everything which has a beginning does not exist prior to its existence." WTF DOES THIS EVEN MEAN??

SPOILER! All the monks are red shirts. Vox Day kills them all off and my reaction is THANK FUCKING GOD!½

Awesome book, new take on the relationships between elves and humans. Watch this author they are going somewhere

A Magic Broken by Vox Day is the first, but not last, book of this author that I've read. I really enjoyed this novella which is a prequel to his epic fantasy series.
Captain Nicolas du Mere has been sent to the city of Malkan to retrieve a stolen item. Lodi, a dwarf who is there to free some younger dwarves decides that he also would like to profit from the stolen item. I don't want to give it away, but it's a race as to who gets there first and what happens.
It was an enjoyable introduction to a series that now I will go on to read.

This book is simply extraordinary: Compelling, arch but not snarky, and delightfully readable.

If one can know a man by the enemies he makes, the 1-star reviews (and how poorly they're written) sing lustily the praises of Vox.

I loved this book. Fast moving space adventure with characters that felt real and an intricate balance of power between the civilisations rulers, a power hungry prince and the blockaded post-human world where people are merging with AIs. The story builds steadily, drawing you in before unleashing a great finale. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this, though the writing wasn't the strongest. I've never read the sequels, though perhaps I will someday.