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This was a mixed bag for me -- there was stuff I liked (the setting! fighting ghouls with lullabies!) and stuff I didn't like (mostly to do with women), but the main problem for me (besides some issues with pacing) was that in spite of it being a multiple PoV novel, everyone's PoV shores up and justifies Adoulla's perspective. There are things I would've liked to see as more complicated, interactions I wished had been more foregrounded, characters I wish had had more development. There were some
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As much as I like Saladin Ahmed's take on fantasy, personally it felt like something just seems to be missing from it. Firstly, I love how he overturns the fantasy trope of white, medieval Europe and instead creates a fantasy world with Middle Eastern-Islamic elements. It is not only beautiful, but very engaging. Absolutely LOVED that part. He is also quite good at world-building, infusing the story with a sense of ingrained history. The other aspect I admired about the story was Ahmed's intertw
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Feb 15, 2012
Becky
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
middle-eastern
Things I liked: Raseed; he's fallible. The middle eastern style to the culture--we don't see that very often in fantasy. The magic; It was interesting and easily imagined. The bad guy; he was unbeatable and evil.
Things I didn't like: The crudeness--mentions of farting, calling people asses, that kind of thing. It could have EASILY been a better book without those. I don't know if I liked this or hated it--but the Doctor was way too judgmental of youth's enthusiasm. I know it's realistic in a wa ...more
Things I didn't like: The crudeness--mentions of farting, calling people asses, that kind of thing. It could have EASILY been a better book without those. I don't know if I liked this or hated it--but the Doctor was way too judgmental of youth's enthusiasm. I know it's realistic in a wa ...more
The real strength of THRONE OF THE CRESCENT MOON is in its characters. Their development and depth are evident mere pages into this story. The world created by Saladin Ahmed, derived from non traditional Arabian fantasy, is one where wars are being fought by those who are faithful to God and others who dwells in darkness and depravity. Adoulla and his friends are among the ranks of the former, seeking to protect their city from master thieves and necromancers. In their efforts they become involv
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Throne is an engaging, engrossing read set in a fresh, interesting world. The story features believable characters working to overcome their own personal issues while simultaneously struggling to surmount the world-threatening danger that is steadily revealed as the story progresses. I hesitate to go into any detail, as the details of the story are a genuine delight to discover in the reading. Throne offers bits and pieces of Arabian Nights, Lankhmar, Robin Hood, the Odd Couple, Lethal Weapon, t
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4.5 stars I would have given it 5, but the last 40 pages or so seemed a little too rushed as it hurdled toward the end. That was my perception anyway. Others may not agree.
All in all, this was a great read, with excellent worldbuilding, atmosphere I could taste and smell and feel, and characters I could believe in.
Throne of the Crescent Moon would have earned five stars from me solely for its portrayal of older characters if not for those last 40 pages. It's not often that I read a book where c ...more
All in all, this was a great read, with excellent worldbuilding, atmosphere I could taste and smell and feel, and characters I could believe in.
Throne of the Crescent Moon would have earned five stars from me solely for its portrayal of older characters if not for those last 40 pages. It's not often that I read a book where c ...more
Wow. If this is Saladin Ahmed's first book, then he has one hell of a career ahead of him. This was a fast, gripping book that takes swash-buckling, demon-hunting, and a love of good food, then mixes them all lovingly into a story that will have you clamoring for more (note to Mr. Ahmed: I am now clamoring for more. If DAW hasn't given you a multi-book deal, please Kickstart a book for further tales from the Crescent Moon Kingdoms).
There's cultural conflict, economic disparity, religious schisms ...more
There's cultural conflict, economic disparity, religious schisms ...more
I don't want to step on my official review...
However, Throne of the Crescent Moon is absolutely solid fantasy with historical underpinnings not usually found in fantasy fiction. Characters at once both archetypes and different than the ordinary, the characters and the city they inhabit are the real stars of Saladin's work.
My full review is here at SF Signal:
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However, Throne of the Crescent Moon is absolutely solid fantasy with historical underpinnings not usually found in fantasy fiction. Characters at once both archetypes and different than the ordinary, the characters and the city they inhabit are the real stars of Saladin's work.
My full review is here at SF Signal:
...more
There's nothing I can say here that hasn't already been said by more famous writers and reviewers than me.
(JUST READ IT!)
But, seriously, look, I opened the cover of this book and vanished from my living room, adventured in the Crescent Moon Kingdoms and was miraculously returned in one piece, feeling like I could fly.
If your child-self ever itched to give the genie's lamp a rub, ride on Bagheera's back or put on the Sorting Hat, or if your adult-self ever felt confused between memories of your ...more
(JUST READ IT!)
But, seriously, look, I opened the cover of this book and vanished from my living room, adventured in the Crescent Moon Kingdoms and was miraculously returned in one piece, feeling like I could fly.
If your child-self ever itched to give the genie's lamp a rub, ride on Bagheera's back or put on the Sorting Hat, or if your adult-self ever felt confused between memories of your ...more
I really enjoyed this story. Very impressive for a 1st book. I can't wait to read what Mr Ahmed writes next!
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I loved this book for its unique setting and beautiful use of language, along with vivid characters, strong pace, and great storytelling. I couldn't put the book down and turned the last page with sigh of regret at leaving such an enchanting world.
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Jan 14, 2013
Nathan Hall
marked it as to-read
Dec 19, 2010
Justin Howe
marked it as to-read
Feb 16, 2012
Bookworm Amir
marked it as to-read
Mar 10, 2012
Reem
marked it as to-read
Jan 04, 2012
Eric
marked it as to-read
Nov 04, 2010
Orrin Grey
marked it as to-read
Jan 04, 2012
Sarah E.
marked it as to-read
