Review: Interesting Political Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 10, 2013
Though I was under the impression that it was 'steampunk', Realmgolds is more of a political fantasy with skyboats thrown in. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. I enjoyed seeing how Dwarven technology/magic was used in day-to-day life, as if it were electricity, etc. I also enjoyed the sky couriers and their sky horses. Though they only had a small role to play, they fascinated me. I'd read a story focused on them in a heartbeat! In addition, Advisor Against is a sound idea for any ruler.To me, the first chapter is a bit confusing initially. We're just kind of thrown us into the story with no explanation and a lot of double word usage via their names. As for the rest of the plot, it kind of just happens without really saying how or why it snowballed into war. I guess that's how wars start though, by one seemingly unrelated act or an act which they use as an excuse.However, throughout the novel, I liked Victory's strong female role more and more, as well as Determined's and Reliable's growth as characters. I also thought the ending chapter was cute. Some details seemed overdone, like do we really need to know everyone's injuries in the courtroom? While others don't seem expanded on enough - what exactly is Human Purity? There never was a clear answer, at least not one that I found.All in all, an interesting fantasy, though I wish it had more clarity. 3.5 stars.Note: I received a free copy from the author for a fair and honest review.