DNF: Ink and Bone  My Thoughts: Six of Crows My Thoughts: A Darker Shade of Magic My Thoughts: Quake

Sunday, December 21, 2014

My Thoughts: The Red Winter, by Henry H. Neff [Moderate Spoiler]

File Size: 8543 KB
  • Print Length: 480 pages
  • Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (November 25, 2014)
  • Sold by: Random House LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00JCS7B5S

"An inventive and action-packed mix of fantasy, science fiction, and mythology, all in a realistic contemporary setting.

Rowan has won a battle, but not the war. With proper allies, Rowan’s armies could storm the demon stronghold, capture its ruler, and end the reign of demonkind. But while nations clash, a greater struggle lies elsewhere. In his desperate pursuit of Astaroth, Elias Bram scours the world for clues to the fiend’s true origins, identity, and purpose. His horrifying discoveries hint that not only is humanity at risk, but the earth itself. Its fate may depend upon three children. With their unmatchable skills, it’s up to Max McDaniels, David Menlo, and little Mina to tip the balance!
In the Tapestry’s final volume, Henry H. Neff concludes an unforgettable series in which magic can live, gods can die, and the highest stakes require the greatest sacrifice"- Goodreads

_____
My Thoughts:
One of the things I always love in a book are rich characters, and if nothing else, The Red Winter was  founded on people. Max, David, and Prusias - to name my favourites, were thrust front-and-center, while others (Ahem) - not so much.

I didn't like the way Astaroth was treated in the third arc. We've spent the last 4 volumes building intrigue around his motivations, and true nature - only to find him a glorified herald for an ambiguous evil. Though this change in direction was handled amazingly, I'm still a bit curious about his psyche. How does an "other' think?
"Max regarded them without emotion, energy shimmering about his form like the sun's corona. His gaze was so remote it might have been starlight from another universe"
Undaunted by previous faults, The Red Winter sustained a vast - at times unwieldy narrative,  tactfully tying multiple plot threads into what can be only described - (no pun intended) - as a tapestry. Bear in mind this is no small feat, I reckon Henry's knack for co-opting various mythologies was tested during his Manuscripts creation.

Then again, I wouldn't expect any less from Mr.Neff, a man who without a  doubt, is an elite storyteller. The fact that I can still enjoy his books as much as I did four years ago, is a testament how how well they hold up.


My Rating: 5/5
______

1 comment:

  1. I haven't read anything by Mr. Neff- but based on your review his writing is excellent. This sounds like a great series. Thanks for sharing. :)
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete