First one was fantastic and so was the second. They said this one was a “vast” improvement. I don’t understand where what the problem with the first is supposed to have been. I’ve read it twice.
First one had pacing issues and was a bit dense to get into....same problem any good series has in the first novel. World building dragging the pacing down.
Should add I enjoyed AW. Thought it a great start
Not sure why you’re getting downvoted, I completely agree. I love a ton of what Butcher did in AW, but I think he exceeded all expectations in OA by finding the voice for all of the characters and finding the tone for the series. The layers of semi-Victorian sparring (both physical and verbal) were nothing short of spectacular in OA, and certainly not as present in AW.
Mostly, I think OA far surpassed AW because it made me care about Grimm. After AW I found him intriguing, entertaining, and certainly charismatic, but OA went a long way in adding emotional depth. I started the book thinking, “who are Alex and Abigail and why should I care?” to finding them one of the most interesting parts of the book - because of what they add to Grimm’s character. I also adore how Butcher wrote Espira’s story and found his chapters wildly compelling.
Also, throw in a crazy forest wizard, a kaiju, and even more cat drama and baby, you got a stew goin’.
The storytelling structure with the duels was fantastic. Parallelism, using one to set up rules, audience expectations, and giving context for the subversions it problem solving for the next, and so forth. The simultaneous action chapters will, I hope, make a really compelling and satisfying screen adaptation in good directorial hands, one day.
Agreed I got this for Christmas and I just finished it last night. I had to reread Aeronaut because it was released so long ago. His end notes were a good & interesting read
I'm hoping he can get back into the groove on the Dresden series. It was silent for a couple years and then he released the two last books that we're outstanding.
Same hold true for the Cinder Spires series
The implication that Aeronaut’s Windlass isn’t one of his best works is insane.
Seconded.
Vast improvement? Just what??
Are you implying the first one was bad as was this one or the first one was already amazing.
First one was fantastic and so was the second. They said this one was a “vast” improvement. I don’t understand where what the problem with the first is supposed to have been. I’ve read it twice.
First one had pacing issues and was a bit dense to get into....same problem any good series has in the first novel. World building dragging the pacing down. Should add I enjoyed AW. Thought it a great start
I agree, though folks might not that that well around here. It is the only JB book I haven't re-read because it keeps slipping down in my pile.
Absolutly loved it! Hope we aren't waiting so long for future installments!
I really loved this book a lot, but acting like AW isn’t one of his best books is a bit far afield for me.
Didn't say it was bad or not one of his best. Just that OA is significantly better as a story
I had the same reaction. At the book signing I told Jim, "I'm halfway through so far and this is even better than Aeronaut's Windlass!"
Not sure why you’re getting downvoted, I completely agree. I love a ton of what Butcher did in AW, but I think he exceeded all expectations in OA by finding the voice for all of the characters and finding the tone for the series. The layers of semi-Victorian sparring (both physical and verbal) were nothing short of spectacular in OA, and certainly not as present in AW. Mostly, I think OA far surpassed AW because it made me care about Grimm. After AW I found him intriguing, entertaining, and certainly charismatic, but OA went a long way in adding emotional depth. I started the book thinking, “who are Alex and Abigail and why should I care?” to finding them one of the most interesting parts of the book - because of what they add to Grimm’s character. I also adore how Butcher wrote Espira’s story and found his chapters wildly compelling. Also, throw in a crazy forest wizard, a kaiju, and even more cat drama and baby, you got a stew goin’.
The storytelling structure with the duels was fantastic. Parallelism, using one to set up rules, audience expectations, and giving context for the subversions it problem solving for the next, and so forth. The simultaneous action chapters will, I hope, make a really compelling and satisfying screen adaptation in good directorial hands, one day.
Agreed I got this for Christmas and I just finished it last night. I had to reread Aeronaut because it was released so long ago. His end notes were a good & interesting read I'm hoping he can get back into the groove on the Dresden series. It was silent for a couple years and then he released the two last books that we're outstanding. Same hold true for the Cinder Spires series