Jeremy Tout

Young Adult story: lifeless, repetitive, simple

Revisado: 09-07-20

I couldn't finish the audiobook. I made it about halfway through before realizing that all the five star reviews must be some sort of hoax. This is the sort of story I might have been able to stay interested in when I was in middle school, but it's too glaringly bad to put up with as an adult. It seems to be explicitly aimed at Young Adult readers - the two youthful lead characters are the only ones with any good ideas (or any ideas at all), the path to salvation is through discarding the previous generation's entrenched views, happiness and meaning are achieved through self-determination and embracing your talents. There's nothing inherently wrong with this, but the execution is terrible. The characters are undeveloped, the world-building is lame, there's hardly any description of scenery or setting, and almost everything that happens seems totally unrealistic and contrived. I saw a number of reviews complaining about the narrator, and I don't think he gave a five-star performance, but it wasn't bad either, definitely better than the story.

I'm honestly astounded this has so many five-star reviews, it makes me think someone programmed thousands of bots to leave phony ratings or something. My main message to prospective readers is this: READ THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS! I haven't read any other Sanderson novels and I know this was his first, so maybe I'll try another someday, but not until the bad taste of this dud leaves me. Hopefully I can get a refund.

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Humorous, exciting, and historically interesting

Revisado: 04-20-19

I am really impressed with this novel. It manages a great blend of wry humor, exciting predicaments, and historical context for a really interesting adventure. I didn't know much about Japanese history, but this was easy to follow and very informative. It makes me want to learn more about both this time period and Japan in general. I liked how the self-effacing and bumbling protagonist along with his more competent Japanese companion allowed the author to provide a somewhat even-handed presentation of both Japanese and western perspectives. I'm looking forward to the Audible version of the sequel.

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Not good enough to keep listening

Revisado: 04-20-19

The opening scene made it clear what sort of novel this was going to be: filled with caricatures, unrealistic dialogue, and over-the-top action scenes that are more annoying than exciting. I like Simon Vance as a narrator sometimes, but he doesn't help this story enough to make it redeemable.

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