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juushikaTitle: A Rope of Thorns (Hexslinger Book 2)
Author: Gemma Files
Published: Toronto: ChiZine Publications, 2001
Rating: 4 of 5
Page Count: 328
Total Page Count: 155,453
Text Number: 454
Read Because: continuing the series, borrowed fromcentury_eyes
Review: As Rook builds Hex City, the first established gathering of magicians, newly-awakened Chess sets out for revenge—but he doesn't journey alone. A Rope of Thorns is a right mess, but that's not a bad thing. It (re)introduces character and settings, cluttering up the stage; it has numerous metamorphoses and developments; the end stacks on itself in layers of aborted climaxes, messy and labyrinthine. But while it could use some paring down (the ending, in particular), I would expect nothing less. I'm reminded of Monette's Doctrine of Labyrinths: the plot occasionally gets in its own way, but its chaos and scale fit the context; meanwhile, the story's core is its cast and their messy interpersonal dramas and character growth. It's writing that sits in the gut and heart more than the head. Chess's developments aren't subtle but they are compelling, and the new characters are great. The first volume was more successful, but I remain pleased with this series and look forward to seeing it through to the end.
Author: Gemma Files
Published: Toronto: ChiZine Publications, 2001
Rating: 4 of 5
Page Count: 328
Total Page Count: 155,453
Text Number: 454
Read Because: continuing the series, borrowed from
century_eyesReview: As Rook builds Hex City, the first established gathering of magicians, newly-awakened Chess sets out for revenge—but he doesn't journey alone. A Rope of Thorns is a right mess, but that's not a bad thing. It (re)introduces character and settings, cluttering up the stage; it has numerous metamorphoses and developments; the end stacks on itself in layers of aborted climaxes, messy and labyrinthine. But while it could use some paring down (the ending, in particular), I would expect nothing less. I'm reminded of Monette's Doctrine of Labyrinths: the plot occasionally gets in its own way, but its chaos and scale fit the context; meanwhile, the story's core is its cast and their messy interpersonal dramas and character growth. It's writing that sits in the gut and heart more than the head. Chess's developments aren't subtle but they are compelling, and the new characters are great. The first volume was more successful, but I remain pleased with this series and look forward to seeing it through to the end.
