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juushikaTitle: A Vanishing Glow (The Mystech Arcanum, Vol. I & II)
Author: Alexis Radcliff
Published: Fatecaster Press, 2015
Rating: 2 of 5
Page Count: 338
Total Page Count: 166,833
Text Number: 488
Read Because: review copy provided by the author
Review: The young federation of Ghavarim is threatened with political upheaval when court politics intrude on the uneasy balance between the undeveloped east and the growing, magic-fueled technology of the west. A Vanishing Glow takes place in a compelling world with convincing history and politics. It falls victim to some fantasy clichés, like excessive proper nouns (the biggest culprit may by the assignations called "Endings"), but on the whole the strong sense of place will satisfy steampunk/flintlock fans. The human angle is less successful. The protagonists are interesting, and their dual plotlines are individually compelling. But Radcliff's characters are foolish—their motivations are simplistic and their constant mistakes are over-telegraphed and under-justified, and, while I admire the ruthless consequences, the effect is unconvincing. This doesn't ruin A Vanishing Glow, but it taints it; I never became truly invested, and don't recommend it. Bigger fans of these subgenres may still find this worth their time.
Author: Alexis Radcliff
Published: Fatecaster Press, 2015
Rating: 2 of 5
Page Count: 338
Total Page Count: 166,833
Text Number: 488
Read Because: review copy provided by the author
Review: The young federation of Ghavarim is threatened with political upheaval when court politics intrude on the uneasy balance between the undeveloped east and the growing, magic-fueled technology of the west. A Vanishing Glow takes place in a compelling world with convincing history and politics. It falls victim to some fantasy clichés, like excessive proper nouns (the biggest culprit may by the assignations called "Endings"), but on the whole the strong sense of place will satisfy steampunk/flintlock fans. The human angle is less successful. The protagonists are interesting, and their dual plotlines are individually compelling. But Radcliff's characters are foolish—their motivations are simplistic and their constant mistakes are over-telegraphed and under-justified, and, while I admire the ruthless consequences, the effect is unconvincing. This doesn't ruin A Vanishing Glow, but it taints it; I never became truly invested, and don't recommend it. Bigger fans of these subgenres may still find this worth their time.
