Aspects of this novel are really good; but then I'd hit a lull in the narrative and feel completely different about it. It was a bit of a rollercoasteAspects of this novel are really good; but then I'd hit a lull in the narrative and feel completely different about it. It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me between loving the world building and characters; but disliking all of the (most unnecessary) boring sex scenes, odd violent scenes, and a very typical, predictable plot. I could forgive the somewhat predictable plot if only there wasn't a 75 page section in the midst of the excitement of the height of the story that is each of our characters 'getting it on' with their desired romantic interest (be it g/f, wife, etc.).
Ultimately, To Cage a God was an okay read. It's good enough I might read book two. It's not good enough that I would recommend it to anyone. It felt immature in it's delivery at times. This latest fad/trend of 'romantasy' books seems to be killing a lot of really interesting fantasy books or worlds lately. It's almost like May was forced to add some sex scenes in just because they are 'hot' right now (lol). I have no idea if that's true, but if it was it would make perfect sense as her scenes felt unnecessary (except maybe one?) and tacked on at the last minute.
There is an ongoing theme of pain and violence. It that could have been intense but came off bland for me. May has amazing grimdark ideas for unique torture; but she never goes far enough in really describing things to make it feel real, dark and gritty. If you want to truly talk about eviscerating someone or burning them alive then you need to be willing to either gloss over it in all cases or get into the gritty details. Either embrace the dark and get into it in detail; or stay higher level and keep it quite palatable. The halfway commitment to descriptions felt awkward and out of place.
Additionally, one of our MC's (and one of the four or five POVs), appears to have a disease similar to my own affliction, fibromyalgia. At times I felt like May understood the sacrifices those of us with chronic pain disorders who suffer in order to 'be present' or 'do things' because others want us to. But at other times if it wasn't convenient for that character to be weakened (based on the plot needs) she seemed to push them too far; making some actions unrealistic based on the parameters set in the story. If you're thinking, realistic in fantasy, say what? I have a rule that I will accept all the rules of your fantasy world; but you then must live within them and be realistic about what is possible and what is not. People can only endure so much; I dislike magical regeneration not established early on. For me part of what makes a good fantasy novel great is the ability to connect the characters and their plights back to the readers own life. May, at times, came close here to doing that; but ultimately failed too many times to use it to her advantage in advancing her characters and plot. Maybe May needed a pre-reader that has a debilitating disease and/or PTSD to read the book and provide comments? (as a sidenote if you want amazing fantasy with PTSD check out C. L. Polk's Witchmark).
Overall the weak points started to out-weigh the positive ones by the end. I might read book 2; but I won't be knocking down doors or pre-ordering. I'm sure To Cage a God will find some dire hard fans but I believe long time fantasy readers will find this more of a YA/Teen story that tried to get epic and grimdark; but ultimately fails to really invoke the sense of dread, pain, fear, and power that someone like Joe Abercrombie or Brandon Sanderson has mastered over the years. To Cage a God is perhaps a lesson in what is ‘dark’ for the fantasy genre. This may be intense for those new to grimdark fantasy; but it’s not near as dark as other entries in this niche genre.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review....more
This collection of short stories has a larger context embedded within. One that focuses on how women are seen, used, controlled, and exploited in our This collection of short stories has a larger context embedded within. One that focuses on how women are seen, used, controlled, and exploited in our society. Some of the stories, like the chilling Mother, do this overtly in only a few pages. Others, like Woman in the Clouds are longer, and more nuanced in their treatment. Irregardless each story has something to say that holds truths (many we may not want to admit, especially if you are, or identify, as a woman) about the realities which us ladies face.
As a childless woman I appreciated the obvious care that went into each story and its messaging. Sometimes collections like this focus too heavily on women being maternal, capable of child bearing, or otherwise emphasize the expected role of being a mother. While there are stories here about motherhood, they are not condescending or in anyway trying to take away what a barren woman brings to the table. Inclusivity is always important and I like that we aren’t too focused in one ‘motherly’ direction.
Overall The Girl with Diamonds for Eyes and Other Stories is a worthwhile little collection. And a great addition to Canadian short story literature collections.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review....more
Mel (Epic Reading)
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