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keilexandraThe Prodigal Troll
by Charles Coleman Finlay (ccfinlay)
372 pages (hardcover)
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy
I'm really unsure about this book. Returned it to the library already because I know I won't keep reading it, but then I feel guilty because it's a good book. Very well-written, interesting characters, unique world-building... well-rounded. But I read to page 42 and had no urge whatsoever to keep reading. I skipped to the very end, read the climax, and had no urge whatsoever to find out how they got from beginning to end. I was interested in the gender reversals, but I wanted more about the Empress and society, and about Xanagritte (sp?) and the knight guy. Except, I could tell that the story wasn't about them--it's about Claye. And Claye really isn't that interesting. Maybe because he's a baby much of the beginning, but I didn't care about Claye/Maggot. Or the trolls, for that matter, though I admit I didn't read much on them before quitting.
As for plot summary: basically, Claye is kidnapped as an infant from the castle and raised by trolls. His name is now Maggot, and he goes back to human society and experiences the usual adventures, then has to make a decision.
It lacked the necessary spark for me, but in this case that lack doesn't reflect poorly on the book. I would still recommend it, with reservations.
by Charles Coleman Finlay (
ccfinlay)372 pages (hardcover)
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy
I'm really unsure about this book. Returned it to the library already because I know I won't keep reading it, but then I feel guilty because it's a good book. Very well-written, interesting characters, unique world-building... well-rounded. But I read to page 42 and had no urge whatsoever to keep reading. I skipped to the very end, read the climax, and had no urge whatsoever to find out how they got from beginning to end. I was interested in the gender reversals, but I wanted more about the Empress and society, and about Xanagritte (sp?) and the knight guy. Except, I could tell that the story wasn't about them--it's about Claye. And Claye really isn't that interesting. Maybe because he's a baby much of the beginning, but I didn't care about Claye/Maggot. Or the trolls, for that matter, though I admit I didn't read much on them before quitting.
As for plot summary: basically, Claye is kidnapped as an infant from the castle and raised by trolls. His name is now Maggot, and he goes back to human society and experiences the usual adventures, then has to make a decision.
It lacked the necessary spark for me, but in this case that lack doesn't reflect poorly on the book. I would still recommend it, with reservations.
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(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-20 05:47 pm (UTC)And thanks!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-20 07:08 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-20 07:30 pm (UTC)I'll be glad to put you down for the first spot.
I have to turn the book into my publisher by the 1st, but I want to get it to my agent a couple days before that, so I'm hoping to finish the rewrites by the end of this week and get it to people by Friday, then out to my agent on Monday or Tuesday.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-20 07:43 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-20 07:46 pm (UTC)