The Dragon's Path

Been a fan of fantasy books since i was a kid. Ive read the Harry Potter series, Eragon, Game of Thrones, various Warhammer books, Night Angel Trilogies, and the Lightbringer series. This book kept me interested and busy during my time Offshore.

Anyone familiar with GRRM and his Ice and Fire series will be familiar with the point-of-view chapters that Abraham follows in his new novel. Fortunately that's where the similarities end (not to suggest Martin is bad - he's great - this is just different). Expect a cast of (mostly) likable characters whose plots interweave as the story progresses. I very much enjoyed everyones stories with the exception of maybe Dawson whose story revolves around bickering nobility/politics (these bits were the least interesting to me). I found the novel to be a quick read. I like that the chapters are all fairly short so it makes the progression of plot seem faster. What you're getting is a fantasy novel that tries not to be "epic" (read: long winded and boring) and instead focuses on a few select characters in different roles than what you may be used to reading (i.e. Cithrin the banker? It works, trust me). The twist with the Apostate at the very end of the book was also highly unexpected and satisfying. All in all I liked it and would read the next in the series without hesitation. Bonus book review: Leviathan Wakes (included at the end of The Dragons Path): 2.5 out of 5 stars (I suppose I'd have to round it up to 3 if I were giving it an official star rating on itunes) Meh. It was okay. I was a little disappointed with the book. Fortunately I read this first and Dragons Path second. LW didn't do anything for me. I like my sci-fi a little "harder" I suppose (I prefer Peter F. Hamilton or Dan Simmons) so this one was more like one of those scifi movies you watch on a Saturday afternoon and then forget about completely the next day. Ironically I read the whole thing rather quickly, so I give it points for keeping me until the end. I enjoyed the detective-lite (noir) parts but the second half/final act was weak. I also thought the character of Holden was annoying and really needed a good punch in face. Wayyyyy too boy scout. Miller was cool but his grizzled veteran detective facade was shattered by his openly weeping upon separation with his sort-of-friend Holden. When Frodo and Sam get all weepy - that's okay. A Detective and Ship Commander? No, and not when they're the only people in our galaxy saving Earth. I like my heroes a little more stable. In the end Leviathan Wakes was a fun read - just not worthy of the hype, in my opinion. Think: Jerry Bruckheimer does sci-fi. This ain't Blade Runner.