THE THIRTEENTH HOUR
High-fantasy book review
There was a lot I liked about The Thirteenth Hour, (StoryGraph) at multiple levels: the characters are dynamic, likable, and full of personality. The world building is complex and immersive while also being well implemented. The narrative is consistently humorous while also landing the darker moments, themes, and events so that you can properly empathize with and understand the core conflicts of the narrative. The prose is strong, as is the pacing and subtle plot moments. In the course of the narrative most of the important scenes and revelations were landed with satisfying force (the only one that failed to do so being the identity of their benefactor.)
The actual plot itself is both entertaining, fun, and creatively conceived, meshing beautifully into the character work and world building so that the entire endeavor feel synergistic. I was entertained and motivated to keep reading throughout.
There is a fair bit of (IRL)political subtext, but it’s well implemented and fits both the narrative and world building.
This high-fantasy book can be bought at Bookshop.org
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