Official Review: Masters and Bastards

Post by **Jennifer Donovan Smith** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:05

Fantastic review! The book sounded compelling, but a little confusing in the synopsis. Your review cleared up a few questions I had regarding plot points. I would highly recommend to the author to develop a new cover for this book. The cover is a weakness, and despite the old adage, many people judge a book by its cover and will be turned away by the poor graphics.

AA1495 · Post by **AA1495** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:12

I do not usually read science fiction or fantasy, so I might skip this book. I am glad that you liked reading the book. Congrats to the author on the 3/4 rating.

unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:18

I normally don't go for alien type stories, but it sounds like this one was really well-crafted. Thanks for a great review, I might have to check it out.

siusantos · Post by **siusantos** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:19

I enjoyed reading the review. It was complete and it gave me an idea what to expect when I eventually read the book.

nfdoughe · Post by **nfdoughe** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:24

This sounds like quite a book. I'm very curious by the fact that the author blends both fantasy and science fiction. Though they can be similar, I do feel that there's a very clear distinction, and I don't think they blend that often. At least in most of the books I've read. I like that feel of being old and being new the way this feels like a mix of knights and aliens. It sounds like it works for this story.

Misael Carlos · Post by **Misael Carlos** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:26

The book title is very amusing and intriguing as well as the images. The plot is new and interesting. Having said this, I am looking forward to dig into this as soon as possible. Congrats!

YoshaP · Post by **YoshaP** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:30

This is what a complete review looks like! It has all the necessary information to decide whether to pick up this book or not. Though I read a good deal of sci-fi, in all honesty, the title of the book had kind of put me off from reading it. Even looking at the sample of the book, I could not get beyond the first few pages because of the derogatory statements against Andreas. But, your review has convinced me to give the book another try and maybe I can get beyond the derogatory comments on the first few pages to find a great story beyond! Thanks!

todwyer01 · Post by **todwyer01** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:41

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting science fiction/fantasy story following a military man who lives in a society where people are divided into different classes and different rights based on their race. It might be worth a second look. Well done.

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:46

I am neither a sci-fi fan nor a fantasy fan. In reading the sample I found it interesting, but not so much so that I would want to delve any further into the story. Your review is excellent and explains a lot I had trouble understanding of what I read. I guess that is why I am not a fan of sci-fi - much of it just goes right over my head! The book certainly sounds fast-paced and intriguing for those who are fans of this genre, but I will pass on this one. Thanks for the excellent review!

MellieBellie · Post by **MellieBellie** » 30 Nov 2019, 18:49

While I like Sci-Fi and Fantasy, there is a lot of dreck out there. I read the sample, and was really impressed.

I especially like how well the author blends exposition with dialogue. At the beginning of stories, I often have to read pages twice because there was so much scene-setting between lines of dialogue that I forget what the conversation was even about! I was relieved at not having to do that here.

I really enjoyed the sample I read, and will be reading the full book soon, I think.
☺

T_stone · Post by **T_stone** » 30 Nov 2019, 19:05

A book that tells us about a well-built universe, with a well-crafted writing technique, and complex characters sounds interesting.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 30 Nov 2019, 19:07

Aliens with telepathic powers are always a strong pull for me. I am also impressed with your strong praise for the author's ability to describe the battles and the world he has developed for these characters. I appreciated your comments about this being a standalone book. Thanks for the great review!

amandathebibliophile · Post by **amandathebibliophile** » 30 Nov 2019, 19:49

Despite the unfortunate number of grammatical errors, it is QUITE impressive to create such a detailed and thoughtful alternative reality! Kudos to the author!

Washboard · Post by **Washboard** » 30 Nov 2019, 19:54

This sounds like an interesting combination of science fiction and social justice commentary! I am going to check it out! Great review!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 30 Nov 2019, 19:59

You made such a thorough and enthusiastic analysis of the book that I'm almost tempted to read it. I'm not into sci-fi but I applaud that this book has well-developed characters and unpredictable twists and turns. The narrative technique used for the "big moments" is interesting, too.
An amazing and compelling review, thank you!