Lots of potential for awesome or aweful.
Right from the very beginning De Castell sets the scene wonderfully with gorgeous descriptions and evocative exposition that sets the tone from the first page. Good start.
Unfortunately the dialogue leaves something to be desired. Its in places stilted and screams YA a little much for my taste. But its not too bad, could just be teething issues.
The whole set up and the Magic is a Con has me fascinated. It seems to be set up in a nice balance between Rational Magic and Hand-Wavyness. I like the concept of the Bands of magic especially as well as the nods to other magic systems.
The characters are set up quickly and effectively, placing themselves in the story without needless exposition, even if it was a little blunt.
Overall I think it could easily go one way or the other. Awesome or Awful, I doubt there will be much in the way of a middle ground.
Unfortunately the dialogue leaves something to be desired. Its in places stilted and screams YA a little much for my taste. But its not too bad, could just be teething issues.
The whole set up and the Magic is a Con has me fascinated. It seems to be set up in a nice balance between Rational Magic and Hand-Wavyness. I like the concept of the Bands of magic especially as well as the nods to other magic systems.
The characters are set up quickly and effectively, placing themselves in the story without needless exposition, even if it was a little blunt.
Overall I think it could easily go one way or the other. Awesome or Awful, I doubt there will be much in the way of a middle ground.