Review: The Mongoliad Book Two by
Neal Stephenson and Many more
IN A GLANCE: Better thank the first. But not by much.
Authors: Neal Stephenson, Erik Bear, Greg Bear, Joseph Brassey, Nichole Galland, Cooper Moo, Mark Teppo, Mike Grell
Publisher: 47 North
Format: Paperback ARC
Pages: 452 Pages
ISBN #: 1612182372
The Mongoliad began as a social media experiment, combining serial story-telling with a unique level of interaction between authors and audience during the creative process. Since its original iteration, The Mongoliad has been restructured, edited, and rewritten under the supervision of its authors to create a more cohesive reading experience and will be published as a trilogy of novels. This edition is the definitive edition and is the authors' preferred text. This riveting second installment in Stephenson and company’s epic tale focuses on the aftermath of the world-shattering Mongolian invasion of 1241 and the difficult paths undertaken by its most resilient survivors. The Shield Brethren, an order of warrior monks, search for a way to overthrow the horde, even as the invaders take its members hostage. Forced to fight in the Mongols’ Circus of Swords, Hakkon must prove his mettle or lose his life in the ring. His bravery may impress the enemy, but freedom remains a distant dream. Father Rodrigo receives a prophecy from God and believes it’s his mission to deliver the message to Rome. Though a peaceful man, he resigns himself to take up arms in the name of his Lord. Joining his fight to save Christendom are the hunter Ferenc, orphan Ocyrhoe, healer Raphael, and alchemist Yasper, each searching for his place in history. Deftly blending fact and fantasy, The Mongoliad: Book Two captures the indomitable will to survive against immense odds.
Review:
I will say this one was a little better than the first book, but sadly it's not much better. There are several things that I didn't like and only a couple things that I sorta enjoyed. Yes I read this whole book, but I'm not sure why I actually read it all. I think I was waiting for it to get better. I wanted it to get better.
I really did enjoy how all the different plots from the first book intertwined into this one, even when these authors brought different plots into this book that wasn't in the first one. It's like I enjoyed the thought of this book, but the execution of it, the writing of it just isn't good enough to carry it.
I again would have liked to know more about the new characters in this book, but I'm guessing this is what these authors are going for with this story. Its the same way in the first book, but I did get used to it.
I really feel this book needs a good edit, its very fragmented. I did how ever enjoy this book as I read it. Even though I've picked on it in this review, it was a good book, just not the great book that I wanted it to be. It does slow and needed to be sped up some as well.
All in all it's just a bit better than the first.
Rating:
Plot: 18/20
Character: 15/20
Writing: 15/20
Creativity: 16/20
Ending: 7/10
Cover: 8/10
79 out of 100 = 2 1/2 Puppy Rating
