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Title: Thraxas of Turai
Series: Thraxas #11
Author: Martin Scott
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 172
Words: 58.5K
Synopsis: |
From the Publisher
Thraxas, perhaps the doughtiest warrior ever born within that city’s walls, (as he describes himself) is almost home. The army led by Lisutaris reaches Turai, ready to retake their city. Thraxas begins the book in some trouble, having been flung in the stockade following a disreputable brawl, but will soon be back in action, investigating a politically awkward murder while making ready for battle. At his side is Makri, whose mathematical skills are called upon for some complicated sorcerous calculations designed to bring down the walls. There are dragons in the sky, hostile forces ahead, and, worst of all as far as Thraxas is concerned, a general beer shortage. When this is all over, Thraxas intends to spend the rest of his days sitting comfortably in his favourite tavern. But first, he has a city to retake.
My Thoughts: |
I just re-read my review for the 10th Thraxas book (Thraxas and the Oracle) and most of the same issues apply here. This book ends with Thraxas being the first soldier back into Turai and then just ends. Scott is obviously leaving himself openings for more books but really, who is going to read any more of this series? I won’t be.
Thraxas as drunken, bumbling Private Investigator just isn’t funny any more. Even though it has been 3 years since I read book 10, it felt like it was just yesterday and that I hadn’t had any break from the infantile behavior of Thraxas. He’s moved from grouchy and curmudgeonly yet still amusing to just plain old annoying. I won’t be reading any more Thraxas books.
At 175’ish pages, Scott could have written another 50 and wrapped the series up. At some point an author needs to accept that his creation has run its course and it’s time to finish the story. Do yourself a favor Martin Scott/Milar, end the series and stop embarrassing yourself.
I admire your quest to dive into indie publications and separate the wheat from the chaff.
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The first couple of Thraxas books were really entertaining. Unfortunately, it feels like the author is really jus stringing the story along at this point.
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I guess that many authors find it hard to let go of their characters/worlds when they have given all they had to give…
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When the longevity impacts the story, that’s where I tend to draw the line…
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That’s that then. Thraxas thrashed. 😀
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Indeed! I won’t be tempted to try any future offerings…
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Harsh words. How many books are in this series? 11? I have to agree with you, that’s really stretching it out…
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If an author can still tell a good story, I have no issues with a very long series. It’s when they lose control of the story and just try to limp along that I get irritated with them. Tell a good story or don’t tell one at all 🙂
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‘He’s moved from grouchy and curmudgeonly yet still amusing to just plain old annoying.’
Story of my life, mate.
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Unfortunately, what works for writers and their books isn’t going to work out to well for real people 🙂
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Don’t despair; an in-depth look at the work of Chevy Chase should cheer you up….
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His dead corpse would cheer me up….
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He’d cheer anyone up, even you, Mr Grumpy!
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Wait, what other kind of corpse is there?
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You don’t watch many zombie/vampire movies, do you?
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Not enough, clearly. I feel the word corpse implies dead, no?
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It does IMPLY it. I wanted no implications on this blog. Just full out statements of truth with no shades of grey or prevarications.
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Chevy Chase is a golden comedy master.
There, I said it. Clear and simple. A sentiment we can all get behind.
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Umm, that’s like a novella length these days. I’m surprised you lasted that long with this series!
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Looking back at my previous reviews, I was really done by about book 7 or 8. With these being so short, I just kept coming back hoping the magic would come back. And it hasn’t 😦
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Heh sounds a bit like me and Murderbot – though I at least had a good novel thrown in the mix, so will still keep an eye on the series 😉
On the bright side, it’s one series less to follow for you! 😉
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I just finished an audio book of a series I really enjoyed but ended with the same feelings you had on this one. Authors really need to stop milking a series.
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Yep, at some point the magic just isn’t there any more 😦
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I guess some authors must think that being able to come back to their beloved series is a perk instead of wrapping things up quickly to move on to other ideas. 😮
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I wouldn’t mind if things were fresh each time, but it just comes across as tired and boring 😦
Of course, certain authors, who I won’t name but their initials rhyme with GRR Spartan, could take a lesson or two from guys like Miller about sticking power….
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Spartan hahahaha Yeh… people need to learn about that sweet spot in publishing…
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Quite the knife on that cover. Sorry this did not work out for you.
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In the story that character is supposed to own an orc sword that is somehow special. I’m guessing that’s it’s representation? But how the author describes it in the book is badass, not little and shiny like the cover.
At least I know for sure to not spend any more time on this author now
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