It's been awhile since I've read the series, so I can't comment about the prose, but I can tell you the story does subvert your expectations later on. Faraday gets a lot more awesome (eventually), and doesn't even end up with Axis after all. I agree that he is pretty unlikeable, but later books he is no longer the protagonist which makes things more enjoyable.
Yeah, although the first book I did find to be pretty cliche, most of the more gag-worthy elements are thoroughly deconstructed by the end of the second book. Axis (still a jerkass) betrays his 'love interest' Faraday. She gets really mad, as in "Hell hath no fury" mad. Borneheld is actually to be pitied, especially considering his gut-wrenching death at the hands of Axis.
I'd give the second book a shot and see what you think.
Nobody but nobody.Leave a Comment:
Not at all
First of all, I have to admit I've read only a first book of the series, Battleaxe. And "read" is probably not the right word - it was more like reading fifty pages until I couldn't bear the Cliche Storm anymore and then skimming through to check if it doesn't get better later on. And no, it doesn't.
Secondly, I mean no offense to the fans of the series. It might very well be the case of "horrible first book, great series", I can't tell. All I know is I hated the book guts - and this is why.
Number one, writing. The language is clumsy, full of Purple Prose and unnecessary descriptions. In one memorable instance, the author lovingly describes a place called Star Hall (or something like that) taking up a whole page, and ends it with "And that's why it was called Star Hall."
Number two, characters. We have the hero Axis, Marty Stu par excellence - we are told how awesome he is by the author and I guess we are supposed to believe her, even though most of his actions are total jerkassery. Then there is Faraday, the Purity Sue and Love Interest. In love with Axis on the first sight, her job is being wide eyed and useless. Even though she has a major role in the plot. And then, whe have the antagonist, Bornheld. He is an older brother of Axis and he loathes him. He isn't even a bit as awesome as Axis, he is socially inept and he is a brute. Oh, and he is betrothed to Faraday. And did I mention he is ugly, too?
Number three, the story. We have an ancient prophecy about our hero - and it's a poem! A magical poem only our hero can read! We have discriminated races - and they're the good guys! And one of them have horns, while the others have wings. And...
Almost from the beginning, I hoped that Axis will turn out a bad guy, Faraday will come to her senses, Bornheld will get some Pet The Dog moment, stops being such a moron and becomes the real hero. Alas, that could never happen in this World Of Cliche...