Reviewed by Kelly on
The writing style was similar to that of an autobiography, told by the main character Prince Khemri which works well on many levels. It helps alleviate the initial absence of back story, which the author Garth Nix addresses quickly, giving the reader a basic overview of the technology that is key to the empire. You'll learn more as Khemri travels along his journey of his three deaths, and three consequential lives. Parts of the story will connect with the reader and resonate strongly. I personally found a rich connection to the story, and was riveted, on the edge of my seat.
Death is not approached as a glorious event, even though the prince will likely be reborn. The feeling of loss is present, and inspires deep reflection on the events that lead up to the death. These are examined in the story. Some of the technology is incredibly confusing and I had a hard time picturing what the author had intended to convey. The explanations of the three main technologies could have benefited with slightly more explanation. I found myself having to re read some parts of the story to understand the meaning that the author was trying to deliver, but could have due to the abundance of information thrown at the reader, all at once.
I felt lost trying to pronounce and remember the the unusual names given to the majority of the characters. I appreciate the diversity, but the story could have done with a few that were easier to pronounce, a Jane or Timothy wouldn't have gone astray. It's by no means a detraction from the book and readers will still thoroughly enjoy it.
Prince Khemri's story is told in past tense and as the story progresses, so does his development and your understanding of the empire as a whole. By the middle of the book you will see gaps in his decision making, and wants filled with a yearning for something more human. Master of Assassins Haddad, is the most prominent secondary character. His role is to protect Khemri from the other princes, and saves Khemri's life on multiple occasions. He exudes a strong sense of honour and duty to the empire, and Prince Khemri. There's little explanation regarding Haddad's history, but I'm hoping the bonus story included will help clear any confusion. He is a father figure in the story, trying to help a somewhat misguided son.
A Confusion of Princes may have benefited from a more descriptive text on the three main technologies used by the Princes. They were described well, but they were all described a little too closely together and somewhat intermingling in their description. No doubt this will leave some readers in the dark. I would have also liked to have read about more space battles in greater detail, only due to a personal preference.
The storyline is written in past tense, drawing the reader in to the story, making you sit on the edge of your seat as well as being unable to put the book down. Garth Nix created a rich backdrop for the reader to imagine. I personally felt the book playing out like a movie in my head, that I could identify with. The undertones of emotion combined with the richness of the story really do make you feel like Prince Khemri was a real person, and is easy to imagine you being in his place at times.
This book is fantastic! A hardcore science fiction with a surprising love story. Deep, rich, and features plot twists that will surprise readers. Simply, this story will mentally challenge the reader, making you contemplate sacrifice and honour.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 8 June, 2014: Finished reading
- 8 June, 2014: Reviewed