Submitted by ThuliumNice t3_yfcq1s in books
I admit it has been a minute since I read the book.
I really wanted to like it. I thought the setting was unique, and the concept of people locked in a duel that turned into artistic collaborators and lovers was really neat.
The magic system was kind of arbitrary, I didn't really understand what really stopped the characters from just making wonderful things forever, or why making magical creations constituted combat.
I also didn't really understand the motivations of the magician masters. Whatever their beef, sacrificing apprentices seems like a really expensive way to settle their beef.
And one of the masters at the end seemed oddly wise and insightful for somebody who just sentenced a lifelong protege to single-combat with someone lasting years.
And I know this is vague, but the ending of the book was just wrapped up way too neatly at the end. I like happy endings (generally), but it felt forced.
adamfirth146 t1_iu2xvsf wrote
I felt the same as you in a lot of ways.
I thought the book was well written, which has to count for something with so many rubbish books about nowadays but I agree with you about the ending. It seemed like the author had an idea for the main part of the story but didn't know how to end it so they came up with a very contrived way to finish the book.
I didn't mind the magic part although I agree with you on the idea of a benevolent master even though he'd possibly sentenced his protégé to death being a bit daft.
On the whole though I quite liked the book, it's just a shame they couldn't come up with a better ending.