Review by mairu -- Masters and Bastards
Posted: 03 Jul 2020, 14:32
[Following is a volunteer review of "Masters and Bastards" by Christopher J. Penington.]
Christopher J. Penington’s novel, 'Masters and Bastards' takes the reader to a jaw-dropping realm where life as we know it is changed forever. In a world where the caste system dominates, and social classes are divided more than ever before. The reader follows the journey of Andreas Marset, a low-level legionary in the Iberian army, who quickly is in the limelight when he excels in his exams. Trapped into becoming the father of Isabella Caravingian’s child, the emperor's illegitimate grandchild. Caught in an intergalactic conflict, the reader is left guessing every step of the way.
Penington takes the reader on an adventure, covering the dark conflict, greed, and selfishness of the world of politics. The novel is full to the brim with mystery, action with a sprinkle of romance, it truly is a book that everyone can find a liking to.
The main protagonist Andreas is a rather complex character despite his young age of seventeen, he is mentally much more mature. His rare telepathic ability poses him as a threat to the opposition in war but also leaves him a pawn for the emperor to exploit for power. The character development in the book is truly amazing. Being able to experience the book in Andreas’ point of view was an intelligent decision made by the author because it really captures the mystery of the origin of his powers and just Andreas himself.
What I liked most was, how well thought out the character development of Andreas was, portraying it to be rather realistic throughout his military experiences. This was enjoyable because the reader can connect with certain emotions and thus deepening the bond between character and reader. What I disliked most about the book were the lengthy political discussions it can be hard to bear at times, personally I enjoy books as a form of escape so prolonged politics can be a turn off for some.
I give this book 2 out of 4 stars and not 3 out of 4 because there was little that stood out for me. The plot does keep you hooked with unexpected twists and turns, the choice of perspective was well thought out and was all-rounder a fair book as well as being well-edited. Nonetheless, the chemistry in the romance aspect could use some improvement but still. I would recommend this to fantasy and adventure book lovers. There are few uses of strong language and some sexual scenes, so I wouldn't recommend it to sensitive readers.
******
Masters and Bastards
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Christopher J. Penington’s novel, 'Masters and Bastards' takes the reader to a jaw-dropping realm where life as we know it is changed forever. In a world where the caste system dominates, and social classes are divided more than ever before. The reader follows the journey of Andreas Marset, a low-level legionary in the Iberian army, who quickly is in the limelight when he excels in his exams. Trapped into becoming the father of Isabella Caravingian’s child, the emperor's illegitimate grandchild. Caught in an intergalactic conflict, the reader is left guessing every step of the way.
Penington takes the reader on an adventure, covering the dark conflict, greed, and selfishness of the world of politics. The novel is full to the brim with mystery, action with a sprinkle of romance, it truly is a book that everyone can find a liking to.
The main protagonist Andreas is a rather complex character despite his young age of seventeen, he is mentally much more mature. His rare telepathic ability poses him as a threat to the opposition in war but also leaves him a pawn for the emperor to exploit for power. The character development in the book is truly amazing. Being able to experience the book in Andreas’ point of view was an intelligent decision made by the author because it really captures the mystery of the origin of his powers and just Andreas himself.
What I liked most was, how well thought out the character development of Andreas was, portraying it to be rather realistic throughout his military experiences. This was enjoyable because the reader can connect with certain emotions and thus deepening the bond between character and reader. What I disliked most about the book were the lengthy political discussions it can be hard to bear at times, personally I enjoy books as a form of escape so prolonged politics can be a turn off for some.
I give this book 2 out of 4 stars and not 3 out of 4 because there was little that stood out for me. The plot does keep you hooked with unexpected twists and turns, the choice of perspective was well thought out and was all-rounder a fair book as well as being well-edited. Nonetheless, the chemistry in the romance aspect could use some improvement but still. I would recommend this to fantasy and adventure book lovers. There are few uses of strong language and some sexual scenes, so I wouldn't recommend it to sensitive readers.
******
Masters and Bastards
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon