I remember when he announced it was changing from 3 to 4. I believe he did it ahead of time so it’s unlikely it’ll fall under the ‘final book split into two and each one feels incomplete’ category.
A tiny warning, If you read the second book, you will inevitability have to read the third, so… Plan in some time! They work like one very long book, and there is a lot of things that are set up in the second that will be resolved in the third!
This might've been my favorite review from you! Your description made this book sound thought-provoking and hard-hitting on multiple levels. I agree about the societal bias equating emotional regulation with intelligence. Great insights!
Great video Jimmy! This is one of my absolute faves, a deep exploration of colonialism with a truly unique and inspiring protagonist. Also, Falcrest is the best evil empire in fantasy, they're so devious but also competent and have their own internal logic.
What a fresh take on colonialism! You are the second BookTuber that I have seen recommend this book. Your detailed review and insight have convinced me to experience the read - much appreciation!
Great review Jimmy, you’ve got me hooked now! I’ve been reading lighter stuff lately so I’m down for dark, complicated, and political. Just ordered all three books 😄
I heard about this book a few years ago and thought about getting it, so thank you for reminding me of it and also telling me that it's probably right up my alley. Excellent review!
I read this years ago and didn't realize any sequels had been released! It's definitely a hefty work - I remember it left me with a pit in my stomach. You definitely have me interested in picking this up so I can continue the series.
So I've heard Regan from peruse project mention this book before and I did already want to pick it up, but I feel like the emotionality and realness of your review gor me so much more to want to pick this up asap
You're going to love Monster. The world opens up significantly and there's a character that genuinely terrifies me. You'll know her when you see her. We get more cryptarch shenanigans, deeper exploration of colonialism, trauma, the eternal questions of race vs nurture, and more of the grim stuff. The series is too underrated and I am glad you're covering this.
CHOOOO CHOOOO bring on the hype train!! I love nothing more than getting pumped for books I have waiting patiently on my shelf, and I’m thrilled this worked as a tension-filled political/economic thriller of a fantasy book - seems so unique in the genre and I can’t wait to get to it!
Sounds like a great book! Most fantasy works do a poor or simple job of portraying structural violence and class dynamics. It's probably my biggest pet peeve within the genre. To hear about a fantasy work that tackles it in mature matter puts it on my tbr.
I got this trilogy on a whim, glad to see someone talking about it, ive yet to get to it. But its something i csnt wait for my mood to be right to dive into it, it seems very different from anything else ive read. Thanks for all you do to expand our TBR with new, semi-obscure books. At least outside the realm of booktube favorites
Your reviews are always amazing, but this might be among the very best you've done. You have definitely sold me on this book. It sounds so intriguing and something I would like, so I am getting it right away. /Minna
I really appreciate your review of this book, Jimmy; it will definitely go on my ever-growing TBR list. I'm always looking for unique and thematically rich fantasy reads, and this one seems like it will fit the bill. (Some of the themes, like reading/literacy and colonialism, reminded me of a book I read this year: A Stranger in Olondria, where these themes, and others - like storytelling, belonging, the religious experience - are very much present. Also, the sword, the shield, the staff, etc. are on the outskirts, if ever present). I'm looking forward to other discoveries you make and the subsequent reviews on your channel.
Excellent review! You hit all the pros and potential cons for potential readers. I loved this book! I have read it twice now: first, before Monster had been released and again this month so that I would be fresh for your review. I agree that Seth Dickinson is a master that deserves more attention. “This is the truth. You will know because it hurts.” I did not pick up on the neurodivergence either time. Are you referring to her savant-level economic understanding, or were there other clues? I will be continuing to Monster and Tyrant in the next 2-3 months.
There were many situations where socially she was a bit off, I have since filming this had someone tell me it is intended to be a representation of autism so I think it’s intentional
This has always been on my radar, but I never really prioritised it because it sounded... boring? Happy to say that you just shot it to the top of my TBR with this review, I am completely sold. Love the discussion on neurodivergence and how those people are so often misunderstood. Glad to hear that this was such a big hit for you, thank you for sharing the love! 🤩
Woooow you've completely sold me on this book! I've unhauled this book in the past just by looking at the goodreads average rating which makes me rethink all of my life decisions now 😅
@@thefantasynuttwork Possibly. I honestly can't remember. The conference booklet has a list of the attending authors. If you still have that you can check.
Fantastic review Jimmy! I've had this book on the TBR for a while, I'm gonna wait until book 4 comes out to dive in but I can't wait. Also, based on your description of Baru, i would say it's very likely that she's on the autistic spectrum. Particularly with what you said about her counting the bodies when she sees them, it's a common coping mechanism for people on the spectrum when they are in situations that bring about strong emotions and they don't know how do deal with it and they become overwhelmed.
Very well articulated review. The title of this book sounds familiar but I had no idea what it was about. I appreciate your thoughts and certainly would like to try this when the time feels right. Thanks for another great review, Jimmy!
Sometimes those unexpected reads come out of nowhere to become a new favorite -- sounds like this book fits that bill for you! It sounds like this book delves into the inner-workings and minutia of colonialism in ways that few (if any) books do. Really intrigued by this unique approach!
I read this book recently and basically share your sentiments. I also read Monster directly after. I had a bit of a rough time with Monster at the beginning because it's a very different style of book than Traitor was. It hooked me back in eventually, but for mostly different reasons than Traitor.
Excellent review Jimmy, everything I hear about this book makes me sure I'll really like it. I soft DNF'd it in chapter three last year because I actively disliked the narration and didn't want to have that be my experience with it haha
I bought Book 2 of this series without realizing it wasn’t the first book. I finally this book and I’m glad that it is as good as I thought it would be.
Baru was the last book I've read last year and it left suuuuch an inpression on me. The way the empire conquers new lands is not that common in fantasy even though, historically, economic and culture invasions were proven highly more effective. It was such a new take that I was captivated immediately. Also I have very mixed feelings about Baru herself, sometimes I love her, and sometimes I hate her, I understand what she wants to do I just don't agree with how she's achieving it. Still, fascinating character to follow.
Great discussion. I liked the book but wasn't wowed by it when I read it, felt a bit too clinical to me which is why I didn't continue at that time. Maybe I'll give it another try.
Thank god you're talking about this. This is one of the best antihero stories I've ever read. This series is so so criminally underrated that I make a point to mention it frequently on my channel. It tickles my brain a bit like Malazan in just how smart of an author Dickenson is. Especially with his themes. The story gets so good in subsequent books too. Something that kinda pisses me off though is that he didn't win a Hugo. Because A Memory Called Empire (which I admit I love) won a Hugo even though if you read it after Baru you'll literally start to wonder, did she just plagiarize Baru Cormorant but set it in space? The similarities are like actually suspicious. I love both, but I think Dickenson deserves a Hugo too. I'm so excited for the last book. My prediction is that the title for the final installment will either go from Traitor, to Monster to Tyrant and then end with either Saviour or more likely Martyr.
@@thefantasynuttworkAbsolutely lol. Have you read A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine yet? Hopefully I didn't poison it for you lol. Imo I don't necessarily mind extremely close similarities but I know some people do. Like Matt did when reviewing The First Binding by R Virdi. Personally I think Virdi was a Name of the Wind fan who was like "Rothfuss is never gonna finish Kingkiller so fine, I'll do it myself" and then he proceeded to rewrite Name of the Wind (almost scene for scene sometimes) but with Indian influence. I really like it but understand why people wouldn't. So hopefully you're still able to enjoy Martine's duology if you get to it. Are you planning on reading Monster and Tyrant soon? Things get extremely interesting in terms of Baru's injury, the world expands to a larger scope that I really enjoy, and the characterization gets incredible given the hard choices Baru has to make. It's such a good story! I've read basically everything out there and I count the series among my top 5. I wish more people would read it.
@@thefantasynuttwork Also, if you like this book, you should check out Gnomon. The content is very different but the books are very similar thematically and I think that's another super underrated book. I'll admit it too me a few tries to get into but once I finally did it became an instant favourite.
I need a job that pays me twice as much for no work so I can make a dent in this tbr! I think AP mentioned this one a while ago but I've yet to find book one in my bookstore (yeah, I know, amazon yadda yadda).
Hey! I adore the series! The next two books are… a bit different, regarding politics (things become both smaller, more meta and more personal, WAY less accounting, sadly), because… Baru is not in a good place, like, very not good. They are still worth the read, and I would suggest you to read them (and yeah, both, two and three basically are one book) NOW. The author has said on multiple occasions that he might take longer to write the fourth book because it has been taking a toll on him (which I get), he has started another book, and i would not expect the fourth book before… well, hope is real, so 2025. Spoilers for the first book from here on out, friends. I will not comment on the neurodivergent part, but in retrospect, I see it, but a bit different, because I read the rest. I could lean out of the window and say that she is a very very good depiction of how autism might present in girls (with a successful critical reflection on stereotypes, including what happens if coping mechanism fail), but to be honest I do not think that the Autor intended it, he just… wrote her to be that way. What the first book does very well is the surpressed gay part, and while Baru is in a WAY different situation, it has kinda felt relatable to how I handled that part of myself at that age. Also Tain Hu is just so so incredibly attractive. I recently re-read by listening to the audio-Book, and … it’s fine for me. But it did also show me how much more things I „get“ about the politics part after reading book three, as the economics and politics in Aurdwynn are very interconnected. It’s a lovely series. And I really adore the characters. All of them, even the ones you can intensely hate. Also Baru is one adorable idiot 😄
Book of the Year? Hmm, I do not think you read Daughter of the Empire yet? Especially since you love GOT…this book was written before. Also,Wurt’s prose is easy breezy in Empire!! You may have to use this thumbnail again.
I loved it, yet remember almost none of it. Same with book two. Blake Crouch is another author I can say that about. Will make for a different kind of reread. Looking forward to the final book releasing. I plan to reread 1-2 and then read 3 for the first time.
@@thefantasynuttwork I know he’s been open about mental health struggles delaying things, but he said that before book three was out and got that done. Seems like a nice guy, too.
These types of reviews are why I watch booktube. There is no way this book would have been on my radar without your video. Thanks, Jimmy!
My pleasure!
Fantastic review, Jimmy. I can see why you recommended this book to me. Will definitely pick it up soon.
Please do!
Dude im so glad your reviewing this book. This trilogy is one of my favorites and absolutely deserves more eyeballs
Hope we get book 4 soon!
I remember when he announced it was changing from 3 to 4. I believe he did it ahead of time so it’s unlikely it’ll fall under the ‘final book split into two and each one feels incomplete’ category.
Interest piqued!! You sold the shit out of this man. Looking this one up now. Great view as usual Jimmy.
Hopefully you enjoy! Thanks!
Fantastic video man and I’m so happy you loved it! This was one of my favorite reads last year and I can’t wait to read the sequels soon!
As soon as he finishes book 4 I’ll read them!
A tiny warning, If you read the second book, you will inevitability have to read the third, so… Plan in some time! They work like one very long book, and there is a lot of things that are set up in the second that will be resolved in the third!
This might've been my favorite review from you! Your description made this book sound thought-provoking and hard-hitting on multiple levels. I agree about the societal bias equating emotional regulation with intelligence. Great insights!
Thanks my friend, you would adore this book. I literally think it’s thematically one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read
Great video Jimmy!
This is one of my absolute faves, a deep exploration of colonialism with a truly unique and inspiring protagonist.
Also, Falcrest is the best evil empire in fantasy, they're so devious but also competent and have their own internal logic.
It hurts because they make sense in a certain sense but their motives are so cruel
What a fresh take on colonialism! You are the second BookTuber that I have seen recommend this book. Your detailed review and insight have convinced me to experience the read - much appreciation!
I’m so glad!
It's SOOO good!
Great review Jimmy, you’ve got me hooked now! I’ve been reading lighter stuff lately so I’m down for dark, complicated, and political. Just ordered all three books 😄
Love to hear it!!!
I heard about this book a few years ago and thought about getting it, so thank you for reminding me of it and also telling me that it's probably right up my alley. Excellent review!
Thanks!
I read this years ago and didn't realize any sequels had been released! It's definitely a hefty work - I remember it left me with a pit in my stomach. You definitely have me interested in picking this up so I can continue the series.
It definitely made me very angry lol
So I've heard Regan from peruse project mention this book before and I did already want to pick it up, but I feel like the emotionality and realness of your review gor me so much more to want to pick this up asap
I hope you enjoy!
You're going to love Monster. The world opens up significantly and there's a character that genuinely terrifies me. You'll know her when you see her. We get more cryptarch shenanigans, deeper exploration of colonialism, trauma, the eternal questions of race vs nurture, and more of the grim stuff. The series is too underrated and I am glad you're covering this.
Yesssss
CHOOOO CHOOOO bring on the hype train!! I love nothing more than getting pumped for books I have waiting patiently on my shelf, and I’m thrilled this worked as a tension-filled political/economic thriller of a fantasy book - seems so unique in the genre and I can’t wait to get to it!
hope you enjoy it!
Great review! I knew of this title already, and how good it was. You’ve made me want to get to it sooner
I hope you like it!
This series is the best one I've discovered over the last few years. I can't wait for the final book!
Yessss
Sounds like a great book! Most fantasy works do a poor or simple job of portraying structural violence and class dynamics. It's probably my biggest pet peeve within the genre. To hear about a fantasy work that tackles it in mature matter puts it on my tbr.
You’d love it!
I just got this book delivered today because of you talking about it in a video recently. I'm looking forward to it!
Hope you enjoy it!
Awesome review Jimmy! This has been on my list for years. I think it’s time to bump it up.
Hope you enjoy!
This sounds really good. I'm glad I'm finally getting caught up with my booktube subs cause I would be missing out on Baru's existence.
I think you’d enjoy iy
Great review! I definitely have to think about this one :)
It’s great!
I got this trilogy on a whim, glad to see someone talking about it, ive yet to get to it. But its something i csnt wait for my mood to be right to dive into it, it seems very different from anything else ive read.
Thanks for all you do to expand our TBR with new, semi-obscure books. At least outside the realm of booktube favorites
Thanks for watching! I really hope you enjoy this one, I thought it was superb
Great review, Jimmy! I picked this up and can't wait to begin reading it.
I hope you find it as amazing as me
Your reviews are always amazing, but this might be among the very best you've done. You have definitely sold me on this book. It sounds so intriguing and something I would like, so I am getting it right away. /Minna
Thank you! I felt very good about this review, it’s a great book!
alright now I REALLY gotta bump this up my list! love the review!
Thank you!
I really appreciate your review of this book, Jimmy; it will definitely go on my ever-growing TBR list. I'm always looking for unique and thematically rich fantasy reads, and this one seems like it will fit the bill. (Some of the themes, like reading/literacy and colonialism, reminded me of a book I read this year: A Stranger in Olondria, where these themes, and others - like storytelling, belonging, the religious experience - are very much present. Also, the sword, the shield, the staff, etc. are on the outskirts, if ever present). I'm looking forward to other discoveries you make and the subsequent reviews on your channel.
Thank you so much!
Excellent review! You hit all the pros and potential cons for potential readers.
I loved this book! I have read it twice now: first, before Monster had been released and again this month so that I would be fresh for your review. I agree that Seth Dickinson is a master that deserves more attention. “This is the truth. You will know because it hurts.”
I did not pick up on the neurodivergence either time. Are you referring to her savant-level economic understanding, or were there other clues?
I will be continuing to Monster and Tyrant in the next 2-3 months.
There were many situations where socially she was a bit off, I have since filming this had someone tell me it is intended to be a representation of autism so I think it’s intentional
I'll definitely be checking this book out. Thank you for the recommendation!
My pleasure 😊
This sounds incredible, it's definitely on the tbr! Great video jimmy👍
Thanks!
Yes, yes, you've convinced me... I'm buying this book. 😊
I hope you love it!
You have single handedly brought this book to my attention and convinced me to read it. This is very high on my TBR now!
I hope you enjoy it!
This has always been on my radar, but I never really prioritised it because it sounded... boring? Happy to say that you just shot it to the top of my TBR with this review, I am completely sold. Love the discussion on neurodivergence and how those people are so often misunderstood.
Glad to hear that this was such a big hit for you, thank you for sharing the love! 🤩
Fair warning, I’m known to love boring books lol
@@thefantasynuttwork Boring is my buzzword, so I have a feeling we're gonna be fine, hahah. And you've never led me astray so far!
Alex recommended this to me, then I read the reviews and I was so confused if I’d like this lol. Very good review, brother!
Thanks bro! I don’t know if this one would be a hit for you but if you try it I hope you love it
You sold me on this book, what an excellent and articulate review. Put in a reservation at my local library.
Enjoy!
Woooow you've completely sold me on this book! I've unhauled this book in the past just by looking at the goodreads average rating which makes me rethink all of my life decisions now 😅
Goodreads ratings are almost never aligned with my taste. Some of my favorite books are mid 3 on there haha
I actually DNF'ed this book a while back, but this review is making me think I should revisit it.
Thanks for this!
Oh no! Well if you do, I hope you like it more the second time haha
I am glad that you enjoyed it. It is an excellent book, and Dickinson is a really nice person as well. I really liked it.
I’m so jealous you’ve spoke with him! I’m anxiously awaiting his new sci-fi book due out next year!!
@@thefantasynuttwork He frequently attends ICFA.
@@ACriticalDragon was he there when I was there?!
@@thefantasynuttwork Possibly. I honestly can't remember. The conference booklet has a list of the attending authors. If you still have that you can check.
Fantastic review Jimmy! I've had this book on the TBR for a while, I'm gonna wait until book 4 comes out to dive in but I can't wait.
Also, based on your description of Baru, i would say it's very likely that she's on the autistic spectrum. Particularly with what you said about her counting the bodies when she sees them, it's a common coping mechanism for people on the spectrum when they are in situations that bring about strong emotions and they don't know how do deal with it and they become overwhelmed.
Yeah I think she’s definitely presented as autistic, and from what I can tell, it’s a good execution
Very well articulated review. The title of this book sounds familiar but I had no idea what it was about. I appreciate your thoughts and certainly would like to try this when the time feels right. Thanks for another great review, Jimmy!
Thank you dude!
The fantasy accountant we didn't know we needed. I really enjoyed this book. I need to get back to get series.
Accountant really over delivering as protagonists 😎
Sometimes those unexpected reads come out of nowhere to become a new favorite -- sounds like this book fits that bill for you! It sounds like this book delves into the inner-workings and minutia of colonialism in ways that few (if any) books do. Really intrigued by this unique approach!
IT’s thematically one of the best fantasy books I’ve read
I read this book recently and basically share your sentiments. I also read Monster directly after. I had a bit of a rough time with Monster at the beginning because it's a very different style of book than Traitor was. It hooked me back in eventually, but for mostly different reasons than Traitor.
That’s exciting to hear there will be a new experience with Monster!
Excellent review Jimmy, everything I hear about this book makes me sure I'll really like it. I soft DNF'd it in chapter three last year because I actively disliked the narration and didn't want to have that be my experience with it haha
Yeah the audiobook sucked imo
Sounds extremely interesting! I'm someone who really zigzags across that line between functional and nonfunctional.
I hope you’ll like it!
Great review. I added this to my TBR. Can you tell me how this compares to The Wold by Leo Carew? They sound somewhat similar.
Thanks!
I found this far better than the wolf
I bought Book 2 of this series without realizing it wasn’t the first book. I finally this book and I’m glad that it is as good as I thought it would be.
It’s soooooo good
Baru was the last book I've read last year and it left suuuuch an inpression on me. The way the empire conquers new lands is not that common in fantasy even though, historically, economic and culture invasions were proven highly more effective. It was such a new take that I was captivated immediately.
Also I have very mixed feelings about Baru herself, sometimes I love her, and sometimes I hate her, I understand what she wants to do I just don't agree with how she's achieving it. Still, fascinating character to follow.
She’s such a complicated characters
Great discussion.
I liked the book but wasn't wowed by it when I read it, felt a bit too clinical to me which is why I didn't continue at that time.
Maybe I'll give it another try.
Thanks!
So excited for you to read the series, it's my favorite and tyrant especially is insane! are you planning on posting reviews for the later books?
I will!
Oof super compelling review Jimmy! Adding to the tbr 💕
Yesssssss!
Thank god you're talking about this. This is one of the best antihero stories I've ever read. This series is so so criminally underrated that I make a point to mention it frequently on my channel. It tickles my brain a bit like Malazan in just how smart of an author Dickenson is. Especially with his themes.
The story gets so good in subsequent books too.
Something that kinda pisses me off though is that he didn't win a Hugo. Because A Memory Called Empire (which I admit I love) won a Hugo even though if you read it after Baru you'll literally start to wonder, did she just plagiarize Baru Cormorant but set it in space? The similarities are like actually suspicious. I love both, but I think Dickenson deserves a Hugo too.
I'm so excited for the last book.
My prediction is that the title for the final installment will either go from Traitor, to Monster to Tyrant and then end with either Saviour or more likely Martyr.
Well Seth will win a Nutty at the end of the year, that’s better than a Hugo right?
@@thefantasynuttworkAbsolutely lol.
Have you read A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine yet? Hopefully I didn't poison it for you lol. Imo I don't necessarily mind extremely close similarities but I know some people do.
Like Matt did when reviewing The First Binding by R Virdi.
Personally I think Virdi was a Name of the Wind fan who was like "Rothfuss is never gonna finish Kingkiller so fine, I'll do it myself" and then he proceeded to rewrite Name of the Wind (almost scene for scene sometimes) but with Indian influence. I really like it but understand why people wouldn't. So hopefully you're still able to enjoy Martine's duology if you get to it.
Are you planning on reading Monster and Tyrant soon? Things get extremely interesting in terms of Baru's injury, the world expands to a larger scope that I really enjoy, and the characterization gets incredible given the hard choices Baru has to make.
It's such a good story!
I've read basically everything out there and I count the series among my top 5. I wish more people would read it.
@@thefantasynuttwork
Also, if you like this book, you should check out Gnomon. The content is very different but the books are very similar thematically and I think that's another super underrated book. I'll admit it too me a few tries to get into but once I finally did it became an instant favourite.
@@BooksRebound I’ve read it! I was too dumb 🤣
I need a job that pays me twice as much for no work so I can make a dent in this tbr! I think AP mentioned this one a while ago but I've yet to find book one in my bookstore (yeah, I know, amazon yadda yadda).
Accountant fantasy as it ought to be written.
Facts
Hey!
I adore the series! The next two books are… a bit different, regarding politics (things become both smaller, more meta and more personal, WAY less accounting, sadly), because… Baru is not in a good place, like, very not good. They are still worth the read, and I would suggest you to read them (and yeah, both, two and three basically are one book) NOW. The author has said on multiple occasions that he might take longer to write the fourth book because it has been taking a toll on him (which I get), he has started another book, and i would not expect the fourth book before… well, hope is real, so 2025.
Spoilers for the first book from here on out, friends.
I will not comment on the neurodivergent part, but in retrospect, I see it, but a bit different, because I read the rest. I could lean out of the window and say that she is a very very good depiction of how autism might present in girls (with a successful critical reflection on stereotypes, including what happens if coping mechanism fail), but to be honest I do not think that the Autor intended it, he just… wrote her to be that way.
What the first book does very well is the surpressed gay part, and while Baru is in a WAY different situation, it has kinda felt relatable to how I handled that part of myself at that age. Also Tain Hu is just so so incredibly attractive.
I recently re-read by listening to the audio-Book, and … it’s fine for me. But it did also show me how much more things I „get“ about the politics part after reading book three, as the economics and politics in Aurdwynn are very interconnected.
It’s a lovely series.
And I really adore the characters. All of them, even the ones you can intensely hate.
Also Baru is one adorable idiot 😄
This sounds right in my wheelhouse, insidious colonialism and machievellian long-term revenge plots with added finance? Sign me up!
Let’s goooooo
@@thefantasynuttwork I have to finish Toll The Hounds first, but might squeeze this in before tackling the last two Malazans :)
I liked the traitor baru cormorant by Seth Dickinson.
Big if true
@@thefantasynuttwork The last 1/3 keeps it just off my top 10 list but that’s just a taste thing
Book of the Year? Hmm, I do not think you read Daughter of the Empire yet? Especially since you love GOT…this book was written before. Also,Wurt’s prose is easy breezy in Empire!! You may have to use this thumbnail again.
I don’t have that on the slate for this year unfortunately
I loved it, yet remember almost none of it. Same with book two. Blake Crouch is another author I can say that about. Will make for a different kind of reread.
Looking forward to the final book releasing. I plan to reread 1-2 and then read 3 for the first time.
I’m waiting for book four before continuing but hope it releases soon!
@@thefantasynuttwork I know he’s been open about mental health struggles delaying things, but he said that before book three was out and got that done. Seems like a nice guy, too.
The fantasy book, Iron Madman is the only one needing reviewed.