Finally a debut that I’m keen to reread! ????
Magic. Mystery. Mayhem.Tonally apt writing, compelling story and character interactions, very intriguing world, slow buildup of mysteries as well as partial unraveling of lore, deft balancing of plot lines.
The Acknowledgements mention certain influences and the blurbs also make certain comparisons, however I got very different (and very cool) vibes. I will share few works based on my reading experience:
– Alice in Wonderland but more twisted and dark (too obvious perhaps, Wonderland, Wanderlands ????)
– Aesthetic: atmosphere, worldbuilding elements, some characters: early Tim Burton films
– Epigraphs, steampunk elements, feeling of adventure, novelty, layered worldbuilding: Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft (another excellent debut novel).
Reading The Failures was going on an adventure and being intrigued or wowed consistently. I was able to predict some of the later events from earlier foreshadowing which added to my enjoyment and the sense that this was such a well-crafted novel. Many more mysteries remain as well as investment in the characters’ stories in the next book(s).
The allure of finding out what happens next in The Wanderlands is strong. I would recommend joining in for the ride.
