This review was first posted on Forest Azuaron.

Amount read: 100%

When I knew what rating I'd give it: 85%

I really liked the ending of Prince of Leaf and Stone. Unfortunately, the rest of the novel gets in the way.

There are many times during this book I almost put it down. 12%, 34%, 55%, 67% (gotta love the Kindle's method of progress). The voice is okay and there are relatively few typos, but it reads like D&D fan fiction, even focusing on human and totally-not-elf relationships (thin "Ever-folk" with "leaf-shaped" ears). Other than the main character, Aedric, the characters are inconsistent. Most, even (especially) the long-lived Ever-folk who we're told take years to make decisions, are rash and impulsive. Apparently the love interest, Ophia, is more rash and passionate than other Ever-folk, but in actions other Ever-folk, such as Kiadrin and the King, are at least as impulsive. We're told Ever-folk who lose their spouse usually mourn for decades or even centuries, but apparently "mourn" and "immediately fall in love again" are synonyms.

The plot seems rambling and disjointed, until you get to the end where everything ties together. This can be pulled off (Neal Stephenson being the master), but here I felt more lost than anything else. It's difficult to connect with the book, since it's difficult to see what it's about until you reach the end. Constantly, we're told vague plot details from later in the book ("I never saw him again." "But I could never fulfill my promise.") that only serve to kill the tension.

Oh, but that ending. The characterization of Aedric is quite good (in hindsight), and his arc is interesting and novel, even if it wavers with the plot at times, and the pay-off is worth it. For 12% - 80% through the book, I was certain I'd give it 2 stars, but the climax elevated the whole novel.

Stars: 2.5 peridots (round up to 3) out of 5 on the following scale:

1 - Nearly incomprehensible
2 - Can be read, but nothing to recommend it. Typos. Weak voice. Incoherent plot and characters. When people think of fan fiction, most of it's about 2 stars.
3 - Technically competent. Readable. Unspectacular. The "popcorn movie" type of books tend to get 3 stars.
4 - Solidly good. New and interesting plot and characters and a strong voice. For me, the average Brandon Sanderson novel.
5 - Mind blowing. I-read-it-in-one-sitting. Zero-to-no flaws.