This is the first series that I have read/listened to from this author. Clearly, this is a talented writer who can describe what is going on and move the story forward. However, having skill and ability doesn’t necessarily make it a good read. The Characters are interesting, but they aren’t enough. The story line is interesting but it’s to singular. The character motivations are sincere but still thin. Essentially, the story needs more depth. The storyline reads like it would be part of a bigger story with multiple characters and storyline that weave together, which would create a more compelling story. Because there is one main storyline … a wizard type gaining power motivated to save what he loves. This is the main and basically only storyline. So when there is a battle and characters lose, we don’t care… because we don’t know why the other characters are doing what they do. Specifically, and non spoiler… you have a one on one battle against a character who carries lots of knives. Why does she carry all these knives… why is she so hateful. why why why. My point is that thr story that surrounds the main and only story is one dimensional.
You could basically, insert another 2 or 3 story lines into this novel and give it more substance. Then the scenes, which are decently written would have more emotional value.
Because of the thin story, it reads very slowly as the action is spaced between a lot of scenes where the main character is cultivating. Imagine the Lord of the Rings, but take all the storyline out but keep only 1, like Gandalfs journey. This story could have a much larger and realized story but instead has just 1 that is explored, and that one moves forward slowly. giving a good review despite this because the writer is talented and can execute their vision, it could just be a much grander vision. They probably need a better editor that motivates them to explore a wider world and to weave more components into the overall story.