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Threshold (2004)

Threshold (2004)

Book Info

Author
Genre
Rating
4.04 of 5 Votes: 1
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ISBN
0765342774 (ISBN13: 9780765342775)
Language
English
Publisher
tor fantasy

About book Threshold (2004)

This was a really interesting fantasy read. Throughout the novel there are a lot of mysteries and shocks. For the vast majority of the plot, the twists were logical. I did have a problem with the logic of the ending. I felt that it was a bit of a cop out and the author changed her mind at the last minute. This is reflected in the sloppiness of the plot logic. I am glad it ended the way it did, I just believe that it could have been executed better.This book is a rare thing in that I enjoyed the book despite hating nearly every character. The main character Tirzah started out really strong willed and independent. I liked her for the first quarter of the novel. Then she quickly became an annoyingly stupid character who essentially let everyone else control her life and her opinions. It was disappointing to see a character with such promise turn out that way. I felt that Boaz's character arc, although interesting, happened far too quickly and therefore lost its authenticity. Instead of slowly changing throughout the novel it appeared as if he completely changed overnight and to me this made me like the novel less. Throughout the novel many characters such as Zabrze, Yaqob, and Isphet (along with Tirzah) made decisions that made me judge them and question their morality. At quite a few decisions I yelled at the characters in frustration because their stupidity was infuriating and their lack of compassion was deeply concerning. The names were often difficult to get used to, even for a fantasy novel. I am positive I have been mispronouncing them all.Overall it was a really enjoyable novel that only lost a star because of annoying characters and at times, poor execution of plot. I would recommend this to fantasy fans and will definitely read the authors other novels.

one of my favorite things about Sara Douglass's work is that her protagonists are not always heroes, and things don't often work out cleanly for all involved. I know a lot of people don't like that, but to me, it's a delightful strength, because it's less predictable and more real than a lot of fantasy writing.in this book, our heroine spends a lot of time forgiving people for pushing her around, and lamenting her own confusion, until events force her to take charge of her own fate. unfortunately, in whichever action she takes, she will inevitably betray someone-there are no easy choices.her two love interests are equally problematic- one a kind but very hot-headed rebel leader who pressures her into becoming a spy, and the other the cruel and abusive nobleman she spies on. like the men, her mentor is mostly interested in how she can use our heroine to achieve her own ends.and yet! it's a great book full of real people with real consequences, and deeply fascinating magic and philosophy, which is always another of her strengths. it's not going to be everyone's favorite book, but it's one of mine. if you're up for a solid magical romp with a bit of a tangled love story, check it out.

Do You like book Threshold (2004)?

‘Hold me, sooth me, touch me, love me.’This is the story of Ashdod, a land which mathematician Magi control. The Magi worship the number One with its representation of Infinity. For generations, a pyramid, Threshold, has been under construction: it represents the perfect mathematical formula that will enable the Magi to touch and then to step into Infinity.Thousands of slaves have been drafted into the construction of Threshold. Among them is a young and gifted glassworker who has been renamed Tirzah. This story is told by Tirzah, who has a very special gift. Tirzah can communicate with the glass which is being used to cover the pyramid. There is something going seriously wrong at Threshold and it is transforming in ways that the Magi cannot control. Threshold was supposed to be a bridge for the Magi into Infinity, but when something comes across the bridge from Infinity things go horribly wrong.Boaz, the Master Magus, has secrets of his own, and he also knows that Tirzah is hiding something. What are those secrets, and can they work together to save Ashdod?I enjoyed this novel: there is plenty of page turning action, and while the world created is a bleak one there is hope of redemption. I found that the first half of the story flowed more easily for me than the second half but by then I was so engaged by the characters (especially Tirzah and Boaz) that I found it hard to put the book down. This is the first Sara Douglass novel that I’ve read and as this novel is the prequel to The Darkglass Mountain Trilogy’, I will look for those books next.Jennifer Cameron-Smith
—Jennifer (JC-S)

Tirzah and her father, master glassworkers, have been sold into slavery to pay his debts. They end up working in a desert land on a project called Threshold. The Magi, who are causing this pyramid to be built, believe numbers are the key to perfection in all things, and that Threshold will be their bridge to union with Infinity. The most severe among them is the Emperor's nephew Boaz.Tirzah's skill at working glass is augmented by her magic. She is an Elemental, one who hears the speech of glass, metals, and other such things. The Magi have outlawed Elemental magic because it disregards the mathematical precision of the One.Boaz insists on a relationship with Tirzah. Their relationship, and what transpires around them as they each find their destiny, is at the heart of the book.
—Lynne Cantwell

It was an okay book. The first half was really good and exciting. I really loved the Tirzah - Yaqob - Boaz love triangle. The plot was also exciting. I was really anticipating what evil lurks in Threshold. But after Tirzah and Boaz got together and the evil from Threshold was released everything went downhill. The second part was kind of boring. I wished it was shortened by the author. A lot of unnecessary and silly stuff like the Fetizzah. It was really weird. Also the author made use of a lot of deus ex machina using Fetizzah. Maybe editing the second part would make the story better. A little mystery is also good. This is for mature readers who also loves young adult fantasy books.
—Krizia Anna

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