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The Four Kings
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May Discussions > The Four Kings by Scott Spotson - May 2014

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message 1: by [deleted user] (new)

I got as far as the first 5 chapters before I gave up. The premise of the book interested me and I thought I'd like this one. I just didn't care about anything that was happening. It just wasn't that well written and I couldn't imagine finishing it.

But, not wanting to stop anyone else from reading and enjoying it - what did you think?


message 2: by Suzanne (new)

Suzanne I've only read the first two chapters, so I'll let you know after 5 =). I like the premise of the book too, and it looks like a quick read.


Donna (donnahr) I read the sample (8 chapters) and gave it up. I thought the writing was terrible.


message 4: by [deleted user] (new)

I got though half the first chapter before giving up. The writing was just too bad to endure for more than a page or two. It would never have passed the first reader review at a publisher. I doubt even a good copy editor could cure its ills - some problems are terminal.


message 5: by Angélique (MapleBooks) (last edited May 16, 2014 09:46AM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Angélique (MapleBooks) (maplebooks) I read the whole book and gave it 3 stars.
Honestly, I think this book should be considered a (pretty) young adult book considering how the characters behave and how the plot remains superficial.
The beginning of the story is completely WTF but it gets better. There is some interesting questions raised when the new government is settled and you get to know more about wizardry in this world.
It was certainly not great, but it was entertaining.
I was bothered by the flat style and the multiple typos, though.


Joanne I am enjoying this book and I am on the fifth chapter. I imagine it as one of those bad fifties sci fi flicks. I don't take it too seriously and just have fun with it...bad special effects and all! Ever seen the movie, Mars attacks? It would be that kind of movie.


Donna (donnahr) If Mystery Science Theater spoofed books this would be a good candidate.


message 8: by Suzi (new) - added it

Suzi (suzpep) | 23 comments I was planning on joining this read, but after the first couple comments, decided not to spend the time on this one. I am in for the Junevread though.


message 9: by Julius (new)

Julius Slighterman (slighterman) | 2 comments I value your opinion people, but it contradicts the 4.13 rating of the book, so now I'm really curious. Will start it in a few days.


Joanne I am still enjoying the book. I wish there were more people participating in this discussion. I am finding that although it is a little cheesy, it provokes thought. There are a lot of issues about society and government that come to the surface in the context of all the cartoon-like craziness.


Angélique (MapleBooks) (maplebooks) That's also how I felt about the book Joanne. The book does rise a few interesting questions about democracy and freedom, I especially remember the discussion about taxes. The wizards removed taxes and make it that you pay who you want for whatever service, and some government worker comes and tell the wizards there is no way people know they need to give money to the sewer system workers for instance.
On the other hand, you're a bit by yourself in this because Scott Spotson doesn't solve any of the issue raised during Petition Day. You dont' know how they manage to re-employed ex-government worker, how they stabilized BitCoins, how they made people pay for "invisible" but necessary services (like the sewage system) and for the needy (retirement homes, health care and so on).
I found that a bit frustrating.


Joanne I just finished this book. I think that it could have been shortened quite a bit. The romance stuff in the story was tedious in my opinion and should have been left completely out. I liked the fun action sequences at the end. I would have quickly ended the book right after the action sequences.


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