I don’t usually write reviews on books because it feels too much like writing a book report in school. Man I hated doing that, but for this one, I had to! I just had so much fun with it – adventurous and filled with fantastic ideas. It would make a great movie, if Hollywood wasn’t so scared of original ideas.
I’ll give you the lowdown, with no spoilers. I really hate it when reviewers give away the exciting parts and all the mystery when I’m still trying to decide if I ought to buy the book in the first place! Anyway, it was scary in places and others an absolute blast. I didn’t just love the plot, I loved the characters. That’s all you really need to know; buy it and give it a shot. It’s worth it. I guess you want to know a little more?
Alright, here goes:
There’s these guys called Recorders who can remember everything they hear or see. It’s their job to stay in the corner and watch things and generally stay out of trouble. The main guy though - a little grumpy dude named Misling, keeps losing his temper and doing it wrong. He meets a mystery man that you’re never sure what he’s up to, but keeps hinting at big things. Turns out, he’s not kidding – the thing he’s doing is HUGE!
He does some trickster things you don’t think are important, but wind up getting referenced later big time. That’s one of the things I really love about about this book – everything winds up being important. Every little thing. You’re not going to wanna’ zone out while walking on your treadmill or whatever you do with your kindle. It’s a fun read with absolutely no fluff.
The Talgo family are dysfunctional and screwed up like you wouldn’t believe, like the Kennedy’s or something, and everybody is fascinated with them. They’re tied in with the big problem happening. They go at it basically, which starts a massive, super cool war that’s not even the point of what’s really going on.
The battle scenes will blow your mind. Seriously; would look really amazing on Xbox – they shoot tornadoes at each other and ride little ships that climb up the walls of buildings. They also use a cool weapon called ‘Black Fire’ that eats into your hull, when not having gunfight duels with these shield-shaped things that shoot ball lightning. It’s just cool – you’re going to love it. I’ve probably said too much already.
I almost screamed when it was over, I wanted more! You can tell he’s not done with the story – I think this is first in a series. You find out enough to be satisfied in a story well told. If I’m lying, I’m dying. You’ll love it. Check it out.
This is the type of book that you can read over and over and still find something you missed. there are all different things going on that you don't realize are part of the bigger picture. The War was like a mix between a video game and a mythological battle. There were great weapons! I would love to see the special effects on a big screen. This is only book one, and I hope that this author has a lot more to write. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own
'Tearing Down The Statues' is a brainy, exciting, and well-written look at a world in which religion and war are inseparable, and equally dangerous.