13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Redeems the Series, Sep 30 2004
By Rachel A. Karfit - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sinner (Hardcover)
After reading this latest installment in "The Wayfarer Redemption" I can say that I came away from the book without feeling frustrated. That wasn't the case with the previous three books. There is no nearly omnipotent hero and heroine, and due to a surprising twist near the end of the book it is no longer clear whether Axis and Azhure will be able to effortlessly "save the day." Much of the story does not involve the protagonists of the previous books, with the exception of Wolfstar, who always seems to be hanging around waiting for trouble, Stardrifter and Faraday. (Hooray!) That really made this book worthwhile for me, because after "Starman" ended I was left hanging around wondering about her. I hate cliffhangers...
There are several plotlines in "Sinner" (some of which were hinted at in the previous books) and at first they don't really seem to go together. As the book progresses though, it's apparent that all aspects of the story are equally important, and at the novel's conclusion everything ties together nicely. Every plotline concerns different characters, and they end sort of abruptly, so it keeps the reader wanting to turn the pages to find out what's going to happen. I finished the book in three hours, so yes, it's that addicting.
Characterizations are much better this time around. Drago, for example is a very complex and sympathetic character, even though he attempted to murder his brother Caelum in the previous book. It's very easy to see things from his point of view, and it helps the story along to be able to connect with characters on this level. They are more like people instead of fillers or gods, and the hero in this book is much more human and easier to relate to. (Did anyone else think Axis was a jerk, or is it just me?) Douglass' female characters are stronger and more intelligent than before, and if you're like me you will be cheering for Faraday and Zenith.
In conclusion, I suppose that if you didn't like the previous volumes due to Douglass' style, you probably won't like "Sinner." I confess that they left me sort of irritated, but I'm glad that I decided to go on faith and pick this one up. I felt that it was worth my time and my money.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate Fantasy Read!, May 26 2000
By Heather Rayment - Published on Amazon.com
Continuing on from the epic Axis Trilogy, Sinner is a novel that continues to deliver an amazing story. Rich in description, Sinner invites the reader into a world bound by prophecy where the characters are a curious mix of glorious heroes, fey creatures, dazzling gods and malevolent demons, where triumph is often overshadowed by tradegy and where the entire land of Tencendor is on the brink of destruction due to the actions of one man...or is it? Sara Douglass is Australia's finest fantasy writer, and with Sinner, the first in the Wayfarer Redemption Trilogy, she has created a story that will stay with you long after you have put down the novel.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazed, Feb 1 2003
By Geoff - Published on Amazon.com
When I first started to read this book it was very slow getting into it. It started out just like any other fantasy story, introducing the characters and whatnot but by the time I was about thirty pages in, I couldent put it down.
I am twelve years old and in grade seven, and for english class we have to fill out a monthly reading log. When my english teacher saw that I had read "Sinner" in three days, she didn't believe me. It just geos to show you that the book is uterly captivating and I couldn't put it down. So if you have the means I highly recommend picking a copy of "Sinner" up at your local bookstore!