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Available
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Series
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Publication
Crown (2018), 512 pages
Description
"The exciting beginning of a promising new epic fantasy series. Prepare for ancient mysteries, innovative magic, and heart-pounding heists."--Brandon Sanderson "Complex characters, magic that is tech and vice versa, a world bound by warring trade dynasties: Bennett will leave you in awe once you remember to breathe!"--Tamora Pierce In a city that runs on industrialized magic, a secret war will be fought to overwrite reality itself--the first in a dazzling new series from City of Stairs author Robert Jackson Bennett. Sancia Grado is a thief, and a damn good one. And her latest target, a heavily guarded warehouse on Tevanne's docks, is nothing her unique abilities can't handle. But unbeknownst to her, Sancia's been sent to steal an artifact of unimaginable power, an object that could revolutionize the magical technology known as scriving. The Merchant Houses who control this magic--the art of using coded commands to imbue everyday objects with sentience--have already used it to transform Tevanne into a vast, remorseless capitalist machine. But if they can unlock the artifact's secrets, they will rewrite the world itself to suit their aims. Now someone in those Houses wants Sancia dead, and the artifact for themselves. And in the city of Tevanne, there's nobody with the power to stop them. To have a chance at surviving--and at stopping the deadly transformation that's under way--Sancia will have to marshal unlikely allies, learn to harness the artifact's power for herself, and undergo her own transformation, one that will turn her into something she could never have imagined.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Strider66
Pros: unique magic system, intricate world-building, fascinating characters, interesting plot
Cons:
Three years ago Sancia Grado was a slave. Now she’s a skilled thief, hired to pull off a very difficult job. The payout means she can finally get a physiquere to fix the scar on her head and remove
This book was amazing. I’ve only mentioned Sancia’s plot thread, though there are several others that intersect with hers once the book gets going. She’s a thoroughly engaging protagonist, and while her scrived state makes her fairly powerful in some respects, that’s balanced by the pain speaking with objects causes her.
I absolutely loved Clef. He’s such a fun character, coming out with all the sarcastic, swearing, responses people would love to use but don’t because they want to be polite. The book does have quite a lot of swearing, which I sometimes found jarring and other times thought fit the situation nicely.
The worldbuilding was intricate and detailed, with several layers to it. The main setting is the city with it’s four campos and the commons, but other locations are mentioned. History comes mostly in the form of mythology - which different sources report in different ways.
The magic is unique and hard to describe in few words. It’s remarkably… logical, though it takes some time to wrap your brain around what the people are doing.
The plot is interesting, with several threads wrapping around each other. There is some downtime to get to know the characters and let them figure out their next moves, but the majority of the book is one daring break in or escape after another.
As I said, it’s an excellent book. If you’re looking for a unique fantasy novel, I highly recommend this.
Cons:
Three years ago Sancia Grado was a slave. Now she’s a skilled thief, hired to pull off a very difficult job. The payout means she can finally get a physiquere to fix the scar on her head and remove
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the metal plate beneath it that was scrived to allow her to hear the thoughts of every object she touches. But the item she steals is connected to the Occidentals, also known as hierophants, those who became like gods, able to use scrivings to change reality itself. Suddenly the plate in her head’s the least of her worries. This book was amazing. I’ve only mentioned Sancia’s plot thread, though there are several others that intersect with hers once the book gets going. She’s a thoroughly engaging protagonist, and while her scrived state makes her fairly powerful in some respects, that’s balanced by the pain speaking with objects causes her.
I absolutely loved Clef. He’s such a fun character, coming out with all the sarcastic, swearing, responses people would love to use but don’t because they want to be polite. The book does have quite a lot of swearing, which I sometimes found jarring and other times thought fit the situation nicely.
The worldbuilding was intricate and detailed, with several layers to it. The main setting is the city with it’s four campos and the commons, but other locations are mentioned. History comes mostly in the form of mythology - which different sources report in different ways.
The magic is unique and hard to describe in few words. It’s remarkably… logical, though it takes some time to wrap your brain around what the people are doing.
The plot is interesting, with several threads wrapping around each other. There is some downtime to get to know the characters and let them figure out their next moves, but the majority of the book is one daring break in or escape after another.
As I said, it’s an excellent book. If you’re looking for a unique fantasy novel, I highly recommend this.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
I like Bennett more the further away he gets from 20th/21st century America. Sancia is a thief with a special talent—she can sense the world around her, especially scrived artifacts. Scriving is magic that changes the physical characteristics of the world—it can tell a wheel, for example, that
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it’s always rolling downhill, creating motive force on flat ground. It works a bit like computer programming with nested commands—it’s not surprising that Brandon Sanderson blurbed the book. Sancia is an escapee from the slave plantations where the families/consortia that monopolize scriving technology experimented on scriving human beings, in defiance of their own minimal laws; now she lives in Foundryside. When she steals an ancient artifact that talks back to her, her life gets even more dangerous. It’s a fascinating ride. Show Less
LibraryThing member heylu
I am pleasantly surprised with Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett, which shouldn’t even be a surprise considering how many good things I’ve heard about Bennett’s writing. The reason for my surprise is I partly went into this reading the synopsis with my brain thinking oh, girl thief story?
Before I get into the world-building, let’s talk about the characters! I hope I’m not the only one that looked at young girl thief and automatically thought oh no another typical YA fantasy, as this was anything but. Sancia is truly a well-rounded and fleshed out character whom we see struggle with her place in society and whether she even wants to belong to society. A realist living day to day in a putrid city that cares little for the little people. Her foil, in MANY WAYS, Gregor Dandolo, the son of a wealthy and powerful family who knows his place in society and rejects it in order to make the city he loves and calls home a more just place. Their paths intertwine and their worlds combine in a way I was not expecting, which was incredibly refreshing.
But now, to one of the novel’s greatest strengths – its sublime world-building. Bennett uses Italian sounding names and surnames, as well as words, to center the reader in a world that feels familiar and intimate. We don’t feel as though we’re stepping into some strange land with fourteen syllable cities or characters with names that sound like generic prescriptions. Using that, Bennett adds small tweaks to a world we already know, making it fantastical. And that’s why it works, because the world makes sense. Our brains are able to fill in what the history is because we’ve already lived through the motions, and Bennet doesn’t shy away from showing how great advancements can often come from horrible injustices. Slavery, wars, revolutions, fights for power, cold wars – it’s all we know and the only difference is the tools used. Bennett has the people of Tevanne fight not with simple guns, but with enchantments. It’s a clever addition to the Words/Names Are Power popularized with Ursula K Le Guin’s Earthsea series, as well as Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicles and Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. Bennett puts actual science behind this notion so that it isn’t simply magic that is explained with a shrug and a, “That’s just how it is.” And this is what makes the world-building so amazing — that Bennett actually took the time come up with and explain the science behind what makes everything work in world.
With such strong praise, why not an easy 5 stars? Because Foundryside is a first novel in a new world and as such, I want to leave room for the following book in the series to grow. Additionally, while I loved the science behind how everything works in the world, the lengthy descriptions did slow the pacing slightly. I imagine the second book in the series will move much quicker with readers having a much greater understanding of the world and how things work. I’m ready for the intrigue and the subterfuge.
If you’re looking for a new fantasy novel that escapes the usual cliche trappings, or reinvents them completely, I wholeheartedly recommend Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett. This is such a strong introductory novel to a new series sure to be a fave!
/ I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. /
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Must be a YA fantasy and let me tell you I’ve never been happier to be mistaken! The world-building is absolutely incredible and Bennett is unafraid at showing the rough half of having a world accustomed to convenience.Before I get into the world-building, let’s talk about the characters! I hope I’m not the only one that looked at young girl thief and automatically thought oh no another typical YA fantasy, as this was anything but. Sancia is truly a well-rounded and fleshed out character whom we see struggle with her place in society and whether she even wants to belong to society. A realist living day to day in a putrid city that cares little for the little people. Her foil, in MANY WAYS, Gregor Dandolo, the son of a wealthy and powerful family who knows his place in society and rejects it in order to make the city he loves and calls home a more just place. Their paths intertwine and their worlds combine in a way I was not expecting, which was incredibly refreshing.
But now, to one of the novel’s greatest strengths – its sublime world-building. Bennett uses Italian sounding names and surnames, as well as words, to center the reader in a world that feels familiar and intimate. We don’t feel as though we’re stepping into some strange land with fourteen syllable cities or characters with names that sound like generic prescriptions. Using that, Bennett adds small tweaks to a world we already know, making it fantastical. And that’s why it works, because the world makes sense. Our brains are able to fill in what the history is because we’ve already lived through the motions, and Bennet doesn’t shy away from showing how great advancements can often come from horrible injustices. Slavery, wars, revolutions, fights for power, cold wars – it’s all we know and the only difference is the tools used. Bennett has the people of Tevanne fight not with simple guns, but with enchantments. It’s a clever addition to the Words/Names Are Power popularized with Ursula K Le Guin’s Earthsea series, as well as Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicles and Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. Bennett puts actual science behind this notion so that it isn’t simply magic that is explained with a shrug and a, “That’s just how it is.” And this is what makes the world-building so amazing — that Bennett actually took the time come up with and explain the science behind what makes everything work in world.
With such strong praise, why not an easy 5 stars? Because Foundryside is a first novel in a new world and as such, I want to leave room for the following book in the series to grow. Additionally, while I loved the science behind how everything works in the world, the lengthy descriptions did slow the pacing slightly. I imagine the second book in the series will move much quicker with readers having a much greater understanding of the world and how things work. I’m ready for the intrigue and the subterfuge.
If you’re looking for a new fantasy novel that escapes the usual cliche trappings, or reinvents them completely, I wholeheartedly recommend Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett. This is such a strong introductory novel to a new series sure to be a fave!
/ I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. /
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LibraryThing member JJbooklvr
Great characters, awesome plot, fantastic world building, and a cool twist on magic! I can't ask for anything more except for the next book in the series to come out sooner rather than later!
LibraryThing member jdifelice
Robert Jackson Bennett has done it again! I loved this world he has created and how intricate it, and the magic system was.
The world of Foundryside was so well crafted and just so interesting. I loved the idea of scrivings and how you can manipulate objects. The logic behind the magic system was
The characters were well developed and I really enjoyed Sancia and her crew. Sancia was likeable, and easy to relate to. Her backstory was told in a very integrated way and the world building was done in a very natural way as well. Berenice was probably my second favourite character. She was just bubbly, and strong, and just didn't mind being herself.
I found that the whole women being oppressed plot line was a little old, but it was well done, and important to the plot.
The writing was fantastic. I loved the detail, and the descriptions. Some of the chapters felt long, but at the same time, I really enjoyed every word. It was a little slow to get through at points, but this wasn't a con for me. The plot flowed well, and I enjoyed how things were woven together, and how things were revealed.
Overall, this was a really great new novel from this author and I can't wait to continue with this series!
* I received this ARC on Netgalley from the publisher for a free and honest review *
The world of Foundryside was so well crafted and just so interesting. I loved the idea of scrivings and how you can manipulate objects. The logic behind the magic system was
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really cool - yet at the same time it was mysterious, because no one really knows how scrivings work. I liked the idea of the merchant houses and their power - this could have been a little more developed, but with how the plot wrapped up in this novel, there is definitely room for this exploration.The characters were well developed and I really enjoyed Sancia and her crew. Sancia was likeable, and easy to relate to. Her backstory was told in a very integrated way and the world building was done in a very natural way as well. Berenice was probably my second favourite character. She was just bubbly, and strong, and just didn't mind being herself.
I found that the whole women being oppressed plot line was a little old, but it was well done, and important to the plot.
The writing was fantastic. I loved the detail, and the descriptions. Some of the chapters felt long, but at the same time, I really enjoyed every word. It was a little slow to get through at points, but this wasn't a con for me. The plot flowed well, and I enjoyed how things were woven together, and how things were revealed.
Overall, this was a really great new novel from this author and I can't wait to continue with this series!
* I received this ARC on Netgalley from the publisher for a free and honest review *
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LibraryThing member quondame
Do we really need yet another girl++ thief, abused background, navigating a (not)steampunk urban blight? The pace of the tale is a sprightly cascade as the initial theft for hire turns into a fusillade of deadly threats. The 'magic', technology that re-writes reality is pretty interesting, and the
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characters work, but aren't really put through their paces. It didn't drag, but for me was a bit too long for the content. Show Less
LibraryThing member HOTCHA
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I felt sorry for the life that Sancia had to live by stealing. She accepted a job that would pay handsomely to let her breathe and rest for at least months. Unknown to her, she had agreed to steal an artifact with unimaginable power, and now someone wants to kill her. She was
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unaware of WHAT the box she had stolen and WHAT she had let loose!! NOW I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK!! Show Less
LibraryThing member dpappas
I wasn't sure when I requested this on Netgalley that I would like this as it didn't seem like what I normally read but in the end I really enjoyed it. This mostly follows Sancia who makes money for stealing things. She ends up being hired to steal something that is very valuable that will lead her
I really enjoyed reading about Sancia and all the other characters in the book. I even liked the characters that were the villains. villains. Sancia is gifted in a way most people are not and it was interesting when it was realized why she is the way she is.
I liked reading about the background about all of the different merchant houses and how scriving came to be. I am definitely interested in continuing this series as it looks like it's going to be really good.
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into danger.I really enjoyed reading about Sancia and all the other characters in the book. I even liked the characters that were the villains. villains. Sancia is gifted in a way most people are not and it was interesting when it was realized why she is the way she is.
I liked reading about the background about all of the different merchant houses and how scriving came to be. I am definitely interested in continuing this series as it looks like it's going to be really good.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
This is the first book in The Founders trilogy and I absolutely loved it. This was an amazing fantasy read. I loved the detailed world-building, the amazing characters, and the creative plot. I really really enjoyed this a ton and am so happy I got a copy to review.
Sancia is a thief and she has
I loved all the characters in this book (even the side characters) and really enjoyed the unique world and fast-paced plot as well. The idea of scriving items, and even people, to give them special abilities and makes them do certain things was really unique and interesting. The story has a blend of traditional fantasy and steampunk in it (the idea of scriving items is very steampunkish and there is a lot of blending mechanical/magical with biology).
Bennett’s writing style reminded me a lot of Brandon Sanderson’s writing style. I enjoyed the well balanced characters as well (there are interesting female and male characters). This book ends at a good place and had me excited to read more without ending on a cliffhanger.
Overall I really enjoyed this book a lot. I would highly recommend to fantasy fans and especially to those who enjoy a steampunk feel to their fantasy novels. I am very excited to read the next book in the trilogy when it releases. Fans of Brandon Sanderson should definitely check this series out!
Sancia is a thief and she has
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been sent to steal a particular and unique artifact from the docks of the city of Tevanne. Sancia has a very unique ability to help her on this mission; she’s been physically altered to enable her to sense scrivings (magical technology that convinces objects to do certain things and act certain ways). When Sancia opens the box she’s supposed to steal she ends up embroiled in a bigger political and magical battle than she ever could have foreseen.I loved all the characters in this book (even the side characters) and really enjoyed the unique world and fast-paced plot as well. The idea of scriving items, and even people, to give them special abilities and makes them do certain things was really unique and interesting. The story has a blend of traditional fantasy and steampunk in it (the idea of scriving items is very steampunkish and there is a lot of blending mechanical/magical with biology).
Bennett’s writing style reminded me a lot of Brandon Sanderson’s writing style. I enjoyed the well balanced characters as well (there are interesting female and male characters). This book ends at a good place and had me excited to read more without ending on a cliffhanger.
Overall I really enjoyed this book a lot. I would highly recommend to fantasy fans and especially to those who enjoy a steampunk feel to their fantasy novels. I am very excited to read the next book in the trilogy when it releases. Fans of Brandon Sanderson should definitely check this series out!
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LibraryThing member Madison_Fairbanks
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett
An epic fantasy read. Gritty with a sliver of hope and smidge of Save the World begrudgingly. An unlikely savior in an industrialized magical world.
It’s a world where inanimate objects are given intelligence and specific tasks to perform. It’s a world
First in a series. Read as a complete book with only the last paragraph hinting there is more to come.
It was an engrossing read throughout and was quite gripping in the last third.
Why not the full 5? There were a few discordant notes with characters swearing that fit today’s world rather than this fantasy world. Enough so that as I read them it pushed me out of the story in that moment.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and BOA.
An epic fantasy read. Gritty with a sliver of hope and smidge of Save the World begrudgingly. An unlikely savior in an industrialized magical world.
It’s a world where inanimate objects are given intelligence and specific tasks to perform. It’s a world
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divided between the haves and have nots. Lots of poverty and lawlessness. Greed and godly ambitions. First in a series. Read as a complete book with only the last paragraph hinting there is more to come.
It was an engrossing read throughout and was quite gripping in the last third.
Why not the full 5? There were a few discordant notes with characters swearing that fit today’s world rather than this fantasy world. Enough so that as I read them it pushed me out of the story in that moment.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and BOA.
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LibraryThing member TempleCat
Foundryside is an urban fantasy novel, replete with thieves and magic, that enchants the reader both through the adventure of one uncommon thief, Sancia Grado, and the inventive magic that makes everything in the city of Tevanne run.
There are really two protagonists in this story - the
The setting of Foundryside is also a major factor to the story. Tevanne is a city-state akin to those of Renaissance Italy, ruled by powerful rival families, each residing in their walled-off enclaves, controlling the economy and resources. In particular, they manage the infrastructure of the city and the magical technology that empowers that infrastructure - scrivings, commands written upon the mindless objects, convincing them to disobey reality in select ways. Thus, carriage wheels can be convinced to roll uphill, doors to be locked or unlocked, brooms to fly, etc.
An interesting city, no doubt, but one where the ruling families have become greedy and fearful, looking for ways not only to control technology but also people (hence the slavery and brutality.) But any large-scale economy also supports a black market and that is where Sancia finds help for her thieving exploits and, when paired up with the sentient magic item, to face the powers that be in Tevanne.
Foundryside is an easy and fun novel that expertly melds politics, economics, magic and deftly limned characters in an intriguing situation - a sentient magic item with a purpose and an enhanced thief with a major grudge.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
There are really two protagonists in this story - the
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aforementioned thief, Sancia, a former slave who, after being forced by her masters to undergo brutal surgery on her skull, her mind, her very being, developed an interesting power that aided her escape and has proven quite helpful to her thieving; and the magic itself, in the form of a sentient magicked item. When the two join forces, the rival families that rule Tevanne have met their match.The setting of Foundryside is also a major factor to the story. Tevanne is a city-state akin to those of Renaissance Italy, ruled by powerful rival families, each residing in their walled-off enclaves, controlling the economy and resources. In particular, they manage the infrastructure of the city and the magical technology that empowers that infrastructure - scrivings, commands written upon the mindless objects, convincing them to disobey reality in select ways. Thus, carriage wheels can be convinced to roll uphill, doors to be locked or unlocked, brooms to fly, etc.
An interesting city, no doubt, but one where the ruling families have become greedy and fearful, looking for ways not only to control technology but also people (hence the slavery and brutality.) But any large-scale economy also supports a black market and that is where Sancia finds help for her thieving exploits and, when paired up with the sentient magic item, to face the powers that be in Tevanne.
Foundryside is an easy and fun novel that expertly melds politics, economics, magic and deftly limned characters in an intriguing situation - a sentient magic item with a purpose and an enhanced thief with a major grudge.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Riveting!
Enter the tough, tempered world of Tevanne where machines are run by plates scribed by sigils that convince objects of a different reality, which in turn sets them in motion according to the demands inscribed. Scriven humans though are illegal, harmful and an anathema to the original ideas
A world where the ruling merchant classes live in order and wealth, where morality is doubtful and integrity a troubling word. Those unfortunates out in Foundryside live in disgusting conditions, reminiscent of industrial English slums à la Oliver Twist, crossed with Jabba the Hutt's abode, where the strong prey on the weak and where all sorts of despicable activities are the norm. Where the price of life is cheap and virtue is a non existent entity.
Sancia Grado is a young woman with a painful past, deep secrets locked away from even herself, an inhabitant of the slums outside the merchant enclaves. She's a gifted thief and those gifts will become beacons for the greedy. Undoing the toughest of locks is her specialty. Her latest assignment is to steal a small box from a warehouse. A task filled with danger. A highly paid job for such a small object. Of course Sancia can't resist opening the box and like Pandora her world shifts!
What she has released is an artifact from the beginning of scrivenings, an artifact that goes back to the time when the godlike ordered the world. It seems someone wants to take up that mantle and Sancia finds herself with allies she'd never have normally considered. She's pursued on every side by those who want to use her and those who want her dead. Friends and enemies blur and scrivening underlies it all.
As the story continues there appears little divides the morality of the Merchant enclaves to Foundryside, except perhaps access to clean water.
A powerful new fantasy with betrayal and death found at every turn, and where the downtrodden still find avenues of hope.
A NetGalley ARC
Enter the tough, tempered world of Tevanne where machines are run by plates scribed by sigils that convince objects of a different reality, which in turn sets them in motion according to the demands inscribed. Scriven humans though are illegal, harmful and an anathema to the original ideas
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of the inhabitants of this world.A world where the ruling merchant classes live in order and wealth, where morality is doubtful and integrity a troubling word. Those unfortunates out in Foundryside live in disgusting conditions, reminiscent of industrial English slums à la Oliver Twist, crossed with Jabba the Hutt's abode, where the strong prey on the weak and where all sorts of despicable activities are the norm. Where the price of life is cheap and virtue is a non existent entity.
Sancia Grado is a young woman with a painful past, deep secrets locked away from even herself, an inhabitant of the slums outside the merchant enclaves. She's a gifted thief and those gifts will become beacons for the greedy. Undoing the toughest of locks is her specialty. Her latest assignment is to steal a small box from a warehouse. A task filled with danger. A highly paid job for such a small object. Of course Sancia can't resist opening the box and like Pandora her world shifts!
What she has released is an artifact from the beginning of scrivenings, an artifact that goes back to the time when the godlike ordered the world. It seems someone wants to take up that mantle and Sancia finds herself with allies she'd never have normally considered. She's pursued on every side by those who want to use her and those who want her dead. Friends and enemies blur and scrivening underlies it all.
As the story continues there appears little divides the morality of the Merchant enclaves to Foundryside, except perhaps access to clean water.
A powerful new fantasy with betrayal and death found at every turn, and where the downtrodden still find avenues of hope.
A NetGalley ARC
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LibraryThing member roses7184
Ah, I loved this book! I absolutely scrumming loved it! There's this little place in my heart that begs for gritty Fantasy. The kinds of stories that feature more than their fair share of backstabbing, and unbelievable twists. The kinds of stories where characters that I already love come to be
This story is heavily character focused, and I think it just works. Sancia Grado, our main character, is so much more than that just an epic thief. Bennett slowly, gently, draws the reader into Sancia's past, her present, and then leaves this beautiful opening for what will happen to her in the future. I was so attached to this proud woman after the first few chapters, that I actually legitimately cried when her backstory was revealed. Her character is an opportunity to showcase the damage that being someone's property does to a person, and Bennett weaves that whole story arc masterfully through the story. Sancia is definitely someone that you'll care about.
Further kudos go to the author for walking that really thin line between epic world building and forward plot movement. I never felt like I wasn't fully settled in Tevanne, but I also never felt like the book dragged to allow me to feel that way. I basically learned my surroundings by following along with Sancia, and seeing through her eyes. The dark alleys, the ramshackle homes, all stood in stark contrast to the shining campos. Bennett manages to say so much about equality, and the concept of self worth, without every actually saying anything at all. I can't even explain it to you, only promise you that it's a beautiful thing.
So, if it wasn't glaringly obvious, I have fallen in love with this series. I don't know what I expected from this book, to be honest with you. All I know is that it blew everything I have been feeling about cookie cutter Fantasy books completely out of the picture. This is good fiction. I absolutely cannot wait for more.
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characters that I can't dream of living without by the end of the book. That, my friends, was Foundryside. I'm smitten, and I don't care who knows it.This story is heavily character focused, and I think it just works. Sancia Grado, our main character, is so much more than that just an epic thief. Bennett slowly, gently, draws the reader into Sancia's past, her present, and then leaves this beautiful opening for what will happen to her in the future. I was so attached to this proud woman after the first few chapters, that I actually legitimately cried when her backstory was revealed. Her character is an opportunity to showcase the damage that being someone's property does to a person, and Bennett weaves that whole story arc masterfully through the story. Sancia is definitely someone that you'll care about.
Further kudos go to the author for walking that really thin line between epic world building and forward plot movement. I never felt like I wasn't fully settled in Tevanne, but I also never felt like the book dragged to allow me to feel that way. I basically learned my surroundings by following along with Sancia, and seeing through her eyes. The dark alleys, the ramshackle homes, all stood in stark contrast to the shining campos. Bennett manages to say so much about equality, and the concept of self worth, without every actually saying anything at all. I can't even explain it to you, only promise you that it's a beautiful thing.
So, if it wasn't glaringly obvious, I have fallen in love with this series. I don't know what I expected from this book, to be honest with you. All I know is that it blew everything I have been feeling about cookie cutter Fantasy books completely out of the picture. This is good fiction. I absolutely cannot wait for more.
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LibraryThing member trlinatl
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! CANT WAIT FOR Book 2. I met him at Dragoncon and he was so nice and we talked about this book. This is a must read new fantasy series!!!!
LibraryThing member BethYacoub
***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Oh my word, Robert Jackson Bennett has done it again! With this new endeavour, Foundryside, he graciously allowed us a glimpse of the genius behind the curtain inside his highly unconventional brain. This novel has
The first quarter of the book was captivating. I really felt like I couldn't look away. The middle of the book unfortunately felt a bit sluggish. It mostly seemed bogged down with bland/flat character interactions.
What it had in spades were moral and social injustices abound. Morality and the very nature of Reality were questioned repeatedly and the results were unique and captivating. Other common motifs included: What does it take to do what's right even if it is in direct opposition with our "true" nature? What about in the face of incredible injustice? What does it mean to have Power and what does it do to the person who wields it? Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of our predecessors? What happens when the Powerless are suddenly given some power? Will it corrupt? Will it finally be used to benefit the downtrodden? What does it mean to be free? Can you feel free even if you are hardwired for mindless servitude?... and more...
The ending was bittersweet and left me with nearly as many questions as it answered. Over all this was an interesting, gripping and extremely unique read. It is definitely worth the time!!
Oh my word, Robert Jackson Bennett has done it again! With this new endeavour, Foundryside, he graciously allowed us a glimpse of the genius behind the curtain inside his highly unconventional brain. This novel has
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unbelievably intricate World development, an imaginatively complex magic system and beautifully written characters. It is a high octane, extremely well developed Adult Fantasy that gives us bizarre creations such as people who can Code objects to believe/behave in any manner they so choose.... there are materials that are "scrived" to believe they are bigger, stronger, lighter, faster or just "other" than their true nature. Then there are characters that can alter said devices to make them act however they so choose by questioning and redefining their core directives. There are also weird and wonderful, synapse stretching contraptions aplenty. The first quarter of the book was captivating. I really felt like I couldn't look away. The middle of the book unfortunately felt a bit sluggish. It mostly seemed bogged down with bland/flat character interactions.
What it had in spades were moral and social injustices abound. Morality and the very nature of Reality were questioned repeatedly and the results were unique and captivating. Other common motifs included: What does it take to do what's right even if it is in direct opposition with our "true" nature? What about in the face of incredible injustice? What does it mean to have Power and what does it do to the person who wields it? Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of our predecessors? What happens when the Powerless are suddenly given some power? Will it corrupt? Will it finally be used to benefit the downtrodden? What does it mean to be free? Can you feel free even if you are hardwired for mindless servitude?... and more...
The ending was bittersweet and left me with nearly as many questions as it answered. Over all this was an interesting, gripping and extremely unique read. It is definitely worth the time!!
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LibraryThing member jmchshannon
Initial thoughts: “Robert Jackson Bennett became an author to watch with his stunning City of Stairs trilogy. With his newest series, he entered my automatic read list. Mr. Bennett’s world-building is superb, and his stories are intense and complicated and exciting in all the best ways.
Now: My initial assessment still stands. Foundryside is a fantastic story. There is magic. There are legends. There is science. There are the human interactions which fuel the drama. There are the socio-economic strata that will always cause strife. There is a larger-than-life cast of characters which not just support but enhance Sanchia’s role as the hero. Nothing is black and white. The myriad shades of gray not only add action and drama, but they also serve as cautionary lessons that define and develop Sanchia as a character. The story is creative and intense, with the stakes being much higher than they initially appear to be. With a classic style of storytelling that takes its time, Foundryside solidifies Mr. Bennett’s place among my all-time favorite authors, and I eagerly anticipate the next book in the Founders series.
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However, it is with his characters where he truly shines, and Sanchia is one of the best heroines I have read in a while. She is feisty, fierce, more than a little capable, and intensely vulnerable. You cannot help but fall a little in love with her, even though she would probably punch you in the throat for doing so. Her supporting cast is equally impressive, and I am excited to see where their stories take them. Mr. Bennett’s stories are not the types for quick reading. Instead, I savored every sentence and will now wait patiently for the rest of the series.”Now: My initial assessment still stands. Foundryside is a fantastic story. There is magic. There are legends. There is science. There are the human interactions which fuel the drama. There are the socio-economic strata that will always cause strife. There is a larger-than-life cast of characters which not just support but enhance Sanchia’s role as the hero. Nothing is black and white. The myriad shades of gray not only add action and drama, but they also serve as cautionary lessons that define and develop Sanchia as a character. The story is creative and intense, with the stakes being much higher than they initially appear to be. With a classic style of storytelling that takes its time, Foundryside solidifies Mr. Bennett’s place among my all-time favorite authors, and I eagerly anticipate the next book in the Founders series.
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LibraryThing member Shrike58
Having adored Bennett's "Divine Cities" series I'll admit that I had some mixed feelings regarding this new series. While it's great to have a new series from Bennett, I'll also note that I expected to be impressed. Was I impressed? For the most part, yes. Starting with "peak" Venice as one's model
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there are certain expectations, and certain cliches to be transcended. If I have a particular issue it's that the prime characters do seem to serve the plot in a, dare I say it, mechanistic kind of way. However, just about all those characters are going to have their fortunes dramatically transformed in the course of this novel, and very little is as it appears. Recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member roses7184
Ah, I loved this book! I absolutely scrumming loved it! There's this little place in my heart that begs for gritty Fantasy. The kinds of stories that feature more than their fair share of backstabbing, and unbelievable twists. The kinds of stories where characters that I already love come to be
This story is heavily character focused, and I think it just works. Sancia Grado, our main character, is so much more than that just an epic thief. Bennett slowly, gently, draws the reader into Sancia's past, her present, and then leaves this beautiful opening for what will happen to her in the future. I was so attached to this proud woman after the first few chapters, that I actually legitimately cried when her backstory was revealed. Her character is an opportunity to showcase the damage that being someone's property does to a person, and Bennett weaves that whole story arc masterfully through the story. Sancia is definitely someone that you'll care about.
Further kudos go to the author for walking that really thin line between epic world building and forward plot movement. I never felt like I wasn't fully settled in Tevanne, but I also never felt like the book dragged to allow me to feel that way. I basically learned my surroundings by following along with Sancia, and seeing through her eyes. The dark alleys, the ramshackle homes, all stood in stark contrast to the shining campos. Bennett manages to say so much about equality, and the concept of self worth, without every actually saying anything at all. I can't even explain it to you, only promise you that it's a beautiful thing.
So, if it wasn't glaringly obvious, I have fallen in love with this series. I don't know what I expected from this book, to be honest with you. All I know is that it blew everything I have been feeling about cookie cutter Fantasy books completely out of the picture. This is good fiction. I absolutely cannot wait for more.
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characters that I can't dream of living without by the end of the book. That, my friends, was Foundryside. I'm smitten, and I don't care who knows it.This story is heavily character focused, and I think it just works. Sancia Grado, our main character, is so much more than that just an epic thief. Bennett slowly, gently, draws the reader into Sancia's past, her present, and then leaves this beautiful opening for what will happen to her in the future. I was so attached to this proud woman after the first few chapters, that I actually legitimately cried when her backstory was revealed. Her character is an opportunity to showcase the damage that being someone's property does to a person, and Bennett weaves that whole story arc masterfully through the story. Sancia is definitely someone that you'll care about.
Further kudos go to the author for walking that really thin line between epic world building and forward plot movement. I never felt like I wasn't fully settled in Tevanne, but I also never felt like the book dragged to allow me to feel that way. I basically learned my surroundings by following along with Sancia, and seeing through her eyes. The dark alleys, the ramshackle homes, all stood in stark contrast to the shining campos. Bennett manages to say so much about equality, and the concept of self worth, without every actually saying anything at all. I can't even explain it to you, only promise you that it's a beautiful thing.
So, if it wasn't glaringly obvious, I have fallen in love with this series. I don't know what I expected from this book, to be honest with you. All I know is that it blew everything I have been feeling about cookie cutter Fantasy books completely out of the picture. This is good fiction. I absolutely cannot wait for more.
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LibraryThing member avanders
Review based on ARC (Advanced Readers Copy received for free in exchange for an honest review).
I received one of those e-mail notes via Goodreads from the author of this book, likely because I had read early reviewers by this author in the past and have immensely enjoyed his work. This will be the
In his email, the author initially describes the book as a "fantasy" involving "thieves, magic, spies, smugglers, ancient mysteries, fallen kingdoms, intrigue of the political and courtly variety, or the trade empires of the Mediterranean Renaissance." Okay, I'm intrigued. He then adds that in is also about "coding, programming, hacking, software, firmware, database architecture, or corporate espionage." Hooked. I'm fully on board at this point. Nonetheless, he includes this: "If the phrase “the magic equivalent of database management” gets you hot under the collar – then this book really is absolutely for you (you weirdo)." It does, it was, and I am.
I'm at a point in my life where world-building in sci-fi or fantasy is not a luxury of which I feel free to partake. There is so little time, and so much to do. But Bennett's effortless world-building in both science fiction and fantasy was fully worth every brain cell required to properly build the images.
Foundryside, the first in a trilogy (the 2nd of which is set to come out in January 2020), is "about" a young girl in an "unmentionables" type of class, who has a special skill that allows her to be particularly good at thieving, smuggling, and spying. It's also about secrets and corporate espionage (ish) and the development of a police system and class dynamics. Bennett then adds an entire world of mythology and its history and a present and historical mystery, which I must have simply absorbed by osmosis because I hardly noticed it happening while I was flying through the story to figure out what was happening. He manages to also tack on coding, database architecture, and database management type stuff in a magical context---and I could not even begin to imagine how he was going to manage that---in a way that is clever, fascinating, and humorous, while somehow not getting bogged down in the details. And, yes, there's also a little romance thrown in... but not distractingly so.
The personalities of every single character in this book felt vivid and complex and true to me. The whole "database management" thing was something new in a world where new things are hard to come by (I mean this world, not Bennett's world). And the story was quick-paced, fascinating, and heart-filled. The book is also full of action, contains a spunky and strong-willed female protagonist (who is not just "spunky" for cuteness-sake, but actually has personality and cojones), and humor!
I one-hundred percent recommend this book. If you like a well-told story well-populated with all types of people, a story you can sink your teeth into, and a story that you will fly through, you will probably enjoy this. The story reads more like mythology than magic with some dark urban fantasy thrown in, but at its core, it is just a good story that has been well-told.
I add that I both read and listened to the audio recording (as always, at 1.5x speed). Although it took me just a little time to adjust to the narrator's tone, the audio recording was excellently done and is also recommended.
Overall, a solid FIVE of five stars. I cannot wait until January 2020.
I received one of those e-mail notes via Goodreads from the author of this book, likely because I had read early reviewers by this author in the past and have immensely enjoyed his work. This will be the
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third book I've read by this author, and by far the best (though that in no way intends to diminish the others). In his email, the author initially describes the book as a "fantasy" involving "thieves, magic, spies, smugglers, ancient mysteries, fallen kingdoms, intrigue of the political and courtly variety, or the trade empires of the Mediterranean Renaissance." Okay, I'm intrigued. He then adds that in is also about "coding, programming, hacking, software, firmware, database architecture, or corporate espionage." Hooked. I'm fully on board at this point. Nonetheless, he includes this: "If the phrase “the magic equivalent of database management” gets you hot under the collar – then this book really is absolutely for you (you weirdo)." It does, it was, and I am.
I'm at a point in my life where world-building in sci-fi or fantasy is not a luxury of which I feel free to partake. There is so little time, and so much to do. But Bennett's effortless world-building in both science fiction and fantasy was fully worth every brain cell required to properly build the images.
Foundryside, the first in a trilogy (the 2nd of which is set to come out in January 2020), is "about" a young girl in an "unmentionables" type of class, who has a special skill that allows her to be particularly good at thieving, smuggling, and spying. It's also about secrets and corporate espionage (ish) and the development of a police system and class dynamics. Bennett then adds an entire world of mythology and its history and a present and historical mystery, which I must have simply absorbed by osmosis because I hardly noticed it happening while I was flying through the story to figure out what was happening. He manages to also tack on coding, database architecture, and database management type stuff in a magical context---and I could not even begin to imagine how he was going to manage that---in a way that is clever, fascinating, and humorous, while somehow not getting bogged down in the details. And, yes, there's also a little romance thrown in... but not distractingly so.
The personalities of every single character in this book felt vivid and complex and true to me. The whole "database management" thing was something new in a world where new things are hard to come by (I mean this world, not Bennett's world). And the story was quick-paced, fascinating, and heart-filled. The book is also full of action, contains a spunky and strong-willed female protagonist (who is not just "spunky" for cuteness-sake, but actually has personality and cojones), and humor!
I one-hundred percent recommend this book. If you like a well-told story well-populated with all types of people, a story you can sink your teeth into, and a story that you will fly through, you will probably enjoy this. The story reads more like mythology than magic with some dark urban fantasy thrown in, but at its core, it is just a good story that has been well-told.
I add that I both read and listened to the audio recording (as always, at 1.5x speed). Although it took me just a little time to adjust to the narrator's tone, the audio recording was excellently done and is also recommended.
Overall, a solid FIVE of five stars. I cannot wait until January 2020.
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LibraryThing member GeoffHabiger
A fun book with wonderful world-building, and a magic system that interposes magic scribings for technology. The uniqueness of the magical-tech had me hooked as I kept thinking how the characters in the story could create a new item, or use some bit of "tech" in a different way. The world-building,
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with a deep history that is revealed throughout the novel, building the suspense and revealing new details was very well done. I anticipated the outcomes of a few items of the plot, but there are a few twists and reveals that did surprised me. The characters are well-developed with complex histories that get in the way of their trying to survive, but also allow them to grow throughout the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member MontzaleeW
Foundryside (Founders #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett is a book I requested and the review is voluntary. Wow, this is one heck of a book! The character building and world building is just so astounding! The story itself drags me in and I didn't even feel it until I was hopeless trapped and I couldn't
The political intrigue, the society's ladders, how magic fit or didn't fit in, all was masterfully painted. Such an exciting story, lots of mini stories, plots, and puzzles! I can't wait for the next book!
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stop reading for fear of what may happen when I wasn't there! lol The political intrigue, the society's ladders, how magic fit or didn't fit in, all was masterfully painted. Such an exciting story, lots of mini stories, plots, and puzzles! I can't wait for the next book!
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LibraryThing member ladycato
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
I was just about two chapters into this book when I thought, "Hmm, this is going to be one of my favorite books for the year, isn't it?" Foundryside fully lived up to the promise of its early pages. This is a darn good book, and one I have
The world-building stands out foremost. There are a lot of political machinations going on between different city founders, but the magic was what gripped me right away. Sancia is a young thief with unusual magical skills; she can meddle with objects and make them do things. But this skill isn't natural--she's essentially a hacked human being, raised in slavery then subject to a cruel experiment to attempt to "scrive" human beings, i.e. grant them magical abilities like the sort once used by god-like entities called hierophants. Sancia takes on a difficult job to steal a box from a safe, and that safe holds a talking key that just might be connected to the hierophants of old. (Clef, the talking key, is one of the stand-outs of the book and a major reason to continue reading this series.) Of course, a lot of really nasty people want that key, deaths ensue, and Sancia creates a band of reluctant, quirky allies to try to survive. The action is near-constant but this is no fluff action book--there is genuine heart and soul here, and these are characters I want to stick with for the long haul.
I was just about two chapters into this book when I thought, "Hmm, this is going to be one of my favorite books for the year, isn't it?" Foundryside fully lived up to the promise of its early pages. This is a darn good book, and one I have
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already added to my awards nomination list for next year.The world-building stands out foremost. There are a lot of political machinations going on between different city founders, but the magic was what gripped me right away. Sancia is a young thief with unusual magical skills; she can meddle with objects and make them do things. But this skill isn't natural--she's essentially a hacked human being, raised in slavery then subject to a cruel experiment to attempt to "scrive" human beings, i.e. grant them magical abilities like the sort once used by god-like entities called hierophants. Sancia takes on a difficult job to steal a box from a safe, and that safe holds a talking key that just might be connected to the hierophants of old. (Clef, the talking key, is one of the stand-outs of the book and a major reason to continue reading this series.) Of course, a lot of really nasty people want that key, deaths ensue, and Sancia creates a band of reluctant, quirky allies to try to survive. The action is near-constant but this is no fluff action book--there is genuine heart and soul here, and these are characters I want to stick with for the long haul.
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LibraryThing member Verkruissen
Foundryside is the first book I've read from Robert Jackson Bennett and it will definitely not be my last. Mr. Bennett has built and amazing world where the founders, the wealthy families, live decadent lives while on the other side of the walls people are living in squalor. The city runs on
The story begins with a young woman named Sancia who is a very talented thief. Her unique ability allows her to be successful where many have failed. She only has to touch an object and it's history flows into her mind, this allows her to navigate places she has never been. She has been hired by an unnamed source to steal a small box from the docks of the Trevanne family. After pulling off this heist she has to keep the box for 3 days and that's a bit too long for her to hold on to something as intriguing as this box. She breaks her own rule and opens the box and discovers an ornate key that seems to be able to talk to her inside her head. She quickly realizes that whoever wanted this box will most likely try to kill her and take the key so she keeps it. This quickly starts off a huge chain of events that will lead her to new friends, will lead her to discover more about her past and opens a whole new world that is so very different from her slavery past.
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were interesting and compelling. The world building was like nothing I've ever read before, it is vast, intricate and totally absorbing. It does have a steampunk feel to it but it's not overwhelming. It's simply a unique amazing read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this awesome book!
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industrialized magic called scriving. It gives inanimate objects the ability to do the tasks they have been inscribed to do. The story begins with a young woman named Sancia who is a very talented thief. Her unique ability allows her to be successful where many have failed. She only has to touch an object and it's history flows into her mind, this allows her to navigate places she has never been. She has been hired by an unnamed source to steal a small box from the docks of the Trevanne family. After pulling off this heist she has to keep the box for 3 days and that's a bit too long for her to hold on to something as intriguing as this box. She breaks her own rule and opens the box and discovers an ornate key that seems to be able to talk to her inside her head. She quickly realizes that whoever wanted this box will most likely try to kill her and take the key so she keeps it. This quickly starts off a huge chain of events that will lead her to new friends, will lead her to discover more about her past and opens a whole new world that is so very different from her slavery past.
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were interesting and compelling. The world building was like nothing I've ever read before, it is vast, intricate and totally absorbing. It does have a steampunk feel to it but it's not overwhelming. It's simply a unique amazing read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this awesome book!
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LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
Wow. A very unique, well-done story. Not what I expected, but I really (really) appreciated it. Hope there's a sequel so I call find out what happens next!
LibraryThing member breic
Fun fantasy fiction. The problem is that the heroine is drastically over-powered, almost from chapter one, when she finds a key that can open any lock. But she and her key soon become even more powerful.
You can tell what kind of novel this is by that criticism. Don't expect decent writing or
You can tell what kind of novel this is by that criticism. Don't expect decent writing or
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character development, and you can enjoy it, as a superhero story. Show Less
Awards
Locus Award (Finalist — Fantasy Novel — 2019)
British Fantasy Award (Nominee — Robert Holdstock Award — 2019)
RUSA CODES Reading List (Winner — Fantasy — 2019)
Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire (Shortlist — 2022)
Dragon Award (Finalist — Fantasy Novel — 2019)
Lariat Adult Fiction Reading List (Selection — 2019)
Language
Original publication date
2018-08-21
ISBN
9781524760373