Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Solaris (2022), 528 pages
Description
"Cadenza is the City of Words, a city run by poets, its skyline dominated by the steepled towers of its libraries ... Carlo Mazzoni, a young wordsmith, arrives at the city gates intent on making his name as the bells ring out with the news of the death of the city's poet-leader. Instead, he finds himself embroiled with the intrigues of a city in turmoil ... A war that threatens not only to destroy Cadenza but remove it from history altogether"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member Mishker
Cadenza is a city ruled by words. Poets, writers and storytellers vie for power by sharing their works. Libraries and printing presses create the economy. Cadenza's Artifex Tommaso Cellini, an adept poet, dies mysteriously on the day Carlo Mazzoni arrives in town trying to find his place among the
Carnival of Ash is the story of a fictional city that is at its apex only to fall spectacularly and possibly begin to rise from the ashes. Written in Cantos, each Canto shows a point of view from a different citizen of Cadenza. As the Canto's continue, the character's stories begin to combine. Even though there are about a dozen characters and different stories to keep track of, the story seems to not be about the characters as much as the city itself and what can happen without a well-rounded society. The writing was verbose and pompous, fitting for characters who lived in a city of words; however, I expected some more word play, lightheartedness and poetry. The characters were all interesting and unique, each with their own flaws and failings. I felt most drawn to Vittoria's character and the tragedy of her circumstance. I was entranced by her story and how her words eventually took over. Carlo and Ercole, the gravedigger were another great pair. Carlo, who seemed doomed from the beginning, slowly finds his place. Ercole, an alchemist in a city of words brings in the next era. Carnival of Ash is an unexpected work with violence, ego and destruction.; it may not be for everyone but was an interesting read.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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wordsmiths. Cellini is replaced by an Artifex more worried about budget numbers than words and the city rebels. Soon crime, plague and internal strife plague Cadenza as they prepare for war against the invading Venice. Carnival of Ash is the story of a fictional city that is at its apex only to fall spectacularly and possibly begin to rise from the ashes. Written in Cantos, each Canto shows a point of view from a different citizen of Cadenza. As the Canto's continue, the character's stories begin to combine. Even though there are about a dozen characters and different stories to keep track of, the story seems to not be about the characters as much as the city itself and what can happen without a well-rounded society. The writing was verbose and pompous, fitting for characters who lived in a city of words; however, I expected some more word play, lightheartedness and poetry. The characters were all interesting and unique, each with their own flaws and failings. I felt most drawn to Vittoria's character and the tragedy of her circumstance. I was entranced by her story and how her words eventually took over. Carlo and Ercole, the gravedigger were another great pair. Carlo, who seemed doomed from the beginning, slowly finds his place. Ercole, an alchemist in a city of words brings in the next era. Carnival of Ash is an unexpected work with violence, ego and destruction.; it may not be for everyone but was an interesting read.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member reader1009
abandoned after 50 pages, not caring to hear anymore about this city full of silly, dull, doddering poets, or the main character obsessed with his lack of fame/fortune.
LibraryThing member AVoraciousReader
DNF @12%
While I consider this book to be well-written and extremely clever, the writing style isn't one that I enjoy. Which is why I gave it one of my rare no rating for a DNF. Other tour bloggers have compared it to commedia dell'arte which I know nothing about and understand even less. To compare
*I would shelve it more under literary fiction or alternate universe than straight fantasy.
While I consider this book to be well-written and extremely clever, the writing style isn't one that I enjoy. Which is why I gave it one of my rare no rating for a DNF. Other tour bloggers have compared it to commedia dell'arte which I know nothing about and understand even less. To compare
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it to something I know, I'd say it's kind-of-sort-of like the Thursday Next series, but way more flamboyant and over-the-top (in a good way). I know plenty of bloggers who would absolutely love this book, so I hope they pick it up.*I would shelve it more under literary fiction or alternate universe than straight fantasy.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
528 p.; 8.69 inches
ISBN
1786185008 / 9781786185006
Local notes
Cadenza is the City of Words, a city run by poets, its skyline dominated by the steepled towers of its libraries, its heart beating to the stamp and thrum of the printing presses in the Printing Quarter. Carlo Mazzoni, a young wordsmith arrives at the city gates intent on making his name as the bells ring out with the news of the death of the city’s poet-leader. Instead, he finds himself embroiled with the intrigues of a city in turmoil, the looming prospect of war with their rival Venice ever-present. A war that threatens not only to destroy Cadenza but remove it from history altogether.
Signed by the author, one of 250 numbered copies.
Signed by the author, one of 250 numbered copies.