I have very few complaints, but one is most definitely that I am left wanting more. I think you did an excellent job of crafting a universe that felt populated and complex; civilisations are included that don't necessarily "feature" which is potentially a criticism in ordinary fiction but ultimately serves to make your work feel more realistic. I mean, we live day-to-day with, I dunno, Azerbaijan existing but not necessarily interacting with it. So the fact that the Republic exists, and that it is referenced, but not interacted with, leaves scope for, y'know, sequels. But having non-primary players also makes it a little more, ugh, how am I trying to say this? Basically it's not a case of "oh it was obviously x because they're the only other y left." That the League of Four was involved in the war with the Vanorre is extremely interesting and wasn't obvious just because they hadn't been focused on yet. Anyway I'm just rambling so I will say thank you for an enjoyable and also incredibly unusual but still thoroughly intriguing piece of fiction. I am glad it has not come to pass just yet though; that Ukraine-Russia business is getting me edgy still.
I am very pleased that you enjoyed it and that it had the desired effects!
I dunno if my review ever stuck on Amazon but regardless I never had a chance to make this comment: The several pages of references at the end created this bittersweet effect of reminding me all the events I'd read about throughout. Obviously footnotes were part of the stylistic approach but I feel like they had an unintended but extremely appreciated effect. When I saw polling results I could remember the President who won that election and so on. It truly was a unique and enjoyable experience.
My spree seems to have had a positive effect in general, despite the negative response I got for doing it.
I'm just too cool to be controlled
I am impressed at your ability to boldly break the rules
It's not as bad as it sounds, or at least I don't think so from what I've been told, but man, what the hell xD
Oh, well. That's a bit trout. But you're still your own man mate, and you make your own path regardless of what others do! Except the 1%. They have a lot of influence too.
I remember when you told me not to worry because my brother doesn't reflect on me. When he shows up in the newspaper I'm interning at, though...
Baller as hell, I hope they do that as well as a third Heathrow runway!
