Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by ThoughtsStained
Wow, if The Gutter Prayer isn’t on your To-Read list already, I’d highly recommend rectifying that error, because friends: this book is unlike anything I’ve ever read.
Most notably for me, honestly, is the way this book is written. It’s in such a different style and voice than what I’m used to, and it did take some getting used to. I’m not sure if I can really describe it, but it feels like it sort of blends narration and stream-of-consciousness style (or perhaps train of thought) all into the same sentence, yet you’re not confused when you reach the end of it? I’m not even sure if that’s right or what is actually happening, but that’s how it felt to me.
As such, I really had to focus when reading this novel. I’m usually pretty good at tuning out the world and reading in any environment, but I needed quiet and solitude when reading The Gutter Prayer. Everything was so purposeful, from the way it was written, to the details described, to the order in which the information was given. I couldn’t afford to be distracted, by anything, lest I missed something important and ruined my understanding of the story.
And whoa, this story.
An ARC copy was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Book Info
Publisher: Orbit Books | Release Date: January 2019 | Pages: 523
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Fantasy | Format: Paperback | Source: ARC
A group of three young thieves are pulled into a centuries old magical war between ancient beings, mages, and humanity in this wildly original debut epic fantasy.
The city has always been. The city must finally end.
When three thieves—an orphan, a ghoul, and a cursed man—are betrayed by the master of the thieves guild, their quest for revenge uncovers dark truths about their city and exposes a dangerous conspiracy, the seeds of which were sown long before they were born.
Cari is a drifter whose past and future are darker than she can know.
Rat is a Ghoul, whose people haunt the city’s underworld.
Spar is a Stone Man, subject to a terrible disease that is slowly petrifying his flesh.
Chance has brought them together, but their friendship could be all that stands in the way of total armageddon.
On the Page
Referenced
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- I think I have to continue with my theme of purposefulness. Every character played a role in this story, every single one. There were no throwaways and that was seriously powerful. Add in the fact that you’re seeing multiple perspectives from all different sides of power and suddenly, you have your feelings and opinions being tugged back and forth, your opinion never safe from being altered, shocked or your heart suddenly ripped out. Finishing this book, I feel both a little numb from how powerful and unexpected that ending was, but also slightly exhausted; like I actually experienced the weight of Cari’s journey alongside her, instead of simply reading about it.
- Don’t get the wrong impression, though. After that ending and that last line, you can bet with 100% certainty I’m absolutely sitting over here, baited breath, to see what happens next. It was a beautiful story, prolly one of the most creative I’ve read. The creatures, the way society was built around them and the religious beliefs; the depth of the lore was just so real and I couldn’t get enough of it, truly. Some of it was so dark, too (and we all know how much I love dark), to the point that I was actually revolted, thanks to a single line (and I am almost never moved to such a response, so that alone is impressive).
Dislikes
Rating
I don’t believe I can review The Gutter Prayer and do it justice. It feels like I’m just talking in circles (so thanks for reading and sticking with me anyway). This book makes words like “intricate” and “depth” feel not grand enough to be proper descriptors. The characters are fresh, vibrant and real, yet so burdened and broken, I couldn’t help fall in love with them. I was awed by creations like the Tallowmen and the Crawling Ones. The information was presented at the perfect time, without a hitch. There were a multitude of plots working together. And every execution to push those plots forward or tie them together was flawlessly done.
It was just…an incredible book. One I’ll have to reread multiple times to truly do it justice. This is an author you’re not going to want to miss. Absolutely not.
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![Not me needing to repost this announcement because my first post had a typo. I promise I can actually edit! 😅
REPOST of original message below:
I've been thinking a lot about publishing and the barriers it places, particularly on traditionally underrepresented and marginalized writers. As an editor, I wanted to try and break down those barriers a bit.
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Another stigma (that's being broken!) that still exists is that self-published authors write at less quality than trad--pubbed writers. We all know this is bullshit! But, to help support my indie badasses, your first edit with me for a novel you plan to self publish will be 10% off.
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Link here: https://thoughtsstainedwithink.com/editorial
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Loved this review. Seems like it really hit you on an emotional level and something more.
It really did, honestly. And thank you so much, Jason! <3
I agree! I am still trying to finish it, but it’s such incredible worldbuilding I’m reading slowly to absorb every word. Lovely review!
I definitely think I’ll take my time more on the sequel, now that I know what to expect. I’m so excited to read your thoughts on it. Thanks, Tammy!
I thought this was a great book. The world-building was incredible and might have overshadowed the other aspects of the novel, but overall I still loved it.
Yeah, I thought it was pretty incredible, too! I need to go back and read your review!
Okay, I really need to read this one. I’ve been anticipating but after reading your review I know it’s a priority to-read. Yours is the second positive review I’ve seen of it, and now I can’t wait to read it!
Ohmygosh, JOLIEN. That is such a compliment, you have no idea!! Thank you so much. I seriously would love to know what you think, because we seem to have pretty similar tastes, whenever I read your reviews. I hope you’re able to read it soon!
I hope so too! It’s exactly because we have similar reading tastes that I trust your opinion so much 😀
Ohmygosh, that means so much to me, you have no idea!