Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City (Spoiler Free Review) by K.J. Parker
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥:
Patreon: / mattsfantasybookreviews
Audible: www.audibletri... (I receive compensation when you sign up for free trial)
𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬:
Discord: / discord
Twitter: / mattbookreviews
Goodreads: / mattsfantasybookreview
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐞:
mattsfantasybookreviews@gmail.com
#fantasybooks #bookreview #bestbooks #fantasybooks #booktube #booktuber #books #bookstagram #bookworm #booklover #booknerd #bookish #book #reading #read #booktubers
It makes me very happy to see KJ Parker get another 5 stars. If you’re interested in more of his background, I actually had the incredible opportunity to interview the man himself. (Sorry for the self-plug, I just genuinely think you’ll enjoy hearing what he has to say).
That's awesome, I'm going to watch that later today!
The narrators “voice” is the best part of this book. It reminds me of First Law, I think that black British humor can be really superior in an audio narration.
Yeah, very much agreed!
Please, stop with all the good recommendations, I'm only one man, and my tbr is longer than the Chain of Dogs! ok, just kidding, I'm happy to add this to the list. For more epic sieges, check out the Drenai books by Gemmell!
Yeah I'll be reading Drenai later this year!
that’s what i’m SAYING!! he needs to be stopped
KJ Parker is so underrated. I remember the first time I read The Folding Knife, I was absolutely blown away. The writing style is so sharp, witty and intelligent, and the themes are timeless - ambition, governing, politics, greed, revenge, hubris - all tackled with an insightful, incisive tone that is uniquely KJ Parker. Any history fans with an interest in ancient Rome, the renaissance, medieval history, leadership, anything along those lines, would absolutely love it. Looking forward to reading Sixteen Ways also - I've not gotten around to it yet so good to hear you enjoyed it.
I really need to try some more KJ Parker. I LOVE the writing style.
I saw this book title a few months ago and thought it looked interesting but then promptly forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder and the recommendation, I'll definitely be giving it a go soon
Awesome, I hope you love it!
I found this book in one of those little book nooks in my neighborhood (you know take a book, share a book kind of thing). And I’m loving it!! I love fantasy and the protagonist is the best! He kills me. And I also am a fiend for history and especially battles of antiquity - so this book is right up my alley. Must get back to it, only a third of the way in! Hooked line and sinker!!
So glad that you liked this one, Matt! There are a handful of Parker fans out there, but it seems like we're still a rather small crowd.
If you want more KJ Parker thoughts and recs, please check out Zara from bookswithzara and Allen from The Library of Allenxandria, who have a lot of Parker content. Zara even managed to interview KJ Parker in person recently, which is a rare treat as the man is quite difficult to reach. ;-)
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. The whole trilogy is fantastic, they're very cleverly constructed, each have an interesting 'structural' conceit. I've been reading KJ Parker for over a decade now, back when his true identity was a big secret! My favourite fantasy author, all things considered, I love to see more people on BookTube talking about his stuff :P
I thought this might be the funniest fantasy I've ever read. So clever
Very underrated book in extremely underrated series. K.J. Parker (pseudonym of British author Tom Holt) is amazing with psychological, political and social aspects of his books. His characters are so flawed and many times very ambitious people written a witty and interesting way. The author takes some motifs from real human history and archetypes but mix them to create great characters and stories of their own merit.
Very well stated!
what could be better than Matt, who enjoy book for the second day in a row 😅
So thrilled you discovered KJ Parker- and enjoyed your introduction to him! I have three of his trilogies (including this series) in my collection but have yet to read Any of them! For the longest time Library of Allenxandria has been the only BookTuber I've heard talk about Parker, so its awesome to see him get some more recognition for his seemingly underappreciated contribution to the genre. Your review of this definitely bumped these books up on my TBR list. Always enjoy your thoughts and perspective. Looking forward to the next video!
Theres a difference though in saying 'there are twists and turns in the book' compared to 'theres a huge twist at the end involving x character.' or 'they completely changed the structure of the book so they could incorporate this twist'
Yeah good point!
@@MattsFantasyBookReviews I think I've worked out the twist for the fifth season based on your review - haven't read a page!
I need to look into this. Love how you speak about it. I’ve seen it in the shops but this has nailed it for me. I’m getting it.
Do it!
the entire trilogy is fantastic. they are more interconnected that you might think and the third books tries it all together. Highly recommend
Love to hear it!
You got to try Blue and Gold, Devices and Desires, and The Last Witness.
This looks right up my alley: a resourceful protagonist and defending a sieged city. You just increased my TBR
Hi always like watching ur videos, thank you for ur kind words about my husband passing away it meant a lot! Happy reading to you! 🎥📚
Matt your passion for books is infectious! You are truly inspiring! Hoping we we'll get longer videos soon! I could listen you for hours talking about books!
Thanks Sasa. I'm planning a long overview of "The First Law" that should come out next week.
@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Can't wait for it my friend! 😁🥰
Happy someone got around to talk about K.J. Parker. Believe or not, most of his books are that good :)
Bookswithzara has an interview with K.J. Parker on her channel.
Zara is a sweetheart and very smart girl!
Check out his shorter works too. Blue and Gold (Saloninus #1) is a good starting point, followed by "The Thought that Counts" which is basically Saloninus #1.5 (not listed in goodreads like this, unfortunately). I'm currently reading his Prosper's Demon which is amazing, so far. K J Parker is definitely a gem I found this year. ^___^
Yes I am definitely going to read more from him!
Cool! Was looking for something fresh and new. Just ordered. Thanks for rec!
Bought the book because of this review and I just finished it. Love the writing style. And I do love me some big-brain MC's as long as they don't go full on Mary Sue.
The ending was a bit unsatisfactory for me and I had to go read the blurb for the second book to confirm if that was really it. Great book nonetheless.
Would never have heard of this book if not for this video, so thanks!
I'm so glad you liked this! I also agree on the ending, but thankfully it didn't ruin things for me.
This book is one of my favorites. My brother recommended it to me and we talk about it all the time. Super underrated and it’s so funny too.
I already thought a couple of times about picking this up...I mean - the titles of all the books in the series are absolute dope.
But nobody talked about this and I never heard about the author... so I thought "ah, well - my TBR is already long enough"... but now - onto the TBR the series goes
LOL
lmao I am just shocked you uploaded this because recently I have been reading KJ Parker's short stories and I was planning to read Sixteen Ways, cool.
Matt,
DAMN BROTHER…..another home run. I love K. J. Parker and this is one of my favorites. His Engineer trilogy is just as great. You are spot on with every review you do. I can’t wait for you to review books I haven’t read because I know if you love it I will too. Great video.
Thanks, I'll definitely add the Engineer trilogy to my TBR!
This has been on our radar for quite a while! Sounds like it's a very witty and sharp book, which is right up our street!
Yeah I have a feeling you will like this one!
Going to give this one a shot. I am in the market for an audiobook for next few days out doing errands.
Enjoy!
Just finished the book. It was giving me Small Gods vibes the whole time I was reading it. The later part of the novel has discussed some very serious matter and it does make you think.
Yeah, good connection - it definitely had some of those vibes!
I'm glad you differentiated between the two authors - I thought they were one and the same.
Just bought this on your recommendation. Funny I also bought the Bone Ship trilogy by Barker for the same reason. lol
The Ebook is on sale today in the US on kindle and I was thinking to myself “I know Matt is reading this, I should wait to watch his review before buying”. Now I have to buy it! 😂
I just bought it...after his review:)
I did too!
The only other person I've heard mention and recommend this book is Allen at The Library of Allenxandria. I'm going to have to check it out!
I hope you enjoy!
I love K.J. Parker. His books don't seem to have the sort of exposure they deserve. For someone that loves the feel of Martin and Abercrombie Parker's books always deliver. He has a very interesting somewhat detached tone but the stories are so gripping and tragic
Very well said!
That's great!I read the folding knife by the same author last year and I enjoyed it ,especially the writing style, so this goes to the TBR.
This sounds like my kind of book lol I'm gonna read it... eventually (cries in TBR)
I share your pain!
I always get the best recommendations from your channel! Thank you!
Thanks Elle!
Once again our tastes align Matt. Loved this one as well. Nice vid
Thanks for the recommendation! Picking it up now
So I was looking for a break from my 4th ASOIAF re-read (I seem to be doing this every 3 years). I decided to give this book a try. I am literally 10 minutes into this book (audible), and I think it's awesome 😂😂😂. Also, Matt, if you ever see this comment, check out Raven's Shadow Series. Thanks
Over on bookswithzara she just did a excellent interview with KJ Parker
Yo Matt, just wanted to say I am reading this one thanks to you. About 80% of the way through, awesome book! Thanks!
Glad it hit the right tone for you!
@@MattsFantasyBookReviews for sure! Also, have you read/done a review on the third book in the series? I searched Parker in your videos and only found the first two
@@zachwilkens7524 I loved it but for some reason didn't do a review. I must have been busy or something
What a visceral reaction to this book, that alone earns a slot on my tbr. As a fan of history can you recommend some good history reads, I need something other than horror and true crime to break up the fantasy reads.
One of my favourites. I also recommend “The Company”, “The Folding Knife”, and “The Devil you Know” by K.J Parker.
Based on your review definitely check out “The Devil you Know”. It’s only 100 pgs and it’s about the smartest man in the world making a deal with a demon.
I'm buying that too, thank you for the recommendation:)
Thank you!
I have been wanting to read some of KJ Parker’s work!
Check out his novellas they are very good as well. I recommend 'Purple and Black.'
I'm about 100 pages in and can already tell it's gonna be a 5 star read for me. It's very fun.
Yeah you can tell RIGHT away with you will love this or hate it.
Matt. This thumbnail looks like it could be from a very different type of video library. 😂
LOL
Loved seeing this review, and KJ Parker definitely does not get the attention he deserves so you're doing the fantasy fandom a big service here. Totally agree on this book being so delightfully engaging with its wit and cleverness on continual display -- and I loved the plot twists!
Yeah well said!
This is one of Allen’s favorites! Glad you enjoyed it
wow ive heard of tom holt and read one of his books but didnt know he had another name that he writes fantasy books under
might have to give this book a look. Never heard of it until now ^_^
KJ Parker is a treasure!
Woo Woo! Welcome to the KJP hype train. 🎉
You'll have to join Allen's readalong at the end of the year for the Engineer Trilogy. My favorite series by KJP. I'm going to reread it with the readathon.
Your TBR list? What about mine? Just added another to it. thanks Matt.
I'm sorry...and you're welcome!
Great review! I’ve been curious about this one.
I you like books about sieges you have GOT to read Legend by David Gemmell; the first book of the Drenai Saga. I know you have said it's on your TBR list and was going to read it sometime this year. But you need to read it. Never even heard of this one so I don't know how well it compares but it is by FAR the best siege in any fantasy I've ever read.
Yeah I'm really, really looking forward to reading it!
And to add to the confusion: there's R. Scott Bakker as well lmao
Honestly there should be a law against that!
@@MattsFantasyBookReviews lol
Great review most KJ Parker books r awesome I've read this series and a couple of his stand-alones once again glad somebody's putting some respect on a good author's name keep up the great videos Man now I might have to go back and reread the trilogy again and for anybody out there that's wanting to read it it's on sale today I'm not going to say where but if you look for it you'll find it only 2.99
stop!!!! please stop!!! I cant handle this everyday hahah. I cant keep up! 😂
LOL! My next one is going to be a 5 star as well. Then the one after that is most likely going to be a 1 star so you can have a reprieve!
@@MattsFantasyBookReviews haha I saw the 5 star I'm overwhelmed lol. Can't believe I'm now hoping you get 1 stars now haha
Is there a genre name for novels that are what-if, low/no magic, set in ancient or medieval times, and include war/survival/adventure? I thought I was a fantasy reader, but I've found I'm just too frustrated/angsty watching characters not realize ways they could use their established magic to solve problems.
If there is a name, I don't know it.
Hey Mike could you recommend a one off fantasy book that has a great plot and fast paced?
I've been craving something like that for a while.
Great video btw.
This one!
I mean like high fantasy
I’ve noticed this at the bookstore but is this a 2nd book in a duology? I nearly picked it up but thought it was a 2nd book.
Nope, first book in a trilogy.
@@MattsFantasyBookReviews Great! I’ll have to put it on my TBR.
Great review
Thank you!
Enjoyed the book. Hated the ending.
I thought this book was great, too! The sequels are also fun.
What app did your library have the audibook on?
My library on Libby in Sacramento.
Thanks man
Dude this book is awesome.
Isn't that historical fiction instead of fantasy?
No, the locations are all made up.
Man I couldn’t stand the writing in this book, the humor just failed to land. The siege management parts of the book were really good though, recommend it for that at least
Day 1 of asking matt to read one piece
I honestly don't think he'd enjoy it, and I say this as a huge One Piece fan
Day 1 of telling you to not be so annoying. He will read whatever he wants and you can go read your manga.
I can't imagine Matt being interested in reading one piece.I am also not interested in Matt reading one piece.Go watch Merphy Napier
My problem with One Piece is that I really don't enjoy comics - I like my books to be words only and to let my mind fill in the pictures.
One piece fans can get the FUCK out of here, stop brigading every booktuber and insisting they transform their channels into vehicles for One Piece.
So annoying