Sebastian de Castell

adult (9) adventure (28) audible (16) audiobook (16) books-read (10) Canadian author (23) canadian fantasy (21) Canadian literature (13) de-castell (11) E (12) ebook (94) fantasy (499) fantasy-read (10) fiction (123) goodreads (25) Greatcoats (13) have-on-shelf (11) high fantasy (16) humor (10) Kindle (48) magic (67) novel (25) own (18) read (28) read in 2018 (9) Science Fiction/Fantasy (13) series (47) sf (16) sff (29) signed (40) Spellslinger (11) swashbuckling (10) The Greatcoats (21) to-read (637) unread (19) war (12) western (10) YA (24) young adult (30) ✔ (10)

Common Knowledge

Canonical name: de Castell, Sebastian
Birthdate: c. 1970
Gender: male
Nationality: Canada
Birthplace: Pointe Claire, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Places of residence: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Netherlands
Occupations: musician
ombudsman
fight choreographer
teacher
project manager
actor
Agent: Adams, Heather (HMA Literary Agency)
Short biography: Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.

Members

Reviews

Spellslinger: The fantasy novel that keeps you…

I really loved the greatcoats series. I think I was expecting more based on that. There's a fine amount of world-building and intrigue, but the twists weren't very twisty and the characters weren't as vibrant and lovable as the other series. The end of this book is telegraphed pretty hard and then it takes an obnoxious amount of time to play out. The villains are also over-the-top and lack the subtle energy I expect these days. I don't think I'll continue this series.

Flagged

jamestomasino | 17 other reviews | Dec 30, 2024 |

Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell

First thing I want to say is Sebastian de Castell is a very good writer. For a debut novel, he wrote his story very well.

When it comes to the actual book, the total book is 370 pages and the final 70 pages made the story for me. Remaining 300 pages are completely building upto that point and it feels mostly like ex-machina story. Whoever and whatever the situations the greatcoats are, there won't be any physical damage happening to them. It's just an OP choise to do.

The first third is introduction to the characters and the world and then came the second third of the book (which i consider doesn't necessary) which is mostly like a purge movie. It was fight after fight after fight and I was bored out of my mind at that point.

The final arc makes the book excellent. So many twists and necessary fights and humour. it was such an awesome read to read the final third.

My final thoughts: a note worthy book. Will continue the series but not immediately.… (more)

Flagged

vigneshvbr | 65 other reviews | Dec 30, 2024 |

Fate of the Argosi: Spellslinger, Book 0.7 by Sebastien De Castell

De Castell's trademark mix of humour and some really dark bits were as usual in this novel. Ferius has to face up to her roots. Very enjoyable as usual.

½

Flagged

infjsarah | Dec 16, 2024 |

Traitor's Blade: The Greatcoats Book 1 by Sebastien De Castell

I could forgive the little flaws because the sword fights were so fun (and frequent), but the meta-plot kicked in about 2/3 though and took the wind right out of it. Plans within plans, and I couldn't care less who was pulling the strings. I highly recommend the beginning of this book.

Flagged

chaws | 65 other reviews | Nov 15, 2024 |

See More Reviews