Instruct: Classify Amazon reviews into positive or negative sentiment
Query: "Voice of the Whirlwind" was long time ago.

I was surprised that this new novel was by the same author who wrote "Voice of the Whirlwind". "Conventions of War" is pure bloatware. The main characters are likable so their individual stories are somewhat engrossing but many of the plot elements could have been dispensed with. The entire tale was very predictable with nameless hordes of people been bloodily dispensed with to provide some well needed excitement. I realise this novel is intended to be different in tone from some of Mr. William's previous work but I expected the same level of competence and flair in the story itself...to be frank this was a boring read.