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Witch World Series 1: The Estcarp Cycle #10
The Duke's Ballad
Dueling Magics
Born into a family with magical powers, Aisling is a young witch who fights to protect her homeland of Kars. Unfortunately, the biggest threat to Kars is her older brother, Kirion, who has chosen to use his powers for evil, and years ago forced Aisling into exile.
Since Aisling’s departure, Kirion has tightened his hold on Shastro, the Duke of Kars. Through Shastro, Kirion’s dark influence works to subjugate the entire realm.
With her younger brother Keelan helping her, Aisling returns, in disguise, to undermine Kirion’s power and defeat the evil duke. But as Aisling gets closer to Shastro, the Duke takes a liking to her, and she finds herself questioning her mission. But when a neighboring clan lays siege to Kars, Aisling and Keelan realize they must act, lest Kirion bring even more death and suffering to Kars’ loyal subjects than he has already caused.
Using all the magic, persistence and ingenuity she can summon, Aisling must somehow find a way to avoid the attention of her dangerous older brother, save the people from his murderous sorcery, and return to their Dukedom the peace and prosperity it once knew.
A main selection of the Science Fiction Bookclub
Born into a family with magical powers, Aisling is a young witch who fights to protect her homeland of Kars. Unfortunately, the biggest threat to Kars is her older brother, Kirion, who has chosen to use his powers for evil, and years ago forced Aisling into exile.
Since Aisling’s departure, Kirion has tightened his hold on Shastro, the Duke of Kars. Through Shastro, Kirion’s dark influence works to subjugate the entire realm.
With her younger brother Keelan helping her, Aisling returns, in disguise, to undermine Kirion’s power and defeat the evil duke. But as Aisling gets closer to Shastro, the Duke takes a liking to her, and she finds herself questioning her mission. But when a neighboring clan lays siege to Kars, Aisling and Keelan realize they must act, lest Kirion bring even more death and suffering to Kars’ loyal subjects than he has already caused.
Using all the magic, persistence and ingenuity she can summon, Aisling must somehow find a way to avoid the attention of her dangerous older brother, save the people from his murderous sorcery, and return to their Dukedom the peace and prosperity it once knew.
A main selection of the Science Fiction Bookclub
318 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
34 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Andre Norton
696 books1,388 followersAndre Norton, born Alice Mary Norton, was a pioneering American author of science fiction and fantasy, widely regarded as the Grande Dame of those genres. She also wrote historical and contemporary fiction, publishing under the pen names Andre Alice Norton, Andrew North, and Allen Weston. She launched her career in 1934 with The Prince Commands, adopting the name “Andre” to appeal to a male readership. After working for the Cleveland Library System and the Library of Congress, she began publishing science fiction under “Andrew North” and fantasy under her own name. She became a full-time writer in 1958 and was known for her prolific output, including Star Man’s Son, 2250 A.D. and Witch World, the latter spawning a long-running series and shared universe. Norton was a founding member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers' Guild of America and authored Quag Keep, the first novel based on the Dungeons & Dragons game. She influenced generations of writers, including Lois McMaster Bujold and Mercedes Lackey. Among her many honors were being the first woman named Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy and SFWA Grand Master. In her later years, she established the High Hallack Library to support research in genre fiction. Her legacy continues with the Andre Norton Award for young adult science fiction and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 2, 2020
2 and a bit stars, but I don't feel I can round it up to 3.
I've never read any of Andre Norton's Witch World series, but don't feel that impacted on my ability to understand the basic story of this book, although it's probable there were plenty of plot points that went over my head with a foot to spare.
The basic story: girl with magical powers has two brothers, one good, one bad. The bad brother is doing very bad things indeed (this fantasy world's version of drawing dark power from sacrificing people to demons) and using his powers to support a depraved duke. His magic sister must return from exile to defeat him, with help from her good brother, his best friend (who of course becomes her love interest) and her pet cat (who of course she can talk to telepathically), who is bizarrely three times the size of a usual cat because his mother bred with some strange creature, though no one knows what (this point is repeated an annoying number of times).
So the story is incredibly basic. It's told competently enough, I suppose, but it wasn't that interesting; the fact that it took me almost four days to read such a small novel should tell you I didn't find it a thrilling read. It's not bad so much as not especially good. Someone who's more familiar with the Witch World series may have a stronger opinion about it, but for me it was decidedly average.
I've never read any of Andre Norton's Witch World series, but don't feel that impacted on my ability to understand the basic story of this book, although it's probable there were plenty of plot points that went over my head with a foot to spare.
The basic story: girl with magical powers has two brothers, one good, one bad. The bad brother is doing very bad things indeed (this fantasy world's version of drawing dark power from sacrificing people to demons) and using his powers to support a depraved duke. His magic sister must return from exile to defeat him, with help from her good brother, his best friend (who of course becomes her love interest) and her pet cat (who of course she can talk to telepathically), who is bizarrely three times the size of a usual cat because his mother bred with some strange creature, though no one knows what (this point is repeated an annoying number of times).
So the story is incredibly basic. It's told competently enough, I suppose, but it wasn't that interesting; the fact that it took me almost four days to read such a small novel should tell you I didn't find it a thrilling read. It's not bad so much as not especially good. Someone who's more familiar with the Witch World series may have a stronger opinion about it, but for me it was decidedly average.
July 9, 2015
http://bookslifewine.com/r-the-dukes-...
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!!!
Note: While I do not normally post all of my reviews here (on GR), my ongoing quest to get an Andre Norton book in every hand continues.
*Note* This review has spoilers for Ciara's Song. I suggest you read Ciara's Song before reading this review.
It's no secret: I'm a huge Andre Norton fan. I've really enjoyed all of her works that I've read but my biggest Andre Norton obsession is her Witch World series. I have been reading and collecting this series for decades.
The Duke's Ballad is set about five (5) years after the final events in Ciara's Song .
Ciara's Song ended with Aisling and her cat Wind Dancer fleeing from her blood-magic sorcerer brother, Kirion. Kirion wants to drain Aisling of her magic - he feels this will allow him to achieve great power. In order to escape, Aisling became an exile over mountain in Escore. While in Escore Aisling makes friends and is taught how to use her power but her heart years for Karsten and her home, Aiskeep.
During the years of Aisling's absence, Kirion has consolidated his power greatly. Kirion is now the only advisor to the Duke of Kars, Shastro. He has wealth and power but he wants more. Kirion wants to become the greatest sorcerer the world has known - and to do this he wants to drain the life and power from his hated sister, Aisling. Kirion has been killing and draining people with the most minor of power in their blood for years but he's been unable to put his hands on someone with true power. Like his sister. Kirion has also been using his power to slowly encourage the Duke, Shastro, into believing that the witches of Estcarp were plotting against him. This allows Kirion to kill even more people "looking for witches" and allows Kirion to make small forays into Estcarp looking for victims.
But Estcarp is not alone. Escore is full of people displaced from Karsten during the Three Times Horning. If a war were to break out between Karsten and Estcarp, Escore would get involved - crushing Karsten. So the power places Aisling under a geas: sister against brother for the soul of their land. Aisling must destroy Kirion and Shastro before the pair cause a war that will destroy all that Aisling holds dear.
Aisling and Wind Dancer return to Karsten to put a stop to Kirion and Shastro. They in joined in this quest by Aisling's brother Keelan and Hadrann, the son and heir of another trusted keep, Aranskeep.
In order to stop Kirion and Shastro, Aisling is magically disguised so that she, Keelan and Hadrann are able to enter the Kars court. The four conspirators infiltrate the court, learning that Kirion and Shastro are worse than previously expected. Kirion has been magically coercing different women of the court into having [unwanted] sexual relationships with Duke Shastro. Shastro has also been torturing people - "witches" from Estcarp come to spy on him - and he enjoys this. The pair has also been causing the deaths of the leaders of other keeps across Karsten. Shastro and Kirion think to weaken these keeps in order to continue to reign unchecked and to eventually take the keeps' land and wealth. A lot of these deaths are shrilly demanded by Shastro as his paranoia (induced by Kirion) makes him believe that all are after him and his power.
The Duke's Ballad is a simple and yet complicated book. With the exception of Kirion, even the the bad guys garner some sympathy. Kirion, of course, is the "big bad" who's only motivation is a lust for death, destruction and power.
The Duke's Ballad is not an action filled book - and though things are urgent, the pacing is slow. Although the outcome of the events in The Duke's Ballad technically place The Duke's Ballad into "epic fantasy" territory, I feel the pacing really disguises that epic-ness. Unlike most books in the Witch World series, The Duke's Ballad has a lot more political machinations instead of Norton's typically more action-based plot-lines. I would categorize The Duke's Ballad as more of a "slice of life" story. Norton's careful writing makes the book feel very intimate and the pacing of the story de-emphasizes the magnitude of the book's quest. This combination allows for a very comforting but yet exciting read (for me).
I do recommend this book (and all books written by Andre Norton)!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!!!
Note: While I do not normally post all of my reviews here (on GR), my ongoing quest to get an Andre Norton book in every hand continues.
*Note* This review has spoilers for Ciara's Song. I suggest you read Ciara's Song before reading this review.
It's no secret: I'm a huge Andre Norton fan. I've really enjoyed all of her works that I've read but my biggest Andre Norton obsession is her Witch World series. I have been reading and collecting this series for decades.
The Duke's Ballad is set about five (5) years after the final events in Ciara's Song .
Ciara's Song ended with Aisling and her cat Wind Dancer fleeing from her blood-magic sorcerer brother, Kirion. Kirion wants to drain Aisling of her magic - he feels this will allow him to achieve great power. In order to escape, Aisling became an exile over mountain in Escore. While in Escore Aisling makes friends and is taught how to use her power but her heart years for Karsten and her home, Aiskeep.
During the years of Aisling's absence, Kirion has consolidated his power greatly. Kirion is now the only advisor to the Duke of Kars, Shastro. He has wealth and power but he wants more. Kirion wants to become the greatest sorcerer the world has known - and to do this he wants to drain the life and power from his hated sister, Aisling. Kirion has been killing and draining people with the most minor of power in their blood for years but he's been unable to put his hands on someone with true power. Like his sister. Kirion has also been using his power to slowly encourage the Duke, Shastro, into believing that the witches of Estcarp were plotting against him. This allows Kirion to kill even more people "looking for witches" and allows Kirion to make small forays into Estcarp looking for victims.
But Estcarp is not alone. Escore is full of people displaced from Karsten during the Three Times Horning. If a war were to break out between Karsten and Estcarp, Escore would get involved - crushing Karsten. So the power places Aisling under a geas: sister against brother for the soul of their land. Aisling must destroy Kirion and Shastro before the pair cause a war that will destroy all that Aisling holds dear.
Aisling and Wind Dancer return to Karsten to put a stop to Kirion and Shastro. They in joined in this quest by Aisling's brother Keelan and Hadrann, the son and heir of another trusted keep, Aranskeep.
In order to stop Kirion and Shastro, Aisling is magically disguised so that she, Keelan and Hadrann are able to enter the Kars court. The four conspirators infiltrate the court, learning that Kirion and Shastro are worse than previously expected. Kirion has been magically coercing different women of the court into having [unwanted] sexual relationships with Duke Shastro. Shastro has also been torturing people - "witches" from Estcarp come to spy on him - and he enjoys this. The pair has also been causing the deaths of the leaders of other keeps across Karsten. Shastro and Kirion think to weaken these keeps in order to continue to reign unchecked and to eventually take the keeps' land and wealth. A lot of these deaths are shrilly demanded by Shastro as his paranoia (induced by Kirion) makes him believe that all are after him and his power.
The Duke's Ballad is a simple and yet complicated book. With the exception of Kirion, even the the bad guys garner some sympathy. Kirion, of course, is the "big bad" who's only motivation is a lust for death, destruction and power.
The Duke's Ballad is not an action filled book - and though things are urgent, the pacing is slow. Although the outcome of the events in The Duke's Ballad technically place The Duke's Ballad into "epic fantasy" territory, I feel the pacing really disguises that epic-ness. Unlike most books in the Witch World series, The Duke's Ballad has a lot more political machinations instead of Norton's typically more action-based plot-lines. I would categorize The Duke's Ballad as more of a "slice of life" story. Norton's careful writing makes the book feel very intimate and the pacing of the story de-emphasizes the magnitude of the book's quest. This combination allows for a very comforting but yet exciting read (for me).
I do recommend this book (and all books written by Andre Norton)!
May 22, 2012
I feel bad about giving this book one star, but I've decided not to finish it. That very rarely happens. But... it's been over a week, I'm over half-way through, and I keep picking up other books instead.
I don't find myself even minutely caring what happens to any of the characters. I can barely picture who the characters are; they're so bland and generic.
What happened? I used to love the Witch World series! I loved Andre Norton in general.
In part, it's that 25 years have passed. In a larger part, I believe, it's that this book isn't by Andre Norton at all.
Slightly funny: The day I started reading this book, the guy was looking over my shoulder. It might have been the first page: "Silly child. You won't be able to move until I release you from my spell... The captive gasped defiantly, and Kirion snickered... At some stage in the proceedings, the girl lost consciousness."
He said, "Wow, that is SO badly written. Who is that by?"
I said, "some lady from New Zealand."
He said, "Are there sheep?"
I said, "No, this is a fantasy book."
The sheep showed up, I believe, on page 54. It was an off-screen appearance, but still....
Anyway, there's a girl, she's secretly a witch, and she must endeavour to stop her evil brother, with the help of her nice brother.
I don't know if she succeeds or not, but it seems likely that she will.
I don't find myself even minutely caring what happens to any of the characters. I can barely picture who the characters are; they're so bland and generic.
What happened? I used to love the Witch World series! I loved Andre Norton in general.
In part, it's that 25 years have passed. In a larger part, I believe, it's that this book isn't by Andre Norton at all.
Slightly funny: The day I started reading this book, the guy was looking over my shoulder. It might have been the first page: "Silly child. You won't be able to move until I release you from my spell... The captive gasped defiantly, and Kirion snickered... At some stage in the proceedings, the girl lost consciousness."
He said, "Wow, that is SO badly written. Who is that by?"
I said, "some lady from New Zealand."
He said, "Are there sheep?"
I said, "No, this is a fantasy book."
The sheep showed up, I believe, on page 54. It was an off-screen appearance, but still....
Anyway, there's a girl, she's secretly a witch, and she must endeavour to stop her evil brother, with the help of her nice brother.
I don't know if she succeeds or not, but it seems likely that she will.
January 19, 2017
Not as good a book as is expected from an Andre Norton.
I could only give this a three star rating as it was badly written. Ms. Norton let other lesser authors put her name on books that she had little or nothing to do with the writing. It IS in the Witch World universe but names and situations are changed from the first book of this duology. The second author (who apparently did the actual writing) is not very good.
I could only give this a three star rating as it was badly written. Ms. Norton let other lesser authors put her name on books that she had little or nothing to do with the writing. It IS in the Witch World universe but names and situations are changed from the first book of this duology. The second author (who apparently did the actual writing) is not very good.
January 30, 2017
No Idea What This Book Is...
But I know it's not Witch World. The author is obviously skilled but never evoked any sort of real connection to Andre Norton's excellent stories. Disappointing.
But I know it's not Witch World. The author is obviously skilled but never evoked any sort of real connection to Andre Norton's excellent stories. Disappointing.
November 15, 2019
This is set in Andre Norton's Witch World, but I think a lot of it must have been written by the co-author. While a good story, it doesn't have a real Andre Norton feel. It has, however, inspired me to re-read the original Witch World books again!
December 23, 2019
Enchantment
Stealth, gentle magic and honor on one side; greed, black magic and evil on the other. Together they make a tale of unrecognized heroes who are satisfied with the ending wrought.
Stealth, gentle magic and honor on one side; greed, black magic and evil on the other. Together they make a tale of unrecognized heroes who are satisfied with the ending wrought.
September 4, 2021
Amazing storytelling
Yet another incredible tale wound thru the Witch World universe. Delicate and yet richly told. A story of love and hate. Good and evil. As ultimately all things are. Spoiler alert. Good triumphs.
Yet another incredible tale wound thru the Witch World universe. Delicate and yet richly told. A story of love and hate. Good and evil. As ultimately all things are. Spoiler alert. Good triumphs.
January 31, 2023
Entertaining and Exciting
This work is true tithe intention of Norton. The use of cats as allies and friends adds to the story. The sadness of a brother fallen to evil and the struggle to free the people is well written.
This work is true tithe intention of Norton. The use of cats as allies and friends adds to the story. The sadness of a brother fallen to evil and the struggle to free the people is well written.
September 9, 2017
Some pagers felt like fillers. A pity. Otherwise, the story was agreeable to read and ties the lose ends from Ciara's Song.
November 1, 2017
A good thrilling book. Full of adventure, tretuchury and love. Has a few mature sections but nothing too bad.
Would recomend to most teens or adults.
Would recomend to most teens or adults.
November 15, 2017
not all Norton protagonist seems unsure. theme varies
December 22, 2017
Written solely by Lyn McConchie, this book has neither the style, nor the tone of Witch World books written by Andre Norton. Prepare to be disappointed.
October 12, 2018
Like all of her books this is wonderful.
I am 69 and been reading and rereading books by Andre Norton most of my life. Her stories never go stale or out of date.
I am 69 and been reading and rereading books by Andre Norton most of my life. Her stories never go stale or out of date.
July 30, 2021
Great sequel
Great sequel to Ciara's Song. Finished the story started in the other book. Great continuation of the characters growth. And great new characters.
Great sequel to Ciara's Song. Finished the story started in the other book. Great continuation of the characters growth. And great new characters.
January 28, 2013
Ten volumes into my epic re-read of the Witch World novels, I've got to say I'm pretty happy to be doing it.
I hadn't previously read all of the novels (and I'm still not sure I'll be able to lay my hands on every one of them - I've managed to track down 27 of, I think, 28), but I must have read half of them over a period of some 40 years (their publication actually spans almost 50). They're fairly simplistic good-vs-evil fantasies, and sometimes the foregone conclusion of good triumphing over evil is too easy, but they draw you in, and I've always meant to read them all as a whole.
I was finally struck (on account of, I'm a slow learner), reading this episode, by the Calvinist nature of Witch World. It seems that every episode, to greater or lesser extent, involves people doing things they don't particularly want to do, but they're forced to by "geas" - or as Calvin would have said, "predestination". I'm a believer in free will, and I'm forced to the conclusion that I don't really want to live in Witch World. It's particularly distasteful to me that people need to be forced to do the right thing... especially since those acting under geas always seem to be good and decent people in the first place - so surely they're capable of doing the same thing of their own choice!
January 14, 2014
Meh.
I'm not familiar with this series, so I don't have any particular allegiance to this author or her world. It had potential to be a good story, but felt like a short story that had been fleshed out with filler in order to fill the 300 pages required to release it as a novel.
The main character was bland- she has a geas upon her so she's "forced" to save the country by making sure her evil oldest brother and the current evil duke are dead. She waffles early on in the book about having to kill two nameless thugs, sent by said brother, then is sick, yet understanding when someone else kills them for her. The problem I have is that she never really waffles about killing her brother or the duke, instead goes on hunting parties, dances and chats with the duke, blah, blah, isn't half-assed plotting fun.
She's suspicious about everyone at first, but once she's in disguise, she behaves as she normally would, tells a perfect stranger precisely who she is, way before it would be considered safe to do so, uses her magic without checking if it's safe first. I could go on but won't bother.
I didn't feel particularly attached to any of the characters, and thought the end was forced.
I'm not familiar with this series, so I don't have any particular allegiance to this author or her world. It had potential to be a good story, but felt like a short story that had been fleshed out with filler in order to fill the 300 pages required to release it as a novel.
The main character was bland- she has a geas upon her so she's "forced" to save the country by making sure her evil oldest brother and the current evil duke are dead. She waffles early on in the book about having to kill two nameless thugs, sent by said brother, then is sick, yet understanding when someone else kills them for her. The problem I have is that she never really waffles about killing her brother or the duke, instead goes on hunting parties, dances and chats with the duke, blah, blah, isn't half-assed plotting fun.
She's suspicious about everyone at first, but once she's in disguise, she behaves as she normally would, tells a perfect stranger precisely who she is, way before it would be considered safe to do so, uses her magic without checking if it's safe first. I could go on but won't bother.
I didn't feel particularly attached to any of the characters, and thought the end was forced.
October 18, 2015
Not really a book by Andre Norton. One of many books that fall into the category of 'collaboration'. Which might be overly kind in the end. Since the book was published the year Andre Norton died...I choose to give put it in the category of collaboration. The real author for all intents and purposes is Lyn McConchie. I was pleasantly surprised to note that she managed to capture some of the flavor of Norton's Witch World series and wrote a book that, while not stellar, was still entertaining. I would say that it added to the series that it draws it's inspiration from, and as such, I would recommend it.
November 14, 2012
I had tried reading other Witch World novels before, and couldn't get into them. I didn't realize this was a Witch World novel until I had already started. I don't know whether it was the whole Witch World idea or the writing or the fact that I've been reading Lois McMaster Bujold and was spoiled for anything less good, but this was rather a dull read.
January 29, 2013
Rather flat storytelling, I thought; even the climatic scene wasn't really thrilling. In fact, much of it seemed to be Tell as opposed to Show. But then, I'm not familiar with the Witch World series. Perhaps if I had read the others, this would have gotten a higher rating.
June 18, 2008
Okay. Kinda simple.
April 29, 2009
I am a bit out of date on the witch world series, so it was a bit harder to get into than I would have thought. Once it got going it was an enjoyable read.
September 8, 2010
First chapter was real boring but can't skip it since explain character and why and where she's going and what she's doing...
first half of book a bit slow then I liked it. Good ending
first half of book a bit slow then I liked it. Good ending
May 4, 2015
good witch world story, it continues the adventures and trials of the land.
January 15, 2015
This book isn't actually written by Andre Norton. It shows.
August 25, 2015
A fun read.
August 21, 2018
If you are a grammar nazi this book might not be for you.
If like great scenic descriptions and knowing great details and land and persons’ appearances, this book might not be for you.
That being said, it was a cute little story and when it was over I realized I’d enjoyed myself.
There a lot of things I didn’t like about the story or the writing, but first the things I did.
Aisling had a very realistic relationship with her brothers. One she loved and enjoyed. One she had been abused by and hated. I like that she didn’t forgive and love him just because they were kin.
I like that in the end, some characters that were weaker were seen as they were. They were weak and flawed, not fully evil.
I also liked the story and the slight romantic tones to the story. I also liked that the writer spoke about consequences to thinks like sieges and fighting. Mostly action stories focus on the fight itself. Little is said of those not directly involved in the conflicts.
Ok. Now the bad.
The writer uses too many nicknames and abbreviations. Ex. Sibs instead of siblings. Hurts me to read.
Misspellings and grammar mistakes.
Hard to read “vernacular” in some conversations. It wasn’t a constant problem but it was more than once.
I didn’t get as involved in the story or as invested in the characters. The writer didn’t describe the characters or the scenes as deeply as I’d have liked. I’m not looking for lord of the rings level descriptions, but I’d like to know what my characters look like.
My last issue was the emotional weakness of the main girl. She was always crying or feeling sad about having to kill. She’d ridden with soldiers and had been through fights before but still?
Not saying she should have enjoyed killing, but a little less constant hesitation and sadness please.
My final problem was with the geas. It was said that the main girl had to be the one to complete the action. But in the end she had little to do with it. She was a passive character, not an active one.
If like great scenic descriptions and knowing great details and land and persons’ appearances, this book might not be for you.
That being said, it was a cute little story and when it was over I realized I’d enjoyed myself.
There a lot of things I didn’t like about the story or the writing, but first the things I did.
Aisling had a very realistic relationship with her brothers. One she loved and enjoyed. One she had been abused by and hated. I like that she didn’t forgive and love him just because they were kin.
I like that in the end, some characters that were weaker were seen as they were. They were weak and flawed, not fully evil.
I also liked the story and the slight romantic tones to the story. I also liked that the writer spoke about consequences to thinks like sieges and fighting. Mostly action stories focus on the fight itself. Little is said of those not directly involved in the conflicts.
Ok. Now the bad.
The writer uses too many nicknames and abbreviations. Ex. Sibs instead of siblings. Hurts me to read.
Misspellings and grammar mistakes.
Hard to read “vernacular” in some conversations. It wasn’t a constant problem but it was more than once.
I didn’t get as involved in the story or as invested in the characters. The writer didn’t describe the characters or the scenes as deeply as I’d have liked. I’m not looking for lord of the rings level descriptions, but I’d like to know what my characters look like.
My last issue was the emotional weakness of the main girl. She was always crying or feeling sad about having to kill. She’d ridden with soldiers and had been through fights before but still?
Not saying she should have enjoyed killing, but a little less constant hesitation and sadness please.
My final problem was with the geas. It was said that the main girl had to be the one to complete the action. But in the end she had little to do with it. She was a passive character, not an active one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews