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Eagles and Crows #1
The Blackthorn Queen
Britain, AD 38, Princess Cartimandua—Carti—of the Brigantes tribe faces an uncertain future when her father’s sudden death ignites turmoil. Suspicion falls on the Crow People of the Votadini tribe, straining the fragile peace between the factions. But they’re not the only ones bearing a grudge. A tangled web of political games soon unfolds. When enigmatic Prince Cormag of the Votadini shows the princess unwanted attention, the Brigantes’ alliance with the Carvetti is shaken. Cartimandua’s dream of marrying gallant Prince Venutiux of the Carvetti is put at risk. Soon, Carti finds herself at the center of a whirlwind of divided loyalties. Yet amidst the misty forests and the blackthorn trees, the Cailleach, the ancient dark goddess of the Brigantes people, whispers that all is not as it seems. With the fate of her tribe at stake, Carti must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of politics, duty, magic, and love. From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak, The Blackthorn Queen transports readers to northern Celtic Britain on the precipice of the second Roman invasion, introducing us to Cartimandua, princess of the powerful Brigantes tribe.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
775 people are currently reading
2249 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Karsak
90 books1,704 followersNew York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 20, 2023
The Blackthorn Queen is a great introduction to a new series the Eagles and Crows by Melanie Karsak. The Blackthorn Queen grabbed my attention with the summary and never let go. I couldn’t wait to start this new series. I have been into stories like The Blackthorn Queen for a while now. I have been enjoying series set in England and other places.
I like learning the history of the places I read about. I like learning how they lived in that era. The Blackthorn Queen sort of reminds me of The Vikings, The Last Kingdom, and other shows that I have watched lately in lots of ways.
The Blackthorn Queen kept me hooked from the first page to the last as I raced to the end rooting for Carti the whole way. I had so many questions while reading The Blackthorn Queen and I needed those answers as fast as I could get them.
Carti’s father had been murdered. The first questions were who killed him and why. But as the story progressed I was left with even more. One minute I would think that it was one group of people then something was revealed and I was like well, now I am not so sure. Oh, I was chomping at the bit page after page with so many questions floating through my mind.
I was right there with Carti as she was trying to figure out what her mother was up to looking for a new king so quick after her father’s death. Carti was very concerned about her mother ruling as Queen. So if Carti was worried so was I. I mean was she doing what she thought was the right thing for Carti and their people? Or was she up to something more sinister?
Carti has no idea who she can trust at this point. I mean her close friend could be her enemy, right? The one who embraces her could be her worst enemy.
The world-building was truly awesome. The descriptions were vividly written making it so easy to see it all in my head as if I was standing right there with them. I can’t wait to read more about this world in the next book, especially after that ending.
Grab a copy of The Blackthorn Queen today!
I like learning the history of the places I read about. I like learning how they lived in that era. The Blackthorn Queen sort of reminds me of The Vikings, The Last Kingdom, and other shows that I have watched lately in lots of ways.
The Blackthorn Queen kept me hooked from the first page to the last as I raced to the end rooting for Carti the whole way. I had so many questions while reading The Blackthorn Queen and I needed those answers as fast as I could get them.
Carti’s father had been murdered. The first questions were who killed him and why. But as the story progressed I was left with even more. One minute I would think that it was one group of people then something was revealed and I was like well, now I am not so sure. Oh, I was chomping at the bit page after page with so many questions floating through my mind.
I was right there with Carti as she was trying to figure out what her mother was up to looking for a new king so quick after her father’s death. Carti was very concerned about her mother ruling as Queen. So if Carti was worried so was I. I mean was she doing what she thought was the right thing for Carti and their people? Or was she up to something more sinister?
Carti has no idea who she can trust at this point. I mean her close friend could be her enemy, right? The one who embraces her could be her worst enemy.
The world-building was truly awesome. The descriptions were vividly written making it so easy to see it all in my head as if I was standing right there with them. I can’t wait to read more about this world in the next book, especially after that ending.
Grab a copy of The Blackthorn Queen today!
Read
November 5, 2023I love this author but I found this book slow, I know its probably a duet or trilogy, so sometimes when that's the case the author has time to develop things but really it took an age for anything to happen.
HFN.
I don't like that there is no details of how many books in the series, I knew I should have waited.
HFN.
I don't like that there is no details of how many books in the series, I knew I should have waited.
November 4, 2023
Formulaic and boring
I understand that when you find a good formula you want to see if you can make it fit into as many settings and modes as possible but this is ridiculous.
Every book this author produces are very much like all the others. What changes from story to story are the names and places and some of the plot events but there are simply no surprises or something you can't see coming.
It's as though you shake out the dust from one tale, gather it up in a mopping cloth and sprinkle it over the next one. It's always about the darkness of a warring society or their traditional enemies and the limited context of who wins. In this case I quit after a few pages because the names of people and places kept me stumbling from the plot line enough that there just wasn't any interest in plodding ahead.
I think a good formula is a map but even badly drawn maps often have just as many differences as they do similarities.
Enough aging queens, martyred kings, pining for love princesses and errant boys rescuing the ones most likely to inherit the crown.
When imagination is forced and redundant I move on to any book that not only provides a developed plotline but also offers something other than mundane trifling dialogue and cheesy events to simply meet a predetermined word count and enough overwhelming stagnant side cars of contact tropes to choke a horse.
I'm almost finished with authors who never plow ahead and at least try to churn out interesting and varied fictional retelling of lost and essentially forgotten societies.
I can't recommend this series at all.
I understand that when you find a good formula you want to see if you can make it fit into as many settings and modes as possible but this is ridiculous.
Every book this author produces are very much like all the others. What changes from story to story are the names and places and some of the plot events but there are simply no surprises or something you can't see coming.
It's as though you shake out the dust from one tale, gather it up in a mopping cloth and sprinkle it over the next one. It's always about the darkness of a warring society or their traditional enemies and the limited context of who wins. In this case I quit after a few pages because the names of people and places kept me stumbling from the plot line enough that there just wasn't any interest in plodding ahead.
I think a good formula is a map but even badly drawn maps often have just as many differences as they do similarities.
Enough aging queens, martyred kings, pining for love princesses and errant boys rescuing the ones most likely to inherit the crown.
When imagination is forced and redundant I move on to any book that not only provides a developed plotline but also offers something other than mundane trifling dialogue and cheesy events to simply meet a predetermined word count and enough overwhelming stagnant side cars of contact tropes to choke a horse.
I'm almost finished with authors who never plow ahead and at least try to churn out interesting and varied fictional retelling of lost and essentially forgotten societies.
I can't recommend this series at all.
July 25, 2023
The king of the Brigantes has been murdered. It is suspected that he had been murdered by the Votadini tribe. This murder may lead to a war between the Brigantes and the Votadini tribe. When Princess Cartimandua of Brigantes catches the eye of Prince Cormag of the Votadini tribe, Princess Cartimandua is confused. She has always dreamed of marrying Prince Venutiux of the Carveti tribe. However, she finds herself intrigued by Prince Cormag. Was Prince Cormag involved in her father’s death? Which prince will capture her heart?
Queen Cartimandua was a contemporary of Queen Boudica. Between the two queens, many scholars believe that Queen Cartimandua was a more successful ruler. However, Queen Cartimandua is not as famous as Queen Boudica. In Mrs. Karsak’s Celtic Rebels series, which focuses on Queen Boudica, is often mentioned. Therefore, I was glad that Queen Cartimandua has her own story. Because there is very little information on Queen Cartimandua, Mrs. Karsak gives her an interesting back story.
I really like Mrs. Karsak’s version of Queen Cartimandua. Unlike Boudica who is a strong fighter, Cartimandua mostly relies on her wit. I like how she cares about her family. She is also a very good friend. I like how she continues to pursue justice, and often struggles with making difficult decisions. She is trying to figure out which prince is right for her. Therefore, Cartimandua was a strong and relatable teenager. I find Mrs. Karsak’s portrayal of Cartimandua is very realistic.
Overall, this was a beautiful coming of age story of Cartimandua. All of the characters were very complex and realistic. I like how Mrs. Karsak made ancient Scotland come alive. I love how Mrs. Karsak interwove myths and magic into the story. The Blackthorn Queen was a mesmerizing and enthralling tale that took my breath away! I was so immersed in the story that I flew through the pages and finished it in one sitting! The Blackthorn Queen is filled with pageantry, romance, and palace intrigue! It is truly a feast for historical fiction lovers, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Cartimandua’s tale! I recommend this novel for fans of Esther M. Friesner, Barbara Erskine, and Signe Pike!
(Note: An ARC copy was provided for me by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Queen Cartimandua was a contemporary of Queen Boudica. Between the two queens, many scholars believe that Queen Cartimandua was a more successful ruler. However, Queen Cartimandua is not as famous as Queen Boudica. In Mrs. Karsak’s Celtic Rebels series, which focuses on Queen Boudica, is often mentioned. Therefore, I was glad that Queen Cartimandua has her own story. Because there is very little information on Queen Cartimandua, Mrs. Karsak gives her an interesting back story.
I really like Mrs. Karsak’s version of Queen Cartimandua. Unlike Boudica who is a strong fighter, Cartimandua mostly relies on her wit. I like how she cares about her family. She is also a very good friend. I like how she continues to pursue justice, and often struggles with making difficult decisions. She is trying to figure out which prince is right for her. Therefore, Cartimandua was a strong and relatable teenager. I find Mrs. Karsak’s portrayal of Cartimandua is very realistic.
Overall, this was a beautiful coming of age story of Cartimandua. All of the characters were very complex and realistic. I like how Mrs. Karsak made ancient Scotland come alive. I love how Mrs. Karsak interwove myths and magic into the story. The Blackthorn Queen was a mesmerizing and enthralling tale that took my breath away! I was so immersed in the story that I flew through the pages and finished it in one sitting! The Blackthorn Queen is filled with pageantry, romance, and palace intrigue! It is truly a feast for historical fiction lovers, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Cartimandua’s tale! I recommend this novel for fans of Esther M. Friesner, Barbara Erskine, and Signe Pike!
(Note: An ARC copy was provided for me by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.)
July 30, 2023
I was extremely excited for this book after finishing the Celtic Rebels series. This takes places 4 years prior to the events of the Celtic Rebels. If you have read Boudica’s story, you noticed that Cartimandua was mentioned a couple of times throughout.
I’m excited that we get to see Cartimandua’s story. The world building is so well done because it does add more to the world if you have read the previous series. The characters are well written and extremely enjoyable.
I’m very excited to read the next book of this series. In the meantime till it comes out I’ll be reading her other works till then. I highly recommend checking this series out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m excited that we get to see Cartimandua’s story. The world building is so well done because it does add more to the world if you have read the previous series. The characters are well written and extremely enjoyable.
I’m very excited to read the next book of this series. In the meantime till it comes out I’ll be reading her other works till then. I highly recommend checking this series out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2023
In true Melanie Karsak fashion, the story of Cartimandua is one of ultimate justice and continuously striving for what is right. Of course, this isn't without tragedy, heartbreak, and greed, as well. Cartimandua has a brilliant mind and strives for what is best for her people, the Brigantes.
I quite look forward to the second part of Cartimandua, and how she'll deal with the Romans. Hopefully with the same kind of respect the Romans have shown in the Boudica series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
I quite look forward to the second part of Cartimandua, and how she'll deal with the Romans. Hopefully with the same kind of respect the Romans have shown in the Boudica series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
August 17, 2023
Loved returning to this world, can’t wait for the next one!
November 5, 2023
Great Story!
I really loved the characters! I was completely taken into this world. The narrative evokes the scenes and total immersion happened.
I really loved the characters! I was completely taken into this world. The narrative evokes the scenes and total immersion happened.
March 24, 2025
This was really engaging throughout, well-written, great imagery and characters. It's categorized as romantasy, but to me what stood was historical fiction with some magical elements. I was drawn to read this because I needed something "lighter" and fun, and this was better than I expected. I read Melanie Karsak's novel about bout Queen Boudica and felt it was lacking in plot. The Blackthorn Queen however is full of world building and political intrigue. Cartimandua while a lesser known Queen is still is a force to be reckoned with during the Iron Age of Britain, 1st century during the time of the Roman invasion.
The writing and world building drew me in right away into the plot, which expanded to a murder mystery that this very strong FMC is going to solve. The political alliances are much more prevalent than the romance. There is some building towards a friends to lovers, but the focus remains on this Queen's journey and determination to be a good leader and the political intrigue surrounding her rise to the throne--Rome is invading after all, there will be time for romance later.
I love the imagery and meaning behind the blackthorn, which becomes a symbol of what is going to be a recurring theme throughout the series of embracing the darkness within. I finished in a few sittings and jumped right into the next one on kindleunlimited.
The writing and world building drew me in right away into the plot, which expanded to a murder mystery that this very strong FMC is going to solve. The political alliances are much more prevalent than the romance. There is some building towards a friends to lovers, but the focus remains on this Queen's journey and determination to be a good leader and the political intrigue surrounding her rise to the throne--Rome is invading after all, there will be time for romance later.
I love the imagery and meaning behind the blackthorn, which becomes a symbol of what is going to be a recurring theme throughout the series of embracing the darkness within. I finished in a few sittings and jumped right into the next one on kindleunlimited.
April 26, 2024
2024 Reads #251/250
4.5🌟
4.5🌟
March 9, 2024
This book has a good basis of political intrigue in it, but I feel like it might have benefitted from another pass with editing. The fact that this novel started with 7 pages of glossary was immediately daunting and almost made me not want to begin. By the end of the novel I was hooked into the plot and interested to see where it would go, but the beginning was a little rough to get through. If you like fantasy worlds and royalty/political intrigue I think you’d like this. It just wasn’t for me.
January 18, 2024
So I am not typically a fan of historical books unless there is fantasy involved and this book did not disappoint. I seriously devoured this in one sitting. I did listen to this on audible while following along with KU and the narrator Lesley Parkin did a fantastic job of differentiating between the characters and it was so easy to follow along. I am looking forward to reading the rest in this series.
December 28, 2023
Beautiful writing!!
I will not forget this story. The writing is lovely and I devoured it, hardly able to put it down. I think historical fiction is now my favorite genre! Kudos to Melanie!!
I will not forget this story. The writing is lovely and I devoured it, hardly able to put it down. I think historical fiction is now my favorite genre! Kudos to Melanie!!
August 22, 2024
2/5 ⭐️
It started with a lot of political intrigue and felt like a true medieval murder mystery. However, the intrigue wasn’t really described in a lot of detail and I felt some background was missing to truly understand the interrelationships. I kept on reading because I was excited to find out if there would be a plot twist, who killed the king?! Nothing was unexpected and I could see who did what and why from the start. Also mum is one of the dumbest characters I have ever read about 🙃.
It started with a lot of political intrigue and felt like a true medieval murder mystery. However, the intrigue wasn’t really described in a lot of detail and I felt some background was missing to truly understand the interrelationships. I kept on reading because I was excited to find out if there would be a plot twist, who killed the king?! Nothing was unexpected and I could see who did what and why from the start. Also mum is one of the dumbest characters I have ever read about 🙃.
June 3, 2024
Really good
I love the stories of ancient times especially Melanie Karsak stories. They are so very interesting and really really good.
I love the stories of ancient times especially Melanie Karsak stories. They are so very interesting and really really good.
January 18, 2024
This was such an intriguing story with an interesting setting! It was much darker than what I normally read, but I enjoyed it regardless. It reminded me of Game of Thrones in many ways. The writing is just wonderful!
December 17, 2023
What a way to start a new series. Melanie nails it with The Blackthorn Queen. If you have an interest in Celtic history and mysticism this is the series for you. On to book tow and thank you Melanie for being such a prolific writer!
August 2, 2023
Queen Cartimandua is a historical figure from Roman Britain, and much like the better-known Queen Boudica, she gets her own series by Melanie Karsak.
Having just lost her father to poison, Carti must now support her mother, the widowed queen, and figure out who murdered her father. I'll give you a hint -
Ms Karsak's books answer the "what if" of people about whom we know so little, fill in possible details, and weave together stories that are jumping points to learn more.
Carti must navigate strife against her people, the Brigantes tribe, and figure out who she can trust, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, The Crow Queen.
Having just lost her father to poison, Carti must now support her mother, the widowed queen, and figure out who murdered her father. I'll give you a hint -
Ms Karsak's books answer the "what if" of people about whom we know so little, fill in possible details, and weave together stories that are jumping points to learn more.
Carti must navigate strife against her people, the Brigantes tribe, and figure out who she can trust, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, The Crow Queen.
July 21, 2023
Wow, what a story! I had always heard the name Cartimandua along with Boudica but don't know much about her. The Blackthorn Queen brings her to life, and in a dramatic way. This story is full of drama, mystery and mysticism. Right up my alley with my Celtic background. The characters are well fleshed out, and believable especially since not a whole lot is known of the tribes of the first century. Melanie is such a great storyteller, and I think people will enjoy the story even if they have no connection to the ancient Celts.
September 3, 2023
Thank you Melanie!
I love the way Melanie has woven these different stories from previous books together in a way that is both entertaining and educational. Excellent characters! She really makes reading historical fiction so much fun! I can see it all as I read. She does a great job with descriptions, and you can’t help but love the characters!
I can’t wait for the next book Melanie! It’s a shame that she only plans to write two books for this series. I love a long series, so that is the only thing I have to give as negative feedback.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!!
I love the way Melanie has woven these different stories from previous books together in a way that is both entertaining and educational. Excellent characters! She really makes reading historical fiction so much fun! I can see it all as I read. She does a great job with descriptions, and you can’t help but love the characters!
I can’t wait for the next book Melanie! It’s a shame that she only plans to write two books for this series. I love a long series, so that is the only thing I have to give as negative feedback.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!!
September 23, 2023
A Strong Beginning
Princess Cartimandua grabs your attention from the first page of this book. I am a fan of the ancient worlds kingdom stories and this one does not disappoint. True you might predict, but then think no, and then the surprise is that you predicted correctly! I am looking forward to continuing on this journey with her! In this case, a first person telling from Cartimandua's point of view is a good thing.
Princess Cartimandua grabs your attention from the first page of this book. I am a fan of the ancient worlds kingdom stories and this one does not disappoint. True you might predict, but then think no, and then the surprise is that you predicted correctly! I am looking forward to continuing on this journey with her! In this case, a first person telling from Cartimandua's point of view is a good thing.
July 28, 2023
This is a book of intrigue, betrayal, lies, love, and loyalty. The story sucks you in until you walk with the characters and experience what they experience. Even when I had to stop reading my mind stayed in the story. I love these series about ancient people. I love that their gods speak to them. I just love these stories. Melanie Karsak has a gift for telling these tales. Phenomenal.
September 20, 2023
Captivating and action-packed
Carti is devastated by the sudden death of her father. The King consort's death ushers in a dangerous time where everyone is suspect and Carti can't trust anyone, especially those closest to her. I love the Hamlet twist. Can't wait to start the next book. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.
Carti is devastated by the sudden death of her father. The King consort's death ushers in a dangerous time where everyone is suspect and Carti can't trust anyone, especially those closest to her. I love the Hamlet twist. Can't wait to start the next book. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.
November 29, 2025
Absolutely wonderful
Very rarely a book comes along that you can't put down not even for a minute. Then comes the internal struggle within of wanting to read all day and all night vs. slowing down so this wonderful book will last longer. You know it's marvelous when the first wins out. I couldn't put this down if I tried. Love love love
Very rarely a book comes along that you can't put down not even for a minute. Then comes the internal struggle within of wanting to read all day and all night vs. slowing down so this wonderful book will last longer. You know it's marvelous when the first wins out. I couldn't put this down if I tried. Love love love
August 4, 2023
so very good!
I literally read this book cover to cover in hours. I couldn’t put it down. Granted I’m already a huge fan after reading Melanie’s series about Boudicca and about Hervor and the one about her daughter, but oh so very good!
I literally read this book cover to cover in hours. I couldn’t put it down. Granted I’m already a huge fan after reading Melanie’s series about Boudicca and about Hervor and the one about her daughter, but oh so very good!
August 28, 2023
another great book
I really enjoy this author. Almost every book has been top notch and this story is no exception. A minor criticism: the bad guy and the ultimate ending are no surprise. There are some surprising things but most is not. Still a great read.
I really enjoy this author. Almost every book has been top notch and this story is no exception. A minor criticism: the bad guy and the ultimate ending are no surprise. There are some surprising things but most is not. Still a great read.
September 29, 2023
Another amazing book.
Looking forward to buying the physical books to add to my little library. This book plays off the others but is wonderful by itself. Can't wait for the release of the next in the series.
Looking forward to buying the physical books to add to my little library. This book plays off the others but is wonderful by itself. Can't wait for the release of the next in the series.
September 30, 2023
as always, an outstanding read
I practically devoured this book. Immediately I was entranced into another world filled with greed, murder and subterfuge. It was also laced with honor, love, and fate. December cannot come fast enough.
I practically devoured this book. Immediately I was entranced into another world filled with greed, murder and subterfuge. It was also laced with honor, love, and fate. December cannot come fast enough.
July 19, 2023
This book was amazing! Although set in historical England, Cartimandua is a very relatable protagonist. Her passion and desire to do what is best for her people, the Brigantes, is a common theme, especially after her father dies under suspicious circumstances, leaving the burden of leadership on her mother's inadequate shoulders. While her mother is more interested in advantageous matches and alliances, Carti seeks to determine what is really going on with the Brigantes tribe and how to keep business moving forward.
Things do not always come easily, and Carti suffers some personal setbacks in the form of heartache, loss, and betrayal from those close to her. Being thrust into the political milieu of people she will someday rule, she needs to figure out who she can trust. Prince Connag of the volatile Votadini or Crow People, her former friend turned valet Eddin, and her reluctant maid Ystwadael, to name a few. While Carti is trying to do what is best for her people, with a strong vein of compassion for those close to her, her mother is auditioning new king consorts. The comparison between the two is a common theme. Carti loves her mother, but fears for the Brigantes under her mother's leadership. You will find yourself rooting for Princess Cartimandua, and the end of the book leaves her about to start a new chapter in her life. I personally can't wait to see what happens next.
The historical context is a wonderful backdrop for the story-the story flows quite easily but you also learn more about England in 38AD. I like the idea of learning something while reading. I also enjoy the supernatural themes inherent in the dual goddesses of the Brigantes and the folk from the Hollow Hills. They enable some nice twists in the plot that might be impossible otherwise. Melanie Karsak's lush storytelling is a delight to read, and fans will not be disappointed!
Things do not always come easily, and Carti suffers some personal setbacks in the form of heartache, loss, and betrayal from those close to her. Being thrust into the political milieu of people she will someday rule, she needs to figure out who she can trust. Prince Connag of the volatile Votadini or Crow People, her former friend turned valet Eddin, and her reluctant maid Ystwadael, to name a few. While Carti is trying to do what is best for her people, with a strong vein of compassion for those close to her, her mother is auditioning new king consorts. The comparison between the two is a common theme. Carti loves her mother, but fears for the Brigantes under her mother's leadership. You will find yourself rooting for Princess Cartimandua, and the end of the book leaves her about to start a new chapter in her life. I personally can't wait to see what happens next.
The historical context is a wonderful backdrop for the story-the story flows quite easily but you also learn more about England in 38AD. I like the idea of learning something while reading. I also enjoy the supernatural themes inherent in the dual goddesses of the Brigantes and the folk from the Hollow Hills. They enable some nice twists in the plot that might be impossible otherwise. Melanie Karsak's lush storytelling is a delight to read, and fans will not be disappointed!
July 21, 2024
Got this for free on “Stuff Your Kindle Day,” so I don’t think I would have sought out this book otherwise. It was… alright. It became pretty obvious that this was meant to just set up the later two books so everything that happened in this book was lacklustre because it’s just the set-up. I had serious issues with the plot and the pacing of this book. The first half of the book were all the characters at this funeral and the main character just making moon eyes at specific men and being angry when they ignore her, and being more generally upset that her dad died. This is an important event but I cannot fathom why this takes up 50% of this book. The main character becomes more interesting once she returns home but it still feels like she doesn’t ever actually do anything until the last 50 pages when she kills her uncle and cousins. This had potential but it fell short and isn’t compelling enough for me to want to continue reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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