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Heiress Of The Seven Cities #1
Heiress of Healing
The people of the Seven Demesnes live in unease. Every generation, seven sons are born to rule their seven walled cities. Without them, mankind is fated to fall.
Now, something is killing them before they can be born.
When Iminique Demascus senses a nameless evil striking at the unborn royal children, she has to make a choice. A noblewoman and a healer in a world where aristocrats and mages belong to different castes, she is forbidden by her father to ever heal. Breaking his dictate, she saves a single girl child.
No one thanks her. Neither the child’s parents nor the people want a girl, reviling her for surviving when the males perished. Left as the princess’s sole protector and faced with adversity and hostility from nearly every quarter, Iminique allies herself with the wizard who once dragged her to the brink of death and then inexplicably let her go; a wizard who has his own secret agenda and casts spells that should be impossible.
Meanwhile, in the south, a young sorceress falls prey to an ancient enemy, one weaving his own plans for bringing mankind to its knees.
Now, something is killing them before they can be born.
When Iminique Demascus senses a nameless evil striking at the unborn royal children, she has to make a choice. A noblewoman and a healer in a world where aristocrats and mages belong to different castes, she is forbidden by her father to ever heal. Breaking his dictate, she saves a single girl child.
No one thanks her. Neither the child’s parents nor the people want a girl, reviling her for surviving when the males perished. Left as the princess’s sole protector and faced with adversity and hostility from nearly every quarter, Iminique allies herself with the wizard who once dragged her to the brink of death and then inexplicably let her go; a wizard who has his own secret agenda and casts spells that should be impossible.
Meanwhile, in the south, a young sorceress falls prey to an ancient enemy, one weaving his own plans for bringing mankind to its knees.
422 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
1238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 5, 2014
Full disclosure: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This has in no way influenced the opinions expressed in this review.
I became interested in Heiress of Healing hoping it was the start of an epic fantasy series and began reading it fearing it may in fact be merely paranormal romance disguised under a thin veil of more "proper" fantasy. On both counts, I was right and wrong at the same time, because it is something between the two, featuring a decent enough actual fantasy side and a paranormal romance part that, though I generally have no interest in or experience with the genre, I have to recognize as outstanding.
To get this out of the way, yes, that means there is sex as well. No, it's definitely not used for cheap thrills. Whether we're talking about main or secondary characters, and whether it's making love, merely fucking or something in between, each sex scene has a clear purpose, is relevant for the characters and the story, and is portrayed almost perfectly. At times, when this approach is needed and possible, you'll find rather detailed descriptions, while other times you'll see no more than brief mentions. Perhaps most notably, however, the author recognizes when mere words would prove inadequate in conveying the emotions experienced and the bonds created during such an encounter and allows and trusts the reader to understand the moment's intensity and significance on their own.
In fact, Heiress of Healing is greatly aided every step of the way by good writing and a significant amount of polish. Without this being in any way meant as a criticism against the actual contents, it can be said that the writing style was the main reason why I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it definitely was the reason why my initial concerns were quickly forgotten. Sure, those reading with a critical eye or who simply have a penchant for nitpicking may notice the odd style issue here and there, particularly after the first part, but you do need to search for them in order to do so, the overall quality of the writing exceeding not only what one would be tempted to expect from a new and unsigned author, but that found in many well-known and popular works as well.
If I'm to mention some complaints, I must begin with the frustration caused by the behavior and personality of the lead character. I could probably muster some shred of empathy even for the queen, but definitely not for Iminique, particularly since she's usually not the only one paying the price for her actions or inaction, and at times not the one paying the price at all. True, I can't say I found any characters truly worth cheering for, but she's the main one and supposed to be the champion of good, inasmuch as this story has one, which only makes it worse. At the same time, none of this can exactly be said to be a flaw of the book, the author very accurately portraying personalities that one would reasonably expect to find in those positions, considering the world the action takes place in.
As such, perhaps it would be fairer to complain about how jarring it sometimes is when the story jumps forward in time, especially when this is also associated with changing the location and characters. The first time this happened was actually quite a shock for me and I can't exactly say I ever got used to it, so I'm sure there is a better way to do something like this.
In addition, at least one storyline introduced in such a manner not only doesn't get resolved in any way, but doesn't even appear to have an actual purpose, though that becomes understandable once you remember that Heiress of Healing is the first in a series and therefore parts of it are expected to be little more than introductions for the following books. Yet viewing it this way may make one expect it to include details that are not to be found here, the author at times making use of some shortcuts and simplifications that may give those used to complex stories and detailed worldbuilding some reason to frown. Whenever this happens, however, one would do well to remember the genre Heiress of Healing is meant to fit into.
To conclude, if you're looking solely for the next great epic fantasy series, you won't find it here. If, on the other hand, what you're searching for is a character-driven fantasy story that won't give you headaches while trying to follow all that's going on, or perhaps simply some well-written and, at least for a new and unsigned author, surprisingly polished escapism, you could do a whole lot worse than Heiress of Healing. Most importantly, however, if you aim to find an ambitious mix of romance and fantasy that seeks and, for the most part, manages to go beyond many of the limitations one may consider typical of paranormal romance and, as my case proves, may well be thoroughly enjoyable even for those who'd normally stay well away from the genre, then seriously, do yourself a favor and pick this up!
I became interested in Heiress of Healing hoping it was the start of an epic fantasy series and began reading it fearing it may in fact be merely paranormal romance disguised under a thin veil of more "proper" fantasy. On both counts, I was right and wrong at the same time, because it is something between the two, featuring a decent enough actual fantasy side and a paranormal romance part that, though I generally have no interest in or experience with the genre, I have to recognize as outstanding.
To get this out of the way, yes, that means there is sex as well. No, it's definitely not used for cheap thrills. Whether we're talking about main or secondary characters, and whether it's making love, merely fucking or something in between, each sex scene has a clear purpose, is relevant for the characters and the story, and is portrayed almost perfectly. At times, when this approach is needed and possible, you'll find rather detailed descriptions, while other times you'll see no more than brief mentions. Perhaps most notably, however, the author recognizes when mere words would prove inadequate in conveying the emotions experienced and the bonds created during such an encounter and allows and trusts the reader to understand the moment's intensity and significance on their own.
In fact, Heiress of Healing is greatly aided every step of the way by good writing and a significant amount of polish. Without this being in any way meant as a criticism against the actual contents, it can be said that the writing style was the main reason why I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it definitely was the reason why my initial concerns were quickly forgotten. Sure, those reading with a critical eye or who simply have a penchant for nitpicking may notice the odd style issue here and there, particularly after the first part, but you do need to search for them in order to do so, the overall quality of the writing exceeding not only what one would be tempted to expect from a new and unsigned author, but that found in many well-known and popular works as well.
If I'm to mention some complaints, I must begin with the frustration caused by the behavior and personality of the lead character. I could probably muster some shred of empathy even for the queen, but definitely not for Iminique, particularly since she's usually not the only one paying the price for her actions or inaction, and at times not the one paying the price at all. True, I can't say I found any characters truly worth cheering for, but she's the main one and supposed to be the champion of good, inasmuch as this story has one, which only makes it worse. At the same time, none of this can exactly be said to be a flaw of the book, the author very accurately portraying personalities that one would reasonably expect to find in those positions, considering the world the action takes place in.
As such, perhaps it would be fairer to complain about how jarring it sometimes is when the story jumps forward in time, especially when this is also associated with changing the location and characters. The first time this happened was actually quite a shock for me and I can't exactly say I ever got used to it, so I'm sure there is a better way to do something like this.
In addition, at least one storyline introduced in such a manner not only doesn't get resolved in any way, but doesn't even appear to have an actual purpose, though that becomes understandable once you remember that Heiress of Healing is the first in a series and therefore parts of it are expected to be little more than introductions for the following books. Yet viewing it this way may make one expect it to include details that are not to be found here, the author at times making use of some shortcuts and simplifications that may give those used to complex stories and detailed worldbuilding some reason to frown. Whenever this happens, however, one would do well to remember the genre Heiress of Healing is meant to fit into.
To conclude, if you're looking solely for the next great epic fantasy series, you won't find it here. If, on the other hand, what you're searching for is a character-driven fantasy story that won't give you headaches while trying to follow all that's going on, or perhaps simply some well-written and, at least for a new and unsigned author, surprisingly polished escapism, you could do a whole lot worse than Heiress of Healing. Most importantly, however, if you aim to find an ambitious mix of romance and fantasy that seeks and, for the most part, manages to go beyond many of the limitations one may consider typical of paranormal romance and, as my case proves, may well be thoroughly enjoyable even for those who'd normally stay well away from the genre, then seriously, do yourself a favor and pick this up!
November 13, 2013
This book was everything I expected it to be and so SO much more.
The book spans about 15-20 years by my estimates, and tells the story of the young healer and the baby she delivers under duress. Whilst it follows a few characters, Iminique the healer is the main one, and we watch her grow from an uncertain child into a beautiful, graceful woman with all the wrong ideas about what it takes to be a wife in the First Demense.
Quentyn is the mysterious yet sexy warlock who is Iminique's enemy at first, but begins to grow into an untrustworthy ally. I definitely enjoyed the interaction between the two and their journey was well written and believable.
Zara the sorceress was my favourite character, feisty and fiery and wanting so much more than the mundane human world can offer her. Her travels into the shadow-hungry world were incredibly interesting and incredibly creepy. This was, however, a fantastic way to add dimension to Lano's world, as we get to see what lies beyond the walls of the Demenses.
The last fifty pages or so of this novel had me exclaiming outloud (luckily I was home alone at the time). Fast paced and thrilling, I think the apocalypse could've occured and I would not have noticed!
I've read Lano's novella 'Never Trust a Prince', a wonderful little romantic comedy that was heart-warming and funny; Heiress of Healing is gritty, edgy and heartbreaking. Prepare yourself for a journey that will leave you desperately needing more of the Heiress of Seven Cities series.
Highly recommended. Some of the best writing I've read in a long time.
The book spans about 15-20 years by my estimates, and tells the story of the young healer and the baby she delivers under duress. Whilst it follows a few characters, Iminique the healer is the main one, and we watch her grow from an uncertain child into a beautiful, graceful woman with all the wrong ideas about what it takes to be a wife in the First Demense.
Quentyn is the mysterious yet sexy warlock who is Iminique's enemy at first, but begins to grow into an untrustworthy ally. I definitely enjoyed the interaction between the two and their journey was well written and believable.
Zara the sorceress was my favourite character, feisty and fiery and wanting so much more than the mundane human world can offer her. Her travels into the shadow-hungry world were incredibly interesting and incredibly creepy. This was, however, a fantastic way to add dimension to Lano's world, as we get to see what lies beyond the walls of the Demenses.
The last fifty pages or so of this novel had me exclaiming outloud (luckily I was home alone at the time). Fast paced and thrilling, I think the apocalypse could've occured and I would not have noticed!
I've read Lano's novella 'Never Trust a Prince', a wonderful little romantic comedy that was heart-warming and funny; Heiress of Healing is gritty, edgy and heartbreaking. Prepare yourself for a journey that will leave you desperately needing more of the Heiress of Seven Cities series.
Highly recommended. Some of the best writing I've read in a long time.
April 18, 2014
I have so many things to say about this book that I don't know where to start. Well, first of all I want to thank Goodreads and Sonya Lano for the possibility of reading this book and for being so nice to me.
Heiress of Healing was a page-turner since the beginning and I enjoyed the book until the very last page (that ending killed me... I want to know what happens next so badly!). The world-building and characters were done very well and I can't really fit the book in only one genre. I'd say it's fantasy; new adult; historical-fiction although the story seems to be set in an alternate world making it high-fantasy. The only thing that I think could make this book better is the pace. Things happen very quickly and time flies by. I understand that the author needed years to pass in order to make the story develop and introduce new characters and aspects of the world. But this is just my opinion and it's been a while since I read a story based in another (complex) world.
My favorite character is Iminique (who doesn't love a strong female character?) but I have to say I'm very curious about Quentyn and Evander. Ara and Elixir left a lot unsaid and I need to know what happens next!
Stars: 3.9
Heiress of Healing was a page-turner since the beginning and I enjoyed the book until the very last page (that ending killed me... I want to know what happens next so badly!). The world-building and characters were done very well and I can't really fit the book in only one genre. I'd say it's fantasy; new adult; historical-fiction although the story seems to be set in an alternate world making it high-fantasy. The only thing that I think could make this book better is the pace. Things happen very quickly and time flies by. I understand that the author needed years to pass in order to make the story develop and introduce new characters and aspects of the world. But this is just my opinion and it's been a while since I read a story based in another (complex) world.
My favorite character is Iminique (who doesn't love a strong female character?) but I have to say I'm very curious about Quentyn and Evander. Ara and Elixir left a lot unsaid and I need to know what happens next!
Stars: 3.9
March 7, 2024
DNF 50%
I had qualms from the start but was intrigued by "I'm unique"(Iminique). At 40% the book took a sharp downward turn. I skimmed a few chapters after 50% and it just got worse and worse. I can't remember the last time a book made me so nauseous. All the rape, grooming of young girls, Stockholm syndrome, horribly evil characters, etc.
There is no indicator on the cover, blurb, or reviews that this would be so sick and dark.
I had qualms from the start but was intrigued by "I'm unique"(Iminique). At 40% the book took a sharp downward turn. I skimmed a few chapters after 50% and it just got worse and worse. I can't remember the last time a book made me so nauseous. All the rape, grooming of young girls, Stockholm syndrome, horribly evil characters, etc.
There is no indicator on the cover, blurb, or reviews that this would be so sick and dark.
December 27, 2018
My tbr list is long, and I'm not as fast a reader as I used to be. Too many distractions.
I didn't know what to expect, to be honest. I traded books with Sonya Lano during a visit to her hometown of Prague and for quite a while the books gathered dust amongst the dozens of other books waiting to be read... romantic fantasy... romantic fantasy... romance... it's been a while since I read a romance novel, not my cuppa, not everything has to be. And fantasy... I am very very nitpicky about my fantasy, comes with the territory of writing the stuff myself.
Fantasy romance, it intrigued, taunted from afar, and finally I overcame the last bit of reluctance (I could still not finish after all) and I took Heiress of Healing from the shelf, read the first few sentences and was invested.
Lano's prose is beautiful, there's no two ways about it, and while the story is meandering and seemingly without focus, there is a delightfully twisted purpose to this.
I'm not going to go into details because spoilers... we experience some 16 or so years of the main protagonist's life, and see her grow from meek, annoyingly and somewhat stupidly so, child to something not quite as meek... Did I like Imminique, her main character? No, but I enjoyed watching her grow... think Sansa with a bit more wit about her (thank goodness)
I have the sequel, Heiress of Magic, waiting... and I'm hopeful it won't be another 17 months before I read it.
I didn't know what to expect, to be honest. I traded books with Sonya Lano during a visit to her hometown of Prague and for quite a while the books gathered dust amongst the dozens of other books waiting to be read... romantic fantasy... romantic fantasy... romance... it's been a while since I read a romance novel, not my cuppa, not everything has to be. And fantasy... I am very very nitpicky about my fantasy, comes with the territory of writing the stuff myself.
Fantasy romance, it intrigued, taunted from afar, and finally I overcame the last bit of reluctance (I could still not finish after all) and I took Heiress of Healing from the shelf, read the first few sentences and was invested.
Lano's prose is beautiful, there's no two ways about it, and while the story is meandering and seemingly without focus, there is a delightfully twisted purpose to this.
I'm not going to go into details because spoilers... we experience some 16 or so years of the main protagonist's life, and see her grow from meek, annoyingly and somewhat stupidly so, child to something not quite as meek... Did I like Imminique, her main character? No, but I enjoyed watching her grow... think Sansa with a bit more wit about her (thank goodness)
I have the sequel, Heiress of Magic, waiting... and I'm hopeful it won't be another 17 months before I read it.
November 7, 2013
I'll say a good 4.5 stars.
Stunning writing. Just stunning.
Right from the first I was drawn in to Iminique's world and magic.
This is an epic tale, with a large cast introduced over many chapters. Yet, I never felt bogged down by too many new names. They were introduced with just enough depth to get to know them before others came into the picture.
It's a tale of political intrigue, with a back-bone of love, desire and trust (or not). It heads down some pretty dark paths, so is not for the easily offended.
I think all of the characters had a struggle with morality at some level. Is saving one life worth all the others that may be lost because of this one survival? Does one refuse to pay a debt in order to be with their lover? Can one face the (relatively) short-term torture of a few in order to carry out a bigger plan of attack against dark forces? Compromise, compromise, compromise. The characters were faced with many. The author didn't. She delved into these lives to really make the characters pop off the page, and even get the reader thinking now and again.
Ms. Lano is a talent to watch.
My only real 'con' was that I couldn't find my footing as far as placing my faith in any of the male characters. I really, really, really want to like, and trust, Quentyn... but I'm just not 100% sure. So, I ended up feeling (by the end) that there were no good male role models here... I'm not going to dig into this, because I'm not even sure it's an issue. It was just a feeling I got by the end... I couldn't pick one guy I liked for certain... "Wanted to like", yes. "Liked for sure", no.
Stunning writing. Just stunning.
Right from the first I was drawn in to Iminique's world and magic.
This is an epic tale, with a large cast introduced over many chapters. Yet, I never felt bogged down by too many new names. They were introduced with just enough depth to get to know them before others came into the picture.
It's a tale of political intrigue, with a back-bone of love, desire and trust (or not). It heads down some pretty dark paths, so is not for the easily offended.
I think all of the characters had a struggle with morality at some level. Is saving one life worth all the others that may be lost because of this one survival? Does one refuse to pay a debt in order to be with their lover? Can one face the (relatively) short-term torture of a few in order to carry out a bigger plan of attack against dark forces? Compromise, compromise, compromise. The characters were faced with many. The author didn't. She delved into these lives to really make the characters pop off the page, and even get the reader thinking now and again.
Ms. Lano is a talent to watch.
My only real 'con' was that I couldn't find my footing as far as placing my faith in any of the male characters. I really, really, really want to like, and trust, Quentyn... but I'm just not 100% sure. So, I ended up feeling (by the end) that there were no good male role models here... I'm not going to dig into this, because I'm not even sure it's an issue. It was just a feeling I got by the end... I couldn't pick one guy I liked for certain... "Wanted to like", yes. "Liked for sure", no.
October 6, 2019
Take the gritty historial-inspired fantasy of A Game of Thrones and the more female-centric courtly politics of Philippa Gregory, add in a dash of the magical and complex protagonists a la Karen Miller's Empress and you would have something like this. Only shorter. Considering that this is only a stepping stone into the world of the Seven Cities, the scope of it is mind-boggling. This is a case of indie-fiction at it's best.
I don't know if I have the words to describe how epic a story this is. It may be a tome in length, but do not be deterred - every page, every word is important, not to mention exquisitely, painfully, terribly beautiful. There's something lyrical to the writing that draws you in to this unusual fantasy world and the tangled web of lives lived by the cast of complicated ladies.
Within the First Demesne of the Seven Cities lives a noble girl by the name of Iminique. At 13, her father is already planning on marrying her off to a vile man who will ensure that her gift of healing magic is taken from her. The mage caste are lower in society, and for the daughter of a noble to have inherited power would bring shame upon them both. Yet in secret Iminique has been practicing her magic. She is present on the night the queen is to give birth - not to the prophesied septuplets she so desires to bear, but to twins. Iminique senses a dark magic strangling the lives of the newborns, and uses her untried powers to save one of the children. She's then pressed into service by the magnate, becoming the girl-child's nursemaid. Tried by courtly intrigues and tested to her limits by the magnate's wizard Quentyn's games, Iminique must navigate a world she barely understands to save a princess no-one wants. As the years pass things slowly change, enemies and friends blurring into greyness, but still danger lurks in every shadow and every whispered word.
And still the rest of the world moves apace. On the furthest edge of the Seventh Demesne, a young mage named Zara finds there is more she wants from life than a safe marriage and a secured magical bloodline. She longs for something darker, dangerous, forbidden...
There's no way to sum up this book adequately without dropping spoilers. Honestly, the tangled stories drifting and converging creates such a feeling of creeping dread, and yet still I couldn't put this book down. It's eerie how each character's thread pulls you in before switching out to another perspective.
And those characters are amazing. They are deep and difficult, flawed and full of life. There's no cliched "strong female" here, although the words do well to describe each of the POVs we experience. Think Sansa Stark or Cersei Lannister; tough, capable of cunning, strength and drive, but also of great weakness and failures as they strive for what they want. Iminique is a remarkably strong teenage girl, defiant in the face of the cruel people surrounding her and yet still mindful of her father's wishes and standing even when it goes against everything she holds dear. Her push and pull relationship with Quentyn over the years is both beautiful and terrible to behold. Zara's turn feels a gut-blow, her whole existence defined by her struggle to decide between what she wants and what she knows is right. Later voices, like Thorn and Seriah are just as nuanced and full of sweet suffering.
Now would I call any of this book romance? Yes... And no. More like Lady Gaga's Bad Romance than anything else, each relationship has so many layers of love and longing and loathing it's a simmering brew of tension. You want to shy away from it, you want to shake the girls by the shoulders and shout at them, you want so badly to understand who is seducing who... Yes, it's probably under the "difficult to read" category, given that the idea of consent is sometimes questionable, but the quality of the writing makes sure it's nothing tawdry. Love and lust are so much more than just words when they're implied in the way this book achieves.
There are some other tiny little nit-pick issues. Young characters can seem incredibly mature and wily for their age. Occasional modern parlance slips in which can seem out of place (in a land where "jagging" is a curse, dropping the f-word is as strange as a noble lady saying butt/bum).
And the ending. It's a little bit abrupt considering all that's happened... but also that it had to end at all. As a sort-of-prequel, it's only the start of a supremely ambitious story arc set to span lifetimes.
Basically, it's an indie gem. The complexity, the subtlety, the sheer scale of the thing as darkness builds... And yet it's still a quiet story, closely centred on a few female characters within their tiny corners of the realm. It's billed as a prequel, which it is of sorts, but one that is required reading. It sets in motion so many things that you know are going to spell trouble across the ages, just from insignificant little acts of love and hate and rebellion.
This promises to be quite the saga, and it's one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those looking for something deep and dark and meaningful in their fantasy reads.
-I won a copy of this ebook in a giveaway run by the author. This does not affect my review-
I don't know if I have the words to describe how epic a story this is. It may be a tome in length, but do not be deterred - every page, every word is important, not to mention exquisitely, painfully, terribly beautiful. There's something lyrical to the writing that draws you in to this unusual fantasy world and the tangled web of lives lived by the cast of complicated ladies.
Within the First Demesne of the Seven Cities lives a noble girl by the name of Iminique. At 13, her father is already planning on marrying her off to a vile man who will ensure that her gift of healing magic is taken from her. The mage caste are lower in society, and for the daughter of a noble to have inherited power would bring shame upon them both. Yet in secret Iminique has been practicing her magic. She is present on the night the queen is to give birth - not to the prophesied septuplets she so desires to bear, but to twins. Iminique senses a dark magic strangling the lives of the newborns, and uses her untried powers to save one of the children. She's then pressed into service by the magnate, becoming the girl-child's nursemaid. Tried by courtly intrigues and tested to her limits by the magnate's wizard Quentyn's games, Iminique must navigate a world she barely understands to save a princess no-one wants. As the years pass things slowly change, enemies and friends blurring into greyness, but still danger lurks in every shadow and every whispered word.
And still the rest of the world moves apace. On the furthest edge of the Seventh Demesne, a young mage named Zara finds there is more she wants from life than a safe marriage and a secured magical bloodline. She longs for something darker, dangerous, forbidden...
There's no way to sum up this book adequately without dropping spoilers. Honestly, the tangled stories drifting and converging creates such a feeling of creeping dread, and yet still I couldn't put this book down. It's eerie how each character's thread pulls you in before switching out to another perspective.
And those characters are amazing. They are deep and difficult, flawed and full of life. There's no cliched "strong female" here, although the words do well to describe each of the POVs we experience. Think Sansa Stark or Cersei Lannister; tough, capable of cunning, strength and drive, but also of great weakness and failures as they strive for what they want. Iminique is a remarkably strong teenage girl, defiant in the face of the cruel people surrounding her and yet still mindful of her father's wishes and standing even when it goes against everything she holds dear. Her push and pull relationship with Quentyn over the years is both beautiful and terrible to behold. Zara's turn feels a gut-blow, her whole existence defined by her struggle to decide between what she wants and what she knows is right. Later voices, like Thorn and Seriah are just as nuanced and full of sweet suffering.
Now would I call any of this book romance? Yes... And no. More like Lady Gaga's Bad Romance than anything else, each relationship has so many layers of love and longing and loathing it's a simmering brew of tension. You want to shy away from it, you want to shake the girls by the shoulders and shout at them, you want so badly to understand who is seducing who... Yes, it's probably under the "difficult to read" category, given that the idea of consent is sometimes questionable, but the quality of the writing makes sure it's nothing tawdry. Love and lust are so much more than just words when they're implied in the way this book achieves.
There are some other tiny little nit-pick issues. Young characters can seem incredibly mature and wily for their age. Occasional modern parlance slips in which can seem out of place (in a land where "jagging" is a curse, dropping the f-word is as strange as a noble lady saying butt/bum).
And the ending. It's a little bit abrupt considering all that's happened... but also that it had to end at all. As a sort-of-prequel, it's only the start of a supremely ambitious story arc set to span lifetimes.
Basically, it's an indie gem. The complexity, the subtlety, the sheer scale of the thing as darkness builds... And yet it's still a quiet story, closely centred on a few female characters within their tiny corners of the realm. It's billed as a prequel, which it is of sorts, but one that is required reading. It sets in motion so many things that you know are going to spell trouble across the ages, just from insignificant little acts of love and hate and rebellion.
This promises to be quite the saga, and it's one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those looking for something deep and dark and meaningful in their fantasy reads.
-I won a copy of this ebook in a giveaway run by the author. This does not affect my review-
July 10, 2017
The relationships in this book are all kinda rape-y. I don't see the allure any of the female characters have for the guys they are into.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews