I have been riding high, enjoying this series. There are certainly moments I've done a double take, gave a little head scratch or even an eyeroll.. but my overall enjoyment overshadows any nitpicking. Until now.
I am feeling conflicted because while the characters, romantic chemistry and general plot development of The Burning Witch so far has all made this a five star for me.. that Book 2 ending made it an instant three star. So I settled on on a reluctant 4 stars for my review.
I don't understand how authors can imagine a world that is comprised of their own geography, politics, theology, magic systems.. mages, witches, dragons, gollums, gods and devils.. but they can't imagine a world where women have equal rights and aren't oppressed.
There was some of that in The House Witch series, but again.. I let it go. This book it was hard to get past. Delemhach was SO CLOSE to getting it by making Katarina this power house (albeit a little cliche) of a character - she's physically strong, magically dangerous, strong-willed, outspoken, fucks up like a real person... AND YET...
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[SPOILERS]
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She is reduced to the ole losing her virginity and now possibly pregnant trope after having sex one time in the end. The outrage I felt that everyone not only knew about but publicly judged her for her first time having sex? (Also an eye roll at the cliche that she - who defied all rules before - was magically still a virgin for Eric.. who of course was very experienced with women).
And then everyone assumed she must be pregnant and she's FORCED TO INSTANTLY MARRY the man who took her virginity. Despite the fact that when she got in trouble previously in the series, Alina went to bat for her to say that she is not a citizen of Troivack and therefore not bound by their laws. This plot device also completely cheapened all prior work put into developing their relationship.
I swear, if she is reduced to the same rapid quickening, body shaming and inability to control her pregnancy emotions her (also so clever, so skilled, so talented - but oops, now preggo) mother was reduced to in the last House Witch book... I will revolt.
Other complaints:
• Brendan and Alina are not the progressive powerhouses they pledged to become prior in the series. In fact, they feel like entirely different characters (and Alina has also been reduced to the pregnancy trope).
• Substance abuse is far too prevalent - accepted and even revered.
• Everyone is the most beautiful and special. This is how I wrote characters at 13. Can we get more diversity, please?
• Why is there suddenly Abrahamic theology appearing in the form of the Devil / Satan? I get that devils as a species exist in other worlds... but calling him Satan is specific.
I really hope book 3 gets the series back on track, but my feelings about the books overall have unfortunately been tainted.