I first followed Nicoline Evans because I saw her book displays on social media. Truly, if ever there was someone whose setup at a convention calls out to book lovers, it's hers. So when I asked the author which book to read first, she suggested Orewall, which is the first book in the Namaté series.
Between the cover and the blurb, I expected a fantasy trip into a unique world and that is what you most definitely get with this series. Orewall is one of several countries set within Namaté and it is the Boulde kingdom, populated by humanoid rock people with several distinctive geologist attributes that truly make them unique. Rocko is the titular character and although he is made of stone, he still has a heart... though an oddly scarred one.
The prologue to this book probably explains why I had a hard time connecting with the main character because it does touch on sexual assault, even on initially consenting individuals. I don't mean that to be a spoiler, but I do mention it because as I read along, it did rock me a bit (pun unintentional). There are several times where the book faces uncomfortable situations about sexuality, sex, consent, etc. At other times there is mention of what could be considered "party culture", drug usage, and to me, these topics are discussed in an attempt to address topics that are good to bring up to younger-ish audiences, even if it's a bit uncomfortable to read. So on the one hand, you have a lush intricately built world that is to be explored in a YA adventure and in the midst, you have topics like drugs and rape thrown in, which might be a bit jarring, but aren't necessarily a bad thing.
Rocko is basically a scarred man that wishes to forget the past and the people he has hurt and he is equally compelled to love and yearn as he is to desire carnally. It's an interesting observation though it makes fully investing in him a tricky situation. Again, not a bad thing, but some people might find it challenging. I think it's interesting that Rocko goes on an adventure if only for the chance to redeem himself.
Another interesting thing that is explored is the typical purity vs. mixed dichotomy of social classes and how the pure bouldes look down on the mixed ones. Rocko is a fuse and below them, there are the murks. Those who are mixed are oppressed by higher social classes, but it's always interesting how Evans highlight how beautiful mixed races are and how traits from both original races can make something more unique and wonderful.
So in essence, character development is there though people might find it hard to connect with Rocko, especially in regards to his approach and thoughts on being a man and what's expected or how he conducts himself, but might connect with his desire to not be the monster he (and potentially all of us can be). The plot deal with Rocko coming across a glass heart that has been separated from its owner and is calling to be returned. it seems straightforward, but it ends up not being and Rocko ands up exploring several worlds of Namaté in his attempt to return the heart to its rightful owner.
During this adventure, what I definitely have to highlight is the world building. Other reviewers have mentioned it as well and Evans truly excelled in offering a glimpse of new lands with unique and well researched beings that make you want to dive head first into most of them (as long as they aren't completely lethal).
Overall a very interesting read with an amazing world and some topics that might be hit and miss with people.