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The Economy of Blessings Trilogy #1
Sweetness and Blessings
Saved from ruin after fleeing from a terrible mistake, Iraluri is grateful for her husband, and that gratitude is equaled only by her dread of disappointing him with more mistakes. Together they fumble through magic once practiced by her fallen people in the hopes of finding the forgotten offerings that will make them rich. As this search continues, a kind stranger on the street and a solitary ghost challenge Iraluri to begin thinking beyond the fear and careful rules that she has lived by for so long. It becomes more and more impossible for Iraluri to ignore wrongs in her world and her life, but what use is this knowledge when acting upon it is so dangerous?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2021
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361 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Kersten
4 books568 followersYou can read things by me if you want!!!!!!!!!!!!
My profile picture is Lumpy from the Star Wars Holiday Special and I'm never changing it again
My profile picture is Lumpy from the Star Wars Holiday Special and I'm never changing it again
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August 17, 2024Hello, just a note that Sweetness and Blessings and the following books in the trilogy are currently delisted. I have learned and grown a lot as a writer since publishing the trilogy, and there are many things I would do differently looking back now. As a self-published author, I have the ability to take my books down and I ultimately decided that it would bring me some peace of mind to do so. I may try to go back and rework major elements to put the books back up at a later date, or I may not; I am still deciding. For those of you who read/reviewed them already, thank you so much. I hope you can understand the decision I made, even if it is an unconventional one, and I hope you may still be interested in reading some of my other works.
December 2, 2021
There is a dichotomy in my mind with this book which was at the same time intriguing and frustrating.
Charlotte Kersten delivers a very important insight into the mind of a victim of domestic violence. It can be difficult for someone who has been fortunate enough not to experience abuse to truly understand why some people stay, why some people keep coming back, and why it is SO HARD to run away. On this very hard and sensitive subject, Kersten writes with great subtlety and care. The inclusion at the end of a resource list is a very thoughtful and useful touch.
I always rate books for how much pleasure they give me, whether it was happiness or sadness. Sweetness and Blessings is a perfect example of a story that would be rewarding in its entirety, but not really in its divided parts. It is very rare that I start an unfinished series, first because I really like to immerse myself completely in a story from start to finish, even if I feel extremely empty afterwards, and also because waiting is not fun.
What I am trying to say here is that this book seems to be in a bigger frame, a big multidimensional story, and the first book is a good starting point but doesn’t work on its own at all. It is a character study first (with a huge world building behind, but the internal monologue is the most important emphasis here).
There seems to be very little change in the emotional state of the main protagonist through the book, which can create some frustration for the reader. There are few details here and there, and small acts of rebellion (premises for a future emancipation, or failure to), but overall most sensations I got went toward stillness, or regression.
Of course, I understand that the author is actually going through a more realistic path here. The path of escaping abuse is not always a straight line. But story-wise, it felt very frustrating, it can get repetitive, especially toward the second half. I did not like any of the characters, especially the main one. I can understand and empathize with her suffering and all the pain she is going through, but the development of the story so far does not give me any reason to like and connect with her, excepting of course the obvious sympathy toward her unjust suffering.
I firmly believe that it would definitely be a more enjoyable read as a trilogy, so that you have a sense of accomplishment (or hopelessness, if the other way is taken). Alone, it feels unfinished, unresolved and it can get a little frustrating for me. I can't wait to read Volumes 2 and 3 for this reason, and maybe get a better feel for the journey and character change with the trilogy completed.
Many thanks to Charlotte Kersten for giving me an ARC copy and trusting me with my honest review of her work. You are working on a very difficult subject that should get more attention, and for that I really thank you.
Charlotte Kersten delivers a very important insight into the mind of a victim of domestic violence. It can be difficult for someone who has been fortunate enough not to experience abuse to truly understand why some people stay, why some people keep coming back, and why it is SO HARD to run away. On this very hard and sensitive subject, Kersten writes with great subtlety and care. The inclusion at the end of a resource list is a very thoughtful and useful touch.
I always rate books for how much pleasure they give me, whether it was happiness or sadness. Sweetness and Blessings is a perfect example of a story that would be rewarding in its entirety, but not really in its divided parts. It is very rare that I start an unfinished series, first because I really like to immerse myself completely in a story from start to finish, even if I feel extremely empty afterwards, and also because waiting is not fun.
What I am trying to say here is that this book seems to be in a bigger frame, a big multidimensional story, and the first book is a good starting point but doesn’t work on its own at all. It is a character study first (with a huge world building behind, but the internal monologue is the most important emphasis here).
There seems to be very little change in the emotional state of the main protagonist through the book, which can create some frustration for the reader. There are few details here and there, and small acts of rebellion (premises for a future emancipation, or failure to), but overall most sensations I got went toward stillness, or regression.
Of course, I understand that the author is actually going through a more realistic path here. The path of escaping abuse is not always a straight line. But story-wise, it felt very frustrating, it can get repetitive, especially toward the second half. I did not like any of the characters, especially the main one. I can understand and empathize with her suffering and all the pain she is going through, but the development of the story so far does not give me any reason to like and connect with her, excepting of course the obvious sympathy toward her unjust suffering.
I firmly believe that it would definitely be a more enjoyable read as a trilogy, so that you have a sense of accomplishment (or hopelessness, if the other way is taken). Alone, it feels unfinished, unresolved and it can get a little frustrating for me. I can't wait to read Volumes 2 and 3 for this reason, and maybe get a better feel for the journey and character change with the trilogy completed.
Many thanks to Charlotte Kersten for giving me an ARC copy and trusting me with my honest review of her work. You are working on a very difficult subject that should get more attention, and for that I really thank you.
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October 22, 2021I was a beta reader for this book!
I don't know how much Charlotte has changed since I read it (she's still Filfearie to me, Charlotte!), but Charlotte knows how to build a world. Every aspect of this Elven is touched upon: gender, religion, psychology, labor--and it's all very Victorian-inspired.
This is basically what would've happened if Charlotte Brontë was bi and wrote high fantasy :)
I don't know how much Charlotte has changed since I read it (she's still Filfearie to me, Charlotte!), but Charlotte knows how to build a world. Every aspect of this Elven is touched upon: gender, religion, psychology, labor--and it's all very Victorian-inspired.
This is basically what would've happened if Charlotte Brontë was bi and wrote high fantasy :)
November 16, 2021
5 ⭐
Seems fitting since I was hooked to the story till the end.
Seems fitting since I was hooked to the story till the end.
November 14, 2021
4.5 Stars
This was a great start to the series! The world is very intriguing and I'm sure we'll get to see more of it in the following books. Exploring colonialism across different planes of reality is definitely not something I've read before.
It's obviously a character focused book so I quickly grew to love Iraluri and felt very deeply for her. The topic of domestic violence/abusive relationships felt extremely real and raw in this book, truly heartbreaking in parts. Iraluri had some growth but obviously there is much more for her to do.
The conversations with Solaufein were my favourite part of the book, showing different views of the world and helping Iraluri grow. Solaufein is probably my favourite character, I just love him.
I think Iraluri's and Ser's relationship could have had a little more developement, but that really is my only problem.
Also, the cover is beautiful and I hope there will be physical version someday because I need it on my shelf!
Thank you to Charlotte for providing me with an ARC, I'm not much of a reviewer but I hope I did the book justice.
This was a great start to the series! The world is very intriguing and I'm sure we'll get to see more of it in the following books. Exploring colonialism across different planes of reality is definitely not something I've read before.
It's obviously a character focused book so I quickly grew to love Iraluri and felt very deeply for her. The topic of domestic violence/abusive relationships felt extremely real and raw in this book, truly heartbreaking in parts. Iraluri had some growth but obviously there is much more for her to do.
The conversations with Solaufein were my favourite part of the book, showing different views of the world and helping Iraluri grow. Solaufein is probably my favourite character, I just love him.
I think Iraluri's and Ser's relationship could have had a little more developement, but that really is my only problem.
Also, the cover is beautiful and I hope there will be physical version someday because I need it on my shelf!
Thank you to Charlotte for providing me with an ARC, I'm not much of a reviewer but I hope I did the book justice.
January 24, 2022
Rating: B+/A-
I beta read this book. I still think of Iraluri as Filfaerie and I'm not exactly sure I agree with the reasoning behind her name change (lol).
Sweetness and Blessings is essentially two kinds of stories in one book. The first is a character study about Iraluri and her marriage to her abusive husband, Harlan. The second part is essentially what British colonisation looks like in a fantasy world and how that affects the people who are oppressed; whether they know it or not. The world is made up of at least fifteen planes of existence. The Draeonian elves reap and harvest what they want from each plane while subjugating and oppressing the native populations. Magic is heretical, so are the rituals performed by those who live there; except in circumstances where the Draeonian can use it to benefit themselves.
Charlotte did so much research into both major elements of this book: What domestic abuse can look like and feel like, and also in what ways the British colonised different civilisations and what changed for those people. The struggles experienced by Iraluri are frustrating and tiresome. Don't expect her to fight back; she changes only by the equivalent of millimetres in this book. But what really held me was so much the dissection of the Draeonian view of the "Dark" elves - the Efrusi and, formerly, the Miz'ri. The way that everything is examined under the lens of science, the censorship of history, the inhumane treatment of the non-Draeonian races, the sickening way that they describe how there has to be some genetic difference between them and cite a lack of intelligence - all of this is so incredibly sickening and yet so real.
Unfortunately I'm not particularly drawn to any of the characters - whether through like or dislike. And I also feel that the book cover, while obviously a good piece of art, doesn't really tell me anything about the story or the world. Makes sense as a character study, I'm sure there's some subliminal messaging about how her bound hair and poorer clothing VS her on the 2nd and 3rd book covers.
Overall and interesting and engaging book. The proceeds go to a good cause and the research is cited. There are also domestic violence hotlines included in the book.
I'm excited to see the difference in this book trilogy and the beta read I did (I think I read about 25 chapters total).
I beta read this book. I still think of Iraluri as Filfaerie and I'm not exactly sure I agree with the reasoning behind her name change (lol).
Sweetness and Blessings is essentially two kinds of stories in one book. The first is a character study about Iraluri and her marriage to her abusive husband, Harlan. The second part is essentially what British colonisation looks like in a fantasy world and how that affects the people who are oppressed; whether they know it or not. The world is made up of at least fifteen planes of existence. The Draeonian elves reap and harvest what they want from each plane while subjugating and oppressing the native populations. Magic is heretical, so are the rituals performed by those who live there; except in circumstances where the Draeonian can use it to benefit themselves.
Charlotte did so much research into both major elements of this book: What domestic abuse can look like and feel like, and also in what ways the British colonised different civilisations and what changed for those people. The struggles experienced by Iraluri are frustrating and tiresome. Don't expect her to fight back; she changes only by the equivalent of millimetres in this book. But what really held me was so much the dissection of the Draeonian view of the "Dark" elves - the Efrusi and, formerly, the Miz'ri. The way that everything is examined under the lens of science, the censorship of history, the inhumane treatment of the non-Draeonian races, the sickening way that they describe how there has to be some genetic difference between them and cite a lack of intelligence - all of this is so incredibly sickening and yet so real.
Unfortunately I'm not particularly drawn to any of the characters - whether through like or dislike. And I also feel that the book cover, while obviously a good piece of art, doesn't really tell me anything about the story or the world. Makes sense as a character study, I'm sure there's some subliminal messaging about how her bound hair and poorer clothing VS her on the 2nd and 3rd book covers.
Overall and interesting and engaging book. The proceeds go to a good cause and the research is cited. There are also domestic violence hotlines included in the book.
I'm excited to see the difference in this book trilogy and the beta read I did (I think I read about 25 chapters total).
December 1, 2021
This is the first book in a series that explores colonialism and marital abuse, and the intersections that can appear between these two. It was a very hard book to read at times - the relationship is awful, but it is also depicted realistically and respectfully. I don't think there was a single second in the book where I didn't want to punch Iraluri's husband! But, there's also sapphic pining here, which I adored and I'm hoping to see more of!!
The worldbuilding itself is also super interesting! This universe has multiple planes, and the country this book takes place in colonizes both other countries and planes, which is not something I've ever come across. The world is also heavily influenced by the Victorian period, and if you know a thing or two about the victorians, you quickly realize how cleverly the author has woven in notions and mindsets of the time into the story.
Before picking up the book though, I'd recommend to look through a list of content warnings. I'd also like to mention that this is the first book in a series, so everything will not be resolved in this one! But I am very excited to see how the story goes!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!
The worldbuilding itself is also super interesting! This universe has multiple planes, and the country this book takes place in colonizes both other countries and planes, which is not something I've ever come across. The world is also heavily influenced by the Victorian period, and if you know a thing or two about the victorians, you quickly realize how cleverly the author has woven in notions and mindsets of the time into the story.
Before picking up the book though, I'd recommend to look through a list of content warnings. I'd also like to mention that this is the first book in a series, so everything will not be resolved in this one! But I am very excited to see how the story goes!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!
November 18, 2021
I simultaneously appreciate and feel frustrated by this book. Both emotions are in response to the same aspect of it: its commitment to realistically depicting an abusive relationship, and how difficult it is to escape one.
As someone who was once in a toxic, manipulative friendship, I think Iraluri's headspace is written very well. There is a lot of nuance and insight into how another person, even or especially someone you care(d) about, can chip away at your sense of self and make you feel helpless enough that you submit to their control.
However, once I'd understood that this was a textbook case of abuse, I waited for the story to go somewhere with it, and... it didn't go in a particularly interesting direction. I don't mean in terms of plot - I knew going in that this book is heavier on character development and introspection, so that's what I was looking for. What I found was a slightly repetitive sequence of Iraluri visiting Ser, each time finding out a tiny bit more about her but mainly, being exposed to discourse about feminism (well, female liberationism), sexuality, intersectionality, and colonialism. This nudges Iraluri towards rebelling against Harlan. Ultimately, I feel like the relationship between her and Ser doesn't amount to much more than some attraction and a lot of convenient exposition. I didn't find their encounters very compelling to read.
But the dynamic between Iraluri and Solaufein - now, that I find fascinating. Partly because as it shifts, a lot of information is spooled out about the Dreonians' religio-racial colonialism across both countries and planes (which is one of the most unique parts of the worldbuilding). And partly because there's just so much inbuilt conflict in how they first meet, but also common ground, and the potential for a really powerful story over the whole trilogy if Iraluri learns more Miz'ri magic from him, going back to her roots and hopefully rediscovering herself among them.
I've talked a lot around my opening sentence, but going back to it: I appreciate so much that this isn't one of those stories where a clearly traumatised character escapes into another relationship with someone who's obviously better for them, and we're supposed to believe that this makes them better. Because realistically, it doesn't work that way. Getting out and recovering is a journey you have to take yourself, and it's a torturous and tortuous (that 'r' makes a difference) path. It's great that this book is committed to taking no shortcuts with Iraluri. But also, ahhhhh whyyy?
I received an ARC from the author; this has not affected my review.
As someone who was once in a toxic, manipulative friendship, I think Iraluri's headspace is written very well. There is a lot of nuance and insight into how another person, even or especially someone you care(d) about, can chip away at your sense of self and make you feel helpless enough that you submit to their control.
However, once I'd understood that this was a textbook case of abuse, I waited for the story to go somewhere with it, and... it didn't go in a particularly interesting direction. I don't mean in terms of plot - I knew going in that this book is heavier on character development and introspection, so that's what I was looking for. What I found was a slightly repetitive sequence of Iraluri visiting Ser, each time finding out a tiny bit more about her but mainly, being exposed to discourse about feminism (well, female liberationism), sexuality, intersectionality, and colonialism. This nudges Iraluri towards rebelling against Harlan. Ultimately, I feel like the relationship between her and Ser doesn't amount to much more than some attraction and a lot of convenient exposition. I didn't find their encounters very compelling to read.
But the dynamic between Iraluri and Solaufein - now, that I find fascinating. Partly because as it shifts, a lot of information is spooled out about the Dreonians' religio-racial colonialism across both countries and planes (which is one of the most unique parts of the worldbuilding). And partly because there's just so much inbuilt conflict in how they first meet, but also common ground, and the potential for a really powerful story over the whole trilogy if Iraluri learns more Miz'ri magic from him, going back to her roots and hopefully rediscovering herself among them.
I've talked a lot around my opening sentence, but going back to it: I appreciate so much that this isn't one of those stories where a clearly traumatised character escapes into another relationship with someone who's obviously better for them, and we're supposed to believe that this makes them better. Because realistically, it doesn't work that way. Getting out and recovering is a journey you have to take yourself, and it's a torturous and tortuous (that 'r' makes a difference) path. It's great that this book is committed to taking no shortcuts with Iraluri. But also, ahhhhh whyyy?
I received an ARC from the author; this has not affected my review.
December 1, 2021
ahh, i can't believe it's already over! i really enjoyed the story, worldbuilding, and characters, and the beautiful illustrations sprinkled throughout - i think it's interesting that the author made a point to say not a lot happens because it wasn't a problem to me at all. i enjoyed the contemplative and interior nature of the story, and think it suited Iraluri's character. though there are a lot of familiar fantasy threads woven in to the world and story, there's a lot of interesting and original ideas too. i can't wait to learn more about Miz'rifaezar's history, and Iraluri, Solaufein, Ser, and Immy's stories and lives. i would have liked to learn more about Ser and see more of her outside of her connection to Iraluri, but i can see there being potential for that when (please be when) Iraluri escapes from her abusive relationship. this story does a great job of depicting the ugliness and pain of abuse, from physical and mental abuse itself to the deep, lasting psychological effects. i really loved seeing Iraluri's gradual understanding that her relationship is not right or normal, and how that was woven with her understanding of Dreonia's colonization of her people. you can see the author's research in the story itself, and the end matter's inclusion list of resources that inspired the book (as well as the safety resources for readers) is really cool to see. overall, i was really impressed with this and can't wait to read more.
thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC!
thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC!
December 3, 2021
I found this a hard book to read, much harder than I expected, even though I knew going in what it would be about and read the appropriate content warnings. But I wasn't really prepared for the emotional experience of it at all (which is also why this review is much later than I planned it to be). In a way, this is the highest compliment to the writing I can give: I was horrified by this book, and it nearly constantly made me feel like crying, which made reading it very difficult. It's story about domestic abuse and it's a vivid, intimate view into the mindset of a person trapped in such abuse. I loved Iraluri very much, and I felt with her very much, so I think the book accomplished what it set out to do in the best way possible. I also think the world is very interesting and I was very intrigued by the magic system and the whole idea of ghost deals as a religion. I think Iraluri's tentative friendship with the ghost she summons is one of the brightest and saddest things in the whole book, and sometimes the only thing that got me through some of the scenes. I also appreciated the hints of queer romance, though I have to admit that Ser didn't really feel real to me as a character – though I am hoping she gets more scenes and development in the sequel!
Strangely enough I feel like the book it reminded me most closely of is "Archivist Wasp", which is also a book about abuse and ghosts, and also a book that made me feel so much that reading it was at times like deliberately cutting myself on glass shards.
Did I enjoy reading the book? No, at the end of the book I can't say did, even though it certainly made me feel a lot of emotions.
Do I think it accomplishes what it set out to do as a book? Yes, absolutely. And I have a lot of respect for writing about such hard but important topics.
Do I think it works as a good story? It's really hard to say. It didn't work for me, because it mainly horribly depressed me to the point where I was actively pulling myself away from immersion in the story and the word, because I needed more emotional distance to make it through. But I can see how for some people this could be a deeply cathartic and important story to read about, and I'm glad it exists in this world for them.
I received an eARC from the author. This has not influenced my review.
Strangely enough I feel like the book it reminded me most closely of is "Archivist Wasp", which is also a book about abuse and ghosts, and also a book that made me feel so much that reading it was at times like deliberately cutting myself on glass shards.
Did I enjoy reading the book? No, at the end of the book I can't say did, even though it certainly made me feel a lot of emotions.
Do I think it accomplishes what it set out to do as a book? Yes, absolutely. And I have a lot of respect for writing about such hard but important topics.
Do I think it works as a good story? It's really hard to say. It didn't work for me, because it mainly horribly depressed me to the point where I was actively pulling myself away from immersion in the story and the word, because I needed more emotional distance to make it through. But I can see how for some people this could be a deeply cathartic and important story to read about, and I'm glad it exists in this world for them.
I received an eARC from the author. This has not influenced my review.
December 21, 2021
Getting a 5 star review out of me is pretty difficult. My #1 criterion for 5 stars is that when I'm not reading the book, I'm thinking about it, and, oh man, I could not stop thinking about Sweetness and Blessings. The author very clearly states in the review for this novel that it is very character-driven rather than plot-driven, so I was worried that the book would be hard to get through, as I'm a really slow reader. But Iraluri's mind was something I kept coming back to, wanting to know her better. Kersten deftly handles spousal abuse in a way that's sensitive to readers, while also conveying the horror of trying to leave and deciding to stay. I think the way Iraluri thinks about it is a great insight into what abuse is truly like. Frustrating, heart-breaking, with tiny moments of celebration, before everything comes crashing down, again. I LOVE Iraluri. I love Ser. I love Solufein. These characters are etched into my heart and I can't wait to see more of them. I also want to mention that Kersten creates a world that is entirely original and her own. While I recognize elements like elves and multi-plane theory, it felt new and fresh. I read A LOT of fantasy, and sometimes, it can all run together. Sweetness and Blessing is a stand out. This is easily my favorite novel of 2021.
Thank you to Charlotte Kersten for an ARC of this novel. The opinions expressed above are my own.
Thank you to Charlotte Kersten for an ARC of this novel. The opinions expressed above are my own.
January 6, 2022
This book was not really what I expected. It's high fantasy set in a Victorian elven world (apparently the Victorian aspect did not really shine through besides like weird race science) where we follow our protagonist in an abusive marriage.
The worldbuilding is confusing and it's clear that the real plot is the abusive marriage which is depicted in a very realistic and and brutal way which was too much for me. The fantasy aspect was either too much or not enough.
The pace is also weird, it took me forever to go through the beginning of the book.
I was initially drawn by the prospect of a lesbian romance but it's nothing more than a tool to help the main character out of her abusive relationship
The worldbuilding is confusing and it's clear that the real plot is the abusive marriage which is depicted in a very realistic and and brutal way which was too much for me. The fantasy aspect was either too much or not enough.
The pace is also weird, it took me forever to go through the beginning of the book.
I was initially drawn by the prospect of a lesbian romance but it's nothing more than a tool to help the main character out of her abusive relationship
January 9, 2022
This story takes place in a fascinating world that blends Victorian England and a completely imagined fantasy realm with multiple planes of existence. Fantasy is a genre with which I sometimes struggle! But I had no trouble becoming immersed in Iraluri's story. I especially enjoyed her growing relationship with the ghost, Solaufein. The scenes of his lost world were beautiful and heartbreaking. The book depicts an abusive relationship with realistic and raw details and these scenes are certainly difficult to read. But there is hope too as Iraluri gains strength through her relationships with Ser and Solaufein. I look forward to seeing where Charlotte Kersten takes these characters in book two!
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September 28, 2022Dnf at 30%
It's not that i wasn't liking it but i was just not really invested in it either. Plus the abuse was hard to read.
It's not that i wasn't liking it but i was just not really invested in it either. Plus the abuse was hard to read.
December 12, 2021
This story reads like a Charles Dickens’ novel! The plot is a tortuous quest through a world of multiple-reality planes made up of evil colonizers, elves, and ghosts. The character are complex and varied like the heroine, Iraluri, who learns to fight her abusive husband and find romance with a dark elf woman while seeking communication with ghosts from long destroyed societies.
The detailed physical and cultural worlds that Kersten created are rich in descriptions of languages, religions, food, dress, and behavior. For instance, Iraluri and Ser’s visit to the pleasure gardens with its music, dancing, drinking and puppet shows. Another example is the colonial racial scholar who measures Iraluri’s head with skull calipers to determine if she is a light elf or a dark elf. Lastly, the wonderfully written magical incantations used to summon ghosts.
Charlotte Kersten includes a glossary, pronunciation guide, and extensive reading list at the back of the book. She also has a sample of volume two of the trilogy. The author’s heads-up to our world’s domestic violence and sexual abuse is very heartfelt and sincere.
The detailed physical and cultural worlds that Kersten created are rich in descriptions of languages, religions, food, dress, and behavior. For instance, Iraluri and Ser’s visit to the pleasure gardens with its music, dancing, drinking and puppet shows. Another example is the colonial racial scholar who measures Iraluri’s head with skull calipers to determine if she is a light elf or a dark elf. Lastly, the wonderfully written magical incantations used to summon ghosts.
Charlotte Kersten includes a glossary, pronunciation guide, and extensive reading list at the back of the book. She also has a sample of volume two of the trilogy. The author’s heads-up to our world’s domestic violence and sexual abuse is very heartfelt and sincere.
January 30, 2022
Other reviews have mentioned that this feels like just the beginning to the trilogy and I agree, but I don't mind that. I like that it's an abusive relationship that actually continues for a long narrative time, it's interesting and very rare.
There's a lot to like here ! I like the way the first few chapters don't jump on you & start pummelling you with world building. I liked Solaufein a lot. I liked the elf ears twitching and fluttering. I always enjoy fantasy books which don't have world-ending stakes.
The writing style was fluid and enjoyable. There are a few quirks -- like the author often foregoing names and referring to characters as "she" or "he" for pages at a time, which can be a little disconcerting.
Here is where I'm not sure if my complaints are objective or just what I'd prefer to read, but I would have liked to see a bit more complexity to the relationships. It would have been nice if Iraluri's first interaction with Ser were far more tense. Let me explain.
I actually know a guy who went through a similar experience to Ser. He worked as a cashier and when a physical fight broke out between a man and his girlfriend, he stepped in to break them apart, afterwards calling the police. But when the police came, the abuser claimed the cashier had become violent, and the bruised girlfriend backed him up immediately. The cashier was arrested instead, and was only exonerated due to CCTV footage.
Why did it happen like that? Partly, fear on the victim's part. But also shame. Someone seeing you victimised is deeply humiliating, on a base level, like someone finding out you wet the bed or finding a peephole in your shower wall. It's horrible to have someone, particularly a stranger, look in and see your most private shame. It makes your skin crawl. In a more intense, emotionally-fraught version of this novel, Iraluri is initially very angry and embarrassed and passive-aggressive with Ser, who for her part is confused and a little hurt when what (in her mind) was a simple favour blows up in her face. One of the reasons people find it hard to support friends or family in abusive relationships is due to how often both the victim and the abuser act atypically. I think it would have been interesting to have far more confusing and contradictory emotions boiling in this book which other characters have trouble decoding.
In a broader sense, too, people in longterm high-stress situations often develop idiosyncracies which are hard for well-adjusted people to understand. These span from strange internal metaphors (a highly anxious person describing getting an appetite but being unable to eat because an angry little man in their stomach pulled the opening shut) to secret personal rules and rituals (if i do/don't do x six times he will/won't do y) which all contribute to the victim's surreal feeling of living a parallel existance and being a foreigner to normal life.
Again, these elements are present to some degree, but they end up quite minor in this book.
I liked the set up for the next book and I'm looking forward to reading it. Especially if Harlan gets murdered.
So, conclusion, tldr; good book, but not "weird" enough to cinch five stars?
There's a lot to like here ! I like the way the first few chapters don't jump on you & start pummelling you with world building. I liked Solaufein a lot. I liked the elf ears twitching and fluttering. I always enjoy fantasy books which don't have world-ending stakes.
The writing style was fluid and enjoyable. There are a few quirks -- like the author often foregoing names and referring to characters as "she" or "he" for pages at a time, which can be a little disconcerting.
Here is where I'm not sure if my complaints are objective or just what I'd prefer to read, but I would have liked to see a bit more complexity to the relationships. It would have been nice if Iraluri's first interaction with Ser were far more tense. Let me explain.
I actually know a guy who went through a similar experience to Ser. He worked as a cashier and when a physical fight broke out between a man and his girlfriend, he stepped in to break them apart, afterwards calling the police. But when the police came, the abuser claimed the cashier had become violent, and the bruised girlfriend backed him up immediately. The cashier was arrested instead, and was only exonerated due to CCTV footage.
Why did it happen like that? Partly, fear on the victim's part. But also shame. Someone seeing you victimised is deeply humiliating, on a base level, like someone finding out you wet the bed or finding a peephole in your shower wall. It's horrible to have someone, particularly a stranger, look in and see your most private shame. It makes your skin crawl. In a more intense, emotionally-fraught version of this novel, Iraluri is initially very angry and embarrassed and passive-aggressive with Ser, who for her part is confused and a little hurt when what (in her mind) was a simple favour blows up in her face. One of the reasons people find it hard to support friends or family in abusive relationships is due to how often both the victim and the abuser act atypically. I think it would have been interesting to have far more confusing and contradictory emotions boiling in this book which other characters have trouble decoding.
In a broader sense, too, people in longterm high-stress situations often develop idiosyncracies which are hard for well-adjusted people to understand. These span from strange internal metaphors (a highly anxious person describing getting an appetite but being unable to eat because an angry little man in their stomach pulled the opening shut) to secret personal rules and rituals (if i do/don't do x six times he will/won't do y) which all contribute to the victim's surreal feeling of living a parallel existance and being a foreigner to normal life.
Again, these elements are present to some degree, but they end up quite minor in this book.
I liked the set up for the next book and I'm looking forward to reading it. Especially if Harlan gets murdered.
So, conclusion, tldr; good book, but not "weird" enough to cinch five stars?
May 2, 2022
Victorian-era inspired elves? Themes of colonization and an extensive look at the spiderweb of effects years of abuse can have? A side-dose of sapphic pining? Sign me up!
I really appreciate the care that went into crafting Iraluri's character and her voice, especially since her views on herself and her world are so completely informed by her abusive husband's opinion of her. A lot of fantasy, grimdark or otherwise, tend to interact with trauma as it pertains to a singular moment or event. This book takes up the (much more challenging imo) mantle of showing the effects of long-term abuse. The way Harlan terrorizes and isolates her is both heartbreaking and infuriating. If there was a Keld equivalent of a Denny's I would invite him to the parking lot to catch these hands (but only if Iraluri was far far away from him).
I also really liked Ser; her patience and her gentleness with Iraluri was really sweet, and their interactions were a balm. It really highlighted the importance of having (or being) that one friend or support outside the relationship. I am also infinitely glad
As for the world-building, I love the taste I got but I definitely wanted more. I think Iraluri's ignorance helped me feel as though the author wasn't withholding, and I loved what I got from both Ser and Solaufein, but I'm hoping to get more meat in subsequent books. On to book 2!
I really appreciate the care that went into crafting Iraluri's character and her voice, especially since her views on herself and her world are so completely informed by her abusive husband's opinion of her. A lot of fantasy, grimdark or otherwise, tend to interact with trauma as it pertains to a singular moment or event. This book takes up the (much more challenging imo) mantle of showing the effects of long-term abuse. The way Harlan terrorizes and isolates her is both heartbreaking and infuriating. If there was a Keld equivalent of a Denny's I would invite him to the parking lot to catch these hands (but only if Iraluri was far far away from him).
I also really liked Ser; her patience and her gentleness with Iraluri was really sweet, and their interactions were a balm. It really highlighted the importance of having (or being) that one friend or support outside the relationship. I am also infinitely glad
As for the world-building, I love the taste I got but I definitely wanted more. I think Iraluri's ignorance helped me feel as though the author wasn't withholding, and I loved what I got from both Ser and Solaufein, but I'm hoping to get more meat in subsequent books. On to book 2!
May 18, 2023
CAUTION: Very difficult read given the subject matter.
I discovered this book through conversation with the author on Reddit and so I knew going in that this was a trauma-inflected story. It’s also the first in a trilogy, which pushes my review up because after reading I have confidence in Kersten’s ability to both sustain a compelling story and to reward a reader who sticks with this one. The book is well-written at both the sentence level and in terms of the characterization, plot, and world-building. The relationships between Iraluri, the protagonist, and her friends/allies Ser and Solaufin are particularly moving and the world-building that mirrors real-world racism and colonialism is intriguing.
Then there is the central relationship, which drives this entire book, looms over it, and nearly suffocates it. This is hard to critique, and I’m not sure I do, because it is clearly Kersten’s explicit project here to strap the reader into a front-row seat to a toxic, abusive domestic partner relationship and make them stay out for the entire ride. Given this, the fact that the relationship has a stranglehold on the entire novel is no accident or failure of the writer. But it is so hard to read that if I didn’t know and admire the writer’s purpose, I would say that the reader should have been let out of the awfulness sooner. (Full disclosure: I’ve been in a relationship like this one and that may have made this book harder for me, though it also made me admire it more.)
In the end, this is NOT A FUN book. But it is a good one and merits its sequels.
I discovered this book through conversation with the author on Reddit and so I knew going in that this was a trauma-inflected story. It’s also the first in a trilogy, which pushes my review up because after reading I have confidence in Kersten’s ability to both sustain a compelling story and to reward a reader who sticks with this one. The book is well-written at both the sentence level and in terms of the characterization, plot, and world-building. The relationships between Iraluri, the protagonist, and her friends/allies Ser and Solaufin are particularly moving and the world-building that mirrors real-world racism and colonialism is intriguing.
Then there is the central relationship, which drives this entire book, looms over it, and nearly suffocates it. This is hard to critique, and I’m not sure I do, because it is clearly Kersten’s explicit project here to strap the reader into a front-row seat to a toxic, abusive domestic partner relationship and make them stay out for the entire ride. Given this, the fact that the relationship has a stranglehold on the entire novel is no accident or failure of the writer. But it is so hard to read that if I didn’t know and admire the writer’s purpose, I would say that the reader should have been let out of the awfulness sooner. (Full disclosure: I’ve been in a relationship like this one and that may have made this book harder for me, though it also made me admire it more.)
In the end, this is NOT A FUN book. But it is a good one and merits its sequels.
Read
November 18, 2021*
e-ARC provided by the author
*
I've decided not to rate this book, as my star rating would be below three stars which would make the average rating go down by a lot.
firstly, I'd like to thank the author for sending me the e-ARC of this novel! thank you. :)
before I even started reading this I was informed it wouldn't have a heavy plot, but would rather focus more on character arcs and development. I thought I wouldn't mind, but unfortunately, I did, because this just wasn't for me. even if this book DID have a strong plot, I couldn't get myself to like any of the characters. except for the love interest, Ser, all of them felt not nearly multi-dimensional enough to let me get attached to them. especially the main character, whom I really disliked.
that being said, there are many great things about this book. For example, it has a strong opening scene, beautiful art inside and on the cover that made the reading more enjoyable, and a wonderful sapphic romance.
just because this wasn't my cup of tea, doesn't mean it's not for everyone. give it a fair try, I say! and I wish Charlotte Kersten lots of luck with the publication process. :)
I've decided not to rate this book, as my star rating would be below three stars which would make the average rating go down by a lot.
firstly, I'd like to thank the author for sending me the e-ARC of this novel! thank you. :)
before I even started reading this I was informed it wouldn't have a heavy plot, but would rather focus more on character arcs and development. I thought I wouldn't mind, but unfortunately, I did, because this just wasn't for me. even if this book DID have a strong plot, I couldn't get myself to like any of the characters. except for the love interest, Ser, all of them felt not nearly multi-dimensional enough to let me get attached to them. especially the main character, whom I really disliked.
that being said, there are many great things about this book. For example, it has a strong opening scene, beautiful art inside and on the cover that made the reading more enjoyable, and a wonderful sapphic romance.
just because this wasn't my cup of tea, doesn't mean it's not for everyone. give it a fair try, I say! and I wish Charlotte Kersten lots of luck with the publication process. :)
December 9, 2021
2.5 stars.
I`d like to say something about the importance about shedding light on domestic violence. Which the main character clearly is experience in the book. It is so frustrating to see that the main character still stays. But for said person it`s hard to leave, why they come back. And stay again and again. The author writes very greatly and interesting in the subject, but also show care on the matter.
But sadly, the book wasn`t much for me. Not because the author didn`t write good, because she did. But I found the character to be lacking in emotions and it bothered me. I do sympathize with her, I feel her pain but she didn`t grow on me, not develop like I had hoped she would. All in all, no connection. But it also had a huge worldbuilding and giving high expectations, which I didn`t feel was meet properly. Things was often repeated and frustrating in the story.
I`ve said it again though, I found the worldbuilding interesting and really like the inner thoughts/monologue that the main character had. I loathed Harlan with all my heart.
I got this copy from the author herself in exchange for an honest review:]
I`d like to say something about the importance about shedding light on domestic violence. Which the main character clearly is experience in the book. It is so frustrating to see that the main character still stays. But for said person it`s hard to leave, why they come back. And stay again and again. The author writes very greatly and interesting in the subject, but also show care on the matter.
But sadly, the book wasn`t much for me. Not because the author didn`t write good, because she did. But I found the character to be lacking in emotions and it bothered me. I do sympathize with her, I feel her pain but she didn`t grow on me, not develop like I had hoped she would. All in all, no connection. But it also had a huge worldbuilding and giving high expectations, which I didn`t feel was meet properly. Things was often repeated and frustrating in the story.
I`ve said it again though, I found the worldbuilding interesting and really like the inner thoughts/monologue that the main character had. I loathed Harlan with all my heart.
I got this copy from the author herself in exchange for an honest review:]
January 10, 2022
Well written story about young woman trapped in abusive marriage in a world that for all the differences is very similar to our own.
Slow paced and mostly focused on character study.
Slow paced and mostly focused on character study.
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