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The world, characters and history are not over-explained, with hints dropped here and there to infer. I prefer this technique *ahem GRRM* as it makes the reading experience more rewarding as the pieces come together. So far, it's a character-driven story. With just one Barodane chapter, his guilt and shame were palpable. Plus, the prose is smooth and clean. Enjoying that, especially after my last book.

Just started this, and already the world and conflict feel complex. Maybe it's because I'm exhausted, but I had to read chapter 1 twice because there was a lot going on immediately. I mean, we had a battle in chapter 1 and I don't even know who is who yet. I think I got it now, though.😂

I should finish this book by tonight. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series right away. I will at some point, but I’m still deciding if I want to wait and read something else after this.

I’m really enjoying the story! Orka is my favorite character so far.

Dedicating the afternoon to reading this. It’s a library loan, and it’s due back in two days. I’ve completely abandoned it 🤣

Hmm... I am enjoying the story and characters so far, but not sure how I feel about the prose. It can be a bit dry and confusing at times (pronoun placement, for example). Still looking forward to this!

I caved and bought Kindle Unlimited for two months. There was a sale, and there are so many books I want to read on there... First up, The Shadow of the Gods! 😄

I need to be careful with my copy. It is 20 years old, and it looks it. Pages are starting to rip from the spine from having been read so often over the last two decades.😂

I'm having to skip many sections of this book because they are too distressing. Stories of animal cruelty, animal death and complete disregard for animal life is too hard for me to read about. This is an insightful read, and if anything, this book is making me even extreme about animal rights and outraged at their mistreatment than I already was. I didn't think that was possible lol

I am taking a break. My eyes are tired, plus I need to charge my reading light. 🤣The final battle is about to commence, and I need to be focused!!! I'm near the end now!

The last chapter was very sad!

I used to like Broccan, but his actions in this book feel a bit selfish! Instead of fighting for the greater good, he wants to defend one person because he loves them... I don't know. Having a character with the warrior gift (the first in a very long time), having him choose this path does not feel right. Even though he wants to defend someone, he's chosen them because he loves them and won't defend anyone else.

The last two chapters were intense!

I'm enjoying the book, but so far, not as much as I enjoyed books 1 and 2. It is still an amazing story, but I'm really missing Murchad. I'm 200 pages in, and he's barely appeared. :(

"That was the true reason men named their swords. They wanted the guilt of killing given to someone else, but when you were the one who held the blade, there was no one else. Something else then would have to suffice."

I didn't get to start this book yesterday, but I had time to read a little tonight! And Murchad finally has POV chapters!

"'[Animals'] most basic and fundamental interests—their pains, their lives, their freedoms—are intentionally ignored, often maliciously trampled, and routinely abused,' declared Wise. And because [animals] were not legal persons, their protections never rising to the level of rights, so it would remain until that wall was toppled."

"'[Animals] most basic and fundamental interests—their pains, their lives, their freedoms—are intentionally ignored, often maliciously trampled, and routinely abused,' declared Wise. And because [animals] were not legal persons, their protections never rising to the level of rights, so it would remain until that wall was toppled."

I FINALLY got the book in the mail!!! 😃 I can’t wait to start this today!

This book is going to be powerful. Animals are sentient beings, yet humans exploit and slaughter them for food. It is unconscionable. Why can’t we all love and care for our animal friends? Why can’t we all, at the VERY least, stop eating meat? Why must we exploit animals for human consumption? I can’t wait to dive into this. It will be emotional. #vegforlife

I am enjoying this, but I wish I had waited to read this when I wasn't so tired. I'm not comprehending the story as easily as usual because my mind is so sluggish, what with work and my cat keeping me awake until almost 5AM yesterday... I will definitely reread this when I'm not so tired!!!