Leanne’s Reviews > The Warden > Status Update

I've sped my audiobook up to 1.70x speed because I just need this to be over now. But here's another complaint: all the mini climaxes for the arcs are too lackluster. Literally anticlimactic. Dalius' death should have taken so much more time and had consequences that were more significant to Aelis' character and motivation.

"Nath betrayed you. I saved you."
Aelis is quick to paint herself the hero here, even though she has admitted that she uses mind-altering magics. This comes right after her lecturing someone about how Enchanters don't mess with the mind itself, but rather just suggestions. Seems an awful blurry line to be walking.

Aelis' arrogance is getting on my nerves. It's not fun and quirky anymore. Thing is, she's not entirely *wrong*. She has certain rights and commandments afforded to her by her position as Warden... the way she goes about explaining those to other people is aloof, elitist, and very very childish.

I'm waiting for the ethics of Aelis' enchantments and messing with people's minds to be addressed.... and I'm starting to worry it won't be. I've never been totally comfy with DND spells like "friends" or "command" because they strip characters of their agency. Aelis has shown no qualms with using these methods to get people to do what she wants, even to their own detriment... Her intents are good. For now.

There's so much happening all at once. Aelis is struggling to keep her head above water as her attention is called in every direction, but I think that's the point. Something is happening in this tiny village that may (or may not idk) be trying to get her on her back foot. After all, there's a reason she was called to serve here. I'm really hoping for some good character growth at some point

I have too many thoughts for this tiny text box so I'll paraphrase: Aelis is a very compelling character, but also a bit of a bitch. I like that about her. Her sense of duty fits well with her sense of personal importance, but that causes issues for the people around her. Also I like how the classic dnd-style fantasy rules have been fiddled with to fit the world here. cool