Francesca Forrest’s Reviews > The Keeper and the Rulership > Status Update

It's striking me that this is a very *conceptual* story, and I like it because I like the concepts, and because the characters who are unfolding them are likable, and because of the general voice/tone.

Really touching scene between Raneh and Genn, and interesting plot development. I like Raneh so much: a good protagonist.

Wisdom from Raneh's brother in chapter 14:

“if you really wanna trust somebody, you should go with somebody who ought to know, not somebody who doesn’t even want to.”

Chapter 13--a VERY important person appears!

“The Ruler,” the woman said calmly. “Leader of all humanity, Keeper of status, head of the Central family . . .”

Eep!

Just finished chapter 8, where what will surely be a plot central problem was introduced: the gradual decline of magic. Plus, in the previous chapter, Raneh met a young man, Genn, who seems a much more likely prospect for a love, or at least friendship, interest. Raneh's siblings continue to be delightful, and the worldbuilding continues to be excellent. Really liking this.

I'm reading this as part of the Noblebright: Light in the Darkness collection, so I'm not sure what page I'm on, but I'm at chapter 5, and I'm totally intrigued by the way status is given and taken away, like a combination of money and tangible prestige/renown. You can bestow it or have it yanked from you. The narrator is engaging, and I've enjoyed each member of her family and her two, equally dubious, suitors.