Ivy G.’s Reviews > Howling Dark > Status Update

I know this chapter would explain how Hadrian earned the Half Mortal name, but it still shocked me that he actually “died”. I’ve not read many fantasy series, but this is the first one I’ve read where the actual main character died (though it’s a technicality, it still counts). I’m intrigued and such a bold, impressive choice that keeps me interested.

I think Hadrian killing Nobuta is the turning point for his character because he has only accepted that the Cielcin are cruel beings in his mind, this is the first time he acted on it since he has been protecting them for the sake of peace. But now circumstances gave way to changes and I can see him getting back on his words and to change them. I’m intrigued. I really like how he’s written.

Genuinely, Lin is pissing me off. I don’t know why he has the gall to be upset at Hadrian when it’s his fault many of them are dead and they could have at least saw through the peace talks instead of suddenly ambushing the Cielcin, at least not during a dialogue is open for once between the two races. It’s so infuriating!

For fuck’s sake! I’m really frustrated over Lin because his call to action caused the lives of two very important characters in the negotiation. Now this leaves him in command, what else is gonna happen in the remaining pages of this book, I’ve no clue. I don’t know where it’s going.

What the fuck just happened?! I can’t believe I trusted Bassander Lin not to act out against Raine’s word. But I can understand why he did it, he stands by his principles very strongly as a soldier that not even a superior could stop him. I’m shocked still!

The price for peace is debatable. I understand where both Raine and Hadrian are coming from. 20K slaves are a lot and there is yet not a guarantee of peace with the Cielcin for it, just a conversation. But Raine’s words about the circumstances being greater than his crimes does cement where she stood from the start. I’m waiting for how Hadrian will achieve this on top of Sagara being a threat.

I am on Hadrian’s side especially with the argument that everyone knew what they were risking and getting into by helping him. They knew but Switch took it upon himself to decide what was supposedly best for everyone but it only made their lives worse. I understand where Switch is coming from but it was ignorant of him to think Lin would spare them after betraying the Empire.

The drama of it all! I love it!

I can’t say I’m thrilled to see Jinan again. I still struggle to connect with her character, I don’t care much for her or the fact that Hadrian killed part of the fleet. Like I said, the story didn’t spend tol much time expanding their dynamic so I’m not emotionally invested in her and their relationship. In fact, I dread it and would like to move on from them.