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mary_soon_lee's review
This is the first book in the Dark Apostle series, which is a historical fantasy. I note that the book contains considerable brutality and violence, with the protagonist being a medieval barber (barber here encompassing surgery as well as hair cutting). The fantasy elements don't surface for a while, but become increasingly significant, and I thought that aspect of the book was well done, as was the medical aspect. However, I found other aspects pushing me away (spoilers ahead....) Overall: I am not the right reader for this book.
Spoiler
Firstly, I didn't care for the romance elements. This may have been the author's intention, as the hero's romantic counterpart proves to have an agenda that clashes with his. Intended or not, I didn't like it. Secondly, and with a caveat that other readers may have a different experience, the secondary characters seemed subservient to the plot rather than their own selves. That said, I did -- mostly! -- sympathize with Elisha, the central character.rachel_abby_reads's review
How did this end up on my read list? Maybe it's better as it moves along, but I can't muscle through the brutal opening. I guess all of the cover blurbs that say "dark" should have been my first clue that this wasn't the playground for me.
buuboobaby's review
2.0
2.5 stars
Elisha'a lack of agency really ruined the read for me. He's beaten, burned, tortured, and almost hanged until dead. Most of the characters are unfeeling douche bags, and Elisha's love interest didn't deserve his kind regard. I found it frustrating that a man as gifted as Elisha was treated so poorly, and it made it difficult to engage with the story.
Elisha'a lack of agency really ruined the read for me. He's beaten, burned, tortured, and almost hanged until dead. Most of the characters are unfeeling douche bags, and Elisha's love interest didn't deserve his kind regard. I found it frustrating that a man as gifted as Elisha was treated so poorly, and it made it difficult to engage with the story.
read_writing_hood's review
4.0
Would have been 5 stars, but I just hated Brigit so much. And I hate that she's pregnant with Elisha's son because now that suggests he might end up with her in the end and they're bonded together and- ugh!- I just hate her so much. And I don't want to see this end with Elisha, Brigit, and their son being one big, happy family. He should have ended up with Martin. I don't know if I'll continue the series, mainly because of Brigit. The book and the story were really good, but I just don't want to read anymore about her, unless she dies.
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