Scan barcode
nimrodiel's review
4.0
My bigest complaint with this book was that I didn't know it was the first book in a series. It ended with a rather cliffhanger ending that left me going "what just happened?"
The book was much different than I expected, and was a fantastic story. I'm just left hanging...
The book was much different than I expected, and was a fantastic story. I'm just left hanging...
everencore42's review
I found the prose in this book a bit too overwrought for my enjoyment.
stefhyena's review
4.0
Despite being worn out by the many long descriptions (some of them admittedly rich and lush) and very annoyed at the constant sexualisation of every single character, I found the plot itself drew me in and grew on me. Not a stand alone novel by any means (alas) like many first in a fantasy series it ends with no resolution whatsoever and is designed purely as a vehicle to the next novel. Without being completely sure whether I will persist with the next book, I feel like the book was worth reading despite these flaws.
One thing I really loved was the agency of the female characters. None of them is a victim. They are more likely to rescue than be rescued. Even Cecily who has a pathetic desire to cling to Kian and be rescued has a touch of the queen about her (which he quite rightly relates to more than her victim whining). So the whining is part of her being flawed (ie well-rounded as a character) and therefore works. As the book continues you see there is more and more respect accorded to females and female ways of knowing. My only issue with that is the way gender is polarized and essentialised within this. However it is a lovely slap in the face for anyone who would dismiss "old wives tales".
I do think there is a heterosexual bias for all that there are chinks in the heterosexuality of the book.
I really hate Cadwyr. I think we are supposed to hate him and OH! I do. Most other characters I have some sympathy for but I admit my allegiances shifted somewhat throughout the book (which is well done by the writer)I never for a second felt anything but hate and disgust for Cadwyr though. It's hard to get 4 stars out of me so...I surprised myself by thinking that despite all my criticisms.
One thing I really loved was the agency of the female characters. None of them is a victim. They are more likely to rescue than be rescued. Even Cecily who has a pathetic desire to cling to Kian and be rescued has a touch of the queen about her (which he quite rightly relates to more than her victim whining). So the whining is part of her being flawed (ie well-rounded as a character) and therefore works. As the book continues you see there is more and more respect accorded to females and female ways of knowing. My only issue with that is the way gender is polarized and essentialised within this. However it is a lovely slap in the face for anyone who would dismiss "old wives tales".
I do think there is a heterosexual bias for all that there are chinks in the heterosexuality of the book.
I really hate Cadwyr. I think we are supposed to hate him and OH! I do. Most other characters I have some sympathy for but I admit my allegiances shifted somewhat throughout the book (which is well done by the writer)I never for a second felt anything but hate and disgust for Cadwyr though. It's hard to get 4 stars out of me so...I surprised myself by thinking that despite all my criticisms.
More...