Reviews with content warning for Violence - A Feather So Black

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
Happy Book Birthday to Lyra Selene!!!!

WHEW! THAT ENDING. I knew from the beginning that I shouldn't trust Eala. She was too.... welcoming of Fia. If I had been kidnapped as a child and replaced by a changeling I would feel nothing but hatred and loathing for my "sister". I didn't believe for a second that Eala liked or even trusted Fia (she obviously didn't trust her because she kept manipulating Fia). Eala constantly talked about how she didn't want to be used as a pawn anymore but then her big plan was "I'm going to make everyone else a pawn in my game". Make that make sense???

I also did not like Rogan AT ALL. I don't understand what Fia saw in the man. He was literally so useless and so damn oblivious. If he was meant to have golden retriever energy (that's what it seemed like and he was blond) then he fell very short of that.

Other than that I truly enjoyed this novel. It had some very vibrant world building and although I was able to see a lot of the plot points from the get-go (besides the whole Eala tearing out hearts bit) I still found the magic and the people interesting enough to continue reading.

I'm also confused though because.... A Folk at the beginning told Fia they were going to ask for a kiss in payment for saving her from some other creepy Folk person and then... that person NEVER came back. Fia only ever interacted with Irian or the maidens so I don't know what happened there. I'm pretty sure this is going to be a series so maybe that will be handled at a later date?

Content Warnings

candyjay19's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

For full clarity, I received an ARC copy of this book.
The beginning of this book was quite slow and confusing, to put it lightly you are dumped into it and expected to be able to swim. Filled with what I believe is an abundance of Gaelic terminology for which I clearly missed the glossary that was placed at the end of the book. Also, the overhaul of nature metaphors got to a point that it was almost too much before they eased to a bearable amount.
It took until 30% through that I finally knew what was happening properly enough to be interested and then finally I could connect with the characters, which of course could just be me but I have seen a lot of reviews state the same things.
That beginning aside, the story was unique for me and provided an intriguing path to follow. Filled with a complicated manipulative family and strange dark intrigue I can see the beauty in this world.

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sidwhit's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this book! The main character was a little frustrating at times but I honestly really love her. I loved how she developed her self love. I thought the ending of the book was going to be predictable(and for some part it was) but it still managed to surprised and I can not wait to read the next installment.

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