A review by bedovian
Beyond the Ruby Veil by Mara Fitzgerald

An unlikable protagonist is one thing, but a protagonist who relentlessly abuses the only person in her life she can rely on while never apologizing or even coming around to the idea that she was wrong to do so is insufferable for the sake of being insufferable. Fitzgerald weaves a world of intrigue surrounding the mysterious watercrea and magic rulers, but I found myself slogging through the actions of a group of characters that are varying degrees of morally bankrupt with the exception of Alessandro Morandi, Emanuela's best friend. Ale was an oasis of rationale in Emanuela's typhoon of bloodthirst and bad decision making. That being said, I am continuing on to the sequel as I still find myself drawn to the mystery Fitzgerald has placed in front of her readers.