unique_person's review against another edition
4.0
4.25
A little slow paced.
Great world building.
2nd mc comes after 60% of the book.
A little slow paced.
Great world building.
2nd mc comes after 60% of the book.
amcheri's review
4.0
I very much enjoyed getting to know Tevi and Jemeryl and absolutely look forward to reading the second book in the series.
My review is located at www.lezficrev.blogspot.com
My review is located at www.lezficrev.blogspot.com
ibri's review against another edition
4.0
Good. But you know what the first two books really could have used? Better knowledge of the capabilities of sorcerers. They are presented as being far out of the league of normal people. and from what we have seen in a straight up fight they would crush normal soldiers. (Though it is unclear whether they have the stamina or the area of effect attacks to crush armies.) However we don't know whether they have automatic defences against arrows from stealth. It is unclear whether you could kill them with a well executed ambush. Or whether they have any defence against poisoned food.
Oh also something about the plot in book two
For that matter, maybe do send them some backup for their investigation.
Oh also something about the plot in book two
Spoiler
Why don't you at least leave a message informing the people on your side where you are going and why. That didn't make sense it was contrieved just so that they could do it as a duo.For that matter, maybe do send them some backup for their investigation.
elotil's review against another edition
5.0
Interesting magical theory and intriguing social structure. Also, gay.
mgncpr's review against another edition
4.0
I love Jane Fletcher's Celaeno series but I will admit that the first time I read this one (years ago) I didn't love it. That being said, on my re-read I had a greater appreciation for the characters, world building and the slower unfolding of the story. I think my original reservation was that almost the first two thirds of the book focus on Tevi as she is exiled from her home and finding her way on the mainland and within the Protectorate. She doesn't meet Jem until well into the book, which leaves Jem not as developed as Tevi, and they just barely start on the quest for Lorimal's Chalice and then the book ends. If you plan to read this one - be prepared to pick up the rest of the books.
Fletcher tells a great story and I really do enjoy her twists on societal norms in her world building. I'm quite glad I gave this one another chance and I'll definitely be re-reading the rest of the series.
Fletcher tells a great story and I really do enjoy her twists on societal norms in her world building. I'm quite glad I gave this one another chance and I'll definitely be re-reading the rest of the series.
nina1412's review
3.0
I think if a story makes you curious enough to want to read the sequel it did something right. I've definitely read more elaborate stories but if I take a step back and imagine a younger me reading the book it would have had a more powerful impact for sure. Readers like to take stories apart and 'find faults' (me included) but sometimes I'd just like to see it for what it is: a cute story with LGBT protagonists on an adventure turning some stereotypes on its head.
seagull's review
4.0
3.5 stars. Solid read. Interesting concept with alright execution. The writing was pretty solid.
synth's review
1.0
Within the first two chapters of this book, you learn that the exiled main character comes from a group of islands where women take a potion throughout their childhood to make them stronger and faster, thus making them superior to their weak, soft, emotional men, whom they "take" to bed whenever they please and whom are shown to be eager to be "taken" to bed. There is also a few mentions of "taking a liking" to a male prisoner, heavily implying (and condoning imo) rape.
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