Reviews

This was rather strange reading. I'm not sure what to classify this? Historical fantasy maybe? Dual character pov, good writing, quick, short chapters. I'll probably re-read this one day, but overall I liked this and practically flew through the last fifty pages or so. A solid 3

mlk128's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

4.0

kiki_charlatan's review

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emotional hopeful informative slow-paced

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

4.25

carleeiigh's review

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5.0

This was such an out-of-nowhere read for me. I usually don't pick up books at the library I've never heard of before (and hardcover! even less likely) but I swear something kept drawing my eye to this one on the shelf. I picked it up, not thinking I would actually read it, but then a night came when my cat was holding me hostage on the bed and this was the book closest in reach. It immediately sucked me in and I haven't been so wrapped up in a story and characters like this in such a long time.

In 1 AD Britannia, maybe somewhere around Wales, the story following split POVs between a mother and daughter of a small, polytheistic tribe. The writing is just amazing. I was so sucked into this village, I felt like I knew everyone. Old Man and his wit, Reddish and her pride (an ancient Regina George if there was one, but luckily comes to grow up), Hunter and his desire for power, and of course Smith, Devout, Hobble and the fanatic druid Fox. The setting is beautiful, from the wheat fields, the forest where they forage, Hill Fort where they trade, the Sacred Grove for sacrifices, the Edge where Devout and Arc fell in love, the cave mine where Smith fell in love with Devout. It was all so real to me, beautiful and peaceful and I could understand everyone and everything. Will definitely be going back and finding some passages to keep.

Hobble is an amazing character. She's wicked smart and observant, even without her gift of future-seeing and the random glimpses into others' minds. They were woven naturally into the story - not used for plot reasons but also worked against her at times. And of course offering some more insight into her father's thoughts. Devout was complicated - I loved her and was annoyed, but understood at every page. How she was torn between Arc and Smith, how she chose, and the grief that led her to give in to Smith's pure love after Arc was abducted. All these people just feel real, I couldn't get enough.

The plot, as simple as it is, was so interesting to me. The Romans bring wealth and opportunity for her father to prove his skill and worth - plus feel satisfied when his family has nice clothes, food and trinkets. But they're also all ego and brutality. They abuse anyone who isn't Roman, destroying their livelihood or raping women. But Fox and the fanatics of their religion also on a high horse and commands the same respect, without providing anything useful. So far their religion hasn't been threatened, but as a runt she doesn't want sacrifices anyway. Its intricate and fascinating to see how complicated everything can be.

This was such an unexpected but fascinating story. I loved the writing, the characters, setting and conflict. High high praise for this one