taranana's review
5.0
This story is beautifully written but I advise people who could be triggered by self harm against reading this story as this topic is constantly discussed.
I think Orullian has a beautiful writing style and I want to read more by him only to experience more of his style. I love the world's descriptions and the atmosphere of this story.
The characters are also well developed.
I don't know what to say. This story was such a good read.
I think Orullian has a beautiful writing style and I want to read more by him only to experience more of his style. I love the world's descriptions and the atmosphere of this story.
The characters are also well developed.
I don't know what to say. This story was such a good read.
keu482's review
3.0
Another Tor.com Short story
I have to say that there was a lot here I just didn't get.
I have to say that there was a lot here I just didn't get.
peterseanesq's review
4.0
Please give my review a helpful vote - https://www.amazon.com/review/RGNBNFXQGM2FA/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
This is an intriguing and well-developed short story.
Vendanj is a Sheason and Seelia is a Mal. Sheason and Mal seem to be two regions of the world they inhabit. The Mals seem to be masochists who have made the acceptance of pain part of their cultural values. The Sheasons seems to have some kind of ability to heal themselves and others through their will. Vendanj is undergoing the three-stage "excruciations" of the ritual of the Talenfoier. He is seeking honor within the Mal system in order to recover some kind of steel that the Mals have taken.
The story explores the Mal ideology, through Vendanj's submission to torture and through his relationship with Seelia. The story is a sketch that does a fair job of outlining a different culture. I was put in mind of Donald Kingsbury's Courtship Rites.
This is an intriguing and well-developed short story.
Vendanj is a Sheason and Seelia is a Mal. Sheason and Mal seem to be two regions of the world they inhabit. The Mals seem to be masochists who have made the acceptance of pain part of their cultural values. The Sheasons seems to have some kind of ability to heal themselves and others through their will. Vendanj is undergoing the three-stage "excruciations" of the ritual of the Talenfoier. He is seeking honor within the Mal system in order to recover some kind of steel that the Mals have taken.
The story explores the Mal ideology, through Vendanj's submission to torture and through his relationship with Seelia. The story is a sketch that does a fair job of outlining a different culture. I was put in mind of Donald Kingsbury's Courtship Rites.
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