druv's review against another edition
4.0
This reminded me a lot of one of my favourite books, [b:The Curse of Chalion|61886|The Curse of Chalion (Chalion, #1)|Lois McMaster Bujold|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322571773s/61886.jpg|1129349], in that it has a nice balance between female protagonists exploring the boundaries imposed on them, court intrigue, and miraculous theology.
I really enjoyed the interplay and relationship between the two main characters and their struggles with social mores that exist to keep women down, which forms the core of the story and is thoroughly enjoyable. There's a lot going on, and sadly that makes the antagonists a bit poorly developed, but I find that a minor quibble.
Just like Curse of Chalion, it seems like the sequel will focus on a side character in difficult circumstances - I will pick it up immediately.
I really enjoyed the interplay and relationship between the two main characters and their struggles with social mores that exist to keep women down, which forms the core of the story and is thoroughly enjoyable. There's a lot going on, and sadly that makes the antagonists a bit poorly developed, but I find that a minor quibble.
Just like Curse of Chalion, it seems like the sequel will focus on a side character in difficult circumstances - I will pick it up immediately.
zefrien's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
agentkp's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I enjoyed very much the world and the lore and how the mysteries were presented and I loved the main characters but I found the way they get together a little anticlimactic and rushed, I wished to have had more scenes of them together!
ginnikin's review against another edition
3.0
Barbara interested me, Margerit kind of bored me. I glossed over a lot of the mysteries and succession stuff. The succession stuff was waaaay to close to my day job, and the mysteries stuff just didn't interest me. There was attempted rape, and the narrative waved that away too lightly, I think - even the people involved did. Sure, guy made up for it some, but it was still attempted rape.
storytimed's review against another edition
5.0
Gorgeous. Lives up to the hype. Barbara is a stone cold hottie.
ruthorfiction's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
cyanr's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
One of my all-time favorite books! I love the romance elements and thaumaturgy lore.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Religious bigotry and Sexism
Barbara is a slave of the main character.activehearts's review against another edition
4.0
The pacing was a bit slow at times for me, but I really enjoyed Margerit and Barbara's dynamic and relationship, in particular Barbara's struggle to balance her duties and her feelings for Margerit. Will definitely be reading the other Alpennia books.
rachelreadsrapidly's review
challenging
slow-paced
2.75
for my taste, this had a little bit too much politics, which was boring, and prayer magic, which I found very confusing, and not enough romance. if the balance skewed in the opposite direction I'd have enjoyed it more. the ending when it all came together was good though.