sandragon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
napthenknit's review against another edition
3.5
A little slower than the first one. More relationship focused, but I wanted to hear more about the monsters.
ielerol's review against another edition
4.0
Apparently I never added the rest of this series to goodreads the first time around. I'm rereading now, and still like it.
lectriza's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
This was better than the first one, in terms of world building and scope
This was better than the first one, in terms of world building and scope
drewanabri's review against another edition
4.0
I'm seeing a lot of reviews complaining this is a boring, pointless book detailing "the minutiae of peasants camping," but honestly, that's exactly what I wanted right now, so I was satisfied.
Altogether, this was a lovely comfort read with a soothing blend of romance, everyday life, and a bit of action. Though this book is quite simple, it's beautifully done. I enjoyed LMB's ability to write in a nuanced way about two distinct cultures with a lot of prejudice and mistrust. As you learn about their histories, you really come to understand why they've developed such restrictive cultures and why they don't interact with each other.
My only complaint would be the age gap. In general, I do get that some people enjoy romances with age gaps, even though it's not my thing. And I do appreciate that Dag's aware of the power imbalance and is intentionally committed to ensuring their relationship doesn't hurt Fawn's growth. But why, oh why, is LMB focusing so much on how little and childlike Fawn is? At a certain point, it just feels creepy and icky to hear all about Fawn's adorable tiny hands and cute little feet and so on. Surely it should be possible to write a solid age gap romance without fetishizing childlike looks and behavior.
Altogether, this was a lovely comfort read with a soothing blend of romance, everyday life, and a bit of action. Though this book is quite simple, it's beautifully done. I enjoyed LMB's ability to write in a nuanced way about two distinct cultures with a lot of prejudice and mistrust. As you learn about their histories, you really come to understand why they've developed such restrictive cultures and why they don't interact with each other.
My only complaint would be the age gap. In general, I do get that some people enjoy romances with age gaps, even though it's not my thing. And I do appreciate that Dag's aware of the power imbalance and is intentionally committed to ensuring their relationship doesn't hurt Fawn's growth. But why, oh why, is LMB focusing so much on how little and childlike Fawn is? At a certain point, it just feels creepy and icky to hear all about Fawn's adorable tiny hands and cute little feet and so on. Surely it should be possible to write a solid age gap romance without fetishizing childlike looks and behavior.
pelicaaan's review against another edition
3.0
This series is about as not-fun as Lois McMaster Bujold gets, and it's still reasonably fun. It's no Warrior's Apprentice, though.
titusfortner's review against another edition
4.0
A rich and complex book with an engaging story. A fun continuation from the first book which rolls quickly into the following book. I'm enjoying this series, but more in spite of the romance aspects than because of them.
fclancy93's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.75
crowhala's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I liked this one. It continues the story of the first book in the series. Pucks up almost immediately where the other leaves off. I'll be reading the next one but might take a break.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Sexual content
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
A fantasy romance. And really not up to the author's best. But a good enough book and a bit better than the first. Mostly my issue is still the pacing - we get fantasy action OR romance. And the book is a bit too obvious. And we don't see enough of the other characters or the world. But the hints we do see are good hints. 3.5 of 5.