A review by morebedsidebooks
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows

emotional mysterious slow-paced

5.0

A strange and stubborn endurance. The words might have been a prophecy, for they never quite ceased to be relevant: not in my childhood, and certainly not to my adult self. 

 

Boasting a gorgeous autumn leaf themed cover, A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows is a hefty first installment in the fantasy series the The Tithenai Chronicles. An unprecedented surprise diplomatic marriage between nobles Velasin vin Aro (gay) and Caethari Xai Aeduria, (bi/pan) sparks more than attraction. Violence, murder, and a hefty dose of intrigue swirl. This is a slow longer book, told in alternating perspectives, and I was utterly lost in it in a good way. Though, I did take a few much-needed breaks as it’s not just a heavy book physically but also emotionally delving into trauma. In depth settings and characters coalesce with a burning plot. While the climax might be predictable the journey is what matters most. I also can’t recommend this series enough and look forward to the sequel on its way in 2023. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Animal death, Death, Vomit, Blood, Homophobia, Murder, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Violence

Minor: Ableism, Death of parent, Infidelity, and Misogyny

From the author: A Strange and Stubborn Endurance contains on-page depictions of rape, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. While the narrative arc is one of healing, readers should nonetheless be aware of this content in order to engage with it on their own terms.