Scan barcode
A review by kreela
Reluctant Concubine by Dana Marton
4.0
I obtained this novel from a Christmas book giveaway. With a title like that and the mention of a healer protagonist, I wanted to see if the story was worth reading.
Boy was I pleasantly surprised! The story started in what I envisioned as a tropical island paradise, and the cultural details were exquisite. It reminded me of an older fantasy style with political-cultural influences. Think T.A. White’s “Pathfinder’s Way” or “A Woman Worth 3 Coppers” or “Kushiel’s Dart.”
I think the warlord’s group is based loosely upon an asian culture, and everything is infused with deep reverence:
“The chamber filled quickly with servants who wept on their knees. I wished to console them, but could do nothing. Their cries filled Pleasure Hall”
Despite growing up trained as a healer, Tera was so naive about the world, she trusted her father and the brothel mistress...and she ended up enslaved and bullied. It amazed me she escaped rape (trigger warning!). Once enslaved, adhering to the Hypocratic Oath was a test of willpower. When she discovered (finally) that she was giving poison to a warlord, he tried to bribe and threaten her to free him. This is why she remained a slave. She was so afraid she would be killed that she ignored him and her own sense of compassion. It was heartrending. But that is why I recommend this story; her journey into self-enlightenment is fun to experience.
“Strange how sometimes we cannot see things simply because we do not expect to see them. Even after living among the Kadar all that time”
Or
“When you follow that true calling, you can accomplish the impossible if only you dare accept your true power.”
THE ROMANCE
Boy was I pleasantly surprised! The story started in what I envisioned as a tropical island paradise, and the cultural details were exquisite. It reminded me of an older fantasy style with political-cultural influences. Think T.A. White’s “Pathfinder’s Way” or “A Woman Worth 3 Coppers” or “Kushiel’s Dart.”
I think the warlord’s group is based loosely upon an asian culture, and everything is infused with deep reverence:
“The chamber filled quickly with servants who wept on their knees. I wished to console them, but could do nothing. Their cries filled Pleasure Hall”
Despite growing up trained as a healer, Tera was so naive about the world, she trusted her father and the brothel mistress...and she ended up enslaved and bullied. It amazed me she escaped rape (trigger warning!). Once enslaved, adhering to the Hypocratic Oath was a test of willpower. When she discovered (finally) that she was giving poison to a warlord, he tried to bribe and threaten her to free him. This is why she remained a slave. She was so afraid she would be killed that she ignored him and her own sense of compassion. It was heartrending. But that is why I recommend this story; her journey into self-enlightenment is fun to experience.
“Strange how sometimes we cannot see things simply because we do not expect to see them. Even after living among the Kadar all that time”
Or
“When you follow that true calling, you can accomplish the impossible if only you dare accept your true power.”
THE ROMANCE