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A review by e_oneita
The Sting of Victory by S.D. Simper
4.0
This is a dark, brutal, funny, and twisted novel (and series!) that is truly unique in its world-building. Oh, there are elves and gods and demons (and dwarfs), but none quite like you've ever known them before. Plus, despite some truly nasty things that many of the characters do (frequently), essentially every character is sympathetic, if not outright likeable. Oddly, the main character of Flowridia is most annoying for being so dang accepting of some truly awful things done to her but . Besides that, she does experience some great character growth in Book 2, which is reason enough to pick up the sequel after finishing this!
All that being said, the main relationship is pretty awful and abusive, which knocks it down one star for me in that I wouldn't want any impressionable teen to read this and think that's ok (for the same reasons I think it sucks that my generation had Twilight as a shining example of romance). However, having now read the second book, I think the author is handling the relationship well and being honest about its problematic qualities- I just wish that reflection came out a little more in this first book.
Spoiler
it does transpire that her blind acceptance and somewhat cow-like dopey love saves her lifeAll that being said, the main relationship is pretty awful and abusive, which knocks it down one star for me in that I wouldn't want any impressionable teen to read this and think that's ok (for the same reasons I think it sucks that my generation had Twilight as a shining example of romance). However, having now read the second book, I think the author is handling the relationship well and being honest about its problematic qualities- I just wish that reflection came out a little more in this first book.