Scan barcode
A review by jmross10
The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I’ve seen this book around quite a bit and finally got around to picking it up.
It’s a little different of a fantasy setup than what I’m used too in that it deals with Atlanteans. That said, I think Edwards did a good job of building out that aspect of the world and making it interesting, but also easy enough to follow. It’s never great when politically driven situations are central to the plot but the reader can’t follow the politics well enough to understand what’s happening and why.
I really enjoyed the various characters and their range of dynamics. From the antagonistic (but affectionate) relationship between Rune and Brand, to the much more outwardly caring relationship between Adam and Quinn. I especially liked that we get to see some characters reflect on their choices in relationships and are forced to accept that what seemed right in the moment might have made them blind in the long run.
One thing I was not aware of going into the book was how heavily sexual assault (particularly of minors) would factor in. While it’s implied on the first couple pages it’s done in a way that makes the reader question the truth of it (on purpose). As the story unfolds that truth comes out and it’s not always to easy read. Especially since it’s made clear that victim blaming is not just a toxic tendency but a tradition of Atlantean society. That said, I think Edwards does a good job of acknowledging that trauma and not having the character automatically move past it, without it coming across too much as exploiting the situation.
Overall, I really liked the book. So much so I dove immediately into the second. I’m very curious to see where the story goes.
It’s a little different of a fantasy setup than what I’m used too in that it deals with Atlanteans. That said, I think Edwards did a good job of building out that aspect of the world and making it interesting, but also easy enough to follow. It’s never great when politically driven situations are central to the plot but the reader can’t follow the politics well enough to understand what’s happening and why.
I really enjoyed the various characters and their range of dynamics. From the antagonistic (but affectionate) relationship between Rune and Brand, to the much more outwardly caring relationship between Adam and Quinn. I especially liked that we get to see some characters reflect on their choices in relationships and are forced to accept that what seemed right in the moment might have made them blind in the long run.
One thing I was not aware of going into the book was how heavily sexual assault (particularly of minors) would factor in. While it’s implied on the first couple pages it’s done in a way that makes the reader question the truth of it (on purpose). As the story unfolds that truth comes out and it’s not always to easy read. Especially since it’s made clear that victim blaming is not just a toxic tendency but a tradition of Atlantean society. That said, I think Edwards does a good job of acknowledging that trauma and not having the character automatically move past it, without it coming across too much as exploiting the situation.
Overall, I really liked the book. So much so I dove immediately into the second. I’m very curious to see where the story goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Death