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A review by jinjan
The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This book was genuinely entertaining. I was worried that it would veer too heavily into extra edgy, fanfiction-y storytelling reminiscent of the Foxhole Court, and although sometimes it did, the story itself was more refined & the world had its own draw.
#1 biggest complaint was the lack of content warnings from the author. There are on page scenes of violent and graphic rape. I wish there had been an author's note at the beginning regarding this content.
I also believe that rape for the sake of violence, upping the stakes, and a sad sob story is cruel. In a fantasy world, set outside the bounds of this reality, there needs to be really important reasons for including violent rape scenes and descriptions. The Last Sun fails to make any interesting, relevant, or prudent conversations about rape culture and the effects of sexual assault and violence. For me, it comes across as an insensitive and uncaring author capitalizing on shock, hoping to keep their reader hooked. I hope that Edwards is more careful how this topic is handled in future books.
Moving on, I liked Rune and Brand as a unit. I liked how easily they were able to show affection and care for each other. I'm still not really sure how the whole Companion thing works and I hope Edwards explains that a little better in future books. On that note, I actually wish Edwards did a better job of explaining the world as a whole and the roles that the Arcana play as governance. Is this an alternate Earth? Why are there humans living along side Atlanteans? The history of their society is rich, but it seems to mostly live in the authors head rather than on the pages.
Even though the setting and history of New Atlantis confused me, it didn't really disrupt any of the plot. The story was interesting but the battle scenes dragged, especially the final battle at the compound. I liked how it kinda turned into a Zombie slasher. That was surprisingly fun, if a bit too long.
I really enjoyed the side characters. They were interesting and not too over the top. I liked Addam a lot. He's a man who knows what he wants. Cocky but sweet. Idk I haven't read a character or love interest like him in a while. It was refreshing. I loved Quinn. Not much to say there. Max was sweet, I'm curious about his story. I liked that Edwards didn't imply or drag out any kind of adult/minor situation. I was surprised how much I liked Ciaran as well. Even the Tower. It really seems like Edwards has a clear idea for what each character will be in the story moving forward. I like that.
A pet peeve: I hate it when a hero claims their target. for example, "___________ is mine." Cheesy & lame. Why don't you actually fight them & stop wasting your breath? (An opinion I'm sure Brand would appreciate).
I loved the soulmates addition. Loved it. Absolutely FERAL for it. And the fact that Addam refuses to let Rune convince him otherwise??? I'm a hoe for romance and I'm just excited to see Addam genuinely romance Rune. I mean he said he's going to court him! For fucks sake. And while I don't like rape in my fantasy books, I do appreciate how sensitive Addam is about it.
A thoroughly fun book. I'll be continuing the series.
oh and after looking over some other reviews, I do agree that there is a glaring issue with a lack of women and non-binary people in the story. For a society that seems to be quite accepting of queerness, there wasn't much diversity beyond mlm relationships. It didn't necessarily bother me, but it stands true nonetheless.
#1 biggest complaint was the lack of content warnings from the author. There are on page scenes of violent and graphic rape. I wish there had been an author's note at the beginning regarding this content.
I also believe that rape for the sake of violence, upping the stakes, and a sad sob story is cruel. In a fantasy world, set outside the bounds of this reality, there needs to be really important reasons for including violent rape scenes and descriptions. The Last Sun fails to make any interesting, relevant, or prudent conversations about rape culture and the effects of sexual assault and violence. For me, it comes across as an insensitive and uncaring author capitalizing on shock, hoping to keep their reader hooked. I hope that Edwards is more careful how this topic is handled in future books.
Moving on, I liked Rune and Brand as a unit. I liked how easily they were able to show affection and care for each other. I'm still not really sure how the whole Companion thing works and I hope Edwards explains that a little better in future books. On that note, I actually wish Edwards did a better job of explaining the world as a whole and the roles that the Arcana play as governance. Is this an alternate Earth? Why are there humans living along side Atlanteans? The history of their society is rich, but it seems to mostly live in the authors head rather than on the pages.
Even though the setting and history of New Atlantis confused me, it didn't really disrupt any of the plot. The story was interesting but the battle scenes dragged, especially the final battle at the compound.
I really enjoyed the side characters. They were interesting and not too over the top. I liked Addam a lot. He's a man who knows what he wants. Cocky but sweet. Idk I haven't read a character or love interest like him in a while. It was refreshing. I loved Quinn. Not much to say there. Max was sweet, I'm curious about his story. I liked that Edwards didn't imply or drag out any kind of adult/minor situation. I was surprised how much I liked Ciaran as well. Even the Tower. It really seems like Edwards has a clear idea for what each character will be in the story moving forward. I like that.
A pet peeve: I hate it when a hero claims their target. for example, "___________ is mine." Cheesy & lame. Why don't you actually fight them & stop wasting your breath? (An opinion I'm sure Brand would appreciate).
A thoroughly fun book. I'll be continuing the series.
oh and after looking over some other reviews, I do agree that there is a glaring issue with a lack of women and non-binary people in the story. For a society that seems to be quite accepting of queerness, there wasn't much diversity beyond mlm relationships. It didn't necessarily bother me, but it stands true nonetheless.
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Fatphobia