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raila_h's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
njord_123's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nvy368's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
brooke_city's review
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Picked this up on a whim. Teetering between 3.5 and 4.
Came for the political intrigue. For those who care more about the scheming, and less about battles, this is for us.
Gormflaith is a City Girl. Drugging, pimping, manipulating -- she uses anyone to get what she wants. Including her own son. She pretends everything is for him, but really is the glorification of herself. If women were allowed to inherit and rule, she wouldn't need him. The things she does are so despicable, you really wanna hate her. But... she got a point. Fuck the patriarchy! Burn it all down!
I fear she will get screwed by her brother in the end bc he's playing the really long game. I don't think he's as incompetent as he appears.
Fódla. Oh dear, Fódla. Stand UP, my good sis. Where Gormflaith has too much confidence, Fódla doesn't have an ounce. Tomas has basically broken her through fear mongering and emotional abuse. Once out from under his thumb, she thrives. Of course, Prince M falls for her, and he doesn't care what she looks like. I don't care how cliche it is, I'm rooting for them! Can't wait for Tomas to see someone who actually appreciates her, and a mortal, no less.
I'm invested enough to continue the series.
Came for the political intrigue. For those who care more about the scheming, and less about battles, this is for us.
I fear she will get screwed by her brother in the end bc he's playing the really long game. I don't think he's as incompetent as he appears.
Fódla. Oh dear, Fódla. Stand UP, my good sis. Where Gormflaith has too much confidence, Fódla doesn't have an ounce. Tomas has basically broken her through fear mongering and emotional abuse. Once out from under his thumb, she thrives. Of course, Prince M falls for her, and he doesn't care what she looks like. I don't care how cliche it is, I'm rooting for them! Can't wait for Tomas to see someone who actually appreciates her, and a mortal, no less.
I'm invested enough to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Suicide, Religious bigotry, and Sexism
Moderate: Torture and Injury/Injury detail
books_and_bryn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
bethanylouise17's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
desolation73's review against another edition
5.0
This book consumed me and had me sneaking downstairs to read a few more pages while the wife slept and well I like my sleep so I know some Irish spell was cast upon me. Some books dont live up to the hype this one did for me, the only other book so far other than this that disturbed my sleep pattern this year was Richard Swan's Justice of Kings at the beginning of the year and this book topped that for me.
Grab this book as soon as you can if you think an Irish historical fantasy set in Dublin in 996 might float your boat, but a warning for you there isnt one leprechaun in sight!!
Grab this book as soon as you can if you think an Irish historical fantasy set in Dublin in 996 might float your boat, but a warning for you there isnt one leprechaun in sight!!
scoads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Such a good start to the trilogy!! Obsessed with the storytelling, LOVED the start of the slow burn romance, and loved the insanely cool magical take on ancient Ireland. Totally my kind of book. Loved loved loved.
sambam_42's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This is a well written epic fantasy that weaves in Irish history. It only took me this long because I am busy and had little time to read a physical book.