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ebs_nd_flows's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
amairo's review against another edition
2.0
I so much liked the description of this book, so when I was approved to receive an ARC of it, I was happy. But it took me 17 days to read a book with 180 pages. Yes, I really wanted it to be good, but it wasn’t.
I liked the idea of bonding with animal and I had never read a book with gender fluid protagonist, so I really wanted to know more. Apart of that, I’m huge fantasy fan and the whole premise of bonding animals and fight in a war and spying and everything else sounded perfect. But after I read 20% of the book everything started to feel flat and not okay.
In my opinion, the world building was not enough – lots of things wasn’t explained – I wanted to know more about Thim, how it was founded and at least a small portion of the story of all inhabitors. Instead, we see only the insecurities of the main character. All of his decisions was based on their own feelings and they were selfish and childish most of the time.
Read the full review here: http://amairobookshelf.com/2017/08/24/julia-ember-the-tigers-watch/
I liked the idea of bonding with animal and I had never read a book with gender fluid protagonist, so I really wanted to know more. Apart of that, I’m huge fantasy fan and the whole premise of bonding animals and fight in a war and spying and everything else sounded perfect. But after I read 20% of the book everything started to feel flat and not okay.
In my opinion, the world building was not enough – lots of things wasn’t explained – I wanted to know more about Thim, how it was founded and at least a small portion of the story of all inhabitors. Instead, we see only the insecurities of the main character. All of his decisions was based on their own feelings and they were selfish and childish most of the time.
Read the full review here: http://amairobookshelf.com/2017/08/24/julia-ember-the-tigers-watch/
jesunflower's review against another edition
3.0
Review in Italian: https://lalibreriadij.wordpress.com/2017/09/13/tigers-watch/
I was kindly sent an e-ARC through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
I must say that I saw the cover and I wanted to read it. Little matter the plot, when I see such a beautiful cover it's obvious that I want to read the book! But I still gave a peek at the plot and what I read intrigued me right away. Then, since I had the chance, I also decided to go to Goodreads so much to see if there were positive comments: I did not even look at them, I saw that the book was categorized as lgtbq + and definitively I decided to ask for it. We always complain that diversity is missing in books, so when I find one that has one or more different sexual oriented characters from my own I do what I can to read it.
It started well, everything promised a solid female character who has not yet decided whether to be a girl or a boy and I liked it a lot. It's a pity that everything stops there. I thought there was at least a small hint that the protagonist could be bi, but nothing, the usual and old loving triangle peeps into the plot and is always on the girl-indecisive-between-two-boys model ... nothing mind blowing in short.
Also the plot in general is not what I expected, I would have preferred more depths both for the topics dealt with than for the story: we start in medias res and come to a strategic point that opens the line to the next book.
Recommended? Meh. It depends on your tastes ... It's definitely a good first book but I do not think I'll read the rest of the series.
I was kindly sent an e-ARC through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
I must say that I saw the cover and I wanted to read it. Little matter the plot, when I see such a beautiful cover it's obvious that I want to read the book! But I still gave a peek at the plot and what I read intrigued me right away. Then, since I had the chance, I also decided to go to Goodreads so much to see if there were positive comments: I did not even look at them, I saw that the book was categorized as lgtbq + and definitively I decided to ask for it. We always complain that diversity is missing in books, so when I find one that has one or more different sexual oriented characters from my own I do what I can to read it.
It started well, everything promised a solid female character who has not yet decided whether to be a girl or a boy and I liked it a lot. It's a pity that everything stops there. I thought there was at least a small hint that the protagonist could be bi, but nothing, the usual and old loving triangle peeps into the plot and is always on the girl-indecisive-between-two-boys model ... nothing mind blowing in short.
Also the plot in general is not what I expected, I would have preferred more depths both for the topics dealt with than for the story: we start in medias res and come to a strategic point that opens the line to the next book.
Recommended? Meh. It depends on your tastes ... It's definitely a good first book but I do not think I'll read the rest of the series.
bbliophile's review against another edition
5.0
AMAZING. I loved this book so much I don't even know what to say. My review is going to be a mess, that's for sure.
thingslucyreads's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really fascinating world that I’ll be happy to spend more time in. I felt really immersed in the story and could clearly imagine the monastery and its surrounds even though neither of those were explained in particularly lavish detail. Sometimes lavish detail is unnecessary.
The history of Thim and Myeik and their opposing cultures and climates and changing fortunes was really interesting and it really felt like I was reading about real places, even with the magic elements. The concept of inhabiters and all the benefits and downsides of being one was also well-expressed, without trying to sway readers to believe wholeheartedly in one side of that argument.
I really liked that nearly every single character was morally grey, and each of them were likeable sometimes and sometimes unlikeable, like real people. Characters that did horrendous things were allowed to also be human and vulnerable, and neither one cancelled the other, and I’ve never seen that kind of thing on this scale before. It’s usually only one or maybe two characters, not half of the main cast.
I don't know if I can speak for the genderqueer rep, but it seemed good overall and it was nice to have they pronouns used for Tashi, and to also have the topic of correct pronouns addressed and enforced. I don’t know if Tashi is meant to be particularly likeable but I liked them and all of their conflicting emotions and actions.
However, I should mention that Tashi's being genderqueer was introduced by way of anxiety that the monks would a) not be accepting of their gender or pronouns and b) would make them shave their head. Tashi is apprehensive about this because they use their hair both to express themself and to feel more comfortable in their body. Introducing a character with a non-binary gender through the threat of unacceptance or violence isn't a good way to do it. (Just to be clear, the monks were accepting of Tashi's gender and pronouns, but they did make them shave their head so they would fit in with the monks when the Myeik came.)
One final thing I liked was that this book addressed the fact that you can be in love with someone else without needing or wanting to tell them, and that that love doesn’t need to stop you being friends with that person, or preclude the possibility of you attracted to someone else. Attraction exists in many, many forms, and none of them are mutually exclusive. That’s another thing I see only very rarely in books.
I’m really interested to see where this story goes next and will be eagerly awaiting the sequel(s?).
Content warning for: character death, more than one quite graphic murder, some instances of dysphoria/negative gender feelings, brief imprisonment and mention of child abandonment.
This is a really fascinating world that I’ll be happy to spend more time in. I felt really immersed in the story and could clearly imagine the monastery and its surrounds even though neither of those were explained in particularly lavish detail. Sometimes lavish detail is unnecessary.
The history of Thim and Myeik and their opposing cultures and climates and changing fortunes was really interesting and it really felt like I was reading about real places, even with the magic elements. The concept of inhabiters and all the benefits and downsides of being one was also well-expressed, without trying to sway readers to believe wholeheartedly in one side of that argument.
I really liked that nearly every single character was morally grey, and each of them were likeable sometimes and sometimes unlikeable, like real people. Characters that did horrendous things were allowed to also be human and vulnerable, and neither one cancelled the other, and I’ve never seen that kind of thing on this scale before. It’s usually only one or maybe two characters, not half of the main cast.
I don't know if I can speak for the genderqueer rep, but it seemed good overall and it was nice to have they pronouns used for Tashi, and to also have the topic of correct pronouns addressed and enforced. I don’t know if Tashi is meant to be particularly likeable but I liked them and all of their conflicting emotions and actions.
However, I should mention that Tashi's being genderqueer was introduced by way of anxiety that the monks would a) not be accepting of their gender or pronouns and b) would make them shave their head. Tashi is apprehensive about this because they use their hair both to express themself and to feel more comfortable in their body. Introducing a character with a non-binary gender through the threat of unacceptance or violence isn't a good way to do it. (Just to be clear, the monks were accepting of Tashi's gender and pronouns, but they did make them shave their head so they would fit in with the monks when the Myeik came.)
One final thing I liked was that this book addressed the fact that you can be in love with someone else without needing or wanting to tell them, and that that love doesn’t need to stop you being friends with that person, or preclude the possibility of you attracted to someone else. Attraction exists in many, many forms, and none of them are mutually exclusive. That’s another thing I see only very rarely in books.
I’m really interested to see where this story goes next and will be eagerly awaiting the sequel(s?).
Content warning for: character death, more than one quite graphic murder, some instances of dysphoria/negative gender feelings, brief imprisonment and mention of child abandonment.
samantha_randolph's review against another edition
4.0
Tashi has had a rough life. With the power of an inhabitor, someone who bonds with an animal, they have been trained as solider and a spy. Fleeing a battle, Tashi seeks a hideout at a monastery, but when the enemy decides to use the monastery as a hospital, they are in more danger than ever. Xian, a commander in the enemy army, decides to use Tashi as a helper, putting them in a valuable but possibly deadly situation. And when Tashi sees Xian’s vulnerable side outside of his commanding company, allegiances, truth, and decisions are tested at every turn.
Julia Ember’s THE TIGER’S WATCH is a thrilling fantasy with delightful, unforgettable characters. Tashi is both brave and vulnerable, sure in some areas but completely doubtful in others. Their bond with the tiger makes a touching companionship, and the scenes where Tashi’s inhabitor powers are used will leave your jaw dropping in amazement. The world of the inhabitors was my favorite part, full of bittersweet wonder and magic that leaves your heart aching.
While the story begins and ends with fantastic action, there are a few stretches in the middle that have slower pacing and occasionally drags. However, this does offer a nice opportunity to explore more of Tashi’s internal life, and their narration is memorable and smooth. Ember writes scenes that could cause a fire with the romantic tension and moments where no backside is safe so far on the edge of the seat.
Fans of Cindy Pon’s Serpentine will devour THE TIGER’S WATCH and eagerly await the preorder button for the sequel once they reach the cliffhanger ending.
Julia Ember’s THE TIGER’S WATCH is a thrilling fantasy with delightful, unforgettable characters. Tashi is both brave and vulnerable, sure in some areas but completely doubtful in others. Their bond with the tiger makes a touching companionship, and the scenes where Tashi’s inhabitor powers are used will leave your jaw dropping in amazement. The world of the inhabitors was my favorite part, full of bittersweet wonder and magic that leaves your heart aching.
While the story begins and ends with fantastic action, there are a few stretches in the middle that have slower pacing and occasionally drags. However, this does offer a nice opportunity to explore more of Tashi’s internal life, and their narration is memorable and smooth. Ember writes scenes that could cause a fire with the romantic tension and moments where no backside is safe so far on the edge of the seat.
Fans of Cindy Pon’s Serpentine will devour THE TIGER’S WATCH and eagerly await the preorder button for the sequel once they reach the cliffhanger ending.
see_sadie_read's review
2.0
1.5
Hated it.
I had really high hopes for this fantasy with a gender-fluid protagonist. But if failed me on almost every level, except that the writing is mechanically and editorially fine.
Point one, the gender-fluid protagonist was a heroine. I don't mean to force an identity on anyone in real life, but in fiction there are certain behaviors, character traits and tropes that show up almost exclusively with YA female characters and YA male characters. And while Tashi waffled about whether they'd like to wear pants or a dress and while the author scrupulously avoided ever discussing secondary sex traits, Tashi behaved 100% like your average, unlikable, angsty, YA heroine. And I hate those heroines. In fact, I've largely given up YA literature at all to avoid them.
I simply did not feel Tashi was gender-fluid in any way other than that the reader was told so and a brief discussion on pronouns. And if an author is going to use gender-fluidity without engaging in it, I don't feel it's being respectfully handled.
But even outside the common YA characteristics, I just plain couldn't like Tashi. They were supposed to love one man, but lusted over another that they'd just met, even as her love was dying. How does that make a believable plot? What's more, they're weak, small-minded, selfish and a traitor. There is no excuse for the ill-thought out, selfish actions they took. Even if it all works out in future books, that doesn't excuse what they did in this one. I actively hoped for them to die at the end.
Then there was the interplay between them and the enemy captain. For one, they somehow coincidentally got chosen to serve him. How convenient for the plot! But nothing about their interaction was believable. They were chosen as a servant to an invading army's captain. But the two of them bickered and fought and treated each other like equals. WOULD NOT HAPPEN. Nothing in their situation was believable.
Then there was the psychic human-animal connection. I loved this idea. But it was barely ever utilized. In fact, we hardly even got to see it. Such a let down.
Then the darned thing ended on a cliffhanger. The only reason I haven't given it a one-star, is that the writing is fine, as I said.
Hated it.
I had really high hopes for this fantasy with a gender-fluid protagonist. But if failed me on almost every level, except that the writing is mechanically and editorially fine.
Point one, the gender-fluid protagonist was a heroine. I don't mean to force an identity on anyone in real life, but in fiction there are certain behaviors, character traits and tropes that show up almost exclusively with YA female characters and YA male characters. And while Tashi waffled about whether they'd like to wear pants or a dress and while the author scrupulously avoided ever discussing secondary sex traits, Tashi behaved 100% like your average, unlikable, angsty, YA heroine. And I hate those heroines. In fact, I've largely given up YA literature at all to avoid them.
I simply did not feel Tashi was gender-fluid in any way other than that the reader was told so and a brief discussion on pronouns. And if an author is going to use gender-fluidity without engaging in it, I don't feel it's being respectfully handled.
But even outside the common YA characteristics, I just plain couldn't like Tashi. They were supposed to love one man, but lusted over another that they'd just met, even as her love was dying. How does that make a believable plot? What's more, they're weak, small-minded, selfish and a traitor. There is no excuse for the ill-thought out, selfish actions they took. Even if it all works out in future books, that doesn't excuse what they did in this one. I actively hoped for them to die at the end.
Then there was the interplay between them and the enemy captain. For one, they somehow coincidentally got chosen to serve him. How convenient for the plot! But nothing about their interaction was believable. They were chosen as a servant to an invading army's captain. But the two of them bickered and fought and treated each other like equals. WOULD NOT HAPPEN. Nothing in their situation was believable.
Then there was the psychic human-animal connection. I loved this idea. But it was barely ever utilized. In fact, we hardly even got to see it. Such a let down.
Then the darned thing ended on a cliffhanger. The only reason I haven't given it a one-star, is that the writing is fine, as I said.
dani_reviews's review
4.0
Rating: 3.5*
Another Julia Ember book! I read every book she writes because she has such a unique style, and I feel like I learn and grow whenever I read her stories. Her fantasy books are often on the shorter side (quicker and easier to digest) while also featuring diverse characters. In The Tiger’s Watch, Ember takes us to another world reminiscent of East Asia (I’m thinking a blend of Burma and Thailand), where a nation is being invaded by another without magic. Our main character, Tashi, is a non-binary inhabitor, able to slip into the mind of their bonded tiger.
I like the concept of bonding. As a child, you’re left in the wild to mutter a spell and hopefully attract an animal. Once that animal reveals itself, you become bonded for life, however long that is for either of you. While bonded, you are able to experience what your animal does, slipping into their body while yours goes slack. When one half of a bonded pair dies, the other falls into a coma. I noticed a lot of reviewers saying it was unbelievable since your lifespan could be shortened significantly depending on what animal you bond with, and why would you willingly give up your life like that. Well, I would. To experience the freedom of flight or power of a big cat would be incredible, and you have an intense companionship until you die. A literal soulmate in (preferably) cuddly form. (I would totally be bonded with a big cat that I could cuddle.)
Katala is definitely a big cat, and I loved it. She’s independent and strong. She likes to kill things and then show them off like trophies for a “good job, Kitty”. She doesn’t care if you have other things going on; when she wants attention, she’ll annoy you until she gets it. She’s also a rare golden tiger.
This was a legitimate question. Everyone expected Tashi to bond with a hare or a doe, something relatively docile. That’s because Tashi starts out so timid. And the vomiting! Why were they always vomiting? Do people honestly vomit that easily when they’re upset? (I feel like I’ve asked this question before in relation to another book…) Over time, however, their inner tiger comes out, and you begin to see why they bonded with one.
I couldn’t really get behind the attraction to Xian. It seemed like a case of Stockholm Syndrome to me. How else can you explain being attracted to a commander of the opposing army who randomly chose you as a servant when he took over your monastery. Especially when his country is invading yours, leading to the deaths and enslavement of your people. I don’t know…
I also didn't agree with Tashi's decisions towards the end. I thought they were too hasty, too rash. They could have thought it through a bit more, learned a bit more, before doing what they did.
Overall, a good start to the Ashes of Gold series! As usual, I recommend trying Ember’s books if you’re looking for something a bit different.
-----------------------
See this review in its natural environment, Dani Reviews Things.
You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.
Another Julia Ember book! I read every book she writes because she has such a unique style, and I feel like I learn and grow whenever I read her stories. Her fantasy books are often on the shorter side (quicker and easier to digest) while also featuring diverse characters. In The Tiger’s Watch, Ember takes us to another world reminiscent of East Asia (I’m thinking a blend of Burma and Thailand), where a nation is being invaded by another without magic. Our main character, Tashi, is a non-binary inhabitor, able to slip into the mind of their bonded tiger.
I like the concept of bonding. As a child, you’re left in the wild to mutter a spell and hopefully attract an animal. Once that animal reveals itself, you become bonded for life, however long that is for either of you. While bonded, you are able to experience what your animal does, slipping into their body while yours goes slack. When one half of a bonded pair dies, the other falls into a coma. I noticed a lot of reviewers saying it was unbelievable since your lifespan could be shortened significantly depending on what animal you bond with, and why would you willingly give up your life like that. Well, I would. To experience the freedom of flight or power of a big cat would be incredible, and you have an intense companionship until you die. A literal soulmate in (preferably) cuddly form. (I would totally be bonded with a big cat that I could cuddle.)
Katala is definitely a big cat, and I loved it. She’s independent and strong. She likes to kill things and then show them off like trophies for a “good job, Kitty”. She doesn’t care if you have other things going on; when she wants attention, she’ll annoy you until she gets it. She’s also a rare golden tiger.
“You are such a weakling. Always crying, vomiting, slinking around,” he said, closing his eyes. “Why on earth would a gold tiger choose you?”
This was a legitimate question. Everyone expected Tashi to bond with a hare or a doe, something relatively docile. That’s because Tashi starts out so timid. And the vomiting! Why were they always vomiting? Do people honestly vomit that easily when they’re upset? (I feel like I’ve asked this question before in relation to another book…) Over time, however, their inner tiger comes out, and you begin to see why they bonded with one.
I couldn’t really get behind the attraction to Xian. It seemed like a case of Stockholm Syndrome to me. How else can you explain being attracted to a commander of the opposing army who randomly chose you as a servant when he took over your monastery. Especially when his country is invading yours, leading to the deaths and enslavement of your people. I don’t know…
I also didn't agree with Tashi's decisions towards the end. I thought they were too hasty, too rash. They could have thought it through a bit more, learned a bit more, before doing what they did.
Overall, a good start to the Ashes of Gold series! As usual, I recommend trying Ember’s books if you’re looking for something a bit different.
-----------------------
See this review in its natural environment, Dani Reviews Things.
You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.
elephant's review
2.0
Sixteen year old Tashi is gender fluid and is an inhabitor, a child who is trained to bond with an animal so that they can be a soldier. There is war and a cute guy on the opposite side and Tashi is supposed to spy on him and it is really cold with lots of snow and I felt like there may have been too much focus on the gender fluidness and not enough world building and it was just ok.
coolcurrybooks's review
3.0
I wanted to read The Seafarer’s Kiss by Julia Ember, so when I saw she had another book on Netgalley, I went and requested it. Lesson learned: when you want to read one book by an author, don’t pick up a completely different book instead. You’d think this would be obvious, but here I am.
Tashi is an inhibitor, someone who’s soul is bonded to an animal and trained to protect and serve their country, even though their life will last only as long as their soul bonded animal. Sixteen-year-old Tashi has spent their entire life training, but they were still unprepared when their country was invaded. They and Katala, their tiger, flee to a remote monastery… but the enemy follows. By chance, Tashi is chosen as a servant for the commander of regiment, placing them in the perfect position to act as a spy.
The Tiger’s Watch has some solid core ideas, but I think they could have used more development. For one, I generally think conflict was lacking. At first, suspense comes from Tashi needing to keep their status as an inhibitor hidden, but they never seem too concerned about this, so it’s hard to care. As for the spying, the major information Tashi is looking for is why the enemy regiment and their commander Xian are at the monastery. Again, Tashi doesn’t seem to feel any urgency about this, so it was hard for me to get invested. A lot of the plot points described in the official blurb only happen about two thirds of the way through, and it’s only then that Tashi faces real conflict. The story does improve at this point.
However the major decision Tashi faces has to do with a love triangle. This is the young adult genre, after all. This is another area where I found the blurb to be misleading, since it suggests that Xian is the one Tashi’s in love with. This isn’t quite true — Tashi has feelings for a friend who’s also an inhibitor, although there’s no denying that they’re lusting after Xian. Honestly, that was so off putting. Xian tortures someone in front of Tashi, and yet Tashi starts getting all these soft feelings for him? Just… why? Because he’s hot? Because he’s nice to Tashi even if he hurts other people? Regardless, Tashi gives Xian way too much leeway and makes some really bad decisions relating to him.
You may have already clued into this from the use of “they/them” pronouns, but Tashi’s nonbinary (specifically genderfluid). It’s not a plot point or something that the story depends on. No coming out or queer angst. It’s a YA fantasy adventure story with a genderfluid protagonist, which is something I know a lot of readers are looking for. While I can’t speak to the quality of the representation, currently the only review I’ve seen from a nonbinary reviewer is positive.
Other thoughts regarding The Tiger’s Watch:
•It’s very short — under two hundred pages. I don’t know if it would qualify as a novella.
•Tashi’s country is based on Bhutan. This is another area where I can’t speak to the quality of representation, and I as yet have seen no reviewers from Bhutanese reviewers.
•The supporting cast is very dude heavy. There’s only one female character in the book (looking at humans only, not Katala), and she exits the scene about half way through. I have heard that this will change in the next book in the series.
Unfortunately, I’m not planning on reading the next book. While I didn’t think The Tiger’s Watch was terrible, I basically found it to be another mediocre YA fantasy novel. That said, someone who is really looking for nonbinary representation in fantasy would be advised to at least look into it.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
Tashi is an inhibitor, someone who’s soul is bonded to an animal and trained to protect and serve their country, even though their life will last only as long as their soul bonded animal. Sixteen-year-old Tashi has spent their entire life training, but they were still unprepared when their country was invaded. They and Katala, their tiger, flee to a remote monastery… but the enemy follows. By chance, Tashi is chosen as a servant for the commander of regiment, placing them in the perfect position to act as a spy.
The Tiger’s Watch has some solid core ideas, but I think they could have used more development. For one, I generally think conflict was lacking. At first, suspense comes from Tashi needing to keep their status as an inhibitor hidden, but they never seem too concerned about this, so it’s hard to care. As for the spying, the major information Tashi is looking for is why the enemy regiment and their commander Xian are at the monastery. Again, Tashi doesn’t seem to feel any urgency about this, so it was hard for me to get invested. A lot of the plot points described in the official blurb only happen about two thirds of the way through, and it’s only then that Tashi faces real conflict. The story does improve at this point.
However the major decision Tashi faces has to do with a love triangle. This is the young adult genre, after all. This is another area where I found the blurb to be misleading, since it suggests that Xian is the one Tashi’s in love with. This isn’t quite true — Tashi has feelings for a friend who’s also an inhibitor, although there’s no denying that they’re lusting after Xian. Honestly, that was so off putting. Xian tortures someone in front of Tashi, and yet Tashi starts getting all these soft feelings for him? Just… why? Because he’s hot? Because he’s nice to Tashi even if he hurts other people? Regardless, Tashi gives Xian way too much leeway and makes some really bad decisions relating to him.
You may have already clued into this from the use of “they/them” pronouns, but Tashi’s nonbinary (specifically genderfluid). It’s not a plot point or something that the story depends on. No coming out or queer angst. It’s a YA fantasy adventure story with a genderfluid protagonist, which is something I know a lot of readers are looking for. While I can’t speak to the quality of the representation, currently the only review I’ve seen from a nonbinary reviewer is positive.
Other thoughts regarding The Tiger’s Watch:
•It’s very short — under two hundred pages. I don’t know if it would qualify as a novella.
•Tashi’s country is based on Bhutan. This is another area where I can’t speak to the quality of representation, and I as yet have seen no reviewers from Bhutanese reviewers.
•The supporting cast is very dude heavy. There’s only one female character in the book (looking at humans only, not Katala), and she exits the scene about half way through. I have heard that this will change in the next book in the series.
Unfortunately, I’m not planning on reading the next book. While I didn’t think The Tiger’s Watch was terrible, I basically found it to be another mediocre YA fantasy novel. That said, someone who is really looking for nonbinary representation in fantasy would be advised to at least look into it.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.