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mxsallybend's review
5.0
The Tainted Forest a very much a classic sword-and-sorcery, epic quest sort of fantasy, complete with plenty of action, some humor, and a few key sexual moments upon which the action pivots. I loved the magic and mythology behind it, the mystical races we encounter, and the monsters our protagonists face. A lot happens over the course of this third book, and that lends itself very well to a sense of urgency, a need to keep moving forward before the forces of darkness can prevail.
Underlying the story is a transgender twist, and while the actual gender change may be 2 books behind us, the consequences of it, and the emotions it's left Laylana to navigate, are very much a part of the story. She's adapting, but she's also struggling, aware of the new friendships and relationships it's made possible, even as she deals with the vulnerability of being a woman in a violent environment. Dylena walks the fine line between dread and desire, never exploiting Laylana's sexuality, but also not shying away from how it's manipulated by others.
There's still one magical item to be retrieved, one jungle environment to be explored, so the fourth book is eagerly anticipated!
Underlying the story is a transgender twist, and while the actual gender change may be 2 books behind us, the consequences of it, and the emotions it's left Laylana to navigate, are very much a part of the story. She's adapting, but she's also struggling, aware of the new friendships and relationships it's made possible, even as she deals with the vulnerability of being a woman in a violent environment. Dylena walks the fine line between dread and desire, never exploiting Laylana's sexuality, but also not shying away from how it's manipulated by others.
There's still one magical item to be retrieved, one jungle environment to be explored, so the fourth book is eagerly anticipated!
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