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coriandercake's review against another edition
3.0
3.25
While I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did, the romance ruined it. The age gap was insanely large (18 year old girl and 55 year old man) and the female protagonist, Fawn, was constantly infantilized. She was small, constantly asked questions, was frequently referred to as 'child', and she was described as 'scampering' about. While individually, some of these characteristics could be used to describe an adult woman, taken together they point to a child. Characters that were around her age were also referred to as children. I had to pretend she was much older (and Dag much younger). If this age gap and infantilization didn't exist, this would be one of my new favorite books but no luck.
While I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did, the romance ruined it. The age gap was insanely large (18 year old girl and 55 year old man) and the female protagonist, Fawn, was constantly infantilized. She was small, constantly asked questions, was frequently referred to as 'child', and she was described as 'scampering' about. While individually, some of these characteristics could be used to describe an adult woman, taken together they point to a child. Characters that were around her age were also referred to as children. I had to pretend she was much older (and Dag much younger). If this age gap and infantilization didn't exist, this would be one of my new favorite books but no luck.
reginasage's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, this series hit me in the feels. So intense. I loved the world and the premise, and felt deeply for the characters. Poignant discussions of miscarriage and lost loves are balanced by sweet moments and lessons in courage, plus there is a lot of action. So much happens in this series. I would absolutely read all the books again.
hhouser2's review against another edition
2.0
An age gap love story in an otherwise interesting fantasy world. Features a “smol bean”, 18 year old girl who is practically virginal in love with a 55 year old man who has to teach her everything. Made me cringe every time they infantilized Fawn because she is very much characterized as a child while Dag is a middle aged man towering over her. I don’t believe books or media have to depict perfect, ethical relationships so read what you would like. However, the author does everything she can to prove why these relationships with huge power imbalances/coercion are okay and actually aspirational and romantic. The only nuance there is that everyone around them disapproves at first but their personal exceptionalism and true love wins them all over anyways.
nextboldmove's review
5.0
So, I have read and enjoyed LMB books before, but this one really moved me in ways that the previous books have not. The writing is always solid, and she builds fantasy worlds like no one else, but I have often felt like the story or the characterization held the reader at arm's length. "Good idea," I would think, "but I never really felt welcome to share the joys and triumphs of the characters..."
But not this time.
Though I would characterize this book as a romance, it's not bodice-rippy. It's a sweet story about two people from very different, but overlapping, worlds, who want a chance to be together. There are a couple sex scenes that don't fade to grey, and unlike most books that include these sorts of explicit scenes, these managed to further both plot and characterization, in addition to being both sweet and pleasantly hot. I'm pretty sure that's not easy to do, given how few authors are successful at wedding plot furtherance with the sexy.
I'm relieved to be enjoying these, since I had purchased the whole series in hardback before I had even cracked the first one!
But not this time.
Though I would characterize this book as a romance, it's not bodice-rippy. It's a sweet story about two people from very different, but overlapping, worlds, who want a chance to be together. There are a couple sex scenes that don't fade to grey, and unlike most books that include these sorts of explicit scenes, these managed to further both plot and characterization, in addition to being both sweet and pleasantly hot. I'm pretty sure that's not easy to do, given how few authors are successful at wedding plot furtherance with the sexy.
I'm relieved to be enjoying these, since I had purchased the whole series in hardback before I had even cracked the first one!
annettereads's review
3.25
Massive age gap between the protagonists marred this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
katekat's review
5.0
I love a good fantasy novel and this series is great. In find the characters and story engaging. The writing style easily draws me in and leaves me eager for the next book by this author.
wyvernfriend's review
4.0
Fawn Bluefield wants out of her family farm and into the outside world and Dag, a Lakewalker patroller attracts her and takes her under his wing. Lakewalkers are waging a war against "malices". Malices are immortal entities who draw life out of people and make them into warped versions of themselves.
When Fawn is taken by malices Dag has to rescue her and this changes their relationship forever.
Bujold is a great writer and I have never been disappointed by her, this is no exception.
When Fawn is taken by malices Dag has to rescue her and this changes their relationship forever.
Bujold is a great writer and I have never been disappointed by her, this is no exception.
bajidc's review
5.0
Much better. LMB's style appears to be to plunge the reader into a fully formed world and expect her to catch up quickly or not at all. The V sagas caught me off guard (and had too much in the way of politics for my taste) but this was thoroughly enjoyable and recognizable. I still had to puzzle through some bits which were eventually explained but I was not flailing about this time. Very sweet and enjoyable and I'm looking forward to more.
juliusmoose's review
4.0
This book was engaging and I read it pretty fast. The worldbuilding is pretty cool, but particularly the way hints of what's going on are slowly revealed.
Age gap romance in this one that didn't bother me nearly so much, I guess because it was acknowledged?
Age gap romance in this one that didn't bother me nearly so much, I guess because it was acknowledged?
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