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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The world-building is really good, and the magic system is interesting and unique. I was interested in the dynamics between trolls and humans and there are some really interesting gender politics going on. I wanted to learn more about the world, which is rare in fantasy books for me anymore.
The downsides: the plot and pacing of this book were not good at all. The story moved slowly and the author seemed to use time jumps as a way to move character relationships along without actually showing us that development. This meant that I didn't really believe or care about any of the relationships in this book. I was also very confused about how time was passing. With the two parallel plots going on and both having time jumps, it was impossible to figure out how much time this story took place over, and when things were occurring in tandem. It was quite confusing, especially since the two storylines don't meet up until 80% of the way through the book.
As far as plot, the driving plot of this book is ostensibly the troll murders, but the plot is wrapped up SO quickly at the end (in about three pages) that it felt like the author was saying "see, this wasn't the point of this story at all." It was rushed and a bit clumsy. If the murders weren't the driving plot, then they spent too much time talking about them, but if they were, they were wrapped up too quickly.
I actually think this book would have been much better if it had been broken up into a trilogy, which I never think. One book to focus on Onna, one to focus on Tsira and Jeckran, and the last book to tie them together and focus on the murders. Instead, we have a book that feels disjointed and clunky, without a clear plot or purpose.
The downsides: the plot and pacing of this book were not good at all. The story moved slowly and the author seemed to use time jumps as a way to move character relationships along without actually showing us that development. This meant that I didn't really believe or care about any of the relationships in this book. I was also very confused about how time was passing. With the two parallel plots going on and both having time jumps, it was impossible to figure out how much time this story took place over, and when things were occurring in tandem. It was quite confusing, especially since the two storylines don't meet up until 80% of the way through the book.
As far as plot, the driving plot of this book is ostensibly the troll murders, but the plot is wrapped up SO quickly at the end (in about three pages) that it felt like the author was saying "see, this wasn't the point of this story at all." It was rushed and a bit clumsy. If the murders weren't the driving plot, then they spent too much time talking about them, but if they were, they were wrapped up too quickly.
I actually think this book would have been much better if it had been broken up into a trilogy, which I never think. One book to focus on Onna, one to focus on Tsira and Jeckran, and the last book to tie them together and focus on the murders. Instead, we have a book that feels disjointed and clunky, without a clear plot or purpose.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The concept sounded really interesting. An ok start and then the random sex obsession between Tsira and "her pink" with quite a lot of "fucks" both literal and figuratively . Felt overly crude for no reason. Thought the story turned a corner at Onnas entrance exam. That concept was fun and creative similarly for her other display of ability. But then back for more Tsira and "her pink" . Was hoping for some twist in the story with Sy but no luck on that either. For a first novel, the world and concept were impressive but def not a favorite of mine.
This has clearly been my Year of Magical Book-reading, and in a year of books about witches, spells, enchanted libraries, and more Waggoner stands out with her unique humor and refreshingly and unapologetically weird and wonderful pairings. This is no exception.
We get two stories for the price of one. In one thread, we meet an adrift troll named Tsira who strikes up an unlikely alliance/friendship with a disillusioned human soldier she rescues from near-death. In the other thread we meet Onna, a talented and ambitious young magician looking to pursue further education for herself and finding herself in an unusual apprenticeship. As a mysterious sorcerer/serial killer hunts down trolls, both stories wing their way together.
There's a distinct Howl's Moving Castle dynamic between onna and her magical mentor that I really appreciated. The Tsira/Jeckram pairing is also interesting and fun with loads of chemistry.
I read this out of sequence and sadly, the only flaw I can really find with it is that it is not The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Witchcraft and Wizardry. Waggoner upped her game even more with her followup, so coming from that to this cannot but help but be a very slight come down only because Ruthless was very near to perfect for me. If you read this first though, you are in for a treat with the other.
We get two stories for the price of one. In one thread, we meet an adrift troll named Tsira who strikes up an unlikely alliance/friendship with a disillusioned human soldier she rescues from near-death. In the other thread we meet Onna, a talented and ambitious young magician looking to pursue further education for herself and finding herself in an unusual apprenticeship. As a mysterious sorcerer/serial killer hunts down trolls, both stories wing their way together.
There's a distinct Howl's Moving Castle dynamic between onna and her magical mentor that I really appreciated. The Tsira/Jeckram pairing is also interesting and fun with loads of chemistry.
I read this out of sequence and sadly, the only flaw I can really find with it is that it is not The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Witchcraft and Wizardry. Waggoner upped her game even more with her followup, so coming from that to this cannot but help but be a very slight come down only because Ruthless was very near to perfect for me. If you read this first though, you are in for a treat with the other.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
I absolutely adored this book. Marvelous worldbuilding, fascinating customs, super hot sex scenes that add to character development, and it’s delightfully queer. I hope the author continues to write in this setting. I’ve loved both of her books so far.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated