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majabwds's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. This story has an interesting start. We follow a returning soldier (who also happens to be a royal/aristocrat of some kind as he returns from war / slavery and becomes a personal secretary to the half sister of the current ruler. And then they are invited to court where they get into all kinds of trouble and there is death magic involved and an old family curse.
The story was easy to follow but it lost my interest in the last third because our main character (and there were many, many characters to keep track of) was under the weather most of the time but he kept trying to the most and barely surviving. It was also a bit to philosophical for me with all the gods and their intentions talk.
Also, I could hear the audiobook narrator "acting" and it kept me out of the story.
Over all, the book was fine. Will not be continuing on with the series because the story in this book ended well.
The story was easy to follow but it lost my interest in the last third because our main character (and there were many, many characters to keep track of) was under the weather most of the time but he kept trying to the most and barely surviving. It was also a bit to philosophical for me with all the gods and their intentions talk.
Also, I could hear the audiobook narrator "acting" and it kept me out of the story.
Over all, the book was fine. Will not be continuing on with the series because the story in this book ended well.
eran11's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kayay's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
ammonoids's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A witty main character that kept me invested throughout, convincing court drama, and a plot that was diverting all the way through the end.
I have to say, though.... why a nineteen year old, sir!!
I have to say, though.... why a nineteen year old, sir!!
msmith7344's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
guaninecytosine's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
stitchwitch's review against another edition
I couldn't get past the middle-age protagonist's obsession with a 19 year old woman (who he thinks is a teenager at first). It was also too much political intrigue, not enough action, but that's just a personal preference.
wyntercreations's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hannahhbic's review against another edition
5.0
It took me nearly a year to get through but I adore this book. Thank goodness my library has books two and three on audiobook as well so I don't have to wait!