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sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Gore, and Blood
Minor: Misogyny
persnickery's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh my goodness, the informed work that is tackled by this book?? I feel terribly seen, and I'm stunned.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Blood
thereadingraccoon's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book Review: In A Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power
In A Garden Burning Gold is the adult debut by author Rory Power. This high fantasy novel explores the issues of magic, power, politics and family on an alternative to earth.
In A Garden Burning Gold is the adult debut by author Rory Power. This high fantasy novel explores the issues of magic, power, politics and family on an alternative to earth.
Rhea is a twin who alongside her family has controlled aspects of the natural world in their part of the world for over 100 years. Magically gifted by her father Rhea brings on the seasons by accepting a new “consort” (spouse) and then killing him four months later thereby ending that season. This act of sacrifice gifts prosperity to the land the consort came from which usually means there are several vying for her hand. When her brother asks her to marry the son of a noble from a bordering area rumored to harbor rebels Rhea finds herself questioning her family, her legacy and how much she is willing to sacrifice to keep her family in control.
Although In A Garden Burning Gold isn’t the easiest and most fun filled read among recent fantasy releases it’s power is in how completely unique the world building is and how the author allows it to unfold without a giant info dump in the begging. The story is able to slowly build until it reaches its crescendo in the the last 20% of the book. Even though Rhea has killed hundreds of spouses in her 100 years the reader will root for her as she tries to navigate both saving her family and doing right by the hungry and desperate people around her. There is also a touch of romance as Rhea starts to fall for her latest “consort” as they both work on completely different agendas.
The story is also told in the POV of her twin Lexos as he tries to put out the fires his father has ignored or started himself. Left behind at home are their younger siblings Nitsos and Chrysanthi who are mostly cut-off from the political maneuverings of their father and the twins but have powers of their own.
I found In A Garden of Burning Gold to be a well-plotted and fantastical entry into the adult fantasy genre. Readers that enjoy high fantasy along with political intrigue, complicated family dynamics and powerful magic will enjoy this novel.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Murder, Domestic abuse, Violence, and Toxic relationship
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