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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Original review: I devoured this in two days. My heart is full.
Added: I've now read this three times in less than 12 months.
Added: I've now read this three times in less than 12 months.
In the medieval-style kingdom of Goredd, women are supposed to be demure and ladylike. Tess, however, is not. She would rather be educated and debate academic topics than sit and sew. After making a fool of herself at her sister's wedding, Tess is bound for the convent - but not on her watch! She pulls on her boots and hits the road to who-knows-where.
A chance encounter leads to a reunion with an old friend - a subspecies of dragon known as a quigutl - who has some plans of his own. The two set out together - Pathka in search of a mythical being, and Tess running away from a secret that she just can't get away from.
My Notes: I didn't realize this was set in the same world as Seraphina, which I have not yet read, and I think I may have gotten a better grasp of the setting if I'd read that one first, but it is a lovely stand-alone story. I didn't necessarily like Tess, and I didn't agree with a lot of her choices, but I enjoyed the book immensely.
A chance encounter leads to a reunion with an old friend - a subspecies of dragon known as a quigutl - who has some plans of his own. The two set out together - Pathka in search of a mythical being, and Tess running away from a secret that she just can't get away from.
My Notes: I didn't realize this was set in the same world as Seraphina, which I have not yet read, and I think I may have gotten a better grasp of the setting if I'd read that one first, but it is a lovely stand-alone story. I didn't necessarily like Tess, and I didn't agree with a lot of her choices, but I enjoyed the book immensely.
adventurous
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:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
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:
Yes
4.5 Stars. I hate to try to describe this book, because it would sound really odd and random. Seeing the character go through life and change was intriguing. Lots of interesting things jumbled together.
I was able to read this ebook through Net Galley!
I read this having not read Serapahina or knowing anything else about the world, and I really enjoyed it! Yes, I can understand some of the lower ratings. A lot happened. There were some coincidences that were.. interesting. However, the overall journey that Tess embarked on was amazing and spiritual and religious and eye opening and awful and wonderful. I would recommend this to advanced readers. The writing is great, but it’s complicated. The fantasy world is also a little complicated.
I read this having not read Serapahina or knowing anything else about the world, and I really enjoyed it! Yes, I can understand some of the lower ratings. A lot happened. There were some coincidences that were.. interesting. However, the overall journey that Tess embarked on was amazing and spiritual and religious and eye opening and awful and wonderful. I would recommend this to advanced readers. The writing is great, but it’s complicated. The fantasy world is also a little complicated.
Deeefinatly trigger warnings. But an interesting read! Kinda hard to get into cause of the triggers.
Readers will either love this book or hate it. It is very character driven. The story arc is entirely about Tess' personal development. Tess is a deeply flawed character who has been deeply hurt. She makes mistakes. But she learns and grows. If you're looking for fantasy adventure, this book will not satisfy you. The fantasy is the backdrop to the character.
There are definitely some heavy themes in this book that make it better for an older audience - rape/date rape, patriarchy and forcing women into puritanical, limiting roles in life, slut shaming, unwed teen pregnancy, elder abuse. Hartman doesn't pull punches. But cruel and hard as life can be, Tess keeps on walking one day at a time.
There are definitely some heavy themes in this book that make it better for an older audience - rape/date rape, patriarchy and forcing women into puritanical, limiting roles in life, slut shaming, unwed teen pregnancy, elder abuse. Hartman doesn't pull punches. But cruel and hard as life can be, Tess keeps on walking one day at a time.