Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - The Tethered Mage

I just couldn't get into this. I couldn't relate to the emotional tension for the main character because the system is clearly evil and it feels like she'll get to that conclusion eventually but not soon enough for me. It's fantasy with a pretty loosely described magic system and I prefer things more defined.

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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-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

3.0

"It's easy to say you can't change the world... But people do change it. I don't know much history, but I know that. Don't say it can't be done if you really mean you're too lazy to try."

I'm picking up this trilogy because I loved The Obsidian Tower and figured I ought to familiarize myself with the original series and the world at large. I loved the Venetian-feeling Raverra with its canals, cheese, wine, and politicking. Our protagonist Amalia is growing into her role as a powerful noble heir even as she accidentally leashes a mage, attaching herself to the spiteful and powerful Zaira for life. Both characters are clever and fierce in their own ways, and I enjoyed seeing the tentative beginnings of their semi-enmity giving way to friendship.

This story is all about intrigue, which is my personal favorite. My only complaint is that nothing really took me by surprise. I read and love predictable stories all the time, but when you offer me plots and schemes, I want it snappy and shocking or stealthy and multilayered. In this case, reveals were slow enough coming that my response was more like *shrug.*

I want to see how these characters continue to grow individually and in their relationships to round out the trilogy. I also would love a Zaira perspective if possible because her cynicism is such a needed counterpoint to Amalia's own ideals. I'm also hoping for a continued, more extensive interrogation of the morality of leashing mages' power in the first place.

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bookswithjk's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I would recommend this to those who love reading politics over action. The plot moves fairly quickly, and although it does drag a little in the middle, there’s enough twists and turns and red herrings to keep you guessing about the main villain. World building was also interesting - it does reminds me a bit of the Aes Sedai slavery system from the Wheel of Time series though, with the jewelry that’s involved.

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ergative's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was fine. I enjoyed the character dynamics, and I liked the idea of tethering magic-users. I also liked how the primary relationship was a growing friendship and partnership between two women. That sort of buddy-cop dynamic is common with male protagonists, but the very fact that it seems fresh here shows that it is underused with female protagonists. Mama the magnificent politician was great too.

But the interplay between politics and personal stakes really bugged me. Two great nations are on the brink of war, and the way things get resolved depends simply on uncovering the truth? And that magically makes all the other tensions go away? No one proposes that the little girl who acts as a witness in a key moment was coached into lying? No one repudiates the methods of the evildoers while remaining committed to their goals? No one argues that the bad actions were all a false flag operation?

If there's anything the last decade has shown, it's that people on opposite sides of a political debate don't back down just because someone has shown them that they're wrong. I find it unsatisfying and unrealistic when complex international politics hinge on simply showing someone that their opposition is based on a wrong understanding of the state of affairs, as if bringing to light the truth will be enough to make people do the right thing. It doesn't work that way. I can suspend my disbelief for magic and dragons, but this perpetual tendency to act in good faith when making political decisions is a bridge too far.

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