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emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The characters really carried this book for me. There was such great characterisation of the side characters, especially Tal's siblings. I basically lived for their sibling interactions as they felt so realistic. I really liked Tal himself because he was so complex, in that he was navigating so many burdens: the kingdom's expectations, finding his own identity, and dealing with his great-grandfather's violent legacy.
In terms of romance, I definitely think that it improves as the book goes on. Initially I was actually enjoying the plot more than the romance, as I had no idea where the plot was going (in a good way) and it mostly had a sea setting. The romance at the start was a little too insta-lovey, although it was very sweet and had first-love vibes. It didn't take too long for me to be fully on board with the romance, however, as the angst in the middle felt satisfying and lent realism to the relationship. By the end I was feeling pretty emotional about Tal and Athlen's love!
There were a few things that I didn't like. The first is that the world-building could have been better and less generic, especially as the first part of the book definitely relies on the plot to be good. The second is that sometimes a problem was made out to be high stakes, but in actuality was solved pretty easily.Also, one thing that didn't make sense to me was Tal's rapid improvement in magical skill. In the beginning of the book he makes it clear that he is only good at fire magic, but by the end (with no practice) he can summon winds and move objects with ease.
However, like I said, I just got super attached to all of the characters and loved their interactions and the love between Tal and Athlen, which made this book worth its while to read!
In terms of romance, I definitely think that it improves as the book goes on. Initially I was actually enjoying the plot more than the romance, as I had no idea where the plot was going (in a good way) and it mostly had a sea setting. The romance at the start was a little too insta-lovey, although it was very sweet and had first-love vibes. It didn't take too long for me to be fully on board with the romance, however, as the angst in the middle felt satisfying and lent realism to the relationship. By the end I was feeling pretty emotional about Tal and Athlen's love!
There were a few things that I didn't like. The first is that the world-building could have been better and less generic, especially as the first part of the book definitely relies on the plot to be good. The second is that sometimes a problem was made out to be high stakes, but in actuality was solved pretty easily.
However, like I said, I just got super attached to all of the characters and loved their interactions and the love between Tal and Athlen, which made this book worth its while to read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, and Violence
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Death of parent, Excrement, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, Sexual content, Torture, and Vomit
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