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smurf18's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Beneath the Gods' Tree is a beautiful book. We follow Amanah that spends her time trying to keep her head low and not attract attention, but nobles of the city play tricks whenever they can on havi like her and take away what little they have for their entertainment, this is how Amanah is sent to escort a pair of nobles to another city, to try to escape some nobles wrath. She leaves together with her brother Emin, his boyfriend Gurseh, and Taunos the love interest, since all of them are guards. Trough the trip they'll fight hard to keep all of them safe and refrain of angering any more nobles. There is a lot more to this book than just the romance part, but it's incredibly sweet and tender, Amanah that tries to be invisible and avoid attention that might cause her problems, and Taunos that is naturally loud and with a noticeable presence, their chemistry in undeniable, as they help each other navigate their struggles.
The banter all across the book is delightful, and gives the characters a sense of found family and overall closeness and care between them, I love all of them dearly.
The descriptions of the scenery are very well written, just like the world building, everything is stunning, banner dances, the meaning of braids, all the different gods.
This book blew me away and might actually be my favorite book ever, I really look forward to reading more books from S Kaeth, it's trully a gorgeous story and I don't think I can shut up about how much I recommend it.
The banter all across the book is delightful, and gives the characters a sense of found family and overall closeness and care between them, I love all of them dearly.
The descriptions of the scenery are very well written, just like the world building, everything is stunning, banner dances, the meaning of braids, all the different gods.
This book blew me away and might actually be my favorite book ever, I really look forward to reading more books from S Kaeth, it's trully a gorgeous story and I don't think I can shut up about how much I recommend it.
katsa6's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
Amanah is from a lower class of nomadic tribe currently a guard. Secretly she learns about healing from eavesdropping near the windows of the Bamimiri healers. Learning healing is forbidden to those without money or connections.
Amanah's heritage made the magistrates of the city give her unfair treatment when her possessions get stolen. She can't help herself and even though she is trying to lay low and take the unfair punishments Amanah ends up making enemies in the city which forced her to take a job out of the city with her brother Emin- his partner and Taunos. It isn't super clear why there is such a hatred and prejudice,but that is almost more true to life - there is no really good reason for it, its just ingrained racism/classism.
There is also a sweet romance plot as well with Taunos our cinnamon roll- the most respectful caring man who has his own issues and backstory he has to work on with Amanah. He seems to fit in everywhere that she can't and it is refreshing to see a character not fall for the lust and have true thoughts on life and what makes her happy and her place in society no matter how heart wrenching that she even has to. The characters reactions and conversations feel realistic and not forced.
The pacing works well. It's more of an adventure and a story of growth and learning to take all the opportunities life gives you. Life isn't always fair but it's what you make with what you are given that determines your happiness. I laughed. I cried. I enjoyed this book.
Amanah's heritage made the magistrates of the city give her unfair treatment when her possessions get stolen. She can't help herself and even though she is trying to lay low and take the unfair punishments Amanah ends up making enemies in the city which forced her to take a job out of the city with her brother Emin- his partner and Taunos. It isn't super clear why there is such a hatred and prejudice,but that is almost more true to life - there is no really good reason for it, its just ingrained racism/classism.
There is also a sweet romance plot as well with Taunos our cinnamon roll- the most respectful caring man who has his own issues and backstory he has to work on with Amanah. He seems to fit in everywhere that she can't and it is refreshing to see a character not fall for the lust and have true thoughts on life and what makes her happy and her place in society no matter how heart wrenching that she even has to. The characters reactions and conversations feel realistic and not forced.
The pacing works well. It's more of an adventure and a story of growth and learning to take all the opportunities life gives you. Life isn't always fair but it's what you make with what you are given that determines your happiness. I laughed. I cried. I enjoyed this book.
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