A review by cold_boy
The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood

adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was a lovely book. You can clearly see Ursula K. Le Guin's influence in her prose, which gets contrasted nicely with some very funny, more modern dialogue. I loved the almost episodic structure of the narrative, where it's a bit meandering and campy while still connecting together - very Witcher, in a good way. Also while I'd be happy recommending this to an older teen, it's very refreshing to read a modern queer fantasy that doesn't have that "YA/fanfic tone." Nothing wrong with that style of writing, it's just not something I personally enjoy, and it's ubiquitous in recent fantasy.

Also the queerness in this book was amazing! Every major character with the exception of Oranna is confirmed queer. Queer love (and queer sex) is a major pillar of the narrative without feeling detracting or tacked on, or being the *only* part of the book. It's wonderful, some of the best depictions of gay relationships (the good and the bad) I've ever seen, and being able to have conflict in these relationships without homophobia existing is the icing on top.
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