A review by ruth_miranda
Shadebloom by Felicia Davin

adventurous funny mysterious 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? N/A

5.0

The Gardener's Handbook has become one of my favourite fantasy tales not only in the indie publishing world, but the trad as well. To say Felicia Davin has created something beautiful and that will stay with me is putting it mildly - this trilogy has in fact inspired and influenced my own writing through the uniqueness of her characters - everyone of them with their peculiarities so well-fleshed and exposed to the reader in such organic ways - to the beauty of her worldbuilding. The entire trilogy felt diverse without it being indoctrinating, like so many similar works I've read through the years, and the relationships and ties between characters did not feel odd or untrue to character, or even forced, like some readers commented - to me, they felt very obvious and foreshadowed in the previous books. I enjoyed the conclusion of the trilogy, though there were a few tidbits I wish had been further explored and perhaps a bit more explained, but all in all, i'm sure i'll be reading these books again. And Iriyat will always be one of my favourite villains EVER!