Scan barcode
A review by vengefuldime
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
2.0
There’s a lot that just didn’t click with me that I can chalk up to romance-specific tropes, so no big deal. (Ex. black and white morality of good/bad kingdoms, lack of character development outside main couple) However, upon further reflection there are a few issues I have that are separate from genre.
Firstly, the worldbuilding is incredibly underdeveloped. It is understandable for a book that focuses almost entirely on the romance, but a problem when the mystery plot is expected to be taken seriously. I was unimpressed with the reveal, and I think that the story needed more outlining of magical expectations and influence in order to be impactful and entertaining. The plot is simply not set up. I did like the application of magic in this world as a talent- widespread, some more inclined naturally, needing practice. I don’t think that it needed that much more attention to magic to be ok, but with the lack that it had it felt very noticeable.
Secondly, the tone doesn’t cohere. Based on my understanding of recommendations and the author’s note, I expected the main character to experience emotional anguish and a slow healing throughout the book. I am sure that that is something comforting to many, and exactly what they are looking for with fiction. It does start off that way, and to my knowledge his emotions/experiences are treated with a great deal of respect. I do feel very conflicted because of the obvious care regarding his trauma. However, the two main plots feel disjointed. The romance is very quick to progress and has a romantic comedy feel when Velasin is not terrified (early on, again). This isn't to say that there is one right way to recover, and Velasin does mention wanting to take back his own control- but it really is so fast it feels like a lie. Then again, this is a romance. Then again, rape is an incredibly meaningful topic... I want to feel like this book was able to combine a deep sense of love and acceptance with the darkness, but I struggle to.
The romance is cute. They clearly work well together, and it is easy to see their affection. I personally wished for a smidge more of interpersonal conflict, since they are both so careful, but they do a good job of carrying the emotions of soothing acceptance to the reader. Once the romance really kicks in that is it. However, since the use of darker topics then ends up feeling used solely for romantic reason rather than being an aspect of Velasin’s character, it becomes a little jarring. It really feels like his healing is not supported with care from others, but that he is cured because he is in love. I don’t feel that the book can be both things that it tries to be.
Firstly, the worldbuilding is incredibly underdeveloped. It is understandable for a book that focuses almost entirely on the romance, but a problem when the mystery plot is expected to be taken seriously. I was unimpressed with the reveal, and I think that the story needed more outlining of magical expectations and influence in order to be impactful and entertaining. The plot is simply not set up. I did like the application of magic in this world as a talent- widespread, some more inclined naturally, needing practice. I don’t think that it needed that much more attention to magic to be ok, but with the lack that it had it felt very noticeable.
Secondly, the tone doesn’t cohere. Based on my understanding of recommendations and the author’s note, I expected the main character to experience emotional anguish and a slow healing throughout the book. I am sure that that is something comforting to many, and exactly what they are looking for with fiction. It does start off that way, and to my knowledge his emotions/experiences are treated with a great deal of respect. I do feel very conflicted because of the obvious care regarding his trauma. However, the two main plots feel disjointed. The romance is very quick to progress and has a romantic comedy feel when Velasin is not terrified (early on, again). This isn't to say that there is one right way to recover, and Velasin does mention wanting to take back his own control- but it really is so fast it feels like a lie. Then again, this is a romance. Then again, rape is an incredibly meaningful topic... I want to feel like this book was able to combine a deep sense of love and acceptance with the darkness, but I struggle to.
The romance is cute. They clearly work well together, and it is easy to see their affection. I personally wished for a smidge more of interpersonal conflict, since they are both so careful, but they do a good job of carrying the emotions of soothing acceptance to the reader. Once the romance really kicks in that is it. However, since the use of darker topics then ends up feeling used solely for romantic reason rather than being an aspect of Velasin’s character, it becomes a little jarring. It really feels like his healing is not supported with care from others, but that he is cured because he is in love. I don’t feel that the book can be both things that it tries to be.