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A review by delaneyyyw
A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-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
3.75
Overall pretty good, and if you like fantasy and dirty half-naked warrior heroes you'll LOVE this! I normally read historical romance so this was out of my comfort zone, but worthwhile!
The first third dragged A LOT, and I was overwhelmed by all the worldbuilding in the first few chapters. That first alliance council meeting introduced a lot of characters that you don't really need to know. The first half of the book also seems to have reaaaally long chapters which just enhances the boredom-inducing effect. I needed more plot and less boning for sure (which I rarely think). Or at least more bathing since everyone's just constantly encrusted with various bodily fluids?? I would have forgotten if not for Vane constantly reminding us!
Once I started to remember who all the major players are and their roles (i.e. distinguishing between the Dragon warriors and learning which of Yvenne's brothers is which), it all came together. A little cast of characters and a map would go a loooong way.
The first third dragged A LOT, and I was overwhelmed by all the worldbuilding in the first few chapters. That first alliance council meeting introduced a lot of characters that you don't really need to know. The first half of the book also seems to have reaaaally long chapters which just enhances the boredom-inducing effect. I needed more plot and less boning for sure (which I rarely think). Or at least more bathing since everyone's just constantly encrusted with various bodily fluids?? I would have forgotten if not for Vane constantly reminding us!
Once I started to remember who all the major players are and their roles (i.e. distinguishing between the Dragon warriors and learning which of Yvenne's brothers is which), it all came together. A little cast of characters and a map would go a loooong way.