A review by abeanbg
The Kept by James Scott

4.0

This is a frustrating novel to rate and review. The base narrative is quite compelling and the opening hundred pages are spellbinding. But the 2nd act is...not a complete mess, but it takes a turn I don't think works. It turns from a quiet and harrowing revenge and survival story into a messy melodrama involving whorehouses, cross-dressing, and a suddenly exploding cast of characters. Books I and III are excellent. Book I is...not a coherent part of their story. Good outweighs the bad, but this is closer to 3 stars than 5.