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A review by ellenw
Treason's Shore by Sherwood Smith
4.0
I think the most revolutionary thing this series does is portray violence against women not because they are women but because they are warriors. I have issues with how Smith got there (in-universe), but it made the battle scenes refreshing. As they portrayed women being chopped into bloody bits. Okay, I probably shouldn't be allowed to review books anymore.
Moving on: great characterization, thought-provoking worldbuilding, bizarre pacing. If you have the patience for it, there are dozens of interesting stories in this series, but the problem is that they really are kind of buried. It came out ahead for me because I don't mind a slow-burning story (and I will forgive much in exchange for good, complex characters), but I can see how it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
DON'T read this if you're expecting the kind of gritty, violent epic fantasy that is popular right now -- for valid reasons, I think -- but do give it a try if you're intrigued by the idea of an old-fashioned fantasy (all about Honor and Treaties and Political Marriages) with unusual, ultra-liberal, but consistent social mores.
Now to contemplate how the same person who wrote this could have also written Crown Duel.
Moving on: great characterization, thought-provoking worldbuilding, bizarre pacing. If you have the patience for it, there are dozens of interesting stories in this series, but the problem is that they really are kind of buried. It came out ahead for me because I don't mind a slow-burning story (and I will forgive much in exchange for good, complex characters), but I can see how it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
DON'T read this if you're expecting the kind of gritty, violent epic fantasy that is popular right now -- for valid reasons, I think -- but do give it a try if you're intrigued by the idea of an old-fashioned fantasy (all about Honor and Treaties and Political Marriages) with unusual, ultra-liberal, but consistent social mores.
Now to contemplate how the same person who wrote this could have also written Crown Duel.