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A review by aggressive_nostalgia
The Thirteenth House by Sharon Shinn
It still amazes me that both books I’ve read so far in the Twelve Houses series could have next to no plot to speak of—or at least a very thin, rather dull one—and still be so gripping. Essentially, all that is supposed to happen in the bulk of this book is that Kirra is supposed to style herself as her sister and go to a lot of parties to meet a lot of important people. That’s one of those plots that’s not worth reading unless something goes wrong with it. But even before something does go wrong, it’s still gripping. Sharon Shinn’s characterization and development are beautifully done.
*Spoilers ahead.*
I have to say, the major plot twist—Kirra and Romar’s romance? Not comfortable. I’m pretty conservative as far as sex goes–I’m not thrilled even with the whole sex outside of marriage thing—but adultery? Believe me, I am about as diehard a romantic as you are going to find, but for me to really love a romance, it has to fit hand in hand with my morals, and this definitely didn’t. Once we got the point in the book where they were actually having an affair, I pretty much skimmed it and read all the parts that didn’t involve the two of them in moonlight trysts or bedroom rendezvouses. I was really glad that Kirra did (mostly) the right thing in the end. I felt for her—yes—but my morals won out here and I can honestly say I did not want the Romar-Kirra ship to sail. I will probably never forgive Romar, since he committed adultery and was never sorry for it. He's a jerk. He didn’t make any good choices as far as Kirra was concerned.
Another bonus point for Shinn's characterization is that I wasn't frustrated with Donnal (who is probably my second favorite character after Cammon) for loving Kirra—I didn't undergo the "I hate the author for making the gallant hero get stuck falling in love with the selfish and annoying heroine" train of thought, which can pretty quickly sour a book. Although I was angry and frustrated with Kirra's choices in this book, i still genuinely like her very much as a character (and *spoilers for future* I am extremely happy she and Donnal end up together. They counterbalance each other very well).
When Donnal left, that’s the closest I came to crying over a book in several months.
Reason number (insert large number here) why I read novels: because it is impossible not to jump up and do a happy dance when the irascibly, obnoxiously macho, honor-and-duty-obsessed character turns out to be a diehard romantic. And, for bonus points, reams the main character for being a bloody idiot.
Humor? Brilliant. I don’t laugh out loud at many jokes in books, but I did at this one. several times. Possibly at lines that weren’t even intended by the characters to be jokes, which is the best, because that means the author is doing a really good job of conveying character and tone.
Language? Diction? Prosaically poetic as always, easy but entertaining and wonderfully descriptive reading.
I did not love this book for its plot. I am, however, in love with this series, and have absolutely every intention of reading the final three installments.
*Spoilers ahead.*
I have to say, the major plot twist—Kirra and Romar’s romance? Not comfortable. I’m pretty conservative as far as sex goes–I’m not thrilled even with the whole sex outside of marriage thing—but adultery? Believe me, I am about as diehard a romantic as you are going to find, but for me to really love a romance, it has to fit hand in hand with my morals, and this definitely didn’t. Once we got the point in the book where they were actually having an affair, I pretty much skimmed it and read all the parts that didn’t involve the two of them in moonlight trysts or bedroom rendezvouses. I was really glad that Kirra did (mostly) the right thing in the end. I felt for her—yes—but my morals won out here and I can honestly say I did not want the Romar-Kirra ship to sail. I will probably never forgive Romar, since he committed adultery and was never sorry for it. He's a jerk. He didn’t make any good choices as far as Kirra was concerned.
Another bonus point for Shinn's characterization is that I wasn't frustrated with Donnal (who is probably my second favorite character after Cammon) for loving Kirra—I didn't undergo the "I hate the author for making the gallant hero get stuck falling in love with the selfish and annoying heroine" train of thought, which can pretty quickly sour a book. Although I was angry and frustrated with Kirra's choices in this book, i still genuinely like her very much as a character (and *spoilers for future* I am extremely happy she and Donnal end up together. They counterbalance each other very well).
When Donnal left, that’s the closest I came to crying over a book in several months.
Reason number (insert large number here) why I read novels: because it is impossible not to jump up and do a happy dance when the irascibly, obnoxiously macho, honor-and-duty-obsessed character turns out to be a diehard romantic. And, for bonus points, reams the main character for being a bloody idiot.
Humor? Brilliant. I don’t laugh out loud at many jokes in books, but I did at this one. several times. Possibly at lines that weren’t even intended by the characters to be jokes, which is the best, because that means the author is doing a really good job of conveying character and tone.
Language? Diction? Prosaically poetic as always, easy but entertaining and wonderfully descriptive reading.
I did not love this book for its plot. I am, however, in love with this series, and have absolutely every intention of reading the final three installments.