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A review by manubookland
Solstice of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved it! Note that it's better to read this novella after book 2, just because it reveals a big plot twist of book 2 that I think it's worth enjoying!
I was expecting to know better Rhyan, his past, and his traumas, but I didn't expect to know better Jules too! I loved their friendship and how cool and protective of Lyriana she is!
Reading Rhyan perspective was heartbreaking, as someone who had to deal with emotional abuse myself I could understand how he was afraid to have even a moment of happiness for fear of making their abuser angry. I cried a lot, I just wanted to hug him, especially when he was almost convinced that it was his fault. I was so happy when he decided to finally fight, I'm sending you a big hug Rhyan, you deserve the world.
I loved to read his POV about his first encounter with Lyriana, the fact that all she could see was his rude and cold manners, but inside he was literally freaking out for just saying her name out loud. I was giggling the entire time. THE SCENE (you know what I mean) was chef kiss and magical.
I found many interesting foreshadowing, not only in the first two books but something that will probably happen in the future, I can't wait to read Lady of The Drowned Empire!
I was expecting to know better Rhyan, his past, and his traumas, but I didn't expect to know better Jules too! I loved their friendship and how cool and protective of Lyriana she is!
Reading Rhyan perspective was heartbreaking, as someone who had to deal with emotional abuse myself I could understand how he was afraid to have even a moment of happiness for fear of making their abuser angry. I cried a lot, I just wanted to hug him, especially when he was almost convinced that it was his fault. I was so happy when he decided to finally fight, I'm sending you a big hug Rhyan, you deserve the world.
I loved to read his POV about his first encounter with Lyriana, the fact that all she could see was his rude and cold manners, but inside he was literally freaking out for just saying her name out loud. I was giggling the entire time. THE SCENE (you know what I mean) was chef kiss and magical.
I found many interesting foreshadowing, not only in the first two books but something that will probably happen in the future, I can't wait to read Lady of The Drowned Empire!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Vomit