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A very compelling plot. There were numerous very interesting plot twists and developments.
Quite frankly, I am surprised how much content could have been stuffed in. From this alone, I would gladly give 5 stars.
But... as has become my way, one star is removed for the lack of strong female characters. Every one of the female characters in this book have, for no purpose I can agree to, been relegated to fifth place.
From here on THERE BE SPOILERS!!!!
First of all, Carline. She was supposed to be strong willed but displays only what can be considered cliche girly thoughts as a young girl and as a woman shows barely any initiative or agency, left to depend on the fallible men in her life.
Second, the so-called Queen of the Elves, who almost immediately submits to Tomas and even becomes nothing more than his pleasure object for a considerable time. And even after that she does not have much agency.
Aruta's betrothed (I forget her name) has no agency and neither does Pug's wife. In fact, Pug's wife is barely much more than eye candy. Following his every command with barely a question or a demand for an explanation.
The book is filled with deep and well thought male characters, each with an interesting character arc, but it's evident that the women are there simply as flavoring.
Quite frankly, I am surprised how much content could have been stuffed in. From this alone, I would gladly give 5 stars.
But... as has become my way, one star is removed for the lack of strong female characters. Every one of the female characters in this book have, for no purpose I can agree to, been relegated to fifth place.
From here on THERE BE SPOILERS!!!!
First of all, Carline. She was supposed to be strong willed but displays only what can be considered cliche girly thoughts as a young girl and as a woman shows barely any initiative or agency, left to depend on the fallible men in her life.
Second, the so-called Queen of the Elves, who almost immediately submits to Tomas and even becomes nothing more than his pleasure object for a considerable time. And even after that she does not have much agency.
Aruta's betrothed (I forget her name) has no agency and neither does Pug's wife. In fact, Pug's wife is barely much more than eye candy. Following his every command with barely a question or a demand for an explanation.
The book is filled with deep and well thought male characters, each with an interesting character arc, but it's evident that the women are there simply as flavoring.