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A review by kimtee83
Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This was my first foray into Arthurian legend, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This feminist retelling was interesting, though I did find the narrative lacking in parts.
Arthur, for the most part, feels like a flat character (as told by Sebastian). So much so, that I find it a bit perplexing that Lancelot, Gwen, or Elaine would so willingly forgo happiness to see him on the throne. We continually hear that he will be great. But, we rarely see it in the novel itself. Even Elaine’s vision see Arthur in a rage or despair. So, in this way, the novel doesn’t really seem like a feminist … anything.
It is only when, first, Morgana and, later, Elaine and Gwen find the lines they are not willing to cross for Arthur, does the narrative change. This change happens in the last thirty pages or so. Nonetheless, in choosing to walk away from their fates, they forge new paths. I would have enjoyed an additional chapter or two on what that path looked like for our three female characters, especially after so many visions of their unhappiness.
Regardless, I found the novel enchanting. I felt as if I was transported into this world. I found myself rooting for our ragtag team. Honestly, I may even properly dive into Arthurian mythology now.
I will say that I most enjoyed Morgana, Gwen and Elaine taking control of their lives and their happiness. That really saved the novel for me.
Arthur, for the most part, feels like a flat character (as told by Sebastian). So much so, that I find it a bit perplexing that Lancelot, Gwen, or Elaine would so willingly forgo happiness to see him on the throne. We continually hear that he will be great. But, we rarely see it in the novel itself. Even Elaine’s vision see Arthur in a rage or despair. So, in this way, the novel doesn’t really seem like a feminist … anything.
It is only when, first, Morgana and, later, Elaine and Gwen find the lines they are not willing to cross for Arthur, does the narrative change. This change happens in the last thirty pages or so. Nonetheless, in choosing to walk away from their fates, they forge new paths. I would have enjoyed an additional chapter or two on what that path looked like for our three female characters, especially after so many visions of their unhappiness.
Regardless, I found the novel enchanting. I felt as if I was transported into this world. I found myself rooting for our ragtag team. Honestly, I may even properly dive into Arthurian mythology now.
I will say that I most enjoyed Morgana, Gwen and Elaine taking control of their lives and their happiness. That really saved the novel for me.