A review by laurenbastian
The Unbalancing by R.B. Lemberg

tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I really wanted to love this book but I found it terribly slow despite a breakneck timeline of events. I had difficulty connecting to Ranra, and felt that she and the most of the other side characters were somewhat vague in her characterization. Perhaps if the book were longer I would have grown to like the characters, but the story takes place in so little time, it was difficult to care much about the character or understand whether they actually developed over the course of the story or not. 

I did really love the creativity of the world building and magic system. The fantasy elements really worked here, and my favorite parts were of Lilún learning the origin of their people and culture. I probably won't read the second one, but I appreciated the read.