A review by liesljrowe
The Waking Land by Callie Bates

3.0

There's a lot to like in this book. The level of Stockholm Syndrome brainwashing that Elanna has gone through during her time away as hostage feels scarily accurate, and it was fantastic watching her character evolve as she realised that so much of what she had been told about her homeland were lies. Also I loved how the book explored the issues of a conquered land struggling to hold onto their culture: can't help but wonder how much of the situation was inspired by Jacobite Scotland, the "king across the water" situation felt a bit too familiar.

I'm a sucker for a good magic origins story too, and Elanna's magic connected to the land had some really unusual elements to it which I liked a lot.

The main thing that stops me scoring the book higher, though, is pacing. A lot of the opening of the book felt like scene-setting as Elanna would run away from danger, nearly get captured, then run away again. I was fairly surprised to notice I was about 70% through the book when the real business of rebellion began in earnest. That being said, it was still a fantastic read and I'd wholeheartedly recommend.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!