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A review by aehc
The Grief of Stones by Katherine Addison
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I anticipate it will take exactly six books for Thara Celehar to emotionally heal and accept that he has inherent worth as a human (or elf) being, but I'm excited to read every one of them. As always, the world of the Ethuveraz is rich and compelling, and Addison does none of the exposition dumping common in fantasy, trusting her readers to work things out from context. The world opens a bit more in every book, and they all reward close attention and re-reads. Celehar is wonderful as our flawed but deeply good protagonist; his profound awkwardness is matched only by his deep commitment to justice and to his calling.
I'm fascinated by how Celehar's loss of his connection to the dead will drive forward his character development. Tomasaran is a great addition to the cast; her presence shakes up the status quo and lets us see different parts of the world that Celehar, as a man and a lifelong prelate, doesn't have access to. I'm excited to get to know her further in the next book and see how her and Celehar's student/mentor relationship evolves as she becomes the official Witness.
And of course, the slow burn romance of all time, Iäna Pel-Thenhior. The opera and the arts scene in Amalo is such an interesting contrast to Celehar's usual haunts, and I loved how Celehar continues to be drawn in while realizing he's playing with fire. But Iäna is so fiercely trying, and I have faith that these two crazy kids (read: middle aged men) can make it work.
The mysteries in this book were a little less compelling than in The Witness for the Dead, but the rich character work and the worldbuilding provide more than enough to sink your teeth into. I'm so excited for the third book, and I hope Addison continues to find compelling stories to tell in this world.
And of course, the slow burn romance of all time, Iäna Pel-Thenhior. The opera and the arts scene in Amalo is such an interesting contrast to Celehar's usual haunts, and I loved how Celehar continues to be drawn in while realizing he's playing with fire. But Iäna is so fiercely trying, and I have faith that these two crazy kids (read: middle aged men) can make it work.
The mysteries in this book were a little less compelling than in The Witness for the Dead, but the rich character work and the worldbuilding provide more than enough to sink your teeth into. I'm so excited for the third book, and I hope Addison continues to find compelling stories to tell in this world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Child abuse, and Suicide