A review by nastja_m
The Councillor by E.J. Beaton

4.0

This is a beautifully written book.
Interesting characters, solid plot and world-building.
The main character is layered and complex, really held my attention.
The pacing did get a bit too slow at times, but that's likely a me problem.
One small issue:

Spoiler

Although Derset's betrayal made total sense, I found the sexual relationship between him and Lysande forced and unnecessary, especially because it felt like Lysande was kind of detached from the whole thing. She needs a warm body, he's available, but she's so busy playing politics, she misses the snake in her bed... I get it. But I would've much preferred a surrogate father-daughter dynamic, the betrayal would've hit harder if he had actually gotten emotionally close, rather than just being there, all submissive and placating. Luca was intriguing, though, which I appreciated.

All in all, a promising start to a fantasy series.