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A review by isnt_it_pretty
Daughter of the Drow by Elaine Cunningham
Did not finish book. Stopped at 75%.
The protagonist is Liriel Baenre, a 40-year-old drow described as looking just under 16. She is innately magically talented, and stunning. Her father is the most powerful man in Menzoberranzan, and she bares the last name of the most powerful house. In general, Liriel is as privileged as a drow can get. Personality wise, Liriel reminds me of girls who bully people in high school. She does bully other characters in the drow academy, and she peer pressures people into joining her to do dangerous things for her enjoyment. Every male she encounters wants to sleep with her, despite how old they are portrayed, including her magic teacher.
The villains are a heavyset, unattractive, nearsighted women (in a society that values physical appearance and perfect), and a male fighting against the tyranny of a female-dominated society. It's as if the author couldn't let go of real-life power dynamics, and decided all men are evil. The villain says he wants to keep Liriel as a sex slave to bare children, albeit not in as overt language. He also keeps a 'harem' of surface elves, described as desperate women who had nowhere else to go.
The story is about a privileged girl who gets thinks rules (however wrong they are) don't apply to her because she's special, and deserves better than those around her. It makes minorities and those without power out to be villains.
The villains are a heavyset, unattractive, nearsighted women (in a society that values physical appearance and perfect), and a male fighting against the tyranny of a female-dominated society. It's as if the author couldn't let go of real-life power dynamics, and decided all men are evil. The villain says he wants to keep Liriel as a sex slave to bare children, albeit not in as overt language. He also keeps a 'harem' of surface elves, described as desperate women who had nowhere else to go.
The story is about a privileged girl who gets thinks rules (however wrong they are) don't apply to her because she's special, and deserves better than those around her. It makes minorities and those without power out to be villains.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Rape
Minor: Ableism
Quotes alluding the sexual assault.
"Nisstyre assured himself complacently. A push, a nudge, and she would be his.
And, by extension, Vhaeraun’s. In some matters, even the God of Thieves had to take second place."
"Nisstyre took his god’s instructions one step further: he kept a small harem of surface elves in the settlement."
"There are more ways than one to humble the little princess,” Nisstyre said softly. “I want this female for Vhaeraun, and for my own pleasure, but I am not averse to sharing. In time, you shall have your revenge."