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A review by katyanaish
The Lion's Daughter by Loretta Chase
4.0
I enjoyed it.
I loved the world of Albania, I loved exploring that culture and people. I loved Esme, who was so incredibly brave. I mostly loved Varian, though sometimes his pride was a nuisance -
I liked the wily Ali, and the intrigues of Albania and the unrest being stirred up.
I thought Jason was a douche for doing what he did, though. And it was shockingly idiotic for someone who is supposed to be this clever strategist.
My only complaint is that Varian and Jason treat Esme like she's a moron. Yes, she has a temper, but at the end of the day, she's making sound decisions based on the information she has. Literally every mistake she made could be laid at the feet of some asshole who is scheming in some dumbass plan that involves her, but doesn't bother to inform her of it. Jason does that, Varian does that, and her grandmother does that. And the decisions Esme makes, I would have made too.
I hate that they never own up to their own responsibility for the messes, but just put everything on Esme and treat her like an idiot for doing THE RIGHT THING in the situation they have thrust her into.
So that's my quibble. But I really did enjoy the book.
I loved the world of Albania, I loved exploring that culture and people. I loved Esme, who was so incredibly brave. I mostly loved Varian, though sometimes his pride was a nuisance -
Spoiler
I was shouting at him for not allowing her to be with him, to help, when they were back in England. Like, come on. Don't treat her like some English flower - accept her as she is. Helping you fix your estate, helping your people... this is what she has done for most of her life, and you are setting her aside now? Swallow your pride and treat her like the capable woman that she is, please.I liked the wily Ali, and the intrigues of Albania and the unrest being stirred up.
I thought Jason was a douche for doing what he did, though. And it was shockingly idiotic for someone who is supposed to be this clever strategist.
Spoiler
How could he not imagine that his daughter would seek to avenge his murder? Come fucking on, I could see that even just 10 pages into the book. Had he just TOLD her the fucking plan, she may not have liked it, but at least she wouldn't have charged off to Tepelena to murder Ismal and sacrifice her life. This entire shitshow could have been avoided, if he had just not condescended and manipulated his bright, fierce daughter. He raised her to be a warrior, but treats her like a weak, useless girl. Idiot.My only complaint is that Varian and Jason treat Esme like she's a moron. Yes, she has a temper, but at the end of the day, she's making sound decisions based on the information she has. Literally every mistake she made could be laid at the feet of some asshole who is scheming in some dumbass plan that involves her, but doesn't bother to inform her of it. Jason does that, Varian does that, and her grandmother does that. And the decisions Esme makes, I would have made too.
I hate that they never own up to their own responsibility for the messes, but just put everything on Esme and treat her like an idiot for doing THE RIGHT THING in the situation they have thrust her into.
So that's my quibble. But I really did enjoy the book.