This book definitely gave me vibes of the Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden (especially the icon part) – so you may like this one as well. It is slightly less dark so far but I really enjoyed the story and surprisingly I didn’t mind the romance even if it was a little convenient. If you like forced proximity & enemies to lovers then you would probably enjoy this book. The synopsis put more emphasis on the romance aspect than I think the relationship warrants. Self-sacrifice was very predominant in this book and it could honestly use a little less.
Overall I liked Leta’s character – strong-willed, stubborn, family-driven, and a protector. She did border on overdoing most of these things for my taste. Rowan felt fairly flat and mysterious at first but as the Graceling’s learned more about him his personality started to show through. I do wish that some of the side characters were fleshed out a little bit more – there aren’t very many. The one character I do hope that we get to learn more about is the Lord Under.
I personally would have loved to see a little bit more world-building and background – especially with the magic system. I found the Lord Under and his realm interesting. It appears that he cares for his realm, it is his home and definitely a little bit self-serving – after all, he is essentially the “devil” of this world. I am curious to see if we learn more about the Lady in the next book. The world-building definitely has potential to expand upon and I really hope that the author takes full advantage of it.
I enjoyed Lakesedge enough to seriously consider reading the second installment; Forestfall, when it comes out later this month. I am curious how it will fare being only a duology. A big thank you to BookishFirst and Henry Holt Co. for the book raffle with the chance to win a copy of Lakesedge. Rounded from 3.5 stars.
Overall I liked Leta’s character – strong-willed, stubborn, family-driven, and a protector. She did border on overdoing most of these things for my taste. Rowan felt fairly flat and mysterious at first but as the Graceling’s learned more about him his personality started to show through. I do wish that some of the side characters were fleshed out a little bit more – there aren’t very many. The one character I do hope that we get to learn more about is the Lord Under.
I personally would have loved to see a little bit more world-building and background – especially with the magic system. I found the Lord Under and his realm interesting. It appears that he cares for his realm, it is his home and definitely a little bit self-serving – after all, he is essentially the “devil” of this world. I am curious to see if we learn more about the Lady in the next book. The world-building definitely has potential to expand upon and I really hope that the author takes full advantage of it.
I enjoyed Lakesedge enough to seriously consider reading the second installment; Forestfall, when it comes out later this month. I am curious how it will fare being only a duology. A big thank you to BookishFirst and Henry Holt Co. for the book raffle with the chance to win a copy of Lakesedge. Rounded from 3.5 stars.