The Bird King was nothing like I expected. The primary character was originally brave, beautiful, and hard to like. She was a slave in the ruler's harem, forced to live according to the whim's of others - though she was fairly spoiled, as far as slaves go. As the book progressed, the MC's personality grew. It was beautiful to read. The plot was extremely complex, though it didn't seem to be, as the writing was so lovely, the story so compelling, and the characters so very lifelike that the pages turned quickly. As the story unfolded, it's true beauty is revealed, like the rosebud opening to reveal the blooming rose. This is a book that is startling in its revelations. The reader is left feeling exposed and wondering.