There was a lot I enjoyed in this book, up until the end where it sort of fell off. In some ways, the characters’ actions near the end seemed forced to allow for a sequel, rather than the most natural or in-character choices for them to make. And that was made worse for me because I find the direction the sequel seems to be going in to be questionable. I won’t pass judgment on that since it’s not out and maybe the plot will be handled cleverly, but the setup has me worried.
What I did enjoy was Nhika’s character. She is naturally an empathetic and compassionate person, but her circumstances have beaten her down till she views that as a weakness and has hardened her to act cold and self-serving to protect herself. This not only makes her isolated, scared, and lonely, but also it has further cut her off from her already dying culture and heritage. Her heartsoothing is a deeply empathetic process that she has been forced to use in a limited, detached way.
I would have liked more from her romance with Kochin since it digs into these aspects of her character. I can understand why they would draw close and find something in each other that nobody else can give based on their circumstances. There was solid potential there. But in their actual interactions and characterizations, I did not see the romance blooming.
The way bloodcarving/heartsoothing worked was also fascinating to me. It was almost a science with how much it required a precise understanding of physiology. The contrast of the Theuman medical science with the practice of heartsoothing, showing both as having their benefits and limitations, was interesting. The hints at how both could evolve if only there were more of a chance for them to mingle added depth to this magic system and world.
What I did enjoy was Nhika’s character. She is naturally an empathetic and compassionate person, but her circumstances have beaten her down till she views that as a weakness and has hardened her to act cold and self-serving to protect herself. This not only makes her isolated, scared, and lonely, but also it has further cut her off from her already dying culture and heritage. Her heartsoothing is a deeply empathetic process that she has been forced to use in a limited, detached way.
I would have liked more from her romance with Kochin since it digs into these aspects of her character. I can understand why they would draw close and find something in each other that nobody else can give based on their circumstances. There was solid potential there. But in their actual interactions and characterizations, I did not see the romance blooming.
The way bloodcarving/heartsoothing worked was also fascinating to me. It was almost a science with how much it required a precise understanding of physiology. The contrast of the Theuman medical science with the practice of heartsoothing, showing both as having their benefits and limitations, was interesting. The hints at how both could evolve if only there were more of a chance for them to mingle added depth to this magic system and world.