I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. The setting and the magic are the real stars, here. So vivid and colorful and richly described. I could almost see the tapestries and taste all the foods. Really excellent worldbuilding.
Another thumbs-up is the character growth, at least for the main character. It was great to see her feelings change as she got to know a people who she'd long considered her enemy. And she makes these changes before falling in love, which is refreshing for a YA.
It does suffer from a few of the typical YA tropes, the silly decisions and some juvenile dialogue/conversations.
But the romance wasn't bad. It interrupted the flow only a little, but made sense for the most part.
Overall I'd say this is a solid fantasy with some really lovely worldbuilding and magic woven in (haha).
Another thumbs-up is the character growth, at least for the main character. It was great to see her feelings change as she got to know a people who she'd long considered her enemy. And she makes these changes before falling in love, which is refreshing for a YA.
It does suffer from a few of the typical YA tropes, the silly decisions and some juvenile dialogue/conversations.
But the romance wasn't bad. It interrupted the flow only a little, but made sense for the most part.
Overall I'd say this is a solid fantasy with some really lovely worldbuilding and magic woven in (haha).