Kam
Song of the Fianna
So this wasn’t a bad read, though I was hoping for something with a bit more depth and richness than what I got. The time period in which this is set is a goldmine for political intrigue; Shaun Lawless’s Gael Song Trilogy books certainly show that’s possible - not least because those books are set in the exact same place and period, with a lot of the same characters: Brian Boru, Sitric, and Gormla are key players in Lawless’s series, with Gormla (there called Gormflaith) being one of the protagonists. While comparing the two series is like comparing apples to oranges, I still think that this book could’ve used a bit more depth than what it actually has, if for no other reason than it’d get me more invested in the characters.
Speaking of the characters, they’re actually quite charming, and the romance between the two protagonists actually flows quite well. I also think that it’d be MUCH more interesting if there was more worldbuilding, as well as more explanation into why their Ostman heritage makes their lives so complicated, and why Eva’s status as hostage was important enough that it helped create peace between Brian Boru and Sitric.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read for what it is: something light and fast to keep oneself entertained in order to pass the time. It doesn’t try to say anything profound or complicated; it just does a straightforward historical romance with minimal complications and a happy ending (which the publisher apparently guarantees, as it’s part of the requirements for the books they publish). It does not exceed expectations, but it is at least exactly what it says on the tin.
Originally posted at kamreadsandrecs.tumblr.com.
So this wasn’t a bad read, though I was hoping for something with a bit more depth and richness than what I got. The time period in which this is set is a goldmine for political intrigue; Shaun Lawless’s Gael Song Trilogy books certainly show that’s possible - not least because those books are set in the exact same place and period, with a lot of the same characters: Brian Boru, Sitric, and Gormla are key players in Lawless’s series, with Gormla (there called Gormflaith) being one of the protagonists. While comparing the two series is like comparing apples to oranges, I still think that this book could’ve used a bit more depth than what it actually has, if for no other reason than it’d get me more invested in the characters.
Speaking of the characters, they’re actually quite charming, and the romance between the two protagonists actually flows quite well. I also think that it’d be MUCH more interesting if there was more worldbuilding, as well as more explanation into why their Ostman heritage makes their lives so complicated, and why Eva’s status as hostage was important enough that it helped create peace between Brian Boru and Sitric.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read for what it is: something light and fast to keep oneself entertained in order to pass the time. It doesn’t try to say anything profound or complicated; it just does a straightforward historical romance with minimal complications and a happy ending (which the publisher apparently guarantees, as it’s part of the requirements for the books they publish). It does not exceed expectations, but it is at least exactly what it says on the tin.
Originally posted at kamreadsandrecs.tumblr.com.