Ninett
The writing was enjoyable, and the magic system a kind of spin on the very classic format of 'utter a spell and wave hands', so it was a very traditional-feeling novel in the fantasy writing domain. I enjoyed the elements of Eastern European lore and folk culture that were included, and I'm pleased that the author has family ties to that place (sorry Grishaverse).
Now for the part that took it down a few pegs for me: the Dragon is an absolutely awful man. He doesn't make up for his abhorrent behaviour and he is a fundamentally unkind character. This would be fine, if his relationship with Agnieszka weren't shown in a positive light. I can't understand when writers make the female character fall in love with an abusive man and portray the relationship in a complementary way, as is the case here - and then I am not even mentioning the age gap. The story was good but not memorable.
The writing was enjoyable, and the magic system a kind of spin on the very classic format of 'utter a spell and wave hands', so it was a very traditional-feeling novel in the fantasy writing domain. I enjoyed the elements of Eastern European lore and folk culture that were included, and I'm pleased that the author has family ties to that place (sorry Grishaverse).
Now for the part that took it down a few pegs for me: the Dragon is an absolutely awful man. He doesn't make up for his abhorrent behaviour and he is a fundamentally unkind character. This would be fine, if his relationship with Agnieszka weren't shown in a positive light. I can't understand when writers make the female character fall in love with an abusive man and portray the relationship in a complementary way, as is the case here - and then I am not even mentioning the age gap. The story was good but not memorable.