Rebecca Kim Wells

I feel like this book is a little mis-sold. Both the cover copy and all the recommendations for it that I've seen emphasize the f/f romance, but in fact it's f/f/m, with the f/f established and largely off-screen while the m/f is center stage getting all the typical YA budding-romance plot beats. The male love interest isn't even mentioned in any of the marketing. I support YA novels featuring poly relationships on principle, though it's not something I'm particularly personally interested in (especially in this gender combination), but I think the way this book is being portrayed is going to make it so that it doesn't find its way into the hands of some of the people who would love it, while also disappointing readers who wanted a focus on f/f.… (más)

The good points -- girls in love! normalized same-sex couples! POC characters! dragons! heroine learning to value herself!

The rest -- I found this to be a relatively unremarkable read. It's fine. It tells a decent story. I think it's definitely one that could be appealing to teens. I wanted to know what would happen next.

I did feel a sinking disappointment when it looks like Maren is going to fall for the disguised prince (of course he is a disguised prince) and as a bi person, that should not cause me much dismay. However, honestly, must you set up a love triangle, just because it's YA? And must that love triangle possibly model choosing heteronormative romance over the early lesbian love? I'm hoping that they work out a poly relationship -- that would be cool. I'd have to read another book in the series to find out what happens. If I get over my fantasy-slump I might look that up.

Advanced reader's copy provided by Edelweiss.… (más)