Wow ( )

DNF, I just couldn't get into the book. Read 25% of the book and I just didn't like it at all. I was very surprised considering what I do like. ( )

Well that was a dramatic conclusion to a lyrically told but stomach churning story! I'll write a review when I have recovered but please read the content warnings in other people's reviews. I purchased this for a high school library but after reading it I would definitely say it would be for older teens and up. ( )

A prince rescues a damsel from a dragon and becomes king. It is tradition. It is his right. Ama wakes up after her rescue with no memories of her previous life. Prince Emory of Harding carries her home to his kingdom, where he will marry her on the solstice. As she learns more about herself and the people around her, she begins to wonder: is this really all there is for her?

There's no subtlety in this book. It's sheer feminist allegory, with every aspect of the book (plot, characters, dialogue, setting) there to serve the message. The plot twist at the end is clearly telegraphed from the beginning. My emotions when reading this alternated between anxiety and disgust. The writing is very intentional, so I'm pretty sure that the author achieved what she set out to do -- I just didn't enjoy the reading experience at all. ( )

"One should not make a pet out of a wild beast."

That ending was exactly what I wanted. So satisfying. I saw it coming and knew the twist early on but it was wonderful regardless.
The author painted a story that seemed to me really spoke of the sexism in society. Ama is constantly told she is a damsel. She is a woman. Her job is to submit, have the kings son and only partake in the soft arts. And you can see her conflict with it. She knows nothing of herself or how this world works and she has only the people around her to guide her however what they tell her does not ring true for her. She had to find herself amongst the lies and it was beautiful.

No she is not a damsel. ( )