These heroines are always interesting, and quite strong, but in very different ways. The series features women from the Shinn-created nation of Welce, in which people have elemental-based affiliations.
This is the latest in the excellent Elemental Blessings series by Sharon Shinn. “And instead you’ve become one of Darien’s secret operatives! Which actually sounds more interesting than those other options.” ( ) I always figured they meant I’d grit my teeth and make it through some horrible situation without complaining.” “My mother said once that they meant I’d become some kind of scientific researcher, discovering the mysteries of the stars. Zoe considered those while she finished her first mouthful of food. And when Leah nodded, she asked, “And what are your blessings?” Leah finds herself surrounded by people who are friendly and supportive they don’t judge her for having run away but just want to help her move forward.
(I think “Can I trust you?” is often a super interesting question for a romance to explore, and I love watching people who are hurt and lonely find love.) I liked all the unexpected twists.Īnd I like that, in spite of the aforementioned darker elements, this is a largely positive story about being part of a family and working out your place in the world. I liked her cautious romance - and that there’s good reason for caution. I liked her complicated emotions about returning home and about motherhood. In spite of that, this book is my favourite one. I just wish one specific detail about the ending had been different - if only hadn’t needed to ! And it’s hard to discuss without spoilers. There’s some effort made to show that things - that people - aren’t so black-and-white, but it isn’t completely successful. But in hindsight, what struck me as problematic is how the darker elements contribute to a rather negative portrayal of a particular “foreign” culture.
I appreciated the level of tension and am not so sure about the other - it certainly contributed to the suspense and it wasn’t as disturbing as it could have easily become in the hands of a different author. This is more tense and darker than the previous books. She has returned home to find a way to get to know the young daughter she left behind and agrees to set up a shop in the capital, where she will have opportunity to meet foreign visitors. Leah has spent five years in Malinqua as a spy for Welce.
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