Review: 4.5 stars...with a plea to readers...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 17, 2013
This was an excellent story at the heart of it.  Great concept.  Solid basic design and heartfelt execution.Was it perfect execution?  No.  But herein lies my plea to fellow readers, and I will subject you to it prior to my actual review:The large, NY-type Publishing houses take horrible advantage of readers;  that's a known fact.  They take even more horrible advantage of writers as I've learned in the past year or so.  To that end, I will bend over backwards for a writer who endeavours to bring his or her vision, for MY entertainment, to "printed" life without the aid of a big-house.I am beyond tired of complaints about editing issues for self-pubbed works.  Its a proven fact we can read through horrific misspellings and know what is intended; in fact, we don't even notice most errors.  So if an author, or someone who desperately wants to be one but can't get past the NY houses, takes the time and blood and sweat...and yes, likely tears, to write something and self-publish it for MY escape??...I am damned sure going to overlook a few errors.  I will give every opportunity for them to hit.  Particularly when it is obvious that the basics are there, and are solid, and are well developed...and all that's missing is the big-house backing (which you pay for, and the authors do not reap rewards from) to correct things that spell/grammar check missed.  (I doubt Sylvia Day corrects her own spelling.  I would like to see her submitted galleys before they get to print!  Professional editing makes for a smooth read but costs readers more, takes from the actual author's bottom line and allows publishers Draconian contractual rights to the property...and no, I am not an author.  Just an avid reader...)Now for the review:  I loved this story.  I love the characters, and connected with them instantly.  I loved the world and I am hoping for a series to come out of this, as its clear there are more great lives to be lived vicariously.  I loved the honest, genuine effort that went into this story, and I root for the author and their continued good fortune...and by extension, my own.Write on, M. K. Eidem, and all my best wishes for you...and of course, for the Tornian Empire.