Review: Tedious and melodramatic
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 8, 2013
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.Rating: 5/10PROS:- I am always intrigued by the premise of childhood love that hasn't entirely faded even now that the characters are adults. Early on, I was quite interested to keep reading, mostly because of Kale's tender thoughts about Holin.- I liked that the details about dragons are worked so casually into the story. In this fantasy world, the creatures are so commonplace that various remnants from their bodies have specified uses when salvaged.CONS:- The story is sparse at times, giving only sparing details as to the characters' background or whatever duel they are currently engaged in. At other times, however, the descriptions seem to drag on for pages longer than they need to.- I found the romance entirely too convenient. I realize that the men were lovers in their youth; but after years apart, and anger and hurt and confusion on both sides, the way in which they come together again felt far too fast and easy. I wished the men had taken a *bit* more time to overcome the harsh feelings that had been building for so many years.- (This might be a pro for some.) There's a lot of focus on sweetness and romance--kissing, crying, tender embraces, etc. It was too much for me; I like my tenderness to be tempered by something rough now and then, especially when one or both of the characters are warriors.Overall comments: My interest in the story waned rather early on. The romance struck me as melodramatic, and certain scenes felt overwritten. I found the book tedious after a while and had to force myself to finish it.