Review: Very well written
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 23, 2013
This book is exquisite.  In a book which purports to be a lesbian romance fantasy set in a mythical medieval sword-and-sorcery setting it actually hits on universal themes and treats them with delicacy and care.  The story blends themes of betrayal, family, honor, self-sacrifice, justice, and obedience to authority in a way that is a true delight to read.The ending seems somehow unfinished because the author leaves a few plot elements hanging, but she provides an epilog so at least we know that the protagonist and her lover survive and flourish.SPOILER: There is no closure with the sister.  There is no clue what happens to the stranded sailors.  There is unfinished business with the brutal jailers.  The last page announces a trip that Meorie and Dareena are required to take, but nothing further is explained about that.  The Queen of Tendaria abdicates or resigns, this all happens off-stage and we don't get to see any of it or really explore why.Nevertheless, the book is exceptional and I understand why Ms Lynde might have wanted to end it this way, the focus, after all is on the trial and verdict and that part of the action is concluded.  I would have liked it to be longer and tie up more loose ends, but I still LOVED the book.  I can't recommend it highly enough.