Review: it was alright
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 05 24, 2013
This was alright, I suppose. The story was pretty interesting, but I would have like it more if it had been a little more fleshed out. Everything felt very rushed and there was very little world-building or backstory. As a result I was left with questions. What happened to the contract (o what ever it was) that Zlaten had that claimed Jenala would have to marry him if not paid? How did he get it in the first place? What is the difference between a claiming and a marriage. This seemed important to the characters, but I couldn't figure it out. Etc.The book also tended to repeat itself a lot, with the narrative stating something and then a character saying the same thing and then later telling someone else about it. I think the reader is told 3 times in the first 10% of the book that Zlaten killed Jenala's father, wants to steel her mine and claim her through a rape, for example. The narrative says it, then Jenala mentions it and then the vet tells Santros about it. Once really would have been enough. This happened more than once.I liked Jenala's strong, upfront personality and Santro's gentle, honourable way. I really did. But I also thought a lot of their dialogue was quite stiff. I honestly think Lottie was my favourite character. For a quick read (little more than a short story really) it was entertaining enough though. Plus, it was a freebie so I can't really complain. I have the sequel,Swords of Gregara - Riza, which I'll probably read at some point.