This is the third book I read for my MFA's craft essay on horses in literature, and I can't believe middle school me missed out on reading this because GODDAMN IS IT AMAZING.

This book purposefully avoids toxic patriarchal tropes common to high fantasy from the first few pages and continues to impress. Not only is the main protag Talia a woman, but also her mentors include two lesbians and a bi woman. Talia explores her own sexuality in a safe environment, is not shamed for finding sex unimportant, and does not shame others for liking sex. All the men she interacts with during her training are sensitive and caring to the emotions and triggers of those around them and within themselves. You read that right: male characters are allowed to be emotional and have empathy AND a healthy emotional state is seen as a strength. The characters are a variety of ages and body types! There's implied racial diversity even though they don't have the same concepts of race/ethnicity as we do! Kindness is valued! There's magic! There's sort of horse-like gods wandering around! I couldn't predict the plot! Their society is possibly a matriarchy(?)! I will be reading the next book!

I did think it was kinda weird a 13 y/o was babysitting/parenting instead of the actual parent but oohhhh welllll, the book had to have one flaw, didn't it? Overall, I had a lovely time reading and am excited to explore Valdemar even more.