This novel takes 280 pages to get to the actual plot that is described in the synopsis, but I DIDN'T CARE ONE BIT. I was <i>utterly</i> taken in by Blackthorn and Grim immediately, even in the dire situation they start out in. Honestly, I went into this knowing almost nothing, and it surprised and delighted me the whole time.

I'd call this light fantasy; it feels much more like historical fiction (set in medieval Ireland) that is threaded with veins of fantasy. The fey exist and are introduced very early on, but they're on the back burner. Magic is mentioned and shown, but it's not a massive part of the story that is being told here. 

Blackthorn and Grim and Oran all felt like fully fleshed out characters. I enjoyed every single one of their POV narratives, and they all brought different emotions to the table as Marillier sketched out the world. 

Honestly, I'd say if you're interested in a book that is heavily a character study and a story of hurt people trying to do their best to be good people as they deal with their PTSD, then this is for you. The world building is lovely, it felt fully realized and lived in. The seeds of the actual plot are sown throughout the entirety of the book as the characters are deeply explored, but there really isn't too much of a plot here to rely on. 

I just really loved this. I want to gush about it so much. I can't wait to finish out this trilogy, and if the other two go well then I'll move on more Marillier.

Content warnings:

Mentions of and on-page sexual assault and rape, violence, imprisonment.</spoilers>