OKAY. Let's ignore my review from the past. This book made me absolutely hate Jon. I didn't like him a whole lot in the last book, but this book really goes to show how awful, conceited, and controlling he is. The second he arrives at the Bloody Hawk tribe's village, things went downhill. He's moody and annoying, taking out his anger on Alanna. He only wants to marry her to prove he can do whatever he wants. And then they have a huge argument, which I really thinks shows his true colours. Saying that Alanna isn't a real woman like the Court ladies, was honestly the last straw for me. I didn't remember much of this book from my last reread because it's always been my least favourite, but this time around I just can't stand it. I know people will argue and say that Jon is still young, but in this world, a 21 year old is a proper adult, and Jon does not act like one.

Then we have the whole white saviour trope, with both Alanna and Jon. Alanna bringing education and freedom and women's rights to the Bazhir annoyed me so much. And she also tries to get the girls to remove their face veils because apparently that somehow limits or constricts them from becoming full-fledged shamans or sorcerers. It's eye-rolling, this whole book. Jon becomes the Voice because of course the Bazhir would want some white guy who's family has oppressed them for centuries to become their leader.

I do remember Jon changing in the next book, but I honestly don't remember how, and I don't know if it redeems his behaviour in this one. I am glad to finally be one step closer to finishing this series and rant-tweeting on Twitter has been a great as well lol

***

It's amazing how your opinions change as you get older. I still love this book (and this series) as much as I did the first time around. But it's definitely eye-opening. Jon really annoyed me in this book - he has gone a bit cocky and proud because of who he is. Just like Thom! I honestly didn't quite remember much about Thom's role in this book, and realizing who he's become makes me so sad. Jon also makes me so sad, because like Alanna said, he is a good person at heart, but he's just let all this royalty and "nobleness" get to his head and has forgotten that not every woman is at his beck and call and will accept/do whatever he wants. Alanna being with him constantly kept him somewhat grounded, but I'm hoping he remembers (I think he does later on) that woman have their own rights and thoughts and opinions. And he shouldn't need Alanna constantly near him to remember that. George though...now I remember why he's so perfect for Alanna!

(I feel kind of pressured to finish all of Tamora pierce's books before the end of the year because of the challenge, which sucks because I feel like I've rushed through this series and not drawn it out as slowly as I should have. I feel like there are so many important lessons that I should have thought over more, but I'm glad I own the book so now I can reread it as many times as I want)