Larkwood managed to keep me entertained throughout and I liked that. I haven’t read such a mega epic fantasy book in a while and I think that added to my “do I like this or not?” line of thinking. But I’m glad that I grew to really like it. The pace doesn’t really pick up at all, it remains a steady slow throughout. Which didn’t bother me either – I’m happy about both things.

I’m no stranger to odd fantasy names (Kvothe hello) but the audio did help with everything. Also to remember that it’s Csorwe rhymes with doorway. I liked Csorwe’s character. She was interesting and had a lot of depth to her. I can’t wait to see where we go with her in the sequel. I liked how she changed over the book (and the years). Csorwe, as a kid, just goes along with what she’s told to do but it’s not really what she actually wants. I liked that she began to stand up for herself later on; it added to her personality. Hopefully the next book will have her be louder and more stabbier.

I didn’t realise it but I do like end of the world books and books where the protagonists have to stop the world ending. Here it’s much slower than in other world-ending books. But once again, I really didn’t mind it like I thought I probably would.

Honestly, I don’t think I understood everything about the magic system or world-building. There was so much to take in and sift through but I liked what we got and hopefully I understand more as I read on. It wasn’t info-dumping per se but if you’re not a fan of a lot of world-building and it being a bit confusing, I wouldn’t so much so recommend this to you (low fantasy, however, might do the trick).

Tal annoyed me so much at times and then I liked him 😄 – especially when he was bantering with Csorwe – I do love my banter. Either he gets a redemption arc or he goes villain in the sequel – I’m down for either. I felt like we sort of were able to understand him but I’d like to see more.

I really liked Shuthmili – I think she was maybe my favourite with Csorwe a bit behind. I liked how just similar to Csorwe – growing up, having certain expectations pushed onto her. She too decided to make her own choices, to leave that life behind. Taking her life into her own hands made her a more interesting character which I liked.