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A review by j_the_human
Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Pros:
- MAGIC SICKNESS IN THE LAND
- BANDITSSSSS
- IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE
- one of the more realistic portrayals of "a rich person is confronted with the realities of the people" that I've read
- Roshan! I honestly really liked her and appreciated how her internal struggle felt very real and not forced
- I also, honestly, liked Navin! I thought he was very real and messy and could've used a hug
- the magic system! I always love a "magic takes a physical toll" book and this was no exception
- the opening newspaper clipping was really cool, I do wish it was carried further along into the book
Cons:
- the plot is a little meandering at points, and I do think it could've been a little tighter
- there is a "peak of the romance" scene in here that had me a little like "mmmmmm" but I'm a prude so
- speaking of the romance, I feel like there was a lot of build up and the pay off didn't feel as well done and I was :( about it cause they were so cute at the start
- I feel like we needed a little more of one of the later reveal "bad" characters on page and a little less Hemat
Overall:
This is a solid stand-alone fantasy novel that focuses mostly on banditry and how it can be the only thing keeping communities alive when their government has abandoned them. As always, I wanted a bit more from the romance, but the setting and the characters were a highlight here! It was very atmospheric and realistic, not shying from the harsh realities that the novel was based on, but at the same time retaining that very human core of hope. Definitely one of the more standout standalones I've read recently, and worth a shot if you like your high fantasy a little grittier.
- MAGIC SICKNESS IN THE LAND
- BANDITSSSSS
- IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE
- one of the more realistic portrayals of "a rich person is confronted with the realities of the people" that I've read
- Roshan! I honestly really liked her and appreciated how her internal struggle felt very real and not forced
- I also, honestly, liked Navin! I thought he was very real and messy and could've used a hug
- the magic system! I always love a "magic takes a physical toll" book and this was no exception
- the opening newspaper clipping was really cool, I do wish it was carried further along into the book
Cons:
- the plot is a little meandering at points, and I do think it could've been a little tighter
- there is a "peak of the romance" scene in here that had me a little like "mmmmmm" but I'm a prude so
- speaking of the romance, I feel like there was a lot of build up and the pay off didn't feel as well done and I was :( about it cause they were so cute at the start
- I feel like we needed a little more of one of the later reveal "bad" characters on page and a little less Hemat
Overall:
This is a solid stand-alone fantasy novel that focuses mostly on banditry and how it can be the only thing keeping communities alive when their government has abandoned them. As always, I wanted a bit more from the romance, but the setting and the characters were a highlight here! It was very atmospheric and realistic, not shying from the harsh realities that the novel was based on, but at the same time retaining that very human core of hope. Definitely one of the more standout standalones I've read recently, and worth a shot if you like your high fantasy a little grittier.