Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

While fantasy is not my typical jam, I enjoy reading it occasionally, especially when a book appears to differ from the standard fantasy tropes too often seen patterned after the greats like Tolkien. No overworn group quest or we-must-save-the-world tropes here! Sign me up! And I'm happy to say this is a delightful find. While it certainly has down-to-earth themes, so to speak, like sacrifice, putting others first, motherhood, love, and loss (and so much more), the book has surprising twists and turns that get you thinking while you're reading the book… and even after you put it down. I love novels like that. I hadn't read the author before, and I absolutely adored the word-pictures she drew… ones that made the book come alive in my mind’s eye, from action to setting, from the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions. The story starts a little slow but picks up after the protagonist makes her life-altering decision and she begins the journey she never intended to take. It’s worth keeping reading despite this slow-but-brief beginning. I loved why she chose sacrifice as her new life path… and her self-realizations (and those of her godling companion) keep coming. If you enjoy fantasy but find the familiar tropes uninspired, you might enjoy this wholly different and completely fresh story.