It took me forever to read this, which is weird since Juliet Marillier is one of my all time favorite authors. I think I was distracted by my own writing project and it took me a long time to get into this novel as a result.

I am a big fan of the Blackthorn and Grim series. I like how they are darker than her other series, deal with more serious and complex concepts. Blackthorn and Grim each clearly have PTSD and it is interesting to see that played out in a medieval setting.

I loved learning more about Grim’s story, his past and where he might have come from. It kept me hooked and looking forward to reading more.

As usual, this novel was filled with lots of vivid imagery and beautiful use of language, typical for Marillier. I look up to her as a writer and hope one day to have as lush and rich a writing style as she does.