LMB is an amazing writer. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book, and I know it is the first in a series, but it seemed incomplete. I did enjoy the world, the characters, and most things about the romance.

I can't say that this is my favorite Bujold, but it is a solidly written romance. The problem is that it's one book split into two, which never fails to irritate me. I liked the story, I found some of the ideas interesting, I'm glad to continue reading the next book in the series.

Lois McMaster Bujold just writes the best fantasy, with the best female characters ever. Not much happens in this book, well, not too many sword-fighting suspense-filled moments with monsters anyway. But it is a lovely tale of two interesting individuals from two very different cultures who fall in love. Intolerance is a strong theme, deftly handled.

2.3
Oh boy I’m conflicted

I love the world, but not so much the romance. The first part of the book was exciting, but got tedious with Fawn's family at the end. I don't know if I'll continue the series.

A good companion in a stressful time. Very comforting and cozy. Much more enjoyable on a reread now that I know that it’s a leisurely romance novel, not an action packed adventure— I can appreciate the little moments more when I’m not impatient.

Entertaining, but the age gap is cringe.

The Good: simple yet beautiful pioneer Midwest prose & the concept of Native monster hunters is really interesting.

The Bad: Everything interesting happens in the first 20%, so I felt tricked by the drag of the rest of it. Also, I shouldn't be icked by the age difference, but both being human makes it too real. He is literally older than her father.

It felt too short to me, but I liked the cultures and traditions and the characters.

The age range between Fawn and Dag is creepy. If it wasn’t for that and the weirdly shitty family this would be a 5 star book.