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A review by kelsey_jm
Scarlet and the White Wolf by Kirby Crow
3.0
I've had this on my TBR for so long and I finally took the plunge and read it, and I wasn't disappointed. This is a great fantasy world to get invested in and they're incredibly easy to read. The romance between Scarlet and Liall is cute and passionate, and keeps you waiting.
I enjoyed the world building although I found it a bit difficult and confusing to remember all the names of the different places. Thankfully there's a map to visualize where everything is located, but the most important area is arguably Lysia, Scarlet's hometown. There are multiple races of people living on the southern continent, and it's difficult keeping track of them, too. From what I understand, everyone in Byzantur is a Byzan, but there are individual groups within that (Hilurian, Bedlanders, etc). Scarlet is referred to in multiple ways so it's a little overwhelming to have all these names thrown at you. The magic in this world was lacking. Scarlet as the Gift, from his god Deva, and can do basic magic, as can most/all(?) Hilurians. This is a secret from outsiders, who know the magic existed at one point and fear the Hilurians are still powerful. Scarlet doesn't use his magic or question its existence. When he fights Cadan, he appears to be getting stronger but it's not clear why or how yet. I just wish there was more discussion about Scarlet's magic because it's interesting, but it's just there.
I also didn't get why the Hilurians are still in charge of Byzantur if their numbers are dwindling. Of course people would be upset if their own aren't represented in the government, but how did this system stay that way for so long? The politics of Byzantur only truly affect the plot in the end, when Scarlet's village is burned down. After all, Scarlet leaves to follow Liall to the north and becomes entangled in northern politics.
I liked the romance although I felt it was a little quick and underdeveloped. You get to know Scarlet intimately, from his peddling to his faith to his fear that others will know his sexuality. But Liall is a mystery. He has so many secrets that Scarlet can't know just yet, so readers aren't able to know him deeply like we get to know Scarlet. I loved how hot tempered Scarlet was and all his clever tricks to try and get over the mountain pass. It was cute to see Liall so charmed by him, although I felt Liall was a little aggressive at times. I didn't get why Scarlet would realize he was in love so fast, but it's his first love so I guess I'll let it slide. There's still a lot of relationship development between the two to come.
The pacing of this book is way off but I understand it's a character driven book. Half of it is Scarlet vs. Liall on the mountain pass, and then it devolves into a more fast-paced and well-developed plot. I think the overarching plot of the series will be focused on more than the plots of the individual books.
Be warned: there's frequent use of old "gypsy" stereotypes and the slur itself. Not a fan of that in my fantasy, but it's there. There's also some sexism present in this world, although it's not clear how rampant it is. Hilurians seem to value traditional gender roles, but women are simultaneously valued for their gifts (childbearing, house keeping?? Not sure) and protected. There's one point where Scarlet feels angry when he catches his sister having sex before marriage, but he quickly forgives her because their parents have just been killed. I don't know if the same standards are held for Hilurian men, since they're also expected to settle down and have families. Scarlet goes back and forth between not wanting to uphold these values, yet imposing them on women, which doesn't seem right considering he's a travelling gay Hilurian. I personally don't like it when fantasy worlds include sexism, or any ism, because it feels unnecessary in a made up world. Particularly when this has no bearing on Scarlet, who is a man and faces no consequences for his lack of traditional values. It felt out of place in a story about breaking away from tradition and pursuing your passions.
Overall, I enjoyed how quick this read was! It was just what I needed and I'm looking forward to seeing how the romance and politics play out. I'm hoping for some strong female characters but I'm honestly not expecting any because I know what kind of book I'm reading.
I enjoyed the world building although I found it a bit difficult and confusing to remember all the names of the different places. Thankfully there's a map to visualize where everything is located, but the most important area is arguably Lysia, Scarlet's hometown. There are multiple races of people living on the southern continent, and it's difficult keeping track of them, too. From what I understand, everyone in Byzantur is a Byzan, but there are individual groups within that (Hilurian, Bedlanders, etc). Scarlet is referred to in multiple ways so it's a little overwhelming to have all these names thrown at you. The magic in this world was lacking. Scarlet as the Gift, from his god Deva, and can do basic magic, as can most/all(?) Hilurians. This is a secret from outsiders, who know the magic existed at one point and fear the Hilurians are still powerful. Scarlet doesn't use his magic or question its existence. When he fights Cadan, he appears to be getting stronger but it's not clear why or how yet. I just wish there was more discussion about Scarlet's magic because it's interesting, but it's just there.
I also didn't get why the Hilurians are still in charge of Byzantur if their numbers are dwindling. Of course people would be upset if their own aren't represented in the government, but how did this system stay that way for so long? The politics of Byzantur only truly affect the plot in the end, when Scarlet's village is burned down. After all, Scarlet leaves to follow Liall to the north and becomes entangled in northern politics.
I liked the romance although I felt it was a little quick and underdeveloped. You get to know Scarlet intimately, from his peddling to his faith to his fear that others will know his sexuality. But Liall is a mystery. He has so many secrets that Scarlet can't know just yet, so readers aren't able to know him deeply like we get to know Scarlet. I loved how hot tempered Scarlet was and all his clever tricks to try and get over the mountain pass. It was cute to see Liall so charmed by him, although I felt Liall was a little aggressive at times. I didn't get why Scarlet would realize he was in love so fast, but it's his first love so I guess I'll let it slide. There's still a lot of relationship development between the two to come.
The pacing of this book is way off but I understand it's a character driven book. Half of it is Scarlet vs. Liall on the mountain pass, and then it devolves into a more fast-paced and well-developed plot. I think the overarching plot of the series will be focused on more than the plots of the individual books.
Be warned: there's frequent use of old "gypsy" stereotypes and the slur itself. Not a fan of that in my fantasy, but it's there. There's also some sexism present in this world, although it's not clear how rampant it is. Hilurians seem to value traditional gender roles, but women are simultaneously valued for their gifts (childbearing, house keeping?? Not sure) and protected. There's one point where Scarlet feels angry when he catches his sister having sex before marriage, but he quickly forgives her because their parents have just been killed. I don't know if the same standards are held for Hilurian men, since they're also expected to settle down and have families. Scarlet goes back and forth between not wanting to uphold these values, yet imposing them on women, which doesn't seem right considering he's a travelling gay Hilurian. I personally don't like it when fantasy worlds include sexism, or any ism, because it feels unnecessary in a made up world. Particularly when this has no bearing on Scarlet, who is a man and faces no consequences for his lack of traditional values. It felt out of place in a story about breaking away from tradition and pursuing your passions.
Overall, I enjoyed how quick this read was! It was just what I needed and I'm looking forward to seeing how the romance and politics play out. I'm hoping for some strong female characters but I'm honestly not expecting any because I know what kind of book I'm reading.