“Powerful men never did like to be shown up by women.”

This was so good??

I didn't go into this with many expectations (or knowledge of the plot, actually), but was pleasantly surprised when every single aspect of the story worked for me. From the political intrigue, Irish mythology, the impact of religious alliances shifting, two incredibly different but equally interesting narrators, discussions of the reality of womanhood in this time period, and a fantastically evocative (yet accessible) writing style.

Even as someone with a strong interest in history, I was concerned that picking up a historical fiction right now could send me back into the reading slump of hell. Funnily enough, this was the most entertaining, engaging, and infuriating book I've read in what feels like an insanely long time.

So much happens in this book that even though the magic is minimal, it felt just as intense as an epic, high fantasy novel. The politics were particularly interesting to me, but I also loved reading from the two narrators and how different their perspectives were. It's been awhile since characters felt quite this vivid to me.

I can't believe how much I enjoyed this or how much I want to carry on with the series already. Highly, highly recommend.