Started out great (5 stars), then dragged on a bit (down to 4 stars for bad editing), then sort of rush/limped to a conclusion (and 3 stars... maybe 3.5). Great characters, interesting concept, more or less decent writing but:1. If you're going to have fantastical beasts (instead of horses and such), at least describe them (what does a ghereg look like??)2. A culture where no one cuts their hair after puberty? really? add in the no facial or body hair, and you're really pushing it3. At the end everyone can suddenly speak mind to mind? even if they don't have that gift? all for some humorous asides? cheapStill interesting enough that I'm curious to find out what happens to these characters, so will read on to book 2... for now. Let me just start off by saying that I absolutely adored this book. The love Kei and Arman grow to share with each other is beautiful, and how Somerville managed to write and capture it is breathtaking. The one and only issue I had with this book is how long it is. I prefer longer books over novellas and quick ebook reads, so I never thought I'd write in a review that a book was too long. The day has come though. This book was just too long. I loved watching Kei and Arman's relationship grow and change, but I feel there was a bit unnecessary filler. Granted, I'd happily take this over a book with little or no descriptions and character development, but I honestly do feel there was too much. Also, knowing ahead of time it was going to be a fantasy romance book, I was excited to see the romance part come into play. There really isn't too much in the first part of the story, which I think is why it dragged so much for me. It felt like a very slow start, so much so I actually stopped reading around a third of the way through and took a break, which I have never done unless I had no plans of finishing. I decided to finish it after reading some other books on my list, and am very glad I did. Honestly, if you asked me what I would change in this story, I don't think I could come up with anything that could be improved. Length was an issue, but without it I doubt you'd be able to understand the hardships the MC's go though to finally be together. Overall, I loved this book and have already recommended it to some friends. Thank you Somerville for this heartfelt and emotionally touching read.
Do You like book Kei's Gift (2010)?
4.5 stars. Just warming up. I need to read the rest of the series to write a review.
—Jay
A very well written epic. So much going on in this story. I even cried a little!
—aisha
I loved this book, not much I can fault about it. This author is amazing!
—kayteluu
Wonderful book. I was spellbound for days!!
—t386350
