Tess of the Road

I received this book through netgalley in exchange for an honest review
DNF @ 15%

See, I'm not sure if I can rate this... I feel like I might like or understand the world more if I had read Seraphina first. I knew this book would take place in the same world, but I didn't know it would overlap so much... So, there is a lot I don't know. Although, perhaps I still wouldn't like it because of how negative Tess is about Seraphina...not that I entirely blame her.

The other reason I turned this one down was because although the writing is entertaining and well done, the I really dislike the main character. Yes, she is in a negative and horrible situation, but she feels the need to be a martyr and live with it rather than just leave. She doesn't even do martyr very well considering how she gets drunk....
I was excited about the dragons, but the way the book talked about dragons, I wasn't too excited to meet them either, unfortunately.

So, I won't rate this in case not having read Seraphina is the biggest factor in understanding and connecting with this book.

I LOVED this, but those who think this is a conventional quest or adventure story might be disappointed. It is a quest, but ultimately an accidental one around healing and forgiveness of the self. It's very much about guilt and trauma, and how sometimes those two get muddled together.

Have you ever picked up a book and just known it was going to change your life? That might be a little bit dramatic, but that's how I felt when I got this book from the library. I don't even know where to begin, this book was everything. Tess is so endearing and broken and flawed, but you can't help loving her instantly. Her journey is slow and not a lot happens, but at the same time SO much happens. Being able to trace her path of healing and self-discovery is so so moving. Am I crying while writing this review? Maybe. The discussion of self-guilt brought on by the abuse and expectations of religion and family is so profound. Idk what else to say but if you are looking for a heartwarming book set in a well-developed world with a little bit of fantasy and a whole lotta heart please read this freaking book.

Wow, this was quite a ride - or I should better say walk.
Other reviews said that this was a quieter book, one more focused on the main character's growth, her finding herself and her place in the world, and while that's certainly true, there was also a fair amount of action.

This was my first Rachel Hartman book but I will definitely read the Seraphina duology now, even if I kind of spoiled some things for myself. Tess of the Road is, without a doubt, a masterpiece of YA fantasy and I am so glad enough people recommended it for me to pick it up and see for myself.

I think I would have enjoyed this book twice as much if it had been half as long.

Not having read any of Ms. Hartman's previous books, I was probably at a disadvantage and it took me ages to really get into the story. Once I did, I felt like there was just too much going on and it distracted me from actually enjoying myself. For longtime fans, I suspect this will more than satisfy.

Thank you to Penguin/Random House for the free copy for review.

a damn masterpiece