The Naming

4.5 stars

This is absolutely an amazing start to a potentially amazing series. While there are parts of this that can feel like a series set up novel, it really isn't as bad as many recent books. We are introduced to characters, the world, and magic system, but enemies are also attacked. It doesn't feel like an introduction to a series, it just feels like an amazing novel.

The characters are fantastic and flawed. Yes, Maerad can act selfish, stubborn, or catty at times, but she is only... 17 I think and is thrown into this new world after being a slave for as long as she can remember. You can definitely see her growing though and I think it is fantastic. The other characters are all pretty detailed with multiple dimensions to them. They are wonderful to read about.

The story is such an adventure and excited. There are some dark moments. Maerad hasn't been raped, but she was a slave and there were attempts. There is some racism toward the one Southern character, but it is acknowledged as not being okay. There is also some sexism, but again it is mentioned as a bad thing. This isn't a light YA novel, there is some grit to it and I'm pretty sure death will come to some of these characters in future novels.
Now, I'm giving it 4.5 instead of a 5 just because sometimes it was a bit wordy for my tastes – but many people would like all those details! These details help make the world feel REAL. Sometimes it just got a bit too much for me.

I am definitely going to read more of this story. I recommend it to people who like adventure fantasy set in a rich world and don't mind if it gets dark, because yeah... this book has some dark moments.