Book Review: The Sin Eater's Daughter
A love triangle that comes second to plot makes for refreshing fiction. The book explores trust, loyalty, obedience, and mostly, beliefs. Religion and science have core spots in the plot. The writing flows and ebbs wonderfully through the first half of the novel, introducing us to the characters and life in Lorene. The potential of Lorene is magical. The author teases untold lore and secrets, but rarely divulges it. I hope that rich history of Lorene is revealed to us in future installments.
As the story unfolds, we wonder what Twylla wants, and when she’ll develop the bravery to act. She’s a good character, complete with flaws and weaknesses that a reader can sympathise with. She’s afraid. She loves and she hates. And she’s confused about everything, of course.
I’m not so sure of Lief. I don’t particularly like him much. He seems selfish. He is brimming with questions and curiosity. But maybe that’s the point.
The novel moves in a different direction half way through, with a turn so sharp and sudden I felt I had missed something. My own error, I’m sure. However it was good, making the story unpredictable.
Then there is Prince Merek. I won’t spoil him for people, but I only half-understand Twylla’s opinion of him. She tells us why she thinks that of him, but its total nonsense. I’ll say no more! You’ll have to read it to find out.
Originality is something hard to come by these days. I particularly enjoyed the writer’s style. She used inventive similes and description without sounding ridiculous. Still, I found myself making comparisons to other YA fantasies, particularly Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. However, the similarities are so small they’re probably not even worth mentioning.
I’m looking forward to the sequel.