#shamanborn

Title: Shamanborn

Author: Lori M. Lee

Series or standalone: series

Publication year: 2020

Genres: fiction, fantasy

“We’re going to survive this,” I tell him, even as his foot slips briefly, nearly pitching me from the saddle. “We’re not going to die here. I won’t allow it.” I cannot let my fears gain control again, even though they’ve been gnawing at me from the moment I realized what I did to that knife thrower. Despite the odds, despite that I never quite believed what Ronin said about my craft, some desperate part of me wanted it to be true. So that I could make a difference. So that I could be someone. And for what? Recognition? Prestige? I tell myself I want these things, but my heart knows the truth. It is not from the world that I need acknowledgement of my worth.

"ꜰᴏᴄᴜꜱ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏʙʟᴇᴍꜱ ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ɴᴏᴡ. ɴᴏᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴᴇꜱ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴀᴅᴅɪɴɢ ɪɴ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇᴀᴅ."

(Forest of Souls, Shamanborn #1 by Lori M. Lee)

BROKEN WEB

Shamanborn #2

​by Lori M. Lee

(Page Street, 6/15/21)

9781645672104

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So I started this book called Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee. I really liked how it started. Interesting worldbuilding, mysteries, lore, characters.

But eventually it did something I probably hate the most in literature or any form of media in general. Female protagonist is introduced to, what I assume to be, two potential love interests. Where one is obviously the best choice (Prince Meilek) who is kind and gentle and understanding, while the other one is basically a rude asshole and a bully.

I developed major trust issues with writers when it comes to picking an endgame couple when such choices are provided. Most of the time they do it in favor of the latter type out of two described above.

I'm tired of this bullshit. I'm tired of this idiocy.

No offense, but there is something fucked up in my eyes when a writer, especially a female writer, attempts to justify some form of abuse (verbal or physical) with romantic undertones. What is wrong with you? Why out of two options you always go for the worst one?

Why soft and conflict free dynamics are shoved down in favor of something toxic? What is so fucking romantic about toxicity? I don't understand. I don't want to understand. I never will.

Until I learn how this trilogy ends (with 4th book coming in April of 2024), I wont continue reading it. I'm tired of wasting my time on stories if they target me with potential disappointment.

If Prince Meilek and Sirscha Ashwyn aren't an endgame, then this trilogy will be a waste of time I have avoided.

Genre: YA Fantasy

Rating: 4/5

Book Review:

This book wasn’t what I was expecting, but in a good way! It was a lot more imaginative than I had been expecting!

I loved the main character. She was so feisty and could be rather brutal, and she was strong in her convictions and what she wanted to do. Her friendships with women were really strong and beautiful, and I think that was the strongest part of the book.

The magic system was rather interesting, though at times I found myself a little confused. But I LOVED the idea of shamanborns with different colored eyes to show what they were. I thought that was creative and different.

The mythology behind this world was interesting, though complicated. It was rich with stories and beliefs, and the Dead Wood and the Spider King were so mysterious and dark and intriguing. I found myself wanting to learn more of it.

Plus, the twists were really good.

However, I found the world a bit too complicated at times. I felt like I was learning about so many countries and beliefs, that it was a bit hard for me to keep track. I knew the author made a list at the front of the book to help keep things straight, but I personally don’t like flipping back and forth for things (even maps), and I have no idea why. So that was a little off putting to me.

And there were just some moments that felt too slow compared to the rest of the book, things that I felt like weren’t really needed.