It was definitely dark, but I found some light in it.

For me, this was relentlessly bleak throughout.

Yes- they were so touching. Even as terrified as she was and raised the way she was, he was such a gentleman, he reached her heart. I wish it could have been a happy love story.

I can definitely see that! It is jarring when characters, especially once we are invested in, act differently than we expect or imagine they would. Would love to hear more of your spoiler-y thoughts on this one!!

It’s one of those situations I struggle with. I can’t be specific (spoiler), but in the end the main character made a choice I didn’t believe she would make. It’s a little arrogant on my part, but once I’m invested in a character I want them to act as I think they should act. Of course, the author is the one creating so they determine the outcome!

Oh, the injustice is dreadful, maybe worse because it’s ongoing and real, but the story, while dark, doesn’t end that way.

It’s a lot. I’m finding that many of the winter 2022 releases are dark and challenging. It makes me want to stick with lighter backlist books!

It has scenes of brutality, but Meena and the ending are hopeful.