A review by saphirablue
Tarashana by Rachel Neumeier

adventurous emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0


I love this one a lot. A lot.

For me, it all comes down to Ryo and how he views himself and the world. How he deals with still being a Tuyo and therefore shaping the future of other Tuyos. Of how he has to deal with magic and other stuff that he wouldn't have even dreamed of before he met Aras. Of how he deals with a huge betrayal that was necessary but still hurt so much and shattered his belief in a friend. Of how he is a warrior but also a very awesome, and very kind, human being.

I absolutely love how Ryo deals with Tana. He had every right to kill Tana due to the ban and him crossing into the lands that belong to Ryos people. But, he saw what nobody else saw and chose <i>kindness</i>. He gave Tana a chance to make up for what he did and in the end? Gained a younger brother and an even younger one along with a few other people. Yeah, kindness for the win!

The betrayal? Such a difficult situation. Was it necessary? Yeah, otherwise the world would have died. Does it still hurt so much on a personal level? Yes, a promise, an oath, the trust between two people has been shattered. Is it mendable? Yeah, I hope so. 

I also love how everyone deals with the betrayal. Leaving Ryo time alone to find himself again but still coming an pushing him to return and actually deal with it. Also, Aras offering himself up the way he did? OMG. Everyone agreeing that it is a very difficult situation and sometimes hard choices have to be made even though the hard choice is horrible too? And how all that pings on - what is a leader allowed to do? Are there things that should not be crossed no matter what? Are there things that should be crossed no matter what? What things should be forgiven? Forgotten? Left festering in your heart? When is it okay to let go of the thing festering in your heart? 

The story about the Tarashana - good. I love that due to this we get to see even more of Ryos people and their way of life and beliefs. I love that we got to meet a few more siblings of Ryo and some other characters. :) 

The marriage thing? Woha. I do wonder if it ever comes to be or if anyone will die before it comes to be. And if not - how will it work out?!?!

So, yeah, I'm so looking forward to the next book that deals with the outcome of this one and the journey Ryo and Aras have to go on.
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