Wildcat
*I received a copy from the author for review. This in no way effect on my review.*Cover - I'm starting a new way to review, and first thing I notice on a book is the cover. This one really stands out, and is very eye-catching! I love the colors, and her face is both beautiful and interesting. The back cover fits well, and looks just as good. I am not impressed with the back font, but that's a minor detail. The blurb grabbed my attention, and made me want to read more.
Plot - The plot, while not fully original, was well done and interesting. Tribal warriors fighting and becoming captives has happened many times before, but it works.
Characters - The characters are just as important as the plot, and I enjoyed Rhianwyn as well as her friends. I didn't love any of the characters, but they were relate-able and easy to like. Rhianwyn is strong, and faces difficult choices and events that change her over time.
Writing - Here's where I didn't connect with the story. While I enjoyed the story for the most part, I didn't care for the writing style. It felt stilted and simplified in places, not flowing the way some stories do. I know that as a story focused on tribes and war, it isn't meant to be a light read, but I wish it was easier to read. I put this one down a few times before finishing it, to read other easier books, because I struggled with the writing style.
Overall - Overall it's a good story, and has potential to be the stare of a great series. I liked the story for the most part, and would consider reading the next book, but it's not the best I've read, and this series didn't make it to my auto-buy list, but I am interested to see what happens next, and see more of this world.
My one other complaint is the was rape was handled. I don't mind rape if it's handled well, as I know it happens, especially in this setting, but this book seemed to feel indifferent and distant about it, and while rape happens and fits with this setting, I feel how it's handled after is just as important, or more so, that the act itself. No I do NOT condone rape, but I also don't condone murder, yet read about assassins all the time. It happens, and I know it will be mentioned at times, but the victim's feelings as well as the attacker's should both be handled correctly.
