An actual conversation that I have just had

[dolorosa_12]

[For context, I am currently rereading the first book in Samantha Shannon's Bone Season series. My husband Matthias has read this book, but not any others in the series.]

Me: It's been ages since I've read this book, and I forgot so much that happened! And Warden is so mean to Paige in this book!
Matthias: Yeah, I've always wondered why you love their relationship so much. It's completely Stockholm Syndrome-y.
Me: Matthias, that is why I like it!

I mean, to be fair things change very quickly from those inaspicious beginnings in that book, and the characters do eventually get around to discussing the messed up way in which they met, but if you're not into that sort of thing the first book would be extraordinarily offputting.

Comments

[st_aurafina]

Ack, I quit it *because* Warden is so mean to Paige. Should I pick it up again? I liked the world building, but Paige's situation seemed unrelentingly miserable.

[dolorosa_12]

I'm just on the verge of a reread of the second book, and my memory of that one is slightly fuzzy.

However, what I can tell you unequivocally is that their relationship becomes much more one of equals after the first book, and they never end up in a situation where he is her ... well, warden ever again (if anything, she leads, and he follows with a mixture of adoration and exasperation).

If you liked the worldbuilding enough, I would say grit your teeth through the first book because that aspect gets even better as the series progresses, although you are going to have to put up with relationship dynamics you don't like for the entirety of the first book.

[lokifan]

Lolll, RIGHT?

[dolorosa_12]

Exactly!