I needed the next book like about 2 chapters before the end because. Was ANY OF IT REAL? IS ANYTHING ANYONE EVER SHARED REAL? I DON'T KNOW.
I am heart broken. I am betrayed. I am wrecked. Completely and utterly WRECKED.
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Actual Review that was written a month after my emotional breakdown over this book:
5 darkest stars to a book I know I will be re-reading many times over.
Actual Review: so after taking like a month to calm down, I'm still obsessed with this book, but a bit more coherent. So I owe this book a review. Kamzin is a village head's daughter, she is an extremely capable climber, but that's about it. However, her people expect her to be the next shaman as her older sister takes her place as their future leader. However, their village gets word that the most famous explorer, River, is coming to their village before he embarks on a difficult journey that no one has ever attempted. After a series of betrayals and events, Kamzin agrees to help River navigate the mountain.
River is quite the enigmatic character. His actions, powers, and how he manages to get by every impossible hurdle can't be explained. He's always been aloof and alone, but Kamzin breaks a very small layer of ice around his heart. I do believe he cares for her in some ways after the journey they go through together. River finds in Kamzin an equal in terms of climbing and passion. However, they find their are passionate about incredibly different things, and this leads to some serious heartbreak and betrayal. All the characters change vastly from page 1 to the very last page. You honestly do not know who the characters truly are and what they are capable of. Even then, I expect more change in book 2.
Spoiler Below--Click show hide button to see, skip if you haven't read the book yet.
This book questions morals too. What is evil, and is suppression of a people condoned by evil, no matter what the species? Just SO. MANY. QUESTIONS. And tears, but maybe that's just me. It also really makes you think, what would you be willing to give up for what you want most. The answer isn't what you always expect of people or for youself.