Status Updates From Arrows of the Queen (Herald...

I had to change my mind set from "this is an adult book" to "this is very YA with feelings of Tamora Pierce". After that, it was more enjoyable.

Published in 1987 and it shows.

I just keep coming back to how many stories paint emotional bonds and empathy as a weakness that a protagonist must overcome, but it’s all the Herald’s greatest strengths and especially Thalia’s. This is a great book for someone with relational trauma who wants to see a world where love and vulnerability is a priceless asset instead of something to destroy in yourself

having to mindlink with your horse while he gets some horseussy is crazy work never change

I do love the imagining of a monarchy run by and protected by truly good empathetic people