Status Updates From Noir de lune - Prix 20 minu...

I either found a new appreciation for this book following my “seven husbands” hiatus, or three quarters in, it finally found its rhythm. Now, one writing note: “can we, in an alternate medieval universe use the expression ‘my kingdom for a Xxxx’ (bath in this case)?” Making direct reference to “real” human history, this is a writing faux-pas for me…

After reading “the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, came back to this book and réaliséd that despite some flaws, it’s expertly written and suddenly seemed to get so much better. I really enjoyed the Sk’l part of the novel. The architectural and cultural descriptions are very very rich. The intrigue and the fighting cool as well. Well balanced part.

The main heroine keeps getting beaten up...women are constantly objectified...hell, it’s coherent for a medieval like atmosphere, but not sure yet why it is a story worth telling...62% in, it’s becoming a problem...well written however. Points for that.

One negative point that bothers me considerably. The antagonists: Anthar is a nation constructed according to bygone logics of what a villain is. They are waaaay too « evil », « bad », « violent » to be believable. For me it’s a major mistake on the part of the writer, a retro, old-school, not-that-interesting way of framing the story.

So far, a bit predictable, but it flows nicely. In this medieval like world, the author makes some mistakes…talking at times about “colis qui explosent” for instance, in a world that does not seem to know gun powder yet. Some imprécisions here and there that the editor should have picked up on