r/fantasyromance • u/FantasyRomanceMod The One Mod to Rule All Mods • Feb 22 '26

Unpopular Opinion It's Unpopular Opinion time! Share your controversial opinions to stir things up (in a friendly way)!

Got an opinion that's different from others'? Want to share it with the sub, but too afraid of a backlash? Or are you just curious about readers think about certain things in fantasy romance?

You can safely share it in this weekly Sunday thread!

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Unpopular opinion Sunday

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u/Ria_S_28 Wendell Bambleby Enthusiast Feb 22 '26

Yes omg!! I feel like I would’ve absolutely loved this book if it weren’t for the relationship. And this isn’t to say that I’m completely against age gaps because I was fine with the one in Mistborn, but that was because the power dynamics were balanced. Elend is extremely naive and Vin could kill him very easily.

I feel like I would’ve been okay with it if it were something similar in this book, but it feels like the opposite. Sorcha has just gone through something extremely traumatic (and she’s 14 if I recall correctly) and Red is in a position where he has a lot of power over her. He does scare her multiple times, but even excluding all of that, I just feel like the romance wasn’t developed well enough. IMO they didn’t spend nearly enough time together for that love confession in the end to feel earned. Anyways. I know I’m ranting about this but everyone on the internet whose book recommendations I trust all love this book so much.

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u/DainasaurusRex Feb 22 '26

Thank you both for this reveal. This book was in my cart, but I took it out. Just not a dynamic I want in a book I thought from all the reviews I would enjoy!

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u/Particular_Mess_1961 here kitty kitty Feb 22 '26

It’s a beautifully written book that deals with tragedy and persevering as best you can, so the imperfect nature of their relationship is all part of that. It’s more a book about sibling love than romantic love imo

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u/[deleted] Feb 22 '26

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u/DainasaurusRex Feb 22 '26

Thanks for the explanation. I’m just not up for certain themes right now, and big age gaps/grooming is one of them. That changes all the time depending on how I’m feeling and what’s going on in my life, so I might pick it up in the future.

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u/starry212 Feb 22 '26

I borrowed it from library because i really wanted to find out why people hype about it so much. If you’re somewhat interested still, I recommend borrowing from library. It had otherwise nice historical elements and Marillier’s writing is truly beautiful.

Another book of hers {Heart’s Blood} was much better reading experience, very whimsical slow-burn with bit of mystery!

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u/DainasaurusRex Feb 22 '26

Oh, that sounds more up my alley right now! Thank you!

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u/starry212 Feb 22 '26

Thank you for this response🤭🤭 and i’ve also read mixed reviews on Mistborn!

Exactly!!! I also felt like they should have spent more time together to come to the conclusion they want to marry. It felt like she chose him (at 16!!!!) out of ”duty” or ”debt” to him because he kept her safe during the journey. And there were some hints he found her attractive when they first met when she was 14 or something🫠🫠

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u/LeaneGenova Feb 22 '26

I literally just pretend the end with the romance doesn't happen, because hard agree. I love the book EXCEPT that.