From Blood And Ash

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Just finished it last night. Gave it 4, but maybe more a 3.5. I liked the world and the overall plot (and will be continuing on with the series) but I have some thoughts about some of the relationship dynamics here. So I was right, Hawke is the Dark One but also not the bad guy? I'm gonna say he still sucks. He tricked her, knowing damn fine this TEENAGE girl had no idea who he was and even slept with her while still keeping an identity secret that had she known it would have ended the relationship then and there (something real life undercover police have been taken to court for here since it's not morally grey it's entirely wrong.) Not only that, he continues to push in this relationship and tell her what she wants without ever actually asking her. Including stating they're getting married without even saying the important words "Will you marry me?" She's young and inexperienced and I cannot get behind that dynamic at all. It's basically moved her from one cage to another prettier one, with just another type of "It's for your own good" manipulation going on. Plus, if everything he said was true, what was the point in all the stupid rules for her? Just people wrecking a young traumatised girl's life for shits and giggles? I really hope that dynamic changes in later books, and this is on me an Ace person trying to read a romance sub-plot (your sexy abs don't fool me sir) However, the actual world building, politics and setting of the books I really like so I am looking forward to reading on.