#beneath the keep

[fancylala7]

[imdowndownbutdefinetlynotout]

"It was the nature of humanity to cycle, to move from great to dreadful, utopia to terror. Even if they reached the better world, how could they possibly hold it against each new day's onslaught? There is great comfort in the familiar, even if the familiar was poison. There is no ultimate hope in revolution. The power of money is too great. In the handful of historical moments when a revolution initially succeeded, the revolutionaries invariably cannibalized their great achievement by turning into what they had once despised."

- Erika Johansen, 'Beneath the Keep'

[bookofmirth]

I finally managed to read Beneath the Keep, by Erika Johansen, and I LOVED IT. I was really unsure of what to expect because I love the original series so much, but it answered questions I didn’t even know I’d had and made me want to reread the trilogy ASAP.

For anyone wondering, you could probably read the series in chronological order, starting with the prequel and then moving on. 

EDIT: I forgot to add that there are so many trigger/content warnings in this book, more than in the regular series. Just FYI.

[oracleofmadness]

Although I haven't read the rest of The Tearling books, I do not believe it is necessary to enjoy this fabulous prequel. This story is steeped in interesting culture and political intrigue and I found it absolutely fascinating. I could barely put it down to sleep last night. I recommend this for fans of fantasy, particularly in a unique world with dynamic characters.

And thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!

[imdowndownbutdefinetlynotout]

“I am Death. I come quickly, I come slowly, but I am not cheated.” ― Erika Johansen, The Queen of the Tearling

[imdowndownbutdefinetlynotout]

"Make no mistake, this is how you will be judged: on what you do in the quiet."

-Erika Johansen, Beneath the Keep

[imdowndownbutdefinetlynotout]

“We didn’t fail, Niya. We simply didn’t win. History rules, not us.” ― Erika Johansen, Beneath the Keep

[imdowndownbutdefinetlynotout]

"It was the great gift of humanity, after all: to hold to hope, even when all torches went out."

- Erika Johansen 'Beneath the Keep'