because i’m STILL thinking about it like a MONTH later
me, browsing the bookstore: oh this one could be interesting, let me take a quick peek at goodreads to get a vibe check
goodreads reviews: romance was good but ugh so much wool business talk whyyyyy, this feels like a textbook
one goodreads review: if you liked a taste of gold and iron by @ariaste you’ll probably like this
me: …….i see only positives here
so i bought it and read it (swordcrossed by freya marske) and loved it so much (the supposition that enjoyers of a taste of gold and iron would like it was correct, they are books with similar vibes. political intrigue and gentle mental health representation and a romance that builds over the course of the book? hell yeah sign me up)
and i can’t stop thinking about the reviews because like… really??? really?????? a textbook? too much wool talk?
it’s literally just the plot. like. i’m sorry the book doesn’t focus on the romance as much as you wanted but literally these men have lives?? and shit to worry about?? idk people can read what they want and like what they like and that’s all fine, and the top review (the one that called it like a textbook) still said it was a good book and gave it four stars, but then others felt so offended that this book had a plot that wasn’t sexy.
and i do have to wonder if maybe people are creating too many expectations for a book that’s been marketed as “romantasy.” like. maybe some people are defining it too narrowly.
and maaaaaaaaaaaaybe they should branch out and read a different genre every now and then. because there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a favorite genre, or even certain preferences! but the perspective of other kinds of stories can give you will make your reading life so much fuller, more interesting, and more enjoyable. i promise.
