The Rotting Hound

I saw this book and had an intense desire to read it once I saw the blurb. I was not disappointed in the slightest. I have never considered myself as a person who had a favorite book. I’ve read a lot of books— both big titles and small indie books that have no reviews at all. This is my favorite book. I love this world. I would read a thousand more pages. My only critique is that it isn’t longer. If you love devotion unending, knights, and fantastic world building— this is the day read for you. I can only hope that the author will write more in this world, and I am definitely going to pick up one of their other titles as the reviewers have suggested.

If I didn't know the author's work already, I would not have read this book. In fact, even though I pre-ordered the book and was looking forward to reading it, discovering the second person point of view dampened my enthusiasm so much I almost didn't read it at all. Second person. You, not I, not they. Having read the book, I understand why the choice was made. Everything the perspective character does, everything they are, everything they desire is embodied by the subject of their narrative. Writing in first person would be repugnant, because any story written for personal pleasure would go against their identity and purpose. The intensity of their devotion is delicious. The book has some good old fashioned lesbian yearning, the kind of old school yearning that eroticizes the brushing of hands, brief but intentional touches. The forbidden romance is between servant (kind of) and matter (kind of.) The exact nature of their relationship requires you to read the book, as it is nothing that exists in our world. I have one major complaint. It's not long enough. Not just in an "I loved it so I want more!" way. It cuts off before what I would consider the climax. Frustrating!! 20 more pages would have made the story feel complete. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I want to read the end.

I loved the religious world building and all Vasaks worshipful longing and frustration, especially when she veers towards irrational levels of loyalty. Beautiful and compelling writing style.