I got a copy of The Beholder by Anna Bright in my May 2019 Fairyloot box, and I was pretty excited - it had been on my radar for a while because of that beautiful cover. And that beautiful cover (and gorgeous pink sprayed edges) delivered and I absolutely adored reading this book.
Selah has waited her whole life for a happily ever after. As the only daughter of the leader of Potomac, she knows her duty is to find the perfect match, a partner who will help secure the future of her people. Now that day has finally come.
But after an excruciatingly public rejection from her closest childhood friend, Selah’s stepmother suggests an unthinkable solution: Selah must set sail across the Atlantic, where a series of potential suitors awaits—and if she doesn’t come home engaged, she shouldn’t come home at all.
From English castle gardens to the fjords of Norge, and under the eye of the dreaded Imperiya Yotne, Selah’s quest will be the journey of a lifetime. But her stepmother’s schemes aren’t the only secrets hiding belowdecks…and the stakes of her voyage may be higher than any happy ending.
Amazon UK | Amazon US
Waterstones
Source: Fairyloot
5 Words: Family, duty, betrayal, politics, survival.
I'm struggling to review The Beholder - it's a book I enjoyed immensely and struggled to put down, but at the same time I can't quite put my finger on why I loved it.
First off, this book is beautifully written. Every so often there was a line that would stop me reading, because I had to read it over and over and make a note of it. It's almost lyrical, poetic, at times.
Something I really liked was the abundance of fashion. So many pretty dresses and intricate jewellery. I also loved how the characters would talk about them and have fun. There's a part where Selah and another character just play around with makeup and dresses while getting ready and YES I need more of this please.
I think it has a lot to do with Selah.
Selah is such a darling, an absolute delight to read about, someone whose every action seems filled with good. She has such a big heart, and she wears it on her sleeve and give her love freely, and it was so endearing. But at the same time she's a little bit stubborn and strong-willed and knows what she wants. She's an incredibly well written character, so many layers and nuances bring her to life on the page.
I can understand how The Beholder will not be everyone's cup of tea, but I adored it. I loved the slower pace, the time spent getting to know each character, how I couldn't help but get fully invested in Selah and heart.
After how The Beholder ended, I can't wait to read the next one. I'm so glad that this is the start of a series, because I need more of Selah and her generous heart.
First off, this book is beautifully written. Every so often there was a line that would stop me reading, because I had to read it over and over and make a note of it. It's almost lyrical, poetic, at times.
Something I really liked was the abundance of fashion. So many pretty dresses and intricate jewellery. I also loved how the characters would talk about them and have fun. There's a part where Selah and another character just play around with makeup and dresses while getting ready and YES I need more of this please.
I think it has a lot to do with Selah.
Selah is such a darling, an absolute delight to read about, someone whose every action seems filled with good. She has such a big heart, and she wears it on her sleeve and give her love freely, and it was so endearing. But at the same time she's a little bit stubborn and strong-willed and knows what she wants. She's an incredibly well written character, so many layers and nuances bring her to life on the page.
I can understand how The Beholder will not be everyone's cup of tea, but I adored it. I loved the slower pace, the time spent getting to know each character, how I couldn't help but get fully invested in Selah and heart.
After how The Beholder ended, I can't wait to read the next one. I'm so glad that this is the start of a series, because I need more of Selah and her generous heart.
