A Strange and Stubborn Endurance (The Tithenai Chronicles Book 1)

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Ren Vaia. This is the new Tiern Velasin vin Aaro, and this –” he looped the bay’s reins over its head as Velasin dismounted, “—is his faithful steed. He’s just arrived from Ralia, so treat him kindly, you understand?”

All the Hidden Paths" is a masterclass in character development and world-building. Meadows has created characters that are deeply relatable, with unique strengths and flaws that echo the human condition. The protagonists grapple with their fears and doubts, triumphs and failures, in a How can so many (white, male) writers narratively justify restricting the agency of their female characters on the grounds of sexism = authenticity while simultaneously writing male characters with conveniently modern values? Yes,” said Father, and though he was discomforted in the admission, at least he did me the courtesy of not looking away. “You’ve always been a good son, Vel—a good third son, supportive of your brothers and uncovetous of their dues. I watched you with Jarien earlier, and unless I miss my guess, you bear him no ill-will, though many in your position would. I know you haven’t sought marriage”—and here he reached out, squeezing my chair’s arm as if in proxy for my withheld hand—“but I wouldn’t propose it now, even though it please my king, if I thought it was not also a reward to you; a fitting, good thing for a loyal son.”

Inwardly, Cae sighed; outwardly, he straightened. “Tiern Caethari Aeduria,” he said, softly. “Or Cae, if you like.” Now, though, she favoured me with a smile I was inclined to think genuine, holding out her hands for me to take and kiss, which I did. By the standards of women of our class, she’d come late to marriage and motherhood both, but inasmuch as I was placed to judge, they both looked well on her.

I was very worried about miscommunication driving the plot. Though Vel and Cae don’t know how to communicate it felt like a realistic problem. They have known each other for a relatively short amount of time and both have a lot of healing and growing to do. That being said, I would have liked a bit more “happily ever after” time in this installment. Truly, we are living in a golden age of queer fantasy. From continent-spanning epics and fairytale reimaginings to seemingly futuristic dystopias and worlds built on complex systems of magic, these are stories that run the gamut from thrillers to romance and everything in between. The best of the lot, however, are usually those that mix various genres and elements in a way that feels fresh and new or gives readers something they haven’t seen before. He broke off, and we shared a certain fond, pained expression at all that the absence entailed. “I know,” I said softly, and left it at that. A Strange and Stubborn Endurance is a book of nuance, passion, and insight, and effectively showcases Foz Meadows' talents.”—Juliette WadeA compelling blend of intimacy, danger, twisty politics, believably imperfect characters, and a fascinatingly complex universe.” – Kate Elliott, New York Times bestselling author on, An Accident of Stars This latter surprised me greatly: while Father had as much respect for magecraft as any Ralian nobleman, he’d never had much interest in artistry or aesthetics, and while the magic underpinning the sculpture was truly impressive—a series of embedded cantrips which caused the carving of a great water serpent to glow, roar and even move when certain control words were spoken—it was hardly utilitarian. I ventured as much to Lady Sine, fishing to see whether she’d had to fight him over its acquisition, but she only laughed. I devoured this book and was thoroughly entertained. Vel, Cae, and Markel are amazing characters and I love them so much. But when I finally stepped away from the book I felt like something was missing. BT] I read that you decided at age 12 to become a writer. How did that happen? What led you to that discovery?