I think I’ve only rated a book 1 or 2 stars a few times- each when I’m truly pissed. This one had on-page rape of a main character at the halfway mark without trigger warnings.
Here were my other comments while reading:
Chapter 1 starts with Kate in 2019 running from her abusive guy. The scene feels urgent and sets the stage of her danger.
Chapter 2 is Violet’s PoV in 1942 when she’s 16? years old and wants to travel the world instead of following her fathers expectations to join society soon. It seems as if a Violet is searching for answers about who she is and why she can “talk” to animals and bugs.
Chapter 3 we switch to Altha in year 1619 who is being prosecuted for witchcraft.
Kate’s pregnancy situation sucks so I really hope he doesn’t track her down. Obviously he will if there is any type of climatic scene.
The prose in third person narrative points of view feel stilted and forced and unnatural. I much prefer Altha’s first person narrative parts. She also has a stronger character. The others fall really flat.
At page 100 no one has agency or objectives yet.
At the halfway point on page 170- on page rape. I guessed it was coming but am still pissed there’s no trigger warnings so I’m done.