I read this book twenty years ago and I still remember some particularly ghastly scenes in perfect detail. Explicit descriptions of bodily functions abound. Very rapey. And overall, a humungous downer -- dark, depressing and hopeless. So an ideal read for my angsty 15-year-old self. But despite all the shocking stuff -- which may bother a more sensitive reader -- the ideas are so original, and even if he's an asshole in reality, he is an exceptional writer.

This was an interesting read. I'm a big fan of OSC, but my biggest complaint is that his books are pretty predictable. This one wasn't. It is written almost in the style of a myth or legend; the entire tale is being retold by one of the characters to another, and the feats achieved by the main characters certainly represent the heights of both heroism and evil. I felt the most connected to Orem, but OSC also gives you an insight into the lives of Palicrovol, Beauty, and Weasel. It's a twisted tale, and the end perhaps leaves something to be desired, with a "The Lady or the Tiger?"-type non-ending.

I did enjoy it, moreso by the end than I would have thought at the beginning. It's a new direction for Orson Scott Card, at least from what I've read.

As with most of Card's early work, this is a powerful story in a creative world. The voice of the story is a little contrived, but overall, Card pulls it off fairly well. A fine choice for a travel re-read, but it will certainly never pass itself as fine literature.

possibly the single best dark fantasy. flawless world-building, perfect pacing, compelling characters. 11/10

I feel very mixed about this book.

I liked some of the magic and a lot of the religious aspects of the book (the religions/worship that were present in the book, not that the book is preachy), but overall, a lot of the book felt a little over the top.

This is a very early foray for Card into fantasy, and it does feel like it. He has definitely refined his fantasy writing since this time. It's not a total waste, but I feel like a lot of potential was lost.

Total crap and needlessly gory and violent. But if you like rape and baby-eating, then this is the book for you.

I attempted to read this, and Blah, what a disappointment. I love Card's work, and this was not up to par. I couldn't finish it.

A strange little tale about many people getting pregnant, not always by choice. Didn't seem worth finishing.

He had the bones of a solid world but a totally weird narrative choice. I'll stick to his sci-fi from now on, I think.