This book unfolds the captivating tale of a young peasant girl. She is unfortunately sold into slavery, but through her remarkable perseverance and strength, she gradually ascends to a position of significance.

Set within the Beklan Empire, which is the same universe as the rather disappointing 'Shardik' by the same author, this book, however, stands out as a far superior work. The plot is engaging, and the protagonist is truly interesting, drawing the reader in and making them eager to follow her journey.

Moreover, we are treated to a more detailed and immersive world-building and culture. The author has crafted a rich and vivid backdrop that adds depth and authenticity to the story.

It should be noted that this book may not be to everyone's taste. The presence of non-consensual sex can make for rather unpleasant reading and will undoubtedly deter some readers. However, for those who can overlook this aspect, I found it to be an entertaining story.

Although it could perhaps have been a little shorter without sacrificing the essence of the plot, overall, it offers an enjoyable and engaging reading experience.

I am only awarding this a meager 2 stars, solely because I am an ardent fan of Adams' other literary endeavors.

Admittedly, this particular book is exquisitely written. However, it amounts to little more than a rather predictable and unoriginal fantasy romance, adorned with a thousand pages of elaborate world-building.

The protagonist, Maia, is propelled through the narrative by a series of coincidences after coincidences. At certain junctures, a character will assert that she is the chosen one of the goddess. Nevertheless, the goddess never truly makes her presence felt.

Thankfully, I still have two additional books by Adams waiting to be devoured. Consequently, this will not be my final encounter with his literary prowess.

As a teenager, I found myself drawn to the works of the author who penned Watership Down. Eager to explore more of his writing, I embarked on this particular journey.

However, I soon realized that reading the tale of a concubine might not be the most suitable choice for my age. But such is the nature of curiosity and exploration.

Despite the potential inappropriateness, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the story. It offered a glimpse into a world and a set of experiences that were far removed from my own.

Maybe it was the allure of the unknown or the desire to understand different perspectives that kept me engaged. Whatever the reason, I continued to read, hoping to gain some valuable insights from this unexpected literary adventure.

Who knows what other hidden gems and thought-provoking stories awaited me in the works of this author? Only time would tell as I delved deeper into his literary universe.