I Read What?!

So last time, there was a job offer and our lead character gets subjected to even more unchallenged racism. Fantastic.

I suppose it's realistic that the white heroes growing up in the society presented in the book would have some racist ideas. That's true in real life too. We've got things to unlearn over time. But it feels harsher in this book.

Rune had a fair amount of childhood experience with traveling Roma musicians at least. And the one time she does express some racist assumptions outloud, Talaysen corrects her and they move on. Kestrel isn't overtly racist, though it's possible that their differing cultures may have been an element in the communication issues between him and Robin. Something that they eventually end up addressing, with both of them acknowledging fault and the intention to improve.

But we've seen two separate characters "say" downright nasty things in their narrative thoughts without any kind of acknowledgment or correction and honestly, it sets my teeth on edge. Especially since one of these characters is being positioned as a love interest. Right now, I'm inclined to want Raven to take Crow and run far away from these assholes.

( Let these 'Free Bards' fly free for themselves! )