Breath of Magic

Nostalgia made me read this book again after years and I really wish I hadn't. I was too busy cringing at Tristan's constant fraud-obsessed betrayals and infantilization of Arian to remember why I ever enjoyed this book in the first place.

Arian also loses her independence, fire, and agency over a man who verbally abuses her at every turn and feels like he needs to “have any hope of shaming her into compliance”. Yet, she keeps going back. I don't remember Tristan ever apologizing for anything either. For a man who is obsessed with magic and the impossible, he spends little to no time meaningfully engaging with Arian about her story or doing any research.

Also, just because Copperfield is indigenous doesn't necessarily mean he needs to crack stereotypical racist jokes. This book is an uncomfortable read at best.