Beyond Strange New Words

4.5 stars because of snakes - which of course I knew about when heading in, but still. *shudders* Luckily, there aren't any prolonged depictions/appearances, so I could handle it (read: un-thought them.)

Other than that, wow.

I loved, LOVED how despite everything Mahiya went through, she decided to become the opposite of what Neha intended or what she could have become, not bitter, not broken, not subdued, but bright and strong and compassionate and determined to make a full, happy life for herself.

Mahiya and Jason complemented each other perfectly and I loved the way their relationship and understanding of one another developed, with hitches on the road and all.

I liked the hints of what is to come and what is happening in the world at large sewn amid Neha and Mahiya's history.

Speaking of, while I agree that Eris was unworthy of Neha and Nivriti, the faux pas of the young naive Mahiya was actually a perfect solution; all of the pain and torment could have been avoided if the sister had just shared the consort. ;)

It also goes along with Jason's more general observation that they would both be much stronger and better off working together instead of against each other. But maybe with new threats on horizon they can still learn to, because, as he said, they might in spite of everything, still love each other.

And finally, I loved that other character's stories were worked into Jason's and Mahiya's: besides two of the Seven's appearances - and Raphael's and Elena's - we also witnessed Dmitri's and Honor's wedding and the beginning of her transformation.

All in all, another fantastic instalment.