Tess of the Road

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In her return to the world of Seraphina, Hartman introduces Tess Dombegh, a stepsibling of Seraphina. After a fall from grace, Tess strives to be the dutiful daughter despite her self-loathing. Following a drunken mishap on her sister's wedding night, she disguises herself as a boy and embarks on a journey for oblivion. However, her path leads her to assist in the search for a legendary serpent alongside her childhood friend, a quigutl. Throughout her travels, Tess encounters robbers, takes on manual labor, poses as a priest, and confronts her past trauma. This first installment of a duology offers a fresh perspective on familiar fantasy tropes, enriched by empathetic characters and exquisite storytelling. Initially appearing bitter, Tess reveals her compassion, courage, and resilience as she navigates an emotional and spiritual journey. The narrative provides a poignant examination of self-loathing and the impact of rape culture in a high fantasy setting. Tess's adventure unfolds across Goredd and Ninys, where she seeks a quigutl prophecy and her own purpose. The story is narrated in descriptive, observant prose, capturing Tess's struggles and the societal pressures on young women. By the end, Tess confronts her past, setting the stage for further adventures and personal growth, making this tale both a fantasy adventure and a thoughtful discourse on consent, shame, and female empowerment.