I don't care too much about the precise "realism" of remembering hair details -- most stories in this genre have something ridiculous and that's fine, it doesn't really take away from the enjoyment (sometimes it even adds). But I am a little confused about the characterisation going on here. Eve came across as very intelligent and composed in the first chapters, and I think she was a good example of an adult woman in her early thirties, especially a princess in her thirties. When she goes back in time, some of that dignity is... lost. I'm not sure what it is! But she seems different, and I don't think she has that same resolution or composure now that she's back as her younger self.
Eve and Mikhael had a more interesting dynamic in the past timeline, and that has definitely been erased. When I read the slave tag, and then read the first few chapters, I was SO happy that we got something about a slave revolution. How often do we get any sort of criticism of the power dynamics and structures of class in these stories, beyond very superficial money troubles? In particular I loved that Eve was known for opposing slavery but regretted not doing more when she had the chance. I see why she has decided to enslave Mikhael now, too (how to phrase this in a way that doesn't make sound like a supporter of slavery... the in-house justification made sense and I was hoping that it would be unpicked, or she would feel guilty). I appreciate that she hates it, and that Mikhael is initially reluctant. The story started out great -- it felt complex and nuanced.
But, uh, what's with the tone of this now... why is it playing out like it's a rom-com? It feels so shallow. Mikhael instantly trusts Eve to protect him, and that's pretty much down to the titular "imprint" system that means he's attached to her, irrevocably. It doesn't get questioned once -- the significance and impact of that, I mean. How is this shaping their relationship? One man has instant, permanent Stockholm Syndrome, great. That could be so interesting to talk about! Does Eve not feel guilty about this? Or does she think that she's the best thing that could happen to him? Why is Eve instantly trusting this man who burnt down the whole world the last time she was alive? Because he can't fight the imprint? Well then -- that system has a lot of power, doesn't it? Why isn't she even thinking about this? Why has she just accepted this way of life, as though it's inevitable? She chose to do this.
This isn't even a power thing, I'm aware that Eve doesn't have the power to fight against these kinds of inbuilt systems. But she doesn't even say anything, or criticise this tradition in her own head. The author is asking a lot, IMHO, to expect me to trust that Eve has a good, considerate, caring perspective about these systems, just because they say she does. In particular they're asking a lot to expect me to believe that Eve has a sophisticated view of politics. If she has to accept the power that these structures give her, then I need to see her show some awareness of what she's doing. Beyond cheap apologies to her slave (he is her slave!) about not standing up when another royal tells him to kiss their hand/foot.
For comparison -- Penelope's dynamic with Eclis is what I wanted to see here (Villains are Destined to Die). Penelope is constantly reminded of her power over Eclis in a way that is really uncomfortable, and tonally perfect. She needs something from him; he is the only one she trusts to save her, and the only one she can be "free" around. She saves him from servitude under a madman; she also controls whether he lives or dies. So does he have the power to refuse? Can he express his own wishes and desires -- what is at risk if he does? Is he free -- more free?
Perhaps I'm so frustrated with this story because it looked like it was going this way -- like it was going to talk about this. But it didn't. I really do not think slavery is one of those topics to turn into a romance trope, especially when it didn't start out that way! For all intents and purposes, this story looked like it was taking slavery seriously, and would continue to do so. I will stick around for a few more chapters in the hopes that I'm wrong, but... we'll see.
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