Remember this fiction takes place in an older time period. Underaged women are wedded to grown men, that was the norm
I totally get that, but if someone is going to write a story, then why would they make a really unhealthy age gap? This may be fiction but that doesn’t mean it’s okay. Even though it was normal in that time, some readers think that it’s okay to romanticize it. She literally 17 and is having sex with a 25 year old ADULT.
Was she 17yo on their first time? I don't remember. She looks older (and so mature) so it is easy to assume the age gap is not huge.
In fantasy stories I don't care much (unless it is 13yo with 20+yo for example). I read books where the heroine is 19yo and the guy is 500+ lol
I guess the relationship context is not much of grooming (the male lead is never trying to manipulate the female lead) and it is more focused on the female lead personal growth so it's pretty cool - and ml usually supports her to make her own choices etc.
But like I said, these are things possible in FANTASY stories. Most (my guess is 99.5% lol) cases where that age gap is involved in the real world does HAVE grooming in the relationship and I get it is upsetting to see it as there are A LOT of underage girls reading these stories and they think it can apply to a real life relationship with someone way older.
God I remember being 16yo and attracted to 30yo men. Today - being 30yo myself - I see how GROSS and WRONG it is to an old man to get involved with someone way younger than them. Being in a relationship like that myself made me realize it even more. UGH
It is a good story, like you said. The age gap doesn't bother me because I know it is fantasy, the context is not unhealthy or abusive imo, so it's all readable and enjoyable. But these younger audiences may not see that there is a line that can not be crossed in real life, and end up romanticizing it into a real relationship out here.
I didn't mean to make it an essay lol
I just want to say I understand. It's easy to say it's a fantasy story so it should be fine because you're one of the people that have the good sense to differentiate that. However, it is very dangerous for those who don't.
totally agree with you!
Good story, good plot, good characters and then BAM grooming. I just find it weird that he met her when she was literally 8 (even tho I don’t think he knows it was her). Then they did the dirty when she was 17 and he was 25... ummm nahhh