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IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE IF SHE AT LEAST RETURNED WHEN HER SON WAS FIVE OR SOMETHING.
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It's better than coming back the year she dies, when he's 18. I think it's interesting to see a story where the kid is in the awkward rebellious teen years as opposed to the young and forgiving age. Until now, the oldest child I've ever seen in these stories is only ten years old.
I like that she came back at a time where she can still be held accountable for neglecting her son, while still giving her three years to build a relationship with her son that they never had.
Reading this feels like I'm watching chess.
I suggest reading Shadow Queen for the same feel.