There is something callous, cruel even, about this work. It's ugly. It's far too ugly for its supposed pristine premise.
The female "enemies" are shown in the worst possible light. The first is shown to have an ugly personality -- therefore she must also be physically ugly. Even her daughter was discarded with only the slightest hint of guilt from the story. Not satisfied with the blood sacrifice, the "aunt" character is then suddenly guilty of thought crimes, and must be punished with a scarlet letter and extended humiliation, and her daughter equally neglected and ignored by the supposed "good" adults. Meanwhile, the male "enemies" get away with everything and come to an understanding, because they are potentially love interests or future admirers, and must therefore be redeemable.
There are two types of "Mary Sues" out there. One is just an overly ideal or overpowered character -- that is fine. The other thrives because the arc of the universe bends towards them, the Chosen One. All in the universe must serve the interests of the Chosen One. She must be perfect, or presumed as such, and everyone else exist either to exult her perfection, fall in love with her, worship her, or if they are to serve as her enemies, become unworthy and suffer in every way. This main character is firmly in the latter camp.
I regret reading this. It's so, so ugly. Ugh.
