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akbrownie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
johnsnowwasright's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the e-ARC!
Our intrepid heroine Halla inherits her great uncle's estate and is locked away by her greedy relatives until she agrees to marry her clammy handed cousin. While wasting away in her room, she unsheathes an old sword hanging on the wall and suddenly a grizzled warrior Sarkis appears in front of her. He is sworn to protect whomever owns the sword and together the two of them embark on a few misadventures in order for Halla to get her inheritance back.
This was my 2nd T. Kingfisher book and what an absolute banger! I had so much fun reading this book and did not want it to end. Halla and Sarkis were unconventional romantic leads and it absolutely worked. Despite their relationship only developing over a couple of weeks, it was so sweet and heartwarming. They so obviously wanted the best for each other, I just loved it. I am also grateful to Kingfisher for having a heroine in her 30's and centering a woman who does not want children. It is so nice to see that in a romance book particularly with a male love interest who supports all her reproductive decisions.
Kingfisher's writing was hysterical with just non stop wit. There was a whole chapter discussing the logistics of magical swords and bodily fluids that had me howling with laughter. A true highlight was the nonbinary lawyer-priest Zale as they had so many good quips as befitting a lawyer. And an entire religion dedicated to lawyers and providing legal defense for anyone who asks? Fucking genius.
If you are looking for cozy romantasy book, please look no further. You will laugh, you will smile and you will sigh happily. The story doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel for the bodyguard romance trope but it definitely provides a fun and unique twist on it.
Our intrepid heroine Halla inherits her great uncle's estate and is locked away by her greedy relatives until she agrees to marry her clammy handed cousin. While wasting away in her room, she unsheathes an old sword hanging on the wall and suddenly a grizzled warrior Sarkis appears in front of her. He is sworn to protect whomever owns the sword and together the two of them embark on a few misadventures in order for Halla to get her inheritance back.
This was my 2nd T. Kingfisher book and what an absolute banger! I had so much fun reading this book and did not want it to end. Halla and Sarkis were unconventional romantic leads and it absolutely worked. Despite their relationship only developing over a couple of weeks, it was so sweet and heartwarming. They so obviously wanted the best for each other, I just loved it. I am also grateful to Kingfisher for having a heroine in her 30's and centering a woman who does not want children. It is so nice to see that in a romance book particularly with a male love interest who supports all her reproductive decisions.
Kingfisher's writing was hysterical with just non stop wit. There was a whole chapter discussing the logistics of magical swords and bodily fluids that had me howling with laughter. A true highlight was the nonbinary lawyer-priest Zale as they had so many good quips as befitting a lawyer. And an entire religion dedicated to lawyers and providing legal defense for anyone who asks? Fucking genius.
If you are looking for cozy romantasy book, please look no further. You will laugh, you will smile and you will sigh happily. The story doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel for the bodyguard romance trope but it definitely provides a fun and unique twist on it.
paperbackdietitian's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ellenwinger's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emmal_'s review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
anmelugin's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cadimy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A cute and funny cozy fantasy! I loved the paladin series, and this one is just as great.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Confinement, Blood, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail