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A review by curls
War Bound by Tara Grayce
5.0
I adored the first book Fierce Heart, and had high expectations for the sequel. And I’m delighted that it exceeded my expectations.
After the troll attack on the elves with human weapons, Essie and Farrendel are sent to Essie’s homeland on a peaceful mission to find out why human weapons were obtained by trolls. This is also a chance for Essie to introduce Farrendel to her family.
One of my absolute favorite tropes is two cultures clashing. Essie made a place for herself in the elven society without compromising herself. This time Farrendel sees what Essie struggled with as he navigates human culture for the first time.
But when he glanced back at her, his gaze was soft, searching. “Is this what it was like for you in Estyra? Always...” he paused, as if unsure how to word what he was thinking and feeling, “...out of place?”
Essie joined him and threaded her fingers with his. “It was tough, at first. I was glad you were patient and helpful when I didn’t know what was going on or even what everyone was saying. I just muddled through it and tried not to care what anyone thought. That’s how I tackle most things in life, to be honest.”
“I knew it was difficult for you, but I did not understand what it was like. I am sorry.”
I wasn’t expecting Farrendel’s point of view since it wasn’t in the last book and it adds so much. He’s kind of an enigma to Essie and it’s so nice to get his perspective.
Farrendel’s interactions with Essie’s close family, especially her overprotective older brothers, were wonderful. I especially liked Edmund, who wasn’t in the previous book.
“How much should I hold back? Should I let him win?”
It was adorable—if a little heartbreakingly sad—how much Farrendel wanted her brothers to like him.
Essie patted his chest. “Don’t you dare let him win. They’ll respect you far more if you beat them fair and square than let them take a cheap victory.”
My only complaint is the wait until September for the next book. Just a warning -this book ends on a cliffhanger. If you despise cliffhangers - wait until book 3 comes out. This is too good of a story to miss.
If you’re looking for a slow burn romance between two different cultures - this fantasy about an arranged marriage is one you will want to read.
Free on kindle unlimited.
After the troll attack on the elves with human weapons, Essie and Farrendel are sent to Essie’s homeland on a peaceful mission to find out why human weapons were obtained by trolls. This is also a chance for Essie to introduce Farrendel to her family.
One of my absolute favorite tropes is two cultures clashing. Essie made a place for herself in the elven society without compromising herself. This time Farrendel sees what Essie struggled with as he navigates human culture for the first time.
But when he glanced back at her, his gaze was soft, searching. “Is this what it was like for you in Estyra? Always...” he paused, as if unsure how to word what he was thinking and feeling, “...out of place?”
Essie joined him and threaded her fingers with his. “It was tough, at first. I was glad you were patient and helpful when I didn’t know what was going on or even what everyone was saying. I just muddled through it and tried not to care what anyone thought. That’s how I tackle most things in life, to be honest.”
“I knew it was difficult for you, but I did not understand what it was like. I am sorry.”
I wasn’t expecting Farrendel’s point of view since it wasn’t in the last book and it adds so much. He’s kind of an enigma to Essie and it’s so nice to get his perspective.
Farrendel’s interactions with Essie’s close family, especially her overprotective older brothers, were wonderful. I especially liked Edmund, who wasn’t in the previous book.
“How much should I hold back? Should I let him win?”
It was adorable—if a little heartbreakingly sad—how much Farrendel wanted her brothers to like him.
Essie patted his chest. “Don’t you dare let him win. They’ll respect you far more if you beat them fair and square than let them take a cheap victory.”
My only complaint is the wait until September for the next book. Just a warning -this book ends on a cliffhanger. If you despise cliffhangers - wait until book 3 comes out. This is too good of a story to miss.
If you’re looking for a slow burn romance between two different cultures - this fantasy about an arranged marriage is one you will want to read.
Free on kindle unlimited.