Reviews with content warning for Murder - Paladin's Grace

I love the theme very much, and the characters too. The Saint of Steel series has a special place in my heart for this reason.
I really loved the depiction if the paladins, and of their relationship with each other.
I have read Swordheart before, and it was a pleasure to come back to the world and feel it connected !
A bit strange that the romance dynamic between the main characters read similar to Swordheart (definitely different in the details, but the structure is similar), but not a problem if you like that dynamic (it's like a good retelling of a well loved trope).
And I got to see Zale again, who is one of my favorite secondary characters ever. Diving again in the world, and meeting more of the White Rat people is definitely worth it !
It could have been 5 stars for me (again, the theme speaks to me so much !), but there is a tad too much references to sex for me. It's not overwhelming (I wouldn't call it a spicy book at all, and it happens mainly about two characters genuinely and wholesomely in love with each other), but I would happily have made without it . However, it's really just a matter of personal taste and the whole book was a pleasure to read !
I'm really excited to read the other two books because I definitely didn't had enough of those broken paladins and I'm very interested in finding out how the other characters' voices will convey this !

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saintyeehaw's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wanted to like this book so bad. I loved the world-building and ate up every little detail. Unfortunately, I loved every character except the two protagonists. I found Grace's inner monologues to be so cringeworthy that I barely finished the book.

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katiedalton's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It read like a rom-com set in a fantasy world. Which is a refreshing change from most fantasy romance books.

I loved the two leads. But I wish there was more about the plot, world, and severed head situation.

The severed heads - is mentioned early on as a side thing happening in the city and is going on in the background. But I don’t know that seemed like the most interesting part of the book and why weren’t the characters more worried about that?

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caseymac's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

(Audiobook, included with Audible) T Kingfisher writes with such warmth and realness in a way I’ve never encountered. I read this because it was free and because I liked Nettle and Bone so much. This is similar in that it’s a low fantasy mystery with rather dark themes, but somehow wrapped in a comforting hug. I highly recommend the audiobook, especially if you need comforting or soothing.

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marsh_mall0w's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.75

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noodletheriddle's review

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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canyongoblin's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious 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? No

3.75

Big picture: the story is fun, somewhat lighthearted, and I truly enjoy the world that Kingfisher creates. I like the humor and the built in kindness of the characters and the originality of the story. I will read the second book to see if I like it more.

Nitty gritty:
Grace and Stephen are a little stifling and feel like they are emotionally stunted, but without good reason and their 16-year-old want to jump each other but being so shy and self-deprecating made it feel forced into their characters.
So. I didn’t really love the portrayal of the romance and their thoughts during moments of attraction but I loved their quirky traits, kindness, empathy for each other and the depth of respect and trust that was built.

Low stakes. Romance. Intrigue.

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turtlebucket's review

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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