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kivt's review against another edition
4.0
This was well-written, inventive, and a lot of fun overall.
subtlemystery's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
sugarpop's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
amyreadsandsails's review against another edition
5.0
MM - fantasy romance - moderate steam - pov third single - casually queer - celebrity - class gap - forced proximity - mature (40s) - 5 stars.
This was an absolute dark horse for me. I wasn't expecting it to be so damn good. It was funny, the world building was amazing, and the heroes were both good people.
Fenn's most noticeable trait is that he's an animal lover to the core. His love for horses and his sympathetic nature, while also being at the lowest point of his life, was just heart wrenching. Morgrim, the court sorcerer, is an intimidating man until you get to know him. Slowly, what Fenn knows about the court and the sorcerer crumble.
There are only a few steamy scenes, but there is dominance and humiliation play, and the consent was so good.
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
4 Hearts
I think I’m safe to say that I’m not the only one who has been waiting impatiently for Welch’s next creation and overall, I wasn’t disappointed.
What the blurb doesn’t tell you is that this is really rich in world building. As with Salt Magic, Skin Magic, the atmosphere is weighted and full of portent. This realm is steeped in magic (though it’s sadly dwindling), with a history of war, current political machinations, and a drought that is affecting everyone.
Our hero Fenn has not had it easy, and his story is quite heartbreaking. He doesn’t want a handout or anyone’s pity but life has been quite unfair. It has shaped who he has become and of course, every decision and reaction that befalls him for better or for worse is influenced by his past. When Fenn unexpectedly is confronted with the kingdom’s most intimidating, scariest court sorcerer, he doesn’t know whether to run for the hills screaming or at least partake in the small comforts offered before being blasted into oblivion.
Admittedly, this starts off at an extremely unhurried pace, making me wonder often if there would be any more to this tale than the daily goings on of Fenn and Morgrim eyeballing each other and not having conversations. However, at the halfway point (be patient dear reader) things literally take off and revelations abound and lives are endangered and a kingdom hangs on the precipice of annihilation. Well…. mild dramatics aside, the potential for dire consequences is a real threat, and Fenn must believe in himself and in Morgrim, should they ever have the chance of making things right with their country and with each other.
So again, beware of very leisurely beginnings. This also had a lot of self-flagellation from both Fenn and Morgrim, a lot of hurt comfort all intermixed with a bit of D/s kink that may or may not be your thing (it sorta kinda wasn’t for me). On the other hand, be prepared to be charmed by a gruff gentle giant with a tender heart who only wants to believe in hope again, a misunderstood sorcerer with always good intentions, and magically created stubborn silly horses who can fly. Don’t forget lots of subterfuge, spies and bad guys, kidnapping and double crosses, all interspersed with a slow brewing romance with a deeply satisfying conclusion.
Despite having enjoyed [b:Salt Magic, Skin Magic|40722060|Salt Magic, Skin Magic|Lee Welch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1530750775l/40722060._SY75_.jpg|63344403] and [b:Mended with Gold|36522038|Mended with Gold (Mended with Gold, #1)|Lee Welch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1511022612l/36522038._SY75_.jpg|58244746] more, there’s no doubt Welch can write. She definitely can create. I would not say no should she deign our presence with more of her imagination and skill. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long, but I’m okay with being patient no matter what.
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
I think I’m safe to say that I’m not the only one who has been waiting impatiently for Welch’s next creation and overall, I wasn’t disappointed.
What the blurb doesn’t tell you is that this is really rich in world building. As with Salt Magic, Skin Magic, the atmosphere is weighted and full of portent. This realm is steeped in magic (though it’s sadly dwindling), with a history of war, current political machinations, and a drought that is affecting everyone.
Our hero Fenn has not had it easy, and his story is quite heartbreaking. He doesn’t want a handout or anyone’s pity but life has been quite unfair. It has shaped who he has become and of course, every decision and reaction that befalls him for better or for worse is influenced by his past. When Fenn unexpectedly is confronted with the kingdom’s most intimidating, scariest court sorcerer, he doesn’t know whether to run for the hills screaming or at least partake in the small comforts offered before being blasted into oblivion.
Admittedly, this starts off at an extremely unhurried pace, making me wonder often if there would be any more to this tale than the daily goings on of Fenn and Morgrim eyeballing each other and not having conversations. However, at the halfway point (be patient dear reader) things literally take off and revelations abound and lives are endangered and a kingdom hangs on the precipice of annihilation. Well…. mild dramatics aside, the potential for dire consequences is a real threat, and Fenn must believe in himself and in Morgrim, should they ever have the chance of making things right with their country and with each other.
So again, beware of very leisurely beginnings. This also had a lot of self-flagellation from both Fenn and Morgrim, a lot of hurt comfort all intermixed with a bit of D/s kink that may or may not be your thing (it sorta kinda wasn’t for me). On the other hand, be prepared to be charmed by a gruff gentle giant with a tender heart who only wants to believe in hope again, a misunderstood sorcerer with always good intentions, and magically created stubborn silly horses who can fly. Don’t forget lots of subterfuge, spies and bad guys, kidnapping and double crosses, all interspersed with a slow brewing romance with a deeply satisfying conclusion.
Despite having enjoyed [b:Salt Magic, Skin Magic|40722060|Salt Magic, Skin Magic|Lee Welch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1530750775l/40722060._SY75_.jpg|63344403] and [b:Mended with Gold|36522038|Mended with Gold (Mended with Gold, #1)|Lee Welch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1511022612l/36522038._SY75_.jpg|58244746] more, there’s no doubt Welch can write. She definitely can create. I would not say no should she deign our presence with more of her imagination and skill. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long, but I’m okay with being patient no matter what.
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
gardenprophet's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Super adorable and non-traditional soft daddy-dom main character is so good.
whitegirlwastedonbrownliquor's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
blingping's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
being_b's review against another edition
5.0
Highly recommended for fans of T. Kingfisher-- a similar feel of hope and appreciation for the small practical things combined with magic, absurdity, and genuinely Good People.