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jane_underground's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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? No
5.0
emilyreistermorris's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kbairbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.25
4.25 stars!
Something about the way this story was told, perhaps the authors voice, was so distinct and unique I was very intrigued. I really enjoyed this story even if the first 40% was a bit slow and a bit of a slog to get through. One part I quite struggled with was during the ‘getting to know you’ phase of the Queen and Kings. But truly there were twists, turns, romance, delicious vengeance, some plot points I guessed, and others I didn’t. A delightful story and I can’t wait to dive into book two!
Something about the way this story was told, perhaps the authors voice, was so distinct and unique I was very intrigued. I really enjoyed this story even if the first 40% was a bit slow and a bit of a slog to get through. One part I quite struggled with was during the ‘getting to know you’ phase of the Queen and Kings. But truly there were twists, turns, romance, delicious vengeance, some plot points I guessed, and others I didn’t. A delightful story and I can’t wait to dive into book two!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Confinement, Death, Grief, Vomit, War, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Classism, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual harassment, Alcoholism, Blood, Gore, Lesbophobia, Sexual content, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Violence, Alcohol, and Body horror
Moderate: Incest, Rape, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death
bookish_granny's review against another edition
5.0
It takes about 100 pages for this book to get going. It's planned to be a five-book series, so I forgive the need for some set-up in book one. Once it gets going, it doesn't let go. I sobbed, laughed, and yelled out loud because of this book.
after_i_finish_this_chapter's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
This book was everything I want in a fantasy romance!! It had the perfect balance of both genres and it never lagged.
My review won't do this book justice but here I go.
Widowed Queen Consort, Almira wants one thing. Peace. Her solution to finally cease the war that killed her husband, is to propose a marriage with King Alton. The warmonger who k¡lled his own brother.
But Almira has no intention of being a consort or a soft spoken shadow to the king, knitting and gossiping. She will be Queen, an equal. Alton, while intrigued with her, does not like the idea of peace. Of sitting on his throne, playing court. It allows his demons space and he has spent years trying to keep them out.
This is a multi POV story and the side characters were all amazing!
Like I said, the balance of the fantasy aspect and the romance was perfect. It has all the things you love about an epic fantasy.... political intrigue, war and battles, the backstabbing and secrets...very Game of Thrones. And Olmo did not shy away from anything!
The romance! It was paced so good. Almira and Alton had an interesting dynamic, she is an intelligent woman always thinking two steps ahead while Alton was impulsive and antagonizing. Their chemistry was fantastic.
This book is was just so amazing I cannot wait to pick up the next book!
Read this if you like: fantasy romance, slow burn, angst, badass female characters, all female royal guards, marriage of convenience, opposites attract, he falls first,
CW's: de@th, war and battle, mvrder, tortvre, child abvse, excessive drinking, bigotry
chelreadsalot's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
readliftbooks's review
5.0
This was a story of strong women fighting for a just world ran by war crazed men. Almira was a fierce heroine who was even more capable for the role of queen than she could’ve imagined. Her red guard gave me the vibes of the warriors from Wakanda. I loved this book with all of its love, friendship, and even the tough losses. I’m nervous but excited for the next story in this series.
a10a's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
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? No
3.75
carterkalchik's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
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
4.0
Isabelle Olmo knocked it out of the park with her debut high fantasy novel. Can't wait for the sequel.