Reviews

A Vermilion Curse by D.C. Guevara

doom_inique's review against another edition

5.0

Review to come, but I adored this book!

jolynekujo's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book so much! It was fun and had that delicious slow burn I love. Only critique I can think of is there were some moments I was kind of confused by the way the plot was going, especially near the end, but honestly that could be on me. Overall, definitely worth the read!

joreadsbooks's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense 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

 Read an eARC from the author
Content Warnings: fantasy violence, human sacrifice, death (on-page in flashbacks), explicit sexual acts, sex pollen (dubious consent), PTSD, fantasy hate crimes, dead parents (mentioned in flashbacks)

A demon seeking redemption from a scholarly brotherhood and spymaster on the run from an accusation of regicide cross paths in A Vermilion Curse. Both Ryseand and Cressida have their own ulterior motives for teaming up as a battle couple. With a queernorm world steeped in the aesthetics and the lived-in worldbuilding reminiscent of the Dragonlance novels, A Vermilion Curse enchants with its slow-burn romance and breakneck plot. An utter delight for fans of Berserk, fantasy, and romance in equal measure.

This novel has everything anyone can want from a fantasy adventure. Polar opposites—a planner and a pantser—meet on the run from different tragedies. Ryesand, a demon, seeks redemption from the Brotherhood who cast him out, while Cressida is a spymaster on the run from crimes she didn’t commit. Chthassyl cultists chase both of them for different ends. It’s dangerous, but there is some excellent competency porn where our main characters are involved. Between Ryesand being the level-headed scholar and Cressida the rogue with a heart of gold looking for healing, the opposites attract deliciously, and so much of the fun lies in watching them trust each other and grow closer.

The success of a romance novel falls on the chemistry and development of its main characters, and Guevara excels here. Despite being a bit of a bisexual disaster, Cressida is quick on her feet and can get herself out of situations as soon as she gets in them. Ryesand, on the other hand, is far more reserved and keeps his truth closer to his chest. Their banter really works for me because of the strength of their personal convictions. This book is intended for adult audiences, and the multiple sex scenes are explicit. This book fucks with enchanting magic and heart-pounding sword fights that show off the best from both our main characters.

As someone who is really picky about cult books, I enjoyed Guevara’s approach to that antagonist and trauma. It’s careful, and there is a clear reason what the cultists seek and the sorts of people they seek to destroy. This is a fantasy book about everyday people in increasingly extraordinary situations. There is magic and divinity, but it’s not the sort that cloaks our main characters in plot armor. In fact, it might be their greatest enemy from start to finish.

Last, but not least, the Berserk references are so tasty and so fresh. Guevara turned the relationship between Guts and Casca and the world-building of a sword-and-sorcery fantasy into something new. Though the world is queernorm, there’s still heartbreak, fantasy racism, especially where Ryesand is involved, and classism, especially where Cressida is concerned. But there’s still beauty, art, and lore, which makes Anthares so richly lived in.

I had a blast reading this fast-paced adventure, and I can’t wait for others to join the ride as well. 

missmegs13's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.75