Reviews tagging 'Murder'

Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher

55 reviews

alexijai98's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

If you’re not into “idiots in love” or whatever the trope is called this isn’t the book for you. I came very close to DNFing simply because I was getting very tired of the protagonists continuing to doubt each other’s feelings and self flagellate, but I found that pushing past my annoyance was worth it. Also the infidelity and toxic relationship is NOT between the two protagonists!!!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lillimariexo's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

distilledreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

I went into Paladin’s Grace knowing practically nothing about the plot. I genuinely don’t think I read past the first line of the summary, but I was hooked by the premise of a paladin’s god dying and needed to read it. So, imagine my absolute DELIGHT to find out this was a fantasy romance. Kingfisher had me hook, line, and sinker the whole way through and this has become a new favourite series. 

I have seen so much praise for Kingfisher online throughout the years, but I don’t read horror, so I never had the opportunity to experience her writing for myself. I am so, so happy I was finally able to change that because I loved the characters she created in this series. 

Even though there was an alarming number of severed heads (I was always worried about the severed heads, Stephen), I found this to be the perfect cozy fantasy. I’m not sure if I was just under a rock and missed all discourse about this series, but it is an absolute travesty in my opinion that this series wasn’t dominating the subgenre during the recent surge of cozy fantasy. There is no needless subplot of stalking and sexual harassment, and the treatment of such within the book is handled incredibly well. 

Stephen, the paladin MMC, was refreshingly respectful and well-aware when his behaviour slipped from protective to creepy. Grace, the perfumer FMC, was a fierce character self-described as a grey mouse, but watching her confidence grow had me fist-pumping the air. 

I lost count of how many times I legitimately laughed out loud while reading Paladin’s Grace. The banter was perfect for me and I loved the foreshadowing that Kingfisher wove throughout the book. The world is intriguing and I can’t get enough.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

jonie_rich's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense 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

4.75

This genuinely got weirdly spooky, but it also made me laugh out loud in public. A well rounded book that I genuinely enjoyed. I’m looking forward to continuing the series! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lover_of_books94's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The main focus of the book was on the romance between the two main characters. The overall plot really took a back seat, which caused me to give it a lower rating. I think I would have liked the story more if it had expanded on the underlying murder mysteries, the world building, and the backgrounds of some of the side characters. If you are really into romance, then you may enjoy this book more than I did. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lunalorenne's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious slow-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

4.0

Things I loved: 
The inner monologues were pretty funny at times ( but were maybe a bit overused) 
The romance between Stephen and Grace. I loved that it was much more of a slower paced romance and the respect he had for her and letting her fight her own battles but always being there for her was just so heartwarming. 

Things I was unsure about: 
There seemed to be two murderous plots going on in the background at once and it made it difficult to keep track of all the pieces and to understand if they were connected at all. 
Stephen was sometimes a bit too self deprecating. I get that part of his character is guilt but it became a broken record with how much his inner monologue banged it into us. 
Lastly it did take a little to get into it as it was a slow start and I thought the court scene was drawn out a bit too long. 

Overall though an enjoyable read with some murder mystery and a great romance! I can’t wait for more from this world. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

honeywolf's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Two broken people find love. This takes place in a fantasy setting and does have plot that unfurls throughout but it's so much more about these two people who believe themselves to be too "damaged" to deserve happiness and comfort. The moments that make this book shine are the quiet moments that make the protagonists feel safest; often times in silent companionship or safety and respect. It's somewhat slow and somewhat crams the plot into the last few chapters but because this is about the relationship more than anything I find that a largely forgivable offense. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

alainral's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful mysterious tense 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

4.75


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

danajoy's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious

4.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

ijustreallyliketrees's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark funny mysterious 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

2.0

I guess I was expecting more of the fantasy element? It was very much focused on the mystery and romance. I did like the romance between Stephen and Grace though and the other Paladin characters but other than that it didn't do anything for me.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings