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wildatheart1339's review
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, Blood, War, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
tragicgloom's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War and Gore
lycangrrl's review
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: War, Cursing, Violence, Death, Alcohol, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
shadowspinner's review
adventurous
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping
_isabel_'s review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
"Prince and Betrothed" was an absolute joy to read. I loved this book so, so much.
I know I say this about every Tavia Lark novel, but I swear, everything she writes seems to be tailored perfectly to my every taste and whim and preference.
And this fifth book in her "Perilous Courts" series is yet another example. I freaking adored every single minute I got to spend in this wonderful, complex, dangerous, magical world, and with its two unforgettable protagonists.
Marek and Sei were AMAZING characters. Both of them have their flaws, sure, but I loved them to bits, and I loved their chemistry and every single one of their interactions even more.
I've been curious about grails since the very first time that particular concept appeared in this series; so when Tavia Lark announced Marek's love interest was going to be a grail, I was ECSTATIC. I was excited to see how she would handle that particular type of character, since grails and power-sharing were both such a controversial subject in the previous books. And she did not disappoint.
Sei's a fantastic protagonist, and his growth is even more impressive. He's gentle and pleasant and nice, but he also learns how to become his own person, his own powerful, competent man, without ever rejecting and compromising his principles and his ideals and his wishes.
And Marek! God, he must be the stubbornest character Tavia Lark has ever created. He's so damned pig-headed, a floundering, gorgeous idiot who doesn't seem to think things through, but he's also patient and strong and competent and good, and actually, maybe, the sexiest character Tavia Lark has ever created too. God, I loved him, and I loved his character arc so much.
And their relationship! I was obsessed. Miscommunication and stubborness aside, their dynamic was absolute fire. And their chemistry was freaking incredible. Their journey to love is pretty much slow-burn, but the protectiveness, especially from Marek's side, and the simmering attraction is there from the start.
< “I want you to kiss me,” Marek says instead. “Show me what you’ve learned, teacup.” >
Every single one of their interactions are unforgettable, and their scenes together equally so: funny, lovable, sweet, hot... I loved every single second I got to spend with them. The more they got comfortable with one another, the more I fell in love with them, both as individuals and as a couple.
The side characters were also incredible; and Loska and Osric stole the damned show. I love those two so much! Where does one go about acquiring a giant, murderous, mischievous, magical cat and an eternally love-sick, hilarious and lovable dragon? I need to know.
The world-building was majestic and complex and magical as usual; and the plot kept me hooked from the start.
This book is mostly about Marek and Sei's relationship, but the underlying plot is developed a fair bit, and it's fraught with twists and turns, political upheavals, discoveries and betrayals. I have a feeling the next book is going to destroy my heart, because oh god, that finale! What will happen?! *stomps feet in frustration*
Also, I'm dying to talk to somebody about Kazia. I'd seriously sell some non-vital organs (and maybe a few vital ones too) to have his book in my greedy hands. I have a very ominous feeling about some stuff that has happened, and my heart already can't take it. I'm certain that little, lonely brat will steal my soul: I can't wait to discover what's behind his cruel, childish mask.
So yes, Tavia Lark's latest masterpiece is an absolute joy to devour. I wholly recommend this series to any lover of high-fantasy, but especially if you're looking for magical world-buildings, heart-stopping romance, a boatload of touch-starved sweethearts, protective love interests, hurt/comfort and all the best tropes your heart could wish for.
I'm so damned excited for the next book, but in the meantime, I think I'll have to re-read these books from the start.
Thank you Tavia Lark for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
I know I say this about every Tavia Lark novel, but I swear, everything she writes seems to be tailored perfectly to my every taste and whim and preference.
And this fifth book in her "Perilous Courts" series is yet another example. I freaking adored every single minute I got to spend in this wonderful, complex, dangerous, magical world, and with its two unforgettable protagonists.
Marek and Sei were AMAZING characters. Both of them have their flaws, sure, but I loved them to bits, and I loved their chemistry and every single one of their interactions even more.
I've been curious about grails since the very first time that particular concept appeared in this series; so when Tavia Lark announced Marek's love interest was going to be a grail, I was ECSTATIC. I was excited to see how she would handle that particular type of character, since grails and power-sharing were both such a controversial subject in the previous books. And she did not disappoint.
Sei's a fantastic protagonist, and his growth is even more impressive. He's gentle and pleasant and nice, but he also learns how to become his own person, his own powerful, competent man, without ever rejecting and compromising his principles and his ideals and his wishes.
And Marek! God, he must be the stubbornest character Tavia Lark has ever created. He's so damned pig-headed, a floundering, gorgeous idiot who doesn't seem to think things through, but he's also patient and strong and competent and good, and actually, maybe, the sexiest character Tavia Lark has ever created too. God, I loved him, and I loved his character arc so much.
And their relationship! I was obsessed. Miscommunication and stubborness aside, their dynamic was absolute fire. And their chemistry was freaking incredible. Their journey to love is pretty much slow-burn, but the protectiveness, especially from Marek's side, and the simmering attraction is there from the start.
< “I want you to kiss me,” Marek says instead. “Show me what you’ve learned, teacup.” >
Every single one of their interactions are unforgettable, and their scenes together equally so: funny, lovable, sweet, hot... I loved every single second I got to spend with them. The more they got comfortable with one another, the more I fell in love with them, both as individuals and as a couple.
The side characters were also incredible; and Loska and Osric stole the damned show. I love those two so much! Where does one go about acquiring a giant, murderous, mischievous, magical cat and an eternally love-sick, hilarious and lovable dragon? I need to know.
The world-building was majestic and complex and magical as usual; and the plot kept me hooked from the start.
This book is mostly about Marek and Sei's relationship, but the underlying plot is developed a fair bit, and it's fraught with twists and turns, political upheavals, discoveries and betrayals. I have a feeling the next book is going to destroy my heart, because oh god, that finale! What will happen?! *stomps feet in frustration*
Also, I'm dying to talk to somebody about Kazia. I'd seriously sell some non-vital organs (and maybe a few vital ones too) to have his book in my greedy hands. I have a very ominous feeling about some stuff that has happened, and my heart already can't take it. I'm certain that little, lonely brat will steal my soul: I can't wait to discover what's behind his cruel, childish mask.
So yes, Tavia Lark's latest masterpiece is an absolute joy to devour. I wholly recommend this series to any lover of high-fantasy, but especially if you're looking for magical world-buildings, heart-stopping romance, a boatload of touch-starved sweethearts, protective love interests, hurt/comfort and all the best tropes your heart could wish for.
I'm so damned excited for the next book, but in the meantime, I think I'll have to re-read these books from the start.
Thank you Tavia Lark for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
madscientistcat's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Kidnapping
Moderate: Gore and Death
Minor: War
Re: gore
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