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ingrid6's review against another edition
3.75
I found this book to be LONG- I feel like it could have been 300 pages shorter and I wouldn’t have missed out on anything other than some (pretty funny) dialogue. That said it was easy to get through.
One of the things that drew me towards the book was the promise of an older(and hopefully more experienced &mature cast of characters) and I think that I didn’t quite get that in Halla. I appreciated her problem solving and unique approach to things- but in the end I guess I was hoping for a FMC more comfortable in their own skin.
We didn’t get very much world building or explanation. I just assumed I’d have to read the main series for that.
I really enjoyed the side characters in particular. I’m a sucker for some funny side characters.
One of the things that drew me towards the book was the promise of an older(and hopefully more experienced &mature cast of characters) and I think that I didn’t quite get that in Halla. I appreciated her problem solving and unique approach to things- but in the end I guess I was hoping for a FMC more comfortable in their own skin.
We didn’t get very much world building or explanation. I just assumed I’d have to read the main series for that.
I really enjoyed the side characters in particular. I’m a sucker for some funny side characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Confinement, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt
robin1010's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I'm having a tough time figuring out how to review this book. I'd say overall, if the premise is interesting to you or you enjoy T. Kingfisher, its worth giving a shot, but its definitely not my favorite of her books.
My primary issue with it is how Halla is described and treated by the author, especially considering the author is a woman herself. There are a huge amount of mentions of Halla's breasts or wide hips, and of a male character noticing them while she remains either unaware of or derogatory of them. Its deeply off putting. I don't mind descriptions of a characters body, especially given this is a romance novel, but her breasts/hips are mentioned more often than every other physical characteristic she has combined, and that's not an exaggeration. This weird over-sexualisation of her body is combined with a complete naivete - despite clearly being aware of and having had sex before, there are multiple occasions where she is either completely flustered by or completely unaware of sexual situations. This is especially weird interspersed with commentary about how 'middle aged' and 'worldly' she is. Its just a weird choice to advertise a character as more experienced and then also bank on the exploitative sexualisation of a naive woman.
Sarkis wasn't great either. He repeatedly drones on and on about how lackluster the men of the land are and how they don't appreciate or treat women properly, all while repeatedly leering at Halla's tits and imagining having sex with her while she is assumingly unaware. There are a few occasions where the book shows him acting like a normal human being - ie, not telling Halla what she can and cannot wear because an outfit is too revealing, treating a prostitute with basic human decency - and its sort of treated with a gravitas that shows the author is trying to show him as particularly 'better'. On another occasion he, after commentating how it wouldn't be appropriate or entirely consensual because she is dependent on him to stay alive, kisses Halla without asking or even any sign of reciprocal interest on her part. Given that thus far we're supposed to think hes particularly gallant or whatever it just felt super out of place and a little gross.
ASIDE from the main characters though, this book was great. Zale was a fantastic character and I really enjoyed their entire arc and backstory. The lore and world building was so interesting and I liked it enough that I'll probably give the series this is a spin-off of a go. The various religious institutes combating one another was a great addition as well. The scenes set in the vanishing hills absolutely stood out from the rest of the book - the prose and the tension was so much better and really shows that T. Kingfisher's specialty is in horror.
Plot wise there were definitely bits that worked better than others. The main plot got a bit tiresome, especially given they went up and down the same goddamn road like 3 times. But smaller sections like having to hide the bodies of the two priests were really well done bits of humor and tension.
Overall, while I did enjoy some of it, it was overshadowed by the awkward, weird main characters and their awkward, weird interactions with one another.
My primary issue with it is how Halla is described and treated by the author, especially considering the author is a woman herself. There are a huge amount of mentions of Halla's breasts or wide hips, and of a male character noticing them while she remains either unaware of or derogatory of them. Its deeply off putting. I don't mind descriptions of a characters body, especially given this is a romance novel, but her breasts/hips are mentioned more often than every other physical characteristic she has combined, and that's not an exaggeration. This weird over-sexualisation of her body is combined with a complete naivete - despite clearly being aware of and having had sex before, there are multiple occasions where she is either completely flustered by or completely unaware of sexual situations. This is especially weird interspersed with commentary about how 'middle aged' and 'worldly' she is. Its just a weird choice to advertise a character as more experienced and then also bank on the exploitative sexualisation of a naive woman.
Sarkis wasn't great either. He repeatedly drones on and on about how lackluster the men of the land are and how they don't appreciate or treat women properly, all while repeatedly leering at Halla's tits and imagining having sex with her while she is assumingly unaware. There are a few occasions where the book shows him acting like a normal human being -
ASIDE from the main characters though, this book was great. Zale was a fantastic character and I really enjoyed their entire arc and backstory. The lore and world building was so interesting and I liked it enough that I'll probably give the series this is a spin-off of a go. The various religious institutes combating one another was a great addition as well. The scenes set in the vanishing hills absolutely stood out from the rest of the book -
Plot wise there were definitely bits that worked better than others.
Overall, while I did enjoy some of it, it was overshadowed by the awkward, weird main characters and their awkward, weird interactions with one another.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Confinement, and Suicide attempt
alybark's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Meh. Could’ve used more birds screaming death prophecies. If I read the word “decadent” again I may lose my mind.
There were definitely parts that I found funny and I enjoyed the first half of the book. It was ultimately too long and I found myself bored with the characters and plot. I picked this one up blindly after it was recommended to me, so I did not realize it was a romance. The romance had many tropes that I did not like, which is purely a subjective thing.
That said, I was definitely bothered by the treatment of the Asexual character of the MC’s late husband. There are non-binary characters and LGTBQ seems to be accepted in most of the cultures, but the author failed hard with Halla’s ex-husband. His lack of interest in sex is spoken of as a failure of all men and it just did not seem necessary to denigrate a (dead) character to show how attracted Sarkis was to Halla. This also felt like a weird plot device so the FMC could be virginal while still being a widow who had sex before.
There were definitely parts that I found funny and I enjoyed the first half of the book. It was ultimately too long and I found myself bored with the characters and plot. I picked this one up blindly after it was recommended to me, so I did not realize it was a romance. The romance had many tropes that I did not like, which is purely a subjective thing.
That said, I was definitely bothered by the treatment of the Asexual character of the MC’s late husband. There are non-binary characters and LGTBQ seems to be accepted in most of the cultures, but the author failed hard with Halla’s ex-husband. His lack of interest in sex is spoken of as a failure of all men and it just did not seem necessary to denigrate a (dead) character to show how attracted Sarkis was to Halla. This also felt like a weird plot device so the FMC could be virginal while still being a widow who had sex before.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
wildflowerleahg's review against another edition
5.0
This book was everything I wanted in a cozy fantasy AND MORE.
Upon first hearing the plot of this, there was no way I could have predicted my love for this book.
When is book two happening?
Upon first hearing the plot of this, there was no way I could have predicted my love for this book.
When is book two happening?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Suicide attempt
drkappitan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This was a delight. I cannot wait to pick up Kingfisher's other work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Torture, Body horror, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicide attempt
welgan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-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
4.75
Spoiler-free review
This is not a 5 stars due du personnal preferences, but as far as its genre goes, it definitely should be !
Note : this is my first T. Kingfisher book, and it's interesting to see references to other books (Clockwork Boys), but it never felt like I needed to have read those beforehand.
Swordheart is a lighthearted and wholesome romance aventure that never stops to be interesting. I got really attached to the characters thanks to their inner monologue and quirks.
It would be easy for a hetero bodyguard type of romance to fall in the trope of "damsel in distress", but I felt it was well handled : while the warrior bodyguard is indeed experienced and efficient in any martial situation, we discover that the female main character has her own ressources and strength that shine in other situations. All of the main characters had strength and weaknesses, and felt very human and caring.
And there is depth in the emotions and struggles of the main characters, nuancing them quite well !
The culture contrast between the two main characters led to very interesting considerations too, especially about the women's condition in Halla's (female main character) country !
A slight warning : for those romance fans who prefer an approach based on emotions only and would prefer little to no mention of physical attraction, be aware that this is a romance between two people who are very much physically attracted to each other (not only, definitely), and it is explicitly told so ! (It was an interesting ride for my asexual mind lol). If you're unsure about sex references (very minor spoiler) :expect two sex scenes, explicit but not too detailed, consensual and between people who are very much in love with each other. Expect also some mentions of genitals and physical reactions to a loved one, but it's in no way overwhelming (take that from somleone who has very low tolerance about that matter)
I felt that is was well done, being respectful and wholesome, and adressing the hardships of being attracted to someone, so even if it's not what I am used to, it felt right. Sarkis especially (the bodyguard) is a very respectful man, aware of his strength and the dominant position he can have through his bodyguard role.
The side characters finally were intensely loveable : I'm joining the crowd of the gnoles fans (Brindle here at least is a very good fellow), and I really loved one of main secondary characters, who is a non-binary person (they just are, no plot related to this fact : they exist in this world as everyone else and it's very comforting). I got really attached to them and their friendship with the main characters were a highlight of the whole book to me.
This is not a 5 stars due du personnal preferences, but as far as its genre goes, it definitely should be !
Note : this is my first T. Kingfisher book, and it's interesting to see references to other books (Clockwork Boys), but it never felt like I needed to have read those beforehand.
Swordheart is a lighthearted and wholesome romance aventure that never stops to be interesting. I got really attached to the characters thanks to their inner monologue and quirks.
It would be easy for a hetero bodyguard type of romance to fall in the trope of "damsel in distress", but I felt it was well handled : while the warrior bodyguard is indeed experienced and efficient in any martial situation, we discover that the female main character has her own ressources and strength that shine in other situations. All of the main characters had strength and weaknesses, and felt very human and caring.
And there is depth in the emotions and struggles of the main characters, nuancing them quite well !
The culture contrast between the two main characters led to very interesting considerations too, especially about the women's condition in Halla's (female main character) country !
A slight warning : for those romance fans who prefer an approach based on emotions only and would prefer little to no mention of physical attraction, be aware that this is a romance between two people who are very much physically attracted to each other (not only, definitely), and it is explicitly told so ! (It was an interesting ride for my asexual mind lol). If you're unsure about sex references (very minor spoiler) :
I felt that is was well done, being respectful and wholesome, and adressing the hardships of being attracted to someone, so even if it's not what I am used to, it felt right. Sarkis especially (the bodyguard) is a very respectful man, aware of his strength and the dominant position he can have through his bodyguard role.
The side characters finally were intensely loveable : I'm joining the crowd of the gnoles fans (Brindle here at least is a very good fellow), and I really loved one of main secondary characters, who is a non-binary person (they just are, no plot related to this fact : they exist in this world as everyone else and it's very comforting). I got really attached to them and their friendship with the main characters were a highlight of the whole book to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Domestic abuse
Minor: War
Harsh themes are adressed in the book, though rarely the main focus of the story, and handled with a lot of humour. The book is definitely light-hearted, so if those are not triggers for you, go ahead ! The violence and injuries are what to be expected from a fantasy book where a warrior bodyguard has to kill bandits, for example. The sexual content is very respectful, consensual and wholesome.evarinya's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Violence
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Confinement, Death, and Sexual content
Minor: Kidnapping, Alcohol, Animal death, Physical abuse, Suicide, and Injury/Injury detail
wilybooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
This was so fun. Cosy fantasy with a smidge of death and horror and a lot of swoony romance. It was so genuinely funny, too. I often find that humour in books falls flat for me but the banter in Swordheart had me laughing out loud. Sarkis and Halla were such great characters and worked together so beautifully (if I’m being honest I kind of want a Sarkis myself). I loved that they were both older and had the bodies to show for it.
The world that T. Kingfisher has created is so intriguing. The variety of different gods and religions and all of the lore and rules behind them, the truly inventive creatures, the incredibly disturbing Vagrant Hills. You could tell at times that the author also writes horror, because some of the scenes were so creepy they sent a chill down my spine.
One thing I really appreciated was a key aspect of Halla’s characterisation. She basically uses the misogyny of the world to her own advantage and deliberately plays stupid and acts like a bit of a vapid airhead so that people underestimate her and she can get away with things. Weaponised ignorance, basically. You don’t often see women in fantasy novels taking back some power in this way.
I really didn’t like the third-act conflict though. It felt very out of character for Halla to react in the way that she did, especially after everything she’d been through in the book. It read more like a deus ex machina in order to tie up the Bartholomew/Nolan plot. And I have some qualms about the ending, with Sarkis remaining immortal while Halla is mortal. There’s scope for it to be addressed in future books, I suppose, but it didn’t really feel like a proper HEA.
I want to end on a positive note, because I really did love this book, so I’ll just say that Zale was amazing and I would die for them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gore, Death, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Body horror, Gaslighting, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death of parent, War, and Misogyny
valpuri's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Confinement, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol, Grief, and Vomit
wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.5
This book takes place five years after The Clocktaur War series and follows Halla, who can talk her way out of most of the dangerous situations that occurs, Sarkis, the grumpy sword/man, Zale, the non-binary priest/lawyer/clerk, and Brindle, the job-gnole that takes care of the ox.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and I look forward to everything else that occurs in this world.
Repetitions of "decadent south" and "respectable widow" were pervasive enough to essentially reach meme status for me in the it-is-so-bad-and-or-ridiculous-it-is-good-again way.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and I look forward to everything else that occurs in this world.
Repetitions of "decadent south" and "respectable widow" were pervasive enough to essentially reach meme status for me in the it-is-so-bad-and-or-ridiculous-it-is-good-again way.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, War, Blood, Confinement, Death, Alcohol, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Torture, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Religious bigotry, and Violence