4.09 AVERAGE

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Oh my heart! What a beautiful story. A strong FMC who is awkward and odd mourning her friend and sent off on a fool's errand. A MMC who she is supposed to woo can see through her. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I absolutely loved this books and will never recover. I can’t wait for the next book! The plot of the book makes me very happy and the character development is so good! Overall, the romance to conflict and everything in between just make my brain glow with happiness. Some might consider this a sad book, not that there aren’t those moments, but I loved the ending especially and the soft parts where you can just feel the love coming off the pages. Would recommend!
adventurous medium-paced
adventurous dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Very fun book with likable characters
adventurous emotional inspiring tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

To anyone who liked the premise of Powerless but not the execution, I enjoyed this SO MUCH MORE, it wasn't just a bunch of tropes thrown together. The main character was so relatable and funny and all the tropes were done brilliantly and it didn't feel forced at all. I love the unique world and magic system and it truly stood out from a lot of other books I've read in this genre. If you're tired of the super talented all-powerful main characters as well as the pick-me overly incompetent characters, you'll love Isabel. She has no powers, spying skills or brute strength, but she has a strong heart, isbrave, loyal and determined to protect her loved ones and her country, and risks her life for them. Her character development is chef's kiss and the end left me begggging for the next book. To the author, LOVE YOUU!

This book was a solid 5 stars for me!

I absolutely loved this book! Sarah's writing style is captivating, effortlessly blending beautiful storytelling with rich and accessible world-building. The intricate court politics, unique magic systems, and well-developed characters kept me completely engrossed. What truly stood out to me were the characters; each one was brilliantly fleshed out with such depth that I couldn't help but care for them. (More Signey, please!!)

The main character, Isabel, is refreshingly and beautifully flawed. It was a delight to read about a protagonist who isn’t all about being strong and stabby, even though I typically love characters like that. Isabel is a healer who tends to wounds rather than inflicting them. She's witty and smart, and her inner monologue, especially when faced with the handsome Erik, was absolutely hilarious. And their chemistry? Ahhhh… *chef’s kiss*.

What truly captivated me, though, was the profound way this book handles grief and loss. Isabel's journey through her pain, regret, and desire to make things right after her best friend's death was deeply moving. Grief is difficult to articulate, but Sarah did so beautifully, striking a chord with me. This book is an exceptional read, offering both laughter and heartfelt moments.

Tropes include:
- One horse
- First person POV
- Handsome blonde MC with shadow/illusion powers
- Seriously great banter
- Goofy, lovable healer MC
- Low level spice

My favourite quote/passage:
People say grief is numbness, but it isn’t. It feels like your skin is being opened up and you’re being flayed alive. People also say grief is cold, but then why was I burning? Why was every single cell of my body on fire?

There are some triggers in this story, so if you do have some, please review the warnings first.

Overall, this book is a fantastic fantasy adventure brimming with witty banter, thrilling action, and captivating adventure. The richly developed plot and engaging characters have me completely invested in the story. Each chapter drew me deeper into the world, making it hard to put the book down. I am eagerly anticipating the next instalment and can't wait to see what exciting twists and turns lie ahead! This series has quickly become one of my favourites, and I'm looking forward to continuing the journey.

I was generously provided an eARC by the Sarah and The NerdFam and I am happily, and voluntarily, leaving my review! ❤️ Thank you SO much.