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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
This was PHENOMENAL. I was intrigued by the synopsis and ecstatic to learn it's friends to lovers. Luckily, it did not disappoint.
I can see why some people might think this book is boring. It's about a quiet, mature relationship that starts slow and becomes true. Not that there isn't drama, but practically none of it comes from the relationship between our two main characters, Brishen and Ildiko, because they're both adults who know how to communicate. They're patient and open-minded and wholly rational beings, which is SO refreshing and different in a landscape of overdramatic romance.
I love how these two start off viscerally disgusted by each other's appearances. No stretch of the imagination could render Brishen physically appealing by human standards or vice versa. I love that our 2 leads started as commiserating friends making the best of an arranged political marriage, fall in love with each other's personalities, and learn to love each other's physical differences. I love this exploration of a relationship built on mutual respect and friendship which leads to physical attraction to each other, when previously they were totally repulsed. And at the end when one character's physical appearance is further marred and the other one accepts it in stride, since their love did not blossom because of their looks, but rather in spite them—yes!! Chef's kiss!! All the good!
I could gush about this all day, but I'll end by saying I'm very interested to see where Serovek and Anhuset's relationship leads! I'm not usually into romance series that focus on a single couple (I find it's so easy to ruin the relationship in sequels with new conflicts) but I'll give this one a try. Wish me luck!
OH YEAH!!!! I love how the vicious and greedy queen played herself in the epilogue. LOL!!!
I can see why some people might think this book is boring. It's about a quiet, mature relationship that starts slow and becomes true. Not that there isn't drama, but practically none of it comes from the relationship between our two main characters, Brishen and Ildiko, because they're both adults who know how to communicate. They're patient and open-minded and wholly rational beings, which is SO refreshing and different in a landscape of overdramatic romance.
I love how these two start off viscerally disgusted by each other's appearances. No stretch of the imagination could render Brishen physically appealing by human standards or vice versa. I love that our 2 leads started as commiserating friends making the best of an arranged political marriage, fall in love with each other's personalities, and learn to love each other's physical differences. I love this exploration of a relationship built on mutual respect and friendship which leads to physical attraction to each other, when previously they were totally repulsed. And at the end when one character's physical appearance is further marred and the other one accepts it in stride, since their love did not blossom because of their looks, but rather in spite them—yes!! Chef's kiss!! All the good!
I could gush about this all day, but I'll end by saying I'm very interested to see where Serovek and Anhuset's relationship leads! I'm not usually into romance series that focus on a single couple (I find it's so easy to ruin the relationship in sequels with new conflicts) but I'll give this one a try. Wish me luck!
OH YEAH!!!! I love how the vicious and greedy queen played herself in the epilogue. LOL!!!
4.25 ⭐️
Romantasy authors, take notes on how to write your books. Cause when we say we like romantasy, this is what we mean
Romantasy authors, take notes on how to write your books. Cause when we say we like romantasy, this is what we mean
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Love the progression of their relationship. CRAZY how his mom gave him his eye as a gift after he’d been tortured… and the comment she made! Yuck!
Overall, love the book but idk if I will read the second one. We will see!
Overall, love the book but idk if I will read the second one. We will see!
4.5⭐️ rounded UP
So basically the setup here is that Ildiko (a human) marries Brishen (a Kai…not a human) to make an agreeable alliance between their races.
They both think the other is unattractive, but they make it into a joke and it’s actually pretty cute:
The space between her eyebrows stitched into a single vertical frown line. “Had you crawled out from under my bed when I was a child, I would have bludgeoned you to death with my father’s mace.” Brishen rocked back on the bench and howled. When he finished, the woman was staring at him with her horse-toothed smile in place. He cleared his throat. “I don’t know whether that’s a testament to my looks or to your penchant for violence.”
I didn’t think I was into friends to lovers, but this relationship was so refreshing in its wit, honesty, and maturity. I loved the little moments of desire that eventually grew to be much more.
Not to mention there is a diabolical plot brewing!! Woof.
Half a star off for this line, “Cousin or not, you’re a fine figure of a man.” Talk about UNNECESSARY.
Anyways, read this. K bye.
So basically the setup here is that Ildiko (a human) marries Brishen (a Kai…not a human) to make an agreeable alliance between their races.
They both think the other is unattractive, but they make it into a joke and it’s actually pretty cute:
The space between her eyebrows stitched into a single vertical frown line. “Had you crawled out from under my bed when I was a child, I would have bludgeoned you to death with my father’s mace.” Brishen rocked back on the bench and howled. When he finished, the woman was staring at him with her horse-toothed smile in place. He cleared his throat. “I don’t know whether that’s a testament to my looks or to your penchant for violence.”
I didn’t think I was into friends to lovers, but this relationship was so refreshing in its wit, honesty, and maturity. I loved the little moments of desire that eventually grew to be much more.
Not to mention there is a diabolical plot brewing!! Woof.
Half a star off for this line, “Cousin or not, you’re a fine figure of a man.” Talk about UNNECESSARY.
Anyways, read this. K bye.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Just a cute little romance. Fantasy world but wouldn't call it true fantasy. Pallet cleanser.
emotional
hopeful
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:
No
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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:
No
LOVE the romance! LOVE the world building! It was amazing!! I couldn't put it down!