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sunsorbit's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Mental illness, Police brutality, Grief, Death, Gore, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Animal death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
miss_berry315's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.75
Ohhhh man, I really really wanted to like this book. I was beyond excited to read Paladin's Hope knowing that Galen was one of the MCs and that it was a M/M romance. The book starts out strong, Piper is a likeable character, the gnole stole the show as usual, and the plot is mysterious and interesting. That is unfortunately the end of what didn't disappoint me.
Okay, so firstly, Galen is nothing like he is in Paladin's Strength. Like, every bit of humor, banter, wittiness, etc was just washed away for this book. His personality is entirely focused on the brokenness, guilt, and other emotional/mental struggles from the trauma of losing their God. It really made Galen feel like an entirely different character than what we got to see in Paladin's Strength.
I really wanted to like Piper, but his entire personality is a mix of too timid to function, random bursts of confidence, and medical jargon. (I never want to hear the phrase 'spongiform erectile tissue' ever again).
I really did not like how the relationship built. It didn't feel natural or make sense to the situation they are in. This wasn't a will-they-won't-they and didn't really feel like a slow-burn bc of when things happened. I was not a fan of this relationship being more along the lines of we-want-to-but-shouldn't. I feel like not enough companionship and mutual respect/appreciation was built prior to the first intimate scene.
I find it a little bit offensive to have the only openly gay character be in a 'we really shouldn't do this' relationship that feels mostly fueled by physical desires/attraction and fear (bc of the situation they're in, not bc of their sexualities). Every other couple in the Saint of Steel series builds a solid emotional foundation prior to becoming intimate, even if they aren't open with themselves or each other about it. Why is the only LGBT relationship the one that speeds to the sex? Also, they're the only couple in the series to get a third act breakup and then end in marriage to validate everything . It really just felt like the author was checking off a representation box and didn't really talk with anybody from the community irl. Its giving "yeah I met a gay person once! I also read an article about gay culture and totally agree with gay rights, see?" Very disappointing.
Honestly, I really just wish authors would write same sex couples EXACTLY the same as different sex couples (as in the way the relationship builds, the struggles they face, the companionship they build, etc)
Oh, and why did the author name the only openly gay paladin Galen? (like seriously, I realized that part way through the book and almost stopped reading right there. That's some she-who-must-not-be-named level naming systems *eye roll*)
Okay, so firstly, Galen is nothing like he is in Paladin's Strength. Like, every bit of humor, banter, wittiness, etc was just washed away for this book. His personality is entirely focused on the brokenness, guilt, and other emotional/mental struggles from the trauma of losing their God. It really made Galen feel like an entirely different character than what we got to see in Paladin's Strength.
I really wanted to like Piper, but his entire personality is a mix of too timid to function, random bursts of confidence, and medical jargon. (I never want to hear the phrase 'spongiform erectile tissue' ever again).
I really did not like how the relationship built. It didn't feel natural or make sense to the situation they are in. This wasn't a will-they-won't-they and didn't really feel like a slow-burn bc of when things happened. I was not a fan of this relationship being more along the lines of we-want-to-but-shouldn't. I feel like not enough companionship and mutual respect/appreciation was built prior to the first intimate scene.
I find it a little bit offensive to have the only openly gay character be in a 'we really shouldn't do this' relationship that feels mostly fueled by physical desires/attraction and fear (bc of the situation they're in, not bc of their sexualities). Every other couple in the Saint of Steel series builds a solid emotional foundation prior to becoming intimate, even if they aren't open with themselves or each other about it. Why is the only LGBT relationship the one that speeds to the sex? Also, they're the only couple in the series to get a
Honestly, I really just wish authors would write same sex couples EXACTLY the same as different sex couples (as in the way the relationship builds, the struggles they face, the companionship they build, etc)
Oh, and why did the author name the only openly gay paladin Galen? (like seriously, I realized that part way through the book and almost stopped reading right there. That's some she-who-must-not-be-named level naming systems *eye roll*)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Confinement, Child abuse, Child death, Gore, Medical content, Domestic abuse, and Violence
There is a scene towards the beginning in Piper's POV where he is talking about the cause of death of a few people. He findsalexijai98's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
I liked the plot of this book the most out of the series so far I think!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Confinement, Medical content, Murder, Violence, Animal death, Blood, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
ariep's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I could not stop reading this book. I love the characters, and the writing, and the plot! It was so tense, and incredibly engaging. I really loved the first two, and this one is no exception! I don’t know what else to say other than I loved it, and I will probably read it again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Murder, Medical content, Kidnapping, Violence, Confinement, Blood, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Self harm
cwerber'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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
HOW DARE YOU END THE BOOK LIKE THAT?!?!?!
IS PIPER OKAY?!?!?!?
IT'S TWO IN THE MORNING AND NOW I CAN'T GO TO SLEEP THANKS TO YOU AND THIS BOOK.
TEN STARS OUT OF FIVE.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Hate crime, Blood, Xenophobia, Violence, Grief, Confinement, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
directorpurry's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Kidnapping, Blood, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, and Confinement
lilbookbee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
God help me, T Kingfisher owns me, mind, body, and soul. I've loved every book I've read by her, especially those in The Temple of the White Rat series, but this one takes the cake. I was already pretty sure it was going to be a five star read, but that final line, WHEW BOY. I listened to this on audio in my car alone, and upon hearing Piper's utterance of the final line of the book I SCREAMED. Out loud. More than once, for multiple minutes. I stopped screaming only to start hollering again moments later. The ending of this book shook me to my core. A fellow reader in my book club said that Paladin's Grace (the first in the Saint of Steel series, of which this is the third) had the best opening line, and this one had the best final line. Nothing truer has ever been said.
I don't even know how to talk about how amazing the rest of this book was. I knew I was going to like Galen, but I still wasn't expecting to love him this much. And Piper too!!! They were the best match and the cutest and the snarkiest and all around my favorite couple in the series. Only Kingfisher could write a series and have me love each couple more than the last. Piper and Galen have my heart.
This book also had one of the hottest scenes I've had the pleasure of reading, and it wasn't even a smut scene. Listening to the scene in chapter 20 where Galen and Pipe are pressed together getting through the blade trap, and Galen keeps Piper distracted by murmuring potentially suggestive things and kissing the back of his neck. Like they are in an absolutely perilous situation and yet somehow the two of them are just oozing sexual tension. In the words of T Kingfisher herself, that scene made *me* want to howl like a dog. And then the follow up in chapter 21 where after getting a great blow job from Piper, Galen gives him the hottest reach around known to man. As in they are sitting on the floor, and Galen has Piper basically in his lap, Piper's back to his chest, and he reaches around and gets him off and oh my GOD. God help me, a position like that has ALWAYS made me hot and bothered, but after the rocketing tension from the chapter before??? Whew boy 🥵🫠
I cannot believe I waited as long as I did to read these books. I don't know if I will ever be able to stop talking about them. I want and need everyone to read them so I can discuss them in perpetuity forever.
I don't even know how to talk about how amazing the rest of this book was. I knew I was going to like Galen, but I still wasn't expecting to love him this much. And Piper too!!! They were the best match and the cutest and the snarkiest and all around my favorite couple in the series. Only Kingfisher could write a series and have me love each couple more than the last. Piper and Galen have my heart.
This book also had one of the hottest scenes I've had the pleasure of reading, and it wasn't even a smut scene. Listening to the scene in chapter 20 where Galen and Pipe are pressed together getting through the blade trap, and Galen keeps Piper distracted by murmuring potentially suggestive things and kissing the back of his neck. Like they are in an absolutely perilous situation and yet somehow the two of them are just oozing sexual tension. In the words of T Kingfisher herself, that scene made *me* want to howl like a dog. And then the follow up in chapter 21 where after getting a great blow job from Piper, Galen gives him the hottest reach around known to man. As in they are sitting on the floor, and Galen has Piper basically in his lap, Piper's back to his chest, and he reaches around and gets him off and oh my GOD. God help me, a position like that has ALWAYS made me hot and bothered, but after the rocketing tension from the chapter before??? Whew boy 🥵🫠
I cannot believe I waited as long as I did to read these books. I don't know if I will ever be able to stop talking about them. I want and need everyone to read them so I can discuss them in perpetuity forever.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Sexual content, and Confinement
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, and Cursing
leahrosereads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
Ugh this series was so delightful, and I loved how it wrapped up! Just chef's kiss!
The characters were truly the highlight of every book, and Piper, Galen, and Earstripe were no exception. Okay, I'm gonna be so honest right now - any time a gnole was on the page, they stole the show. I loved every single one, and I'd love to see a story from their perspective one day! Brindle and Earstripe story when?!? Give them their oxen!
Okay I'm done. Read this series!
The characters were truly the highlight of every book, and Piper, Galen, and Earstripe were no exception. Okay, I'm gonna be so honest right now - any time a gnole was on the page, they stole the show. I loved every single one, and I'd love to see a story from their perspective one day! Brindle and Earstripe story when?!? Give them their oxen!
Okay I'm done. Read this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Confinement
maryellen's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Medical content, Sexual content, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Animal death and Grief
marsh_mall0w's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Confinement, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse and Child death