Scan barcode
annaaugustineauthor's review
5.0
How can I explain what my own book means to me? It’s my story of healing, of moving on from my past mistakes. It’s a love letter of hope to myself that there is someone out there for me—someone good and kind who will lead me in love.
There is hope for your future, no matter your past.
There are good people you can trust, no matter how many times it’s been broken.
There is beauty in mistakes—beauty in the broken.
If you’re a little worn down and broken, tired of trying, tired of being beaten down… this story is for you, my friend.
There is hope for your future, no matter your past.
There are good people you can trust, no matter how many times it’s been broken.
There is beauty in mistakes—beauty in the broken.
If you’re a little worn down and broken, tired of trying, tired of being beaten down… this story is for you, my friend.
morgangiesbrecht's review
5.0
4.5 ⭐️
I’ve been excited for Inara & Dhamar’s story for what seems like forever, and it delivered beautifully in every way!
There’s an authenticity & rawness to it, yet with so much hope & beauty in the brokenness woven between the pages. It’s a story of healing & trust & strength for the weary-hearted. It handles hard, gritty topics with grace, yet without sugarcoating.
“Love is a choice” is one of my favourite themes in stories. Inara’s journey of learning she is worthy of love—no matter how unworthy she felt or how shadowed her past—was beautiful. Dhamar was lovely, and I loved the balance & understanding he brought, while trying to overcome his own shadows. They both made mistakes—but they are more than their mistakes.
I’ve been excited for Inara & Dhamar’s story for what seems like forever, and it delivered beautifully in every way!
There’s an authenticity & rawness to it, yet with so much hope & beauty in the brokenness woven between the pages. It’s a story of healing & trust & strength for the weary-hearted. It handles hard, gritty topics with grace, yet without sugarcoating.
“Love is a choice” is one of my favourite themes in stories. Inara’s journey of learning she is worthy of love—no matter how unworthy she felt or how shadowed her past—was beautiful. Dhamar was lovely, and I loved the balance & understanding he brought, while trying to overcome his own shadows. They both made mistakes—but they are more than their mistakes.
stewardofbooks's review
4.0
Taletha is a fascinating country. The book is full of such vivid descriptions of the setting, the clothes, the food and the people. I was really transported! Inara and Dhamar have such a tender, honoring romance. Romance is not my favourite genre but this one was so beautiful, I really loved it. I loved the contrast between good and evil and how both Inara and Dhamar had people in their lives to show them good and help them heal from all the evil they had to endure. The characters (main and others) really made this book memorable.
thepurplegiraffe's review
4.0
I enjoyed this a lot! Seeing Dhamar and Inara fall in love was so precious (though I'll admit there were a few times I wanted to shake them and say "please just TALK to each other good grief", but it's okay, they're growing and healing, and we get there in the end xD). It's very much a character-driven story, with the plot taking a backseat to watching the main characters' relationship grow. We also see a few familiar faces from "By Light & Love", which I loved!
There are definitely some heavy topics discussed, the villains are truly villainous, but the promise of a happy ending for the leads is something I was rooting for from the beginning!
Overall, I loved my time in Taletha, and I'll definitely be curious to follow more adventures here if the author decides to write more! Four stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
There are definitely some heavy topics discussed, the villains are truly villainous, but the promise of a happy ending for the leads is something I was rooting for from the beginning!
Overall, I loved my time in Taletha, and I'll definitely be curious to follow more adventures here if the author decides to write more! Four stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
erinphillipsauthor's review
5.0
By Blood and Blade is mystifying and powerful, every page filled with emotion and authenticity, showing the kind of courage needed to truly love and be loved. Augustine delves deep into difficult topics with grace and compassion, offering hope to the hurting and ashamed, and giving readers the chance to know what love is by experiencing it with Dhamar and Inara.
“We are one. To hurt you would hurt me.”
This was a step outside of my normal genre, but I am so glad that I was offered the opportunity to read this book early!
Saif is almost immediately my favorite (and he is the main character in the novella "By Light & Love" coming out soon, so you know that is high on my TBR list!)
Right off the bat, we jump into the deep end. The Wife Market. Let's Go.
There are several uncomfortable moments (uninvited touches and fondling, references to physical and sexual abuse) that give readers a raw and authentic understanding of the circumstances Inara is in at the start of the story, presented apporpriately without shying away from the reality. I think those who have trauma may find this difficult, but equally provokes a lot of understanding and compassionate in those who do not.
BBB truly has a great representation of how trauma and triggers effect relationships, as well as how those complications can be handled with grace and compassion.
I find the conflict Inara feels of not wanting to be bought for her body, but also the pain of rejection due to one’s appearance, very intriguing. The desire to be wholly loved and yet feeling it is impossible given the circumstances is wonderfully balanced and complex in the best of ways.
This story also has very tight pacing so there is never a dull moment! I would almost say easy to read (as in not dampened by tedious exposition or useless fluff), except for the topic being so heart-wrenching. You won't want to put this book down!
I also really liked Dhamar. I didn't know what to expect at first; would he be perfect or cringy? But he is presented with just as much complexity and sympathy as Inara. Throughout the story, we get to journey alongside him as he truly tries his best to help others, even given the difficult circumstances and constraints put upon him. Dhamar also has a very believable motivation to respect and earn Inara’s trust, because he doesn’t want to be like his father. Additionally, he is a great example of how to react when someone shares their struggles, both shameful secrets and hidden hurts.
You like romance tropes? BBB has several swoony ones: one bed, forced proximity, forced marriage, & boy falls first.
And the journey of the romance in this story was definitely one of the major highlights for me. While I love all the political intrigue, it is Dhamar and Inara who are at the heart of the story, as they learn and grow together, both as individuals and as a couple. They represent such a good example of healthy courtship and romance, with respect for boundaries and consent.
“As long as it takes, I will win your heart, my amira.”
The romance is complex but also complete, full of grace and selfless love.
btw, I feel seen by the appreciation for coffee in this book.
On top of it all, excellent prose and pacing keeps the story moving and the stakes changing so you never know what might happen next, but you always have hope that things will turn out alright.
By Blood & Blade covers a lot of different aspects of love (including what love isn't!) and reminded me of Arabian Nights meets Redeeming Love. It is a mystifying story of a romance that dares to believe in loving and being loved, regardless of scheming nobles and a past filled with darkness.
“We are one. To hurt you would hurt me.”
This was a step outside of my normal genre, but I am so glad that I was offered the opportunity to read this book early!
Saif is almost immediately my favorite (and he is the main character in the novella "By Light & Love" coming out soon, so you know that is high on my TBR list!)
Right off the bat, we jump into the deep end. The Wife Market. Let's Go.
There are several uncomfortable moments (uninvited touches and fondling, references to physical and sexual abuse) that give readers a raw and authentic understanding of the circumstances Inara is in at the start of the story, presented apporpriately without shying away from the reality. I think those who have trauma may find this difficult, but equally provokes a lot of understanding and compassionate in those who do not.
BBB truly has a great representation of how trauma and triggers effect relationships, as well as how those complications can be handled with grace and compassion.
I find the conflict Inara feels of not wanting to be bought for her body, but also the pain of rejection due to one’s appearance, very intriguing. The desire to be wholly loved and yet feeling it is impossible given the circumstances is wonderfully balanced and complex in the best of ways.
This story also has very tight pacing so there is never a dull moment! I would almost say easy to read (as in not dampened by tedious exposition or useless fluff), except for the topic being so heart-wrenching. You won't want to put this book down!
I also really liked Dhamar. I didn't know what to expect at first; would he be perfect or cringy? But he is presented with just as much complexity and sympathy as Inara. Throughout the story, we get to journey alongside him as he truly tries his best to help others, even given the difficult circumstances and constraints put upon him. Dhamar also has a very believable motivation to respect and earn Inara’s trust, because he doesn’t want to be like his father. Additionally, he is a great example of how to react when someone shares their struggles, both shameful secrets and hidden hurts.
You like romance tropes? BBB has several swoony ones: one bed, forced proximity, forced marriage, & boy falls first.
And the journey of the romance in this story was definitely one of the major highlights for me. While I love all the political intrigue, it is Dhamar and Inara who are at the heart of the story, as they learn and grow together, both as individuals and as a couple. They represent such a good example of healthy courtship and romance, with respect for boundaries and consent.
“As long as it takes, I will win your heart, my amira.”
The romance is complex but also complete, full of grace and selfless love.
btw, I feel seen by the appreciation for coffee in this book.
On top of it all, excellent prose and pacing keeps the story moving and the stakes changing so you never know what might happen next, but you always have hope that things will turn out alright.
By Blood & Blade covers a lot of different aspects of love (including what love isn't!) and reminded me of Arabian Nights meets Redeeming Love. It is a mystifying story of a romance that dares to believe in loving and being loved, regardless of scheming nobles and a past filled with darkness.
More...