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A review by kewlkat70
Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I listened rather than read this book and it was difficult to get into at first. This is the first book by T. kingfisher that I have read and there is an established world introduced in previous novels, although this is a different city and different characters. So it's not necessary to read other books before this one. The reader is dropped into a world that already exists and is assumed to understand how the artisan guilds, gods and temple structure work and various artisan and craft magics available to this world's denizens.
For example non human creatures like gnolls and golems appear but there is very little explanation as to what they are or their purpose. They are not unique to the fantasy genre so for readers who are real read none of this will be a problem
The world is balanced between magic and science so it gives the novel an almost steampunk atmosphere. Clockwork machines, alchemy and animated humunculi are referred to throughout the novel.
Each novel in the series takes on a different couple and their story with a secondary plotline that was not resolved in the first novel so I am assuming it will continue as a connecting thread for all 4 novels.
The main characters are older and more experienced than most romantasy novels. This feels like a relief to me as an older reader that is tired of the virgin trope.
Both characters are introverted and awkward, stunning over what to say and usually saying the wrong thing. I'm sure there are plenty of readers that will feel akin to their struggles. There are enough interactions with characters that will take centre stage in future books that demonstrate this will not always be the case. Although all characters skew older and experienced.
The spice is a slow burn and overall 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5.
I am looking forward to reading more of this world
For example non human creatures like gnolls and golems appear but there is very little explanation as to what they are or their purpose. They are not unique to the fantasy genre so for readers who are real read none of this will be a problem
The world is balanced between magic and science so it gives the novel an almost steampunk atmosphere. Clockwork machines, alchemy and animated humunculi are referred to throughout the novel.
Each novel in the series takes on a different couple and their story with a secondary plotline that was not resolved in the first novel so I am assuming it will continue as a connecting thread for all 4 novels.
The main characters are older and more experienced than most romantasy novels. This feels like a relief to me as an older reader that is tired of the virgin trope.
Both characters are introverted and awkward, stunning over what to say and usually saying the wrong thing. I'm sure there are plenty of readers that will feel akin to their struggles. There are enough interactions with characters that will take centre stage in future books that demonstrate this will not always be the case. Although all characters skew older and experienced.
The spice is a slow burn and overall 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5.
I am looking forward to reading more of this world