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A review by trin
The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles
4.0
I read it for the plot.
No, seriously: as a romance novel, this did very little for me, even though both main characters are wonderful -- distinct personalities with rich, angsty backstories. I think their relationship would have worked better for me as a slow burn, though, especially since Stephen gets over projecting his hatred for Crane's family onto Crane very quickly. (As is sensible and therefore I suppose surprising for a romance novel -- but I still would have liked more build up.)
However, the magical thriller aspects of this book were fantastic: imaginative, suspenseful, genuinely exciting. Charles' world-building makes me eager for more in the best way; I can't wait to read the next installment, not simply because I want to know what happens to Crane and Stephen -- in fact, I primarily want to read it because I am curious to learn more about how magic works in her universe, and to get more of her side characters like Merrick and Esther. (Gosh, do I ever want to meet Esther! Give me this badass Jewish magic practitioner lady!)
I am wholly hooked.
No, seriously: as a romance novel, this did very little for me, even though both main characters are wonderful -- distinct personalities with rich, angsty backstories. I think their relationship would have worked better for me as a slow burn, though, especially since Stephen gets over projecting his hatred for Crane's family onto Crane very quickly. (As is sensible and therefore I suppose surprising for a romance novel -- but I still would have liked more build up.)
However, the magical thriller aspects of this book were fantastic: imaginative, suspenseful, genuinely exciting. Charles' world-building makes me eager for more in the best way; I can't wait to read the next installment, not simply because I want to know what happens to Crane and Stephen -- in fact, I primarily want to read it because I am curious to learn more about how magic works in her universe, and to get more of her side characters like Merrick and Esther. (Gosh, do I ever want to meet Esther! Give me this badass Jewish magic practitioner lady!)
I am wholly hooked.