avelice 's review for:

Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer
5.0
adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring mysterious sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I am not sure why i slept on this series, it is so good! And now I need to buy the series to see what happens to Althea.
Althea better known as Thea, has wanted to be a guardian of Thezmmar for as long as she can remember, more than that she wants to be a champion and a legend. Sadly, for her in the country that she is from women cannot pick up steel or be warriors thanks to a prophecy. Wilder Hawthorne is just that, and Theas hero.  Theo gets her chance to try out, and grumpy Wilder, is both attracted to her and frustrated with her.  There were times I myself wanted to smack him for being as rude and dismissive as he started out being, but as the story goes on he becomes more human and opens up a bit. He had the best 'Who did this to you" moment. I also rather enjoyed his "Who are you?" moment. There are a cast of great characters, Wren her sister being one as well as some truly awful enemies. I enjoyed Theas, ability to push through all the no you can't and pain, and momentary reflections of oh shit I might not be able to do this. Oh, and I really liked the Grumpy old master of arms gentleman. He had seen some stuff in his time and was truly trying to ensure his recruits stayed alive. There is also a lovely Dog, and he does not get hurt.