Scan barcode
A review by abbeygoess
Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau
3.0
I picked up this book from the Mass Market Paperback shelf at the bookstore. It was labeled "Fantasy Romance" and was pretty cheap so I thought, hey, why not. But I had very low expectations. After finishing it I am happy to say that this book really surprised me!
The back of the book describes this as an "Assassins Creed" meets "Fantastic Beasts..." type of story. Please don't read this book solely based on these comparisons. This novel is unique and the world is interesting on its own. Comparing it to those two only makes sense on the most base level and discounts all of the other really well done aspects of the book!
The romance here wasn't too heavy, and there were only a few sex scenes throughout the book. I will say that I am giving this book a whole extra star solely for the fact that it avoids the fluffy and intentionally vague innuendo that romance novels love. You won't find that here. The author tells it exactly as it is: A clit is a clit. An orgasm is an orgasm. None of that "she found her release" or she "came undone" crap here. I appreciated this!
Another strength of this book is the casual way that queer characters are included. There are three queer characters in this book! That is so rare in Fantasy fiction, and the way it is presented is so matter of fact. It isn't a major plot point but rather just part of the characters. Another star earned for that one!
Unfortunately I didn't feel that the two main characters had that much chemistry together. Their banter wasn't the best I've ever read, but since their romance isn't really the main factor for most of the plot, this is okay.
All in all this wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it as much as I did. I think once I get through the rest of my TBR list I will even check out the sequel.
Pros: straightforward language during sex scenes, interesting world building, creative creatures, queer characters, well written prose
Cons: a little slow in the middle, nothing super innovative about the plot, quick resolution to the main problem/villain, lack of chemistry between love interests
The back of the book describes this as an "Assassins Creed" meets "Fantastic Beasts..." type of story. Please don't read this book solely based on these comparisons. This novel is unique and the world is interesting on its own. Comparing it to those two only makes sense on the most base level and discounts all of the other really well done aspects of the book!
The romance here wasn't too heavy, and there were only a few sex scenes throughout the book. I will say that I am giving this book a whole extra star solely for the fact that it avoids the fluffy and intentionally vague innuendo that romance novels love. You won't find that here. The author tells it exactly as it is: A clit is a clit. An orgasm is an orgasm. None of that "she found her release" or she "came undone" crap here. I appreciated this!
Another strength of this book is the casual way that queer characters are included. There are three queer characters in this book! That is so rare in Fantasy fiction, and the way it is presented is so matter of fact. It isn't a major plot point but rather just part of the characters. Another star earned for that one!
Unfortunately I didn't feel that the two main characters had that much chemistry together. Their banter wasn't the best I've ever read, but since their romance isn't really the main factor for most of the plot, this is okay.
All in all this wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it as much as I did. I think once I get through the rest of my TBR list I will even check out the sequel.
Pros: straightforward language during sex scenes, interesting world building, creative creatures, queer characters, well written prose
Cons: a little slow in the middle, nothing super innovative about the plot, quick resolution to the main problem/villain, lack of chemistry between love interests