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baccata 's review for:
The Second Death of Locke
by V.L. Bovalino
The Second Death of Locke drew me in immediately with its premise: a queernormative romantic fantasy centered on the unbreakable bond between a knight and their mage. The dynamic between Grey and Kier had me hooked from the start - the emotional restraint, the quiet yearning, and that subtle, almost painful devotion hit all the right notes for me. The first half of the book absolutely delivered on that promise.
What stood out most was the way their connection was written - gentle, loyal, and steeped in shared history. Their relationship felt earned through small, meaningful moments rather than dramatic declarations. The magic system was also well-crafted and original, with mages channeling power through wells (living conduits like Grey herself) and the lore surrounding the lost Isle of Locke added depth and mystery to the world.
However, I have to admit that the second half didn’t fully hold me. Once the romantic tension between Grey and Kier resolved (much earlier than I expected), the emotional momentum started to fade. The plot then had to carry the weight, and while it was still compelling - with political intrigue, high stakes, and a secret heir twist - I felt less connected. The pacing around the middle also slowed a bit, and I found myself more of a spectator than emotionally involved.
That said, I do think the book has a lot to offer, especially for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy that explores themes like duty, identity, love, and sacrifice. The story isn’t loud or action-packed; it’s steady and emotionally layered, with a kind of quiet strength that sneaks up on you. And even though I wasn’t entirely swept away by the ending, I still found myself caring about these characters and their world.
Final thoughts: The Second Death of Locke is a beautifully written story about love, loss, and the weight of responsibility. It didn’t quite stay with me the way I hoped, but I can absolutely see how it could become someone else’s all-time favorite. If you’re into slow-burn romantasy with soft devotion, complex emotional dynamics, and high-stakes worldbuilding, this one is definitely worth a read.
What stood out most was the way their connection was written - gentle, loyal, and steeped in shared history. Their relationship felt earned through small, meaningful moments rather than dramatic declarations. The magic system was also well-crafted and original, with mages channeling power through wells (living conduits like Grey herself) and the lore surrounding the lost Isle of Locke added depth and mystery to the world.
However, I have to admit that the second half didn’t fully hold me. Once the romantic tension between Grey and Kier resolved (much earlier than I expected), the emotional momentum started to fade. The plot then had to carry the weight, and while it was still compelling - with political intrigue, high stakes, and a secret heir twist - I felt less connected. The pacing around the middle also slowed a bit, and I found myself more of a spectator than emotionally involved.
That said, I do think the book has a lot to offer, especially for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy that explores themes like duty, identity, love, and sacrifice. The story isn’t loud or action-packed; it’s steady and emotionally layered, with a kind of quiet strength that sneaks up on you. And even though I wasn’t entirely swept away by the ending, I still found myself caring about these characters and their world.
Final thoughts: The Second Death of Locke is a beautifully written story about love, loss, and the weight of responsibility. It didn’t quite stay with me the way I hoped, but I can absolutely see how it could become someone else’s all-time favorite. If you’re into slow-burn romantasy with soft devotion, complex emotional dynamics, and high-stakes worldbuilding, this one is definitely worth a read.