A review by marareading
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I got this book as an arc on NetGalley from Tor. I absolutely LOVED IT! it is the romantic fantasy this genre needs. It has queernorm relationships and kingdoms, a beautiful relationship, wonderful relationships, healing, and Markel is my favorite in case you needed to know. He happens to be a side character who is cunning and also mute. 

This story centers around Vel and Cae. They find themselves in an arranged marriage from different kingdoms and then all hell breaks loose, and they have to figure out what is happening. They are learning to trust each other. Vel has to find a way to heal his trauma and has his best friend and valet Markel with him in this new kingdom with new customs. This new kingdom, where Cae is from also happens to have a wonderfully queernorm society. 

I loved that Vel is such a genius with politics. His character is wonderfully written. This is a great fantasy that had a cozy renaissance feel, but also had danger, politics, and mystery to it. I loved the magic that was tied into the story. This is exactly how I would love to read my fantasy from now on. The atmosphere and scenery were so well thought out that I felt immersed in the story every time I picked up this book. There were some slower parts in the beginning, but I definitely think the pacing overall balanced. 
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