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A review by maryjayka
Warrior Blue by Kelsey Kingsley
5.0
Kelsey Kingsley is atop the list of my favourite authors because of her ability to weave a story that is rich, complex, and deep. I am usually in love with her books by the time I finish the author’s notes at the beginning and “Warrior Blue” was no exception. I read over 400 books in 2019 and loved the majority of them, but few books impacted me like “Warrior Blue.”
Ms. Kingsley has previously demonstrated her skill in tackling difficult and painful topics in “Tell Me Goodnight” (death/grief) and “Forget the Stars” (ulcerative colitis) – showing how love can exist and grow in challenging situations. Both books are incredible and should be on your TBR if you have not already read them. In “Warrior Blue,” Ms. Kingsley goes beyond anything she has done before. This book is not just her best book, but one of the best books – by any author – that you will ever read. It’s place on the Goodreads January 2020 Most-Anticipated Romances list is well-deserved.
Ms. Kingsley again tackles difficult and immensely painful content with loss, death, disability, and family conflict as central features in the story. (Yes, ALL of those themes are present in one story!). The realistic portrayal of how this all unfolds adds to the intensity of the story. A touch of humour is provided by a delightful cameo by favorite characters from prior books! She reminds us of our inter-connectedness, slowly revealing the web that ties all the main characters. This is one of the areas where her talent as a writer shines, as these connections could feel overdone or trite if not so skillfully woven together. Instead, we gradually come to see how the web of human connections is the structure that supports the love that grows amidst the painful challenges faced by the main characters. This is not just a H/h romance, but a story of many layers and manifestations of love within that web of inter-connectedness.
Where the wounded bad boy tattoo artist hero could be a romance novel cliché, Ms. Kingsley writes him with depth and adds unexpected small details, like Blake’s penchant for writing and performing poetry at a local club and his love of tea (not coffee!), and larger details that differentiate him from the stereotype. He is heavily burdened by some of the circumstances of his life, which include a very problematic relationship with his parents and a selflessness that is detrimental to his own well-being. Many times, similar character types find relief or release from their wounds in their relationship with the heroine.
Audrey’s story is not uncomplicated, with unexpected twists that mirror Blake’s challenges. However, she is further along the path of healing and able to offer encouragement in a way that is very relevant to Blake. These two are wounded, but growing; in need of each other, but not co-dependent.
Ultimately, “Warrior Blue” is more than just a book, it is a piece of art. Ms. Kingsley does not merely write words to convey content, rather the prose itself is beautifully crafted and nuanced, deep with meaning. “Warrior Blue” is a tapestry with so many threads woven together in such a delicate pattern that one wonders how Ms. Kingsley pulled it off. You will feel. You will cry. Your heart will be warmed. I dare say you will be changed. And you will wonder how she does this over and over again – weaving together sadness and love in a way that is not bittersweet nor repetitive of her prior work, but absolutely, completely, astonishingly, unique and beautiful.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
~~~~
Sept 18/21 - Read this again today and this is still one of the most incredible books I've read. It is truly a work of art.
Ms. Kingsley has previously demonstrated her skill in tackling difficult and painful topics in “Tell Me Goodnight” (death/grief) and “Forget the Stars” (ulcerative colitis) – showing how love can exist and grow in challenging situations. Both books are incredible and should be on your TBR if you have not already read them. In “Warrior Blue,” Ms. Kingsley goes beyond anything she has done before. This book is not just her best book, but one of the best books – by any author – that you will ever read. It’s place on the Goodreads January 2020 Most-Anticipated Romances list is well-deserved.
Ms. Kingsley again tackles difficult and immensely painful content with loss, death, disability, and family conflict as central features in the story. (Yes, ALL of those themes are present in one story!). The realistic portrayal of how this all unfolds adds to the intensity of the story. A touch of humour is provided by a delightful cameo by favorite characters from prior books! She reminds us of our inter-connectedness, slowly revealing the web that ties all the main characters. This is one of the areas where her talent as a writer shines, as these connections could feel overdone or trite if not so skillfully woven together. Instead, we gradually come to see how the web of human connections is the structure that supports the love that grows amidst the painful challenges faced by the main characters. This is not just a H/h romance, but a story of many layers and manifestations of love within that web of inter-connectedness.
Where the wounded bad boy tattoo artist hero could be a romance novel cliché, Ms. Kingsley writes him with depth and adds unexpected small details, like Blake’s penchant for writing and performing poetry at a local club and his love of tea (not coffee!), and larger details that differentiate him from the stereotype. He is heavily burdened by some of the circumstances of his life, which include a very problematic relationship with his parents and a selflessness that is detrimental to his own well-being. Many times, similar character types find relief or release from their wounds in their relationship with the heroine.
Spoiler
In an interesting twist, long before the H/h met, Blake established weekly sessions with a therapist, having recognized his need for help with the heavy burdens he carries. Though he is mired in his own challenges, he is not totally stuck. The story is told entirely from Blake’s perspective, including the content and effect of his therapy sessions. This allows the reader to see the many choices he makes in response to Audrey’s actions that allow him and their relationship to grow. Having the therapist as the primary catalyst for change, as opposed to the heroine, is refreshing. Blake’s relationship with the heroine is transformative, but Audrey isn’t required to do all the hard work of carrying their relationship or “healing him with her love,” because he had done the work in therapy prior to meeting her and during the initial phases of their relationship. Eventually Audrey becomes more of a confidant than the therapist, because of his personal growth and ability to embrace an emotionally intimate relationship.Audrey’s story is not uncomplicated, with unexpected twists that mirror Blake’s challenges. However, she is further along the path of healing and able to offer encouragement in a way that is very relevant to Blake. These two are wounded, but growing; in need of each other, but not co-dependent.
Ultimately, “Warrior Blue” is more than just a book, it is a piece of art. Ms. Kingsley does not merely write words to convey content, rather the prose itself is beautifully crafted and nuanced, deep with meaning. “Warrior Blue” is a tapestry with so many threads woven together in such a delicate pattern that one wonders how Ms. Kingsley pulled it off. You will feel. You will cry. Your heart will be warmed. I dare say you will be changed. And you will wonder how she does this over and over again – weaving together sadness and love in a way that is not bittersweet nor repetitive of her prior work, but absolutely, completely, astonishingly, unique and beautiful.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
~~~~
Sept 18/21 - Read this again today and this is still one of the most incredible books I've read. It is truly a work of art.