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speculationss 's review for:
The Second Death of Locke
by V.L. Bovalino
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I devoured the first 25% of this book as it had everything I want in a fantasy novel: rich world-building, compelling characters, layered political tension, and a creative magic system with real depth and stakes. I was hooked.
Unfortunately, after that strong start, the story started to lose me. While I still enjoyed parts of it, the political dynamics became too easy and predictable. The protagonist developed a bit of a savior complex, and when she reclaimed her lost title, it happened far too conveniently—no one questioned her, no one made her prove anything, despite the fact that everyone believed she was dead. It just didn’t feel earned.
Worse, the male protagonist, who had so much potential and nuance early on, was reduced to a flat love interest once their feelings were confessed. His character arc seemed to stop entirely, and he became little more than a romantic prop.
And then there's the ending, which I won’t spoil, but it honestly left me irritated. It felt over the top but somehow not enough at the same time, as well as clashing with the tone the book had set in the beginning. If the book had maintained the quality and complexity of the first quarter, I could have easily given it 5 stars. But it started leaning into tropes and overly tidy resolutions that just didn’t work for me.
That said, if you’re looking for a fantasy with some light political intrigue, a friends to lovers romance, a strong (if overpowered) female lead, and a happily ever after, this might still be your kind of read.
Unfortunately, after that strong start, the story started to lose me. While I still enjoyed parts of it, the political dynamics became too easy and predictable. The protagonist developed a bit of a savior complex, and when she reclaimed her lost title, it happened far too conveniently—no one questioned her, no one made her prove anything, despite the fact that everyone believed she was dead. It just didn’t feel earned.
Worse, the male protagonist, who had so much potential and nuance early on, was reduced to a flat love interest once their feelings were confessed. His character arc seemed to stop entirely, and he became little more than a romantic prop.
And then there's the ending, which I won’t spoil, but it honestly left me irritated. It felt over the top but somehow not enough at the same time, as well as clashing with the tone the book had set in the beginning. If the book had maintained the quality and complexity of the first quarter, I could have easily given it 5 stars. But it started leaning into tropes and overly tidy resolutions that just didn’t work for me.
That said, if you’re looking for a fantasy with some light political intrigue, a friends to lovers romance, a strong (if overpowered) female lead, and a happily ever after, this might still be your kind of read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail