Scan barcode
A review by endemictoearth
The Stablemaster's Heart by Sarah Honey
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I rounded up where applicable, because I guess the name Mother didn't bug me that much. It just sort of . . . became a name for me. I've never actually called my own mom "Mother" and it just . . . didn't cause me any grief.
What did cause me grief was knowing that the secret had to be revealed and there would be pain . . . but it was totally understandable why the secret had to be kept, so I couldn't even be that mad at anyone.
The demi rep in this was quite lovely. I'd argue that both of our MCs are a bit demisexual (well, Mother is a lot a bit demi), and watching them quickly become of the best of friends was delicious. I was like, "Oh, yeah, you dummies are about to have so many confusing feelings!"
Basically, I just loved their love, how considerate they were of each other, how Vasily didn't think he deserved Mother (aka Bryn , bc he shared his intended name with the man he loved). This book did a great job of showing us how their connection sparked and grew, which was great to see.
So, even tho I took a completely understandable pause for the crushing blow I knew was coming, when I picked the book back up to soldier through, I was completely blindsided by the second punch the book dealt. But it was so effective, and I did cry.
In addition to a lovely romance, this book is also a bit about finding out how you can be your best when the expectations placed on you are taken away. (And I loved that Vasily's father was not as upset as V imagined he might be -- just a bit bewildered. )
I liked this book even more than book one, and I was glad to get some glimpses of Felix and Leo in this installment.
What did cause me grief was knowing that the secret had to be revealed and there would be pain . . . but it was totally understandable why the secret had to be kept, so I couldn't even be that mad at anyone.
The demi rep in this was quite lovely. I'd argue that both of our MCs are a bit demisexual (well, Mother is a lot a bit demi), and watching them quickly become of the best of friends was delicious. I was like, "Oh, yeah, you dummies are about to have so many confusing feelings!"
Basically, I just loved their love, how considerate they were of each other, how Vasily didn't think he deserved Mother (aka Bryn , bc he shared his intended name with the man he loved). This book did a great job of showing us how their connection sparked and grew, which was great to see.
So, even tho I took a completely understandable pause for the crushing blow I knew was coming, when I picked the book back up to soldier through, I was completely blindsided by the second punch the book dealt. But it was so effective, and I did cry.
In addition to a lovely romance, this book is also a bit about finding out how you can be your best when the expectations placed on you are taken away. (And I loved that Vasily's father was not as upset as V imagined he might be -- just a bit bewildered. )
I liked this book even more than book one, and I was glad to get some glimpses of Felix and Leo in this installment.