Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by brandenburg_reads
Elemental Affections by Jaime Ryanne
3.0
This cozy and spicy fantasy romance blends academia, magical stakes, and second-chance romance. The story follows Anadae "Dae" Helm, a determined water mage fighting to establish herself outside her family's shadow. She wants nothing more than to go to school to be a mage, but her family and fiancé do not want her to go. After years, she breaks off her engagement, attends a school for mages, and works as a research assistant.
Dae is relatable, yearning for independence and wanting more for herself. She is unsure of herself since she is older than other students and has stopped school for quite some time. Returning to school with mostly younger students would be very stressful. While at school, she has a course with Prince Ezzyn, her former tutor. He is carrying the weight of a kingdom due to a plague/poison that is spreading. He hides his vulnerable side until Dae breaks down his walls. It has elements of the grumpy sunshine trope as he constantly pushes her away and hides his feelings. Their slow-burn romance is filled with tension, misunderstandings, and eventual emotional payoff. The true story is of Dae's personal growth and building of her confidence. I could have just had a story about her.
The romance intertwined with a mission to save the kingdom feels meaningful to the story. Where the novel shines is in its "cozy" tone. Despite the high stakes, it remains a comforting read, with balanced, heartfelt character moments and a sense of hope. However, the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the middle, where the research-focused sections could wear on a not-science-interested reader. The story picks up at the masquerade party, which is the moment that serves as the emotional turning point for the characters.
The supporting characters, while likable, are added to explore the character development. Some magical elements feel rushed and need a deeper foundation. However, these flaws don't detract significantly from the overall experience. I prefer my cozy fantasy to be less spicy, but that did not affect my review. I also love that the author had Ezzyn call another character a "knob," which I found hilarious. Again, I love that Dae had a natural talent for magic and was the stronger character. You will see her grow into the mage she longed to be. This book is a light fantasy that delivers romance with a dash of magic.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #elementalaffections #thenerdfam
Dae is relatable, yearning for independence and wanting more for herself. She is unsure of herself since she is older than other students and has stopped school for quite some time. Returning to school with mostly younger students would be very stressful. While at school, she has a course with Prince Ezzyn, her former tutor. He is carrying the weight of a kingdom due to a plague/poison that is spreading. He hides his vulnerable side until Dae breaks down his walls. It has elements of the grumpy sunshine trope as he constantly pushes her away and hides his feelings. Their slow-burn romance is filled with tension, misunderstandings, and eventual emotional payoff. The true story is of Dae's personal growth and building of her confidence. I could have just had a story about her.
The romance intertwined with a mission to save the kingdom feels meaningful to the story. Where the novel shines is in its "cozy" tone. Despite the high stakes, it remains a comforting read, with balanced, heartfelt character moments and a sense of hope. However, the pacing occasionally falters, especially in the middle, where the research-focused sections could wear on a not-science-interested reader. The story picks up at the masquerade party, which is the moment that serves as the emotional turning point for the characters.
The supporting characters, while likable, are added to explore the character development. Some magical elements feel rushed and need a deeper foundation. However, these flaws don't detract significantly from the overall experience. I prefer my cozy fantasy to be less spicy, but that did not affect my review. I also love that the author had Ezzyn call another character a "knob," which I found hilarious. Again, I love that Dae had a natural talent for magic and was the stronger character. You will see her grow into the mage she longed to be. This book is a light fantasy that delivers romance with a dash of magic.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #elementalaffections #thenerdfam