A review by tourmalinequeen
Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher

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

5.0

Absolutely loved this one. I would be happier if it was longer, but I am very greedy 🤣
The reader is fantastic as always.
The plot is straightforward enough if described as:  "mystery of odd deaths leads to underground adventures à la Indiana Jones, with a pair of gorgeous men  ith inner demons falling in love, alongside a gnole friend, and love and the power of friendship win the day." 

But that does a disservice to the plot and the characters, both of which develop concurrently.

I adore T. Kingfisher and her writing which, from what I have read thus far, has a focus on character development and relationships that are realistic and relatable. Even if the characters are berserker warrior and lich doctor with a dark secret. And a gnole about which people we know far too little of, acknowledged in the text by the protagonists.

I won't give any spoilers, just to say the romance is wonderful and emotionally complex, and I adore the friendships as much as the romantic relationship. 

And the last line broke me a little, even though I saw it telegraphed from the very start of the story.
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