readingwithjd 's review for:

Behooved by M. Stevenson

4.0

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but I wasn’t expecting a cozy, lighthearted adventure! WITH HORSE PUNS! Having no expectations allowed me to be open-minded and have a lot of fun. This book is not a heavy, high stakes, sprawling epic fantasy, and it never tries to be that. 

Bianca is betrothed to the heir to the throne of a neighboring kingdom in order to secure a trade alliance. She is not the favored daughter and is viewed as weak and useless due to a chronic illness and a lack of magical ability. With her head held high, she travels to meet her husband-to-be and fulfill her duty. On the night of their wedding, a spell gone awry turns her new husband into a horse. Now framed for his murder, she must escape the kingdom and find a way to break the curse and absolve herself. 

I guess I did have an expectation—for a book about a girl literally mounting her horse-husband and riding off into the sunset, I expected this to be silly. Yes, I did have a chuckle here and there. But there was a really lovely and heartwarming story within these pages. I adored these characters; Bianca and Aaric were a great couple and I loved watching them fall in love. Not to mention the plot had me turning the page: who is behind the assassination plot? What is up with the Adepts and the magic in this world? There was a perfect balance of plot, character development, and romance that had me spellbound. I don’t think any of it was super original, but sometimes it’s nice to try your favorite dessert but in a different flavor. 

Bottom line: don’t judge a book by its cover! This is a cozy, whimsical story that will warm your heart. 4 stars for lacking originality and predictability but also for bringing lots of joy to my day as I read it.