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A review by siobhanthebookworm_
Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.75
I never thought I would fall so in love with a fantasy romance series, but here I am, 3 books in, and completely obsessed. This book in particular was addictive, fast paced, and action packed, and I absolutely loved it.
This book is much shorter than the others in the series, and in some ways this is a strength as it leans towards fast-pace and high-stakes, however it was also in some ways a detriment. I felt that the main plot (which was absolutely riveting and I could not put this down, hence why this was read in just 2 days) was reached too quickly, with the opening section being quite rushed, and would've preferred a bit more preamble before the murder labyrinth section started (sounds strange, but an absolutely phenomenal plotline), spending more time with Galen and Piper in the early days of their relationship, and more time with the initial investigation. However, as soon as the main plot did start (rushed as the opening was, in my opinion) the rest of the book is firmly 5⭐️ quality and I could not put this down. The labyrinth exploration plot, full of traps and mystery, was so unique and had me completely hooked and on the edge of my seat and I do think this high-action exploration style plot suited the fast-pace very well. I also need to give a brief shout out to my beloved Earstripe, perhaps one of my favourite side characters ever, and his excellent humour and sarcasm.
And then there's the romance plot, Galen and Piper, and I can firmly say they are my favourite couple yet. Both men have featured as my favourite side characters in books 1 and 2, and so I was very excited to see them come together and have their own story. I think this book did an excellent job of expanding on these characters whilst still maintaining their personalities, and I loved their character journeys, with Piper learning to accept love and care, and Galen learning that he is not a monster and is worthy of love. I loved their relationship dynamic and, even though this book was short, I didn't feel that their bond was rushed at all, and it felt so real, heartfelt, and sweet, as the characters found themselves and each other. I also really loved and respected how mental health was handled in this book, particularly surrounding trauma, and the nuances of medical conditions. I think the conversations held in this book were very important and I was glad to see them woven so well into Piper and Galen's romance. These books are so much more than simple fantasy romances, and I praise T. Kingfisher for the difficult conversations she handles so well.
Finally, I can't say much about the ending of this book because spoilers, obviously, but OH MY GOD!?!?!? The ending was absolutely phenomenal and set up the rest of this series so excellently and I cannot wait to read the next book!
Overall, even though I had my gripes with the opening, and I technically rated Paladin's Grace highest of the series with 5⭐️ (in my heart this book is 5⭐️, but I have to knock some points off for my issue with the opening), this may be my favourite instalment so far! I adored Galen and Piper both as characters and a couple, the plot was fast-paced, high-stakes, and riveting, and I cannot wait to continue! Once more, I'm begging people to pick up this series because it's so so good and T. Kingfisher absolutely needs more hype!
This book is much shorter than the others in the series, and in some ways this is a strength as it leans towards fast-pace and high-stakes, however it was also in some ways a detriment. I felt that the main plot (which was absolutely riveting and I could not put this down, hence why this was read in just 2 days) was reached too quickly, with the opening section being quite rushed, and would've preferred a bit more preamble before the murder labyrinth section started (sounds strange, but an absolutely phenomenal plotline), spending more time with Galen and Piper in the early days of their relationship, and more time with the initial investigation. However, as soon as the main plot did start (rushed as the opening was, in my opinion) the rest of the book is firmly 5⭐️ quality and I could not put this down. The labyrinth exploration plot, full of traps and mystery, was so unique and had me completely hooked and on the edge of my seat and I do think this high-action exploration style plot suited the fast-pace very well. I also need to give a brief shout out to my beloved Earstripe, perhaps one of my favourite side characters ever, and his excellent humour and sarcasm.
And then there's the romance plot, Galen and Piper, and I can firmly say they are my favourite couple yet. Both men have featured as my favourite side characters in books 1 and 2, and so I was very excited to see them come together and have their own story. I think this book did an excellent job of expanding on these characters whilst still maintaining their personalities, and I loved their character journeys, with Piper learning to accept love and care, and Galen learning that he is not a monster and is worthy of love. I loved their relationship dynamic and, even though this book was short, I didn't feel that their bond was rushed at all, and it felt so real, heartfelt, and sweet, as the characters found themselves and each other. I also really loved and respected how mental health was handled in this book, particularly surrounding trauma, and the nuances of medical conditions. I think the conversations held in this book were very important and I was glad to see them woven so well into Piper and Galen's romance. These books are so much more than simple fantasy romances, and I praise T. Kingfisher for the difficult conversations she handles so well.
Finally, I can't say much about the ending of this book because spoilers, obviously, but OH MY GOD!?!?!? The ending was absolutely phenomenal and set up the rest of this series so excellently and I cannot wait to read the next book!
Overall, even though I had my gripes with the opening, and I technically rated Paladin's Grace highest of the series with 5⭐️ (in my heart this book is 5⭐️, but I have to knock some points off for my issue with the opening), this may be my favourite instalment so far! I adored Galen and Piper both as characters and a couple, the plot was fast-paced, high-stakes, and riveting, and I cannot wait to continue! Once more, I'm begging people to pick up this series because it's so so good and T. Kingfisher absolutely needs more hype!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Blood