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megthedragon's reviews
41 reviews
Trial of Bronze and Blood by M.K. Deoradhán
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
If you like your fantasy with grit, grief, and a main character who could slit a man’s throat and make you feel it—Trial of Bronze and Blood delivers.
Drusilla is a beautifully broken weapon forged by war and loss. She’s not interested in saving the world—just surviving it. Her dynamic with Marcus, the Faithless ex who reappears with cryptic orders and serious brooding energy, gives this story an emotional core without ever overshadowing Dru’s rage or autonomy.
The pacing is tight, the writing sharp without being overindulgent, and the world feels raw and personal. Jove the bardadds levity just when it’s needed—chaotic, dramatic, and secretly competent. And Ovi... still not okay. That scene gutted me.
If you’re craving character-driven fantasy where emotions cut deeper than blades, give this a shot. Just… guard your heart.
Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell Fox
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This book surprised me in the best way. It honestly reminded me of times long past - when adventure trumped storylines lost in romance. The balance was great, and as a lover of dungeons and dragons, this surpassed expectations.
Smoke and Scar is sharp, emotionally grounded fantasy that doesn’t try too hard—and that’s its magic. The world of Arcanis feels lived in, layered with tension between fae and humans, past wars, and a crumbling political system. But the true strength here is character.
Elyria Lightbreaker is one of my favorite protagonists in recent memory. She’s flawed, sarcastic, grieving, and furious. Watching her peel back her armor—literally and emotionally—is powerful. And the slow burn between her and Cedric? Delicately done. Never forced.
Gael deserves a spotlight of her own. A chaos fireball with zero tolerance for BS and max loyalty. My main bae to be honest xD
The Crucible trials are tense, twisty, and full of clever emotional traps. The book doesn’t pull punches. It respects its characters—and its readers.
Highly recommended for fans of gritty fantasy with heart, feral heroines, and soft boys trying to keep up. <3
Smoke and Scar is sharp, emotionally grounded fantasy that doesn’t try too hard—and that’s its magic. The world of Arcanis feels lived in, layered with tension between fae and humans, past wars, and a crumbling political system. But the true strength here is character.
Elyria Lightbreaker is one of my favorite protagonists in recent memory. She’s flawed, sarcastic, grieving, and furious. Watching her peel back her armor—literally and emotionally—is powerful. And the slow burn between her and Cedric? Delicately done. Never forced.
Gael deserves a spotlight of her own. A chaos fireball with zero tolerance for BS and max loyalty. My main bae to be honest xD
The Crucible trials are tense, twisty, and full of clever emotional traps. The book doesn’t pull punches. It respects its characters—and its readers.
Highly recommended for fans of gritty fantasy with heart, feral heroines, and soft boys trying to keep up. <3