All Things Urban Fantasy's Reviews > Kiss of the Goblin Prince
Kiss of the Goblin Prince (Shadowlands, #2)
by Shona Husk (Goodreads Author)
by Shona Husk (Goodreads Author)
All Things Urban Fantasy's review
bookshelves: reviewed-by-julia, may-2012-hotp
Apr 28, 12
bookshelves: reviewed-by-julia, may-2012-hotp
Read in April, 2012
KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE defies expectation, both as a sequel and a Paranormal Romance. While many in this genre paint each successive hero with the same brush, the challenges and mythology faced by Dai were unique compared to Roan’s experiences. I really enjoyed how this story took advantage of the progress gained in THE GOBLIN KING to continue developing and deepening this world. And on the romance side of things, Husk grew the relationship between Dai and Amanda from simple physical attraction to a deep bond that makes sense for them as individuals. While Dai’s goblin curse may have been broken before page one his wounds are far from healed, and Amanda’s counseling expertise gives weight and believability to Dai’s recovery.
By following Dai as he struggles to acclimate in the human world, Husk also gives us a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Happily Ever After. Roan and Eliza are canoodling newlyweds, but Dai is still struggling to adapt to modern life. Alongside the mundane concerns of learning to drive and finding a home, his struggle to gain control of his human magic was also fascinating. Husk kept me guessing as to whether or not Dai was in danger of harming himself with magic. The opposition of a shadowy organization added to this intriguing ambiguity. Did he need to master his magic to stand up to a corrupt enemy? Or had he been flagged by a watchdog organization that shuts down dangerous magic? Husk draws these questions out to the very end (and I switched sides multiple times), making KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE as much a puzzle to be solved as a romance to be enjoyed.
Though KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE is a wonderful Paranormal Romance, this book is strongly weighted towards Urban Fantasy as well. As I enjoy both genres I didn’t mind, but some reviewers were disappointed by the relationship side of the equation. I thought Husk did a good job making the romance a relevant part of the magical mythology, above and beyond the usual Paranormal Romance tropes, but the main focus is definitely on Dai’s struggles and this fascinating mythology of reincarnation, healing, and forgiveness. KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE has greatly increased my anticipation of FOR THE LOVE A GOBLIN WARRIOR, as I know I can expect a whole new set of challenges, relationships, and magical nuances for the next hero to take center stage.
Sexual Content: A sex scene, references to sexual abuse.
By following Dai as he struggles to acclimate in the human world, Husk also gives us a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Happily Ever After. Roan and Eliza are canoodling newlyweds, but Dai is still struggling to adapt to modern life. Alongside the mundane concerns of learning to drive and finding a home, his struggle to gain control of his human magic was also fascinating. Husk kept me guessing as to whether or not Dai was in danger of harming himself with magic. The opposition of a shadowy organization added to this intriguing ambiguity. Did he need to master his magic to stand up to a corrupt enemy? Or had he been flagged by a watchdog organization that shuts down dangerous magic? Husk draws these questions out to the very end (and I switched sides multiple times), making KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE as much a puzzle to be solved as a romance to be enjoyed.
Though KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE is a wonderful Paranormal Romance, this book is strongly weighted towards Urban Fantasy as well. As I enjoy both genres I didn’t mind, but some reviewers were disappointed by the relationship side of the equation. I thought Husk did a good job making the romance a relevant part of the magical mythology, above and beyond the usual Paranormal Romance tropes, but the main focus is definitely on Dai’s struggles and this fascinating mythology of reincarnation, healing, and forgiveness. KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE has greatly increased my anticipation of FOR THE LOVE A GOBLIN WARRIOR, as I know I can expect a whole new set of challenges, relationships, and magical nuances for the next hero to take center stage.
Sexual Content: A sex scene, references to sexual abuse.
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