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Blade and Rose #1
Blade & Rose
A kingdom in turmoil or the love of her life. Which one will she save?
Elementalist Rielle hasn't heard from her best friend in far too long. Yet no one at the Tower of Magic seems to care about Olivia’s silence, or the curtain of secrecy surrounding the distant capital. Before Rielle can investigate, she's assigned a strange new mission: escort a paladin named Jon across the kingdom.
When whispers reveal mercenaries have killed the king, taken the capital, and that no one is coming to help, Rielle can’t leave Olivia in peril. But as infamous mages and deadly assassins hunt Jon, she can’t leave him unprotected either—especially as she finds herself falling for his strength, his passion, and his uncompromising goodness. Her past returns to haunt her, a werewolf stalks their steps, and an ancient evil is gathering, yet the restraints forbidding their love strain and snap one by one.
Saving Olivia and the kingdom means defying orders and sacrificing her every ambition, and could mean losing the man who's become so much more to her than a mission. Which will she choose: her best friend and the kingdom, or the love of her life?
Dive into a medieval world sensual and dark, full of magic and greed, love and blades, where factions vie for influence and there are no easy choices.
Elementalist Rielle hasn't heard from her best friend in far too long. Yet no one at the Tower of Magic seems to care about Olivia’s silence, or the curtain of secrecy surrounding the distant capital. Before Rielle can investigate, she's assigned a strange new mission: escort a paladin named Jon across the kingdom.
When whispers reveal mercenaries have killed the king, taken the capital, and that no one is coming to help, Rielle can’t leave Olivia in peril. But as infamous mages and deadly assassins hunt Jon, she can’t leave him unprotected either—especially as she finds herself falling for his strength, his passion, and his uncompromising goodness. Her past returns to haunt her, a werewolf stalks their steps, and an ancient evil is gathering, yet the restraints forbidding their love strain and snap one by one.
Saving Olivia and the kingdom means defying orders and sacrificing her every ambition, and could mean losing the man who's become so much more to her than a mission. Which will she choose: her best friend and the kingdom, or the love of her life?
Dive into a medieval world sensual and dark, full of magic and greed, love and blades, where factions vie for influence and there are no easy choices.
678 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2017
About the author
Miranda Honfleur
27 books2,298 followersMiranda Honfleur is a born-and-raised Chicagoan living in Indianapolis. She grew up on fantasy and science fiction novels, spending nearly as much time in Valdemar, Pern, Tortall, Narnia, and Middle Earth as in reality.
In another life, her J.D. and M.B.A. were meant to serve a career in law, but now she gets to live her dream job: writing speculative fiction starring fierce heroines and daring heroes who make difficult choices along their adventures and intrigues, all with a generous (over)dose of romance.
When she’s not snarking, writing, or reading her Kindle, she hangs out and watches Netflix with her husband, gets constantly tackled by her dogs Gizmo and Luna, and plays board games with her friends.
Her next book release is the fifth volume in the romantic epic fantasy Blade and Rose series, The Dragon King, slated for release (barring any further apocalyptic events and meteors) in Q3 2021.
Blade and Rose, a romantic epic fantasy series (ongoing), includes:
1. Blade & Rose
2. By Dark Deeds
3. Court of Shadows
4. Queen of the Shining Sea
5. The Dragon King – forthcoming
6. Immortelle – forthcoming
+ Winter Wren (A Blade and Rose novelette) – available for free on www.mirandahonfleur.com
The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, a series of fantasy romance standalones (ongoing), includes:
1. No Man Can Tame
2. Bright of the Moon
3. An Ember in the Dark (forthcoming)
4. Crown to Ashes (forthcoming)
Demon Dropout, an urban fantasy series (ongoing), serialized on Kindle Vella and Patreon every Thursday, includes:
1. Slay Date
The Witch of the Lake, a mythic dark young-adult fantasy series (completed) with Nicolette Andrews, includes:
1. Feast of the Mother
2. Fate of the Demon
3. Fall of the Reaper
For regular updates on her releases, be sure to sign up to her newsletter on www.mirandahonfleur.com.
In another life, her J.D. and M.B.A. were meant to serve a career in law, but now she gets to live her dream job: writing speculative fiction starring fierce heroines and daring heroes who make difficult choices along their adventures and intrigues, all with a generous (over)dose of romance.
When she’s not snarking, writing, or reading her Kindle, she hangs out and watches Netflix with her husband, gets constantly tackled by her dogs Gizmo and Luna, and plays board games with her friends.
Her next book release is the fifth volume in the romantic epic fantasy Blade and Rose series, The Dragon King, slated for release (barring any further apocalyptic events and meteors) in Q3 2021.
Blade and Rose, a romantic epic fantasy series (ongoing), includes:
1. Blade & Rose
2. By Dark Deeds
3. Court of Shadows
4. Queen of the Shining Sea
5. The Dragon King – forthcoming
6. Immortelle – forthcoming
+ Winter Wren (A Blade and Rose novelette) – available for free on www.mirandahonfleur.com
The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, a series of fantasy romance standalones (ongoing), includes:
1. No Man Can Tame
2. Bright of the Moon
3. An Ember in the Dark (forthcoming)
4. Crown to Ashes (forthcoming)
Demon Dropout, an urban fantasy series (ongoing), serialized on Kindle Vella and Patreon every Thursday, includes:
1. Slay Date
The Witch of the Lake, a mythic dark young-adult fantasy series (completed) with Nicolette Andrews, includes:
1. Feast of the Mother
2. Fate of the Demon
3. Fall of the Reaper
For regular updates on her releases, be sure to sign up to her newsletter on www.mirandahonfleur.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
December 27, 2017
Chapter One: It's All History
Reading Blade & Rose was a bet.
It popped up amongst Amazon's recommendations, and I instantly fell in love with the cover. The blurb described a book I suspected I would enjoy, but none of my GR friends had read and reviewed it and that made me extremely cautious. After some inner pep talk and long hours staring at the cover (I think it is obvious by now that I am a shallow person, ruled by her primitive urges and succumbing to cover lust) I decided to give it a go, and - spoiler alert - I am glad to say I didn't regret it!
Chapter Two: Welcome to Emauria
The kingdom of Emauria is in turmoil. Rielle, a powerful Mage of a dubious reputation, is assigned against her will to escort a Paladin (a knight devoted to the Goddess Terra, sworn to protect the kingdom, the innocent and the weak) to his destination, while her heart aches to go to the capital and find her friend who won't return her letters. What Rielle doesn't know is that the capital has fallen. That mercenaries rampage the land. That there is a faction of mages preparing to stage a coup and restore their order to its former glory. That ancient rites are more than mere superstition. And that someone really wants to murder the handsome paladin. And herself.
Chapter Three: Diamonds in the Rough
While reading Blade & Rose, I couldn't shake the feeling that it's a diamond in the rough. Miranda Honfleur is an author of limitless potential, her writing being lush and captivating, her imagination and creativity outstanding, but the book definitely needed some polishing. First, there were unnecessary repetitions, sentences or even chapters ruminating the same thoughts, and that could get tedious. Second, the world she wove was fascinating, but it needed more explanations, a proper establishment, because it appeared as though we should know all these names and places and ranks. The land of Emauria had a rich history, and I would have liked more elaboration without my head exploding from the info-dump. And third, one of my biggest pet-peeves is insta-love. And the Jon/Rielle relationship was a serious case of insta-love and insta-lust.
Chapter Four: The Paradox
At this point I'm sure you're questioning my 4 stars rating. Well, the thing is, all those issues were not grave enough to ruin the reading experience. Because, guys, it was delicious. Miranda Honfleur is extremely talented, you can tell it from her wonderful, eloquent descriptions, and all the effort she made to create a such an expanded and intricate world. The Mages, the Paladins, the ancient creatures, the noble houses, Miranda spread her wings wide and added so many aspects to her story, and she put them together in a way they fitted perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle. The werewolf lore, the power games, the medieval setting, the scheming and politics, the intense and various battle sequences, the vital part of magic and of Rielle's past, they co-existed harmonically and captured your interest and attention with a strong, magical grip.
In respect of the romantic element, I can tell that the relationship between Jon and Rielle was beautifully crafted. Of course the timeline bothered me, I'd preferred it if they took more time to bond, exchange I love yous and vows of eternal devotion, but the tenderness in their scenes was heartwarming, and the tension sizzling. They combined sensual and affectionate in a way that made my heart swell, I rooted for them, and cursed for all their impediments. But some impediments could be confusing.
Chapter Five: The Brennan Effect
Brennan is a riddle, he's the type of character you love to hate. He's vile, aggressive and doesn't take no for an answer. I wanted to throttle him countless times, yet I didn't want him to get hurt. Problably because if anyone has the right to kill him, that person is me (or Jon), but his presence spiced things up, and added a pinch of paranormal you usually meet in urban fantasy.
Epilogue
Maybe it's the Christmas Spirit that made me lenient, or the fact that I detected a raw talent in Miranda Honfleur that deserves to be explored, whatever the reason, I thoroughly enjoyed Blade & Rose, and I'll pick up the sequel soon!
You can find this review and more on BookNest!
Reading Blade & Rose was a bet.
It popped up amongst Amazon's recommendations, and I instantly fell in love with the cover. The blurb described a book I suspected I would enjoy, but none of my GR friends had read and reviewed it and that made me extremely cautious. After some inner pep talk and long hours staring at the cover (I think it is obvious by now that I am a shallow person, ruled by her primitive urges and succumbing to cover lust) I decided to give it a go, and - spoiler alert - I am glad to say I didn't regret it!
Chapter Two: Welcome to Emauria
The kingdom of Emauria is in turmoil. Rielle, a powerful Mage of a dubious reputation, is assigned against her will to escort a Paladin (a knight devoted to the Goddess Terra, sworn to protect the kingdom, the innocent and the weak) to his destination, while her heart aches to go to the capital and find her friend who won't return her letters. What Rielle doesn't know is that the capital has fallen. That mercenaries rampage the land. That there is a faction of mages preparing to stage a coup and restore their order to its former glory. That ancient rites are more than mere superstition. And that someone really wants to murder the handsome paladin. And herself.
“The man who will ultimately stand at her side will be forged in fire. If you burn easily, don't even bother.”
Chapter Three: Diamonds in the Rough
While reading Blade & Rose, I couldn't shake the feeling that it's a diamond in the rough. Miranda Honfleur is an author of limitless potential, her writing being lush and captivating, her imagination and creativity outstanding, but the book definitely needed some polishing. First, there were unnecessary repetitions, sentences or even chapters ruminating the same thoughts, and that could get tedious. Second, the world she wove was fascinating, but it needed more explanations, a proper establishment, because it appeared as though we should know all these names and places and ranks. The land of Emauria had a rich history, and I would have liked more elaboration without my head exploding from the info-dump. And third, one of my biggest pet-peeves is insta-love. And the Jon/Rielle relationship was a serious case of insta-love and insta-lust.
Chapter Four: The Paradox
At this point I'm sure you're questioning my 4 stars rating. Well, the thing is, all those issues were not grave enough to ruin the reading experience. Because, guys, it was delicious. Miranda Honfleur is extremely talented, you can tell it from her wonderful, eloquent descriptions, and all the effort she made to create a such an expanded and intricate world. The Mages, the Paladins, the ancient creatures, the noble houses, Miranda spread her wings wide and added so many aspects to her story, and she put them together in a way they fitted perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle. The werewolf lore, the power games, the medieval setting, the scheming and politics, the intense and various battle sequences, the vital part of magic and of Rielle's past, they co-existed harmonically and captured your interest and attention with a strong, magical grip.
“Then give me memories to live in when the hurt comes.”
In respect of the romantic element, I can tell that the relationship between Jon and Rielle was beautifully crafted. Of course the timeline bothered me, I'd preferred it if they took more time to bond, exchange I love yous and vows of eternal devotion, but the tenderness in their scenes was heartwarming, and the tension sizzling. They combined sensual and affectionate in a way that made my heart swell, I rooted for them, and cursed for all their impediments. But some impediments could be confusing.
Chapter Five: The Brennan Effect
Brennan is a riddle, he's the type of character you love to hate. He's vile, aggressive and doesn't take no for an answer. I wanted to throttle him countless times, yet I didn't want him to get hurt. Problably because if anyone has the right to kill him, that person is me (or Jon), but his presence spiced things up, and added a pinch of paranormal you usually meet in urban fantasy.
Epilogue
Maybe it's the Christmas Spirit that made me lenient, or the fact that I detected a raw talent in Miranda Honfleur that deserves to be explored, whatever the reason, I thoroughly enjoyed Blade & Rose, and I'll pick up the sequel soon!
You can find this review and more on BookNest!
October 23, 2018
3.5 stars
I put off the next book I was planning to read so I could instead go ahead and read the second book in this series, if that tells you anything about my feelings towards this book. This is fantasy romance and it is ridiculously freaking hard to find good books in this genre (notable exceptions: A Court of Mist and Fury and almost anything C.L. Wilson writes), so finding something even quasi-decent is exciting. There's still definite room for improvement, but this is the first book in the series so I'm rounding up but hoping for something a little stronger in the second book. With that said, this one has some interesting characters, backstories, action, and romance along with some magic/fantasy elements.
I'm not-so-secretly hoping that this series pulls a Sarah Maas twist on us in the sense that the 'love interest' character and 'the asshole-guy' character switch places in the heroine's affections in a future book because I'm very much rooting for that, but maybe that's just me wishing too hard for a Rhysand 2.0. We'll see!
I put off the next book I was planning to read so I could instead go ahead and read the second book in this series, if that tells you anything about my feelings towards this book. This is fantasy romance and it is ridiculously freaking hard to find good books in this genre (notable exceptions: A Court of Mist and Fury and almost anything C.L. Wilson writes), so finding something even quasi-decent is exciting. There's still definite room for improvement, but this is the first book in the series so I'm rounding up but hoping for something a little stronger in the second book. With that said, this one has some interesting characters, backstories, action, and romance along with some magic/fantasy elements.
I'm not-so-secretly hoping that this series pulls a Sarah Maas twist on us in the sense that the 'love interest' character and 'the asshole-guy' character switch places in the heroine's affections in a future book because I'm very much rooting for that, but maybe that's just me wishing too hard for a Rhysand 2.0. We'll see!
October 2, 2018
DNF 54% maybe I'll try picking it up again someday. This book is loooong and it's not a good thing. It's long because it's horribly edited and goes into way too much detail into the wrong things. The stupid plot about her werewolf husbando making her publicly suck his dick was so unnecessary and so disengaging I almost DNFd there.
Also this is not a slow burn. I don't know where I got the impression that someone described it as such, but it's an instalove with bad excuses for why they're not fucking right away. This really disappointed me because I have a soft spot for celibate priest romances because of their slow burn nature, and this guy was ready to throw it all away by about 23% and had given up his vows by 50%. I'd have honestly much preferred if that aspect was drawn out and the romance took much longer to form over the course of a SIX BOOK SERIES. You blew your load in the first twelfth of your series mate. Why you gotta murder the sexual tension before it can even build into anything?
Leading on from that, it's a 3.8 on my sexiness scale, meaning sexiness happens but it's quite ambiguous and overly poetic in nature to obfuscate the fact that peen and vag are getting excited. Let's all make a pact to stop trying to make something as mechanically embarrassing as sex poetic and beautiful okay? Also there is so much "omg they're gonna bone NOPE THEYVE BEEN INTERRUPTED BECAUSE I DONT WANNA RUIN THE SEXUAL TENSION" fuck off. You murdered the sexual tension hours ago, stop whasting our time.
Anyways. I stopped reading because the main girl is just extremely duplicitous (is that a word) and is constantly lying and going behind Jon's back but then being like "oh no plz throw away your vows and everything you value in life for me because I love you, you stupid, gullible virgin." It's so obnoxious. I had liked her at first but I got so sick of her lying and getting whet over every guy that looks at her sideways while proclaiming her undying love for this boring idiot she met a week ago. She's a snake and I don't feel like reading about her anymore.
It sucks cos this started out a solid 4.5/5 stars for me, but after a while it started descending into a pit of hypocritical character behaviors and repetetive travelling/travel being halted/sex being interrupted circles over and over and oooover. Christ have mercy. Cut out half of this novel and you have yourself a 4/5.
Also this is not a slow burn. I don't know where I got the impression that someone described it as such, but it's an instalove with bad excuses for why they're not fucking right away. This really disappointed me because I have a soft spot for celibate priest romances because of their slow burn nature, and this guy was ready to throw it all away by about 23% and had given up his vows by 50%. I'd have honestly much preferred if that aspect was drawn out and the romance took much longer to form over the course of a SIX BOOK SERIES. You blew your load in the first twelfth of your series mate. Why you gotta murder the sexual tension before it can even build into anything?
Leading on from that, it's a 3.8 on my sexiness scale, meaning sexiness happens but it's quite ambiguous and overly poetic in nature to obfuscate the fact that peen and vag are getting excited. Let's all make a pact to stop trying to make something as mechanically embarrassing as sex poetic and beautiful okay? Also there is so much "omg they're gonna bone NOPE THEYVE BEEN INTERRUPTED BECAUSE I DONT WANNA RUIN THE SEXUAL TENSION" fuck off. You murdered the sexual tension hours ago, stop whasting our time.
Anyways. I stopped reading because the main girl is just extremely duplicitous (is that a word) and is constantly lying and going behind Jon's back but then being like "oh no plz throw away your vows and everything you value in life for me because I love you, you stupid, gullible virgin." It's so obnoxious. I had liked her at first but I got so sick of her lying and getting whet over every guy that looks at her sideways while proclaiming her undying love for this boring idiot she met a week ago. She's a snake and I don't feel like reading about her anymore.
It sucks cos this started out a solid 4.5/5 stars for me, but after a while it started descending into a pit of hypocritical character behaviors and repetetive travelling/travel being halted/sex being interrupted circles over and over and oooover. Christ have mercy. Cut out half of this novel and you have yourself a 4/5.
Want to read
August 30, 2022This series (4 books) is free on Amazon (Canada) today (08/29/2022). 🙂
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December 30, 2018
I seriously have not been able to stop thinking about this book since I finished it. It has everything I love in a good fantasy. Clear yet complex magic systems, multidimensional characters, and a whole lot of plot.
More people need to read this series. It’s free on kindle unlimited, but how could you pass up having these covers on your bookshelf? I know I can’t.
More people need to read this series. It’s free on kindle unlimited, but how could you pass up having these covers on your bookshelf? I know I can’t.
February 15, 2019
One thing I am always looking for is fantasy stories with a new adult vibe. This book absolutely fits that bill and I loved it! This is the type that I could binge and binge and binge on and I am definitely looking forward to the next.
My only caveats are that it’s a little insta-lovey, there could be clearer world building and it probably doesn’t need to be 600+ pages long. However, the characters have riveting back stories and the pacing is on point. This book does not stop giving in the action department. It’s a non stop ride!
Note that this book does have a heavy romance subplot and trigger warning for physical abuse and sexual manipulation/abuse. These are not terribly huge aspects of the plot.
I love the complex relationships between the characters in this and the author did a fine job of giving some of the more morally gray characters redeeming qualities that kept you guessing at your own loyalties.
Overall I HIGHLY recommend this if you’re looking for a book with an adult atmosphere but more YA fantasy vibes. This is it! I am DYING to start the next one but I have other books I’m obligated to read first and it’s killing me!
My only caveats are that it’s a little insta-lovey, there could be clearer world building and it probably doesn’t need to be 600+ pages long. However, the characters have riveting back stories and the pacing is on point. This book does not stop giving in the action department. It’s a non stop ride!
Note that this book does have a heavy romance subplot and trigger warning for physical abuse and sexual manipulation/abuse. These are not terribly huge aspects of the plot.
I love the complex relationships between the characters in this and the author did a fine job of giving some of the more morally gray characters redeeming qualities that kept you guessing at your own loyalties.
Overall I HIGHLY recommend this if you’re looking for a book with an adult atmosphere but more YA fantasy vibes. This is it! I am DYING to start the next one but I have other books I’m obligated to read first and it’s killing me!
August 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this. I especially loved that Rielle was more open about sex and not the shirking violets other heroines her. In fact, our hero was the virgin in this one.
This is a long book which I especially loved but one of the clues was so easy to figure out midway through the story. It didn't stop me from enjoying it though.
Brennan was such a complex character. I was rooting for him until what he did to Rielle was revealed and now I just hate him. Though the last pages make me feel I can warm up to him again.
I already got the second book and I can already see the politics playing out in it.
This is a long book which I especially loved but one of the clues was so easy to figure out midway through the story. It didn't stop me from enjoying it though.
Brennan was such a complex character. I was rooting for him until what he did to Rielle was revealed and now I just hate him. Though the last pages make me feel I can warm up to him again.
I already got the second book and I can already see the politics playing out in it.
January 21, 2018
I'm sorry. This is a DNF for me. I really liked the world and magic even though it was a bit confusing, but after the heroine goes on the journey with the guy she's supposed to be escorting, I couldn't follow what the heroine wanted. I understood she wanted to be promoted, but the nature of the journey made the plot wander and I lost interest. It seemed her goal in life was to be seduced by the guy and have sex. Sorry, but I need something more to keep me engaged.
September 22, 2021
I want to scream but I would spoil everything, guys. Just read it to meet the only man who deserves rights 🤠
July 2, 2018
An excellent start to an exciting Epic Fantasy Romance series. It's often hard to find good Fantasy Romances which aren't Young Adult or Paranormal. But there's nothing better than a sword and sorcery adventure with an emotional love story woven through it!
Definitely a five-star read. Here's what I loved about it:
Blade and Rose is an epic novel - both in size (it's over 700 pages long!) and in scope. Miranda Honfleur builds a credible world built on European civilisations and an exciting magic system. The characters are well-drawn and with enough flaws to make them seem real. Rielle is a complicated heroine, a mix of strong kick-ass sorceress and painful insecurity. She doesn't have any trouble attracting men into her life, only she has been terribly hurt by them. When she meets Jon, a man she has sworn to protect, she struggles between her attraction to someone she can't have, and her own fears of being hurt or hurting those she loves.
My favourite character in the book though (and I'm not sure if the author intended this) is the werewolf, Brennan. He's a really mixed-up guy, and does some dispicable things during the story, yet we never totally lose sympathy for him. He is conflicted and as the story progresses starts to gain a little self-knowledge. As the series progresses, I imagine he will have a pivotal role ... well, I hope so.
The writing flows smoothly and is highly readable. The author doesn't get bogged down in lengthy description but at the same time manages to create a richly-drawn world that fantasy readers expect!
Any niggles? Only a couple of tiny ones that didn't detract from my rating. The book was very long ... and could have been trimmed in a couple of places without affecting the story. Rielle and Jon's relationship sometimes felt a little bit like 'instalove'. I would have liked to have seen a bit more angst and conflict between them in the beginning. However, their emotional journey was depicted well and leaves plenty of scope for the next book in the series.
An engrossing Epic Fantasy Romance read!
Definitely a five-star read. Here's what I loved about it:
Blade and Rose is an epic novel - both in size (it's over 700 pages long!) and in scope. Miranda Honfleur builds a credible world built on European civilisations and an exciting magic system. The characters are well-drawn and with enough flaws to make them seem real. Rielle is a complicated heroine, a mix of strong kick-ass sorceress and painful insecurity. She doesn't have any trouble attracting men into her life, only she has been terribly hurt by them. When she meets Jon, a man she has sworn to protect, she struggles between her attraction to someone she can't have, and her own fears of being hurt or hurting those she loves.
My favourite character in the book though (and I'm not sure if the author intended this) is the werewolf, Brennan. He's a really mixed-up guy, and does some dispicable things during the story, yet we never totally lose sympathy for him. He is conflicted and as the story progresses starts to gain a little self-knowledge. As the series progresses, I imagine he will have a pivotal role ... well, I hope so.
The writing flows smoothly and is highly readable. The author doesn't get bogged down in lengthy description but at the same time manages to create a richly-drawn world that fantasy readers expect!
Any niggles? Only a couple of tiny ones that didn't detract from my rating. The book was very long ... and could have been trimmed in a couple of places without affecting the story. Rielle and Jon's relationship sometimes felt a little bit like 'instalove'. I would have liked to have seen a bit more angst and conflict between them in the beginning. However, their emotional journey was depicted well and leaves plenty of scope for the next book in the series.
An engrossing Epic Fantasy Romance read!
February 21, 2018
It's been awhile since I've read a series where the world building, emotional complexity and character development in book 1 are so brilliantly fleshed out.
It probably helps that this book barely falls short of 700 pages.
I loved the characters in this novel so much and quite frankly, I'm not sure my poor heart can handle the angst reading the rest of the series.
Why is this series so underrated?
It probably helps that this book barely falls short of 700 pages.
I loved the characters in this novel so much and quite frankly, I'm not sure my poor heart can handle the angst reading the rest of the series.
Why is this series so underrated?
October 24, 2017
This book grabbed me in all the feels and didn't let go.
The characters are done exceptionally well, and they are reason enough for all 5 stars. Each POV is unique, consistent, and engaging. That can't be said enough. I wanted every character to succeed in some way, which just ups the tension, even more, when some of their interests conflict. The relationships between the characters are deep and detailed. The best part is the main female character, Rielle. She is ACTUALLY leading. No damsel in distress, she's a strong, smart, and reliable mage all on her own. She has flaws, but it makes her relatable. You cheer her on from start to finish.
The plot is well-developed and hooks you hard. Death, magic, sword fights--it's never dull. I don't want to give out spoilers, but there are pitfalls around every corner. No page is easy for any character, and it kept me turning just to see what they'd do to resolve it. And whatever they come across, they deal with it in their own ways. The main plot is solved by the end, tying up loose ends and answering questions. And then, it makes a promise that the next book will be just as exciting and tense. I've read so many fantasy books for both adults and young adults, and this one kept surprising me.
Can't wait for the next book!
The characters are done exceptionally well, and they are reason enough for all 5 stars. Each POV is unique, consistent, and engaging. That can't be said enough. I wanted every character to succeed in some way, which just ups the tension, even more, when some of their interests conflict. The relationships between the characters are deep and detailed. The best part is the main female character, Rielle. She is ACTUALLY leading. No damsel in distress, she's a strong, smart, and reliable mage all on her own. She has flaws, but it makes her relatable. You cheer her on from start to finish.
The plot is well-developed and hooks you hard. Death, magic, sword fights--it's never dull. I don't want to give out spoilers, but there are pitfalls around every corner. No page is easy for any character, and it kept me turning just to see what they'd do to resolve it. And whatever they come across, they deal with it in their own ways. The main plot is solved by the end, tying up loose ends and answering questions. And then, it makes a promise that the next book will be just as exciting and tense. I've read so many fantasy books for both adults and young adults, and this one kept surprising me.
Can't wait for the next book!
February 2, 2018
It's an okay read, but there was nothing that really stood out to me. The characters seemed to get stuck in an emotional rut halfway through and never really go anywhere. Rielle continues to be immature throughout the book and I get sick of listening to her whining pretty quickly. Yes, she had a tragedy happen to her when she was young, but instead of growing from it she decides to isolate herself from everyone. This isn't helped by her relationship with the abusive jerk Brennan. I hate that man/werewolf with a passion. If the author was trying to create the ultimate waste of space character she could, well, she succeeded. I don't care if there is a bond between Rielle and Brennan. She should've killed the jerk the first chance she got to both free herself from an abusive situation, and to prevent the possible infection of others by him when he tries to manipulate her using that very tactic against her by threatening to bite Jon.
As for Jon, I'm also not a fan. He doesn't bother to question why he was excommunicated and immediately sets out to ask to be reinstated to the Order. He doesn't think for himself or bother to question his beliefs until someone points out to him that maybe he doesn't want to be reinstated because of his feelings for Rielle. He also doesn't bother to do any investigating of why other paladins of the Order were being killed. Clearly it had something to do with him, but instead of spending a lot of time asking questions of the populace to find clues, a mere token effort was made before they moved on to the next step of the journey. As for the big reveal of his heritage...NOT A SURPRISE!!! It was so obvious that he wasn't an ordinary paladin (assassins on his trail kinda gave that away a bit early) and the fact that Brennan kept referring to him as "commoner" made it glaringly apparent that he was anything but.
The scenes with Olivia in the dungeon felt more like filler than any meaningful tidbits for the main story. The whole book focused on the interactions between Rielle, Jon, and the jackass Brennan. Olivia wasn't needed and it served more as a distraction than anything else, at least for me.
I wanted to like this book, but once finished I was a bit disappointed. It started out well, but quickly tapered off and I had a hard time finishing it. I was left with an impression of "It's okay", but I have no desire to continue with the series.
As for Jon, I'm also not a fan. He doesn't bother to question why he was excommunicated and immediately sets out to ask to be reinstated to the Order. He doesn't think for himself or bother to question his beliefs until someone points out to him that maybe he doesn't want to be reinstated because of his feelings for Rielle. He also doesn't bother to do any investigating of why other paladins of the Order were being killed. Clearly it had something to do with him, but instead of spending a lot of time asking questions of the populace to find clues, a mere token effort was made before they moved on to the next step of the journey. As for the big reveal of his heritage...NOT A SURPRISE!!! It was so obvious that he wasn't an ordinary paladin (assassins on his trail kinda gave that away a bit early) and the fact that Brennan kept referring to him as "commoner" made it glaringly apparent that he was anything but.
The scenes with Olivia in the dungeon felt more like filler than any meaningful tidbits for the main story. The whole book focused on the interactions between Rielle, Jon, and the jackass Brennan. Olivia wasn't needed and it served more as a distraction than anything else, at least for me.
I wanted to like this book, but once finished I was a bit disappointed. It started out well, but quickly tapered off and I had a hard time finishing it. I was left with an impression of "It's okay", but I have no desire to continue with the series.
January 3, 2021
I wanted to really like this book because it has everything I typically love...
- A strong female character
- A high fantasy setting
- Lots of great action and magic
- Twists and turns around every corner
- Hot and heavy romance
But after a while, I just wanted it to end.
Although it is definitely a good book, I think it is just too long. If this book had been ~200 pages shorter I would have absolutely loved it. It's hard to explain, but it just feels like the story keeps dragging on and on and after a while I just want there to be some sort of conclusion.
It seems like the other books in this series are even longer so I'm not sure if I will continue anytime soon.
- A strong female character
- A high fantasy setting
- Lots of great action and magic
- Twists and turns around every corner
- Hot and heavy romance
But after a while, I just wanted it to end.
Although it is definitely a good book, I think it is just too long. If this book had been ~200 pages shorter I would have absolutely loved it. It's hard to explain, but it just feels like the story keeps dragging on and on and after a while I just want there to be some sort of conclusion.
It seems like the other books in this series are even longer so I'm not sure if I will continue anytime soon.
October 28, 2017
This book made some ambitious promises to its readers, but WOW did it deliver. If you’re a fan of Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series or Sarah J. Maas, do yourself a favor, buy this book, and set aside a couple of days to read it because you won’t want to put it down.
Honfleur sucks you into her vibrant and tumultuous world right away with unforgettable characters and a masterful plot that enthrall the reader to the very last page (and beyond).
The protagonist, Rielle, comes to life with strengths, ambition and competence that made me want to stand up and cheer, but it’s her trials and tribulations as the plot unfolds that make her feel like so much more than a simple character on a flimsy page.
And the love story… The examination of what a loving relationship truly is, the way the right love can make strong people even stronger, the way it can heal wounds of the past and instill hope for the future, BEAUTIFUL.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of adult fantasy.
Sarah J. MaasAnne Bishop
Honfleur sucks you into her vibrant and tumultuous world right away with unforgettable characters and a masterful plot that enthrall the reader to the very last page (and beyond).
The protagonist, Rielle, comes to life with strengths, ambition and competence that made me want to stand up and cheer, but it’s her trials and tribulations as the plot unfolds that make her feel like so much more than a simple character on a flimsy page.
And the love story… The examination of what a loving relationship truly is, the way the right love can make strong people even stronger, the way it can heal wounds of the past and instill hope for the future, BEAUTIFUL.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of adult fantasy.
Sarah J. MaasAnne Bishop
February 27, 2021
My first thought upon finishing this book was ‘I’m glad it’s finally over’. Mainly because this book was too long. It felt drawn out, dull, and repetitive. Also, for a book this long, why is the romance still so instant?? Honestly, I’m not sure I have many positive thoughts to share but I will try.
Our MC, Rielle, is an orphaned Noble and thus technically the last of her line (her grandmother is still alive but I doubt she will be having babies again). She is also a rare type of Elemental Mage. We learn all of this within the first few pages, having flashbacks of how she became an orphan, why a certain someone treats her like trash, and why she stays at the tower (where Mages live). She is powerful, which we learn pretty quickly when she takes down an enemy that got past the guards, but she is also emotionally/mentally unstable. So she needs saving a lot. Her strength and compassion are what allowed me to like her character. The romance ruined it for me though.
Having a rare type of magic is alluring enough, but also being a Noble and a pretty one at that? Yeah, most of the males are crushing on her. She has three (3) male characters, who are present throughout most of the book, that she has had either a romantic relationship with or will come to love. She also has a few lovers that still expect her to be in their bed again. Not sure how that will work out since she has yet to return to the tower. I was certainly annoyed that so many male characters fawned over her, especially since Jon (who is a Paladin and thus has sworn off alcohol and sex) quickly becomes enamored with her for no reason. He almost immediately comments on her body, her lips, the eyes that draw him in, and he begins a war with himself that isn’t really a war. He tells himself no, dreams about her anyway, and then is thinking stuff like this:
“He wanted to be with her, be whatever she needed him to be, give her everything. The want of it all threatened to ruin life as he knew it.” (21%)
At this point they have travelled together for maybe a week. Maybe. For someone who has successfully ignored such thoughts and feelings for more of his life, who is determined to be reinstated and thus not break his vows, he breaks pretty quickly. He isn’t merely lusting after her at this point either.
“Mages loved freely. He didn’t know how many lovers had enjoyed her bed—and he didn’t wish to know—but she’d kept none of them by her side. To indulge his desire without first winning her heart would have been indulgence in whim of the most dangerous kind. Sacrificing everything to offer himself as no more than a night’s entertainment… when he would have wanted so much more.” (25%)
I would have enjoyed the romance more if there had been a real build up. Both characters had closed themselves off (Jon due to vows, Rielle due to a tragic past) and so it would have felt more realistic if they became friends first and learned to trust each other before they find it hard to resist each other (again, there was no reason for them to desire each other so much) and then love. Neither was fond of the other at first, and then that second night everything changed pretty suddenly. Where was the grudging respect and trust? The slow admiration and the friendship? I wanted to stop reading, to be honest. Especially since nothing else really happens during this time.
Aside from the romance being the main focus (and a bad one at that), I actually really liked the beginning of the story. It felt mysterious, with Rielle wanting to sneak out. It felt adventurous, when she was told her next mission would be escorting a Paladin somewhere. It felt magical with werewolves and mages and magic battles. It drew me in and kept me engrosses until of course, the romance. The beginning was engaging, intriguing, and well written. Rielle comes off as strong and independent, a bit cocky, and like a girl who enjoys adventure and breaking rules. She has a lot on her plate and yet can still find joy in little things. I loved it! But again, the romance ruined it for me, especially since it became the main focus.
The synopsis mentions Rielle’s best friend, Olivia, and a kingdom in peril. This is certainty present in the story. But mostly as small reminders every now and then until the last twenty percent (20%) or so. We also get Olivia’s point of view, but I really don’t see what this accomplished.
All in all, I enjoyed the beginning but everything went down hill when the romance was introduced. I will not be continuing this series.
Twitter || Blog
Our MC, Rielle, is an orphaned Noble and thus technically the last of her line (her grandmother is still alive but I doubt she will be having babies again). She is also a rare type of Elemental Mage. We learn all of this within the first few pages, having flashbacks of how she became an orphan, why a certain someone treats her like trash, and why she stays at the tower (where Mages live). She is powerful, which we learn pretty quickly when she takes down an enemy that got past the guards, but she is also emotionally/mentally unstable. So she needs saving a lot. Her strength and compassion are what allowed me to like her character. The romance ruined it for me though.
Having a rare type of magic is alluring enough, but also being a Noble and a pretty one at that? Yeah, most of the males are crushing on her. She has three (3) male characters, who are present throughout most of the book, that she has had either a romantic relationship with or will come to love. She also has a few lovers that still expect her to be in their bed again. Not sure how that will work out since she has yet to return to the tower. I was certainly annoyed that so many male characters fawned over her, especially since Jon (who is a Paladin and thus has sworn off alcohol and sex) quickly becomes enamored with her for no reason. He almost immediately comments on her body, her lips, the eyes that draw him in, and he begins a war with himself that isn’t really a war. He tells himself no, dreams about her anyway, and then is thinking stuff like this:
“He wanted to be with her, be whatever she needed him to be, give her everything. The want of it all threatened to ruin life as he knew it.” (21%)
At this point they have travelled together for maybe a week. Maybe. For someone who has successfully ignored such thoughts and feelings for more of his life, who is determined to be reinstated and thus not break his vows, he breaks pretty quickly. He isn’t merely lusting after her at this point either.
“Mages loved freely. He didn’t know how many lovers had enjoyed her bed—and he didn’t wish to know—but she’d kept none of them by her side. To indulge his desire without first winning her heart would have been indulgence in whim of the most dangerous kind. Sacrificing everything to offer himself as no more than a night’s entertainment… when he would have wanted so much more.” (25%)
I would have enjoyed the romance more if there had been a real build up. Both characters had closed themselves off (Jon due to vows, Rielle due to a tragic past) and so it would have felt more realistic if they became friends first and learned to trust each other before they find it hard to resist each other (again, there was no reason for them to desire each other so much) and then love. Neither was fond of the other at first, and then that second night everything changed pretty suddenly. Where was the grudging respect and trust? The slow admiration and the friendship? I wanted to stop reading, to be honest. Especially since nothing else really happens during this time.
Aside from the romance being the main focus (and a bad one at that), I actually really liked the beginning of the story. It felt mysterious, with Rielle wanting to sneak out. It felt adventurous, when she was told her next mission would be escorting a Paladin somewhere. It felt magical with werewolves and mages and magic battles. It drew me in and kept me engrosses until of course, the romance. The beginning was engaging, intriguing, and well written. Rielle comes off as strong and independent, a bit cocky, and like a girl who enjoys adventure and breaking rules. She has a lot on her plate and yet can still find joy in little things. I loved it! But again, the romance ruined it for me, especially since it became the main focus.
The synopsis mentions Rielle’s best friend, Olivia, and a kingdom in peril. This is certainty present in the story. But mostly as small reminders every now and then until the last twenty percent (20%) or so. We also get Olivia’s point of view, but I really don’t see what this accomplished.
All in all, I enjoyed the beginning but everything went down hill when the romance was introduced. I will not be continuing this series.
Twitter || Blog
July 31, 2021
Second read, still love it.
Blade and Rose is an epic high fantasy romance - a sword and sorcery tale that brings to mind the original Dragon Lance Chronicles by Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. With D&D character classes like paladins, mages, assassins and the like, Blade and Rose is filled with adventure, political intrigue, mystery, peril, and a sweet yet forbidden romance.
What I loved:
• The immediate chemistry between the FMC and MMC, Rielle and Jon. The attraction and forbidden romance that blooms between this unlikely duo is what I read books for. 😍 Be forewarned that there is not a happy ending for this couple in this book. Things just get more complicated as the story goes on.
• The world building is masterful. Gradual, effective, and thorough - even with the first read, I was never inundated with too much info. The conflict in this book is resolved, but it sets up more problems for these characters in the following books.
• Complex side characters that add depth to the story, as well as some comic relief.
• Fantastic use of sword play and magic.
• The fact that this book is over 600 pages and I didn't tire of it.
• I am a sucker for angst. This book definitely has it, but this is nothing compared to the following novels. Prepare for the gut punches to come.
• Brennan. He's the antagonist/morally grey/anti-hero you love to hate. Though I didn't like him for the most part in this book, he's a great character that grows on you.
I would recommend this book to 17+ for mature themes. Enjoy!
Blade and Rose is an epic high fantasy romance - a sword and sorcery tale that brings to mind the original Dragon Lance Chronicles by Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. With D&D character classes like paladins, mages, assassins and the like, Blade and Rose is filled with adventure, political intrigue, mystery, peril, and a sweet yet forbidden romance.
What I loved:
• The immediate chemistry between the FMC and MMC, Rielle and Jon. The attraction and forbidden romance that blooms between this unlikely duo is what I read books for. 😍 Be forewarned that there is not a happy ending for this couple in this book. Things just get more complicated as the story goes on.
• The world building is masterful. Gradual, effective, and thorough - even with the first read, I was never inundated with too much info. The conflict in this book is resolved, but it sets up more problems for these characters in the following books.
• Complex side characters that add depth to the story, as well as some comic relief.
• Fantastic use of sword play and magic.
• The fact that this book is over 600 pages and I didn't tire of it.
• I am a sucker for angst. This book definitely has it, but this is nothing compared to the following novels. Prepare for the gut punches to come.
• Brennan. He's the antagonist/morally grey/anti-hero you love to hate. Though I didn't like him for the most part in this book, he's a great character that grows on you.
I would recommend this book to 17+ for mature themes. Enjoy!
August 6, 2020
2/12/20
apparently 4th time is the charm. I finally tried this as an audiobook and enjoyed it significantly more that way. It was pretty hard to read through the insta-lust and I generally drop any book that does this anymore. I hate it. So much. It was like immediately the moment Rielle and Jon and set eyes on each other, they were ready to rip each other's clothes off...and the angsty lust thoughts were torture to read through, but just barely bearable in audio format. After all the romance crap, I started to really enjoy the story. I loved all the other characters, Olivia, Antoinne, Lee, Brenner, etc. And once the action picked up and plans were made, I couldn't stop listening!
Alas, I think the only way I'll ever get through book 2 as well is in audiobook format, so I'll enjoy the story that way, likely. Don't get me wrong. I did like the book. Enough that I want to know what happens in book 2.
apparently 4th time is the charm. I finally tried this as an audiobook and enjoyed it significantly more that way. It was pretty hard to read through the insta-lust and I generally drop any book that does this anymore. I hate it. So much. It was like immediately the moment Rielle and Jon and set eyes on each other, they were ready to rip each other's clothes off...and the angsty lust thoughts were torture to read through, but just barely bearable in audio format. After all the romance crap, I started to really enjoy the story. I loved all the other characters, Olivia, Antoinne, Lee, Brenner, etc. And once the action picked up and plans were made, I couldn't stop listening!
Alas, I think the only way I'll ever get through book 2 as well is in audiobook format, so I'll enjoy the story that way, likely. Don't get me wrong. I did like the book. Enough that I want to know what happens in book 2.
December 2, 2017
I was so excited when I found this book. A strong heroine - (who is not a virgin, not the strongest Mage but still kicks hella ass)magic, a guard, a werewolf, a best friend imprisoned all combined into a story I couldn't put down (for the most part). I loved it. It was nonstop action and movement and growth.
I really was pulling for Jon and Rielle. I couldn't stand Brennan. And then, I stopped enjoying Jon and Rielle's romance and started pulling for Brennan. I think Jon is very boring. I think he loves Rielle with a little boy's wide eyes.
I really liked Leigh and Olivia in their supporting cast roles. Big fan.
I'll have to read the next book to see how my feelings change towards the various relationships. I'm anxious to see what happens with Rielle's capture and Brennan's journey to rescue her.
I really was pulling for Jon and Rielle. I couldn't stand Brennan. And then, I stopped enjoying Jon and Rielle's romance and started pulling for Brennan. I think Jon is very boring. I think he loves Rielle with a little boy's wide eyes.
I really liked Leigh and Olivia in their supporting cast roles. Big fan.
I'll have to read the next book to see how my feelings change towards the various relationships. I'm anxious to see what happens with Rielle's capture and Brennan's journey to rescue her.
October 19, 2018
Blech, RTC
Want to read
February 17, 2021🎁 Blade and Rose Boxed Set: Books 1-3 is FREE on Amazon today (2/17/2021)! 🎁
October 20, 2017
Excellently written debut epic fantasy by Miranda Honfleur.
What an excellent, exciting, gripping, spellbinding first book for this series. The author has created a cast of well imagined and well fleshed out characters. Rielle is a great heroine, a quaternary elementalist who controls fire, water, air and earth. She’s brave, intelligent, beautiful, captivating and highly likeable as a character. Jon is a great hero, handsome and driven, with a great twist in his storyline. Brennan is a highly complex character. I started out hating him but it ended up he may have some redeeming qualities. Leigh is a conflicted character, trying to do the right thing, that may has unintentionally led to great harm. The story is well-written, with lots of exciting twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of the seat. Don’t start reading this book unless you have a lot of time on your hands! I can’t wait to read the second book. If you’re looking for an enthralling adventure with a well created world, with a unique magic system, this series is definitely for you. Extremely, well-done, Miri!
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What an excellent, exciting, gripping, spellbinding first book for this series. The author has created a cast of well imagined and well fleshed out characters. Rielle is a great heroine, a quaternary elementalist who controls fire, water, air and earth. She’s brave, intelligent, beautiful, captivating and highly likeable as a character. Jon is a great hero, handsome and driven, with a great twist in his storyline. Brennan is a highly complex character. I started out hating him but it ended up he may have some redeeming qualities. Leigh is a conflicted character, trying to do the right thing, that may has unintentionally led to great harm. The story is well-written, with lots of exciting twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of the seat. Don’t start reading this book unless you have a lot of time on your hands! I can’t wait to read the second book. If you’re looking for an enthralling adventure with a well created world, with a unique magic system, this series is definitely for you. Extremely, well-done, Miri!
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2018
What a delightful, pleasant surprise - I had zero knowledge or expectations going in and then somehow fell in love.
Consistent world-building, interesting plot, and a flawed, fascinating, tough yet wounded heroine. Rielle really made the book for me. I am normally all about the guys and did find both Jon and Brennan interesting in their own ways (well, more Brennan than Jon, I am always Team Bad Boy Basketcase) but here I was all about Rielle. I want her to get whatever she wants - title of magister, control over battle rage, friendship, love with whichever dude she chooses (though once again, hope for Brennan because I live for fictional shippy dysfunction but whatever she picks is good with me), defeating evil. Heck - the world. I love love love Rielle!
The blurb said something about Sarah J Maas. I can totally see the similarities, in a good way.
Consistent world-building, interesting plot, and a flawed, fascinating, tough yet wounded heroine. Rielle really made the book for me. I am normally all about the guys and did find both Jon and Brennan interesting in their own ways (well, more Brennan than Jon, I am always Team Bad Boy Basketcase) but here I was all about Rielle. I want her to get whatever she wants - title of magister, control over battle rage, friendship, love with whichever dude she chooses (though once again, hope for Brennan because I live for fictional shippy dysfunction but whatever she picks is good with me), defeating evil. Heck - the world. I love love love Rielle!
The blurb said something about Sarah J Maas. I can totally see the similarities, in a good way.
September 18, 2018
Magic? Adventure? Battles? Politics? Romance? This book had it all, and then some!
I changed my mind about every single character about 6 times throughout reading. I was totally blind-sided by some of the plot twists. And, the fact that I am so torn over the romantic entanglements!
If you like CL Wilson’s Tairen Soul Series you will most likely love this series!
I changed my mind about every single character about 6 times throughout reading. I was totally blind-sided by some of the plot twists. And, the fact that I am so torn over the romantic entanglements!
If you like CL Wilson’s Tairen Soul Series you will most likely love this series!
October 10, 2018
This started out as a really excellent potential 5 star book. A little over half way through it started to drag. I really think there are huge chunks of this book that were not necessary and could have been cut to help the flow. I still really enjoyed it and I am definitely going to read the rest of the series.
June 12, 2019
Miranda Honfleur does not get the credit she deserves! Blade & Rose is a thicc well-crafted magical adventure with romance to boot! I will say that I'm rooting for the bad boy in this book, which I normally don't do... And I will rage if, when I continue reading this series, the bad boy was used as a stepping stone to the happily ever after with the good guy.
April 14, 2020
DNF @ 19%
I am cringing way too much at this and I'm not gonna suffer 600+ pages more of this.
-they had like magic sex
-weird dialogue
-weird pacing
-weird scenes
-bad description of eyes. for some reason that's where I'm drawing the line.
I am cringing way too much at this and I'm not gonna suffer 600+ pages more of this.
-they had like magic sex
-weird dialogue
-weird pacing
-weird scenes
-bad description of eyes. for some reason that's where I'm drawing the line.
February 11, 2018
4.75🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 5, 2019
DNF
There are a few things I dislike more than insta-love and TSTL characters and this book had them both
There are a few things I dislike more than insta-love and TSTL characters and this book had them both
February 24, 2019
2.5 stars.
I was catfished.
Examined in pieces, this is my dream novel--a couple that doesn't dance around the "should we?" question for a billion pages? Medieval fantasy with magic? A page count long enough to let me soak up the world? Book one of six?
Instead, the whole experience was like showing up at Enterprise expecting to drive away in a Camaro and being handed the keys to a rusty Dodge Neon. Had you told me I'd be driving a 90s relic for two days, I would have gone elsewhere.
Here's a basic summary:
Rielle is a mage. She's been living with the mages since she was 13 and realized she was magical--a traumatizing experience that involved her accidentally burning her family alive. This guilt complex follows her around the rest of the novel like a stupidly fluffy duckling, quacking when necessary as a plot device.
Rielle has a betrothed: Brennen. He, like her, comes from a noble family. The two of them had been engaged since they were small, but until the family barbeque, they weren't torn up about it. They actually liked each other. It was set to be a good match; feelings aside, Rielle helped Brennen keep his deadly secret: he was a werewolf, and only Rielle's blood offered him some measure of control over his curse. Once they married and had a kid, the curse would be officially broken. Brennen, being anti-werewolf, desperately wants this.
Only Brennen was an insensitive dickwad when Rielle decided to stay with the mages. He saw it as a public rejection, and the two of them spend the next however many years taking lovers and being petty. Rielle's long since been done with his BS. If she can avoid being booted from the mage community for a few more months, she can break their engagement.
Enter Jon, a paladin. He's on his way to meet the head of his order about some worrying news when he runs into Rielle, who's then charged with escorting him the rest of the way. Jon's sworn holy vows of chastity and sobriety and he's serious about keeping them.
🙄
That's the basic setup. Brennen wants Rielle. Jon wants Rielle. Rielle wants Jon but is powerless to break her betrothal. The non-romance plot involves the assassination of the king and all his heirs, a coup in the capitol, and the looming threat of a dangerous magical ceremony.
Sorry. I was wordy, but it's a 670 page novel.
Anyway, I don't think that sounds too bad, do you? Reading the first 100 pages was exciting. In the midst of setting up the plot, the author did some things I really appreciated:
- Rielle is powerful and compassionate. She's in charge of protecting Jon--not the other way around. She's a badass fighter and didn't annoy me by trying to prove it. She just was.
- Jon and Rielle spend time together. I despise romantic pairings whose primary source of tension stems from separation. If the only way you can sell a couple's love is by making me read about one pining for the other, I'm not impressed. Let them be together. Let them solve problems together. Drama doesn't have to disappear when they share the stage.
- The world was interesting and creative. There are opium-esque dens for magic users. The history of the mages and paladins felt new, and I enjoyed the political scheming details. There were a few lines I read more than once because they were beautiful, which is more than I can say for most fantasy novels.
Unfortunately:
- The pacing was batshit-level out of control. I didn't know it at the time, but the author planned out a six book series in this universe. All of the novels she's released have been 600+ pages, so why Rielle and Jon fall in I'd-die-for-you-love within a week of meeting is beyond me. I normally champion couples getting together super quickly, but it made no sense here. Jon's been loyal to his paladin order his whole life; it's central to his character. One of his vows is chastity, which is the perfect set up for some slow burn. It could have been so delicious: the slow realization that he respects Rielle, unsettling flashes of attraction, feeling torn between desire and duty, pushing the boundaries, internal debates, tortured conversations...
Instead he's addicted to her within the first day. 🙄What a waste.
Other bits moved too quickly, too. I got whiplash from mood changes. Not naming names, something like this would happen:
"This is the happiest I've ever felt."
"I'm done. I'm leaving."
"Okay."
"Let's fight."
"I changed my mind."
"Let's sex it up!"
"I'm dying."
"I'm fine!"
"I'm depressed."
"I'm thrilled!"
I was forced to leave moments I wanted to linger in and forced to suffer through boring passages that didn't need to be there in the first place.
- It ended up being very predictable. So I mentioned that Jon the orphan is on his way back to his order to contest an honorable discharge, right? And that the king's been assassinated, leaving no heirs? Oh. I wonder what Jon's leader is going to tell him.
And when mages run out of magic power, did you know they can refill it quicker by connecting skin to skin with a magic user? It's called resonance. And how do you think the first resonance between Jon and Rielle goes? Basic handshake levels of platonic, or earth shattering, nigh orgasmic intimacy?
- Everyone lusted after Rielle and I didn't get the appeal. She's cool and all, but what's so special about her? She's good at magic without being the sort that's hailed around the globe as The Best Mage Ever, which I appreciated, but her personality leaves a little to be desired. She's blessedly free of ego and cruelty, but that leaves men liking her because she's pretty and nice. I guess?
To be fair, I did like how her romantic past was handled. She was in love with Brennen but then he acted like an ass, so she peaced out. She hooked up with her teacher at school for a few years, which was a little scandalous, but they still talk. She's got a few other dudes she's slept with too and there's no slut-shaming involved. But what they see in her...I'm not sure.
--
At the end of the day, I hated this book because I wanted to love it.
I was catfished.
Examined in pieces, this is my dream novel--a couple that doesn't dance around the "should we?" question for a billion pages? Medieval fantasy with magic? A page count long enough to let me soak up the world? Book one of six?
Instead, the whole experience was like showing up at Enterprise expecting to drive away in a Camaro and being handed the keys to a rusty Dodge Neon. Had you told me I'd be driving a 90s relic for two days, I would have gone elsewhere.
Here's a basic summary:
Rielle is a mage. She's been living with the mages since she was 13 and realized she was magical--a traumatizing experience that involved her accidentally burning her family alive. This guilt complex follows her around the rest of the novel like a stupidly fluffy duckling, quacking when necessary as a plot device.
Rielle has a betrothed: Brennen. He, like her, comes from a noble family. The two of them had been engaged since they were small, but until the family barbeque, they weren't torn up about it. They actually liked each other. It was set to be a good match; feelings aside, Rielle helped Brennen keep his deadly secret: he was a werewolf, and only Rielle's blood offered him some measure of control over his curse. Once they married and had a kid, the curse would be officially broken. Brennen, being anti-werewolf, desperately wants this.
Only Brennen was an insensitive dickwad when Rielle decided to stay with the mages. He saw it as a public rejection, and the two of them spend the next however many years taking lovers and being petty. Rielle's long since been done with his BS. If she can avoid being booted from the mage community for a few more months, she can break their engagement.
Enter Jon, a paladin. He's on his way to meet the head of his order about some worrying news when he runs into Rielle, who's then charged with escorting him the rest of the way. Jon's sworn holy vows of chastity and sobriety and he's serious about keeping them.
🙄
That's the basic setup. Brennen wants Rielle. Jon wants Rielle. Rielle wants Jon but is powerless to break her betrothal. The non-romance plot involves the assassination of the king and all his heirs, a coup in the capitol, and the looming threat of a dangerous magical ceremony.
Sorry. I was wordy, but it's a 670 page novel.
Anyway, I don't think that sounds too bad, do you? Reading the first 100 pages was exciting. In the midst of setting up the plot, the author did some things I really appreciated:
- Rielle is powerful and compassionate. She's in charge of protecting Jon--not the other way around. She's a badass fighter and didn't annoy me by trying to prove it. She just was.
- Jon and Rielle spend time together. I despise romantic pairings whose primary source of tension stems from separation. If the only way you can sell a couple's love is by making me read about one pining for the other, I'm not impressed. Let them be together. Let them solve problems together. Drama doesn't have to disappear when they share the stage.
- The world was interesting and creative. There are opium-esque dens for magic users. The history of the mages and paladins felt new, and I enjoyed the political scheming details. There were a few lines I read more than once because they were beautiful, which is more than I can say for most fantasy novels.
Unfortunately:
- The pacing was batshit-level out of control. I didn't know it at the time, but the author planned out a six book series in this universe. All of the novels she's released have been 600+ pages, so why Rielle and Jon fall in I'd-die-for-you-love within a week of meeting is beyond me. I normally champion couples getting together super quickly, but it made no sense here. Jon's been loyal to his paladin order his whole life; it's central to his character. One of his vows is chastity, which is the perfect set up for some slow burn. It could have been so delicious: the slow realization that he respects Rielle, unsettling flashes of attraction, feeling torn between desire and duty, pushing the boundaries, internal debates, tortured conversations...
Instead he's addicted to her within the first day. 🙄What a waste.
Other bits moved too quickly, too. I got whiplash from mood changes. Not naming names, something like this would happen:
"This is the happiest I've ever felt."
"I'm done. I'm leaving."
"Okay."
"Let's fight."
"I changed my mind."
"Let's sex it up!"
"I'm dying."
"I'm fine!"
"I'm depressed."
"I'm thrilled!"
I was forced to leave moments I wanted to linger in and forced to suffer through boring passages that didn't need to be there in the first place.
- It ended up being very predictable. So I mentioned that Jon the orphan is on his way back to his order to contest an honorable discharge, right? And that the king's been assassinated, leaving no heirs? Oh. I wonder what Jon's leader is going to tell him.
And when mages run out of magic power, did you know they can refill it quicker by connecting skin to skin with a magic user? It's called resonance. And how do you think the first resonance between Jon and Rielle goes? Basic handshake levels of platonic, or earth shattering, nigh orgasmic intimacy?
- Everyone lusted after Rielle and I didn't get the appeal. She's cool and all, but what's so special about her? She's good at magic without being the sort that's hailed around the globe as The Best Mage Ever, which I appreciated, but her personality leaves a little to be desired. She's blessedly free of ego and cruelty, but that leaves men liking her because she's pretty and nice. I guess?
To be fair, I did like how her romantic past was handled. She was in love with Brennen but then he acted like an ass, so she peaced out. She hooked up with her teacher at school for a few years, which was a little scandalous, but they still talk. She's got a few other dudes she's slept with too and there's no slut-shaming involved. But what they see in her...I'm not sure.
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At the end of the day, I hated this book because I wanted to love it.
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