This is a fantasy book that features a sword that, when unsheathed, releases a magical warrior. This sword is then found by a woman trying to kill herself because her family locked her away to make her marry her wealth into the family. The whole concept is darkly absurd, humorous in a way that appeals to a slightly absurd sense of humor. I was dying laughing in the first ten chapters. Let's talk about it.
This book was fantastic, a slow burn romance with humor and ridiculous conversations. From the darker humor to the romance between Halla and Sarkis, it was fun to read. I buddy-read this with my best friend. My best friend has great taste. This was her wonderful idea and I loved the book.
This romance is about Bridgerton level, which means if you can read some steamy Bridgerton scenes, you can read this. It is for adults only, so keep that in mind. I wouldn't hand this book to a child. The best part about the romance is the build-up, which is far more realistic than some of the smut romances I accidentally acquire, then laugh at and stop reading. This was something I could easily read more and more of. It's also part of a series, because three people were run through with a magical sword. Two more books are likely to come out. I already know the next one is in the works
What I loved
There was nothing I hated. Five stars to this romantic fantasy, which portrayed people building up to a relationship. No insta-love here. We only get the steam after we hit the tail end of the book. I expected the steam because most romance makes it somewhat obvious. The sex scene wasn't over or under-done, meaning it gave you enough steam but not so much you said "please no more". It let your imagination do some of the work.
Sarkis' story and Halla's story collide when she tries to kill herself with her uncle's relic sword, which has immortal Sarkis tied to it. Halla and Sarkis conversing, and any conversing in this book, makes me laugh. The people converse like real people would, only it is a fantasy world with lots of priesthoods, wandering hillsides, and magic that can tie someone's soul to a sword. It turns out Sarkis going into the sword was not a fun process and he saw his fellow two swords killed before he was. It's a great combo of humor and dark backstory.
Something my best friend noticed, then I noticed, was that the priest Zale never went by he/she. It was they/them pronouns every time. I assumed Zale was a dude, but I'm not sure anymore. Zale did say "I like my men....." and yet Sarkis asks if he's interested in Halla, like he's a dude. He converses with him like he's physically a man. I don't know what he is or isn't. The book never said Zale was a he.
The idea that we'll see more of the "servants of the sword" excites me. I love that there is another book in the series. I'll read that when it comes out and put a review up of the next one, when it releases.
Go read this. Really, go read this. Five stars. No notes. I give it a standing ovation.
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Morrow is released! This novella is the story of two women writing a family history for the Morrow family. They find a nasty secret while researching. Will they survive their internship?
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