Tag: melissa blair

ARC Book Review: A Shadow Crown (The Halfling Saga #2) by Melissa Blair

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 480 pages
Author: Melissa Blair
Publisher: Union Square Co.
Release Date: April 9th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The highly anticipated second installment of the fantasy saga that took BookTok by storm sees Keera navigate political scheming, backstabbing, and her own grief as she moves against the cruel king that holds her kingdom hostage.

To the kingdom, Keera is the king’s Blade, his most feared and trusted spy and assassin. But in the shadows, she works with Prince Killian and his Shadow—the dark, brooding Fae, Riven, who sets her blood on fire. Together, they plot to topple the crown that sits upon the king’s head.

A secret can only survive as long as its conspirators, and when nothing is as it seems, all are in danger. Keera swore she would never open her heart again after a loss she barely survived. But she will soon find she has more to lose than she ever imagined.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the ALC.

NOT WHAT I HOPED FOR.

I very much enjoyed book one. So much so, I jumped at the chance to read this early. And now I’m a bit bummed because I was hoping for more.

There was a lot of good political intrigue and the story line did progress. I liked seeing more of those aspects and watching this found family come together. I think the audiobook is superb and plan to listen to the next one too. The narrator does an incredible job of bringing this story to life.

I felt like the romance took too much of a backseat, and practically anytime they were together it seemed to turn to some kind of physicality and I wanted different lines of connection to be happening too. There was a big betrayal, where’s some extensive groveling?!

Keera is a great flawed heroine and I do like her. She has her struggles and her triumphs and there was some good character growth for her too. I do have plans to continue the series and see what happens next.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 2-3 open; mild-high explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, murder, near death experiences, alcoholism, loss of a partner (recounted)

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph || TikTok

Book Review: A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga #1) by Melissa Blair

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy + Romance
Length: 448 pages
Author: Melissa Blair
Publisher: Union Square Co.
Release Date: August 2nd, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The BookTok sensation from debut author Melissa Blair—now with exclusive bonus content!
 
“Gripping and fierce. This is much-needed fantasy with its fangs honed sharp by the power of resistance. Melissa Blair has built a tremendous world.”—Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights
 
My body is made of scars,
some were done to me,
but most I did to myself.
 
Keera is a killer. As the King’s Blade, she is the most talented spy in the kingdom. And the king’s favored assassin. When a mysterious figure moves against the Crown, Keera is called upon to hunt down the so-called Shadow. She tracks her target into the magical lands of the Fae, but Faeland is not what it seems . . . and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she learns, and can’t help but wonder who her enemy truly is: the King that destroyed her people or the Shadow that threatens the peace?
 
As she searches for answers, Keera is haunted by a promise she made long ago, one that will test her in every way. To keep her word, Keera must not only save herself, but an entire kingdom.
 
Fans of fast-paced high fantasy such as A Court of Thorns and Roses series, The Inadequate Heir, and From Blood and Ash author Jennifer L. Armentrout, will enjoy the fierce female characters, sapphic representation, and fantasy romance of A Broken Blade.

WHOA.

I had no expectations going into this one. I had heard of its origin story and that was convincing enough for me to give it a go.

The audiobook was wonderful. And easily recommend that route if you’re looking for a fantasy romance!

This had many many mashups of tropes and fantasy book elements that I love seeing. I know others might not like the addition of that many pieces, but it just reminded me why I love fantasy reading so much and I had a blast seeing all of the nuanced aspects come together.

I really liked the main character and her story. Thing were unveiled in an easy to follow way that kept me intrigued and wanting more. The romance was enjoyable and I can’t wait to see how that further develops after that ending!!

A solid start to a new series that I will definitely be waiting to get my hands on as soon as it releases.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy + Romance
  • Language: some
  • Romance: one open door scene
  • Violence: med-high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: sexual assault mentioned, substance abuse (alcohol), self harm, murder, torture, colonialism

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph